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3.24 AVERAGE
3.24 AVERAGE
I am not mad at some people having different realities. Some things are messy until they are not. This is an engaging version of some mess.
Catherine Lane’s The Set Piece surprised me with its blend of romance, drama, and a hint of cozy mystery, even if the publisher’s description doesn’t quite do the story justice. While it promises fake fiancée shenanigans and high-stakes secrecy, the book also delivers an unexpected subplot full of intrigue, which feels like it could inspire a spicy cozy mystery crossover someday.
For a novella, The Set Piece crams in a lot of plot without feeling overwhelming. Amy’s sacrifices, Diego’s struggles with his sexuality, their precarious arrangement, Amy’s budding feelings for Casey, the tension of a blackmail threat, and even a fractured friendship all come together to create a compelling story. The twists were a mix of heartwarming and shocking, keeping me turning the pages.
Though it doesn’t stick to a purely happy ending, the resolution felt authentic—reflecting the complexity of life and relationships. Lane balances the serious moments with humor and tenderness, making it easy to root for Amy despite the messiness of her situation.
While not perfect, The Set Piece offers an engaging and quick read that stands out for its willingness to tackle big emotions and themes in a short format. It may not reinvent the fake relationship trope, but it delivers enough surprises to make it worth a read—especially if you’re looking for a novella that packs a little bit of everything into its pages.
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
slow-paced
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think my biggest problem with this book is the fact that it felt so incredibly unbelievable right from the first chapter and I don't think it got any better on that front.
There was no part of the story that would lead anyone to believe that the two women at the center of the story should have any feelings for each other besides resentment and dislike and then suddenly, they're so close that secrets are shared that can't be divulged to Amy's best (and apparently only) friend in the world.
The mystery wasn't much of a mystery and the way the business situation resolved itself made me scratch my head and think, "what the hell?" Based on just about every thought and conversation in the book dealing with her feelings about the job, the way it ended up seemed to go against everything she said she wanted. I just don't get it.
The characters were very two-dimensional and by the time some information was shared about past hurts and struggles, it was too late to change my opinion of their flatness and I didn't care.
Very near the end, I started thinking, "ok, this is going to at least wrap up nicely and I can feel good about the story after all." But that's not what happened. Overall, my feeling is that it needed much more depth. The reasons behind Amy being approached and for taking the job could have been more developed. The characters could have been so much more fleshed out to really make the reader care about them and want them to be happy and succeed. If the mystery part had been dropped completely and the story focused on Amy and Diego's relationship and Amy and Casey's relationship, there would have been so much more opportunity to involve the reader. And I'm saying that as a huge fan of mysteries and someone who reads fewer and fewer romance novels.
This isn't a book I'd recommend to friends. But, as you'll be able to see from other reviews and ratings, there are loads of folks who disagree with me.
There was no part of the story that would lead anyone to believe that the two women at the center of the story should have any feelings for each other besides resentment and dislike and then suddenly, they're so close that secrets are shared that can't be divulged to Amy's best (and apparently only) friend in the world.
The mystery wasn't much of a mystery and the way the business situation resolved itself made me scratch my head and think, "what the hell?" Based on just about every thought and conversation in the book dealing with her feelings about the job, the way it ended up seemed to go against everything she said she wanted. I just don't get it.
The characters were very two-dimensional and by the time some information was shared about past hurts and struggles, it was too late to change my opinion of their flatness and I didn't care.
Very near the end, I started thinking, "ok, this is going to at least wrap up nicely and I can feel good about the story after all." But that's not what happened. Overall, my feeling is that it needed much more depth. The reasons behind Amy being approached and for taking the job could have been more developed. The characters could have been so much more fleshed out to really make the reader care about them and want them to be happy and succeed. If the mystery part had been dropped completely and the story focused on Amy and Diego's relationship and Amy and Casey's relationship, there would have been so much more opportunity to involve the reader. And I'm saying that as a huge fan of mysteries and someone who reads fewer and fewer romance novels.
This isn't a book I'd recommend to friends. But, as you'll be able to see from other reviews and ratings, there are loads of folks who disagree with me.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
mysterious
fast-paced