Ok 831 Stories thanks for reading the room and understanding no one has time for long books and creating these short and sweet HEA.

Set Piece is actually my first read from this publisher and I will say it won’t be my last. My afternoon was spent with Jack an up and coming actor and CJ a bartender turned production designer and their chance encounter 4 years after a one night stand. This is a spicy little book. Gimme all the books with themes of film industry/Hollywood/The Great Gastby. Also Jacks narration… Shane East 🔥

Thank you 831 Stories

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Such a fun romance! Just what I needed coming off a serious nonfiction piece. This is my first foray into the 831 Stories. I'd heard only good reviews from my trusted sources, and, well, I just love the covers! This was excellent. I love a grown-up romance with nuance, and this delivered. I enjoyed the development of the relationship and the setting within the film industry. The FMC is strong and independent and thoughtful. Don't worry, the MMC is still hot. The spice comes pretty early. And although you get the typical third-act breakup, it isn't icky, just part of the growth. And the fun part of these shorter stories is that it doesn't last long. If you are a romance reader, you will love it. The audio is outstanding; And Arndt and Shane East are perfect. Thank you to AE Titles, S&S Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the audiobook and the opportunity to share my review.

Thank you Netgalley and AE Titles / S&S Audio | 831 Stories for the free alc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I love the books releasingnunder this new small pub I fell in love with big fan that i read back in January. Hope the publisher opens up their arcs to Canadians as well. I loved the narration Shane east could read the most boring text and I would be enraptured by his voice. I loved the development I lived the spicy scenes.

Will continue to read books under 831 stories.

4.5/5☆

3.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC. This is probably my favorite 831 story yet. The steam was good but not icky and honestly packed a heartfelt punch in such a short amount of time.

This book was overall an interesting story. The story was short and to the point, Jack and CJ were great. Not seeing each other in such a long time and then seeing each other it was fun to read. I got the chance to listen to this book audibly and though the narrator did a good job. I liked their chemistry and can't wait to read their continuation of it.

I want to thank @Netgalley and @S&SAudio for allowing me to listen to this story.

One night stand
Second chance
Hollywood romance

Dual Narration - Shane East & Andy Arndt
Always fantastic narration with these two narrators.

This was a cute and fun listen. I enjoyed the story. Meet cute and second chance within the Hollywood life.

The author gave great detail while not loosing the story within it. Great character development. A lot happens in this short listen. The author did a great job as did the narrators.

Set Piece has a fun and clever premise that blends romance with the world of soccer, which is refreshingly unique. Lana Schwartz's writing has moments of charm and wit, and the characters are likable, if a bit underdeveloped. The plot moves at a decent pace, though some parts felt predictable or a little drawn out.

The audiobook narration was solid but not particularly standout. The narrator did a decent job conveying the humor and tone, but the character voices sometimes lacked distinction, making it hard to follow during dialogue-heavy scenes.

Overall, it's a light, easy listen that's enjoyable enough, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. A good pick if you're looking for a quick rom-com with a sporty twist.

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz captivated me from the very beginning. Jack and CJ were fascinating characters—Jack, an up and coming British actor, CJ a bartender and production designer. Their initial meeting at the bar—and their intense connection—was hot. But then their reunion five years later was somehow even better. The time jump was so perfectly executed, and it added so much depth to what could have been an “insta lovey” story. CJ is now a single mom, and she’s processed her mother’s death, which came not long after her initial hookup with Jack. Jack has only grown in popularity, and he’s just landed a major role in the newest version of The Great Gatsby. It’s on set that they reconnect because CJ is the production designer. Their connection is still palpable and real, but they have to navigate the realities of working together alongside their attraction.

This audiobook wasn’t very long, but every minute was carefully crafted to move the story along. Andi Arndt and Shane East are two of my favorite narrators, and they were both *chefs kiss* perfection. The chemistry was sizzling, and it brought back all the Notting Hill nostalgic feels. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes out for more from Lana Schwartz and 831 Stories. Absolutely fantastic. No notes. I need more.

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz is everything I want in a romance novella—charming, heartfelt, and with just the right dose of Hollywood glam. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wished there was more (in the best way).

