Set on You

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,

media and the strength required to be vulnerable. Set On You beautifully captures the free-falling elation of realizing the person you can t stand is the person you can t stand to be without and the chemistry between Scott and Crystal sizzles. The gym has never seemed such a sexy and romantic place as in this book! Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

Amy Lea's debut Set on You is a swoony, feel-good romcom in its finest form. The prose is comforting as a hug, and the main character Crystal is a certified badass. Lea crafts a sexy, laugh-out-loud funny, and poignant enemies-to-lovers romance between two lovable gym rats in the age of social media with boldness and honesty. Sarah Echavarre Smith, author of On Location

"A fantastic debut! You ll want to spend lots of time with Crystal and Scott (and their scorching chemistry!). Amy Lea has a great voice, and I look forward to whatever she writes next." Jackie Lau, author of Donut Fall in Love

"This book's appealing characters and gym-bound setting will resonate with anyone who s ever mentally cursed a fellow gym-goer for failing to wipe down the machine post-use." USA Today

Lea s steamy debut romance features well-developed, likeable characters with slow-build chemistry Hand this one to fans of Helen Hoang and Talia Hibbert. Library Journal

Lea debuts with a heartwarming rom-com centered on body positivity Lea s prose is clear, witty, and powerful, delivering an ode to all those who struggle with self-acceptance Lea is a writer to watch. Publishers Weekly

"Lea s debut romance is a terrific rom-com that offers an essential message about accepting oneself, and it is a pleasure to read Fans of Jennifer Weiner may enjoy this, and all who read it will look forward to more romance from Lea. Booklist