This was a quick read and although the author does a great job of packing a lot into a shorter book, I did find myself wishing it was a bit longer. Overall, I did enjoy this one and would definitely recommend that fans of 831 Stories or novellas read this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Cara is a production designer bartending on the side to support herself. Jack is an up-and-coming actor. They have one memorable night together at Cara's bar when Jack is there for a bachelor party, and then they lose touch. Five years later, they end up working on the same movie, and of course, sparks fly again.

This was a super cute and fun book. I love a short romance that is succinct and doesn't drag things out, and this book had a great pace: meet-cute, then a good flash-forward that quickly established everything we needed to know, reconnection, build up to getting together, being together, third-act breakup (not really a spoiler, this is a classic of the genre), and then the reconciliation. The writing is witty and no-frills, and Cara and Jack both feel like real and interesting characters. Their chemistry is immediate, and although the celebrity-falls-in-love-with-normal-person trope has of course been done a million times, this one was well-done.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Books for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

✨ The Vibes ✨
Not your typical Hollywood romance

📖 Read if…
✨ You like the romance of La La Land
✨ You want a Hollywood romance that feels less glamorous and more grounded
✨ You are looking for single parent representation in the romance genre

Wow! Another banger of a novella from 831 Stories!

It’s a Hollywood romance, so I figured I would enjoy it, but I wasn’t prepared for how sweet and lovely the story would be!

It follows Jack, an actor who rose to fame on a Bridgerton-esque drama, and CJ, a production designer, as they meet and have a one night stand, only to reconnect years later on the set of a new film, to learn that their lives have changed drastically in their time apart.

Set Piece has everything I’ve come to expect from an 831 Stories book – well developed characters, emotional depth, a bit of humor, and a whole lot of romance. I adored both CJ and Jack for different reasons – Jack for his willingness to adapt and compromise, and CJ for her commitment to her career and family – and loved watching how they grew, without changing who they were over the course of the story.

The time jump element was clever and unexpected, and kind of reminded me of the fast forward in La La Land (this time with a happier outcome), and there were a lot of immersive details, specifically around production design, that pull you right onto set with CJ and Jack.

If anything, I wish this was a full length novel, because I could have easily read 300 more pages about these two. Set Piece is definitely up there for my favorite 831 Stories book and I’m so glad I got a chance to read this one early.

Set Piece hits shelved next week. Thanks to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A second chance romance that you can read in one sitting.

I'm always blown away when an author can pack so much into a novella and this one was so good! I felt like I knew CJ and Jack almost right away, and the writing was just fantastic. The tension, the character work, the romance... everything was so well done.

I thought this book was short and sweet, but I really enjoyed reading it. I read a good chunk of this at the nail shop, and I must have been giggling too loud because my nail tech made a comment about my reaction. While their second wind was slightly unbelievable that they would have so many feelings for one another, I did enjoy reading this book and would recommend it.

This was another strong entry from 831 stories! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. We follow Cara, a bartender and Jack, an up and coming actor, as they have a chance encounter at the bar where Cara works. After a one night stand they don't see each other for five years; that is until they end up working on the same film. This novella really felt like a love letter to Hollywood. It's clear how much the author was inspired by, and loves, old Hollywood films. I enjoyed reading about the behind the scenes process of creating a film; CJ (Cara's real name) is so great at her job it and it was really refreshing to read about a woman in charge who wasn't afraid to be. Jack and CJ's relationship was sweet and so mature. I understood why CJ had reservations about getting together with Jack, which made it even better when they finally got together. The pacing of this novella was done well; I wasn't expecting the time jump at all! But I think that made for an even better story because we get to see how much these people have changed and grown. Overall I really liked this novel and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Thank you to Netgalley and 831 Stories for my e-arc. #Team831

This was such a treat. I read Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff, another book from 831 stories, earlier this year and really enjoyed it too. This book is set in LA and follows an actor who's career has really started to take off and a production designer that just got her big break. It's romantic, its sweet, its short, and still manages to deal with subjects like grief in a way that feels productive and graceful. This is perfect for the plane or a long car ride for movie nerds who love a happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for providing this ARC.

