Book: Design and Desire by Farrah Colson
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 5/5
The quick, one-statement review for this book is "The Devil Wears Prada" meets "Under the Tuscan Sun". It sounds odd, but it works in a way that is sweet as a fig fresh from the tree.
Tessa, a junior designer for a fashion house is tasked to collaborate with Giovanni, a tailor to create the final look for Fashion Week in Milan. Their working relationship is tempestuous but they are still able to get it done in time for the show. In the meantime, Tessa has agreed to fake a relationship with Gio to fool his family while they are in Italy. And cue the chaos.
This book has a lot going on, but somehow it still feels organic and not rushed. The banter between Tessa and Gio is perfect, sparking of chemistry. Gio has a delicious growly quality, and when he gets flustered he devolves into yelling Italian in a way that is adorable. I love how he becomes this amazing teddy bear the more Tessa sees of his character. And his focus on her is intoxicating.
Gio's family is everything you expect from a nosey, close knit family that loves each other so much. Including his brother, Giuseppe. I love the way he cares for Tessa, and helps her become the woman and designer she was meant to be.
Tessa's insecurities keep getting in the way of her happiness throughout the book, and it makes me just want to give her a hug. She seems like the best friend I never had, and I loved seeing her development throughout the story. Her romance with Gio is beautiful and sweet, and one I can see myself coming back to again in the future.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.