I really enjoyed this one! I’d give it around 3.5 to 4 stars. I’m not usually the biggest fan of insta-love and that is definitely what this is, but I still found myself hooked. The chemistry between the characters was so strong and the writing pulled me in right away. I ended up reading it in just two sittings because I couldn’t put it down.

What I especially loved was the yearning from the MMC. For such a short novella, we still got some solid relationship development and the spice scenes were absolutely 10/10. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC! I had the ebook and audiobook, i really enjoyed both. 💕

I loved this latest 831 novella. The dual narration brought a well rounded depth to the love story that I think resonated with me as a reader. I loved the discussion of film and acting as an art.

This was a short but sweet book. CJ and Jack had an undeniable chemistry and anything happening in between was well put.

Set Piece is a swoony, heartwarming read that brings all the best tropes to the table—celebrity meets civilian, a memorable one-night connection, and an emotional reunion years later. CJ and Jack’s chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between who they were five years ago and who they’ve become now makes for a deeply satisfying slow-burn.

Lana Schwartz delivers more than just a romantic spark—she builds real emotional stakes. CJ’s new life as a single mom and Jack’s rise to fame add depth and conflict to their reunion on a movie set (with a Gatsby adaptation, no less!). It’s smart, modern, and infused with both humor and heart.

Perfect for fans of behind-the-scenes Hollywood romance and stories about rediscovering love when the timing might finally be right.

Thank you 831 Stories for a copy of Set Piece!

"For fans of Romantic Comedy and Notting Hill (so, everyone?!), a second-chance celebrity / normal person romance you’ll read in one sitting."

Look, one thing I love about 831 stories and Lana Schwartz is that when they say that a novella is this trope, it is this trope. No miscommunication, no fluff. Just straight to the point. Still so swoony but refreshing -- thanks to Lana Schwartz's writing and the narrators' awesome voice acting! Perfect for romance readers who are tired of the miscommunication and third part breakup act. A great quick listen as well!

Set Piece is a sharp, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt listen that blends romance and football (yes, really) into something totally fresh. Lana Schwartz delivers a playful yet grounded story that pokes fun at celebrity culture while also embracing the emotional stakes of falling in love in the public eye. The narration is upbeat and engaging, perfectly capturing the book's humour and charm. Whether you're a sports fan or not, Set Piece is an entertaining ride that’ll keep you smiling from kickoff to final whistle.

This was a rom com through and through. It knocked so many of my boxes. Celebrity Love Interest. Second Chance. She doesn't give up herself for the guy. Ugh. Perfect. I loved that I listened to it all in one day because I couldn't put it down. Honestly, it's only missing a star because everyone was holding on to a breath they didn't realize they were holding ha-ha
I need more, stat.

Thank you NetGalley and 831 and A&E Titles/ S&S Audio for the ALR.
When hot, up and coming actor, Jack meets soon to be production designer, CJ they both understand that this is only a one night thing. One, very hot very intense night together they can both look back on fondly and wonder, what is? Fast forward 5 years later when they meet again on set and realize they might want to give this another chance.

Such a cutesy, lighthearted, and fun book! This was my first experience with this publisher and author and I loved the short and sweet style of this story. I will say the plot was pretty predictable but even so, I had a great time. The audiobook narrators are honestly why I requested the book in the first place, some of my favorites and they did not disappoint!

This would be a great book to reach for as a short beach read, something to help you get out of a reading slump or even a pallet cleanser in between heavier books.

Funny, smart, and a perfect little bite of story, I enjoyed this so much. So happy this publisher exists

Set Piece is a character-driven gem. raw, emotional, and bursting with chemistry. Jack and CJ felt strikingly real, their connection pulling me in from page one. I devoured the entire story in one sitting and was genuinely impressed by how much heart was packed into such a short read.

That said, the constant pop culture references pulled me out of the moment, and parts of the romance felt a bit rushed for my taste. Still, it was an addictive read, and I’m definitely picking up more titles from this publisher.

