I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this novel. It’s packed with spice, and as someone who loves a story with some heat, this book delivered! The intensity of the characters’ interactions made the story both exciting and deeply engaging.

What stood out to me was how the narrative felt both simple and intricate at the same time. It captured the layers of emotions and the struggles of navigating relationships beautifully. The balance between straightforward storytelling and the complexity of human connections was masterful.

The way the book explored the challenges of working together and being together was so authentic and relatable. It’s a reminder of how rewarding, yet demanding, relationships can be. Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read that kept me hooked from start to finish!

Tropes:
*Christmas romance
*Workplace romance
*Forced proximity
*Black Cat/Golden Retriever (Grumpy Girl/Sunshine Guy)

Something I really liked about this story was that it was able to provide a Christmas setting and feel without feeling like a Hallmark-cheesy romance story. The only Christmas magic was a great chance-meeting between Aiden, the Vivant store owner, and Stella, an ex-con with a strong opinion on the store’s current window display and no knowledge of who owns it. There was a great storyline between the main characters. I loved the balance they provided each other. With Stella, grudgingly at first, coming to look forward to and enjoy Aiden’s optimism and sunshine. While Aiden learned from Stella to set some boundaries with others in his life. I will admit at first, I wondered how Tessa was going to make our bowtie loving, always sunny hero spicy but she absolutely delivered, just as she always does. And the juxtaposition of his bowties with his intensity was very appreciated. Aiden was fantastic. He wanted to help her but knew she wanted to earn her place in the world and believed in her to do it when given the chance. I was rooting for Stella the entire time, hoping she would finally see herself as worthy and capable of the good things she was getting in her life. I always enjoy Tessa’s writing and this was no exception. A fun start to my holiday season!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was, unfortunately, not my favorite Tessa Bailey book. While it does have a certain Christmas spirit to it the story in general just did not pull me in. The banter, or lack thereof, was cringey at best and the spice was also super awkward.

I just didn't vibe with this book like I have with some of her others.

this was such a cute read for the holiday season! I adore tessa bailey books and this was another to add to my favs! opposites attracts with the holiday season what else could you ask for? Sweet and heartwarming and a book to add to your holiday season reads

This book is such a great opposites attract romance. It's fairly short so it's a quick read! It's very very spicy!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I knew I wasn't a fan of Tessa Bailey, but I wasn't ready to write her off just yet. I like to give authors a few tries before I decide they are not for me. Well, it is official. Tessa Bailey is not for me.

Found the characters in this story to be moving way too fast, especially in the beginning. It gets a little better toward the middle, but then we are given cringey "spice" scenes instead. The phrase "I want her to milk me" made me literally throw my ipad.

Overall, this book was all smut, no plot, with the word Christmas thrown in a few times. I tried, I really did. I even finished when I wanted to DNF from the first page. Not worth it imo.

This book was a lot of fun to read. Lived the setting being a store in NY & Stella, the FMC, being a window designer. Those are always so much fun to look at in NYC, especially at Christmas time. Aiden was a great MMC. The chemistry between the two of them was fun to read. Highly recommend this one to get into the holiday spirit!

Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

A cute, sweet and heartwarming story perfect for the holidays. Tessa Bailey has a beautiful knack for the right blend of spice and sweetness, like a PG-13 Hallmark movie.

In true Tessa Bailey fashion, this story is so cute. I love a MMC who is a total goner for his stubborn, trying her best girl and this book is no exception. The side characters were also so great - I loved Jordyn and Edna and Seamus. It's also great how Stella's "bad friend" wasn't villified at the end, but instead also grew into a better person rather that used as a plot device to show Stella is better. I love when narrative shows we can all grow and no one is truly bad or good, most of us are a gradient of both. All that plus Christmas? Delightful.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Opposites attract in this steamy and fun read!

Stella and Aiden couldn’t be more different but they can’t help the instant attraction they feel towards each other. When life throws Stella a second chance, she starts designing window displays for an upscale store. Aiden is the manager. He’s sunshine and so positive, but there are rules they have to follow and he’s a good guy. Except in the bedroom, which he lets Stella know.

I loved this book and everything Tessa Bailey writes! this was such a quick and fun holiday romance and I will definitely be reading it again to get in the holiday spirit!

📘: Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
🗓️: October 1, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon Harper & Voyager for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Tessa Bailey never disappoints! This Holiday rom-com checks all the boxes for sweet and spicy. Such an enjoyable read!

