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Bigger Than Versace
In Milan, falling in love is always in style…
Lydia St. Clair is furious. After getting kicked out of college again, her father ships her off to Milan to work as a nanny for Isabella Rossi—a child far more manipulative than Lydia’s last sorority president. Lydia plans to leave as soon as possible.
Until she discovers Isabella’s father is Marco Rossi, an up-and-coming fashion designer. Lydia has loved fashion her entire life—but as a St. Clair, she was never allowed to pursue it. Respectable careers only. Law. Medicine. Not dreams.
When Marco offers her an internship at Rossi Designs, Lydia finally finds her place in the world she’s always wanted. Between late nights in the studio and learning the art of design, she begins to thrive. It doesn’t hurt that she’s working alongside Nico Moretti—a gorgeous model who’s kind, funny, and far too easy to trust.
For the first time, Lydia’s life fits. Until everything begins to unravel.
When things fall apart, Lydia’s instinct is to run. But walking away now would mean losing the future she’s finally built—and the love she never expected to find.
Will she find the courage to stay, or let fear and pride cost her everything?
Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, fish-out-of-water stories, fashion-forward settings, and witty, determined heroines.
Lydia St. Clair is furious. After getting kicked out of college again, her father ships her off to Milan to work as a nanny for Isabella Rossi—a child far more manipulative than Lydia’s last sorority president. Lydia plans to leave as soon as possible.
Until she discovers Isabella’s father is Marco Rossi, an up-and-coming fashion designer. Lydia has loved fashion her entire life—but as a St. Clair, she was never allowed to pursue it. Respectable careers only. Law. Medicine. Not dreams.
When Marco offers her an internship at Rossi Designs, Lydia finally finds her place in the world she’s always wanted. Between late nights in the studio and learning the art of design, she begins to thrive. It doesn’t hurt that she’s working alongside Nico Moretti—a gorgeous model who’s kind, funny, and far too easy to trust.
For the first time, Lydia’s life fits. Until everything begins to unravel.
When things fall apart, Lydia’s instinct is to run. But walking away now would mean losing the future she’s finally built—and the love she never expected to find.
Will she find the courage to stay, or let fear and pride cost her everything?
Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, fish-out-of-water stories, fashion-forward settings, and witty, determined heroines.
314 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Libby Tanner
2 books21 followersLibby Tanner grew up in a small town in Northern California that would be charming in a novel, but felt suffocating as a teenager. Yes, she left as fast as she could, and yes, she misses it very much.
In college Libby earned a degree in Communications. She wishes she would have studied creative writing instead of playing it safe, but also remembers she had student loans to pay off.
She is the mother of four sweet hooligans and is married to the world’s sexiest accountant (the world’s only sexy accountant?).
Her dream date would be eating crab legs in a hot air balloon over a vineyard.
In college Libby earned a degree in Communications. She wishes she would have studied creative writing instead of playing it safe, but also remembers she had student loans to pay off.
She is the mother of four sweet hooligans and is married to the world’s sexiest accountant (the world’s only sexy accountant?).
Her dream date would be eating crab legs in a hot air balloon over a vineyard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 15, 2026
Lydia St. Clair has been shipped off to Milan to work as a nanny for Isabella Rossi after she got kicked out of college, again. Lydia wants to leave as soon as possible until she learns that Isabella’s father is an up and coming fashion designer. She wiggles her way into interning for Marco, she realizes this is her love, her passion. But her father would never go for it. Then she meets one of the models, Nico. He’s handsome and funny. Life feels great for Lydia. Until things start to unravel. Lydia has always run away when things get hard, is she going to run again and lose everything she’s been working towards?
I’ll be honest, when I first started the book, I wasn’t sure about it. But once it got into Lydia working at the design studio I really enjoyed reading the book. Lydia’s growth through the book was a joy to read. She went from kind of being a stuck up rich girl to becoming a down to earth girl, truly living a full life surrounded by wonderful people. And the side characters in this book, even the little girl she nannies for, are wonderful. They are supportive and loving, inclusive – the opposite of the family that she grew up with.
Nico was a fantastic character. He was sweet and funny. What I loved about him the most was how much he loved his family, and how much he was willing to put them first. I also felt that Nico felt like safety for Lydia. I could imagine her snuggling up to him just to ground herself.
There were moments I laughed out loud, there were moments that I had hearts in my eyes. Overall, this was a really enjoyable read.
I’ll be honest, when I first started the book, I wasn’t sure about it. But once it got into Lydia working at the design studio I really enjoyed reading the book. Lydia’s growth through the book was a joy to read. She went from kind of being a stuck up rich girl to becoming a down to earth girl, truly living a full life surrounded by wonderful people. And the side characters in this book, even the little girl she nannies for, are wonderful. They are supportive and loving, inclusive – the opposite of the family that she grew up with.
Nico was a fantastic character. He was sweet and funny. What I loved about him the most was how much he loved his family, and how much he was willing to put them first. I also felt that Nico felt like safety for Lydia. I could imagine her snuggling up to him just to ground herself.
There were moments I laughed out loud, there were moments that I had hearts in my eyes. Overall, this was a really enjoyable read.
June 24, 2026
I loved this book! A quick read with short chapters, I was pulled into Lydia’s world immediately. I enjoyed the fashion references throughout, as well as the journey exploring Lydia’s feelings as she let her guard down and learned to be a little vulnerable while she figured out just how big love can be.
