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Set Piece: An 831 Stories Romance

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

19 days and 09:16:35

50 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
For fans of Romantic Comedy and Notting Hill (so, everyone?!), a second-chance celebrity/normal person romance you’ll listen to in one sitting.

Even a year ago, no one would have recognized Jack Felgate at a bar. But after his steamy breakout TV role, he’s surprised to be swarmed by fans during a night out with friends. When the practical bartender CJ intervenes to fend off his admirers, he’s grateful—and more than a little eager to stick around for an after-hours drink–turned–tryst.

Five years later, Jack shows up to set for his starring role in (yet another?!) adaptation of The Great Gatsby only to find CJ is the film’s production designer. But neither of them is the same person they were back CJ is a single mom with a four-year-old, and Jack is a bona fide celebrity managing ceaseless demands on his time and attention.

Their chemistry hasn’t dimmed since they saw each other last, but is there room in their lives for anything more than one very memorable night together?

“Everything I’m always looking for in a smart, warm, and sexy as all hell.”—Katie Cotugno, New York Times bestselling author

Set Piece has more heart and more action than you’ll ever get from Us Weekly.”—Lindsey Weber, co-host of Who? Weekly

Audible Audio

Published May 6, 2025

187 people are currently reading
10256 people want to read

About the author

Lana Schwartz

4 books26 followers

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5 stars
341 (11%)
4 stars
1,211 (41%)
3 stars
1,120 (38%)
2 stars
232 (7%)
1 star
36 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 723 reviews
Profile Image for Zoë.
811 reviews1,607 followers
May 23, 2025
oops started and finished this in one sitting at a bar love these idiots lol
Profile Image for mimi (depression slump).
618 reviews508 followers
October 9, 2025
How-many-actors/movies-can-you-name challenge.

(a lot if you both are annoyingly well-cinematic-educated people)

2 stars (DFN @58%)

Thanks to 831 Stories and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for DianaRose.
872 reviews174 followers
August 13, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

4.5 stars because i just cannot stand a second act break up, for ANY reason!

thank you 831 stories FOR SHORT ROMCOMS! i cannot stand that so many romance books are now pushing 500pgs! like babe! it’s not that serious!!!

set piece was a deliciously fantastic, short and sweet and steamy romcom about an up and coming actor and a production designer. i went in rather blind, and looking at the description now, i think that was the best option — especially for such a short romcom!

as for the audiobook — dual narrators are forever my favorite, and both narrators did fantastic.

overall, this was a fantastic romcom and i’ll be diving into 831 stories’ other romances!
Profile Image for Laura.
467 reviews6,746 followers
May 28, 2025
4 ⭐️

a character driven story that packs a lot of emotion, chemistry, and rawness into its pages. Jack and CJ brought to life realness from a fictional couple, chemistry and so much more. I quite literally finished this book in one sitting. I could not put it down for nothing and I truly was impressed.

I’m giving Set Piece 4 for a couple of reason. One, the amount of pop culture references threw me off every time I read them and took me out of the story. Two, I felt like some of the romance was quite rushed and not as detailed as much as I would have wanted personally.

But other than that, this short story was absolutely addictive to read, could not put it down, read in one sitting. I will most definitely be continuing to read more from this publisher because I did quite enjoy myself with this one.
Profile Image for Flo .
178 reviews241 followers
June 7, 2025
dnf @ 15%… sorry, but the writing just wasn't it.
Profile Image for Jessica Gregory.
436 reviews16 followers
April 15, 2025
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’
Profile Image for kendall.
19 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2025
Second chance romance is a hard trope to execute. When Jack and CJ met initially, I had really high hopes. They seemed to have chemistry and the banter was sweet. 
 
After the two parted ways, it felt almost unbelievable that they would still have such deep feelings when they reconnected. I can empathize with thinking about how people from your past are doing , but the level depicted seemed excessive. We are not shown much of them falling in love (more them immediately being infatuated) and their eventual superficial connection. It began to read more like two film bros having a conversation than a romance novel. 
 
