Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

Setting:
NYC

Characters:
Stella
Aiden
Jordyn
Seamus
Leland
Nicole

Tropes:
Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
Christmas
Hero falls first
Cinnadom

Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 SIX STARS

Spice:
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Notable Moments:
Incarcerated heroine
Mention of pandemic
Whimsical Xmas charm
Widow dressing
Stella locked in the window
Don't let the bow tie fool ya; I can be rough
Key to the window box...awe
Key necklace
Binoculars
Bubble Butt Hero 🤤
Handsy at the monarch bar
Cinnadom
Gentlemen on street freak in the sheets
Aiden losing his temper, slay
🍑 stuff

Review:
Y'all. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS NOVEL! It was one of the best romances I have ever read. I love that it was a reverse Grumpy Sunshine trope. I absolutely loved Stella and Aiden's relationship. It was so romantic and passionate. The spice was so good that my astigmatism acted up. Read this book. It's the spicy Hallmark Christmas movie of your dreams.

Content Warnings:
Shame from incarceration
Mild guilt
Scene of panic attack

I absolutely love Tessa Bailey and Window Shopping was no exception. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity for this early read.

Tessa Bailey is literally my number one favorite romance author! You will never be disappointed by one of her books. This one was no exception. I finished it in one airplane ride.

Spoil free review. I will forever pick up a Tessa book. She done it again, I picked up this book and couldn’t put it down.

This was a cute holiday romance! It was quick, short, and to the point. Overall it was alright. I have it on our Holiday display

Aiden and Stella, boss and employee, sunshine and grumpy. Stella in search of a new beginning stops to exam a store’s holiday window. Realizing someone was standing beside her asking for her opinion of said window. In the end he wants her to apply for the position of window dresser. And so begins this steamy holiday read.
I am not one to read holiday romances, but Tessa Bailey you have converted me.

"Window Shopping" by Tessa Bailey is a delightful holiday romance that captures the magic of love during the festive season. The chemistry between the characters is electric, filled with playful banter and heartfelt moments that make their connection feel authentic. Bailey's writing is warm and inviting, perfectly complementing the charming backdrop of a bustling city during the holidays. The themes of second chances and self-discovery resonate throughout, adding depth to the sweet storyline. Overall, this novel is a cozy and enchanting read that will leave you with a smile and a sense of holiday cheer.

It's Christmastime in Manhattan and the city is bustling and vibrant. Stella is negatively commenting on a window display when a handsome stranger, Aiden, approaches her. He happens to be the manager of the store with said window. What ensures is some steamy and raunchy holiday fun between Stella and Aiden. I enjoyed this one because I like a light hearted holiday romance and Tessa Bailey does not disappoint.

2 1/2 stars.

This is classic Tessa Bailey: tall, hot, man falls for cute feisty woman, raunchy talk and spicy sex ensue. In Window Shopping, the plot is gift-wrapped in a Manhattan holiday setting. Gothy Stella, recently released from jail, has always wanted to design windows; upon her release, she manages to land her dream job when Aiden, the manager of a downtown department store, decides to overlook her felon status and take a chance on her. She has a vision and a budget and gets the whole borough talking when her first window is unveiled; reading about the design process was immensely fun. He tries to keep his stakeholders--and his libido--at bay, as there is a no fraternizing policy at work. Meanwhile, Nicole, Stella's literal partner in crime, is out on parole and looking to reconnect with the person she used to take advantage of, but Stella wants to rebuild her life, live clean, and cut ties, without making her friend feel bad.

The Christmas setting is fun and seasonal. The chemistry is top-notch. The story moves at a fast clip, but there isn't room for a lot of character development of depth. The will they/won't they tension is heightened by Aiden wanted to have their relationship out in the open and Stella being content with a friends with benefits secret affair. I'm not sure how believable the multiple happy endings are (by which I mean, reconciliation with parents, boundaries with friend, romance with Aiden without repercussion, career success, and matching robes are) but like with Santa, I want to believe. This republished/repackaged raunchy romance is not up to par compared to Bailey's other titles, but fans will be satisfied with her trademark filthy-mouthed hot dudes who like it rough--especially ones wearing cute Christmas bowties.