Thank you to Libby Tanner and Beyond the Books PR for the ARC!
Thank you to Libby Tanner and Beyond the Books PR for the ARC!
June 30, 2026
I almost DNF this book.
The story started out very slow and MFC didn't seem relatable.
I stuck with it since I loved Libby's first book. I'm glad I did and
the story did move a little faster and did get better.
The story started out very slow and MFC didn't seem relatable.
I stuck with it since I loved Libby's first book. I'm glad I did and
the story did move a little faster and did get better.
June 16, 2026
This is a bold, emotionally satisfying romance with all the complexity that makes for a most enjoyable read. There is enough angst to keep things interesting, but not so much that leads to frustration. Libby Tanner has written an uplifting feel-good book to experience all the flavour of Italy without leaving home.
June 5, 2026
Proof that sometimes it pays to keep reading. I almost DNF’d this one around 17% because the beginning felt slow and I wasn’t connecting with Lydia at all. But I came back to it, gave it another chance, and ended up loving it. Watching Lydia grow throughout the story made all the difference, and by the end, I was completely invested. So glad I didn’t give up on this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I haven't been so in love with a book in such a long time and this book just made me happy through and through. 5 ⭐️.
Lydia St. Clair, the daughter of a senator, is someone you would consider a spoilt rich girl who has everything and the best of the best. But of course it's always the things that we want, we can't have. Lydia loves all things that is fashion, designing and creating. Unfortunately for her, her father thinks that fashion and designing is more of a hobby rather than a stable career path. He tries to get her to study in the most prestigious of schools but someone like Lydia can't be held down by the likes of textbooks and classrooms. When that doesn't work, he ships her off to Milan to be a live in nanny for the Rossi family for a year to get the rebellious phase out of her.
Once in Milan, Lydia discovers that the family she works for, more specifically the father, Marco Rossi, is a fashion designer and ends up interning at his studio. Here she finds out that she really finds herself pursing this career as a designer and plans on paving a way for herself in the field. Of course, what is life without a little Romance? She's absolutely enamored by a model she meets at Marco's studio. From there on she develops a relationship and finds herself on a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
I absolutely loved this book. It is hands down the best book I've read this year and first 5 star read. There isn't a thing I would change about this book!
I love Lydia. She's such a mood. Her inner dialog is so funny and relatable especially for people who don't like the idea of being around clingy children but eventually warm up to them. I found that part of her quite relatable as i found myself in a similar situation. I love that her reactions to the situations are very real and very natural emotions and actions one might have if they were placed in her shoes. The journey from not being able to live in Milan to eventually staying in Milan is so satisfying especially since she never expected to be there since the day she got there. Her character growth is also very admirable and very satisfying to read.
I loved all of the side characters in the story as well. They all served there purpose to the story and all played a role in Lydia's life no matter if they had a small or big impact on her life.
The setting and world building was also great as well. I loved that it was very detailed yet not overbearing or too heavy. Coupled with Lydia's inner dialog spread throughout, everything just had a logical flow to it!
The plot was also really great as well. It was a very straight forward plot but it's the experience and journey that the character takes is what makes the book stand out. You can very easily guess what happens throughout the book but watching Lydia grow throughout is the main takeaway.
The book name drop was sooo cute as well. In case anyone was wondering, you do get an explanation for the book title 🤣.
If you love the following then this book is for you:
> Romance
> Fashion
> Spoiled Rich Girls
> Banter
Lydia St. Clair, the daughter of a senator, is someone you would consider a spoilt rich girl who has everything and the best of the best. But of course it's always the things that we want, we can't have. Lydia loves all things that is fashion, designing and creating. Unfortunately for her, her father thinks that fashion and designing is more of a hobby rather than a stable career path. He tries to get her to study in the most prestigious of schools but someone like Lydia can't be held down by the likes of textbooks and classrooms. When that doesn't work, he ships her off to Milan to be a live in nanny for the Rossi family for a year to get the rebellious phase out of her.
Once in Milan, Lydia discovers that the family she works for, more specifically the father, Marco Rossi, is a fashion designer and ends up interning at his studio. Here she finds out that she really finds herself pursing this career as a designer and plans on paving a way for herself in the field. Of course, what is life without a little Romance? She's absolutely enamored by a model she meets at Marco's studio. From there on she develops a relationship and finds herself on a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
I absolutely loved this book. It is hands down the best book I've read this year and first 5 star read. There isn't a thing I would change about this book!
I love Lydia. She's such a mood. Her inner dialog is so funny and relatable especially for people who don't like the idea of being around clingy children but eventually warm up to them. I found that part of her quite relatable as i found myself in a similar situation. I love that her reactions to the situations are very real and very natural emotions and actions one might have if they were placed in her shoes. The journey from not being able to live in Milan to eventually staying in Milan is so satisfying especially since she never expected to be there since the day she got there. Her character growth is also very admirable and very satisfying to read.
I loved all of the side characters in the story as well. They all served there purpose to the story and all played a role in Lydia's life no matter if they had a small or big impact on her life.
The setting and world building was also great as well. I loved that it was very detailed yet not overbearing or too heavy. Coupled with Lydia's inner dialog spread throughout, everything just had a logical flow to it!