I’m a big fan of Tessa Bailey’s books. She’s prolific and consistent in her characters and style in a way that I appreciate as a voracious reader. I know that if I pick up one of her books I will be thoroughly entertained for however long it takes me to read the book. Window Shopping did just that. It got me into the Christmas spirit while also not cramming it down my throat. Stella’s background in the story was unique and I appreciated the edgy twist to the FMC. While Aiden, the MMC was a seemingly nice guy”. Aiden’s stories about growing up in Aunt Edna’s care were so cute. The spice level of this book was right where you would expect a book from the “queen of dirty talk” to be and I highly approve. Get yourself in the holiday spirit with a fun, spicy book.

Tessa Bailey has done it again! *Window Shopping* is the ultimate holiday rom-com—a warm, witty, and wonderfully cozy romance that had me swooning from start to finish. This book is like a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy day, brimming with charm, laughter, and just the right amount of steam.

Stella and Aiden's story is pure magic. Their opposites-attract dynamic sparkles with undeniable chemistry and heartfelt moments. Stella’s journey from a troubled past to rediscovering her confidence is beautifully written, while Aiden’s endlessly optimistic, golden-retriever energy makes him a holiday hero to fall head over heels for. Together, they’re irresistible!

The festive Manhattan setting, complete with glittering shop windows and romantic snowy nights, perfectly captures the holiday spirit. And true to Bailey’s style, the banter is sharp, the romance is sizzling, and the characters feel as real as your favorite cozy blanket.

If you’re looking for a feel-good, swoon-worthy read to brighten your holiday season, *Window Shopping* is the perfect pick. Tessa Bailey has gifted us a story full of love, laughter, and holiday magic. Don’t miss out—this one’s an absolute delight! 🎄✨

4⭐️ 3 🌶️
- MF
- Christmas Novella
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- He Falls First
- Forbidden Romance

I know I can always count on Tessa to pull me out of a funk. I first read this a couple years ago and let me tell you it still holds up when you reread it. It was just so cute and cozy with the perfect amount of spice thrown in.

The plot of this book was cute. A recently released felon with dreams of window dressing gets the chance of a lifetime when an adorable dork in a bow tie asks her opinion on a current display. Apparently Penguin Chernobyl was the magic word because he encouraged to her apply for the job and the rest is history.

I loved Stella. She was hard working, dedicated, and not afraid to face the consequences of her actions or belittle them. If anyone deserved a second chance it was her.

Pretty sure I would ☠️ for Aiden. I loved him so much! He was such a goofball with his bow ties and Aunt Edna stories. But under that silly exterior was a man with his own fears and insecurities. Not to mention an absolutely filthy mouth.

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was in the mood for a Christmas romance, and I’m always in the mood to read what Tessa writes, so this was perfect timing! For fans of grumpy/sunshine, a golden retriever mmc, a bit of insta love, and no third act breakup, this one is for you.

Stella is a standoffish rebel with a messy past and Aiden is a polished manager with a fondness for candy cane bow ties. Their worlds collide—literally—outside a botched holiday display in New York City. What starts as a chance encounter quickly becomes a steamy, opposites-attract workplace romance.

With dual POVs, witty banter, and an irresistible mix of naughty and nice, this book delivers humor, heart, and surprising depth. Stella’s journey to self-acceptance and Aiden’s struggle to cut loose create a dynamic pairing that had me rooting for them.

Window shopping was a sweet and spicy holiday read!

At the start of the book, Stella is ready for her second chance. She made some pour choices in her youth and is just getting out of prison. She meets Aiden outside of his families department store and they discuss the window display. Stella has a background in fashion and Aiden encourages her to apply for a job at his store designing and creating the window displays.

Aiden and Stella could not be more different. Stella is actually trying to figure out who she is now that she is free again. Aiden is a bowtie wearing golden retriever in the streets and a freak in the sheets. He always follows the rules and Stella pushes his boundaries. I really like them together!

I can’t wait to see what this author decides to release next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Bailey for this ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 3.5 Stars

This was an adorable holiday book that I had a lot of fun with! A tad repetitive at some points and lost a little interest, but overall super cute!

Tessa Bailey sure knows what she’s doing.

When I got approved for this book and started reading it, I realized that I had already read it when it originally came out in 2021. I enjoyed reading it for the second time now maybe even more than the first time and this is the perfect short spicy romance book for the holiday season (which starts after thanksgiving fyi).

This book is all about new beginnings, second chances, and overcoming that little voice in the back of your head that says you don't belong AKA imposter syndrome. With super charming characters and a Christmas in New York setting, I couldn't help but devour this story.