Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
Holiday Contemporary Romance
October 19, 2021 Self Published
Review by Angela
First, let me say that I’m not usually a holiday romance reader. I have read them, they just aren’t something I read a lot of. But when Tessa Bailey, the queen of the dirty talking hero, says she has a Ted Lasso-inspired, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract holiday romance… I just can’t help myself. I really can’t. I don’t have the willpower y’all.
And I’m really glad I gave in to my one-click finger.
This is set in the world of department stores and window dressing. Stella is just out of prison after a four-year sentence and she desperately needs a fresh start. And that’s exactly when she encounters the dorkiest, most cheerful, and positive guy imaginable while looking into the atrocious display windows of an upscale department store. He asks her opinion, she gives it to him honestly. He then asks to apply for the newly open job of widow dresser for the store. Which… is preposterous, no one would hire someone with her background? Right?
Aiden is the general manager for Vivient and immediately wants Stella for the window dressing job as soon as he meets her. He also wants to just get to know her better. But as her potential boss, he has to take things slow and with the utmost integrity. His bow tie-wearing, holiday season loving, charming storytelling, nice guy exterior is exactly who he is, but he’s also a beast in the sheets and he wants Stella in life and in his bed.
Woooo buddy, I enjoyed this romance so much. The grumpy, remote Stella and the patient, sunshine Aiden totally did it for me. These two take it slow physically, but oh boy the sexual tension is off the charts. Watching Stella build self-confidence as she also builds friendships and her windows take off was a joy. Aiden with his soft, understanding personality and dirty talking mouth once he gets Stella to agree to a love contract at work was MMMM yes, please.
This was a lovely holiday-themed romance. Tessa Bailey has given me so much joy this year with her words and stories. I look forward to more in the new year.
Grade- B+
Kareni says
This does sound like fun, Angela. Thanks for your review!