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BOOK REVIEW: Set on You by Amy Lea

Synopsis: A gym nemesis pushes a fitness influencer to the max in Amy Lea’s steamy debut romantic comedy. Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring the trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina left for men, instead finding solace in the gym – her place of power and positivity. Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new gym patron who routinely steals her favorite squat rack. Sparks fly as these ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination. But after a series of escalating jabs, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents' engagement party. In the lead up to their grandparents' wedding, Crystal discovers there’s a soft heart under Scott’s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness, and cheesy pick-up lines, they just might have found her swolemate. But when a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls put their budding relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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by Amy Lea ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 10, 2022

A rom-com that tries to hit serious notes about sizeism, racism, sexism, and online toxicity.

Competitive gym users go from enemies to lovers.

Curvy Chinese American “fitstagrammer” Crystal Chen can’t stand the new Chris Evans look-alike at her gym, especially since he's been violating workout etiquette: ignoring signs that a rack has been claimed by another person, hogging the water fountain, and getting in the way of her training sessions with clients, not to mention blocking her camera as she's recording her exercise routines. Then she’s caught off guard when a heated exchange about her cellphone—she thinks he stole it to get on her nerves—turns into a make-out session in the men’s locker room. But Crystal has a bigger surprise in store when she finds out that her grandmother has gotten engaged and that her intended is the grandfather of the Squat Rack Thief, aka Scott Ritchie, Boston firefighter. To make matters worse, Scott may have a girlfriend, a figure skater. Despite the many bumpy starts, Scott and Crystal finally get past their initial misunderstandings to explore the romantic sparks between them. It seems like the perfect relationship for the homebody, gym-loving duo—till Crystal’s fear of being cheated on rears its head. Just as the couple tackle that issue, Crystal’s carefully constructed sense of identity comes crashing down thanks to online fatphobia. In this debut novel, author Lea explores the challenges of a woman learning to respect herself while realizing that the social media version of body positivity, though the core of her Instagram brand and philosophy, may not be the ideal route to happiness. With some amusing dad jokes and come-on lines, several steamy and romantic sex scenes, and nonstereotyped portrayals of a biracial family, the novel has real promise. But a first-person narrative that dwells on the heroine’s hang-ups may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and Crystal’s judgmental behavior toward others also clashes with her criticism of those who resort to reductive stereotypes. Though Crystal works to overcome the paradox and her internal dialogue and Instagram posts about body identity and White beauty standards earn her points, the drama feels a bit drawn out.

Pub Date: May 10, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-33657-1

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Berkley

Review Posted Online: March 29, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2022

ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE | GENERAL ROMANCE

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BOOK REVIEW

by Ali Hazelwood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

Sink your teeth into this delightful paranormal romance with a modern twist.

A vampire and an Alpha werewolf enter into a marriage of convenience in order to ease tensions between their species.

As the only daughter of a prominent Vampyre councilman, Misery Lark has grown accustomed to playing the role that’s demanded of her—and now, her father is ordering her to be part of yet another truce agreement. In an effort to maintain goodwill between the Vampyres and their longtime nemeses the Weres, Misery must wed their Alpha, Lowe Moreland. But it turns out that Misery has her own motivations for agreeing to this political marriage, including finding answers about what happened to her best friend, who went missing after setting up a meeting in Were territory. Isolated from her kind and surrounded on all sides by the enemy after the wedding, Misery refuses to let herself forget about her real mission. It doesn’t matter that Lowe is one of the most confounding and intense people she’s ever met, or that the connection building between them doesn’t feel like one born entirely of convenience. There’s also the possibility that Lowe may already have a Were mate of his own, but in spite of their biological differences, they may turn out to be the missing piece in each other’s lives. While this is Hazelwood’s first paranormal romance, and the book does lean on some hallmark tropes of the genre, the contemporary setting lends itself to the author’s trademark humor and makes the political plot more easily digestible. Misery and Lowe’s slow-burn romance is appealing enough that readers will readily devour every moment between them and hunger to return to them whenever the story diverts from their scenes together.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9780593550403

Page Count: 416

Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023

ROMANCE | PARANORMAL ROMANCE | GENERAL ROMANCE

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by Ali Hazelwood

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IT ENDS WITH US

by Colleen Hoover ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 2, 2016

Packed with riveting drama and painful truths, this book powerfully illustrates the devastation of abuse—and the strength of...

Hoover’s ( November 9 , 2015, etc.) latest tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence with romantic tenderness and emotional heft.

At first glance, the couple is edgy but cute: Lily Bloom runs a flower shop for people who hate flowers; Ryle Kincaid is a surgeon who says he never wants to get married or have kids. They meet on a rooftop in Boston on the night Ryle loses a patient and Lily attends her abusive father’s funeral. The provocative opening takes a dark turn when Lily receives a warning about Ryle’s intentions from his sister, who becomes Lily’s employee and close friend. Lily swears she’ll never end up in another abusive home, but when Ryle starts to show all the same warning signs that her mother ignored, Lily learns just how hard it is to say goodbye. When Ryle is not in the throes of a jealous rage, his redeeming qualities return, and Lily can justify his behavior: “I think we needed what happened on the stairwell to happen so that I would know his past and we’d be able to work on it together,” she tells herself. Lily marries Ryle hoping the good will outweigh the bad, and the mother-daughter dynamics evolve beautifully as Lily reflects on her childhood with fresh eyes. Diary entries fancifully addressed to TV host Ellen DeGeneres serve as flashbacks to Lily’s teenage years, when she met her first love, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy she found squatting in a neighbor’s house. When Atlas turns up in Boston, now a successful chef, he begs Lily to leave Ryle. Despite the better option right in front of her, an unexpected complication forces Lily to cut ties with Atlas, confront Ryle, and try to end the cycle of abuse before it’s too late. The relationships are portrayed with compassion and honesty, and the author’s note at the end that explains Hoover’s personal connection to the subject matter is a must-read.

Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5011-1036-8

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: May 30, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016

GENERAL ROMANCE | ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

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Book Review: Set on You book by Amy Lea

I recently enjoyed reading “Set on You” by Amy Lea, and I wanted to share my thoughts on this captivating contemporary romance novel. A charming and uplifting romantic comedy, “Set on You” deftly covers body acceptance and self-love issues. The book revolves around Crystal, a fitness teacher and Instagram influencer for curvaceous women, as she negotiates the difficulties of self-acceptance and embarks on the inspiring journey of self-love in this captivating story. The narrative strikes a unique balance between amusement and reality while tackling significant issues, including the influence of social media, self-confidence, body shaming, and the value of encouraging friendships and familial ties

The novel immediately draws the reader in with a fast-paced narrative from Crystal’s first-person perspective. Due to her independence, assurance, and tenacity, Crystal’s persona is both likeable and admirable. Her vulnerability gives her character depth and intensifies the appeal of her journey towards self-love.

The book’s exploration of body positivity and the realities of social media lends a depth of authenticity to the narrative, while Crystal and Scott’s journey toward self-love and their developing romance make for a beautiful and inspirational read. This novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good and thought-provoking romance because it has likeable characters, clever dialogue, and a happy ending.

Plot summary, crystal chen, scott ritchie, some lines and excerpts from the book that i found most appealing, how much would i rate this book, about the author, where to get set on you by amy lea.

thriving Instagram platform dedicated to promoting body positivity, crosses paths with Scott Ritchie, a fit firefighter, in a Boston gym. Their initial meeting kicks off with a playful competitive spirit, as Scott playfully absconds with Crystal’s beloved exercise equipment, igniting a lighthearted rivalry. Their interactions are filled with witty banter, challenging workout sessions, and even a heated dispute within the gym locker room. Unbeknownst to them, a shared familial connection emerges when they coincidentally learn that their respective grandparents are on the brink of matrimony. This unexpected twist of fate compels them to spend more time together beyond the gym, gradually uncovering the underlying chemistry between them.

As Crystal and Scott spend time together beyond their competitive gym sessions, their playful rivalry transforms into a passionate and sincere romance. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of their respective journeys of self-acceptance. Crystal not only falls in love with Scott but also embarks on a personal journey to confront societal norms and the effects of body shaming. This transformation is tested when a photo of them together goes viral on social media, attracting internet trolls and critical comments. Crystal’s resilience and newfound self-love become central to the narrative as she faces the reality of online persecution and grows stronger as a result.

“Set on You” is a heartwarming romantic comedy that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating online fame. It portrays the evolution of Crystal and Scott’s relationship from rivals to lovers, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance in the face of societal pressures and online scrutiny.

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Character Analysis

At the heart of the story is the captivating fitness influencer, Crystal Chen. With a substantial following of 200,000 on Instagram, she passionately encourages her audience to embrace themselves, transcending societal beauty norms with her infectious self-assuredness. However, beneath her strong exterior lies a hidden vulnerability, stemming from past experiences with body shaming and relentless online harassment. Crystal, a fitness expert, is deeply committed to championing body acceptance and self-love. Throughout the narrative, her transformation is evident as she learns to love and trust Scott, a seemingly arrogant firefighter. Crystal’s journey serves as a poignant testament to resilience and the yearning for self-acceptance in a society quick to judge based on appearances.

The handsome firefighter Scott Ritchie, who initially comes across as arrogant and haughty, gradually shows his vulnerable and empathetic side. The heart of the story is his surprise rivalry-turned-romance with Crystal. While his intimidating physique may frighten Crystal, I am drawn to him because of his kind nature. The evolution of Scott’s character is evidence of the healing power of love and the capacity for vulnerability.

Crystal’s sister Tara adds a touching familial element to the narrative. She is a testament to the value of family ties during personal growth and transition with her steadfast support and sisterly affection.

Mel, Crystal’s buddy and a fellow influencer provides understanding and empathy in the world of influencers. Her persona emphasizes the value of close friendships and a solid support network in overcoming the difficulties of social media.

Genre, style, and narrative of the book

The main focus of “Set on You” is romance, which is beautiful. However, this romance is not just any romance but an exciting story about rivals who fall in love. Have you ever relished the excitement of watching two characters transform from enemies to ardent lovers? This narrative certainly has it in plenty. Remember, it is also a romantic comedy, so be prepared for some hilarious scenes. There is more, though; this is not your ordinary romance. It is also women’s fiction and addresses contemporary problems like body positivity and self-acceptance. So, if you are looking for a genre-bending, heartwarming read, you are in for a treat.

“Set on You” has an engaging writing style laced with humour that will have you grinning from ear to ear. You may laugh with the characters because of their amusing dialogue. Some sensual romance sequences will make your pulse beat quickly, so it is not all fun and games. A special touch is added by including Crystal’s Instagram posts and comments, which gives you a glimpse of what it is like to be an influencer in the modern world. This style provides a balanced reading experience that is enjoyable and thought-provoking.

The primary character, Crystal, sees the events as they happen, and I promise you will feel as though you are travelling beside her. Because it is written in the first person, you may delve into her thoughts, insecurities, and personal development. The plot revolves around the cliché of rivals-to-lovers, and witnessing Crystal and Scott transform from foes to lovers is an emotional rollercoaster. However, it is not just a love story; it addresses significant issues like body image and self-acceptance. Through Crystal’s Instagram photos, you may also glimpse the difficulties of living a social media existence. Moreover, have no fear—everything is resolved in a touching way that will make you smile broadly.

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“Four sets of squats and I’ll be high on endorphins for at least a day, fantasizing about the strength of my thighs crushing the souls of a thousand men.”
“loving myself isn’t realistic at all times. I’m allowed to feel self-conscious and sad at times, but also confident and happy at other times, as long as I’m accepting and respecting myself. And I want you on my team.”
“Confidence and love for yourself are ever changing. I’m allowed to feel good sometimes, and so good at other times. Who’s to tell me I should be ashamed for not feeling my best.”
“I don’t think confidence and self-worth is something you magically attain. And you don’t simply hold onto it forever like a tangible object. It’s fluid. You can be confident in every aspect except one. Or something could happen and all your confidence can be shattered in an instant.”
“I want everyone who doesn’t conform to mainstream beauty standard to know that they are worthy of an epic love.”
“Crystal” I don’t think he’s my type. Grandma Flo “Oh honey, He’s everyone’s type!”
“body respect’ and ‘self-acceptance.’ Why? Because loving yourself ALL THE TIME is unrealistic. We all have days where we doubt ourselves. And that’s when we need to focus on acceptance and respect for ourselves, not hate or love. I can love my body and still have moments of doubt without feeling guilty about it.”
“I no longer use terms like ‘body positivity’ and ‘self-love’. Instead, I now use ‘body respect’ and ‘self-acceptance’. Why? Because loving yourself all the time is unrealistic. We all have days where we doubt ourselves. And that is when we need to focus on acceptance and respect for ourselves, not hate or love. I can love my body, and still have moments of doubt without feeling guilty about it.”

