Designs on Love

Friends of the Unexpected Royals #1

by Tomi Tabb

A royal guard loses his spur. But instead of being found by a princess, like in all the classic fairytales, it's discovered by a fashion designer.

Min once dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina, but fate had other plans.

Now, as a fresh graduate from the prestigious London School of Fashion, Min has her sights set on one landing an internship at the exclusive Clarissa Lee Atelier, one of the top fashion houses in the country.

But on the day her application is due, her carefully laid plans are suddenly thrown off course. A series of unexpected events leads to a meet-cute with Sam, a tall, dark, and handsome royal guard.

Despite the setback, Min believes everything happens for a reason. Soon, she's offered a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime design commissioner.

It’s everything she’s worked for, and devoting all her energy to it seems like the obvious choice. But Sam, equally driven and determined to advance in his military career while caring for his two younger sisters, has begun to capture her heart.

With both their futures at a crossroads, can they make room for love and find their fairy-tale ending?

Tropes :
-Found family
-Second chances
-City life
-Friends to lovers
-Older brother dad figure
-No third act break up
-Closed door romantic comedy

Genres: Contemporary

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Tomi Tabb writes the kind of romance she loves to read: smart, sweet, and strictly closed-door. From the competitive world of professional sports to the hidden lives of modern royalty, her stories are filled with slow-burn chemistry, heartfelt banter, and happily-ever-afters without the spice.

When she isn’t dreaming up her next meet-cute, Tomi is pursuing her doctorate in History, proving that you can be both a serious scholar and a hopeless romantic. A California native, she lives with her family and one very spoiled cat who firmly believes she’s the real royal of the house.

Connect with Tomi:
https://linktr.ee/tomitabbauthor

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Trooper Baker, I hope I can trust you, because at the rate we’re going, you’re well on your way to capturing my heart.”

A lot of my secrets are held within the pages of this book and it turned out to be an unexpected delight.

🐴I’ve never read a book by this author before and after the prologue, and then Chapter 1, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. Honestly, I was a tad bit nervous, but for no reason because this story ended up being so sweet, cute, quirky, and hilarious. If you are a fan of royals, romcoms, and sweet romance and haven’t read this author, give her books a try!
🐴Horses! My grandpa had horses and I’ve always loved everything about them. I loved all the equine representation in this one–even the horse snot in hair.
🐴Aside from books, music is a passion and I loved the soundtrack, especially TS songs, that flowed through my mind as I read this.
🐴I always wanted to be a ballerina…
🐴I love when a book can make me laugh and swoon. Sam and Minerva are flawed, yet great characters, and I could connect with them and cheer them on as they navigated the pathway to love.
🐴Okay, if you know me, these aren’t all big, earth-shattering secrets, but I felt like this author had a key to my heart and knew just how to unlock all the fluttering first love feelings. The romance is as sweet as a velvety chocolate covered caramel, with a few bumpy nuts to keep me on my toes. I’ll definitely give her books another try!

Content: kisses only

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Rachel Luke Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Tomi Tabb and this one pulled me into the story so fast.

I always find myself watching the reels with the Blues and the Royals of the British Army so I was excited when I saw that this one the MMC is part of that world. I love that even though I have never been to England Tomi wrote this book with so much detail and description I could picture myself there.

I loved that Minerva was a strong FMC who went after what she wanted, but at the same time had vulnerabilities and fears of her own. I love that she was a ballet dancer since she was a child and that we get to see so much of that life as well as her current dream of a fashion designer. If you love ballet or fashion design you will definitely enjoy this book.

I also loved MMC Sam. I loved his determination, protective instincts, and how he showered Min with love. He was there to build her up, give her courage and cheer her on.

This book does have two MCs that have super busy lives between a fashion designer with tight deadlines and an active military member so a lot of the communication is through texts. But I enjoyed getting to know more about their professions and adored when they had time together.

If you love:
England
Horses
Fashion
Ballet
Blues and Royals

Read this book!

Physical Intimacy Level 2
Zero Swearing
Single 1st person POV (Minerva)

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m all in when it’s a Sweet romance set in London.
Lots of chuckles and swoon worthy kissing

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Designs on love

I love London-themed story. We have Sam and Min who meet unexpectedly in London. Their story begins under awkward situation but the journey is sweet and fruitful.

London is a city full of possibilities, its liveliness is well portrayed in the story. Tomi surprises us with the way new opportunities are opened up when there is doubt and uncertainty. It brings hope to the dreamers who are qualified in their specialities, even when things do not work out. The moment talents and hard work are finally seen, I cheer for Sam and Min from the bottom of my heart.

