Window Shopping

by Tessa Bailey, Alexa Morden (Narrator), Sam Rushton (Narrator)

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.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 16, 2021

About the author

New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

Reviews

[chan ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

just looking for a man to wear matching bathrobes & bone down in department stores with

[elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

you know the porn videos with the really really bad introductions? this book is exactly that, but with santa hats.

[Yun · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one does naughty & nice quite like Tessa Bailey. So when I saw she had a holiday romance coming out, I couldn't resist. I picked it up a few weeks ago, but I've exercised enormous restraint and held off reading it until just the right moment before Christmas for maximum festive effect. And that moment is finally here!

When Stella stops outside the windows of Vivant department store and scoffs out loud at their pathetic holiday display, she catches the attention of their charming general manager Aiden. He challenges her for better ideas, then offers her a job as their window displayer. Of course Stella jumps at the chance to prove herself. And the fact that her boss is a hottie? Well, that didn't factor into her excitement at all.

There is so much goodness in this story. For one, Stella just got out of prison and she's desperate for a clean start. In steps Aiden, who believes in her when no one else would give her a chance. This really struck a chord in me. As a society, we don't give ex-convicts enough of a second chance. They often cannot find jobs, and without a way to earn an honest living, many recidivate. So to see Bailey touch upon such an important topic in a lighthearted story centered around the season of generosity and goodwill is both surprising and heartwarming.

I loved Aiden's character. His cheerful soul is the perfect foil for Stella's weariness and pessimism. It was wonderful to follow along as she gains confidence in her job and their relationship grows. The story takes place in a post-pandemic world, which is a lovely escape from our real one. It also completely captures the spirit of the holidays, with its storyline of department stores and decorating for the holidays.

Whenever Tessa Bailey comes up, I feel like I always have to make a mention of the steam factor in her books. They are HOT, perhaps shockingly so if you've never read her, so reader beware. She definitely doesn't hold back when it comes to those scenes, which are a bit incongruous with her cute and innocent book covers.

This isn't some serious love story for the ages or anything. It's pure unadulterated fun, with heaping doses of feelgood and raunchy. Add in the themes of finding oneself and getting a second chance, along with loads of Christmas cheer, and this is just about the perfect holiday read for me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Bellinger Sisters:
It Happened One Summer ✧ Hook, Line, and Sinker