I give “Set on You” a strong 8.5/10. This book was a light, enjoyable read I could quickly get into without getting overwhelmed. The author’s creative storytelling stood out, engrossing me in a setting full of recognizable characters and touching passages. I will not soon forget Crystal, particularly since she perfectly illustrates how compelling characters can improve a narrative.

The plot’s timing was perfect. The events moved along at the perfect pace that never felt hurried or drawn out. I was hooked from beginning to end. Additionally, the book’s length was ideal when I needed a gratifying read but didn’t want to devote much time to it. In essence, “Set on You” was a delightfully balanced combination of comedy and romance in a small package. It is one of those novels that made me feel good and smile, earning it an 8.5 out of 10.

Internationally bestselling author Amy Lea has cultivated a devoted following among both adult and teenage readers through her charming romantic comedies. Her books, including “Set on You,” “Exes and O’s,” and “Woke Up Like This,” have earned acclaim from prestigious publications such as USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, and Cosmopolitan. These works not only possess the potential for cinematic adaptation but have also garnered international recognition through translations into more than a dozen languages and widespread sales.

When she isn’t crafting enchanting stories, Amy Lea dedicates herself to passionately exploring the world of romance fiction via her Instagram account, @amyleabooks. Despite her literary success, she maintains a delightful quirk—a steadfast love for potato chips. Amy currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, in the company of her husband and two endearing Goldendoodles. Her readers worldwide are captivated by her compelling storytelling, as she infuses her romantic comedies with strong, relatable female characters, clever dialogues, references to mid-2000s pop culture, and the cherished promise of happily ever afters.

You can find “Set on You” by Amy Lea on Amazon. It is readily accessible in physical and e-book formats, making it convenient for readers to enjoy this engaging romantic comedy. Visit Amazon’s website or app to explore and acquire a copy of this delightful book.

In closing, “Set on You” by Amy Lea is a heartwarming and humorous contemporary romance that entertained and inspired me. The journey of self-love and acceptance undertaken by the main character, Crystal, is relatable and uplifting. The enemies-to-lovers plot is skillfully executed, and Crystal and Scott’s evolving relationship is a joy to witness. I would rate this book a solid 8.5/10 because of its imaginative storytelling, well-timed plot, and memorable characters. It is perfect for those looking for a feel-good, thought-provoking romance. As for Amy Lea’s international success in the romantic comedy genre and her engaging presence on Instagram (@amyleabooks) make her a talented author worth following.

If you are searching for an engaging and heartwarming read, “Set on You” is readily available on Amazon, making it accessible to readers of all preferences. So, whether you seek laughter, romance, or a reminder to embrace self-acceptance, this book has it all.

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Review: SET ON YOU by Amy Lea

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

SET ON YOU is Amy Lea’s debut novel and it is a delight! It’s a contemporary romance that focuses on fitness, features a plus size heroine and her sexy gym rival, but that also shines a light on the unfair standards our society has when it comes to beauty and anyone who isn’t a size zero.

The protagonist Crystal Chen is a biracial curvy fitness influencer. The gym is her happy place and she doesn’t go there to lose weight. She goes there because she loves to lift weights. Being strong and healthy is her goal. Her social media channels are devoted to supporting others like her who aren’t a size zero but who are looking to improve their overall fitness. She posts workout tutorials and lots of support and encouragement. Crystal is such a fabulous character. I loved that she embraced her curves and that she worked so hard to inspire others and keep them motivated to achieve their goals. I also liked that even though she’s so inspirational, she also comes across as a realistic and relatable character, and sometimes she’s a downright hot mess.

The romantic element of the story is fresh and fun too, as it centers on Crystal and her gym nemesis. Crystal is meticulous and regimented when it comes to her gym workouts. For that reason, she doesn’t take too kindly to Scott, the new guy at the gym, a sexy firefighter who seems to be going out of his way to be annoying, even taking equipment that she is clearly about to use. Now I’ll admit that some of Scott’s antics were a little juvenile, but it was hilarious watching him get under her skin, especially when she starts referring to him as Squat Rack Thief. It’s pretty obvious that Scott is attracted to Crystal and trying to get her attention, and it’s equally obvious that no matter how mad Crystal gets at the Squat Rack Thief, she is pretty obsessed with him.

The evolution of their relationship is adorable too. Crystal and Scott are forced to relate to each other as something other than rivals when they realize that Crystal’s grandmother has been dating and wants to marry Scott’s grandfather. Getting to see each other outside of the competitive gym environment really helped take their relationship to the next level. Crystal begins to think of Scott in ways she never would have imagined, while Scott becomes one of Crystal’s biggest supporters when it comes to both her career and her fitness, working out with her and even helping her film workouts for her social media account. Both of their families are great too, and I especially enjoyed watching the grandparents embrace a second chance for love. They were so sweet together!

Aside from the fun rivals to lovers romance, Set On You also does a lot to tackle those unfair perceptions about size and beauty and it offers some interesting commentary on the body positivity movement and the effect internet trolls and haters can have on a person’s self esteem. As much as I enjoyed the romance between Crystal and Scott, Crystal’s work to inspire others and to honestly talk about her struggles with her own perception of her curvy body really made this a powerful read in addition to being a super fun one. If you’re looking for an entertaining and timely read to toss in your beach bag this summer, definitely check out Set On You !

About Amy Lea

Amy Lea is a Canadian bureaucrat by day and contemporary romance author by night (and weekends). She writes laugh out loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, witty banter, mid-2000s pop culture references, and happily ever afters.

When Amy is not writing, she can be found fan-girling over other romance books on Instagram (@amyleabooks), eating potato chips with reckless abandon, and snuggling with her husband and goldendoodle.

Her Spring 2022 debut romantic comedy SET ON YOU from Berkley Romance at Penguin Random House is now available.

