Why have I waited so long to read this book!? Omg Stella and Aiden are hilarious and I love how quirky and out of the box they both are as characters. You always get one or two types of hero’s and heroines especially when it comes to professions so I loved that both are not the norm!

There were so many wonderful characters in the book but our hero and heroine always stole the show and I am so in love with them both! I love the strength that Aiden built up within Stella. He showed her that she deserved a second chance and that she was worth every risk. Stella helped Aiden become proud of who he is and showed him that being loving isn’t a weakness!

A very fun and gloriously sexy holiday read. Angst is out of this world and it did take steam a while to build but the wait is worth it!

A christmas delight from Tessa Bailey, knowing how no one can balance both steamy hot smut and cute swoony fluff better than her. YAS YAS YASSSSS!!!

#WindowShopping #Netgalley

Book Review: Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

Rating: ⭐⭐

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey has an interesting premise—a young woman, freshly released from prison, finds herself drawn to a holiday window display that symbolizes the fresh start she craves. When she meets Aiden, the quirky and relentlessly positive manager of the store, she’s offered a chance to redesign the window display and reclaim her life in a small way.

Unfortunately, while the book’s setup promises depth, the execution falls short. Aiden’s boundless optimism quickly becomes cloying, making it hard to see the chemistry between him and Stella as believable. Their romance, though filled with steamy moments, feels rushed and lacking in emotional buildup. Stella’s journey of redemption and self-acceptance is often overshadowed by the intense physical attraction that takes center stage, leaving her character development feeling shallow.

Additionally, the holiday theme is underutilized, and the plot feels repetitive at times. Bailey’s trademark humor and spice are present, but they aren’t enough to elevate a story that lacks the emotional substance seen in some of her other work. While Window Shopping has its charming moments, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for a more meaningful holiday romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

5 STARS easy! Tessa Bailey has become one of my favorites. Her character development and captivating plots always hook me instantly.

Window Shopping is guaranteed to be a holiday hit! It's spices, addictive and difficult to put down!

This was not my favorite Tessa Bailey book, but it was quick and enjoyable to read for a holiday romance! Stella and Aiden have some serious chemistry and I love how sweet he is! Devoured this in one sitting!

What to expect: holiday romance, insta love, workplace romance, opposites attract, reverse grumpy sunshine

Thank you so much Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I really appreciate how Tessa Bailey writes so many books but each of her characters and plots are unique. You’ll never find a duplicate in her work.

I enjoyed this novel simply because it was fast-paced, had a Christmas theme, and has a plot that was easy to follow. It sucked me in and was a quick read.

I was surprised by the character development, especially for Aiden. He starts off as a goofball, but he does eventually find his voice and stand up for himself. And in the bedroom? You are going to need a fan, because this is spicy. He is for sure going on the naughty list…but in a good way.

The things that led this to a 4 star rating were I didn’t like the plot with Nicole. I also didn’t like the cliche third-act breakup. It seemed out of the blue and lasted only a chapter. I would have taken that out.


*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

This was an adorable book. I liked how unique the plot was compared to other holiday romances I’ve read. 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙬 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 follows Aiden + Stella, two completely lovable MC’s that share some serious chemistry. Whoever said Aiden, the MMC, was essentially Ted Lasso nailed it. He was ridiculously sweet and so cute rocking his little bow ties. He had me crushing the entirety of the book. I also really enjoyed Stella, the FMC. This book is a healing journey for her as she rebuilds her life and overcomes her past. Overall, a very cute and very enjoyable holiday romance.

"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."

ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
☀️ Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🎄 Holiday Romance
❤️ Insta Love
🏙️ Workplace Romance
💕 Ex-Convict
🪞 Opposite’s Attract

Thank you so much Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙬 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜!

A fun, spicy read! Loved the dynamics of the main characters and the toxic friendship Stella had. Love Tessa Bailey books!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for letting me read Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey! Dare I say my favorite Tessa Bailey book ever? Well, it is! Who knew bow tie Ted Lasso could be this hot! It’s grumpy x sunshine turned to the max and it just works! I think it’s her funniest and most heartwarming book to date.

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: Two weeks before Christmas, a down-on-her-luck woman lands a job dressing holiday windows at a famous Manhattan department store, only to find herself irresistibly drawn to the charming, flirtatious store owner, despite her best efforts to keep things strictly professional.

This holiday novella, first published in 2021, is being reprinted, and I'm thrilled to have finally picked it up. It turned out to be the perfect cozy read for the start of colder weather.

The story centers on two memorable leads with contrasting personalities: I love the twist of a "bad girl" heroine with a tough exterior and a heartwarming, Christmas-loving hero with a penchant for corny holiday bowties. Both characters bring depth with their intriguing backstories, making them feel layered and real.

