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Designing Daphne
Designing a collection for the runway is hard enough. But redesigning her entire life? She didn't spend all those years in fashion school with that in mind.
When an up-and-coming fashion designer’s boss steals her designs and destroys her reputation, Daphne Owens moves across the country and starts over. From the bottom.
But in her move to New York City, finding a job that can cover rent quickly proves to be the least of her worries. Though the job she’s found is in the fashion industry, it’s not really hers yet. First she’s got to audition for six months, in a head-to-head competition with the ruthless Brandon Wright, to determine who is more worthy of the permanent gig.
Once upon a time, that wouldn’t have phased her, but Brandon seems hellbent on sabotaging her at every turn. Changing measurements so her garments are ill-fitting? Stealing her fabric? Trashing her sketches? And then there are those career-ending rumors her old boss is still spreading which, like Daphne herself, have made it from the west coast to the east. How can she possibly win when no one else is fighting fair?
Losing isn’t a good look, and it’s certainly not a look she’s willing to wear. But unless she can figure out a way to come out on top with her integrity intact, she’s going to have to play dirty, too… or risk her entire future coming apart at the seams.
A story of empowerment, starting over, and resilience, the third book in this new women’s fiction series for fans of "The Devil Wears Prada"; and "The Bold Type"; is a must-read.
When an up-and-coming fashion designer’s boss steals her designs and destroys her reputation, Daphne Owens moves across the country and starts over. From the bottom.
But in her move to New York City, finding a job that can cover rent quickly proves to be the least of her worries. Though the job she’s found is in the fashion industry, it’s not really hers yet. First she’s got to audition for six months, in a head-to-head competition with the ruthless Brandon Wright, to determine who is more worthy of the permanent gig.
Once upon a time, that wouldn’t have phased her, but Brandon seems hellbent on sabotaging her at every turn. Changing measurements so her garments are ill-fitting? Stealing her fabric? Trashing her sketches? And then there are those career-ending rumors her old boss is still spreading which, like Daphne herself, have made it from the west coast to the east. How can she possibly win when no one else is fighting fair?
Losing isn’t a good look, and it’s certainly not a look she’s willing to wear. But unless she can figure out a way to come out on top with her integrity intact, she’s going to have to play dirty, too… or risk her entire future coming apart at the seams.
A story of empowerment, starting over, and resilience, the third book in this new women’s fiction series for fans of "The Devil Wears Prada"; and "The Bold Type"; is a must-read.
ebook
Published August 6, 2025
5 people want to read
About the author
Mia Rosette
3 books7 followers"Mia Rosette is a luminous voice in the world of Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, and Romantic Comedy. With a flair for crafting irresistibly charming characters and plots that blend wit with warmth, Mia has captivated readers looking for that perfect escape.
Her stories, rooted in contemporary romance, offer delightful twists, hearty laughs, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Beyond her passion for writing, Mia is an avid coffee enthusiast, a lover of vintage rom-coms, and believes in the magic of a perfect first date.
Dive into her worlds where love, humor, and modern-day fairy tales await, and let Mia remind you of the joy of finding romance in the everyday."
Her stories, rooted in contemporary romance, offer delightful twists, hearty laughs, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Beyond her passion for writing, Mia is an avid coffee enthusiast, a lover of vintage rom-coms, and believes in the magic of a perfect first date.
Dive into her worlds where love, humor, and modern-day fairy tales await, and let Mia remind you of the joy of finding romance in the everyday."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 25, 2025
I struggled to get into this book. At first I couldn’t even get past the first 5 pages but I finally pushed thru and found myself mildly enjoying Daphne and the antics in the book. I liked the roommates in the brownstone house, tho the way she found the space so perfectly in time was very far fetched. I also found it far fetched that the group of roommates are able to always drop things and travel- and that some guy was willing to cover airfare/use miles to Milan for so many girls. The ending seemed rushed and discovering who was destroying Daphnes work seemed a bit anticlimactic.
A small yet important thing to me was the inconsistency in formatting on the kindle. There were some chapters that were all italics and others where the type face is “normal”.
Overall, I’d recommend this. It was a cute quick read once I got into it. 3/5 stars
August 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded up
Designing Daphne is the third installment in Mia Rosette’s series of interconnected standalones, and while you can absolutely read it on its own, I do think reading the earlier books gives some extra context—especially around the recurring characters and the broader world the author is building.