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Review: Set on You (Amy Lea)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new gym patron who routinely steals her favorite squat rack. Sparks fly as these ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination. But after a series of escalating jabs, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents’ engagement party.

In the lead up to their grandparents’ wedding, Crystal discovers there’s a soft heart under Scott’s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness, and cheesy pick-up lines, she just might have found her soulmate. But when a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls put their budding relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

I’m impressed Set on You is Amy Lea’s debut novel. It’s a book I took a chance on because I’m a sucker for rom-coms, the enemies to lovers trope, and I’ve spent a lot of time in gyms over the years. I’m not really into the whole fitness influencer (or influencers of any type) thing because it usually feels fake to me, but I was curious to see how that would work in a rom-com. Even when I was annoyed with that aspect, it worked well. Really well.

Crystal and Scott meet when Scott “steals” Crystal’s prized piece of equipment at the gym. It’s hate at first site. They begin to play this game of annoying the crap out of each other at the gym each day. I absolutely loved these hijinks! This part of the story felt so fun and fresh. This could have gone on for 75% of the story and I wouldn’t have been mad. I loved how much it frustrated Crystal and how it ended up leading to an explosive chemistry between her and Scott. After all that animosity, their friendship/relationship turned super sweet and adorable. There were ups and downs, but I thought everything was written very well by Lea.

Another thing I loved were all of the supporting characters. Crystal has some great, supportive friends in her sister, Tara, and fellow curvy influencer, Mel. Scott has some fun fireman friends. Crystal and Scott’s grandparents were so freaking adorable and funny. There’s also a sweet moment between Crystal and her dad. Oh, and I can’t forget Scott’s dog. I want him.

I need to go back to the fitness influencer part of the story now. There are Instagram posts written by Crystal included. At first, they kind of annoyed me. Like I said before, I’m not a fan because sometimes these things sound preachy and I don’t necessarily find them inspiring. They bugged me because I just wanted to be back with Crystal and Scott and their antics. For most of the story, the comments on those posts were the most interesting thing for me. It wasn’t until a specific moment toward the end that I had my aha moment with this aspect of the book. When that happened, I had BIG feels about the direction the author chose to take. It was a direction I approved of, but it also brought up some personal stuff for me surrounding weight, the culture of weight/weight-loss, and specific memories. I’m still trying to work out those thoughts and feelings in my head.

Set on You is one of those books where my review could go on and on dissecting everything about it. It’s such a well written story full of romance, funny situations, and deeply emotional moments. It’s one of those illustrated cover rom-coms that is actually a rom-com like advertised, but also serves up a small helping of women’s fiction. It’s kind of a crossover of the two genres with a heavy emphasis on the rom-com. The only thing I could have wanted from it that I didn’t get was Scott’s POV. There were times where I would have loved to have known what was going on in his head. Don’t get me wrong, the story was still perfect without that. I’m excited that this is Lea’s debut novel because I have a feeling things are only going to get better from here with her writing and it’s already stellar.

21 thoughts on “Review: Set on You (Amy Lea)”

It’s risky taking a chance on a completely new author, but it sounds like this paid of bigtime!

It really did!

I a so happy that you had such a good time with this one here. I am glad its an actual rom com, so many of them aren’t which is why I have given up on them, but I will keep this one in mind.

Lovely review!

I know! An illustrated cover that had a rom-com blurb is not always guaranteed to deliver these days sadly. Thanks!

I was thinking of requesting this a while back, but I had way to many ARCs at the time. Now I’ll try to get it and read it. Terrific review!

I hope you can! Thank you!

I love that this is by a debut author!

Yes! So fun to try a new one and be successful with it.

Fab review, Deanna! I have heard so many amazing things about this book and every time I see someone review it the more excited I get for it. I can’t wait to read it 😍

Thank you! I think you will enjoy it. Or I hope so!

This is the first I’ve seen/heard about this one but it sounds all kinds of good. From a curvy MC to a yummy firefighter, this sounds like a great rom-com!

It really was. I was a little hesitant at first, but it won me over.

This sounds really fun – added it to my TBR so thanks for the review 🙂 I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. I’m not really into the fitness influencer thing either, but I am curious to see how they incorporate it in the story – and enemies to lover is always great.

Yay! Hope you like it!

I feel like I’ve seen someone else review this and it sounded good in their review too. The fact I’m seeing you rating it as well I’m thinking maybe it’s a sign to check it out. I’ve not read many 2022 released so maybe this is one I should make sure I do read.

I hope you do! It was good.

Their friendship/relationship was sweet and adorable. I got so many when Crystal put Scott off, but I loved the ending.

Awesome review! I’m glad this was such a winner for you. I will have to pick it up once it comes out.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I’ve been seeing this one around. I’m more interested now after reading your review. I’ll add it to my TBR. Great review, Deanna!

Yay! I love hearing that.

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Set on You by Amy Lea is a delightfully refreshing contemporary romance that tackles serious subject matter with equal parts wit and compassion. Fitstagrammer Crystal Chen practices what she preaches, coaching women to love their bodies and rip it up at the gym, in addition to using her platform for touting the hashtag-worthy qualities of self-love and body positivity. The one kink in her otherwise foolproof path to success is Scott Ritchie, smoking hot firefighter turned squat rack thief.

After a particularly steamy stand-off in the gym’s locker room, Crystal begins to realize there may be more to Scott than appearances suggest, and far be it from Crystal to be a shallow hypocrite. When their relationship goes viral after a picture of them posted on her Instagram account attracts all the wrong kinds of attention, Crystal has to decide how to keep her professional clout without losing her newfound relationship.

While this story deals with harsh realities like cyber-bullying, body shaming, and low self-esteem, it remains fast-paced, fun, and utterly swoon-worthy. Fans of Love and Other Disasters and How to Fake it in Hollywood will love this heartfelt rom-com.

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Utopia State of Mind

Book Reviews

Review: Set on You by Amy Lea

Set on You is a cute swoony romance about being vulnerable and learning to trust again. Once burned twice shy your favorite motto? Then you’ll have to read this one! I enjoyed this debut romance and the romantic angst! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.

Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring the trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina left for men, instead finding solace in the gym – her place of power and positivity. Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new gym patron who routinely steals her favorite squat rack. Sparks fly as these ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination. But after a series of escalating jabs, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents’ engagement party. In the lead up to their grandparents’ wedding, Crystal discovers there’s a soft heart under Scott’s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness, and cheesy pick-up lines, she just might have found her swolemate. But when a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls put their budding relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

TW: racism, fatphobia

I couldn’t not love Crystal. As a fitness influencer and biracial curvy heroine, she is used to trying to embody confidence. To show the haters – and there are haters – that they won’t get her down. But is her desire to always be strong, going to mean that she loses the ability to be vulnerable? While this theme is only really focused upon towards the latter half, it’s my favorite part of Set on You . As a woman of color myself, I can only empathize with this constant idea that we have to be strong and so this theme resonated strongly with me.

Part of love is to find someone we can trust to help share our burdens. To know that letting them listen to us is enough and that doesn’t mean we aren’t able to handle ourselves. This universal theme emerging cemented my enjoyment of Set on You . This enemies to lovers romance began with me entirely agreeing with Crystal on why she didn’t like Scott. And, to be honest, it took me a while to warm up to Scott. But over time this teasing-and-riling-you-up gives way to a softie underneath – it was just a love/hate for me.

(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)

Crystal was – by far – my favorite element in Set on You . I could empathize with her reservations about trusting. Thinking that our relationships are always going to go down the same path. That we will always be a second pick. With quick banter (born from insults), Crystal and Scott certainly have sparks. But I would say that my favorite part of the book has to be Crystal’s journey and character.

The latter half was definitely my favorite as she was given a bit more time to explore her own insecurities and fears. If you think you might like Crystal as a heroine, then pick this one up for yourself! Find Set on You on Goodreads , Amazon , Indiebound , Bookshop.org & The Book Depository .

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As a curvy girl myself, this kind of heroine is right up my alley! Great review! https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/

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Sensuality: Warm

Publication Date: 05/2022

Review Tags: AoC Plus size heroine PoC firefighter interracial romance the influencer series

Lisa Fernandes

Books and Bindings

Books, reads, writings, reviews, nonsense, silliness, and everything in between.

Book Review: Set on You by Amy Lea @amyleabooks

Set on You by Amy Lea

Amazon / b&n / apple / gp / bb.

A gym nemesis pushes a fitness influencer to the max in Amy Lea’s steamy debut romantic comedy.

Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring the trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina left for men, instead finding solace in the gym – her place of power and positivity.

In the lead-up to their grandparents’ wedding, Crystal discovers there’s a soft heart under Scott’s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness, and cheesy pick-up lines, she just might have found her swolemate. But when a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls put their budding relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

Favorite Quotes:

The window rack is close enough to the industrial-size fan to savor a stiff breeze mid-sweat, but not close enough to succumb to wind-induced hypothermia. It’s also in the prime position for gawking at the television, which, for unknown reasons, is cruelly locked to the Food Network. I worship this squat rack the way Mother Gothel regards Rapunzel’s magic hair. It gives me life. Vigor. Four sets of squats and I’ll be high on endorphins for at least a day, fantasizing about the strength of my thighs crushing the souls of a thousand men.

… he still pinches pennies, to the extreme. Tara and I even signed him up to be on TLC’s Extreme Cheapskates. When the producers called him and asked him to be on the show, he declined and refused to speak to us for five days.

His body is a work of art. It belongs in a Parisian museum, protected by velvet rope and an armored guard.

“Isn’t it funny, though? Grandma has a more active dating life than us.” She stares at the space on her finger where her massive princess-cut diamond used to sit. I’m half convinced one of the worst parts of her breakup was giving up the ring.

Even from an upward angle, the man is so hideously attractive, I’m convinced sorcery is at play.

This was a fun read with endearing and quirky characters and a soul-pleasing message for those of us with a stacked rack. The storylines were engaging and jam-packed with sparkling humor and wry wit, as well as sprinklings of delectable bits of spice and scorching sensual scenes that had me seeking libation to rehydrate and calm my heart rate.

I waffled a bit on the star rating as while I enjoyed and savored the original and authentic cast and their engaging story threads and reveled in the effervescent jocularity, I could have done with less angst and far less gym workout details as I find repetitive inner conflict tedious and I am basically a slug and could care less how many torturous squats and vile exercises were completed. I confess to being inherently lazy and so far removed from the gym fitness culture that I needed to consult with Mr. Google for the definitions of swolemate and fitstagrammer.

However, when I rechecked my highlighted passages and favorite quotes I was again reminded of the cleverness of this perceptive scribe’s keenly overarching humor in her storytelling and incisive comical detailing, which balances out and overrules my petty complaints and personal pet peeves.

About the Author

Amazon Goodreads Website Twitter BookBub Instagram

Amy Lea is an Asian-Canadian government analyst who runs the “Bookstagram” account @amyleabooks, where she promotes and reviews contemporary romance novels. Set on You is her debut novel.

Amy Lea | Set On You

The Book:

Set On You by Amy Lea Published May 10th 2022 by Berkley Books Date read: May 31, 2022

The Characters:

Crystal Scott

Buy it on Bookshop.org | Amazon

The Influencers Series

Set On You Exes and O’s The Catch

The Plot (from Goodreads ):

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caroline (@howdidthatbookend)

The Review:

Thank you to @booksparks for this complimentary copy as part of their #SRC2022 campaign, and to @prhaudio for the complimentary ALC! I began listening to Set On You while driving cross-country and finished it by reading the physical copy once I arrived at my destination (I had a whole pile of awesome bookmail waiting for me!). I enjoyed flipping back through the book to see how the Instagram posts and text threads were laid out, which is a fun addition to the story that doesn’t translate as well into the audio version.

This debut contemporary romance is full of positive messages and mostly extremely well-written characters. I loved that Crystal showed incredible growth throughout the story. She wasn’t just a perfect influencer that had body positivity all figured out–she was a real person with plenty of her own insecurities that she hid from her followers.

Scott didn’t have nearly as much personal growth as Crystal. His character was a little less well-developed, and I would have liked to see a little more of what makes him tick. I also feel like the way he was written contradicted itself a little bit: in some scenes, he was the smug, confident gym bro who wasn’t used to people telling him no, but in other scenes he was too awkward to even have a conversation with Crystal.