A highlight of this romance is how it handles conflict. The inevitable "big fight" between the characters felt refreshingly genuine and mature, unlike the exaggerated, overly dramatic breakups often found in romance novels. Their separation is handled in a way that feels both realistic and heartwarming, adding a thoughtful touch to the story.

Overall, this is a delightful holiday romance that delivers all the cozy vibes you want for the season.

Holiday perfection

I loved it! Starting my holiday reads with a bang! I love Tessa Bailey books and this one was so sweet yet so spicy!! Opposites attract. Holiday romance. Highly recommended.

Love all books by this author! She has so many it’s hard to pick a favorite. Honestly this one was good but I definitely like some others by her a bit more. Still good read!

A Ted Lasso inspired Christmas rom-com?! Hell yes!

Okay, y’all know I love Tessa and her men are hotter than sin—Window Shopping is a Christmas romance that gives you ALL the good warm fuzzy feelings and it’s freaking hilarious!

It’s the kind of book you want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a warm cup of “don’t bother me, I’m reading” and get lost in the pages.

I laughed out loud so many times. This is one of my FAVORITE Christmas books and you need to go pre-order it now—trust me!

The bowties, robes, all of it… be still my beating vagina.

“Being around Aiden is like…I’ve been wandering around in the dark and suddenly I’ve spotted a big, crackling campfire.”

“In that moment I discovered something I’d missed. Something monumental. Aiden Cook has a firm, thick bubble butt.”

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❄️ This Christmas Romance was absolutely adorable and I really enjoyed it!
🎄This book was the perfect amount of Sweet and Spicy and surprisingly dealt with such deep topics in such a short amount of time.
❄️ I loved the reverse grumpy sunshine between the two main characters and the male mc has a surprisingly filthy mouth 😏
🎄 I really enjoyed this story! Highly recommend!

what a cute love story!!! i’m so happy i got the opportunity to read this!!! this one was adorable and had enjoyable characters!!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

This was a quick and cute Christmas book. I kept thinking the MLC reminded me of someone but couldn’t quite put my finger on who until the very end when I saw that he was inspired by Ted Lasso- nailed it! I enjoyed the overall journey the FMC had as she acclimated back to life after prison and proved herself to herself. Their relationship was cute and I enjoyed the Christmas cheer as we get into the holiday season!

📖✨ Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey 🌟❤️

Ted Lasso meets Christmas? Say no more. Get ready for a holiday romance that’s as sweet as hot cocoa and as spicy as mulled wine! Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey delivers a perfect blend of Christmas cheer, steamy tension, and laugh-out-loud moments that’ll warm you up faster than a cozy blanket.

Picture this: it’s two weeks before Christmas in New York City, and Stella, a quirky, down-on-her-luck girl with a complicated past, finds herself criticizing the tinsel-laden windows of the famous Vivant department store. Enter Aiden: the charming (and ridiculously handsome) store owner who takes her critique to heart and hires her on the spot. Stella’s new mission? Revamp the holiday displays and resist her attraction to her annoyingly sweet, bowtie-wearing boss—who also just happens to be impossible to resist. 😏💼

Tessa Bailey spins a story that’s both heartfelt and sizzling. Stella and Aiden’s chemistry is off the charts—think “good girl meets bad boy energy,” but with a role reversal that’s super refreshing. Aiden’s wholesome optimism is the perfect foil to Stella’s guarded heart, and watching their romance unfold is pure holiday magic. Bailey’s writing shines with humor, heat, and an irresistible holiday spirit.

If you're looking for a cozy, feel-good romance with characters who aren’t afraid to go after what they want, Window Shopping is your perfect festive escape! 🎄🖤

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon for the eARC of this book.

This was a spicy holiday novel, which honestly doesn’t really need to be read only during the holidays. There is just a small focus on Christmas.

It sort of gave me mannequin vibes but like a was more
TV-MA type of rating. Lol.

As I was reading it I kept thinking “well that escalated quickly!”

If you aren’t into steamy books and curse words, I’d say pass on this one. Everyone else…yeah, I’d say it’s worth checking out.

I can’t wait to read more of Tessa’s books.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

I absolutely loved this book. Tessa Bailey has always been a go-to read, and this book is no different. I absolutely loved Aiden and Stella's chemistry. The banter, protectiveness, and spice were just chefs' kisses. I'm obsessed with Aiden and his quirkiness/Ted Lasso vibes. This was just such a great, fun, and VERY sexy read. It was the perfect book to put me in the holiday spirit.

Read if you love:
- Dual POV
- Reverse grumpy/sunshine
- Workplace romance

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. I love Tessa Bailey books and this one was no exception. I love a good holiday romance and I absolutely loved this book. This book was cute but still very spicy with lots of spicy sections. From the first moment I was rooting for Stella, the female main character. This book also made me feel nostalgic for a holiday display in a department store. I highly recommend this book.