The story follows CJ, a single mom and production designer in LA, and Jack, a rising British actor she had a whirlwind night with five years ago. When they reconnect on the set of a Great Gatsby remake, the chemistry is still very much there—and it’s electric. Watching them navigate fame, family, and second chances had me totally hooked.

CJ is such a strong, grounded character, and I loved how confident and self-assured she was throughout. Jack is dreamy without being a cliché—thoughtful, funny, and dealing with his own complicated relationship with celebrity. Their banter is top-tier, and the emotional beats really landed for me.

Also, shoutout to Agnes (CJ’s daughter) and Stuart (her best friend) for being absolute scene-stealers. The whole thing had that cozy, inside-Hollywood feel without being over-the-top, and Schwartz’s writing is clever, quick, and deeply human.

Highly recommend if you’re into celebrity romances, second chances, or just want a satisfying, smart love story you can breeze through in a weekend.

The first 831 book I’ve read that felt like it really needed to be longer, with more showing and less telling. This was a cute story, but nothing in it will stick with me once I’ve finished. Jack is a simp who basically gives up his entire life for his relationship, and CJ has issues accepting help. Her lesson in accepting help was good, but Jack’s lesson felt like an afterthought. The audiobook narrators Andi Arndt and Shane East where phenomenal, as always.

This is my first time reading/listening to any of the 831 Stories, but I've seen a lot of buzz about them so I was curious to give this a try.

If you enjoy celebrity x normal person romances, Set Piece is the perfect novella for you. I found this to be a real treat. It's short and steamy with interesting characters. Jack and CJ were a lot of fun, I like their dynamic a lot. Plus the steam was really hot!

Narrators Andi Arndt and Shane East really blew me away with their performances. I knew once I saw their names this was going to be amazing and it was. If you can listen to the audiobook, I certainly recommend it.

Overall, a fantastic & steamy romcom novella.

3.5 stars!

Big thanks to the publishers...AE Titles / S&S Audio, 831 Stories and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange of my honest review...!

This book might not be life-changing—but oh, it’s definitely life-affirming in the best possible way. It’s warm, funny, and hits that perfect sweet spot of feel-good without being overly fluffy. I went in without knowing what to expect and ended up genuinely enjoying the ride.

Set Piece is actually my very first read from 831 Stories, and now I’m so excited to try more of their books! There were certain parts of this story that I loved so much—I found myself smiling, nodding along, and even chuckling a few times. Lana Schwartz has such a breezy, engaging way of writing, and I loved how the characters were both relatable and just a little bit chaotic (in a good way).

If you’re looking for something that feels like a cozy hug of a story, this one’s worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley and AE Titles / S&S Audio for this Advanced Listener Copy of this novella.

This was my first novella from the 831 stories series and I really enjoyed it, especially as an audiobook. It was fun, light, and easy to get sucked into. Dual narration is always preferable in my opinion and both narrators were fantastic. Both of them handled the accents well.

As far as the story line goes, I did have some issues with the chemistry between the two MCs. I would have liked to see a little bit more character and relationship development between them, which I think may have let me believe in their connection more. I also felt like the transition from normal scenes to spicy scenes was often SO abrupt and jarring. As a result, they often felt forced or inauthentic. With that being said, I do recognize that this is a novella and as such, there isn’t going to be as much time to hash some things out so I understand why some things felt rushed.

Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it as a fun, quick, and steamy summer read/listen.

This was fine, but not extremely unique or memorable in my opinion. The female narrator was tough for me though, so that could have contributed to my overall experience.

Years after a steamy one night stand, CJ and Jack unexpectedly reunite on the set of a Great Gatsby remake: CJ as the lead set production designer, Jack cast in a starring role. Their chemistry is just as strong as it was years ago, and this time, there’s a chance for something more. As they navigate long days on set and lingering feelings, they must decide if they’re ready to let their connection become something more.

I absolutely loved this novella! The chemistry between CJ and Jack is magnetic from the start, but what really pulled me in is how grounded their connection felt. There’s tension, passion, and just the right amount of emotional vulnerability as they navigate their reunion on set and the possibility of something real. I appreciate the healthy communication and how their relationship felt both mature and swoony. It’s a short read, but it packs in so much heart and heat!

