No one does naughty & nice quite like Tessa Bailey. So when I saw she had a holiday romance coming out, I couldn't resist. I picked it up a few weeks ago, but I've exercised enormous restraint and held off reading it until just the right moment before Christmas for maximum festive effect. And that moment is finally here!
When Stella stops outside the windows of Vivant department store and scoffs out loud at their pathetic holiday display, she catches the attention of their charming general manager Aiden. He challenges her for better ideas, then offers her a job as their window displayer. Of course Stella jumps at the chance to prove herself. And the fact that her boss is a hottie? Well, that didn't factor into her excitement at all.
There is so much goodness in this story. For one, Stella just got out of prison and she's desperate for a clean start. In steps Aiden, who believes in her when no one else would give her a chance. This really struck a chord in me. As a society, we don't give ex-convicts enough of a second chance. They often cannot find jobs, and without a way to earn an honest living, many recidivate. So to see Bailey touch upon such an important topic in a lighthearted story centered around the season of generosity and goodwill is both surprising and heartwarming.
I loved Aiden's character. His cheerful soul is the perfect foil for Stella's weariness and pessimism. It was wonderful to follow along as she gains confidence in her job and their relationship grows. The story takes place in a post-pandemic world, which is a lovely escape from our real one. It also completely captures the spirit of the holidays, with its storyline of department stores and decorating for the holidays.
Whenever Tessa Bailey comes up, I feel like I always have to make a mention of the steam factor in her books. They are HOT, perhaps shockingly so if you've never read her, so reader beware. She definitely doesn't hold back when it comes to those scenes, which are a bit incongruous with her cute and innocent book covers.
This isn't some serious love story for the ages or anything. It's pure unadulterated fun, with heaping doses of feelgood and raunchy. Add in the themes of finding oneself and getting a second chance, along with loads of Christmas cheer, and this is just about the perfect holiday read for me.
Readaroo Rating: 4 stars
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