Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Ms. Bailey for the opportunity to read an ARC of this re-released title. An honest review was requested but not required.

It's a little early for a Christmas book, and I'm not much of a NYC fan either, so I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this. Frankly Ms. Bailey is a master of spicy dialogue and I should have known better than to doubt her. I loved Stella's legitimately checkered past - she's not just a "bad" girl, she's actually done some Bad Things, even though she's making a fresh start - and Aiden's questionable childhood with Aunt Edna. Aiden himself reminded me of someone I couldn't quite figure out throughout the book - kind of like a dirty Bill Nye, but make him younger and corporate? - but I can get behind a nice guy any day. I also really appreciated Stella's attempt to work through a toxic friendship, and the fact that she wanted to do it on her own without a man to "guide her" through it or stand behind her. Frankly I would have liked to see more interactions between Stella and Nicole, and more of Stella at work. Once Aiden and Stella got together, a lot of the plot dissolved into sex, which -I mean, it IS Tessa Bailey - was fun and all but I do enjoy a storyline to accompany the smut.

This was clearly a Covid book and it shows, both with the dates and the descriptions, which could go either way. Personally that's a time period I don't wish to dwell on or relive, so I kind of wish it wasn't in the book, but it wasn't a dealbreaker for me and it certainly wasn't the focus. All in all there really isn't much to complain about - this is a fun, festive, spicy palate cleanser and while it's not my favorite by Tessa Bailey (a certain golfer holds the top spot) it was very enjoyable.

3 1/2 stars

The book beautifully blends romance with themes of healing and second chances, making it not just a love story but also a journey of self-discovery. With its festive backdrop and heartwarming moments, "Window Shopping" is a cozy, feel-good read that will leave you in the holiday spirit. Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey's spicy romance, this book is a sweet escape that captures the joy of finding love in the most unexpected places.

Tessa Bailey's heroes aren't always 100% my cup of tea but I absolute loved reading about this one, with his big smile, cheesy Christmas bow ties, and unexpected darkly possessive streak. This is a Christmas romance but it's more than a Christmas romance - all about second chances and being loved for exactly who you are.

You'll want to get out the Christmas decorations from the first pages of Tessa Bailey's latest spicy romance. You're dropped onto Fifth Avenue in the middle of the holiday rush, peering through department store windows, wishing for magic. And you get it ... a novel full of second chances, starting over, and the spark of joy that can only come from the promise of Christmas and happy ever after.

A feel-good, cozy Christmas story with lots of laughs and spice!

“Window Shopping” follows Aiden Cook, the owner of a Manhattan department store, and Stella Schmidt, an aspiring window dresser, after a chance meeting results in sparks flying.

Stella and Aiden are an adorable couple! I particularly enjoyed their dynamic with Stella’s prickly personality contrasting Aiden’s sunshiny one. They cling to their differences and the employer x employee power imbalance between them to prevent a relationship from forming, but there is no escaping the connection they have! I loved watching them throw caution to the wind and finally give in to their emotional and (quite intense) physical chemistry.

Aiden Cook is my favorite MC written by Tessa Bailey! Her Ted Lasso inspired hero could not be more perfect. I immediately fell in love with his goofy, cheerful, and kind self. Like Stella, my heart melted every time he appeared with a new Christmas themed bow tie and told another one of his outlandish stories about his Aunt Edna. Most of all, I appreciated him giving Stella, an ex-convict, a shot at achieving her dreams as a window dresser.

Stella is incredibly strong and courageous for rebuilding her life from the ground up regardless of the stigma surrounding ex-convicts in the workforce. I appreciate Bailey for shining a light on this matter.

I love these characters, their matching robes, and the way they support each other through their struggles (Stella’s re-entry into society and Aiden’s suppression of his own feelings). Reading this book is truly the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

"𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒆," 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆. "𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒕, 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉."

SCREAMS. OKAY LISTEN UP 🗣️🗣️ THIS BOOK is phenomenal as in the perfect book to just cuddle up for the holiday season. 5 freaking stars. I ate it all and left no cookie crumbs.

Aiden offers Stella a job after a random encounter outside Vibrant’s shopping windows, instantly recognizing her potential for being a window dresser. Even when Stella reveals she's spent four years in prison, Aiden still gives her a chance. But what happens when Aiden, her boss, decides he doesn’t want to follow the rules anymore? 🔥 The tension is off the charts!

