It’s a Set Up by Stef C.R. — Book Review
Malia Kahale is excited to launch her professional volleyball career with the Thunderbirds, that is until she discovers they must share an arena with the Manticores hockey team, and tensions run high. Enter Alex Dionis, the Manticores’ captain and official eye-roller. What should have been a polite shrug turns into outright hostility. To smooth things over and boost ticket sales, the two are handed a PR play: give a joint interview and act civil. When that interview goes viral and fans start shipping #Malex, Malia and Alex lean into the fake-dating ruse, at least long enough to fill the stands. One arena. Two teams. Game. Set. Match.
Why It’s a Set Up Works
1) Fast, satisfying chemistry
The book wastes no time establishing friction and sexual tension. Malia and Alex spark off each other in a way that feels immediate and earned given their rivalry.
2) The fake-dating premise is handled well
The “we’re doing this for the fans” setup is instantly readable: believable (PR stunts happen), fun (fans ship them), and emotionally effective—because the characters are forced into proximity and have to negotiate real feelings under a public spotlight.
3) Sports world that frames the romance
You get enough arena life, ticket dynamics, team pride, press stunts, to make the stakes feel real without bogging down the romance. The shared venue concept (one arena, two teams) is a clever device that keeps conflict close and relevant.
4) Perfect novella pacing
At about a novella’s length, it’s brisk. The scenes are focused, the banter snaps, and the emotional beats arrive quickly but with enough setup to feel earned.
What Could Be Better
Because it’s short, some plot threads and supporting characters don’t get a deep arc. If you want long, layered subplots or heavier character backstories, this will feel light—but that’s also the point: it’s meant to be a quick, feel-good read rather than an epic character study.
Who Should Read It
- Fans of rivals-to-lovers and fake dating tropes.
- Readers who love sports romance but prefer an accessible, compact story.
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