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.

I absolutely adored this story! It had me blushing, literally jaw dropping with some of the steamy scenes. Add to it Aiden, a man who listens, remembers, and can read Stella's body language and anticipate her needs in and out of the bedroom. Then there is Stella reinventing herself after being given a chance at her dream. And of course throw in the holiday spirit. It was an all around fantastic Christmas romance. I only wish their stories continued just a little bit longer!

Who can resist the charm of an engaging, spicy romance with a grumpy-meets-sunshine trope and perfect holiday vibes? When Tessa Bailey writes a Christmas romance, you simply read and enjoy!

Tessa Bailey's holiday romance is a delightful blend of opposites-attract magic, holiday cheer, and sizzling chemistry that is sure to warm readers' hearts.Set against the vibrant, festive backdrop of Manhattan two weeks before Christmas, the story centers on Stella, a brooding woman with a complicated past, and Aiden, a cheerful and kindhearted store owner who adores Christmas. Their meet-cute unfolds when Stella, standing alone outside his store, bluntly critiques the holiday window display without realizing the charming man asking for her opinion actually owns the place. What starts as an honest exchange soon turns into an unexpected job offer, leading Stella to transform the store’s windows—and potentially her own life.

As Stella fights to leave her challenging past behind and prove herself in her new role, she’s determined to resist the growing attraction she feels toward Aiden. Meanwhile, Aiden’s sunny, optimistic nature, quirky bowties, and deep affection for the holiday season are everything Stella isn't—but maybe exactly what she needs. Their dynamic offers a refreshing gender role reversal, with Stella playing the grumpy anti-heroine and Aiden being the golden-hearted, Christmas-loving "sunshine." The tension between them builds beautifully, bringing readers into their slow-burn romance.

While Stella’s guarded heart and Aiden’s boundless warmth create plenty of sparks, the story also delivers humorous and heartfelt moments through its side characters, including Aiden’s eccentric Aunt Edna and the store’s quirky staff. Bailey’s deft touch with witty banter, emotional depth, and spicy romance makes this a fast, engaging read that balances lightheartedness with a deeper exploration of second chances and self-worth. It’s a perfect holiday read for anyone looking to escape into a sweet, steamy romance with an endearing cast of characters and plenty of Christmas magic.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me advanced reader copy in exchange of my honest review. I really enjoyed it! I cannot wait to read more Bailey books!

Tessa Bailey's novels often evoke strong reactions from me—either I thoroughly enjoy them or they miss the mark entirely. However, I must say that I found this particular book to be quite impressive. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was a reprint, as the writing quality is notably strong.

The characters were particularly engaging. The inclusion of a "felon" element added a unique dimension to the narrative, and Bailey adeptly explored the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. The contrast between the protagonist and the meticulous Aiden created intriguing and entertaining dynamics.

Additionally, the story evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the grand department store experiences during the Christmas season.

Please note that the book includes some spicy scenes, so prepare accordingly.

What a fun holiday read! It was cute and inspiring, with just the right amount of spicy! I love a good Tessa Bailey book and it didn't disappoint!

Tessa Bailey's books are always hit or miss for me - no in between. But I have to say I *really* enjoyed this one. I was surprised to see that it was a reprint, because the writing is pretty strong.

I liked the characters in this story. The "felon" element made it really interesting, and I thought Bailey did a good job of presenting the hardships people who have been in prison have when trying to reintegrate into society. The juxtaposition between her and the very straight-laced Aiden made for some really fun dynamics.

The storyy also gave off a nice ffeling of nostaligia for the times where department stores at Christmas time were showplaces and destination experiences.

There are some spicy scenes here, so be prepared.

Probably one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books. The heroine was grumpy--but not-so-much after all. And I loved Aiden. He was the perfect match for her--the best at getting her to open up and be happy.
Not so much the Christmassy vibe I was going for. But the romance was great!

I love Tessa Bailey's books and this one was no exception!

If you're looking for a cozy Christmas read - with a little spice - then you're going to want to read this one!! It's the perfect romance book to get you in the Christmas spirit! It's a pretty quick read too which is nice sometimes if you're not wanting to commit to a really long story!

Summary:
Just two weeks before Christmas, Manhattan sparkles with festive red and green. Stella, standing alone outside a famed department store, is approached by a dashing man who seeks her opinion on the holiday decorations.

Brutally honest, she calls it a “tragedy in tinsel.” Little does she know, the charming stranger owns the store and has just put her on the spot. Now, she's working for him, trying to focus on the job while battling her growing attraction to the incredibly handsome boss.

Despite her challenging past and recent hardships, Stella seizes the opportunity with determination, giving her all to her work. But as she strives to resist the irresistible temptation, she finds herself caught in a whirlwind of holiday romance, realizing that sometimes, even the best window shopper can find their heart’s desire.

I really enjoyed this read!! Tessa Bailey is an auto buy author for me!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This was definitely the kind of holiday romance you can't go wrong with. A bit of opposites-attract love, some impactful character growth, and a super spicy action between Stella and Aiden made it a quick, satisfying can't-put-down read. I've already recommended it to friends! Tessa Bailey did what she does best, making a light, enjoyable, easy read with a holiday twist.