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csescape87's review against another edition
5.0
I’m sorry I left you. Both times.
Turns out, I don’t deserve you either.
Love, Cameron
It means something hopeful, that look. And, I think, it means something more that she’s letting me see it now.
“You’re not old, Cam. You and Shelby are still young, but you also started young. You know? You’ve lived a lot of life already. More than most. I’m just so happy to see you happy and creating something important and loving someone and being loved in return. And you did it all your way. You deserve that.”
I don’t know how I find myself reading the most unexpectedly perfect-for-me books so often.
How did I get so lucky as to have not just childhood friends to lovers, but also a second chance romance?! AND PINING WITH MINIMAL ANGST??!? This book spoiled me. It was so funny and the characters were so well-written… *chef’s kiss*
Shelby… I just wanted to wrap her up in a blanket and protect her forever. Her will to be better and happy was endearing and inspiring, and I admired her resilience so much. Cameron was just perfect. PERFECT. And the worst characters to root against truly the AUDACITY of Lyle tsk…
MVP: Best bffs ever Lorelai and Maren. THEIR BOOKS WHEN???????
(Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
Turns out, I don’t deserve you either.
Love, Cameron
It means something hopeful, that look. And, I think, it means something more that she’s letting me see it now.
“You’re not old, Cam. You and Shelby are still young, but you also started young. You know? You’ve lived a lot of life already. More than most. I’m just so happy to see you happy and creating something important and loving someone and being loved in return. And you did it all your way. You deserve that.”
I don’t know how I find myself reading the most unexpectedly perfect-for-me books so often.
How did I get so lucky as to have not just childhood friends to lovers, but also a second chance romance?! AND PINING WITH MINIMAL ANGST??!? This book spoiled me. It was so funny and the characters were so well-written… *chef’s kiss*
Shelby… I just wanted to wrap her up in a blanket and protect her forever. Her will to be better and happy was endearing and inspiring, and I admired her resilience so much. Cameron was just perfect. PERFECT. And the worst characters to root against truly the AUDACITY of Lyle tsk…
MVP: Best bffs ever Lorelai and Maren. THEIR BOOKS WHEN???????
(Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
kle105's review against another edition
3.0
I love a good home renovation show. I loved the idea of former child stars reconnecting and doing a show together. The renovation parts were enjoyable and her connection and love for her father was endearing.
While this is a redemption story for Shelby who had some issues with the media when her ex cheated on her with her best friend, Cameron is using the chance to be close to Shelby again.
They both have some issues to work out with their parents and their past their connection was never in doubt. However neither really talked about how they really felt about each other.
Cameron was my favorite of the characters. While he "ran away" to protect himself he was always there for Shelby when she needed him to be. He secretly kept his torch for her secret, never thinking he would have another chance with her.
While I loved some aspects of this story the ex who was constantly pulling stunts that were seriously damaging really did not sit well. While I am sure that was the point to make him the villain I didn't care for his cheating, gaslighting, and sabotaging the show numerous times. It made me so angry that Shelby just let so much of it happen and didn't stand up for herself. I don't like that in a female main character, and detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
I received an arc for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
While this is a redemption story for Shelby who had some issues with the media when her ex cheated on her with her best friend, Cameron is using the chance to be close to Shelby again.
They both have some issues to work out with their parents and their past their connection was never in doubt. However neither really talked about how they really felt about each other.
Cameron was my favorite of the characters. While he "ran away" to protect himself he was always there for Shelby when she needed him to be. He secretly kept his torch for her secret, never thinking he would have another chance with her.
While I loved some aspects of this story the ex who was constantly pulling stunts that were seriously damaging really did not sit well. While I am sure that was the point to make him the villain I didn't care for his cheating, gaslighting, and sabotaging the show numerous times. It made me so angry that Shelby just let so much of it happen and didn't stand up for herself. I don't like that in a female main character, and detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
I received an arc for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
jamieveritt's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
boyaunt1618's review against another edition
1.0
Slow. Didn’t care for the characters. Overall disappointing
liciaaaaa's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Cursing
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
carebcut's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars - definitely could’ve been a cute romcom movie
whendevreads's review against another edition
4.0
*Actual rating is 4.5 stars*
I received an ARC of Built to Last by Erin Hahn from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Built to Last will be released on October 18th, 2022.
