Not my favorite Tessa Bailey book. It's my fault. I did not read the description I saw her name and the cute cover. The heat was hot though. Not mad.

This was such an easy, holiday book. Tessa, as always, brings a fun, quirky rom com with spice. I never read a story about a window decorator, truly something different and unique (in my opinion). There was tension but no gut-wrenching drama which I desperately needed after reading some pretty heavy books this month. If you're looking for a palate cleanser or just a quick read - I highly recommend this one!

This was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it didn’t meet the hype. The male lead felt like a "dream man" checklist: successful, geeky-hot, no baggage, and somehow a "dominating sex god" too.

The protagonist lacked depth, and without engaging side characters, the story felt flat. While the premise—a felon-turned-window-dresser under pressure—was intriguing, it quickly felt unconvincing.

Unfortunately, this didn’t inspire me to pick up more of Bailey’s work anytime soon. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager publishing for the advanced copy!

2.5
There have been some Tessa Bailey books I have enjoyed so I was a little disappointed in this one.
It is good-ok. I think those who love the cozy hallmark style will like it more than I did. The tropes used were ones that bother me so made sense that it turned me off. I just needed more. I did not even need a backstory. I just wanted to know what happens now. I would say give it a try if boss-employee stuff does not bother you and you like the simple sweet hallmark style reads.

5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This man smiles constantly.
I hate him.”

Window Shopping is a standalone holiday romcom following Aidan and Stella. Stella is a girl down on her luck dreaming of someone willing to take a chance on her. A chance encounter in front of a shop window of the famous Vivant department store leads her to meeting Aidan, a man willing to take a chance on her by offering her a job. Can they handle the chemistry between them or will they find themselves lost to the holidays?

This book is adorable and perfect for the festive time.

Stella is trying to rebuild herself after a long string of mistakes. She is determined to rebuild herself and you can see the passion she has for the work she's offered. She is really working through herself and I enjoyed the strength we see in her.

Aidan is a sunshine character and I adored the dynamic. He sees the good in everything and he is very much by the book. Yet he does have an intensity to himself...specifically in the bedroom department…

In terms of spice this book is a 3 spicy pepper. The spice is slow burn but the intensity and explicit element really ramped it out. It had such an amazing payout for the delicious tension between Stella and Aidan. There is foreplay, gratuity, and so much more. It really took this book to the next level by giving us a different perspective of our characters and I had such fun.

“Nothing in my life has felt as amazing as you, either. Nothing.”

The story itself follows Stella finally getting a job of her dreams (on a trial basis) thanks to making some comments on window displays in front of Aidan, who happens to be the store manager. Stella feels the chemistry but doesn't want to risk her shot. Aidan is enamored by Stella but he is a by the book kind of guy and his company has strict fraternization policies. There are additional conflicts with old friends and family that help shake things up. I adore the forbidden romance, the dirty talk, and the intimacy of these characters. It was such an effortless read I devoured on the plane ride home. And the ending?!? It truly brought this story together.

Tessa Bailey once again wins me over in the holidays!

Thank you Avon for this review copy!

Well, this book was delightful. This is not your Hallmark Christmas book, this one is more HBO. Stella is standing in front of famous The Vivant Christmas windows when Aiden asks what she thinks. She is the first person who gives him an honest opinion.
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This book is about second chances, first romances and Christmas spirit. I loved it.

Thank you Avon and NetGalley’s for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review

This book ending up being so very different from what I expected when looking at the cover and title. I would have preferred a novella with way less prison drama. The FMC bugged me and I didn’t feel connected to the romance. Still a favorite author but this book wasn’t for me.

This was the just right Christmas season book. Tessa Bailey never lets me down when I want something with humor in addition to romance and I love when the female is the ‘grump’ in the grumpy / sunshine trope. Short and sweet with enough story to give the characters time to develop beyond what you typically get in a novella. Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC.

4.5 Stars

This was such a heartwarming (and honestly HOTT) holiday romance. The grumpy ex-con falling for the perpetually happy bow-tie wearing boss was *chef’s kiss*. And I couldn’t get enough of the side characters and the winter NYC setting. It truly felt like I was reading the inside of a NYC tourist snow globe. Adorable and spicy and everything you could want in a holiday romance!

Tessa Bailey is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Window Shopping is an adorable story that hits all of the right notes. Funny and spicy with a side of emotion, and a whole lot of Christmas magic, this story will enchant you. Tropes are he-falls-first, office romance, grumpy x sunshine, and holiday romance.