The plot was also really great as well. It was a very straight forward plot but it's the experience and journey that the character takes is what makes the book stand out. You can very easily guess what happens throughout the book but watching Lydia grow throughout is the main takeaway.
The book name drop was sooo cute as well. In case anyone was wondering, you do get an explanation for the book title 🤣.
If you love the following then this book is for you:
> Romance
> Fashion
> Spoiled Rich Girls
> Banter
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Stars
This book was so much more than a romance it was a beautiful journey of self-discovery, healing, and finding where you truly belong.
Lydia starts off as a spoiled, privileged girl who has always had everything handed to her. Being forced to spend a year in Milan as a nanny feels like a punishment, and at first she hates every second of it. But little by little, her world begins to change.
Watching Lydia grow was my favorite part of this story. She learns that happiness isn’t measured by money, status, or designer labels, but by genuine friendships, unconditional love, and the courage to follow your own dreams.
Her relationship with Nico was sweet and heartfelt, but I especially loved the bond she built with the little girl she cared for. They started out at war with each other and ended up creating one of the most touching relationships in the book. It gave me the same heartwarming nanny movie vibes where love and patience slowly transform everyone involved.
I also appreciated how the story addressed Lydia’s dyslexia and how finally receiving the right support allowed her to stop believing she wasn’t capable. Seeing her choose fashion school and pursue the dream she had buried for so many years was incredibly emotional.
By the end, Lydia is no longer the entitled girl who arrived in Milan. She becomes someone who values people over appearances, chooses passion over expectations, and finally learns to live for herself.
This book made me smile, laugh, and tear up more than once. It’s a beautiful story about growth, found family, friendship, love, and discovering that sometimes getting lost is exactly what you need to find yourself.
An easy 5-star read that will stay with me for a long time.
This book was so much more than a romance it was a beautiful journey of self-discovery, healing, and finding where you truly belong.
Lydia starts off as a spoiled, privileged girl who has always had everything handed to her. Being forced to spend a year in Milan as a nanny feels like a punishment, and at first she hates every second of it. But little by little, her world begins to change.
Watching Lydia grow was my favorite part of this story. She learns that happiness isn’t measured by money, status, or designer labels, but by genuine friendships, unconditional love, and the courage to follow your own dreams.
Her relationship with Nico was sweet and heartfelt, but I especially loved the bond she built with the little girl she cared for. They started out at war with each other and ended up creating one of the most touching relationships in the book. It gave me the same heartwarming nanny movie vibes where love and patience slowly transform everyone involved.
I also appreciated how the story addressed Lydia’s dyslexia and how finally receiving the right support allowed her to stop believing she wasn’t capable. Seeing her choose fashion school and pursue the dream she had buried for so many years was incredibly emotional.
By the end, Lydia is no longer the entitled girl who arrived in Milan. She becomes someone who values people over appearances, chooses passion over expectations, and finally learns to live for herself.
This book made me smile, laugh, and tear up more than once. It’s a beautiful story about growth, found family, friendship, love, and discovering that sometimes getting lost is exactly what you need to find yourself.
An easy 5-star read that will stay with me for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bigger than Versace by Libby Tanner is an extraordinary novel with a character driven plot. Lydia St. Claire and her passion for designing is the highlight of this book. The character development and how she builds her career from scratch along with facing obstacles was motivating to read. She came across as a relatable person. She was witty and sarcastic at times and I totally enjoyed reading her internal dialogues.
Her journey from being nanny to Isabella to working as an intern for Marco was truly inspiring. She was passionate, brave and knew what she wanted to do. The relationship dynamics between her and Isabella was interesting and I enjoyed reading their scenes. The relationship growth between them was realistic and adorable at times. I loved how she overcame her weaknesses and was ready to change for good. At times it was emotional to read certain parts where she dealt with lot of difficulties.
Lydia and Nico had this amazing bond and their chemistry was natural and irresistible. They were honest and took care of each other selflessly. The friendship between Carmen and Lydia stole my heart and the whole group was just amazing. The growth of Lydia in Milan was commendable and she can inspire a lot to other to follow their dreams and passion.
I enjoyed reading the alphabets all over again with brand names. It was one of my favorite scenes from the book.
Lydia is an inspiration to many women out there who want to follow their dreams unapologetically. I want to thank writer for writing such an amazing story. It motivated me and was knowledgeable also. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and I would highly recommend everyone to read this amazing book!!
Thank you Libby Tanner and beyond the book pr for the ARC!!
Her journey from being nanny to Isabella to working as an intern for Marco was truly inspiring. She was passionate, brave and knew what she wanted to do. The relationship dynamics between her and Isabella was interesting and I enjoyed reading their scenes. The relationship growth between them was realistic and adorable at times. I loved how she overcame her weaknesses and was ready to change for good. At times it was emotional to read certain parts where she dealt with lot of difficulties.
Lydia and Nico had this amazing bond and their chemistry was natural and irresistible. They were honest and took care of each other selflessly. The friendship between Carmen and Lydia stole my heart and the whole group was just amazing. The growth of Lydia in Milan was commendable and she can inspire a lot to other to follow their dreams and passion.
I enjoyed reading the alphabets all over again with brand names. It was one of my favorite scenes from the book.
Lydia is an inspiration to many women out there who want to follow their dreams unapologetically. I want to thank writer for writing such an amazing story. It motivated me and was knowledgeable also. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and I would highly recommend everyone to read this amazing book!!
