Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Available On: Amazon 

Venturing into the world of Set On You by Amy Lea was both an entertaining and perplexing experience for me. The story, set in the vibrant setting of a gym, undeniably offers a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Encountering gym-based romances isn’t a regular occurrence in my reading journey, so I was genuinely intrigued by the unique backdrop.

Crystal Chen, the protagonist, intrigued me as a beacon of body positivity, bravely defying societal norms. However, I often found myself at odds with her portrayal. While Crystal stands tall advocating for self-love and breaking stereotypes, her haste in judging Scott during their early interactions felt ironically hypocritical to me.

Speaking of Scott, our firefighter love interest, I had my reservations. On one hand, he’s presented as the embodiment of perfection, and on the other, I couldn’t help but feel that he lacked depth. With a narrative that seemed to protect his image meticulously, it sometimes felt like his character wasn’t fleshed out enough, leaving me wanting more.

The romantic trajectory of Crystal and Scott was another aspect that gave me pause. I found the pacing of their relationship to be a bit too swift, especially with their initial kiss coming quite early. This led me to believe that there might be unresolved emotions and trust dynamics lurking beneath.

One commendable aspect of Set On You is its dedication to themes of body positivity and self-love. The book’s spotlight on these issues, especially in our current social media-dominated era, felt both timely and essential. However, I wished these themes were more seamlessly interwoven with the narrative instead of standing out distinctly.

In terms of writing style, I appreciate Amy Lea’s fluidity, allowing me to traverse the book quickly. While the story touches upon relevant modern-day challenges, I couldn’t help but feel slightly detached from the romance, seeking a more profound connection.

Set On You offers a contemporary glimpse into the trials and triumphs of self-acceptance in our digital age. Though I found certain aspects of the romance lackluster, I appreciate the book’s attempt to address societal norms. Every reader’s journey is personal, and while this book had its ups and downs for me, it might just strike the right chord for others.

The novel brings forward unique settings and themes but falls short in character depth and the pacing of the romantic arc. However, its relevant societal commentary and fluid writing style do provide redeeming qualities.

How Spicy Is The Book?

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The novel Set On You was billed as a “steamy debut romantic comedy,” setting certain expectations for its heat level. While the book did have its moments, such as the unexpected hot makeout session following a misunderstanding about a lost phone, I personally found it less steamy than anticipated. The romantic scenes, though present, didn’t fully deliver on the sizzling promise, and in this regard, it felt a bit of a letdown for me.

What Romance Tropes Are In The Novel?

In Set On You by Amy Lea, several romance tropes caught my attention:

Enemies-to-Lovers: Crystal and Scott’s gym rivalry was palpable. Their initial antagonistic encounters provided a foundation for their evolving relationship, making it a classic example of the enemies-to-lovers trope.

Insta-Love: The swift progression of their relationship, marked by their early first kiss, gave me strong “insta-love” vibes. Their connection seemed to ignite almost instantly, pushing them closer in no time.

Accidental Encounter: Their unexpected makeout session, following a mix-up over a lost phone, felt like a delightful twist on the “accidental encounter” trope. Such moments always add a surprising layer to a budding relationship.

Shared Family Ties: The revelation of their grandparents’ impending marriage was an intriguing element. The sudden intertwining of family dynamics added depth to their relationship, showcasing a fresh take on romance mingled with family connections.

Digital Age Romance Challenges: As a modern romance, the challenges posed by online trolls and the pressure of public scrutiny, especially with Crystal’s influencer status, felt all too real. It’s a reminder of the unique challenges couples face in today’s digital era.

Opposites Attract: Crystal and Scott’s contrasting backgrounds and personalities provided ample tension and chemistry. Their dynamic seemed to perfectly encapsulate the “opposites attract” trope.

Hidden Depths: Over time, I discovered more about Scott than his initial smug gym-goer facade. It’s always fascinating when characters reveal layers beyond what meets the eye.

In all, Set On You artfully interweaves several romance tropes, making it a layered and intriguing read for fans of the genre.

What Genre Is Set On You?

Set On You is billed as a romantic comedy, and for the most part lives up to the title. The plot revolves around Crystal Chen, a curvy fitness influencer, and Scott Ritchie, a firefighter. Their initial interactions are laced with rivalry and misunderstandings, setting up comedic situations. The gym setting, where they compete for equipment like the squat rack, is a unique backdrop that provides ample opportunities for humor and playful confrontations.

Their relationship’s development, from gym nemeses to potential love interests, especially with unexpected twists like meeting at their grandparents’ engagement party, serves to heighten the comedic tension.

The novel also delves into more contemporary issues, like the challenges of being an influencer in the age of social media, blending both humor and commentary on modern love.

Overall, while the romantic comedy genre guarantees love and laughter, it also offers insights into human relationships, societal norms, and the complexities of modern love, making it appealing to a wide audience. Set On You fits within this genre by blending humor with the quirks and challenges of contemporary romance.