Of course a novella physically cannot contain the same amount of character development, but, it just seemed everything keeping them apart (if they even really wanted to be together) could have been avoided by CJ actually communicating the fears that were holding her back from their relationship or Jack telling her the depth of his feelings. 
 
Both main characters did not really seem to grow, together or separately.  Additionally, CJ being a mom did not really seem to factor into anything more than her having a rigid set of expectations for herself. More conversations about the "family" dynamic, rather than classic movies definitely could have helped the pace of the story.
 
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
Profile Image for Yasmine.
567 reviews
April 25, 2025
A man who is enamored not just by the woman but the woman’s drive??? In more ways than one (life, career, romantically).

Totally for those that love movies, behind the scenes of the careers in it, and also a serendipitous moment years down the line. I really liked how the writing was done in Set Piece and setting the scene! 🎬
Profile Image for Kelly • Kell of a Read.
811 reviews305 followers
January 20, 2025
4 ⭐️ First of all, do NOT read the synopsis. I mean, obviously, you do you, but in my humble opinion it gives away WAY too many details about this short and snappy storyline.

What I would want to know: An actor’s star is on the rise a bit unexpectedly and a hot bartender walks into his life. A steamy night ensues.

What I liked: the MMC is obviously the hot commodity here and while he’s talented and successful and super famous, the FMC also brings a hell of a lot to the table.

What I didn’t love: there is a lotta shop talk for a novella. It totally worked for the book, but I personally don’t care one bit to read about the film industry or the nitty gritty of Hollywood in general so this wasn’t my fave setting. Also, the conflict towards the end was a bit annoying.

Overall a fun read that can be finished in a single sitting. To be fair, this is probably closer to a 3.5 but I’m rounding up because I can’t have these sky high expectations when a book isn’t even 200 pages long and at the end of the day, the MMC was a babe with an accent.

Thanks to 831 Stories for allowing me to be an early reader!
Profile Image for Carly Rivlin.
159 reviews665 followers
August 21, 2025
This was an easy read novella that was a take on the celebrity/“normal person” trope (CJs successful in the industry behind the scenes but Jack is a Jonathan Bailey-type). I think I needed a bit more build up to believe Jack and CJ’s connection, maybe another chapter in the five years before they reconnected. There was a disconnect for me
Profile Image for Kate Whitley.
214 reviews
May 1, 2025
me just picturing harry styles as the MMC the entire time...SUE ME SORRY!!!!!

special thanks to 831 Stories and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Hannah .
128 reviews40 followers
May 6, 2025
This book was so thoughtful and fun to read! I always enjoy the titles put out by 831 because they're not too long, not too short but just right! Set Piece makes a wonderful addition to their line up and if you've enjoyed other stories from this publisher I feel strongly that you'll enjoy this one too.

The concept of for this book had me hooked right from the get go!

I absolutely loved both Jack and CJ characters I thought they were both well thought out and that they had good chemistry. I love Jack's willingness to fit himself into CJ's life and him encouraging her to follow her dreams. I thought CJ's character did such a good job at advocating for herself! She put her daughter first but also acknowledged that she has wants and desires and she makes it work!

I thought it was big of CJ (even though she was mad) to tell Jack to do the movie, even though he wanted to give it up after their misunderstanding.

Thank you so much to 831 Stories and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jo Lee.
1,166 reviews23 followers
May 22, 2025
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 🎧
Profile Image for audrey ♡.
91 reviews7 followers
June 3, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up.
The dual narration on this was AMAZING and it made the experience really enjoyable. There wasn’t as much yearning as I typically like in a second-chance romance but there’s only so much that can be done in a novella. Both characters were interesting and I loved the chemistry. This is my first book from 831 stories and let’s just say my interest is piqued. If you’re looking for a quick, spicy second-chance romance this might be for you!