Without giving too much away, this book delivers all the feel good vibes of second chances in life! It’s like the perfect holiday reset! Trust me, as a reader, you will be cheering for both of them and then screaming for things to get a little naughty 😏 Being nice during the holidays is so overrated ‼️

Tessa Bailey does it again LOVED EVERY SECOND. PERFECT HOLIDAY BOOK! 🎄

Tropes
🛍️ Holiday Romance
🛍️ Strangers to Lovers
🛍️ Workplace Romance
🛍️ Cinnamon roll MMC
🛍️ Dirty Mouth MMC

Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review

She's an ex con who is looking for a job as a window display maker and he's the owner of a store in need of one.... yet when they meet each other it's an instant connection... but can a romance work between boss and employee and two polar opposite people? It is two weeks before Christmas and Stella is standing outside of a department store judging it's window display... when a strange man asks her and she gives him the honest truth... turns out he's the owner of the department store and she's just applied to be a window display maker there. Stella is out of prison and trying to get her life together but that means resisting the temptation of her very hot and nice boss who has her questioning whether or not she just wants to window shop or get in a full fledge relationship with him. Can he convince her to stay with him or will she move on as soon as she's had enough? This is a repub of the book that Tessa Bailey had originally posted... and sadly this one was a miss for me. I have been loving some of her most recent stuff so when I saw that this one was getting republished I was hoping that this new edition would be great. This story sadly just feels a bit bleh and I couldn't get into the relationship aspect at all. The romance just did not feel there and the writing just isn't as good as her other newer published books. While this one missed the mark for me I am intrigued to read her next books and to see what else she comes up with.

Release Date: October 1,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Get ready for a spicy winter holiday read! This author is a must-read for me, always leaving me blushing and giggling.

In this story, ex-convict Stella Schmidt is trying to rebuild her life when she meets Aiden while window shopping. He asks for her opinion on the displays, and she gives it honestly, only to find out he’s the general manager of the department store. Suddenly, she becomes their new window dresser, and she needs to make it a hit or risk shattering her dreams. Can she overcome her inner doubts and demons, or will her family be right in thinking she’s nothing but trouble?

Told from both Stella’s and Aiden’s perspectives, we get to see inside their minds. Aiden is all about being nice, starkly contrasting with Stella’s “cynical girl” attitude. The chemistry between Aiden and Stella is undeniable—hot and passionate. Aiden loves a challenge and helps soften Stella’s jaded outlook on life. He’s charming, polite, always thinking about how to be there for people, and has a vast collection of interesting bow ties, whereas Stella feels she's the kind who "raises he!!" attitude. Don’t let the bow tie fool you—nice guys can still be tigers between the sheets, or on the desk, or anywhere in a dark corner of a room. Steammy fun!

Looking for a fun holiday gift for yourself? Pick up this book! It hits the shelves on October 1, 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free/gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: This is a reprint of Tessa Bailey's book originally published in 2021. While some of the wording has been updated and the cover has been redesigned, you may still be able to find copies of the original edition if there's a long wait for this one. In my opinion, both editions are fantastic.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! As much as I love romance novels, Christmas romances hold a special place in my heart, and this one did not disappoint. Stella and Aiden are wonderful characters. What I particularly appreciated is how Tessa Bailey wrote them with real flaws, making their growth and development feel authentic as their romance blossomed.

I’m not sure if Tessa has plans for a sequel, but I would love to see more of Aiden and Stella—maybe in a follow-up story or as supporting characters in a spin-off novel!

The original audiobook, released in 2021, was narrated by Alexa Morden and Sam Rushton. As far as I know, the audiobook for this new edition hasn't been re-recorded, but I could be mistaken.

The updated 2024 edition of Window Shopping will be released on October 1st.


Recommended for fans of: Christina Lauren, Emily Stone, Jenny Bayliss.

Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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Window Shopping
by Tessa Bailey
Rating: 3.5 stars

Tessa Bailey’s Window Shopping beautifully captures the festive spirit of New York City while delivering a delightful romance that’s filled with charm. The chemistry between the leads is absolutely sizzling, featuring flirty banter and steamy encounters that keep the tension high throughout the story.

Bailey masterfully blends humor with heart, creating moments that are both touching and playful. With its perfect mix of warmth and spice, this cozy read is a fantastic choice for the holiday season!

I’ll never be able to look at a man in a bow tie the same way. He’s perfection. This is the cutest holiday spicy Hallmark version of a book and I love it. Tessa Bailey is a wizard when it comes to weaving love stories.

"Window Shopping" explores an ex-convict named Stella trying to navigate the world on the outside as a working member of society. Upon offering her opinions on department store displays, she is offered a chance to revitalize the displays in the store. A cute slow-burn romance begins with her sweet boss, Aiden, who is also trying to run the store on his own away from the overbearance of his family.