I really enjoyed this character-driven, short and sweet rom-com between a bartender and an up-and-coming actor! I’m not usually into celeb romances, but I really liked Jack and CJ’s story. The duet narration in the audiobook was fantastic. I feel like the character development and progression of their romance felt mature and believable. 4 stars instead of 5 because I always struggle with second-act drama when it’s already so short! Just let them be happy, hehe!

Thanks to 831 for the ARC and Netgalley for the ALC!

I really enjoyed this book—Lana Schwartz has a knack for sharp dialogue, witty banter, and immersive storytelling. The premise was engaging, and I loved the dynamic between the two leads; their chemistry was palpable from the start. That said, I wished we got to see more of their relationship developing on-page. There’s a time jump that skips over the sweet, early stages of their connection, and another that glosses over their separation. As a reader who loves to yearn, I would’ve happily spent more time in those moments, watching their bond deepen (and then fracture) in real time.

That said, the book has so much to love—including one of the few well-written child characters I’ve encountered who actually sounds like a kid and not a tiny academic. Kudos to Lana for pulling that off!

Overall, Set Piece is a fun, heartfelt read with great energy—I just wanted to linger in the emotional beats a little longer.

Thank you to 831 Stories and NetGallery for the ARC, in exchange for which I give my honest opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The setting was one of my favorites. The characters were well developed and the story line kept me turning the pages!

Set Piece is a compelling read that captures the behind-the-scenes chaos of a live TV show with wit and authenticity. Schwartz's storytelling feels genuine, and she paints a vivid picture of the industry's quirks and pressures. The characters are well-developed, and I appreciated how the humor seamlessly blends with the more serious moments. While it’s incredibly engaging, a few plot twists felt a bit predictable. Still, it’s a solid debut that balances entertainment and insight. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy sharp, character-driven stories with a Hollywood twist.

This was a quick love story with your typical third act breakup. Jack is an English actor and CJ is an American set designer. After the beginning, the rest of the story did not necessarily connect. If you take out the very beginning, it is a sweet story.

This was a very short romance that, didn’t quite work for me. At just 224 pages, it lacked the depth needed to make the emotional beats land. I struggled to feel any connection to the main characters or sense any chemistry between them. Their initial hook-up felt like pure insta-love, so when the story jumped five years and they were still pining over that one brief, lackluster encounter, I was left wondering… why? We've all had a random one night stand and gotten over it, right?

The time jumps could have worked, but with such limited length, the relationship didn’t have enough room to develop in a believable or satisfying way. Towards the end I didn't care if they stayed together or not.

I also listened to the audiobook and found the narration distracting. Specifically, the male British narrator’s attempt at an American accent and the American female narrator’s attempt at a British one. Oof!

At least it was short!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

4.6/5 stars — okay so in the first half-ish I felt a bit like I was convincing myself I was having fun, but post-gatsby was like 5 stars for real!!! lana schwartz is putting the COM in romcom like why was I laughing OUT LOUD?? Ive never laughed this much reading a book, I swear. whoever said they fancasted Jonathan Bailey as Jack, I owe you my life because you were so right for saying that. I loved CJ entirely because, unfortunately, I am CJ (control freak alert). this is the only valid third act breakup I’ve ever experienced in my life. I immediately ordered my physical copy. this review is so disjointed but idk what to tell you man 831 stories are just for the girlies !!! they get it!!! a delicious, romantic romp- i want what they have.

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5

This was my first 831 book. I must say I didn't know what to expect. As I began to read it, I was glad that I requested to review this Set Piece. I absolutely love second chance romance. There were tons of hot spots filled with spice. I look forward to reading more by this author. I read this as I listened to the audiobook; this made my reading experience very enjoyable. I would gladly listen to more books using these narrators.

A sparky one night stand that makes an impact gets another chance on a movie set five years later. There's a lot packed into this short read and yet I enjoyed the ride. I could easily have seen this as a novel instead of a novella and that would have given more time for the relationship to be fleshed out. Though for the amount of time we were able to spend we them, it was certainly rather enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ALC! I binged this character driven story so quickly. This was like a fanfic in the best way! Jack and CJ feel like real people, I wish we got more time with them!