Thank you to the author, AE Titles / S&S Audio | 831 Stories, and Netgalley for the ALC!
Profile Image for Eliza Pillsbury.
328 reviews
January 5, 2025
My favorite from 831 Stories by leaps and bounds! Though it’s another example of the “celebrity/normal person” trope for which this sexy little imprint has come to be known—here with a male movie star instead of a rockstar—this is the first time I truly understood the emotional center of the trope. These two characters couldn’t not be together, in spite of the immense difference in their situations—the contrast of which serves to throw into only greater relief how perfect they are for each other. There are also real-life issues that any “normal” reader can relate to: illness, complicated family dynamics, workplace politics, single parenting.

This is the first 831 novella that I would say has been more hurt than helped by its short form. The supporting characters and Hollywood backdrop could have easily supported 150 more pages. With more time in this world, the book could have been even more memorable. As it is, I’m just eager to see where this writer sets her sights next.

Thank you to Netgalley, 831 Stories, and author Lana Schwartz for the advanced reader’s copy. Set Piece becomes the fourth member of the 831 family on May 6, 2025.
Profile Image for carlotta 🧚🏼.
256 reviews13 followers
January 9, 2025
3.75

I can clock a Harry Styles-inspired character in record time, and this was just the right amount of insider details that didn’t make it cringey but gave just a little nod towards the inspo.
Now for the story, like most of the 831 novellas, it’s a great joy of watching a celebrity and a “normie” navigate the trials and tribulations of falling in love with the added factor of gossip and news outlets. Production designer CJ (which by the way, I would’ve gladly spent an extra 50 pages reading about the details of that job) and actor Jack reunite five years after a very (!) memorable night tonight and realise the spark is still there, in fact, it has only grown since. Polar opposites in the way they approach life and future plans, they can teach each other a lot about how to find balance in that.
The story gave enough insights and depth for the characters to feel multi-dimensional while leaving out side-plots and unnecessary drama to keep it at a nice palatable novella length.

[special thanks to Netgalley and 831 Stories for providing me with an arc]
Profile Image for Val Boshart | VKB READS 💕.
331 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2024
5 🌟

Thank you NetGalley and 831 Stories for my ARC!

I absolutely loved this!!

It’s not quiiiite a famous/normal person romance but close enough that it fell into that realm for me and I just adored Jack and CJ. I found the Hollywood aspect really interesting and it was such a treat to spend 150 pages in California.

I thought the pacing here was excellent and while I am always clamoring for an epilogue, it felt like a really complete story despite being on the short side (as all 831 Stories have been so far).

831 is really changing my perception of “novellas” and I adored this as much as a typical length romance. Per usual, the spice was excellent, the emotional depth was there…they can do no wrong.

Last take: Jack 🥰🥰🥰
Profile Image for haslerroberson.
180 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2025
A romance between two independently successful people with their own likes, dislikes, opinions, careers and loved ones? And they communicate?? Sign me up! Here we have a second-chance romance featuring not one but two up and coming Hollywood hotties- one on-screen and the other off. Jack is a passionate A-list actor turned box office workaholic. CJ is a hard-working single mom trying to make a name for herself on the production side of things, and doesn’t want people mistaking the roles she earns for herself as ones handed to her a là her connections to a certain leading man. Overall, this book is about the difference between working to live and living to work, and having a perfect life doesn’t mean it’s a life without flaws. I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for my next 831 read!
Profile Image for Celeste Raine.
248 reviews204 followers
May 2, 2025
‘I get to be your set piece’ - Jack

This is a one sitting read, full of wit and charm and is wonderfully clever. Classic romance tropes had a subtle twist and ultimately the whole story between Jack and CJ felt warm and gentle.

Jack is a hollywood star that has his breakout role go viral for an intimate scene in a new show. But really, he’s a family man who just loves film. The fame and demand isn’t something that he wants to keep up with. CJ is just a normal girl who loves classic film and set production design and is determined to make it on her own. Together, their chemistry and love feels natural and beautiful, full of yearning and devotion.