This book follows Daphne, a fashion designer whose life takes a serious nosedive when her boss steals her work and tanks her reputation. Starting over in New York, she finds herself in a competitive (and sometimes downright cutthroat) battle for a new job—while navigating sabotage, gossip, and the lingering scars from her past.
I really enjoyed the premise—there’s something compelling about a fresh start story, especially one set in the fashion world. Yes, it’s a bit fluffy and not always the most realistic, but part of the charm is exactly that escapist vibe. Daphne’s resilience makes her easy to root for, and I appreciated that the story stays centered on her journey. The romance is present, but it plays more of a background role, which fits the tone and theme of the book well.
That said, I do feel there’s some inconsistency in how characters are portrayed—some take up a lot of space, while others feel more like plot devices. Also, while I like that the books show how these women’s lives overlap, there’s a certain lack of genuine connection between them. Their interactions sometimes feel more circumstantial than heartfelt, and I found myself wishing for deeper friendships, rather than surface-level alliances.
Still, Designing Daphne is an enjoyable, fast-paced read about picking yourself back up when life knocks you down—and doing it with style.
Designing Daphne is the third installment in Mia Rosette’s series of interconnected standalones, and while you can absolutely read it on its own, I do think reading the earlier books gives some extra context—especially around the recurring characters and the broader world the author is building.
This book follows Daphne, a fashion designer whose life takes a serious nosedive when her boss steals her work and tanks her reputation. Starting over in New York, she finds herself in a competitive (and sometimes downright cutthroat) battle for a new job—while navigating sabotage, gossip, and the lingering scars from her past.
I really enjoyed the premise—there’s something compelling about a fresh start story, especially one set in the fashion world. Yes, it’s a bit fluffy and not always the most realistic, but part of the charm is exactly that escapist vibe. Daphne’s resilience makes her easy to root for, and I appreciated that the story stays centered on her journey. The romance is present, but it plays more of a background role, which fits the tone and theme of the book well.
That said, I do feel there’s some inconsistency in how characters are portrayed—some take up a lot of space, while others feel more like plot devices. Also, while I like that the books show how these women’s lives overlap, there’s a certain lack of genuine connection between them. Their interactions sometimes feel more circumstantial than heartfelt, and I found myself wishing for deeper friendships, rather than surface-level alliances.
Still, Designing Daphne is an enjoyable, fast-paced read about picking yourself back up when life knocks you down—and doing it with style.
July 23, 2025
Designing Daphne by Mia Rosette is an empowering and engaging romance that had me hooked from the start. Daphne Owens, an up-and-coming fashion designer with dreams of making it big, is forced to rebuild her career and reputation after a betrayal leaves her with nothing. Moving to New York City, she faces a ruthless competition with the talented (and infuriating) Brandon Wright, who seems hellbent on sabotaging her at every turn.
What I loved about this book was Daphne’s resilience—she’s determined, smart, and doesn’t back down, even when it seems like the odds are stacked against her. The fashion world setting is vibrant, and the rivalry with Brandon adds the perfect amount of tension and drama. The romance is a slow-burn, but the focus on Daphne’s personal growth and her fight to prove herself makes the story even more satisfying.
The book is a great mix of career challenges, self-discovery, and a bit of romance, making it perfect for fans of The Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type. I’m excited to see how the other girls' stories unfold in the series and how it all comes together in the end. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a story about starting over, resilience, and finding your way!
What I loved about this book was Daphne’s resilience—she’s determined, smart, and doesn’t back down, even when it seems like the odds are stacked against her. The fashion world setting is vibrant, and the rivalry with Brandon adds the perfect amount of tension and drama. The romance is a slow-burn, but the focus on Daphne’s personal growth and her fight to prove herself makes the story even more satisfying.
The book is a great mix of career challenges, self-discovery, and a bit of romance, making it perfect for fans of The Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type. I’m excited to see how the other girls' stories unfold in the series and how it all comes together in the end. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a story about starting over, resilience, and finding your way!
August 1, 2025
DESIGNING DAPHNE is the third book in the Faking It In The City series by Mia Rosette and I was all in. This is Daphne’s story and she and her new roommates are always there for each other. Five women who are stronger together showing their support, understanding and kindness for each other and that they have each other’s backs.
The story has multiple storylines but the main story ARC centers around Daphne working with designers and also designing her own clothes. When blackballed by the first designer she worked for as an intern she moves cross country to NewYork City. Unfortunately, her second chance at a job seems to be going worse than the first one especially when she feels she’s participating in a reality show.