The beginning of the book had amazing banter between the two MCs, and I loved the scenes in the gym. Unfortunately, once they get together, the steam drops off. I wish the enemies-to-lovers trope played out a little more, as they seemed to go from enemies to friends really quickly, and eventually friends to lovers.

Overall I thought this was a really good debut, and I will certainly be looking out for more books by this author in the future.

Audio Review: I really liked this narrator, and thought her bubbly voice was the perfect match for Crystal’s personality. I would certainly listen to more productions from her. This audiobook was an easy listen, and the perfect way to round off my cross-country road trip!

QOTD: What’s your preferred way of staying fit? I love spin classes the best but can’t always afford them, so Pat and I usually lift and run together.

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One Book More

Another Book, Another Destiny…

Book Review: Set on You by Amy Lea

About the Book:

Title: Set on You

Author: Amy Lea

Page Length: 384

Publication Date: May 10, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Books

Synopsis : A gym nemesis pushes a fitness influencer to the max in Amy Lea’s steamy debut romantic comedy. Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring the trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina left for men, instead finding solace in the gym – her place of power and positivity. Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new gym patron who routinely steals her favorite squat rack. Sparks fly as these ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination. But after a series of escalating jabs, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents’ engagement party. In the lead up to their grandparents’ wedding, Crystal discovers there’s a soft heart under Scott’s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness, and cheesy pick-up lines, she just might have found her swolemate. But when a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls put their budding relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.

Set On You is such a fantastic contemporary romance! It’s heartwarming and funny and sexy, and the messages and writing are fantastic. The story highlights the ridiculously unattainable beauty standards many people compare themselves to as it follows Crystal, a curvy fitness influencer, and Scott, a firefighter, who meet by chance at a local gym when Scott swoops in and steals Crystal’s favorite squat rack. Crystal is less-than-impressed by the new gym member. However, when Crystal meets Scott again at a family gathering, she realizes she might be seeing a lot more of this arrogant Chris Evans lookalike.

As the pair gets to know each other, the sparks begin to fly, and Crystal and Scott find themselves connecting over family wedding preparations, silly texts messages, and gym workouts. But what will happen when a viral photo threatens their relationship?

Crystal is such a wonderful protagonist, and I love her journey. In the author’s note, Amy Lea stresses how important it is to show women of all marginalizations who embrace self-love and body positivity , and we see that in Crystal. A confident and optimistic woman, she loves who she is and what she does. She has worked hard to eliminate harmful and fatphobic stereotypes, and she’s a positive force in the fitness world. I love her determination and compulsion to help others. However, she still has insecurities and fears. She is a well-rounded and realistic character, and she doesn’t gloss over the difficulties one goes through when on a health journey. It isn’t always easy, and the road is often full of obstacles and setbacks. I like that the story focuses on being healthy and embracing yourself and not necessarily conforming to societal pressures.

Scott is fabulous as well. He’s hunky, awkward, and a little bit nerdy, and beneath the arrogance and swagger, he’s super sweet. Throughout the book, Scott is compared to Chris Evans. Enough said. Scott and Crystal’s grandparents, Crystal’s sister and parents, and other secondary characters in the story are also interesting and well-developed. I think Crystal and Scott have relatable and realistic relationships and family situations that resonated with me. New relationships, parental pressures, meddling family members, health scares, and more enhance the characters and show the complex and rewarding connections in both Crystal and Scott’s lives.

The chemistry between Crystal and Scott is charged from the beginning. Whether they are bickering, competing, or sharing a sexy, tender moment, the sparks fly . They have such a great connection, and their banter is fantastic! For various reasons, the pair agrees to wait a few months to take their relationship to the next level. So, they develop a wonderful friendship in the hopes that it will lead to something more. And it sure does! They have a super swoon-worthy love story. I adore their text messages and flirty conversations, and their romantic scenes are steamy!!

I also love how the story includes Instagram posts and comments, as well as text messages. It shows the realities of online culture, both good and bad. The online bullying that Crystal and Scott endure is true to life and, sadly, what we often see on social media. The text messages between Crystal and Scott show how close they are becoming, and I especially loved the cringe-worthy pick-up lines. They are so funny and sweet.

A story about self-love and acceptance, Set On You is a wonderful contemporary romance. I look forward to reading more by this talented debut author and am so grateful to NetGalley, Spark Point Studio, and Berkley Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Favorite Parts:

The romance!
The messages.
The writing style.

Favorite Lines:

Don’t allow people to put you into positions that make you feel less than.

Confidence and love for yourself are ever-changing.

There’s a difference between speaking up and letting their ignorance have power over you.

Don’t let anyone else dictate your worth. Ever.

Recommendations:

I would recommend that you check out the content warnings before reading the book, as subjects like fat phobia, fat shaming, cyber bullying, and more are addressed.

16 thoughts on “ Book Review: Set on You by Amy Lea ”

I have this and I plan to read it next month. Great review!

Thank you! I hope you love it!

So excited to see your review of this! It’s on my eagerly anticipated list!

Great review! I’m so glad you liked it because I can’t wait to read it.

It’s so good!! I hope you enjoy it when you read it!

It’s so good!! I loved the characters and the romance, and the messages were fantastic!

YESSSS, I just got the ARC for this! Cannot wait to read it!

Yay! I hope you enjoy it!!

This has gone straight on my tbr! Lovely review! It sounds so good!!

Thank you! I really enjoyed it!

This wasn’t even on my radar, but I definitely just added it to my TBR!

It’s super cute and funny!

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Set on You (The Influencer Series Book 1)

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Set on You (The Influencer Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

Book 1 of 3 The Influencer
Print length 381 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publisher Berkley
Publication date May 10, 2022
File size 2556 KB
Page Flip Enabled
Word Wise Enabled
Enhanced typesetting Enabled
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In This Series
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Romantic Comedy
Enemies to Lovers

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

chapter one

The gym is supposed to be my safe place. The place I de-stress, reenergize, and ponder random wonders and mysteries, like: how was I delusional enough to think I could rock a middle hair part circa 2011?

That's why I'm equal parts horrified and appalled that my Tinder rebound, Joe, has sprung onto the treadmill to my right.

I brace myself for an awkward, clunky greeting, but thankfully, his attention appears fixed on the treadmill's touch pad. As he presses the dial to increase his speed, I catch a whiff of eau de wet dog. He not-so-subtly glances in my direction before averting his eyes.

