Such a fun fast listen with lots of heart! I loved the dual narration, very much enjoyed hearing Jack’s accent 😊

The book starts our with a bang, Jack a hot British actor has a one night stand with Cara the bartender and up and coming production designer. Then we just 5 years forward and both their careers are thriving. Unknowingly they end up working on the same movie. Cara doesn’t know that Jack has looked for her on every movie set he’s worked and in the credits of every movie he’s watched. Jack doesn’t know that Cara’s name is actually CJ, she now has a 5 year old daughter, and thinks he won’t even remember who she is.

This was my first 831 book and it was so much fun, I can’t wait to dive into more of them!

This was interesting, a very upmarket romance. I loved it! Highly recommending this book to upmarket/book club fiction readers.

Thank you AE Titles / S&S Audio & NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of Set Piece by Lana Schwartz in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not usually a romance reader but Set Piece by Lana Schwartz was a fun detour from my usual picks. The story follows a successful set designer and a famous actor as they navigate a workplace romance under the spotlight of the entertainment industry. It’s got a very modern, behind-the-scenes Hollywood feel that kept things interesting.

What I really appreciated—and what stood out most to me—was the main character’s dedication to both her career and her role as a mom. That balance felt honest and refreshing, and I loved seeing a character who didn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Schwartz writes her with a lot of respect and realism, which I think adds depth to the story.

That said, the romance itself didn’t totally pull me in. Some of the plot felt a bit predictable, and since I’m not a die-hard romance fan, the emotional beats didn’t always hit as hard for me. Still, the writing is witty, the setting is fun, and the chemistry between the characters works.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read—even if it didn’t fully convert me to the genre.

Rating: ★★★

Short, spicy, and unashamedly dramatic. Set Piece is a fun ride full of lusty tension, sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of cheesy charm. Lana Schwartz crafts a fast-paced tale that doesn’t try to be more than it is—and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. Not life-changing, but it’s a blast to listen to.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

This was okay. I enjoyed it but it was also so far fetched and frustrating.

They had no real connection. They hooked up the first time after like. 5 minutes of talking. And both loved it so much that they thought of each other for five years. But they work in the same industry and couldn't have tried to find each other? And then her getting so mad at him over the job thing? Girl did NOT want to claim him in public i swear.

And the ending at the Oscars was so unsatisfying.

I surprise myself by how much I loved this, it’s a short story, it brings the romance it brings the spice, it brings all the old cinematic lore!

The dual narration was lovely!

What more to ask for?

Huge thanks to AE Titles/ s&s audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which is available now 🎧

This was a very short and sweet lighthearted story about insta love, self awareness and made family. This was a low stakes but high swoon worthy story. It wasn’t overly complicated or messy and it still made the connection feel intentional. This is a bit heavier than a palette cleanser but not too much where you end up on a book high once it’s over. The banter was sweet and there was spice but it felt unrealistic. Not too bad where I couldn’t enjoy it but I would have been wine with a little less.

My biggest issue is, the pacing. It started off slow and once it picked up it felt rushed and slow at the same time. Maybe the time jumps got me. I get the big jump but the rest felt rushed.

Such a good romance book! Had me laughing out loud at some parts. I loved the Hollywood and film set as a backdrop — I’m a sucker for a good Hollywood love story.

The audio was very engaging! Big props to the narrators. The overall flow of the story was nice, the pacing kept me engaged in the plot from start to finish.

Super quick read so if you’re looking for a fun yet heartwarming and deep romance this summer, this is for you!

Three times a charm with this romance. Jack, a movie star, meets CJ at a bar after his big break. She is the most incredible, down-to-earth woman who knows his trade and isn't star-struck, which is refreshing as his stardom makes him feel disconnected and uncomfortable out and about. They had a one-night stand that burned into their memories for five years, and when they happened to run into each other on the set of Jack's latest movie, they realized the chemistry never faded.

Sneaking around to avoid rumors on set and to avoid paparazzi, CJ wants to stay out of the limelight and stay hidden behind the scenes to continue to live a quiet life with her young daughter and make sure she is viewed for her talent in the industry and not just a big actor's girlfriend. She has the family life Jack always wanted and will do whatever he can to have it. 