I liked how we caught up with everyone and that scenes from the two previous books were woven in but didn’t rehash them again. There are lots of tears, anger, sadness, pain, laughter, music, clothes and sweets but through it all the roommates are always there for each other. Daphne also has a potential love interest. There is some closure along with a hint of what the next book will be about but the ending felt rushed and there were a few loose ends.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story has multiple storylines but the main story ARC centers around Daphne working with designers and also designing her own clothes. When blackballed by the first designer she worked for as an intern she moves cross country to NewYork City. Unfortunately, her second chance at a job seems to be going worse than the first one especially when she feels she’s participating in a reality show.
I liked how we caught up with everyone and that scenes from the two previous books were woven in but didn’t rehash them again. There are lots of tears, anger, sadness, pain, laughter, music, clothes and sweets but through it all the roommates are always there for each other. Daphne also has a potential love interest. There is some closure along with a hint of what the next book will be about but the ending felt rushed and there were a few loose ends.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2025
Designing Daphne
Stars -- 5
Spice -- 1
Daphne Owens' work is stolen from a top fashion designer and used as his own in the betrayal of all betrayals, and then she is fired and her life's work is ruined. She moves to New York to start new with the thought that the other side of the world might not have heard the betrayal.
When she starts applying for jobs and gets a bite, she is unprepared for the proposal that is given to her. As she begins her new life in the ultimate fight, she is also fighting to find who she really is and what she really wants.
Mia Rosette has weaved the ultimate betrayal into the prefect love story. In a fast paced world, Daphne's passion for her career and her ability to stand her ground, provides Daphne with some major resilience.
This book is witty and wonderfully written. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stars -- 5
Spice -- 1
Daphne Owens' work is stolen from a top fashion designer and used as his own in the betrayal of all betrayals, and then she is fired and her life's work is ruined. She moves to New York to start new with the thought that the other side of the world might not have heard the betrayal.
When she starts applying for jobs and gets a bite, she is unprepared for the proposal that is given to her. As she begins her new life in the ultimate fight, she is also fighting to find who she really is and what she really wants.
Mia Rosette has weaved the ultimate betrayal into the prefect love story. In a fast paced world, Daphne's passion for her career and her ability to stand her ground, provides Daphne with some major resilience.
This book is witty and wonderfully written. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2025
Daphne leaves the west coast after having her designs stolen by her boss and moves to New York. She finds a job where she'll start at the lowest level and will have to compete with another designer for six months, only one will be hired. A lot will happen, items will disappear, clothes will be destroyed, they'll have to fight the attraction they feel to each other, they'll work like slaves, and nothing seems to be enough until the Milan disaster. At home Daphne and her roommates will struggle against other neighbors and the developer who wants to buy the house (and the whole block). There are funny moments and a lot of team work.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
A splendid story ,I read with greed . A new author for me is Mia Rosette ,so I didn’t know what I was going to get. Brandon Wright was what she got ,her nemesis who her downfall he did plot . Vying for the same design position, he's playing to win ,and Daphne is praying she’ll have enough money for food but won’t give in. She’s a tough cookie since she’s had the dirty done to her before ,had her designs stolen and made out to be a liar when she confronted the cad and now from the bottom she’s had to start. She’s nothing to lose really but her dignity and this time hers in staying intact. Brilliant story about how the mouse roared ,no I’m not telling you how it ends my friends ,just know that this is a great story and it’s written well and the storyline is a divine one .
July 31, 2025
I really enjoy this series and how each roommate has their own book! We get an indepth perspective on their life and what happens around the same time period per book so there's some overlays.
The books focus a lot on standing up for yourself and some injustice that has happened along the way especially against woman. Overcoming these things and being there for each other. I like that there is some romance and hea but in a woman powerful way.
Overall cute short stories and series to pick up that is heartwarming and woman empowering.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The books focus a lot on standing up for yourself and some injustice that has happened along the way especially against woman. Overcoming these things and being there for each other. I like that there is some romance and hea but in a woman powerful way.
Overall cute short stories and series to pick up that is heartwarming and woman empowering.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2025
On Book 3 of the Faking it in the City series we had the story of Daphne, a fashion designer who leaves the West Coast after former boss steals one of her designs and fires her. She comes to NYC hoping that the lies and slander her ex-boss has been telling don't reach the other side of the country.
I love Daphne's story and the way each one of the five roommates are always there for each other, helping and lifting each other up.
In a though world it is nice to see women empowerment and real friendship.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I love Daphne's story and the way each one of the five roommates are always there for each other, helping and lifting each other up.