Aiden and Stella were complete opposites. He's a billionaire department store teddy bear filled with naughty spice. An alpha in the bedroom, he wears kitschy Christmas bowties, bends over backward to make people happy, and oozes swoon and charisma. She's an ex-con, hardened by her past trying to rediscover herself and start a new life after being released from prison. She keeps her head down, struggles with self-confidence, and doesn't see all her wonderful traits. She's literally the caterpillar that becomes the butterfly. They have a meet-cute in front of Aiden's store and the story takes off from there. I love how Aiden took a chance on Stella and gave her the start she needed. There was a ton of chemistry between these two and I loved watching it play out. I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention how much I love Aiden's Aunt Edna stories! This man is beautifully complex! Their relationship isn't easy and it takes a while for Stella to catch up to
Aiden but eventually, they find a happily ever after.

Bailey delivers a fun, festive story that readers will quickly inhale. It's a quick, easy holiday read that will entertain from start to finish. Don't miss it! 4.5 stars

I absolutely adored this. It was an absolute joy to read! Once I started, I just didn’t want to stop. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I am not going to fall prey to Tessa Bailey books anymore. Her romances just don't work for me, and this one like the ones I read before, left me with an ick factor. I am sure it appeals and, if you enjoy Bailey's romances, this one will surely deliver. I just had a very difficult time warming up to either character and, more importantly, their chemistry. First, they fall into effectively insta-love especially on the part of Aiden which just seemed so out of character for either of them as they got more fleshed out in the story. And then he orchestrates a job for her without really assessing her in contrast to the other applicants. Then, it gets worse, as he effectively stalks her despite trying not to pressure her as her boss.

I have read books where the characters are colleagues, and that works. But I have always had a hard time with romances when the power dynamic is off and one of the characters is in a position of authority over the other. I also think that these being re-released is not doing the books a service, because there have been changes in perception since 2021 when this was first published. Sure, it's only been 3 years and the Me Too movement pre-dates that, but the vibe here is very much the kind that would have raised alarm bells for sure.

The characters are fine. The story moves and is not too long. And there are some sexy scenes. Just couldn't see past the boss-employee relationship, even with the paperwork, to say that this book was a winner for me. Again, if you liked Tess Bailey's other books, I'm sure this one will be a hit. Just a miss for me.

Window shopping by Tessa Bailey was so cute. The characters left off the page it’s been several days and I still am having trouble separating myself from the main characters. What a delightful treat.

Stella just got out of prison and she's desperate for a clean start. She stops outside the windows of Vivant department store and beings to criticize the holiday window display; she catches the attention of their general manager Aiden. He challenges her for better ideas, then offers her a job as their window displayer. The chemistry between Stella and Aiden was instant but now as an employee there are lines that they cannot cross unless they let HR know. Stella does not want to tell people so soon as she does not want them to think she got her job that way. How long can she stay away before those lines with Aiden become a distant blur?

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC.

I love Tessa Bailey and she doesn't disappoint with this sweet, fun holiday second chance at life romance with some spice!
I loved watching Stella get a chance to rebuild her life and get her HEA and Aiden was just perfect. A man who is holiday spirit personified and wears a bow tie but who like to talk dirty, sign me up!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! It was a great kick start to my holiday reading!

WINDOW SHOPPING was a fun, quick, and festive read. It had all the elements of a classic Tessa Bailey book with warm characters, some humor, and a lot of sizzle. While the relationship between Aiden and Stella was fun, some of the back story was tedious and a bit overdone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the opportunity to read and review WINDOW SHOPPING.

3.75/5

A grumpy-sunshine holiday romance! I enjoyed the balance between Aiden’s lighthearted stories about Aunt Edna and Stella’s troubled past that she was trying to move on from. There was depth and character development mixed with sweet, Christmas joy. The perfect read to get into the holiday spirit!

I really liked this one! Tessa Bailey always writes amazing heroes and Aiden was just that. He wears adorable bow ties and dirty talks in private. I liked Stella's unique backstory. I'm glad Aiden's terrible family was in the story as little as possible. This was the perfect holiday romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon Harper Voyager for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #tessabailey #windowshopping #avonhapervoyager

I wanted to love this but I was not my favorite at all. I was really hopefully but it was a bit disappointing.

I love Tessa Bailey books, but this one didn’t hit the spot for me. I think because it was so short. I loved the plot, and the idea is so unique. I love the depth of Stella, I just wish we could’ve read more about her story! I feel like the ending was really rushed. Honestly I could’ve read another 100 pages if it was at a slower pace. Overall, cute vibes though and a quick holiday read!