I received a free advance reader's review copy of #WindowShopping via #NetGalley courtesy of #Harper.

There's something magical about Tessa Bailey, I think. The way her writing can pull me up when I can feel myself slipping into a reading slump. How each of her characters is unique and feels all the more real because of it. Her writing is funny and hopeful and honestly, this woman is the queen of dirty talk. Every guy she writes into her romances tends to leave me blushing at some point. And nice guy Aiden was absolutely no exception.

He might be a rule follower and looking for the good in every day. He might see the best in people, even if he has to try hard to find it. But the man can be rough when he needs to be. And we love him all the more for that. Stella, meanwhile, is months out of prison and certain life couldn't be so kind as to offer her a chance to do her dream job -- window decorating at a high-traffic store. On a main shopping street. In Manhattan. But that's exactly the opportunity Aiden gives her after one conversation on the street, studying his own shop's window, which Stella claims is just one step away from a penguin massacre.

The chemistry is instantaneous. And this, of course, is problematic. Because fraternizing is against company policy and Aiden is a rule follower while Stella doesn't want to blow her one big chance. Cue the pining, the stolen glances, the unspoken words between them. I loved the dynamic between these two. The girl who's been in trouble with the law, but doesn't try to shirk her blame in the events of that night and just wants to start over. And the guy who tries to follow every rule and smile everyday, but doesn't want to be mistaken for a pushover and someone who is too nice.

Stella and Aiden balance each other perfectly so you can't help rooting for them from the very beginning. I was worried at first, as Stella's past came more and more into focus, that all the issues being presented wouldn't have time within the pages to realistically resolve. But I should have known better. Things might end in HEA in these books, but Tessa Bailey has never made it feel rushed to me. There's always clear and understandable resolution to any conflicts she creates for her characters. Even her side characters. Who, by the way, feel as real and individual as the MCs. As if you could just as easily be reading about one of them. All of this is why I will always pick up one of Tessa Bailey's books when I need something to lift my spirits and provide all the heart and emotion you could ever hope to find. She never fails in that department.

I'm not much for Christmas books, but this was a delightful little holiday story. Tropes are turned on their heads because the main character is a convicted felon with a heart of gold and her romantic interest is a cinnamon roll of a man who wears bow ties and loves Christmas. It's a short, fun, and spicy read with a plot that's predictable in the way romance novels are predictable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reading Copy.

A very cutesy Hallmark-esque, cozy Christmas grump/sunshine romance. It's full of holiday cheer (and a bit of grinchy-ness) that's playful and, at times, a little sickeningly sweet. Some storylines felt a little lacking and under-developed (Nicole, Aiden's family background...) and the spice somewhat overtook any semblance of a plot at a certain point.

Much like Tessa Bailey's other books, "Window Shopping" is a cheerful and fun little palette cleanser.

Plus, THE ROBES!

Thank you, Netgalley and Avon Books, for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Such a fun black cat x golden retriever holiday romance! Loved Aiden and his filthy mouth, of course

What better way to celebrate October by skipping ahead to all of the Christmas reviews. In a classic Tessa Bailey spice-filled romance, the story kicks off just a few weeks before Christmas. Stella is fresh out the slammer and wandering NYC when she happens upon a disastrous department store holiday window display. Commenting on it to the handsome guy next to her, Aiden, little does she know, this is the big boss of the store. With a fresh start and opportunity to rework the display, Stella is also grappling with her growing feelings first the boss…and it’s just as complicated and growing for Aiden. Merry early Christmas!
I found some of the storylines to be lacking (definitely would want to dive more into Nicole, as well as Aiden’s family roots), especially as spice took over the plot in many aspects. However, if that’s your thing, this is great for fans of a romantic holiday read and NYC at Christmastime.
Thank you to Harper Collins for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely loved how this book has a lot more to do with the holiday theme than Baileys Wreck the Halls. Loved the ending.

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!