This story had me giddy from the beginning and the Hollywood film nerd in me loved this peak into their worlds and careers. Two cinephiles falling in love is exactly up my alley and wow I didn’t know I needed it so badly until now. A shared love of film is now a certified love language because of Set Piece. Seeing their character growth especially CJ’s journey with her own vulnerability was truly special. Her hyper-independence and mother/daughter dynamics that shaped her were relatable and genuine. Their relationship was mature and grounded even amongst the movie glamor, I loved it!

Also the Mischief reference made me beam! I love the 831 literary universe!

831 Stories just keeps putting out solid reads, and Set Piece is no different. Lana Schwartz writes a compelling romance between CJ and Jack, set in the same universe as 831's backlist (hellooooo, Mischeif!). Well-written and smart, with (a lot) of contemporary references, it's not difficult to imagine CJ and Jack finding their way to each other in a Hollywood world. Jack is absolutely GONE for CJ and I loooove that it's her competency that seems to attract him most.

These are mature, adult characters, trying to do their best by each other and those around them. The conflicts are realistic, their behavior is understandable, and I'm so in love with them, the fact that there was no epilogue had me wondering if my copy just forgot it. I liked the beginning, I enjoyed the middle, and I loved the ending. 3.5 stars rounded up, highly recommend.

*If you don't like Celebrity romances or a lot of contemporary movie/people/pop culture references, this book isn't for you, and that's ok!

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the eARC. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and 831 Stories for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

A novella that took far too long to read.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters and believing in their chemistry. They hooked up once and five years later they never forgot each other? And if that’s the case then why didn’t they exchange numbers the first time? CJ and Jack are the type of couple that would separate/divorce after the end. They don’t work and there was zero character development and growth.

A few tropes in this one that I personally dislike in any read; miscommunication, and third-act breakup

Not only was there a severe lack of communication(both of them are over 30), but there was more pop culture references than actual bonding. And no, sex does not count as bonding. A slight slip up that ended in a very confusing and sudden breakup, and yet it got “fixed” with a slight one-sided apology and doing the tango.

Jack was very plain and just okay as the MMC, his heart everywhere and nowhere at once. CJ is entirely unlikable and that unfortunately didn’t get redeemed. She’s the FMC that’s pushy and wants everything her way and only her way. She’s selfish and unapologetic about it. Even at the cost of someone, who she claims to love, else’s feelings.

This one was not for me. I didn’t believe in the love and I have far too many opinions about the whole “chemistry” they supposedly had.

I don't think I was the target audience for this second chance romance. The pacing of the central relationship's acts felt off and this paired with the character's communication (or lack thereof) made it hard to understand the characters reasoning for their actions towards the end of the book. I additionally felt like the ratio of explicit sex scenes to the rest of the novella was really off, particularly because they often felt like they didn't add depth or understanding to the relationship.

831 stories strikes again! I gobbled this one right up, despite my feelings that the characters were a touch underdeveloped.

4! Set Piece by Lana Schwartz is a delightful, fast-paced celebrity romance that hits all the right notes. Following a standout like Big Fan, expectations were high, and this novella delivers with charm, wit, and heart. The story revolves around Jack, a British heartthrob actor, and CJ, a behind-the-scenes Hollywood professional and single mom, who reconnect five years after a one-night stand. Their mid-30s age adds a refreshing maturity to the romance, and the second-chance, celebrity/“normal” person dynamic is irresistible. Jack’s POV was especially compelling, giving the story a grounded emotional core, while CJ’s strength and independence made her easy to root for.

Though short, the book feels complete and tightly paced, offering just the right amount of spice and character development. The Hollywood backdrop and topical pop culture references make the story feel fresh and immersive (even if it may date the book later). With its fun tropes—second chances, single parenthood, and behind-the-scenes drama—Set Piece is perfect for rom-com lovers or anyone in a reading slump. It’s got the cozy charm of Notting Hill with the modern flair of Nora Goes Off Script. A definite win from 831 Stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Big Fan left big shoes to fill for the following 831 releases and after being a little disappointed by the last two, I really liked Set Piece! The characters are in their mid-30s which was a nice change for a romance and it played into the celebrity/normal person (normal adjacent, they work in Hollywood) trope which is my favorite. I enjoyed the MMC’s POV chapters more than the FMC’s. The book uses a lot of topical references so I’m not sure how well it will age but that made for a fun and quick read in the moment. I’m a member of #Team831 and received a free e-ARC of the book in exchange for the review.

