Whenever Tessa Bailey comes up, I feel like I always have to make a mention of the steam factor in her books. It also completely captures the spirit of the holidays, with its storyline of department stores and decorating for the holidays. The story takes place in a post-pandemic world, which is a lovely escape from our real one. It was wonderful to follow along as she gains confidence in her job and their relationship grows. His cheerful soul is the perfect foil for Stella's weariness and pessimism. 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. They often cannot find jobs, and without a way to earn an honest living, many recidivate. As a society, we don't give ex-convicts enough of a second chance. In steps Aiden, who believes in her when no one else would give her a chance.

For one, Stella just got out of prison and she's desperate for a clean start. And the fact that her boss is a hottie? Well, that didn't factor into her excitement at all. Of course Stella jumps at the chance to prove herself. He challenges her for better ideas, then offers her a job as their window displayer. 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. 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. So when I saw she had a holiday romance coming out, I couldn't resist. No one does naughty & nice quite like Tessa Bailey.

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