Sure, Tinder Joe was kind enough to order me an Uber after our lackluster quarter-night stand two weeks ago. But it's highly coincidental we'd end up at the same gym, in all of Boston. I wonder if he's stalked me. Maybe I blew his mind in bed? So much so he went FBI on my ass, located my gym, and staged a casual run-in? Given my social media presence, it isn't out of the realm of possibility.

At every opportunity, Dad warns me of the dangers of posting my whereabouts on Instagram, lest I be kidnapped and sold into sex slavery, Taken style. Except Dad is no Liam Neeson. He doesn't have "special skills," aside from his legendary sesame chicken recipe. And so long as the Excalibur Fitness Center continues to sponsor my membership in exchange for promotion on my Instagram, I'm willing to risk it.

Tinder Joe and I lock eyes once again as I catch my breath post-sprint interval. Our shared gaze lasts two seconds longer than comfortable and I can't help but notice how his perfectly coifed boy-band hair remains suspiciously intact with each giraffe-like stride. Whether he stalked me here or not, my first instinct is to flee the scene.

I take refuge in the Gym Bro Zone, aka the strength-training area.

As a gym regular, I exchange respectful nods with the other patrons as I enter. A familiar crowd of 'roid-pumping frat boys loiters near the bench presses while simultaneously chugging whey protein shakes like they're on the brink of dehydration. Today, they're donning those cringey neon tank tops that hang too low under their armpits. To their credit, they're nothing if not devoted to their daily routines. And after catching a glimpse of my sweaty, tomato-faced self in the wall-to-wall mirror under harsh fluorescent lighting, I'm not in any position to judge.

A guy man-splaying on the bench press grunts excessively, chucking a set of dumbbells to the floor with a loud thud. Normally this would grind my gears, but I'm too busy bounding toward a majestic sight to care. My treasured squat rack is free. Praise be.

The window squat rack is one of exactly two racks in this facility. It boasts a scenic view of a grungy nightclub across the street, a long-rumored front for a murderous motorcycle gang. The natural light is optimal for filming my workouts, especially compared to the alternative-the rack cloaked in shadow next to the men's changeroom, which permanently reeks of Axe body spray.

The window rack is close enough to the industrial-size fan to let me savor a stiff breeze mid-sweat, but not close enough that I'll succumb to wind-induced hypothermia. It's also in the prime position for gawking at the television, which, for unknown reasons, is cruelly locked to the Food Network. I worship this squat rack the way Mother Gothel regards Rapunzel's magic hair. It gives me life. Vigor. Four sets of squats and I'll be high on endorphins for at least a day, fantasizing about the strength of my thighs crushing the souls of a thousand men.

Giddy at the very thought, I stake my claim on the rack, setting my phone and headphones on the floor before heading for the water fountain. The man with a goatee, who rocks knee-length cargo shorts and an actual Sony Walkman from the nineties, approaches at the same time. He graciously waves me ahead of him.

I flash him an appreciative smile. "Thanks."

My back is turned for all of three seconds while I take a sip. Freshly hydrated and eager to crush some squats, I spin around to find an exceptionally broad-shouldered figure stretching directly in front of my window rack.

I've never seen this man before and I'm certain I'd remember the shit out of him if I had. He's tall, well over six feet, with a muscular build that liberally fills out his unassuming gray T-shirt and athletic shorts. One look at his enormous biceps and it's clear he knows his way around a gym. A black ball cap with an unrecognizable logo shadows his face. From the side, his nose has a slight bump, as if it's been broken before.

I shimmy in beside him to pick up my phone, purposely lingering for a few extended beats to transmit the message that this rack is OCCUPIED. He doesn't get the memo. Instead, he proceeds to clasp his massive hands around the barbell, brows knit with intense concentration.

Either he's fully ignoring me, or he genuinely hasn't noticed my presence. The faint beat of his music is audible through his earbuds. I can't identify the song, but it sounds hard-core, like a heavy-metal lifting tune.

I clear my throat.

No reaction.

"Excuse me," I call out, inching closer.

When his gaze meets mine, I jolt, instinctively taking half a step back. His eyes are a striking forest green, like an expanse of dense pine trees dusting untouched misty mountain terrain in the wilderness. Not that I'd know from personal experience. My exposure to the rugged wild is limited to the Discovery Channel.

I'm nearly hypnotized by the intensity of his eyes, until he barks a "Yeah?" before reluctantly removing his right earbud. His voice is deep, gruff, and short, like he can't be bothered with me. He momentarily lifts his ball cap, revealing wavy, dirty-blond locks that curl at the nape of his neck. It reminds me of the scraggly hairstyles worn by hockey players, the kind you just want to run your fingers through. And he does just that. My throat dries instantly when he smooths his thick mane with one hand before dropping his ball cap back over the top.

Deliberately ignoring the dip in the base of my stomach, I nod toward my headphones hastily strewn at the base of the rack. "I was here first."

Expression frosty, he arches a strong brow, regarding me with contempt, as gym bros tend to do when women dare to touch what they deem as their equipment. "Didn't see your stuff."

Undeterred by his brush-off, I take a confident step forward, laying my rightful claim. When we're nearly chest to chest, he towers over me like a behemoth, which is more intimidating than I anticipated. I expect him to back off, to see the error of his ways, to realize he's being a prick, but he doesn't even flinch.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I find my voice again. "I'll only be a few minutes, max. We could even switch in and out?"

He sidesteps. For a second, I think he's leaving. I'm about to thank him for his grace and humanity . . . until he dares to load one side of the barbell with a forty-five-pound plate, biceps straining against the fabric of his T-shirt.

"Seriously?" I stare at him, hands on hips, gaze settling on his soft, full lips, which contrast with the harsh line of his stubbled jaw.

"Look, I need to get to work in half an hour. Can't you just use the other rack? It's free." As he ruthlessly balances the rack with another plate, he barely spares me a passing glance, as if I'm nothing more than a pesky housefly.

I pride myself on being an accommodating person. I wave other cars ahead of me at four-way stops, even if I have the right-of-way. I always insist others exit elevators in front of me, as my parents taught me. If he had just been polite, half-decent, even the slightest bit apologetic, I probably would have let him have it. But he isn't any of the above, and I'm shook.

"No," I say, out of principle.

