A gym love story? Definitely new territory. I'm unashamed to say I have not read a gym romance plot this year.
I mean, of course I've complained tirelessly of how contemporary romance novels are becoming such a bore. Which is why, when BookTok recommended this book to me, I kept an open mind. It was obviously romance, but a gym romance plot is one plot I have mixed feelings about reading.
You wouldn't blame me, seeing that I have a not so memorable experience of comforting a gym buddy who had her heart shattered to irreparable pieces by her gym crush. Which, by the way has left me temporarily having mixed feelings about getting into a relationship with gym members.
It may be because of my friend's experience, or because of the stereotypical belief that gym relationships are often centered on trauma bonding and not genuine love. As someone who hasn't attempted any sort of relationship with a gym pal, I had to know from this book, if I could let down my guard, and at least reply to that six-packed muscular and always smiling gym pal who never fails to say hello anytime i walk into the gym.
What then is so special about "Set On You" by Amy Lea.
Crystal Chen, a "gymstagramer" and a fitness influencer is all about body positivity, and shattering gym stereotypes.
As someone who is a little bit on the plus size, she has not only faced bullying, but stereotyping.
Crystal believes that loving yourself should not be dependent on how many KGs you weigh when you step on the scale.
Alongside encouraging body positivity on her social media, she aims to encourage a mentality that promotes loving oneself despite their size.
After dealing with a terrible breakup, Crystal decides to solely focus on the gym and her self, until she runs into 'Squat Rack Thief'.
'Squat Rack Thief', who is none other than Scott, who has decided that antagonizing and teasing Crystal might just be fun.
He ruins the videos she records for her socials, and continuously does tricky little annoying things to get under her skin.
Honestly, their banter and exchange is refreshingly amusing.
Crystal comes up with weird and funny names to describe Scott whose name she doesn't know during the earlier part of their gym interactions, and Scott is just like that annoying little brother that does anything and everything to get under your skin.
After series of funny escalating jabs, the last thing either of them expects is to run into each other at their grandparents' engagement party.
This meetup leads to bonding over family time, gym time, and cheesy but swoonworthy pick-up lines.
However things do not exactly go as smooth as either of them expects it to, because soon after a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls would stop at nothing in making sure they break them apart.
Honestly, this book is fantastic, and the writing even more fantastic.
I'll have to give it to the author. Her command of language in this book is what kept me flipping it's pages up till the very end.
Then there's also the fact, that the plot highlights the shameful and ridiculous unattainable standards women have been held to.
Not only is there so much comparison especially by Internet trolls, but there's also the fact that we don't talk enough about how ridiculous it is to bodyshame.
I love how the author stresses how important it is to show and embrace self-love and body positivity.
Furthermore, she brings a character like Crystal, who embodies this perfectly.
Then there's also Scott, who might seem like a douchebag to people who don't resonate on the same frequency as himself, especially when he is making sarcastic remarks at Crystal, who is totally unashamed at his desire for her.
He looks at her as though he wants to 'undress' her, and doesn't let trolls come in between their relationship.
The chemistry between both of them is charged.
Whether they are competing, glaring at each other, bickering, or sharing loving tender moments, the sparks are always flying.
Their banter is oddly satisfying, and it left me reeling in excitement when they agree to wait a few months to take their relationship to the next level.
Not only does this solidify their friendship, it creates a perfect foundation for their steamy romance to take off.
Did I have any favorite characters? Absolutely.
Crystal and Scott both held a special place in my heart in this book.
However, Crystal held a specific special spot, not only because she was a model for body positivity and self acceptance, but because of the number of snarky, intelligent words and phrases I've had to learn from her.
Do I recommend this novel? I sure do. It is a wonderful contemporary romance novel about self-love and acceptance, and has left me looking forward to reading more from this debut author.