My Killer Vacation

Hot & Hammered:
Fix Her Up ✧ Love Her or Lose Her ✧ Tools of Engagement
~~~~~~~~~~~~

✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧

[Ali Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars! What I love about this book:
-The concept! Our main character gets hired to design the Christmas window displays in a store. This was so nostalgic for me remembering Christmas shopping at department stores as a kid with my mom.
-The characters! They both had really interesting backstories. Stella just got out of prison and Aiden grew up in a really wealthy family. They're both SO different from each other but it was cool seeing them come together and blend their very different lives.
-It's a workplace romance! No need to say more. Such a great trope.

What I didn't love:
-There's a lot of spice. I don't think I've ever complained about too much spice in a book but since this book is under 300 pgs I could've gone for more plot & less spice.
-For some reason I didn't really care that much about them as a couple. Idk why? I love them individually & they are good together, but I just didn't feel that invested in their romance.

Overall a cute, short, & fun holiday romance! Would still recommend if you're looking for something light, short, & spicy for the holidays.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was the PERFECT christmas romance
it was equally cute and steamy
grumpy + sunshine trope but where the heroine is the grump and the hero is the sunshine wrapped in christmas spirit and festive bowties

[ananya · Rating 1 out of 5]

if someone said "i matching robes love you" to me i would shoot them and then myself

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was the boost of serotonin i needed this fine sunday😌

[benedicta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ he's a 10 but he's in his 30s and wears crocodile print bowties 😭

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ted Lasso if Ted Lasso liked butt stuff

[Warda · Rating 2 out of 5]

No one hates this rating more than me. I can’t figure out whether me PMS-ing ruined this story for me or if it’s the book.

Probably both.

But really, I was lied to.

The beginning (the first few chapters) was hella cute. It was giving off the grumpy-sunshine vibe perrrfectly. But as the story went on, that just… faded.

I mean, grumpy who and grumpy where? All I got was Stella being insecure as fuck. Which makes sense. You’d feel fragile and out of place once you leave prison after 4 years.

But don’t sell this story to me as it having a grumpy female character then give me a character that doesn’t fulfil what it means to actually be grumpy. I needed Grinch, goddammit.

I was rewriting the story in my head as I was reading the story and that’s the last thing I want to be doing.

I rather it had focused on Stella overcoming those insecurities and dealing with her trauma. She was so in her head.

2 stars for Aiden and his bowties and the Christmas vibes.

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is early this year with this opposites attract romance that have you craving some holiday cheer mixed with those scorching scenes that Tessa never disappoints to provide...



The way that Aiden is described in this novel took me by surprise I cannot lie. Stella and Aiden, two individuals from different worlds with different personalities meet under a mutual circumstance that make their meet cute one of a kind. And with time, Tessa has written a romance novel that has me craving for me. Craving for Aiden's personality in every single male character that I read from now on. Cheerful and full of life, Aiden is the persona you always want to be around. But when the drapes come off and he shows his inner cave man, a protective possessive man towards Stella, you just know that he is one scorching torch. While Stella, a broody young lady with a past that she does not want her to follow her, learns that accepting help from others is not always a bad thing to do.

These two, together make one heck of a couple. With struggles of their own, but with Aiden involved and the strong urge of protecting what is his, Stella becomes the target of his desires and needs. Not only that, but emotionally he knows that having her as his is what he has been striving for his entire life. Her being his true soul mate is what seals the deal, because he knows that being with her than without her is what makes him or brakes him. But with time, both of them realize that being together is the best kind of magic there is.

Tessa has once again, and not even the tiniest bit surprised outdone herself with her magical fingers and brain to write such a fantastic novel that will have everyone truly on their knees wanting for more. With that being said, I can officially say that I am obsessed with having our male characters as the cheerful loving ones, and the females as the broody type with a stone hear, needing their one true mate to melt them. I cannot wait to see what is up next for Tessa!

ARC kindly provided by Tessa in exchange for an honest review…

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[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tiktok keeps screwing me over

[aly ☆彡 · Rating 3 out of 5]

As expected from Tessa Bailey, Window Shopping is one sexy, comical romance book to be read this holiday season. This book reminds me of Cruella with the window dressing, which is what I love the most about this book.

"It's not my job to teach people to be happy"

Despite the fast-paced, spicy romance this book has to offer, Window Shopping is more than just two characters falling in love. This book deals with the struggle to overcome past toxic friendships, as well as trying to regain one's footing after spending four years behind the bars; which made this new twist on a holiday romance fantastic! On the surface, it was Hallmark-esque, but it quickly descended into a deeper, serious redemption story that I absolutely loved.

"It's probably a good thing she interrupted me because I am on the verge of proposing marriage"

It couldn't be denied that the star of the show would be the one and only, Aiden Cook. He is a goofy, hulking, genuine bubble-butted hero we all adored. You'll never get enough of his Aunt Edna story. But foremost, he wears holiday-themed bowed ties! Where do we even find these gentlemen nowadays? However, those traits shouldn't fool you and I'll never fathom how Tessa Bailey came up with a man who is the ideal combo of a dorky and smutty at the same time.

The same could be expected for their romance with the opposite attracts and reverse grumpy-sunshine tropes. You would see how they both complete and assist each other in growing and overcoming the mistaken beliefs that are preventing them from living fully, as the best romances do. I was captivated by the plot as there was a palpable push-pull tension and vulnerability on both sides.