Their story does a great job of discussing the rat race of hollywood and every day life, and the never ending difficulty to stay relevant in a constantly changing world, when deep down, having a family and a safe haven is the most important part of our days.

The narration from Andi and Shane was phenomenal, as to be expected. Two power houses in narration and a duo that truly knows how to tell a story full of emotion!

🌶️🌶️🌶️ open door, multiple scenes, explicit language.

Tropes:
- second chance
- one night stand
- workplace romance
- Notting Hill-esque
- Single mom
- Hollywood romance
- British MMC
Profile Image for Marissa | Readswith_marissa.
245 reviews14 followers
May 22, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and 831 for my #gifted book! I also love the little key chains, I’m getting quite the collection of them and I’m obsessed!

This was the perfect short and sweet romcom! I loved Jack and CJ. Their character growth from their first meet cute/one night stand to the mature relationship they ended up developing was done perfectly!

Although this book just barely hits 200 pages, the story was done so well that didn’t leave me feeling that it was rushed or that there were any plot holes. The pacing was perfect and I really loved the dual POVs!

I would recommend this to all of my book besties who love meet cutes that develop into something more and steamy romcoms! This would be so perfect as a filler novel as its length makes it such an easy read!
Profile Image for annabelle.
151 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2025
A romance book centered in the Los Angeles movie scene? YES YES YES YES YES

For a little over 200 pages, the plot was well paced and the characters were charismatic and likeable. I enjoyed the aspects of reuniting with each other after four years.

Jack was very charming and CJ was a very strong and independent female main character.

Also all the references to pop culture were so so cool.

I am giving this book four stars solely because I was uncomfortable with the spice. I felt it was quite unneccessary in the scope of the book, and also it appeared in high frequency and I was just kinda grossed out.

Even with the above caveat, I still had a fun time reading this and it is definetely a fun and fast- paced book to exit a reading slump.
Profile Image for Maaike.
56 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2025
Thanks NetGalley and 831 Stories for providing me with an arc!

This was such a fun read! I love the setting of Hollywood and I really enjoyed the slightly different take on it, the more private side. Even though it was quite short, I still felt really connected to the characters. Their thoughts, decisions and mistakes all felt really real. Not blown up to make a dramatic story but just honest.

Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a short and fun read who loves movies and a Hollywood setting.
Profile Image for Taylor Penn.
117 reviews14 followers
April 17, 2025
As a self-proclaimed "romance hater", I can't get enough of the titles coming from 831 Stories. After speed-reading through "Hardly Strangers", "Comedic Timing", and "Big Fan", I raced to Netgalley to request ARCs for their upcoming titles.

Kicking things off with "Set Piece", I was not disappointed. This charming little celebrity/normal person romance is reminiscent of Notting Hill (one of my personal favorites). Featuring Jack, an actor recently cast as Nick Caraway in (yes, another) film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" and CJ/Cara/Cah-ra, a set designer chosen to head the film's set and props department. Five years following a chance one-night stand, these two reconnect on the set of Gatsby and a will-they-won't-they whirlwind ensues.

The characters are both lovable and deeply flawed. The story is quick-paced and engaging. The spice is spicy. The payoff pays WITH INTEREST. 831 Stories has earned a lifelong fan in me.

Thanks to Netgalley and 831 for the ARC.
Profile Image for Bia Sim.
5 reviews
May 27, 2025
This book is not bad (?), if you’re after a mindless, cozy, enjoyable romance. It’s also not great either; although it can be patchy, the biggest issue for me was the editing! So many basic errors, to the point where some sentences didn’t make sense. Butttt the characters were cute and if I could I’d give it 2.5 stars 💫
Profile Image for Kate Hults.
143 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
The perfect bite-sized rom com! I loved this book. The characters were well cliche to an extent, but in the best way for a story like this. It was giving Notting Hill plot energy, but still stood on its own. I enjoyed this book and read it in 2 days! If you need a quick, satisfying, and slightly spicy book — this one’s for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 723 reviews

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