His jaw tightens as he rests his forearms on the bar. The way he leans into it, stance wide and hulking, is purely a territorial move. He gives me one last, indignant shrug. "Well, I'm not moving."

We're locked in a stare-off with nothing but the faint sound of Katy Perry singing about being "a plastic bag drifting through the wind" over the gym sound system and a man grunting on the leg press a couple feet away to quell the silence. My eyes are dry and itchy from my refusal to blink, and the intensity of his stare offers no sign of fatigue.

When Katy Perry fades out, replaced by an Excalibur Fitness promotional ad, I let out a half sigh, half growl. This guy isn't worth my energy. I retrieve my headphones from the floor and stomp to the less desirable rack, but not before shooting him one last evil eye.

11:05 a.m.-Instagram Post: "Assholes Who Think They Own the Gym" by CurvyFitnessCrystal:

Real talk: This morning, an arrogant dickhead with nicer hair than me callously stole my squat rack. Who does this? And if you're guilty of this crime, WHO HURT Y'ALL?

I don't know him personally (and I don't want to), but he struck me as the kind of person who loathes puppies and joy in general. You know the type. Anyway, I ended up channeling all my anger into my workout while blasting my current jam, "Fitness" by Lizzo (trust, this song is fire).

Final thoughts: Most people at the gym aren't assholes. I promise. 99% are super helpful and respectful, even the steroid frat boys! And if you do encounter that unfortunate 1%, just steer clear. Never give them power over you or your fitness journey.

Thanks for listening to my TED Talk,

Comment by xokyla33: YAS girl! You're sooo right. You do you!!

Comment by _jillianmcleod_: I just don't feel comfortable working out at the gym for this reason. Would rather work out at home.

Comment by APB_rockss: U promote embracing your curves/size but all u do is work out and live at the gym? Hypocrite much??

Reply by CurvyFitnessCrystal: @APB_rockss Actually I spend one hour in the gym working out each day. Devoting time every day for yourself, whether it's at the gym, taking a walk, or in a bubble bath is hugely beneficial for all aspects of your life, including mental health. Also, you can both love your body and go to the gym. They aren't mutually exclusive.

After yesterday's incoherent Instagram rant, I took a much-needed soul-searching bubble bath. My response to the person who called me a hypocrite unintentionally sparked a fierce debate of epic proportions between my loyal followers and my haters. I try not to pay the trolls an iota of attention, but after Squat Rack Thief and two glasses of merlot, I was feeling a tinge combative. And it's been building for months.

For seven years, I've striven to shatter harmful, fatphobic stereotypes in the fitness industry. I've built an Instagram following of two hundred thousand based on my message of self-love, regardless of size. The drama over me being "too big" to be a personal trainer yet "not big enough" to represent the curvy community is typical in the abyss of the comments section. There's no in-between.

The crass body-shaming and occasional racist slurs have become more commonplace with the growth of my following. For the sake of maintaining a positive message, I've ignored the hateful comments. The fact is, I love my curves. Most of the time. I'm only human. Occasionally, the trolls manage to penetrate my armor. When this happens, I allow myself a short grace period to wallow. And then I treat them to a proverbial middle finger in the form of a thirst trap (a full-length body shot, for good measure).

But last night, sometime before my rainbow glitter bath bomb dissolved entirely, it occurred to me that my followers are probably equally, if not more, hurt by the comments. If I want to stay authentic and true to my body-positive platform, maybe it's time to start speaking out.

Today's workout is the perfect time to ruminate over my strategy.

But to my displeasure, Squat Rack Thief is back again, for the second day in a row. He's stretching in the Gym Bro Zone. Must he have such magnificent quads?

He narrows his gaze in my direction as I shimmy through the turnstiles. Instantly, his expression goes from neutral to a deep scowl, as if my mere presence has derailed his entire day.

I eye him sideways before shifting my faux attention to the generic motivational quotes plastered on the wall in an aggressively bold font: If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.

Evading him for the duration of my workout is harder than I expected. Wherever I go, he's looming in my peripherals, taking up precious space with his gloriously muscled body.

When I woke up this morning, it crossed my mind that he could be an Excalibur Fitness newbie who hasn't grasped the concept of gym etiquette. I fully intended to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was simply having a bad day. Maybe he spent the entire night staring into the vast distance, roiling with regret. Lord knows I've had my fair share of rage-workouts.

All of these possibilities lose legitimacy when he conspires to out-pedal me on the neighboring assault bike. When I catch him eyeing my screen, I channel my inner Charlie's Angel and full-throttle it.

At the twenty-calorie mark, we both stop, panting, hunched over the handles. My "no-makeup" makeup has probably melted entirely, and I'm seeing spots. But my exertion was worth it-I beat him by a whole 0.02 miles. He practically seethes when he reads my screen. Evidently unable to cope with my victory, he pouts, promptly hightailing it to the machines.

Not half an hour later, it's officially game over when I witness him saunter away from the leg press without bothering to wipe down the seat. The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who don't clean the machines after use.

Compelled to speak up on behalf of all hygiene-policy-abiding gym patrons, I set my dumbbells down and march forth.

He's in the zone as he does a round of effortless pull-ups. I stand, mouth agape, unintentionally mesmerized by the taut, corded muscles in his arms flexing with each movement.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CCKJCB4
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (May 10, 2022)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 10, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2556 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 381 pages
#984 in Multicultural & Interracial Romance (Books)
#1,031 in Multicultural & Interracial Romance (Kindle Store)
#3,556 in Romantic Comedy (Kindle Store)

About the author

Amy Lea is the international bestselling author of romantic comedies for adults and teens, including Set on You, Exes and O’s, and Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio selection Woke Up Like This. Her acclaimed works have been featured in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and more. They have also been optioned for film and sold to over a dozen foreign territories.

When Amy is not writing, she can be found fan-girling over other romance books on Instagram (@amyleabooks), eating potato chips with reckless abandon, and snuggling with her husband and two goldendoodles in Ottawa, Canada.

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Set on You: 1 (The Influencer Series) Paperback – Import, 10 May 2022

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Book 1 of 3 The Influencer
Print length 384 pages
Language English
Publisher Berkley
Publication date 10 May 2022
Dimensions 13.84 x 2.11 x 20.93 cm
ISBN-10 0593336577
ISBN-13 978-0593336571
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