Page count: 336
Publisher: Macmillan
Published on: October 18, 2022
Genres: Adult contemporary romance
Format: ARC from Macmillan
Tropes: best friends to lovers, childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance
Spice: 🌶/5
Rating: 4 stars
~ HGTV home reno vibes, formerly famous main characters, former child stars ~
Goodreads synopsis:
Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past. As a former child star and lack luster pop star, it's difficult to move on from her widely documented and public meltdown and incredibly humiliating public break up with her former co-star, Lyle.
When Shelby is asked to be the star of a home renovation show, she can't help but accept. Especially if her other co-star and first love, Cameron, is involved.
This book was so adorable! I can't thank Macmillan enough for sending this my way. Shelby and Cameron were so so sweet and their love story was so much fun to read. I'm always searching for a delightful second chance romance storyline and this definitely scratched the itch.
Cameron has made a name for himself as a widely popular nature documentary videographer. When he's asked to co-star in a home renovation show with his former best friend and first love, Shelby, he can't refuse.
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Thank you for the ARC, Macmillan!
** All thoughts are my own and I have received no financial compensation for my honest review **
Shelby (27) has lived a quiet, secluded life away from the spotlight since she left L.A. She's created her own business where she refurbishes and restores furniture and works with her father to flip houses in the community. She's found purpose and peace since her wild child days in L.A. I absolutely loved seeing Shelby's growth throughout this book. Her journey to love herself isn't easy, and forgiving herself and moving past her mistakes is just as hard of a task. I was so invested in her journey and I loved the HEA that resulted.
The chemistry between Shelby and Cam is undeniable. Their friendship is so so sweet and I honestly loved the minor miscommunication that aided them in admitting their feelings for one another. It was realistic and really really cute.
I loved the themes throughout this book, particularly the focus on personal change and growth. Humans are meant to evolve with their experiences and I felt like Hahn represented humanity and their tenacious spirit through her characters. It was absolutely fantastic and I definitely teared up a little when I got to the end of the book. The payoff is so worth it to me.
Cameron (28) is one of the sweetest fictional men. I loved his perspectives throughout because he was just sooo smitten with Shelby. I loved seeing him get to grow as a person and actually pursue his passions despite the hardships that arose. His relationship with Shelby's dad was so wonderful and I loved how he fell for not just Shelby, but the life she's created and a livelihood that he finds fulfillment.
One thing that I missed in this book was flashbacks. Cam and Shelby's relationship was believable, but their chemistry kind of lacking sometimes. I felt like there should have been a few more flashbacks to really solidify their backstory. I really wanted more from their past and I felt like it would have filled in the holes where the story lacked. If there had been more, I think that S&C's development, growth, and romantic chemistry would have felt even more believable. The events of the past just seemed so incredibly important to the characters, but we only got a glimpse of how they actively affected their lives. It was talked about, but there wasn't enough showing for my taste.
Overall, this was so much fun to read. I can't wait to shove this into the hands of my romance-loving friends. They're going to love this so so much.
I definitely recommend this one! Snag your copy now!
Happy reading, friends!
Olivia
Liv the Book Nerd
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