Quick Synopsis

Stella has recently been released from prison when she is seen scowling at a department store window display by the manager. After a conversation, he encourages her to apply for a job as window designer. But with her difficult past and an instant attraction to the manager, Stella must watch her step to make sure she does not stumble and fall while she puts her life back together.

Publisher’s Synopsis

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.

Book Review

Window Shopping is Tessa Bailey’s self-published, stand-alone holiday romance book about a woman newly released from prison finding her feet and some unexpected love. This all takes place in New York City, arguably one of the best cities to spend Christmas. (I may be a bit biased.) Most of the book revolves around a Fifth Avenue department store called Vivant. If I had to categorize this book into any romance tropes, I would say it fits into the grumpy/sunshine trope.

Tessa Bailey is known for writing spicy contemporary romances, and Window Shopping is no exception. To quote my friend Rachel, “This had no business being this damn spicy.” If you are looking for a clean romance read, keep looking. The sexual tension and steamy scenes in Window Shopping is enough to make you sweat while reading. Tessa Bailey ticks both the naughty and nice boxes with this one!

I found Window Shopping to be an easy, quick read. However, I will note that there are some typographical errors that distracted me. I am used to seeing one or two in a book, but there were a few more here. I am chalking this up to the fact it was self-published. Otherwise, Window Shopping was a pleasant read that kept me engrossed in the story. It was a bit humorous at times, and the romance was sweet. (Not to mention the swoon-worthy love interest.) And there was actual romance this time! I have been struggling with finding a holiday romance with such this year.

Window Shopping included plot beyond the romance, but the love story was the main focus of the book. I was happy that to find no cringe-worthy or over-the-top conflict during the story’s arc. There are a few bumps in the road, but they felt realistic and necessary.

Overall, I really enjoyed Window Shopping and will be keeping it on my shelf. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a steamy romance with mature protagonists.

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