Saturday, October 29, 2022

Built To Last Review


Author: Erin Hahn
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Release Date: Oct. 18, 2022
Purchase: Amazon

Many thanks to the publisher for an arc.

Erin Hahn's Built to Last is a sparkling second chance romance about owning what you’re worth and fighting for the one who got away.

Review:
For ten long years, Shelby Springfield has worked alongside her father restoring vintage furniture for homes he restores while trying to stay under the media's radar.  Shelby was a child star whose life imploded after a public breakup with one of her costars - even though she secretly loved the other.  And now, the three find themselves together again, working on the pilot of a home improvement show named Homemade.  The meeting is awkward as Lyle reveals his plans to produce this show starring Shelby and Cameron . . . the one who got away.  The story that unfolds is about learning to accept who you are when everything else is stripped away and earning the trust of the one true love who got away.

Hahn's become a fantastic voice in the world of young adult stories, capturing the essence of the age group and all the awkwardness that comes with growing up.  Built To Last develops slowly as the characters get reacquainted, let go of the past and move into the future.  While this story isn't in my normal wheelhouse, I found it believable and entertaining.  The character growth and relationship development is great adding a depth to the characters and story line.  As chapters alternate points of view, readers get an intimate view of what both Shelby and Cameron are thinking while they're still afraid to own it.  Low level conflict, a touch of humor and some sweet romantic scenes make Built To Last another winner for Hahn.  Highly recommended to fans of young adult.

Synopsis:
Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like she does the rough spots on the vintage furniture finds she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a mediocre pop career, a meltdown widely documented by the paparazzi, and a huge public break with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. It’s also hard to forget her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron Riggs -- the one who got away.

Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running… And then he runs right off again to chase stories around the world by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can't help but come on board.

There's something in it for everyone -- almost. Cameron wants to come home and set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove to the world she's not the messy party girl anymore. And Lyle wants to twist the screws on his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could dream of with anyone. Sparks and sawdust fly as Shelby and Cameron film the pilot for "Homemade" and battle Lyle’s shenanigans at every turn.

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