Thank you Libby Tanner and beyond the book pr for the ARC!!
June 25, 2026
There was something undeniably charming about Bigger Than Versace. Set against the backdrop of Milan’s fashion world, this story blends romance, self-discovery, and personal growth into a feel-good read that was easy to get lost in. Lydia’s journey from a privileged young woman stuck in a life chosen for her to someone willing to fight for her own dreams was the heart of the story for me.
What stood out most wasn’t necessarily the romance—though Nico was sweet, supportive, and easy to root for—but watching Lydia find confidence in herself and her passion for fashion. The internship at Rossi Designs, the friendships she builds, and even her relationship with young Isabella all added depth and warmth to the story. Several reviewers mentioned how much they enjoyed seeing Lydia grow, and I completely understand why.
The book has strong found-family vibes, a gorgeous Italian setting, and enough emotional moments to balance the lighter, romantic ones. I especially appreciated that the story focused on choosing your own path rather than simply finding love. Lydia’s struggles with expectations, self-worth, and discovering where she truly belongs gave the story a relatable emotional core.
While parts of the plot felt predictable and the pacing took a little while to fully hook me, once Lydia settled into her new life in Milan, I found myself invested in her journey. This is the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you turn the last page.
If you enjoy contemporary romance with fashion-forward settings, personal growth, found family, and a heroine learning to follow her dreams, this is a lovely escape. Cute, heartwarming, and uplifting from start to finish.
What stood out most wasn’t necessarily the romance—though Nico was sweet, supportive, and easy to root for—but watching Lydia find confidence in herself and her passion for fashion. The internship at Rossi Designs, the friendships she builds, and even her relationship with young Isabella all added depth and warmth to the story. Several reviewers mentioned how much they enjoyed seeing Lydia grow, and I completely understand why.
The book has strong found-family vibes, a gorgeous Italian setting, and enough emotional moments to balance the lighter, romantic ones. I especially appreciated that the story focused on choosing your own path rather than simply finding love. Lydia’s struggles with expectations, self-worth, and discovering where she truly belongs gave the story a relatable emotional core.
While parts of the plot felt predictable and the pacing took a little while to fully hook me, once Lydia settled into her new life in Milan, I found myself invested in her journey. This is the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you turn the last page.
If you enjoy contemporary romance with fashion-forward settings, personal growth, found family, and a heroine learning to follow her dreams, this is a lovely escape. Cute, heartwarming, and uplifting from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fashion world dreams, slow-burn romance, and self-discovery in Milan. Bigger Than Versace is a glamorous, emotional, and empowering romance that blends fashion, ambition, and unexpected love in the heart of Milan.
Lydia St. Clair starts off frustrated and directionless after being forced away from her plans for the future. Sent to work as a nanny, she expects nothing from her time abroad—but instead finds herself stepping into a world she has always secretly dreamed of: fashion design.
What makes this story shine is Lydia’s transformation. She begins as someone pressured into “acceptable” choices, but gradually discovers her own voice, passion, and talent in the fashion industry. Her journey into Rossi Designs feels like stepping into the life she was always meant for.
The romance with Nico Moretti adds warmth and tension to the story. Their chemistry builds slowly, grounded in trust, shared moments, and emotional vulnerability rather than instant attraction.
✨ What stood out:
* Fashion industry setting
* Fish-out-of-water heroine
* Slow-burn romance
* Found purpose / self-discovery
* Model x designer romance vibes
* Workplace proximity
* Emotional growth arc
* Dream-chasing theme
* Light angst and healing journey
A stylish, heartfelt romance about finding your passion—and the courage to choose it.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Family pressure and emotional control
* Academic failure / disappointment themes
* Emotional stress and anxiety
* Workplace dynamics
* Mild romantic intimacy
* Fear of failure / identity struggles
Lydia St. Clair starts off frustrated and directionless after being forced away from her plans for the future. Sent to work as a nanny, she expects nothing from her time abroad—but instead finds herself stepping into a world she has always secretly dreamed of: fashion design.
What makes this story shine is Lydia’s transformation. She begins as someone pressured into “acceptable” choices, but gradually discovers her own voice, passion, and talent in the fashion industry. Her journey into Rossi Designs feels like stepping into the life she was always meant for.
The romance with Nico Moretti adds warmth and tension to the story. Their chemistry builds slowly, grounded in trust, shared moments, and emotional vulnerability rather than instant attraction.
✨ What stood out:
* Fashion industry setting
* Fish-out-of-water heroine
* Slow-burn romance
* Found purpose / self-discovery
* Model x designer romance vibes
* Workplace proximity
* Emotional growth arc
* Dream-chasing theme
* Light angst and healing journey
A stylish, heartfelt romance about finding your passion—and the courage to choose it.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Family pressure and emotional control
* Academic failure / disappointment themes
* Emotional stress and anxiety
* Workplace dynamics
* Mild romantic intimacy
* Fear of failure / identity struggles
Review of advance copy
Thank you @beyondthebookspr and @libbytannerauthor for this ARC! 🛍️🧵🪡🍹🇮🇹
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fashion, drama, Italian culture, and a destination romance?! What more can you ask for when looking for a summer read! It was such a fun story!
