Reviews

This book was the perfect level of cheese.

I love the idea of Christmas in New York and I think this book captured that vibe perfectly. I liked that it also went a little deeper than a little Christmas rom com as you saw Stella want more for herself and her life.

I don’t know about matching robes… but I’m down for popcorn filled nights and ruined breakfast.

mb_lovestoread's review against another edition

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5.0

If you love Christmas, big dreams and hopes this is a must read! I loved the way the characters developed and even though there weren’t a lot of spicy scenes it was a 10/10 read.

misaqi's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-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

2.75

This is a book version of a porn Hallmark movie.

intensej's review against another edition

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fast-paced

2.0

This book just did not work for me. I thought the premise was fun for a Christmas romance, but the characters just felt flat to me. The sex scenes were spicy, but the lack of chemistry and the insta-love between Aiden and Stella made me cringe. Aiden's character reminded me of Ted Lasso, and his super nice guy energy was too forced. This book reminded me of a historical Christmas romance that also features a department store and window displays (what are the chances?): Miracle on Ladies' Mile. I only gave it 1.5 stars, but it might be good for someone looking for a Christmas novella.

melissaeck's review against another edition

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lighthearted

3.0

rachhhelllllll's review against another edition

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Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Again, would have loved to see their relationship evolve as a couple but this was a shorter work of hers and she loves that time jump epilogue

Aiden >>>🥹

exquisite_tragedy's review against another edition

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4.0

Tropes/Themes:
-MF contemporary romance
-Age gap
-Grump (h) x Sunshine (H)
-Forbidden (boss x employee)
-Smitten hero
-Christmas romance
-Dual POV
-Standalone

This was exactly the type of Christmas romance I was looking for!! This book follows Stella (an ex-con looking for a fresh start) and Aiden (the manager of a high-end department store). One day Aiden sees Stella standing outside their display window and is instantly smitten. Without knowing he’s actually the store manager, she starts telling him what she would have done differently with the window. Unbeknownst to her, Aiden is actually in the market for a new window dresser so he encourages her to apply. I absolutely loved this take on the reverse grump x sunshine trope. Stella was a real grinch at times (which was completely understandable given her past experiences and reservations about the future), so it was sweet watching her slowly melt and recognize that she’s worthy of her own HEA. I was obsessed with Aiden and his collection of bow-ties. He knew that Stella was meant to be his from the moment he laid eyes on her outside of the department store. There was nothing that Stella could have revealed or done that would have impacted his complete adoration of her, which was so swoon worthy. I’d recommend this one to anyone who has historically loved Tessa Bailey’s writing, characters, and spicy times.

Story: 4/5
Audiobook: 5/5 (narrated by Alexa Morden & Sam Rushton)
Length 7h38min

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