Nonetheless, the christmas book vibe started to evaporate as the story goes. Why you ask? Because the romance rooted in insta-love which I have to sadly admit wasn't my cup of tea. It was adorable, but the second half of the book is loaded with graphic love scenes that aren't necessary for the plot (unless you're in for endless smut).

Regardless, the author's style of searing fun and humorous charm was paired with her remarkable ingenuity, making this not the typical romance I expect. The entire work moved at a consistent pace and was set in a post-pandemic New York City bursting with hope and optimism, which was delightful to read.

[.. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went in blind so maybe that’s my fault but I genuinely hated this so much

First of all, the words that were used in this made me cringe sfm like wtf. “Scare the bejezuz out of her” “you hot-ass girl”

DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE ENDING PARAGRAPHS “I matching robes love you” what is this? middle school? It’s giving i woof you vibes, disgusting.

Bad plot like it was so stupid.

It’s basically all smut so if you don’t care about plot and just want a smutty book then I think you’d like this.

Overall; 1.5/5 ⭐️

[Emily Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 40% I just do not care at all about these characters or the fucking window.

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay listen, I tried. I really tried to enjoy this but it just did not hit for me. I just didn’t feel the connection to the couple or to the main character. By the end of the book I didn’t even feel like I knew much about them. It was also insta-love which is my least favorite trope. I enjoyed the Christmas vibe for sure and I LOVE the show Ted Lasso, and Aiden being inspired by him makes so much sense, that part was amazing. It was refreshing to see a Grumpy MC with a Sunshine love interest. The epilogue was definitely very cute and I felt the cozy vibes throughout it. I didn’t connect to Stella’s character but i did like to see that she was able to be the hero of her own story.

[Isabella. R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Coming Out of Pause Stars ⭐

Here’s the truth. Reading a Tessa Bailey book is like removing your bra after a long day, throwing on your pjs and making yourself a cuppa; obviously in that other! Always pleasurable and comforting. And if that’s not convincing enough, this author is the Queen of the grumpy/sunshine trope and this was no different…except with a surprising twist.

I’m not what one would refer to as approachable. In fact, I’m fluent in Fuck Off. Hopefully he speaks it, too. Or at least knows how to read body language.

Stella Schmidt is at rock bottom. In fact, she’s alone in New York trying to find her footing whilst regretting her life choices. At 25 years old she has no direction, but I guess at this point, the only way is up. A whimsical moment, staring at a window display at the high-end department store Vivant, when the unlikeliest thing happens. A life changing interaction with an annoying but gorgeous stranger in a Xmas bow tie.

“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.”

There is no logical explanation as to why Aidan Cook would be smitten with a stranger standing on the sidewalk judging his window displays. Apart from ‘The Penguin Chernobyl’ eye sore they are both staring at, this girl fascinates him. What is the likelihood that Stella needs a job, and a window dressing position has come up?

A trial run could be the beginning of something great. For Stella, this is a fresh beginning and for Aidan, well he’s hearing wedding bells. Yet attraction aside, there is that minor detail of no fraternizing between staff. Aidan is desperately trying to do the honorable thing except he can’t see reason beyond his lust. And the moment its mutual? Kaboom!

Her pulse ticked faster, more insistently when I grazed her lips or jawline with my teeth, the tighter I fisted her clothing, the more anxious she became. No soft and slow for Stella. Yeah, I’ve got her number. It’s the same as mine.

These two were adorable. Stella was rocking the whole emo goth chick vibe, while Aidan was Mr. Suave that convincingly masked his naughtiness. On paper, these two weren’t exactly compatible, yet when you looked past appearances the connection was instant and real. I enjoyed the contrast of both characters individually and together. And once you’ve read this, you’ll get what I mean! Surrounded by the backdrop of Christmas in New York, Window Shopping was a true delight.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say, Tessa Bailey knows what’s up. You know all those kinky Ted Lasso dreams you’ve been having? Well, she makes them all come true in this book.

Said Kinky Ted Lasso is Aiden Cook, the perky, a-little-overtly-optimistic manager of Vivant, a high-end department store founded by his family. While contemplating Vivant’s shit show of a Christmas decorated window, he runs into Stella Schmidt, a grumpy ex-con who’s just getting her life back together.

Being a window dresser was Stella’s lifelong dream. After four years in prison, she’s reluctant to even entertain the idea that she could achieve that goal - but guess what? Aiden has her number, and he’s going to put her talent to use.

Their dynamic was incredible and the reverse grumpy/sunshine trope isn't something I've seen a lot of. I'm into it!

Aiden scratched a very specific itch for me with his long winded stories and crazy metaphors and Tennessee-ness, and Stella was such a cathartic character to read. She's still reeling from her past mistakes and feels so undeserving of a second chance.

The book also explores Stella's toxic friendship with the girl who landed her in prison (so to speak) and I think their dynamic is going to make us all remember high school very vividly, ha.

This was Christmas-y and sweet and HOT and joyful. Tessa Bailey, if you ever stop writing (or making TikToks) I don’t know what I’ll do with myself!

[Khalilah D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m just going to be brutally honest here: it was simply Instalove, formulaic and cliche. I don’t think she’s for me.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

This was a grumpy/sunshine romance featuring an ex-con and a department store owner who is sunshine in the streets but more of a “bad boy” in the sheets. This story worked better for me than a previous romance by this author I’ve read. Some things are a little too convenient and glossed over, but overall it was fine. It didn’t quite feel very Christmas-y so this could be read year round.

[EmBibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who am I? And what happened to the real Em? I read two holiday romances in one month, which is more than what I’ve read in my entire life, And enjoyed them? I’m unable to recognize myself anymore!

A serious question tho, do men like Aiden actually exist in real life?? His overly nice overly cheerful overly optimistic self was a little too much for me to be honest. If he was a real person standing in front of me in those bow ties talking like that, I could imagine myself standing speechless with my mouth hanging open looking like an idiot, lol!

That being said, I really enjoyed this story and those characters dynamic. The grumpy sunshine trope here was so entertaining. I loved all the NYC Christmassy vibes. And how proper put together Aiden was on the outside, but what a steamy chemistry they both had when they’re together! Also, I never thought I would like a guy who wears bow ties, but here we are.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

i’m just happy it’s over tbh

[Léa · Rating 1 out of 5]

My 12 year old fanfiction writing was better than this

[TJ ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm shocked i read this all the way through, i'll attribute it to the fluffy book phase i'm in. the heroes personality was my worst nightmare w that sunshine trope but honestly... when mans came through w the dirty talk i was clutching my pearls in the best way possible 😌 i almost forgave him for the fact that this personality transplant made no sense and i'd been cringing for 98% of this

“Nice guy?” I slip my middle finger out, almost the whole way, then push it back in accompanied by my ring finger. “I’ll fill this tight, little thing up so full, you won’t know whether to open wider for it or slap me across the face.”

😮🥵

the book wasn't anything special but i'd say it was on par w tessa's fish book. and this is probably just a me thing, but i didn't like that the hero kept repeating that he hired the heroine bc he was into her and wanted to see her again. i wish this hadn't been the case and he just hired her bc he thought she was talented (bc she is) and then their romantic relationship developed the more time they spent together. it would've felt less condescending and also gotten rid of the insta-love

[Whitney Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Bellinger sister series by Tessa Bailey. So, when I was looking for a holiday book to read and saw this one by her, it was an easy decision! This wasn’t near as good as the Bellinger sisters but it’s cute story, it was light and fluffy, just what I was looking for. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a holiday romance! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable! I never thought I’d love a hero who loves bow ties but I do. This was really sweet and easy to read - there’s not much plot outside the heroine building a life for herself after prison, but I was perfectly fine with this and plus, I loved the holiday vibes! The hero is your classic TB hero who’s obsessed with the heroine from the get-go. If you love prickly heroines and sunshine heroes, you’ll enjoy Window Shopping.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
My first Tessa Bailey book and I completely loved it. It was sooo good, from the characters to the plot. *chef's kiss* Aiden was probably my favourite thing about the book....I adored his character. Can't wait to read more from Tessa Bailey.

[Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Don’t let the bowtie fool you, Stella. I’m not always nice. When the situation calls for it, I can be downright rough”.

Window Shopping es un libro del que me esperaba una historia navideña bonita, sencilla y muy al estilo de las pelis que salen en esta época del año. Algo con lo que te diviertes, pero que es poco memorable, vamos. Pero, a decir verdad, la trama de este sí que me sorprendió, no solamente por el contexto que había detrás de cada personaje, sino también por un nivel de spice que no me esperaba.

Aquí tenemos a Stella, una mujer que acaba de salir de la cárcel por un error que cometió hace unos años. Sin trabajo y recién llegada a Nueva York, está adaptándose nuevamente a la vida en libertad y nada más y nada menos que en Navidad. A ella siempre le ha encantado el diseño de vitrinas temáticas y, por eso, cuando un hombre muy guapo que trabaja en un almacén muy prestigioso llamado Vivant le propone que diseñe las decoraciones, Stella acepta. Y acepta no solo porque esa sea la primera oportunidad que tiene de trabajar en lo que ama, sino porque Aiden la intriga muchísimo. Eventualmente, Stella se entera de que Aiden es el director de Vivant y, aunque los dos sienten una tensión increíble, intentan comportarse como lo dictan las reglas de la compañía: nada de relaciones entre empleados. Pero la pregunta es… ¿lograrán ignorar esa tensión o cederán ante ella?

La verdad es que este me pareció un libro súper entretenido, ligero, súper sexy y tremendamente navideño, es decir, lo que yo buscaba en esta época del año. Creo que es seguro decir que me lo devoré y que es muy probable que se vuelva uno de esos libros que relea cada que sea Navidad. La historia de Stella y Aidan es mucho más que simple tensión, momentos robados y luego un descontrol salvaje y delicioso, se los garantizo. Las historias de fondo de cada uno, las cosas con las que están lidiando internamente y el contexto en el que se desarrolla todo hacen que la trama se aleje de los clichés y sea bastante única.

Así que ya saben, si quieren una lectura navideña y spicy, aun les quedan unos cuantos días de festividades para animarse a conocer la historia de Aiden y Stella.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The most remarkable thing about him is those smile lines. They bracket his mouth, they fan out from the corners of his eyes. They are deep and worn-in like a pair of jeans that have been washed seven hundred times. This man smiles constantly. I hate him.

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday read, look no further. This book was just as delightful as the hero, Aiden. Sigh. I love love love the grumpy sunshine troupe and I especially love it when the heroine is the grump and the hero is the sunshine. Aiden and his bowties seriously made this book for me. He was such a fun hero and he and Stella had so much chemistry. He was a whole different man when it came to that…

This was completely adorable, sweet, steamy, and so much fun. I loved it and highly recommend!

[rei ‧₊˚✩彡]

pre-read:

last book for this month/year! i know that christmas is done but this is the last book i have and i just hope it won’t let me down