In a though world it is nice to see women empowerment and real friendship.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 19, 2025
I have to say I absolutely love the set up of the series and how every roommate is getting their own book. I enjoyed this book and getting to know Daphne more. She didn’t have a huge role in the first two books so this was refreshing. The romance was minimal which really worked for her character. And I loved how much the roommates played a part in this one. Perfect balance and I can’t wait for book 4!
August 11, 2025
I enjoy reading this series - Faking it in the City and I liked Book 3, Daphne's book in this series.
Heartwarming and women empowering, with romance and fun.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heartwarming and women empowering, with romance and fun.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2025
I love Daphne. She is so resilient. She is powerful and looking to get her life back in order. She is quite inspiring and I am sure glad she came out on top. A great story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
So...I'm being generous to this book. Because I did like the story, the world, and the girls. I didn't think the supposed enemies to lovers dynamic between Brandon and Daphne works at all because I started seeing the end twist coming halfway through or even before that. And I honestly didn't think the twist or the resolution were very satisfactory. Neither the whole Calaway thing.
Also the writing is a bit... immature, overly enthusiastic. Almost more fitting to a teen story.
But I did love Dapgne and the girls. Especially Becky. And I really want to read her story, so I am embracing this bout of cognitive dissonance.
Also the writing is a bit... immature, overly enthusiastic. Almost more fitting to a teen story.
But I did love Dapgne and the girls. Especially Becky. And I really want to read her story, so I am embracing this bout of cognitive dissonance.
October 28, 2025
It was good. You get some more information to add to the timeline. You learn so much about Daphne and you get to see the true colors of her boss. She was blaming the wrong person the whole time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
Fun rom com story with enjoyable characters and plot line. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2025
Quick, easy, got me out of my 24-hour reading slump. Even though it was lacking in a lot of areas and was really annoying. So a bit too fluffy, rom-commy, and just lacked a lot of sustenance.
2
2
July 6, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing the e-ARC
Overall rating 3.5/5
The premise sounded amazing, and as someone who faces resistance in her professional field, it was pretty easy to sympathize with the MFC. The overall tone of the story did not read too serious ( which, maybe it should have?) and the writing could have been more impactful.
In some areas it was hard to relate to the MFC, but that's the beauty of fiction: people do stuff that you won't. Daphne is a designer, and her designs get stolen. I didn't understand why she had to start from the bottom because of it? I understand that she couldn't call out the thief, but I wouldn't have just let that go. I'd have at least reached out to Estee Laundry (or whatever that insta account is) to bitch
A quick read, overall.
Overall rating 3.5/5
The premise sounded amazing, and as someone who faces resistance in her professional field, it was pretty easy to sympathize with the MFC. The overall tone of the story did not read too serious ( which, maybe it should have?) and the writing could have been more impactful.
In some areas it was hard to relate to the MFC, but that's the beauty of fiction: people do stuff that you won't. Daphne is a designer, and her designs get stolen. I didn't understand why she had to start from the bottom because of it? I understand that she couldn't call out the thief, but I wouldn't have just let that go. I'd have at least reached out to Estee Laundry (or whatever that insta account is) to bitch
A quick read, overall.
December 8, 2025
This book is a smart, feel-good romance that blends ambition, rivalry, and resilience in the glamorous world of fashion. Daphne Owens is a rising designer whose career is derailed by a shocking betrayal. Determined to bounce back, she heads to New York City to rebuild her name—and ends up clashing with Brandon Wright, a gifted (and maddeningly smug) designer who seems to thrive on getting under her skin.
Daphne is the heart of this story. She’s sharp, passionate, and refuses to give up, no matter how many obstacles stand in her way. Her journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about proving herself, reclaiming her voice, and learning to trust again. The competitive dynamic between her and Brandon adds plenty of sparks, and their slow-burn chemistry builds at just the right pace.
Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure world of fashion, this story has real Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type energy. The romance is satisfying, but it’s Daphne’s personal growth and determination that make this such a compelling read.
Daphne is the heart of this story. She’s sharp, passionate, and refuses to give up, no matter how many obstacles stand in her way. Her journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about proving herself, reclaiming her voice, and learning to trust again. The competitive dynamic between her and Brandon adds plenty of sparks, and their slow-burn chemistry builds at just the right pace.
Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure world of fashion, this story has real Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type energy. The romance is satisfying, but it’s Daphne’s personal growth and determination that make this such a compelling read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews