I thoroughly enjoyed this romance novella set against the backdrop of the film industry. Having lived in Los Angeles and worked in film for many years, I found the industry references engaging. The pacing was spot-on, and the character development was impressively well-executed, especially given the concise 160-page length. It's a compelling read that makes the most of its setting and characters! I'm excited to read more of the novellas published by 831 stories!

For those who aren’t familiar, 831 Stories is a modern romantic fiction company that prioritizes pleasure reading and celebrates the genre’s joyful, enthusiastic fans. Their books (novellas?) are short, sweet, spicy, and occasionally pack an emotional punch.

Now,
about Set Piece

Jack Felgate, an up-and-coming celebrity, skyrockets to fame after a breakout TV role. CJ (Cara), a no-nonsense bartender turned talented set designer, crosses paths with him twice: once during a fateful night at her bar, and again five years later on a Hollywood set. Jack’s charm and CJ’s practicality should make for a dynamic pairing, but life, responsibilities (like CJ’s single-mom status), and the pressures of stardom complicate their second chance at romance.

What I loved:
- Jack: He gave me serious Paul Mescal/Jeremy Allen White vibes—charismatic yet grounded, with a touch of endearing awkwardness that made him feel authentic.
- Short length: At 160 pages, this novella is the perfect bite-sized read. Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to connecting with characters and getting swept up in the story.
- CJ’s career: A strong female lead thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field (production design, especially in Hollywood) is such a refreshing and empowering choice.


What didn’t work for me:
-CJ’s personality: At times, her practicality felt more like rigidity, which made it hard to connect with her emotionally.
- Name-dropping: The story leaned heavily into references, and while they set the scene, it sometimes felt like too much.


Set Piece is a breezy, engaging read with a compelling premise and a healthy dose of Hollywood glamor. While CJ didn’t completely win me over, Jack’s charm and the undeniable chemistry between the leads kept me hooked. 831 stories proves you don’t need 300+ pages to tell an effective story, but a little more nuance in the supporting characters would’ve taken it to the next level.

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz was a great quick read. The characters are fun to follow. Very Sweet. Hoped for a big love gesture at the end, but was still satisfied

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz was an entertaining and enjoyable short romance read. It accomplished what it set out to do and I found it fun to read.

This was my first read from 831 Stories, and I’m officially hooked.

The premise—two people with undeniable chemistry reconnecting years later, now with more complicated lives—completely delivered. Jack and CJ are relatable, flawed, and easy to root for. Their chemistry leaps off the page, from their first after-hours drink to their reunion on set five years later, to everything that follows. ;)

Also, can we talk about the covers for 831 Stories books? The checkered patterns and bold colors have been catching my eye lately, and now I know the tea--there's some 🔥spiciness 🔥 hidden inside.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the free copy of this book—what a treat!

Well this was a breath of fresh air. I really enjoy SET PIECE by Lana Schwartz and I think you will to!

In Set Piece, we meet CJ and Jack - an actor on the rise and a hot bartender who meet one night and their life changes forever.

I liked the growth of Jack throughout the book. While he's talented and famous, he's also real and willing to work for the relationship. CJ also brings a lot to the table.

I didn't love the third act conflict and grew tired of all the shop talk, but this was overshadowed by the pure joy of characters throughout the book.

Thanks to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the ARC! Opinions are my own

This is my second of the 831 Stories that I have read recently and I really enjoyed them both! Set Piece tells the story of CJ and Jack and how a chance encounter comes back around when they are both at the near-heights of their careers. I enjoyed Jack’s character a lot and found myself understanding CJ, while still being a bit frustrated by her (but, that’s fictional romance for you, baby). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I can’t wait to read more from 831!

First of all, do NOT read the synopsis. I mean, obviously, you do you, but in my humble opinion it gives away WAY too many details about this short and snappy storyline.

What I would want to know: An actor’s star is on the rise a bit unexpectedly and a hot bartender walks into his life. A steamy night ensues.

What I liked: the MMC is obviously the hot commodity here and while he’s talented and successful and famous, the FMC also brings a hell of a lot to the table.

What I didn’t love: there is a lotta shop talk for a novella. It totally worked for the book, but I personally don’t care one bit to read about the film industry or the nitty gritty of Hollywood in general so this wasn’t my fave setting. Also, the conflict towards the end was a bit annoying.

Overall a fun read that can be finished in a single sitting! I’m obsessed with this romance imprint and can’t wait to devour whatever they release next!

Thanks to 831 Stories for allowing me to be an early reader!

This imprint continues to get better with each short story. Two film lovers falling in love while filming a movie? Chef's kiss. I enjoyed all the modern Hollywood references in the backdrop of Jack and CJ's love story. The third act breakup almost pissed me off lol but I can appreciate the message behind women working in Hollywood (even today) and the misogynistic obstacles that they encounter. The spice was just right and the dialogue was engaging.

ARC read — this was a beautiful story. This is the first not romantasy book l've read in my reading journey. I was totally smitten and giggling the entire time. As a girl in the film industry I totally related to the FMC and overall it was just a cute feel good story and def a good palette cleanser.

An engaging romance read. This will look great on your bookshelf or in an oh-so aesthetic instagram post, and the book inside matches the vibes.

My favorite from 831 Stories by leaps and bounds! Though it’s another example of the “celebrity/normal person” trope for which this sexy little imprint has come to be known—here with a male movie star instead of a rockstar—this is the first time I truly understood the emotional center of the trope. These two characters couldn’t not be together, in spite of the immense difference in their situations—the contrast of which serves to throw into only greater relief how perfect they are for each other. There are also real-life issues that any “normal” reader can relate to: illness, complicated family dynamics, workplace politics, single parenting.

This is the first 831 novella that I would say has been more hurt than helped by its short form. The supporting characters and Hollywood backdrop could have easily supported 150 more pages. With more time in this world, the book could have been even more memorable. As it is, I’m just eager to see where this writer sets her sights next.

Thank you to Netgalley, 831 Stories, and author Lana Schwartz for the advanced reader’s copy. Set Piece becomes the fourth member of the 831 family on May 6, 2025.

831 Stories is a publishing company that I've been wanting to read. And y'all, I'm so glad that I finally did. This was such a great read in just 160 pages. Jack has found unexpected fame, and one night he meets Cara who is a bartender who doesn't exactly know who he is. They have one night together and then go their separate ways. Five years later, they find each other again on a film set. Things have changed since they first met, but also their lingering connection remains. Y'all, I love a novel with good banter, and this had that! I also loved how this was a romance, but also some really good character development and plot happenings for each of them. I cannot wait to read more from this publisher and this author! Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this May 2025 release!

This was my second 831 Stories publication that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it!! I love being able to learn about different industries through books, so it was cool seeing that side of cinema! A lil bit of spice but lots of story & family!

I really enjoyed this story! It felt exciting and "movie like" with still having real world elements that most relationships face. I enjoyed seeing growth and give between the two characters as the book progressed. Stuart was a favorite side character!

This was a short and sweet read that features CJ, a set designer for films, and Jack, a rising actor, who end up working together in a remake of The Great Gatsby years after a one-night stand. I thought this book was the perfect length, with a flushed-out plot and just enough romance packed in!

CJ and Jack’s relationship was mature. They supported each other and learned each other’s boundaries while taking the time not to rush into something on set and waiting for their moment. I loved how CJ could stand up for herself, both in her relationship with Jack and in her career, which heroines don’t always do in romance novels. She has so much to her character besides her romance with a celebrity, which I appreciated.

I adored CJ’s family, Agnes, and Stuart, and how they accepted Jack into the fold as his relationship with CJ grew. There were so many cute moments between Jack and Agnes, and we got to know Jack as a well-rounded character through his growth with CJ’s loved ones.

As a massive fan of The Great Gatsby, I also loved the snippets we saw of CJ’s set work and some behind-the-scenes moments. Lana couldn’t have picked a better story to include in her book!

I look forward to seeing what else 831 Stories publishes and will be digging into their other stories immediately!
Thank you to Netgalley and 831 Stories for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Set Piece follows CJ and Jack, both working in the movie business and follows the evolution of them balancing life, work and love.

This was a cute and at times, steamy romance. I personally found CJ to be a more developed character than Jack, I found Jack to be a bit two dimensional (one of the reasons for not giving this a higher rating). The chemistry of the characters was electric at the start and I felt this waned a bit as the novella went on. This may be an intentional difference due to the characters aging up in the book.

A very enjoyable and easy read, particularly great as a quick read due to its succinct length! This gets 3.5 stars from me 🌟

Thank you to Netgalley and 831 publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

eARC provided by NetGalley!

The latest installment of the 831 Stories!! I was so excited to get this ARC. I have read all the stories and this one is just as great as the rest. Sometimes I felt like the story got a little slow and I would’ve like more humor and romance, but overall I still really liked this story!

Brilliantly cozy. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a more all around comforting romance. My only regret is that I spent the first half of the novel convinced of a very untrue premise. It’s frustrating being so excruciatingly excited by a novel that you ruin your first read with false notions. For that reason, I finally have a story I wish I could read again for the first time.

Truly, no complaints. A lovely body of writing.

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC.

4⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley & 831 Stories for my ARC!🌟✨🤍

I loved this read! I felt myself getting attached to CJ & Jack as I continued to read. I loved the dual point-of-view of how you were able to go into each of their minds before, during, and after Gatsby.

“I know how capable you are of doing anything you set your mind to. There is no one I believe in more to do the things they say they’re going to do, or that I trust to handle something. But just because you can do all of this by yourself…it doesn’t mean you have to. Or that you should. Or that you’re better off for it.” I loved this quote🥲🥲

831 Stories continues to produces high-quality pieces, even if they are only 160 pieces. They have a way of highlight authors that write the BEST celebrity / normal person troupe (👩‍🍳🤌💋).

I can totally envision the “The Just OK Gatsby” sweatshirts on their shop and cannot wait to get my hands on one!!

I will continue to recommend/buy and book this publishing company puts out now and forever! Thank you again NetGalley & 831 Stories for this advanced read 🤍🤍🤍🤍