Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Window Shopping

“It's weird. When you're younger, you think you know everything. Then you get older and live in constant awareness of how little you actually know and understand.”

➽ This was my first Tessa Bailey book and I don't think this author is for me! I liked the premise of it: the story follows Stella as she scores an unlikely job as a window decorator for the prestigious Vivant department store. Stella herself is an ex-con so it has been difficult for her to find steady work. Luckily, Aiden - the manager and co-owner of the store - takes a chance on her despite her past! The most interesting aspect of the story was probably Stella's own struggles with the stigma surrounding ex-cons and trying to build a new life for herself in Manhattan!

➽ The writing and romance left a lot to be desired for me. The writing style was a bit cliche and cheesy at times, sadly it made me cringe at certain scenes. There is also a lot of gender-essentialist language that I found offputting. Aiden and Stella getting steamy didn't do it for me and generally, their dynamic didn't appeal to me. I also found it uncomfortable how the story just glosses over Stella's old, toxic friend from her time in prison forcing her way back into her life. She was super pushy and acting entitled to Stella's help, but it was brushed under the rug quickly.

Content Warnings

jen1804's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This was a cute instant-attraction romance. It’s hard to explain but the characters of Stella and Aiden were well developed and yet at the same time were a little bizarre to the point I found it hard to see them as who Tessa Bailey was trying to describe them as if that even remotely makes sense.
There were some really lush scenes which I enjoyed very much such as them eating donuts and then *not* kissing in the car, and I especially loved the tension in the first part of the book. I appreciated that the characters had several DMCs. I also loved the ‘find a gift in 15 mins’ scene, and when Stella is trying on a dress in the store and their eyes meet in the mirror, I thought that scene was really tender and well portrayed by Tessa Bailey.
The spice was nothing special, but also wasn’t bad.
I could’ve done with there being a bit more Christmas involved to help me feel more festive. I know it’s set around Christmas time and there is talk of decorations and Christmas parties but I just needed that little bit more!
Loved the epilogue, stop it right now with Aiden sending framed photos of all Stella’s windows to her parents, that put a sweet lump in my throat.
Overall a good read.
Satisfactory ending? Yes.

Content Warnings

caitlinemccann's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

bee_royal_reads_books's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I did not anticipate liking this book as much as I did. I’m kind of a grinch so Christmas books, let alone Christmas romances, are usually so far removed from my radar. But the instant chemistry, the physical connection, the raw trust in each other…. Ugh, I need it. Logically, I’m aware men like Aiden are rare but lordt I need him in my life, like, yesterday. This book gave me ALL the feels and would 10/10 read it again. Also, Stella, learning how to be on her own two feet, learning how to trust herself and live for herself resonates so resoundingly with me. I loved her as a main female character.

Content Warnings

amanda_reads13's review

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Content Warnings

hq_reads's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Aiden is the perfect man - how are his bow ties super hot??? He gives of major golden retriever vibes by day, and then is so deliciously aggressive with sex. Like Jekyll and Hyde (but I’m a good way).

I loved this reverse grumpy x sunshine - Aiden was just a blazing star of sunshine. I also loved Stella. At first I didn’t think I’d like her but she immediately grew on me and her vulnerability and bravery was evident really early on. Bailey did a great job of writing her inner conflict: hopefulness over her present/future but self consciousness over her past.

The spice was great - the build up was excellent, especially the reveal that Aiden is not “such a nice guy”.

Content Warnings

sammietee's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted slow-paced

2.5

The plot was lacking in this one. I also don’t think I am a fan of the southern gentlemen archetype so I had a hard time with Aiden.

Content Warnings

erin_curry's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

More...