Andi Arndt and Shane East both deliver solid performances in the audiobook. Each brings the characters to life with the right mix of pacing and emotion. Major props to both narrators for navigating British and American accents.

I read this book with both my eyes and my ears, and enjoyed all formats. Romance readers: put this on your TBR!

Thank you 831 Stories Romance & AE Titles / S&S Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

this was so cutie. my first time reading a book from 831 and i had such a great time. i really enjoyed the love between these two characters and felt their chemistry right from the start. love that we got to see a man *obsessed* and shilling to support and love our fmc the way she deserved. i love that it was a quick and bingeable read. it was exactly what i needed. some aspects felt a little cheesy for me and i would have liked a bit more depth but over all had a wonderful time! the narrators of this audio were fantastic. they shared so much emotion that i felt really captured these two characters!

This was such a pleasant surprise!!!! I've never read from this author before, but consider me a new fan!! Set Piece is a second chance romance between Jack, an actor and CJ, a production designer. They had a brief connection five years ago, and are now working on the same movie. I really enjoyed the romance, I felt the chemistry between the characters, and I really believed that the spark they shared in the past was enough to ignite organically later on. I also liked how they both grew, individually. Jack realizing he needs to take a break, and CJ realizing she needs to let people help her. I felt like their happy ending was earned.

I listened to the audio, and I absolutely loved the narration. Both performers brought the characters to life and kept me engaged the whole time.

Absolutely loved this little novella! Very surprised to find that this is only the second book the author has published— I found it well organized and paced (due to the short length, things moved a bit fast), very easy to read with engaging dialogue, and just very fun. I loved both the MCs and felt their chemistry consume me while I was reading.

The audiobook dual narration was a dream to listen to. Andi Arndt and Shane East are gold tier performers and seeing that they narrated this novella is why I requested it as an ARC.

Absolutely recommend this book for those that love a feel-good romance that contains humor, heart, and likable characters— if you’re an audiobook listener, you’ll likely devour this one.

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz was a sweet and swoony movie star romance that had me grinning and blushing from start to finish. I loved all the throwbacks to old Hollywood glam in this one giving it a unique nostalgic feeling in a contemporary setting. CJ and Jack's journey to HEA was full of heart and steam that I simply couldn't get enough of.

Andi Arndt and Shane East perform this audiobook in dual narration. This pairing is always MAGIC! Andi's portrayal of CJ was fierce and poignant capturing her grace and determination. Shane's swoony British accent conveyed Jack's confident, charismatic nature that had my heart melting. Both narrators presented instantly HOT connection right from the start!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a Hollywood Actor/ Set Designer romance with witty banter and spicy times, then you will love CJ and Jack's story. I can't wait for more.

Well-written Romantic Novella

Set in the world of film stars, sets and awards ceremonies, Lana Schwartz' first novella for 831 Stories is a short and sweet listen. Narrated by Andi Arndt and Shane East, the audiobook clocks in at just about 5 hours. Perfect for your commute or a short road trip!

Jack is a budding film star when he meets Cara in a bar in Los Angeles. Sparks fly and lead to an unforgettable night. Years later, their paths cross again on the set of a new adaptation of The Great Gatsby. She now has a daughter, he is a renowned actor. Will they pick up where they left off all those years ago?

I really enjoyed the audiobook. Andi Arndt as Cara/CJ and Shane East as Jack were absolutely captivating!
My issues lie more with the slight fabrication of how film sets work - because this book gets many things right but this it really does not and that pulled me out of the experience.
On the upside, this short and sweet novella has the feel of a novel, minus the numerous side plots and minor character arcs. It's focused on the two people that matter, the dual POV of Jack and Cara.
I would have expected more spice but it is really well written and for the length of the story probably really appropriate. The characters are relatable and there are many references for film nerds. I enjoyed the inclusion of a multi-faith household and cross-generational relationships.

For me, the omission of the epilogue was a big problem. I would have enjoyed listening to it and being directed to visit the website instead felt unfair.

Overall, a really good and enjoyable read. Perfect for taking your mind off the world for a bit and getting lost in these two characters' sizzling chemistry!