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vanessas_library's review against another edition
5.0
5/5 Stars!
This book touched my heart. I loved how Stella (mc) received a second chance when she thought she didn't deserve it. And then there is Aiden (other mc), so corny and handsome. This book made me like the romance genre. Oh, and the ending of the book was so good it made me cry. I recommend this book.
This book touched my heart. I loved how Stella (mc) received a second chance when she thought she didn't deserve it. And then there is Aiden (other mc), so corny and handsome. This book made me like the romance genre. Oh, and the ending of the book was so good it made me cry. I recommend this book.
myahhunt's review against another edition
emotional
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
2.0
nessiejames's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was going to be a cute love story but it got very hot and heavy about half way through. Was not expecting that. It was okay, definitely a little too much for me though.
ashs_books's review against another edition
4.0
Oh goodness, Window Shopping was the perfect Christmas romance. Aiden was so cute with this bow tie and cheerfulness. I also loved Stella’s character and her prison back story. It was super interesting and all about second chances. This was the first book I’ve read that mentions Covid but it wasn’t over the top at all. It was subtle and felt quite normal and relevant. I also just have to say that Leyland, Aiden’s assistant, is hilarious and needs his own book immediately!
sofialexandra's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
i was aware going into this book that there was a high chance of me not liking it that much due to it being so short. i like my slow burn and my long ass books i’m not gonna lie so i knew that in it being a christmas romcom it wouldn’t be TOO developed and would only focus on the feel-good vibes. but i still think it could’ve done with a lot more depth, especially with stella being freshly out of prison and overlooking so much of the trauma that has to come with it made it quite unrealistic to me.
another thing was the lack of communication between aiden and stella. all of their doubts towards their relationship that led to the main conflict could’ve been resolved with ONE SINGLE CONVERSATION. it was literally just them assuming each other’s feelings towards certain situations like I DON’T KNOW JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER?
also the nicole plot was so built-up just to be resolved in literally ONE dialogue. and their whole confrontation was so unrealistic, especially with nicole changing all her toxic traits simply after stella stood up for herself one single time… unfortunately that’s not how real toxic friendships work AND I KNOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO GO WITH THE CHRISTMASSY HAPPY EVER AFTER VIBES I GET IT OKAY but still.
also, i fear this just wasn’t as christmassy as i was expecting. it obviously had a christmassy atmosphere to it but i feel like halfway through i was like “wait i totally forget this was even supposed to be a christmas romcom”. it’s obviously set during christmas week but that’s literally as far as it all goes.
another thing was the instant attraction which i always enjoy…it’s my guilty pleasure i fear sue me i like my men obsessed. but i know a lot of people aren’t a fan of that so i thought i’d mention that as well.
let’s move on to what i enjoyed: THE CHARACTERS!
AIDEN! he was super cute and endearing and i loved him. him being the golden retriever and her being the black cat he’s obsessed with and almost loses it every time she smiles, let alone laughs… will always do it for me. imagining him as harry styles helped as well. cause wdym “deep brown hair with a slight curl to it waves in the wind” and “a dimple appears on his cheek” and “his eyes are green”… like idk that’s my man i fear.
here’s a quote for you: “And here I am, already making a list of things I’ve only ever experienced with Stella to make myself feel better for every encounter I’ve ever had with another woman. That’s how bad I’ve got it. I’m guilty for everything I ever did before we met.” that’s a real man if i’ve ever seen one
i LOVED stella’s character even tho i wish we had gotten so much more from her. i wish she was written more in-depth and we had gotten to see more of her growth and her overcoming her trauma. again, i’ve mentioned this before but it quite bothered me how overlooked some of stella’s plot was and how rushed it all felt but oh well. i still loved her and how different she was!!!!!
the side characters were so good as well!!!!!!!!!! the jordyn and seamus storyline had me giggling i won’t lie.
i was aware going into this book that there was a high chance of me not liking it that much due to it being so short. i like my slow burn and my long ass books i’m not gonna lie so i knew that in it being a christmas romcom it wouldn’t be TOO developed and would only focus on the feel-good vibes. but i still think it could’ve done with a lot more depth, especially with stella being freshly out of prison and overlooking so much of the trauma that has to come with it made it quite unrealistic to me.
another thing was the lack of communication between aiden and stella. all of their doubts towards their relationship that led to the main conflict could’ve been resolved with ONE SINGLE CONVERSATION. it was literally just them assuming each other’s feelings towards certain situations like I DON’T KNOW JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER?
also the nicole plot was so built-up just to be resolved in literally ONE dialogue. and their whole confrontation was so unrealistic, especially with nicole changing all her toxic traits simply after stella stood up for herself one single time… unfortunately that’s not how real toxic friendships work AND I KNOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO GO WITH THE CHRISTMASSY HAPPY EVER AFTER VIBES I GET IT OKAY but still.
also, i fear this just wasn’t as christmassy as i was expecting. it obviously had a christmassy atmosphere to it but i feel like halfway through i was like “wait i totally forget this was even supposed to be a christmas romcom”. it’s obviously set during christmas week but that’s literally as far as it all goes.
another thing was the instant attraction which i always enjoy…it’s my guilty pleasure i fear sue me i like my men obsessed. but i know a lot of people aren’t a fan of that so i thought i’d mention that as well.
let’s move on to what i enjoyed: THE CHARACTERS!
AIDEN! he was super cute and endearing and i loved him. him being the golden retriever and her being the black cat he’s obsessed with and almost loses it every time she smiles, let alone laughs… will always do it for me. imagining him as harry styles helped as well. cause wdym “deep brown hair with a slight curl to it waves in the wind” and “a dimple appears on his cheek” and “his eyes are green”… like idk that’s my man i fear.
here’s a quote for you: “And here I am, already making a list of things I’ve only ever experienced with Stella to make myself feel better for every encounter I’ve ever had with another woman. That’s how bad I’ve got it. I’m guilty for everything I ever did before we met.” that’s a real man if i’ve ever seen one
i LOVED stella’s character even tho i wish we had gotten so much more from her. i wish she was written more in-depth and we had gotten to see more of her growth and her overcoming her trauma. again, i’ve mentioned this before but it quite bothered me how overlooked some of stella’s plot was and how rushed it all felt but oh well. i still loved her and how different she was!!!!!
the side characters were so good as well!!!!!!!!!! the jordyn and seamus storyline had me giggling i won’t lie.
cassandrapumpkin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
melissa_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
21 Word book review challenge: Grumpy Sunshine trope in a workplace with added festive flair. The overall pace is fast and takes place over a week.
21 Word book review challenge: Grumpy Sunshine trope in a workplace with added festive flair. The overall pace is fast and takes place over a week.
camerynporter's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
So cute and adorable! I love the reverse grumpy sunshine trope. Definitely has some Tessa Bailey spice in it, but overall very cute!
bethanylou's review against another edition
2.0
Short quick read.
Tessa Bailey books are either a hit or miss for me and this one was a miss.
Aiden gave me such an ick, the whole good boy on the outside but naughty on inside was just strangely done. Stella was alright, just didn’t like how she seemed like a pet project for Aiden. It was a strange dynamic between them. Not much depth into the story, but with it being short that’s to be expected.
Tessa Bailey books are either a hit or miss for me and this one was a miss.
Aiden gave me such an ick, the whole good boy on the outside but naughty on inside was just strangely done. Stella was alright, just didn’t like how she seemed like a pet project for Aiden. It was a strange dynamic between them. Not much depth into the story, but with it being short that’s to be expected.