Set On You, Amy Lea's hot romance novel, will be released in Greek in September by FOURFOURI publications May 16, 2022 – Posted in: Books

Set On You is the new best seller you'll find yourself reading about on every bibliophile blog here we've elicited some confessions from its author, Amy Lea, as hosted on thatartsyreadergirl.com.

“Whenever someone asks me what my favorite romantic motif is, my first answer is anything romantic – I love all romantic narratives. But if someone threatened to push me off a cliff or ban me from buying books for all eternity, I'd back down and shout ENEMIES-IN-LOVERS.

My first traditionally published book, SET ON YOU is enemies to lovers. Why; Honestly, it's my favorite genre to write. In fact, I have a hard time NOT writing enemies who turn into lovers."

But let's see according to the author herself what makes her book special and the ultimate success right now on TikTok and beyond...

“It all boils down to a few basic, irresistible ingredients”:

Witty humor

Some witty verbal sparring with an underlying layer of simmering sexual tension amuses me, especially when it's rooted in comedy (can't be too bad). I live for the scenes where the characters are viciously roasted by each other on the spits, mostly because you learn a lot about a person when they're being grilled. It allows the reader greater insight into who the character is, what drives them, their potential flaws, and what they may need to overcome by the end of the book.

In SET ON YOU, Crystal and Scott tease each other back and forth in the gym on several occasions. This tease illustrates a number of key things about Crystal in the opening chapters. In particular, we learn how passionate and dedicated she is to her work and to her clients. We also get the hint that she might not be the confident girl she wants to show herself to be. Through the teases, we also learn a little about Scott's amorous, cocky, yet secretive personality, as well as his close relationship with his family.

Slow burn romance

Everyone has preferences when it comes to the pace of romance, but I personally prefer it when it develops slowly. The two-step-two-back payoff makes for an electrifying feeling and is so worth the hundreds of pages to get there. Many times, there is something that brings the two enemies together in the first place. In SET ON YOU, Crystal and Scott share a gym where they both work out regularly. In addition, they also discover that their grandparents know each other. This family aspect does two things – it forces closeness and also increases the draw backs when it comes to the risk of becoming romantically involved.

Either way, the slow burn is the first opportunity to move from hate to love. This section is often filled with tiny hints of budding attraction, whether physical or emotional. Sometimes it's in a brief moment of understanding, a lingering gaze, a hot random touch, or a shared enemy/obstacle.

It's especially great when one or both characters are plagued by denial and infighting about their conflicting emotions. The moment they finally realize or admit the truth to themselves is so rewarding.

Explosion

The first kiss or steamy scene is usually unexpected, but extremely rewarding. My favorite is when there is a slight roughness and lingering tension that comes through the physical act, reminding us of that fire that fuels passion. Often, these scenes help build that emotional bond between the characters because they finally allow each other to see their vulnerable, naked (literally) selves.

First impressions are not always correct

One of the best things about Enemies to Lovers is that moment when the characters realize they didn't appreciate each other properly. That the other is more than meets the eye. Character development is often portrayed beautifully when they finally develop empathy and understanding for each other.

The perfect match

Most of the time, the two characters aren't much different from each other than they seem. In SET ON YOU, Crystal and Scott find that their initial dislike for each other is rooted in similarities, and an unwillingness to admit them. They end up having a lot in common, including being both competitive and family oriented.

Conversely, in other books, it's also heartwarming when two polar opposite characters complement each other in complementary ways. Coming together with their differences can often make them an unstoppable power couple. This pattern allows for endless character development, which is often so rewarding for readers.

In all the romance books I've read (and I've read hundreds), I have yet to come across two enemy-to-lovers books that don't put their own unique twists on the pattern. There are endless ways to turn it upside down, sideways and backwards without it looking dated and overdone, which is why I love writing about it so much.

The case

A gym is the setting in Amy Lea's romantic comedy.

Fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career by shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina for men, and finds solace in the gym – her place of strength and positivity.

Until firefighter Scott Ritchie shows up, the smug new gym boss who routinely steals her beloved squat rack. Sparks fly as these highly competitive foes battle for gym supremacy. But after a series of escalating confrontations, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents' engagement party.

Ahead of their grandparents' wedding, Crystal discovers that there's a soft heart beneath Scott's muscular exterior. With shared interests in family, fitness and relaxed pickup lines, she might just have found her soulmate. But when a photo of them goes viral, ferocious internet trolls put their relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

Set On You by Amy Lea

Published by Berkley Books on May 10, 2022 and by Penguin

Genres: Adult Fiction — Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

It will be released in Greek in September by Brainfood Publishing.