I feel like this book was written for me specifically. I don’t know how Erin Hahn knew that I love a good “former child star” redemption story & am obsessed with home renovation. I have seen just about every single home renovation show on HGTV, including all of those mentioned in the book itself. Home renovation is just so interesting to me & I loved seeing the bits of Cameron’s side of demo and construction, as well as her special restoration projects. In an alternate universe I am doing exactly what she does with an unlimited budget.
I loved Shelby & Cameron’s story. I really love romance novels where the couples come back together after years apart & have a second chance at love (as long as it didn’t involve something bad like cheating). It was cute to hear him say how he would always come back to her, even if she didn’t love him back. He fell in love with her as a kid & the feelings never really dissipated, which I think is so cute. It was the epitome of “right person, wrong time” which allowed them to circle back to each other once they had figured out their own lives.
I normally never end up reading the sequels to books like these if they focus on other characters. Like, I never read To Hate Adam Connor, I just couldn’t get into it. But, I would drop everything for the chance to read a sequel featuring miss Lorelai Jones. Something about her character really drew me in and I think her story would be so so good.
I received an ARC of Built to Last by Erin Hahn from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Built to Last will be released on October 18th, 2022.
I feel like this book was written for me specifically. I don’t know how Erin Hahn knew that I love a good “former child star” redemption story & am obsessed with home renovation. I have seen just about every single home renovation show on HGTV, including all of those mentioned in the book itself. Home renovation is just so interesting to me & I loved seeing the bits of Cameron’s side of demo and construction, as well as her special restoration projects. In an alternate universe I am doing exactly what she does with an unlimited budget.
I loved Shelby & Cameron’s story. I really love romance novels where the couples come back together after years apart & have a second chance at love (as long as it didn’t involve something bad like cheating). It was cute to hear him say how he would always come back to her, even if she didn’t love him back. He fell in love with her as a kid & the feelings never really dissipated, which I think is so cute. It was the epitome of “right person, wrong time” which allowed them to circle back to each other once they had figured out their own lives.
I normally never end up reading the sequels to books like these if they focus on other characters. Like, I never read To Hate Adam Connor, I just couldn’t get into it. But, I would drop everything for the chance to read a sequel featuring miss Lorelai Jones. Something about her character really drew me in and I think her story would be so so good.
emileers's review against another edition
5.0
The first two chapters for me were "not gonna lie, they had us in the first half." If you can get past the first two chapters that portray two kinda crappy, selfish people, then you're golden. I trusted that if this was a romance, then it was going to be about the journey of finding not only each other, but themselves.
This book is about 3 child stars who grew up together and their relationships (rivalries, love triangles, etc.) They come together 10 years after their show ends to work together on a reality home renovation show.
I ended up loving the two main characters, especially Shelby and how her character had evolved (and the responsibility she ultimately took for who she had been and what she had learned).
This was equal parts sweet and spicy. I love coming of age romance, and this book did early adolescent pining really well. This also takes place in Northern Michigan, and the coziness of woodworking workspaces, flannel, flea markets will make this a really cozy read for fall (expected release date is in October '22). I loved this and know that I'll revisit it whenever I need a happy cozy read.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin.
This book is about 3 child stars who grew up together and their relationships (rivalries, love triangles, etc.) They come together 10 years after their show ends to work together on a reality home renovation show.
I ended up loving the two main characters, especially Shelby and how her character had evolved (and the responsibility she ultimately took for who she had been and what she had learned).
This was equal parts sweet and spicy. I love coming of age romance, and this book did early adolescent pining really well. This also takes place in Northern Michigan, and the coziness of woodworking workspaces, flannel, flea markets will make this a really cozy read for fall (expected release date is in October '22). I loved this and know that I'll revisit it whenever I need a happy cozy read.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin.
book_nerd_13's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jo_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
Built to Last was a spectacular read! If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Erin Hahn has just made my list of if they write it, I read it right up there with Colleen Hoover.
This novel makes my other five stars seem like nothing. The connection and chemistry between the two main characters, Shelby and Cameron, was so strong. The book started as soon as I opened the book, and it skipped all of the typical slow intro parts, which I LOVED. I loved that I got more time to love the characters and started to understand them right from the first page. Fantastic book I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
*I received this ARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely. Quotes used subject to change with publication.
This novel makes my other five stars seem like nothing. The connection and chemistry between the two main characters, Shelby and Cameron, was so strong. The book started as soon as I opened the book, and it skipped all of the typical slow intro parts, which I LOVED. I loved that I got more time to love the characters and started to understand them right from the first page. Fantastic book I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
*I received this ARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely. Quotes used subject to change with publication.