5 ⭐ 3 🌶️

Adorable Christmas novella perfection. I mean who doesn't want a happy dork golden retriever MMC paired with an ex-felon emo black cat FMC? It was all sorts of opposites attract goodness and I couldn't get enough.

I love Tessa's dirty talk. It rides the line of hot and over the top so well, Aiden was absolute filth hiding behind Christmas themed bow ties. I really loved the connection these two had, physically and emotionally, it was very sweet and so much fun.

I was so nervous for the third act the entire book... Nicole was coming in hot, you knew it from the start, and the anticipation was palpable. But the way Stella ended up handling it had me slow clapping and I couldn't have been happier with the conclusion. Add in the super sweet epilogue and this will likely be on my Christmas re-read list every year.

Window Shopping is a fun and easy read that integrates a feel good holiday theme with a lot of steamy sex scenes. Stella Schmidt is an ex-con who gets a chance window dressing for a New York luxury department store. There is a meet cute with a male character who I liked better than the MFC. There is an opposites attract trope, boss and employee sex (with a nod to current sensitivities about this), and family drama. While some of the plot lines defy credulity, just go along for the ride, and you will not be disappointed.

A new twist on a Christmas romance with an ex-con who meets a total cinnamon roll, golden retriever who ends up becoming her boss.

This was a super fast read. Dual POV and first person, which hits different seeing the MMC first hand falling first. Aiden is also just super cute and quirky which definitely adds to it.

It was definitely an instalove vibe with a very quick timeline for the entire story- we’re talking 9 days before Christmas. I do wish we got a little more development of their story/relationships with the side characters, but overall it was cute!

3.5/5

Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy!

Great holiday romance!

I have never wanted to smell a peppermint scented men’s cologne more after reading this. This book has struggle of boss/ worker dynamics, feral attraction for each other with some 🌶️, and matching robe dreams. 🎁❤️

3.5 stars, per the norm tessa books, meet cutes,
But put a fun ex con christmas flare on it.
Did I read this in about 2 days? Correct.
Will I tell all my friends to read this for the holidays for that fun sassy little rom com that hits all the marks? Correct again.
Throughly enjoyed.

The fun way to start the holiday season - reading a book from Tessa Bailey. This one was not quite what I expected, yet I liked the setting, that her characters were somewhat broken, partially okay. Overall the book was fun and reminded me that you shouldn’t make decisions without more examination and reasoning. Aiden brought life to what could have been a sad story, romance aside. Stella’s story reaffirms this along with her proving her worth.

This might be my favorite Tessa Bailey book yet! Something about the relationship felt more effortless than usual, and Aiden’s sunshine personality (and bow ties!) was a fun departure from the typical rough, tough romance hero. I appreciated Nicole’s ending too!

good romance about having 2nd chances at a job and finding love. Loved the romance of stella. Loved that they found a way to deal with boss and employee relationship.

This story is such a fun and inspirational story. Stella's ability to own her mistakes, stand on her own and take responsibility for her new start is truly worth reading. Her chemistry with Aiden and their budding relationship was well-developed. It is a hallmark of a Tessa Bailey book for lots of steam and dirty talk and you are not disappointed. So much dirty talk, it was sublime. There was a jolly Christmastime atmosphere that gave the story a more joyful feel. For those who enjoy a holiday romance, this is the perfect spicy Christmas story. I am adding this to my annual Christmas reads and highly recommend this book.

Aiden and Stella

Stella hasn’t had an easy life but Aiden is there to give her a chance. She becomes the Window Designer and is really good at her job. The more time Aiden and Stella spend together, the closer they get. Sweet, Christmas read. Good story about second changes, growth, and love.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my favorite Tessa Bailey so far. She tends to be a little more steamy for my taste, but I LOVED the chemistry between Aiden and Stella. Stella is an ex-con with nothing, she meets the General manager of a Manhattan department store that comes from the family money. Sparks fly! He hires her to do the window dressings. I loved that he always wears bow ties.

This was a nice love story, good meet-cute, a twist on the “grumpy sunshine” trope in that SHE is the grumpy. Finally she learns to accept the good in her life, despite the destruction in her past. It does take place during the holidays, but I wouldn’t call this a holiday romance as Christmas doesn’t take a leading role in the story, it just more or less happens in December. I genuinely love the way Bailey writes a witty banter and her use of adjectives and descriptions.

Thanks to @netgalley and @avonbooks for the free e-book. This version and cover was released October 1, 2024.

#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #WindowShopping

This was really short so it's probably why the insta-love felt a little ridiculous. Overall it was breezy and fun (or as breezy and fun as it can be while touching on being in prison, family drama, etc.) and it's a nice little holiday read.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Always love this authors books! Fun, cute stories but with some serious topics like re-entering society after prison, and family abandonment issues. I love how the characters are so distinct and have some many specific characteristics that make them so real and different.

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey @tessabaileyisanauthor. First off, I am a fan of Tessa’s & this book was no different!

Aww this was such a cute story about Stella & Aidan! Tropes: MF, meet cute, boss/employee, Christmas, & 2nd Chance for a new path.

This holiday romance has potential, but fell short for me. The concept and beginning of the story started strong for me, but fell flat. I liked the main characters individually, but wasn’t feeling them as a couple. There was a deeper connection missing. Since the story was short, maybe the connection lacked for me because it felt rushed at the end. You always know you will have spice in a Tessa Bailey novel, but dare I say it was a little much this time? With the story being on the shorter side, I feel some spice could be left out, and more substance put in to make a stronger story. Overall the story was a quick, cute holiday read.