This was a really cute celebrity romance. I loved how there was a time jump between when the characters originally had a one night stand that led them to reunite and being a relationship. I liked all the tropes, single mom, celebrity romance, second chance, one night stand this book had it all. Super cute. Wish it was longer!

"He is constantly going viral for the cardigan he's wearing, the flowers he's buying at a market in London, the book that's peeking out of his back pocket."

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz was such a fun read—I literally dropped everything the second I got my hands on this ARC! Jack is now a full-blown TV/movie heartthrob, while CJ’s a badass single mom working to make a name for herself behind the scenes. When they’re unexpectedly reunited on a film set five years after their one-night stand? Whoa… let’s just say sparks fly🔥I loved how honest, heartwarming, and grown-up their connection and struggles felt—plus the Hollywood backdrop made it all the more fun and entertaining. It gave me Nora Goes Off Script vibes with a dash of Notting Hill charm and I was so here for it!

Read if you like:
🎬 Celebrity romances
💫 Second chance
🥵 One-night stand
👩‍👧 Single mom FMC
🇬🇧 Charming British MMC
🎥 Hollywood vibes

Another gem from 831 Stories! Set Piece drops tomorrow, May 6—go ahead and add it to your TBR, besties!

My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️.5

HUGE thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

This was such a quick, fun read! I’m not going to give a synopsis (and I recommend going in blind) because the synopsis gives away a lot of the short story. One sentence summary to pique your interest: An actor has a steamy night with a bartender, and then their paths cross again 5 years later in an unexpected way.

I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood and the movie industry. I’m a sucker for a serendipitous reconnection, and the two main characters had undeniable chemistry. Even though it is a novella, the plot felt complete and the pacing was great. I recommend this book if you’re looking for a short rom-com. It would be a great book for anyone in a reading slump!

Thank you to Lana Schwartz, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for this e-ARC; all opinions are my own.

Read if you like:
💕 Celebrity romance
💕 Second chance romance
💕 The Great Gatsby
💕 Short rom-coms

3 stars!

The premise of this novella was very interesting. The writing was decent but it feels a bit rushed in some parts. Overall it was pretty much an enjoyable quick read!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m loving what 831 Stories is doing with their romance novellas, and this book was a great addition. I thought this was a fun and flirty second chance romance with a famous person/normie. I thought the character growth was great. Jack was a perfect book boyfriend and I loved that CJ had such good growth as a character and totally redeemed herself by the end of the book.The setting was so fun! It was interesting to learn more about the set dressing portion of the movie business, which is something that I haven’t taken much into account before. I only left feeling like I wanted a bit more from the story, but I know that it is hard to do in a novella setting. Maybe a little bit more tension or more dialogue between our main characters. Overall, I enjoyed this one and look forward to more from the author and 831 Stories in the future. 3.5/5 Stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This book is from a small imprint called 831 Stories, and they put out romance novellas under 250 pages (or something like that!). I've read one before, but as you probably know romance is NOT my genre, and wasn't wowed. I was midway through another book and enjoying it so much I felt like I needed to slow down, so I read this in between. And it was great! It uses the second chance romance and normal person/celebrity romance tropes quite expertly, so if either of those generally work for you give it a try. CJ is working as a bartender while she pursues her dream of being a Hollywood set designer, when she helps big time TV actor Jack out of an awkward fan interaction one night. They share a hot and steamy night together, then don't reconnect until five years later when they're working on the same movie together, a Great Gatsby adaptation. Their romance was believable, which is usually my gripe with romance, and the characters read like real people. This was a quick and entertaining read, if you need something like that I'd recommend