Lydia St. Clair is in her early 20s and comes from a privileged upbringing, has big ambitions for a career in fashion and felt the weight of her father’s expectations her whole life. After getting kicked out of college, her father ships her off to become a nanny for a child in Milan. Distressed, and like a fish out of water, Lydia feels hopeless until she discovers she’s closer to her fashion dreams than she could have imagined when the child’s father turns out to be an up-and-coming fashion designer. Lydia’s father has never found fashion a respectable career, so now she must decide if her dreams are worth the risk, especially when romance begins to bloom with a handsome model, Nico.
Lydia is such a vibe, and her inner monologue is so snarky and funny. This book gave off all the perfect Devil Wears Prada and Uptown Girls vibes, and I really enjoyed seeing Lydia’s journey of self-discovery and growth as a person, from doing something she loved to finding unexpected love and friendship. Lydia’s chemistry with Nico is palpable and filled with great banter. I enjoyed the tension and tender moments between them! The detailed descriptions of city life in Milan truly transport you, and all the side characters were so fun to get to know. There’s so much chaos, drama, and heart-tugging moments with Lydia’s role as Isabella’s nanny. Addressing topics like familial expectations, failure, dyslexia, and taking huge risks in life made for a super relatable and enjoyable reading experience!
It was a beautiful story about self-discovery, taking risks, learning to believe in yourself, found family and love. There’s a little something for everyone and I definitely recommend it!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fashion, drama, Italian culture, and a destination romance?! What more can you ask for when looking for a summer read! It was such a fun story!
Lydia St. Clair is in her early 20s and comes from a privileged upbringing, has big ambitions for a career in fashion and felt the weight of her father’s expectations her whole life. After getting kicked out of college, her father ships her off to become a nanny for a child in Milan. Distressed, and like a fish out of water, Lydia feels hopeless until she discovers she’s closer to her fashion dreams than she could have imagined when the child’s father turns out to be an up-and-coming fashion designer. Lydia’s father has never found fashion a respectable career, so now she must decide if her dreams are worth the risk, especially when romance begins to bloom with a handsome model, Nico.
Lydia is such a vibe, and her inner monologue is so snarky and funny. This book gave off all the perfect Devil Wears Prada and Uptown Girls vibes, and I really enjoyed seeing Lydia’s journey of self-discovery and growth as a person, from doing something she loved to finding unexpected love and friendship. Lydia’s chemistry with Nico is palpable and filled with great banter. I enjoyed the tension and tender moments between them! The detailed descriptions of city life in Milan truly transport you, and all the side characters were so fun to get to know. There’s so much chaos, drama, and heart-tugging moments with Lydia’s role as Isabella’s nanny. Addressing topics like familial expectations, failure, dyslexia, and taking huge risks in life made for a super relatable and enjoyable reading experience!
It was a beautiful story about self-discovery, taking risks, learning to believe in yourself, found family and love. There’s a little something for everyone and I definitely recommend it!
June 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Beyond the Books PR and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bigger Than Versace was such a fun and charming read. Between the fashion world, the beautiful Milan setting, family drama, and romance, it had all the ingredients for the perfect escape.
Lydia starts off feeling a little lost, constantly trying to live up to expectations that were never really hers. Watching her find confidence in herself and finally pursue the career she's always dreamed of was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her growth throughout the book felt natural and rewarding.
Nico was an absolute sweetheart. I loved how supportive he was while still standing up for himself when it mattered. The chemistry between him and Lydia was easy to root for, with plenty of banter, sweet moments, and tension along the way.
The fashion industry setting was so much fun, and I loved getting a glimpse into the design world. Add in the office drama, found-family vibes, and colorful cast of side characters, and I was completely invested from start to finish.
✨ What you'll find:
• Fashion industry romance
• Milan, Italy
• Nanny to fashion intern
• Found family
• Character growth
• Sweet romance
Overall, this was a heartwarming story about taking risks, chasing your dreams, and learning that sometimes the life you never planned for ends up being exactly what you needed.
Thank you to Beyond the Books PR and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bigger Than Versace was such a fun and charming read. Between the fashion world, the beautiful Milan setting, family drama, and romance, it had all the ingredients for the perfect escape.
Lydia starts off feeling a little lost, constantly trying to live up to expectations that were never really hers. Watching her find confidence in herself and finally pursue the career she's always dreamed of was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her growth throughout the book felt natural and rewarding.
Nico was an absolute sweetheart. I loved how supportive he was while still standing up for himself when it mattered. The chemistry between him and Lydia was easy to root for, with plenty of banter, sweet moments, and tension along the way.
The fashion industry setting was so much fun, and I loved getting a glimpse into the design world. Add in the office drama, found-family vibes, and colorful cast of side characters, and I was completely invested from start to finish.
✨ What you'll find:
• Fashion industry romance
• Milan, Italy
• Nanny to fashion intern
• Found family
• Character growth
• Sweet romance
Overall, this was a heartwarming story about taking risks, chasing your dreams, and learning that sometimes the life you never planned for ends up being exactly what you needed.
June 26, 2026
Thank you to beyond the books pr and the author for an advanced reader copy of this book
This review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
Bigger than Versace
by Libby Tanner
out now on Amazon
I don't Remember the last time I enjoyed a Rom-Com so much! This story was delightful! Lydia St. Clair is a stylish senator's daughter sent to Milan as a punishment (PLEASE PUNISH ME!) after an incident involving poultry and her second Ivy university. It turns out she is in exile for a year as a nanny to a precocious 1st grader Isa.Acceptance of one's fate follows many paths and it turns out Isa's father Marco Rossi is a fashion designer, Lydia's one true passion.
