Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey is a festive holiday romance that follows the story of Stella, an ex-convict trying to rebuild her life, and Aiden, the manager of a Manhattan department store. Their unlikely romance blossoms during the Christmas season, filled with themes of trust, communication, personal growth, and second chances. The book is described as a short, cozy Christmassy read with a mix of charming, heartwarming, and steamy moments. The writing style is praised for its delightful, comical, and romantic elements that keep the reader engaged.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, featuring a resilient ex-con heroine and a sunny, supportive hero whose dynamic brings depth and humor to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is humorous and engaging, making for a light and enjoyable read while balancing romance with character depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a woman exiting prison who finds love and purpose through a new job, exploring themes of redemption and transformation amidst a festive backdrop.

Setting:

The setting is New York City during the holidays, enhancing the festive and romantic elements while including subtle nods to contemporary social issues.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and focused on romantic development, with some critiques regarding its rushed nature but still successfully conveying emotional depth.

If I was a girl who believed in magic, I would say there was a tingle of Christmas magic in the air that propelled me east, carrying me through the shopper’s paradise on a wintery gust of wind. Or I w...

Notes:

The main characters are Stella, an ex-convict, and Aiden, the cheerful manager of a department store.

Aiden is inspired by the character Ted Lasso, known for his positivity and quirky charm.

Stella is grumpy and has a tough exterior but is determined to rebuild her life after prison.

The romance features a unique reverse grumpy sunshine trope, where the heroine is the grumpy one and the hero is the sunshine.

The story includes holiday themes and is set around Christmas time.

There are spicy romance scenes characteristic of Tessa Bailey's style, with Aiden being both a gentleman in public and dominant in private.

The book touches on themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and overcoming toxic relationships.

The connection between Stella and Aiden feels realistic and develops quickly, despite some critiques of it feeling rushed with elements of 'insta-love.'

The FMC's character offers a perspective on facing judgment and stigma after serving time, indicating a focus on redemption and resilience.

Some readers noted the book's references to the pandemic, integrating social distancing and mask-wearing into the story but in a light manner.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are moderate content warnings including themes of incarceration, toxic relationships, and references to the pandemic.

Has Romance?

Romantic elements play a significant role throughout the book, with a focus on deepening relationships and emotional connections between the lead characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

A sizzling, standalone, feel-good holiday romance from Tessa Bailey, New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer .

Two weeks before Christmas and all through Manhattan,

shop windows are decorated in red and green satin.

I'm standing alone in front of the famous Vivant department store,

when a charming man named Aiden asks my opinion of the décor.

It's a tragedy in tinsel, I say, unable to lie.

He asks for a better idea with a twinkle in his eye.

Did I know he owned the place?

No. He put me on the spot.

Now I'm working for that man, trying to ignore that he's hot.

But as a down on her luck girl with a difficult past,

I know an opportunity when I see one-and I have to make it last.

I'll put my heart and soul into dressing his holiday windows.

I'll work without stopping.

And when we lose the battle with temptation,

I'll try and remember I'm just window shopping.

Ratings (15)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (38):

Read It (15)
Want To Read (19)
Not Interested (4)

What can you read after
Window Shopping?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Window Shopping

Tessa Bailey