This novella has a little sweetness, spiciness, and mixed emotions. I enjoyed the audiobook as it was short, but had enough plot for this romance to not be overly drawn out. This novella was a nice quick break between longer books I've been reading. I appreciated listening to something shorter without a cliffhanger, however, it seems this isn't the end for this couple. I am tempted to see what they have in store for their future, as it seems like it will be bright, but I am sure there will be some potholes thrown in the mix to keep it interesting.

I received an ALC of this book through Netgalley and AE Titles / S&S Audio | 831 Stories in exchange for an honest review.

Set piece was such a fun listen. Everyone has a ✨one that got away✨ but for once we get to see what would happen if you ran into them again. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows but life happens. I loved that our FMC was very no bullshit and would deny fame to be sure she was making a name for herself. This was also the perfect length for the story being told. I listened to this in one go and loved every minute.

🎬 Chance Meeting
🎬 Secret Romance

Jack Felgate, an up and coming actor, meets a bartender named CJ while bar hopping for a Bachelor Party. They proceed to have a one night stand but never forget each other. Jack and CJ reconnect when they both end up working on the film, The Great Gatsby. They keep their relationship a secret because CJ does not want to the subject of gossip.

CJ is hesitant to continue her relationship with Jack after the filming ends because actors do not lead stable, predictable lifestyles. In order to be with CJ, Jack takes 6 months off and easily integrates with her family. At the end of the 6 months, Jack is selected to star in a film by his favorite Director. The filming takes place in London, and distraught at the idea of not being with CJ during that time, he tries to convince CJ to join him. The conversation does not go as expected.

I think that Set Piece is a fun premise, but I'm not sure that the pacing worked for me. So much of this felt like tell rather than show, and I'm not a fan of insta-love. I think that Cara, or CJ, went from careful distance to too into Jack all too quickly. A quick and easy listen, and I loved the tie-in to Big Fan (Alexandra Romanoff is a marvel!!!) but I didn't love this as much as I hoped I would.

Quick, easy, spicy little novella. CJ and Jack had good chemistry and we got a little character development—which can be challenging to do in a novella. Could have done without the third act break up, especially given it’s a short book anyways. At first I was annoyed with Cara’s decision, but I did come understand her perspective. And getting a little down and dirty at the Oscars? Chyaaah!

Thank you Net Galley and EA Titles and S&S audio for the ARC!

The audiobook was very well produced and I enjoyed the dual narration. However, this story fell flat for me. I didn’t feel the connection between the characters.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!

This was so much fun and such a good read!! I am so glad that 831 is taking on these shorter, wonderful romance reads.

I loved the writing in this and how we actually see two characters have separate lives and careers and how they just want to make it work with each other. I loved the realness of our FMC and the simp our MMC turns into (but honesty, he always was).

For fans of anything short n sweet, instant infatuation, second chance (if you can call it that?), and just all things great that are found in romances.

This was my first 831 Stories, and I'm new to the genre, so my expectations were probably a little high. This was a fast, frilly read that felt a bit lacking in storyline depth. The audio narration was great though.

This was such a cute and quick read! I would say this would be a great palette cleanser after a long read 🩷 I felt the relationship that CJ and Jack had was very mature. And her daughter is a really cute addition to the story. I loved reading about how he worked so hard to fit into her world. They had a one night stand and met again on a work set 5 years later. I loved how proud of her work CJ was. Truly a great short romcom! I think fans of Hollywood stories would enjoy this and single moms. I listened to this on audio and I thought the audio production was great. The narrators really captured my attention.

3.5 stars. First, do not read the synopsis on this one if you haven't already - the book is short and this gives too much of it away. Overall, this one is short and steamy if you are looking for a quick and spicy read. I liked that the characters connected right away in the story, but overall the trajectory of the romance just felt forced to me. I didn't feel the build up or romantic tension, and all of the difficulties resolved way too easily. I do enjoy a romance that features a single parent, but even that didn't quite develop in a way I had hoped. I like what 831 Stories is doing with the books it is publishing, but I felt that this one needed a few more pages to achieve its goal.

I usually love 831 Stories books, but this one wasn't a hit for me. I love the one-night-stand to lovers trope, but this one felt forced and fast. At least it was spicy!

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

This novella was so sweet and did not lack anything! The mmc, Jack was a breath of fresh air for women everywhere. I loved how supportive he was of CJ. VERY SPICY, too.