The adjustment period between Sam and Min, family background, effective way of communication, genuine care for each other and work environment fascinated me. I liked how the author brought up solutions to heavy issues meanwhile instilled cheerfulness in characters. It is a story that helps us to move on especially on tough days. Life may present bitter things to us, who knows, some of which are blessings in disguised.

I like the story a lot, it gives me so much joy and comfort when I work hard to make my own dreams come true. No doubt, I want to speed up my plan to visit London again! To all the dreamers out there, the book is a good companion and mood lifter. I hope you are inspired by the story in your unique way and your new chapter begins soon.


p/s: Not to forget the strength of Sam. Sam speaks with gentleness and finds appropriate words to respond Min. Min, you are lucky.

I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own and genuine.

[Katrinalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a mantra. Things don’t always go as planned. They go better. This is a theme in the book Designs on Love. Minerva’s life hasn’t gone as planned. Instead of being a professional ballerina in California, she is trying to start a career in fashion design in London. Instead of submitting her application for a prestigious fashion internship, she is wiping coffee stains from her sketches and filing a police report for a stolen wallet. Instead of getting to work on time, she is being helped by a handsome palace guard, Sam. One thing leads to another. After working through realistic challenges of building a relationship while forwarding individual careers, Min and Sam eventually get a sweet HEA.

I enjoyed experiencing Min’s process of studying classic art and the fashion depicted in it to inspire her designs. Sam’s life in the Blues and Royals Calvary Unit of the British Army is interestingly detailed. The side characters are fun, charming, and add depth to the story. The romance is gentle and sweet with gentle and sweet kisses only. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book.

[Wendy Droke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not so much into the fashion world, but I did adore how it all plays out in this book. Min is just such a lovable character and I enjoyed her relationship with Sam but also greatly enjoyed the way Min finds herself, makes peace with her ballet past, and stands on her own as a designer. This single point of view book is the first this author has done in first person and I found that helpful for my ability to be emersed in the story.
I read an early version of this book, I highly recommend you find it when it releases!

[Sarah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a devastating departure from her dream job as a ballerina, Minerva has to restart and has worked hard to pursue a life as a fashion designer. Working part time in a museum gift shop by day, working on portfolio designs and job hunting by night, she’s juggling a few things and then she spots a spur on the ground near the mounted royal cavalry. Returning it seems like a nice gesture, she doesn’t realize she will end up meeting the man of her dreams, a solider with a love for horses.

Beautiful flowing story, nice and light but not too flowery. Another great read from this author.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect love story of Min and Sam. She is ex-ballerina and now fashion designed, he is with Blues and Royals cavalry regiment.
Loved all unfortunate events, following their dreams and careers, their support to each other and their family members, and, of course, presence of royals. Loved main characters, their interactions, friends and families and detailed descriptions of their occupations behind the scenes. Enjoyed book a lot - it is sweet, funny and entertaining.
I received a free copy and I am leaving honest feedback.

[Zoey’s Review Corners❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the healthiest relationships I’ve read about. The relationship with Min and Sam was so cute and adorable and healthy. It was an amazing read. I love that both characters also reflect on why the relationship went sideways for a moment and always tried to be better for the other. I also love how they were there for each other through and through. This was just so cute I can’t even. Would recommend

[lucia Micaela mazzieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing how the characters developed and worked hard for their dreams was a fantastic experience, Minerva discovered her full potential in the field she actually loved, Sam became even more disciplined and opened up with Min. All in all i enjoyed reading this book, i have to admit i was swooning over Sam a couple times, he's awesome and i wouldn't mind having a bf like him haha

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hardworking young fashion designer finds her way after giving up ballet. Sweet romance.. with cute characters.. I liked it..

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story that is so heartwarming that you’ll need to read it again. Min is trying to figure out what her career path will be. Perhaps it might include a romance. Loved it.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Debbie]

Absolutely flat characters

[ABurch74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance story. I enjoyed following along with the developing relationship between Min and Sam while they each chased dreams and overcame obstacles. Reading this book was time well-spent.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book! I really enjoy Tomi Tabb's romances and this one is no exception. The book features Min's transformation from ballerina to fashion designer. Her journey includes applying for a place at one of the most exclusive fashion houses in England. She meets Sam (in the Royal army) on one of her worst days, and a quick friendship forms between then. I really enjoyed learning about the army positions that Sam held and his provided protection in London.

Overall this is a fantastic book! I would categorize this as a sweet romance with kissing only. This book is appropriate for teenagers and older. Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.