Getting to work at the Rossi fashion studio makes nanny duty more bearable. So DOES one models face NICO.
Nico is more than just a pretty face, he has killer abs, great legs, stellar biceps ... okay JUST KIDDING. Nico is just modeling for the euros! He's smart and crazy passionate about Bridges because he's a college student of architecture and a big brother and a great son. There are a lot of ups and downs bcs Lydia's learning about love and herself.
But Lydia proves herself finds her passion and proves there is more to her than meets the eye.
I love how she helps Isa with things she's learned about herself and is generous with her friends. I love reading about Italy and Milan but most about a green flag MMC and a quirky FMC.
This review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
Bigger than Versace
by Libby Tanner
out now on Amazon
I don't Remember the last time I enjoyed a Rom-Com so much! This story was delightful! Lydia St. Clair is a stylish senator's daughter sent to Milan as a punishment (PLEASE PUNISH ME!) after an incident involving poultry and her second Ivy university. It turns out she is in exile for a year as a nanny to a precocious 1st grader Isa.Acceptance of one's fate follows many paths and it turns out Isa's father Marco Rossi is a fashion designer, Lydia's one true passion.
Getting to work at the Rossi fashion studio makes nanny duty more bearable. So DOES one models face NICO.
Nico is more than just a pretty face, he has killer abs, great legs, stellar biceps ... okay JUST KIDDING. Nico is just modeling for the euros! He's smart and crazy passionate about Bridges because he's a college student of architecture and a big brother and a great son. There are a lot of ups and downs bcs Lydia's learning about love and herself.
But Lydia proves herself finds her passion and proves there is more to her than meets the eye.
I love how she helps Isa with things she's learned about herself and is generous with her friends. I love reading about Italy and Milan but most about a green flag MMC and a quirky FMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, this was the cutest freaking story and I read it in one sitting! It was exactly what I needed to read yesterday. Absolutely a 5 star read! 🩷
The Vibe:
Lydia is a spoiled American rich girl whose family sends her to Italy to be a nanny to a precocious, hilarious 7-year-old named Isabella (who I absolutely adored). While there, Lydia really shines as she leans into her passion for fashion by interning at her boss's fashion house. It’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery, finding her independence, and realizing she doesn't need to run away when things get hard.
The Romance & Characters:
The found family she makes along the way is unexpected in the absolute best way. And then there is Nico, an Italian model who is uniquely obsessed with bridges (hey, he wants to be an engineer, so it tracks!). Their relationship is so sweet, and his family dynamic adds such a lovely layer of depth to the story.
My Favorite Part:
I loved all of the fashion nods and callouts... especially the Kate Spade ones! (If you don't know, I work for Tapestry and I adore our brands, so this spoke to my soul).
If you are looking for a cute, easy read this summer, absolutely pick this up when it releases on June 16!
The Vibe:
Lydia is a spoiled American rich girl whose family sends her to Italy to be a nanny to a precocious, hilarious 7-year-old named Isabella (who I absolutely adored). While there, Lydia really shines as she leans into her passion for fashion by interning at her boss's fashion house. It’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery, finding her independence, and realizing she doesn't need to run away when things get hard.
The Romance & Characters:
The found family she makes along the way is unexpected in the absolute best way. And then there is Nico, an Italian model who is uniquely obsessed with bridges (hey, he wants to be an engineer, so it tracks!). Their relationship is so sweet, and his family dynamic adds such a lovely layer of depth to the story.
My Favorite Part:
I loved all of the fashion nods and callouts... especially the Kate Spade ones! (If you don't know, I work for Tapestry and I adore our brands, so this spoke to my soul).
If you are looking for a cute, easy read this summer, absolutely pick this up when it releases on June 16!
June 25, 2026
A romance set in Milan's fashion world? Yes, yes, oh yes... ✨
What I loved most about this book is that it isn't just a romance, it's a story about self-discovery and personal growth.
Watching Lydia, a privileged young woman who's spent her life following expectations, slowly figure out who she is and pursue the career she's always dreamed of was such a warm, comforting journey to read.
And then there's Nico. 🥹 He is an absolute sweetheart. The chemistry, the banter, and the romance are adorable and heartfelt without overshadowing Lydia's personal growth.
As a The Devil Wears Prada fan, I had so much fun with the fashion-world setting. The glimpses into Milan, the industry atmosphere, and all the stylish details made me want to move there.
If you're looking for a heartwarming read with found family, personal growth, and a sweet romance, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. 💕
What I loved most about this book is that it isn't just a romance, it's a story about self-discovery and personal growth.
Watching Lydia, a privileged young woman who's spent her life following expectations, slowly figure out who she is and pursue the career she's always dreamed of was such a warm, comforting journey to read.
And then there's Nico. 🥹 He is an absolute sweetheart. The chemistry, the banter, and the romance are adorable and heartfelt without overshadowing Lydia's personal growth.
As a The Devil Wears Prada fan, I had so much fun with the fashion-world setting. The glimpses into Milan, the industry atmosphere, and all the stylish details made me want to move there.