This was a super cute Christmasy romance. Both Aiden and Stella are super cute characters and you want them to each succeed in this department store. When they finally sleep together, I thought it was odd that Aiden claimed to already know her likes/dislikes just based on such a short amount of foreplay. I also would've liked the tension with Stella's frenemy, Nicole, to build more and be more of a turning point in the story. That would've made it a 4 for me.

*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***

Have you ever wanted a sweet and spicy Christmas novella that will have you giggling and blushing all at the same time? Then Window Shopping is the perfect book for you! 🥳
It has a perfect balance of a female main character, Stella, who is a little cynical and jaded BUT she changes and has the PERFECT counterbalance in the male main character, Aiden, who is literally the personification of a golden retriever! 🥹 I loved the chemistry and balance of the main characters, the adorable Christmas vibes, but also the wonderful story of personal growth and being yourself!
This was such a great little story and I'm obsessed with it and would love to return back to these characters!
Thank you so much to Avon for an early copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review!💖

If Tessa Bailey writes it, I'll probably read it. This quick holiday read about an ex-con who is hired to decorate a New York department store's window display and the store's general manager was no exception.

Was it tooth-achingly sweet? Yes. Were the main characters declaring their undying love for each other after a week? Yes. Did everything wrap up in a too-perfect (Christmas) bow? Yes. Would all of this normally drive me crazy? Yes.

Did I read this in three hours? Also yes.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

The most PERFECT Christmas romance ever. Anything Tessa writes, I end up adoring and this was no different.

Short, sweet, spicy and funny- all my favorite things in one.

Stella has a history - a criminal history - now she needs a fresh start. A chance encounter in front of a poorly decorated Christmas window gives her a chance at her dream job - window dresser. Her potential boss, a bow tie wearing nice guy, is willing to give her a trial. Will her window be a smash? Will romance and passion ensue ??

There isn’t a Tessa Bailey book that I’ve read that I didn’t love and this holiday treasure was no different. Imagine a hallmark movie where an ex-con gets a second chance at a career and love by a man who is sweeter than a sugar plum. But instead of that wholesomeness you get a bunch of smut wrapped in holiday cheer.
That probably didn’t make much sense but my point is this was super fun, smutty and everything you could want in a Bailey book! I’m officially in the holiday spirit, I think I’ll go check out some window dressings.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. An unexpected Christmas spicy romance about a woman recently released from prison and an upscale department store manager set in NYC. It’s just before the holidays and the window displays are a disaster but never fear, fashion merchandizing and love come in one convenient package this holiday season!

This was a cute book - a nice story about a girl that gets a second chance with a once-in-a-lifetime kind of guy. While I liked it, I wouldn't have really guessed that it was written by Tessa Bailey. It seemed to be missing her signature spark.

3.5/5 Stars

Thank you to Avon for providing me with an arc.

This is my first Tessa Bailey book since 2022 and I forgot how much I do love her writing. I am gonna be real honest and say the only main issue I had with this book was the spice. If I hadn’t been enjoying the story and characters as much as I was, I probably would have dnfed it due to the spice but it was bad in a funny way to me. I legit did really enjoy everything else in this book including how Tessa touched on the fact the FMC did have privilege when it came to her experiences with our justice system even if I think it could have been talked about a bit more. This book was really just a fun time even with the heavier topics of incarceration.

Stella is standing alone in front of a store window two weeks before christmas, when a charming man won’t seem to shut up and asks her about her opinion on the window. Unable to lie, Stella is brutally honest and says it is horrible and a tragedy to which he responds asking if she has a better idea. Aiden, happens to own this famous department store and knows that the window is a mess so when he stumbles upon a woman who he wants to know more about he hatches a plan to see her again by getting her to apply for a job as a window dresser. Stella isn’t in a position to pass up a possible job after just recently being released from prison but she never expected it to be with a man who is her complete opposite, yet she can’t help but be attracted to him.

I really did love Stella and Aiden, I wouldn’t fully call Stella grumpy but she isn’t happy and has her reasonings but Aiden is very much sunshine. Stella is trying to find herself after being locked up for 4 years and that is a big part of this book and her coming to learn she doesn’t have to put up with everything. I really liked them together and enjoyed their chemistry.

I really enjoyed this one and I do plan on reading more from Tessa Bailey especially as I do own a few more from her that I haven’t gotten to read yet. I had a great time with this one and even if the smut was cringy at best, I think everything else made up for it for me. I just was smiling during most of this book truthfully and it was exactly what I needed.