I love this updated cover of Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey!!

Stella did the crime and she paid her time and now it’s time to discover who she is again. While looking at a storefront’s Christmas window display, Stella is approached by Aiden who is the human embodiment of sunshine, positivity and Christmas cheer. Put off by Aiden’s disposition, Stella offers critics of the display and is surprised when Aiden suggests she applies for the open position. Taking a chance on herself, Stella applies for the position and is award it on a trial basis. Aiden is drawn to Stella but there are several hurdles between them that can prevent a future for them, the big one being he’s the boss.

Stella is rebuilding and rediscovering herself and her struggles are evident. She struggles to believe in herself and how to separate herself from her previous life to truly give herself a fresh start. Aiden is walking sunshine and it’s a fun contrast to Stella’s disposition. Aiden’s confidence in Stella is infectious and his support means the world to her even as she tries to hide behind her walls. The chemistry they have is electric and steamy. Don’t let this pretty cover fool you, this isn’t your typical hallmark Christmas movie story! It’s a steamy story full of quirky bow ties, dirty pillow talk and some sweet moments.

Thank you Avon, Tessa Bailey, and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Ok, am I a huge fan of Tessa Bailey books - not typically. However, do I usually pick them up if I don’t have anything else I’m dying to read available to me in the moment? Yes, I do. So I guess I am a fan-adjacent.

One thing is for certain - Bailey has found her niche, sweet guys who talk quite dirty in the bedroom, and she has ran with it. Every time I read one of her books, I find myself surprised by the dirty talk (because the specific way she does it always makes me cringe/vomit in my mouth for some reason), but it’s 100% my fault because I should know what I’m getting in to. Honestly, it’s just not for me and that’s ok!!

This book was a quick little holiday novella. I thought the premise of window decorating was fun, and if you can look past the cringe I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a spicy holiday romance.

Thank you to Tessa Bailey and Avon/Harper Voyager for an eARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am somewhat of a self-appointed scrooge who finds more in common with the Grinch than Cindy Lou Who. I'm not known for my Christmas spirit, but I am a big fan of Tessa Bailey. Her books have the strangest synopses, yet that never stops me from browsing her catalog for her newest release. I read this far ahead of the yuletide season in September rather than December. Whoopsie daisy. I was in the mood for a quick novella and this gift-wrapped romance fit the stocking. Window Shopping features the straightforward premise of an upscale department store in desperate need for a window dresser to decorate for Christmas. This book gave off big Mannequin vibes and I kept imagining Kim Cattrall creating colorful vignettes every night.

Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if my favorite holiday was indeed Christmas, not Saint Patrick's Day. The hero, Aiden, was a giant golden retriever hero who was sweet as pie. It felt a bit off having a boss developing a crush on his subordinate. Thankfully it was easily resolved and his wardrobe became my main beef. The only thing that got me was the bowties. The author kept trying to insist that his choice of neckwear was sexy. Unless you're Doctor Who or a proud grandfather, I'd recommend sticking to regular neckties or a sensible bolo tie. I don't have any problems with nerdy protagonists, but let's acknowledge that bowties aren't known for driving the ladies wild.

Although I can't always predict how a Tessa Bailey novel will go, they're always unique. I may not be the target audience for Window Shopping, but it was fun to browse. I had never read a book featuring a window dresser and it fit well for the holiday season. I can't wait to see what future books she has in store and I'll never look at a store display the same way again.

What a fun and quick read! If you’re in the market for a cute, short pick-me-up, look no further than Window Shopping.

Stella is down on her luck and trying to move forward with her life and start fresh. On an impromptu walk down fifth avenue, a window display and a handsome man in a suit catch her attention. She shares her honest opinion about the display with the man, but little does she know that he is the store’s owner, Aiden. Aiden finds Stella refreshing and soon offers her a job as the store’s new window dresser. As Stella works on the new display, Aiden continues to be drawn to her, sparking a friendship between the two with a hint of something more. Do Aiden and Stella have what it takes to make a relationship work, or are they just window shopping?

There is nothing quite like a Tessa Bailey book. The banter is bantering; the spice is spicing; and the relationships are blossoming. It was so refreshing to read a grumpy-sunshine book where the male main character was the sunshine and the female main character was the grumpy (very black cat energy if I’m being honest). I think their opposites-attract dynamic really worked for them and had me rooting for them from the start.

Was the book a little much at times? Yes - I wouldn’t expect anything less from a Tessa Bailey novel. But did I still enjoy every minute of reading it? Also yes. If you haven’t already read this, what are you waiting for? Pick this one up now to get you ready for the holiday season!

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC!

I truly love the story that Tessa told with this book. Stella just got out of jail and is working here way back into the world and trying to learn who she is and who she can be in life. She’s lost, angry, and confused. Then she runs into Aiden. A tall southern bow tie wearing man who loves the world. He immediately starts to break down her walls and it’s so sweet! I love Stella growing into who she wants to be and Aiden having complete faith in her the whole time.

There’s some conflicts with the couple along the way but the main point of the book is for Stella to learn who she is while facing her past. I thought the book was so well done in that aspect!

I have to say this book is incredibly cheesy, corny, whatever you want to call it. Sometimes you just have to look past and enjoy the ride. The book had me laughing, crying, and just smiling.