If you're looking for a heartwarming read with found family, personal growth, and a sweet romance, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
I actually liked reading this book, it was well paced, and showed a lot of growth from Lydia(Main Character)
I loved Nico, he was just the sweetest, there was times in the book where I felt he was too good to be true until the break up scene where he just stood firm and said what he wanted to and that was a good thing cause we do not get men in books confessing how they actually feel.
The friends reminded me of myself, thrifting and markets and always eating a cheap places because the cost of living is way too high to be fine dining on a week night.
Liked the whole office drama as well, there will always be those two who try to one up and up and coming intern, this was sooooo on point.
I love the family dynamics as well, hard working parents and also nice lessons to learn.
I enjoyed the ending as well, I think it tied the whole book together.
I loved Nico, he was just the sweetest, there was times in the book where I felt he was too good to be true until the break up scene where he just stood firm and said what he wanted to and that was a good thing cause we do not get men in books confessing how they actually feel.
The friends reminded me of myself, thrifting and markets and always eating a cheap places because the cost of living is way too high to be fine dining on a week night.
Liked the whole office drama as well, there will always be those two who try to one up and up and coming intern, this was sooooo on point.
I love the family dynamics as well, hard working parents and also nice lessons to learn.
I enjoyed the ending as well, I think it tied the whole book together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it felt like such a vibrant mix of fashion, romance, and self‑discovery. Lydia St. Clair starts off as a privileged girl who doesn’t quite know what she wants, and after being sent to Milan as a nanny, she slowly begins to find herself. Watching her go from spoiled and restless to someone who genuinely works hard and discovers her passion for design was very satisfying.
The fashion world setting was one of my favorite parts. The descriptions of Milan, the studio, and the energy of the industry made me feel like I was right there with Lydia. Her internship with Marco Rossi gave her the chance to prove herself, and I loved seeing her determination grow.
Nico was sweet, funny, and grounded, and I liked how much he cared about his family.
The side characters were also wonderful. The friendships Lydia built in Milan made her journey even richer, showing how much she had changed from the girl who first arrived.
The fashion world setting was one of my favorite parts. The descriptions of Milan, the studio, and the energy of the industry made me feel like I was right there with Lydia. Her internship with Marco Rossi gave her the chance to prove herself, and I loved seeing her determination grow.
Nico was sweet, funny, and grounded, and I liked how much he cared about his family.
The side characters were also wonderful. The friendships Lydia built in Milan made her journey even richer, showing how much she had changed from the girl who first arrived.
Review of advance copy
This is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint. Absolutely loved the narrative. The characters in this were amazing. I liked that the FMC started off as a nanny but also wanted to be involved in doing fashion work. And when the nanny component kicked in, things took a turn. I feel like that's were things took off in this. I also loved the dynamics, the storyline, the build-up, and the way things turned out. And I liked the setting, where this took place, in Italy because what's there not to love about Italy and an Italian romance. Thanks so much too Beyond the Books PR and the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
if you love fashion this book is for you lydia is an american girl who is currently in italy working as nanny, meanwhile she loves making outfit and sketching it in her ipad then she start doing her internship at her boss's studio
she is so dedicated and also very creative nico is also a good guy who is model in studio
i love their chemistry and i feel very sad when they break up due to misunderstanding.
i love that she takes care of his family and supports his sister and i love the way she remember what a person likes and i love the way she bring gifts in christmas, i love isa and lydia duo too, love the ending.
if you love fashion this book is for you lydia is an american girl who is currently in italy working as nanny, meanwhile she loves making outfit and sketching it in her ipad then she start doing her internship at her boss's studio
she is so dedicated and also very creative nico is also a good guy who is model in studio
i love their chemistry and i feel very sad when they break up due to misunderstanding.
i love that she takes care of his family and supports his sister and i love the way she remember what a person likes and i love the way she bring gifts in christmas, i love isa and lydia duo too, love the ending.
June 13, 2026
Hello, people!
Lydia became the main heroine of my heart. I loved her for many reasons, but mainly because she is real, accessible, human, funny, with strengths and weaknesses. In general, she left me with a very familiar warmth and I found parts of myself in her.
The plot is full of elements, very well developed and without gaps. Especially the latter is such a rare phenomenon that the author managed to surprise me positively.
Her writing is dreamy, warm, detailed, understandable, rich and fast.
Thank you very much to the author and Beyond The Books PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Lydia became the main heroine of my heart. I loved her for many reasons, but mainly because she is real, accessible, human, funny, with strengths and weaknesses. In general, she left me with a very familiar warmth and I found parts of myself in her.
The plot is full of elements, very well developed and without gaps. Especially the latter is such a rare phenomenon that the author managed to surprise me positively.
Her writing is dreamy, warm, detailed, understandable, rich and fast.
Thank you very much to the author and Beyond The Books PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bigger Than Versace was a cute and fun read for me. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I struggled to connect with the story at first, but once it picked up, I really enjoyed it.
Lydia starts off as a nanny but quickly discovers her love for fashion and working in design. Watching her growth throughout the story was my favorite part—she’s creative, smart, and determined in a really engaging way. I also liked her dynamic with Nico, who was very sweet, kind, and funny.
Overall, I’d recommend this to fans of fashion-forward contemporary romance.
Thank you to Libby Tanner and Beyond The Books PR for the ARC.
