Another banger by 831! Loved the movie production setting, women empowerment, and the very real push and pull of letting someone in. Jack is like a golden retriever and CJ more rigid and structured, making their relationship the perfect balance of exploration and stability. Left me wanting more in a great way!

Jack Felgate, a rising actor spends one night with CJ who happens to be working in the bar where he's hanging out with friends. When they cross paths on a movie set years later, Jack has shot to stardom and CJ has made quite a name for herself as a set designer. Although they have both changed over the years, the chemistry they felt when they first met is still there, and they both know it. The question is, can they make the compromises they need to turn it into something real?

An easy to read contemporary romance novella, which draws on the second chance and celebrity tropes. I suspect it would be enjoyable for readers who can appreciate this type of read but I came away feeling a little disappointed. The story felt rushed and there wasn't a great deal of character development so they felt one-dimensional. I had hoped for a bit more of a 'Notting Hill' feel and although it was funny in parts, it felt a little flat.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I haven’t read an 831 story I haven’t liked yet!

This one was hot 🥵 and I also loved Jack and CJ. Their character development was great and I thought they had a mature romance. I love how it seems like I read a whole novel from start to finish when this is less than 200 pages.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC’

Biggest 831 Stories fan right here. I was super excited to read this one! I loooove a Hollywood romance and this one did not let me down. Plus the second chance romance aspects were *chef’s kiss.* The original meeting was steamy and exciting, the rekindling was perfect, and I felt like everything was very realistic. I always find that with 831 Stories. The romance is swoon worthy and steamy without being cheesy or annoying. The problems feel real, the relationship feels attainable, and the Hollywood backdrop was exciting. I’m sad the movies mentioned aren’t real, I want to watch them now!! And did I mention the male lead is British? What more could you want!!! This was addicting, I read it all in one day. 10/10 would do again.

whatever you do, do not read the synopsis! it’s gives too much away! i went in blind and i wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much if i didn’t. this was such a fun read. the characters were so mature. i loved the friends reference of ross drinking the fat. the third act breakup was so infuriating though!! they held such good communication the entire time and then one miscommunication just appears! still loved jack and cj so much. i loved that it was dual pov, we saw them in their roles, and i love how jack just became part of cj’s family. ALSO THE CHARLIE AND MISCHIEF MENTION, a nod to big fan!!

“i get to be your set piece”

“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.”

*** thank you 831 stories and netgalley for the arc

Okay! 831 Stories you know I love you and this book made me love you even more! So good! Such a fun read! The story was so fun and different, but in the best way!

LOVED this novella! It had everything I look for in a romance but just slightly condensed. I am a sucker for a hollywood/famous person romance and I enjoyed how this one wove in regular, every-day life as well.

I absolutely loved this book, thought it was just the right length, super quick to read, and just beautifully written.

It follows the premise of love that is lost and found and lost and found again, and it made me really root for the characters, and for how amazing their story was. Spanning over 5 or so years, and having both the male and the female POV really stroke a chord for me, and it reminded me of classic rom-com films in the way ir was written and also in the way the story ended up ending. Such a lovely book, and I’m so grateful to Netgalley foe giving me an ARC to read, even though I am a bit behind on reviewing and finishing up the books.

My first 831 book and I’m in love! This was fabulous and needs to be made into a movie. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Set Piece was a fun and light story to delve into and great to read while recovering in bed!

It's a novella so some quick points without giving away too much:
* Famous actor x bartender who just found out who he is
* It's a little crazy and hot but c'mon what's wrong with getting a little frisky?
* She's career driven
* He's so into her
* Very light read
* The later conflict ain't a vibe but we roll
* Soo easy to read in one sitting!

Thanks to 831 Stories and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

SET PIECE by Lana Schwartz is a short and sweet celebrity/normal person story about Jack, a newly famous actor and CJ, a production designer. I loved the ideas of second chances and growth in this story! I really rooted for Jack and CJ and their love.

So far, 831 can do no wrong :) Loved this compelling story about two people who have a second chance romance after living more life and learning more lessons than when they met the first time. I loved the setting, the Gatsby nods and really enjoyed both main characters. I was rooting for them the whole time.

This was cute and I liked that there was a little bit of Jewish rep! Even though the story was short, it didnt feel rushed in any way! I loved CJ and Jack. I loved Agnes and Stuart too. It was great!

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 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.


At least it was short!

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

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 really enjoyed this one. Lana Schwartz's "Set Piece" is a delightful and steamy second-chance romance novella that perfectly executes the beloved celebrity/normal person trope.

The contemporary romances that 831 Stories has been putting out have been charming, steamy, tightly written, and addictive AF. Lana Schwartz’ novella Set Piece is no exception and I really enjoyed it.

Maybe this is a hot take, but when it comes to contemporary romance, I like my love stories … low drama? As in, I want to read about grounded, likable people treating each other with respect and affection. I do want some conflict, but I’d prefer for it to be situational and plausible.

Set Piece fit this mold perfectly. Jack and CJ meet serendipitously and have a one night stand when Jack is visiting Los Angeles for an audition. Unbeknownst to him, bartending is CJ’s “day job” (or should I say night job?) as she trains to become a production designer in Hollywood. Five years later, they reencounter each other on the set of a Great Gatsby remake and that spark is still there. However a lot has changed in five years— is a relationship really in the cards?

Set Piece was a smart, fun read, with great characters, pacing and character development, as well as some interesting views of the filmmaking process. I especially loved that CJ prioritized her career ambitions and that Jack admired her for it.

If you enjoy novels set in LA, this is a must-read. Highly recommend!

Sincere thanks to netgalley and 831 Stories for the advanced readers copy.

I loved it!
the chemistry between CJ and Jack were fantastic, the banter was great, and I loved reading about the insides of filming a big movie. i love books about celebrities! i found myself rooting for the two of them and wanting them to work things out SOOOOO BAD!!!

TYSM for the arc, 831 Stories, i am your BIGGEST fan.

I love a great romance, especially involving a charming British main male character. It starts with Cara, who is a single mom and a production assistant in Hollywood, juggling the daily grind while trying to carve out a space for herself in a chaotic industry. A chance reconnection with Jack, a man from her past with whom she shared one unforgettable night, throws her off balance. Schwartz’s writing is quick and sharp, with characters who emotionally resonate. Set Piece is a smart romance with just enough angst to keep things interesting.

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!