Lydia starts off as a nanny but quickly discovers her love for fashion and working in design. Watching her growth throughout the story was my favorite part—she’s creative, smart, and determined in a really engaging way. I also liked her dynamic with Nico, who was very sweet, kind, and funny.
Overall, I’d recommend this to fans of fashion-forward contemporary romance.
Thank you to Libby Tanner and Beyond The Books PR for the ARC.
June 25, 2026
Bigger Than Versace came to me by way of ARC - thank you so much Beyond the Books PR! I struggled in the beginning to connect to Lydia, because she was both spoiled, entitled and so ready to just peace out when life got tough! But as the story developed, and as we really get to know all the characters (Isa = perfect blend of sassy and endearing, and Nico! swoon), I found myself excited to see how it would all come together. This books feels like it’s happening in a Devil Wears Prada adjacent universe with a little dash of XOXO Gossip Girl thrown in. A great light summer read.
July 28, 2026
I always enjoy a book that shows how the characters grow and change to be better people throughout the story. This book had that feel with every chapter. Both of the main characters had family issues to deal with and overcome. There is so much hope and love for others in this glamorous story about fashion. It took a bit for Lydia to get there, but she came through in flying colors at the end. I was so happy to see the families work out their differences too. This was a fun book to read. I also loved the precocious 7 year old. Even she changed for the better.
Review of advance copy
Can you imagine having to be a nanny in Milan when you don’t like children and love fashion. Lydia’s dad is a State Senator and has basically cut her off. Lydia is fighting so hard to get back home, but ends up getting what she wanted from Milan. This story had sass, was funny, and set in Italy. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. Thank you to Beyond The Books PR for an arc!!
June 25, 2026
The beginning was a bit slow for me, but it picked up about a third of the way through. Overall, this was an easy to read, feel good story. The short chapters made it a fast read and easy to follow. I typically lean towards books I have a deeper connection to, but I enjoyed this as an out of the norm read for me!
July 1, 2026
Book 2 of Ciao Bella
'Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, fish-out-of-water stories, fashion-forward settings, and witty, determined heroines.'
The characters were very appealing. Plot was intriguing. World building was solidly drawn. All in all a very good read. Recommend.
Grab a copy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, fish-out-of-water stories, fashion-forward settings, and witty, determined heroines.'
The characters were very appealing. Plot was intriguing. World building was solidly drawn. All in all a very good read. Recommend.
Grab a copy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2026
It's been almost a year but I'm heading back to Milan ......nope, not to visit my daughter, but to head back into the Ciao Bella series and I'll say it again, I just couldn't resist this series given that my daughter moved out to Milan and I'm yet to go and visit.
This front cover jumped right out at me, just like book 1 and I just knew I had to give it a read and as expected, this really does transport you right into the centre of this beautiful city for the duration.
It was so easy to settle straight into this book and although we are following new characters, I found it easy to connect and root for them.
Once again, poor Lydia came from a family of achievers and with a heavy burden of expectation.
I always feel sorry for characters like this because I'd never dream of pushing my own children into something that they really didn't love.
So, when Lydia is offered the chance to work with Marco in fashion, I was so happy for her.
Of course, working in fashion in Milan is the absolute dream and it was great to see her develop now that she had the right support around her ....and finding love in the form of Nico was the icing on the cake.
I loved that both Lydia and Nico showed us not to judge people by their jobs or families.
Both characters were so lovely and really brought out the best in each other.
This was such a great read again and it's made me really want to go out to visit Milan even more than before.
I couldn't put this down and think I smiled the whole way through.
I can't wait to see what book 3 will hold.
This front cover jumped right out at me, just like book 1 and I just knew I had to give it a read and as expected, this really does transport you right into the centre of this beautiful city for the duration.
It was so easy to settle straight into this book and although we are following new characters, I found it easy to connect and root for them.
Once again, poor Lydia came from a family of achievers and with a heavy burden of expectation.
I always feel sorry for characters like this because I'd never dream of pushing my own children into something that they really didn't love.
So, when Lydia is offered the chance to work with Marco in fashion, I was so happy for her.
Of course, working in fashion in Milan is the absolute dream and it was great to see her develop now that she had the right support around her ....and finding love in the form of Nico was the icing on the cake.
I loved that both Lydia and Nico showed us not to judge people by their jobs or families.
Both characters were so lovely and really brought out the best in each other.
This was such a great read again and it's made me really want to go out to visit Milan even more than before.
I couldn't put this down and think I smiled the whole way through.
I can't wait to see what book 3 will hold.
June 25, 2026
Bigger than Versace was a cute read with a touch of romance. A story about self discovery and following your own path. The characters a fun and there are definitely a few moments that will make you giggle.
June 25, 2026
3.5💫
This was a lovely escape, exploring romance and fashion in Milan. The characters grew on me as I read, and I ended up reading it really quickly because I wanted to see how it ended.
Thank you Beyond the Books for this ARC copy!
This was a lovely escape, exploring romance and fashion in Milan. The characters grew on me as I read, and I ended up reading it really quickly because I wanted to see how it ended.
Thank you Beyond the Books for this ARC copy!
July 6, 2026
Exceptionally Cute
Sweet story of a young woman finding herself and love.
Easy read. Clean, zero spice. Refreshing for those that are over gratuitous sex scenes.
Sweet story of a young woman finding herself and love.
Easy read. Clean, zero spice. Refreshing for those that are over gratuitous sex scenes.
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