I should have read the first 2 in this interconnected series. I think I would have been more connected to the characters but I wasn’t.

✨Book Review✨

Dream Girl Drama - Tessa Bailey

📖 Sig, a professional hockey player, is on the way to meet his Dad’s new girlfriend when his truck breaks down and he finds himself needing to use the phone at a swanky country club. Enter Chloe, a harp prodigy and country club member, who captivates Sig’s attention as soon as she enters the scene. Sparks fly and a magical kiss is shared on the moonlight course. Sig promises to call Chloe after his dinner…. A dinner that Chloe ends up being at? It turns out that Chloe’s mother is engaged to Sig’s dad. At dinner Sig invites Chloe to Boston, agreeing to show her the ropes much to the dismay of their parents. Will they be able to keep their relationship platonic or will there be even more family drama to come?

Special shoutout to @NetGalley and @TessaBaileyIsAnAuthor for the advanced reader copy of this book! It is set to publish February 4th, 2025.

📚 This is my first hockey romance and it was a good one! I enjoyed this new setup for a forbidden romance of sorts, and found myself wondering how we would solve the issue! While I was invested from the start and hooked to the ending, the middle of the story dragged a bit for me. It feels strange to say, but there were a lot more words than my typical romance read! It took me a while to get through this book compared to others in this genre and even by Tessa Bailey. That said, Sig and Chloe have fire chemistry and it is palpable to anyone around them, which was very fun to read about!

🌟 If you enjoy spicy, hockey, romance novels then this is one you should pick up! It is technically Book 3 in the Big Shots series - but I didn’t realize that until about halfway through and it worked well as a stand alone.

Has anyone else read Book 1 or 2 in the Big Shot series? I’m trying to decide if I should pick them up!


#BookReview #BigShotsSeries #SigAndChloe #HockeyRomance #Bookish

I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review and oooooo mylanta….. this is my number 1 book of the year! Tessa has outdone herself with this story. You felt every emotion and if you don’t tear up some something is wrong with you! Sig and Chloe are amazing characters and I loooved the growth and devotion Sig has in the book. The poptarts…. Iykyk…. 5 stars all across the board

2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers of this book for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know, I honestly wanted to loved this book and the first quarter seemed promising. Sig being very protective and the way he cared for Chloe was very sincere and cute at first but quickly turned very weird to me. Maybe the step-siblings trope just isn’t for me, who knows. Chloe also seemed to regress in age as the book went on and was continuously portrayed as childish which doesn’t help in romance books, in my opinion. I am sure some people will really love this book, it just wasn’t for it. I did love the other Big Shots books so I don’t know why this one missed the mark so much for me! It was a short and easy read, although I did have to force myself to finish chapters, but there were cute moments and the end was pretty satisfying.

I really enjoyed the first two books in the Big Shots series, but this one felt really weird. Chloe was too childish and Sig was too much of a golden retriever. I didn’t really find their relationship believable, and it actually made me kind of uncomfortable at times. I will still read the next book because I liked the first two, but this one was not for me.

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.

I loved this book, another amazing addition to the series! The epilogue had me tearing up. Anytime a new book comes out in this series I am grabbing it as soon as possible.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶

What I loved:
🏒The Orgasm Donors vs. Sig and Burgess
🎶The baseball vs. hockey rivalry

I absolutely love Tessa Bailey and was so thrilled to get this ARC. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Sig and Chloe's book after they were teased in Au Pair Affair. This book gave me all the spice and laughs i expect from a Bailey romance, but I feel like something was missing.

Firstly, I wasn't a fan of how the story was told. The beginning felt very jumpy to me. It starts when Sig and Chloe first meet, and then it keeps jumping in time until the book reached the present. It made the story feel disjointed. Once the story reached the present, it flowed much better. But the beginning was rough. I wish the past was told in flashbacks.

Another thing I didn't like was Chloe. She was way too privileged, and I couldn't relate to her. Spending half her rent on eye creams?! How old is she supposed to be that she needs eye cream at all? The immaturity and financial abuse of Sig, it was too much for me. I enjoyed it when she figured out she was being an asshole, but nothing really came of it. She stated she was going to be independent and start contributing and being more responsible, but I never saw it happen.

The relationship between Sig and Chloe was great. I loved the sexual tension. Sig was such a great character. I don't know why he loved her, but I never doubted that he did love her. Their banter and relationship were so wholesome. I wish Chloe was less abrasive and more relatable because I wanted to love them together, but Sig deserved better.

The side characters really gave me life. The rookies stole every scene they were in and had me laughing frequently. I loved Burgess and Tallulah. Grace was a decent character that I wish had more time because she helped Chloe be less obnoxious.

The best scene was the baseball game. It was absurd and hilarious and sheer perfection. I think it's worth reading for that scene alone.

The last thing that pulled me out a bit was the reason Sig and Chloe couldn't be together. It was supposedly a taboo relationship and would cause issues in both their careers but... I never saw the problem? They aren't related by blood. They're adults. Their ADULT parents are getting married. Which makes them soon to be step siblings... except they are adults and didn't grow up with each other and aren't related? I don't know. I just didn't get it.

Overall, this isn't the best book I've read from Bailey. It's better than Au Pair Affair, but not by much. I think Fangirl Down has ruined me as nothing Bailey writes will love up to it. I did enjoy this, and I'll absolutely read it again. I just had higher expectations, and this didn't quite reach them. I recommend it for anyone who loves Bailey and contemporary romance!

Tessa Bailey has once again proven her ability to weave compelling characters and heart-wrenching relationships in Dream Girl Drama, a story that strikes the perfect balance between angst and tenderness. At its core, the novel revolves around the beautifully complex and unshakable bond between Sig and Chloe, two people who are as drawn to each other as they are capable of driving one another away.

Sig is a brooding, ambitious hockey player, haunted by his past failures and determined to find success at any cost. Chloe, on the other hand, is a fiercely independent dreamer, a romantic at heart who hides her vulnerabilities behind a veil of stubborn optimism. The push-and-pull dynamic between these two characters is magnetic. Bailey masterfully illustrates how Sig and Chloe’s flaws and fears both collide and complement each other, creating a relationship that feels deeply authentic.

What makes their connection so memorable is its layered nature. They challenge each other’s beliefs, protect each other in moments of vulnerability, and share moments of raw honesty that cut through the noise of their often tumultuous lives. The scenes where they slowly unpack their insecurities and confront their need for one another are both heartbreaking and uplifting. Chloe’s unwavering faith in Sig’s talent and potential is matched only by Sig’s fierce determination to prove himself not just as an hockey player, but as someone worthy of Chloe’s love.

Bailey’s writing shines particularly bright in dialogue—sharp, witty, and emotionally charged. The banter between Sig and Chloe often acts as a mask for their deeper feelings, while the quieter moments allow the true depth of their connection to take center stage. The secondary characters add charm and context without stealing focus, leaving the spotlight on the couple’s electrifying chemistry.

Ultimately, Dream Girl Drama is more than just a romance. It’s a story about two people learning to trust themselves and each other in a world that often feels like it’s pulling them apart. Sig and Chloe’s love is imperfect, messy, and entirely unforgettable—a testament to Bailey’s talent for capturing the rawness of human emotion.

For fans of emotionally charged romance with equal parts passion and heartache, this book is a must-read. Sig and Chloe’s story will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. Probably my favorite of the 3 in this series!

Cute and my favorite Tessa Bailey in a while!! This is a very fun step siblings book that has such a fun, caring character that is Sig Gauthier. I loved the banter and witty writing and the forbidden romance this one offers while still being spicy and fun.

Yeah, I loved this one. Sure the reason they couldn't be other was silly but I loved the tension between Chloe and Sig. After reading the last book, I couldn't wait for their story and it didn't disappoint. He's a hockey player and she's a pampered harp prodigy but their parents are engaged which makes their relationship taboo.

Realistic? Hell naw. But did I love it? HELLLLL YEAH!!!!!

Chloe and Sig have the best chemistry between all of the Big Shots couples by farrrrr. When he said he exists for her? I’m sat. Seated. In fact, my butt is GLUED TO THE SEAT.

This couple is so sweet in the best ways. And I LOVED seeing how Chloe grew from existing for others to existing for herself. She broke the mold she was put into and I LOVE HERRRRR for it, Also, her love of pop-tarts? Relatable.

Anyway thank u NetGalley for the ARC. I’ll treasure it forever and ever ❤️💛 (less)

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

Sadly, this one fell short for me. Sig and Chloe find out their parents are getting married to each other which then leads into the entirety of the book's plot of Sig and Chloe wanting to be with each other but can't because of their parents. Why was this a big deal? They are adults who met as adults. They didn't grow up together as step-siblings. Instant lust at first meet, no character building, unrelatable characters, I never got hooked and struggled to keep going. The little twist at the end I had figured out long before and just kept thinking when will it happen? I wanted to love it, but just didn't.

4.25 ⭐️!

❣️“You love her?” “I exist for her.”❣️

Dream Girl Drama is the highly anticipated story of Sig and Chloe, who were first mentioned in the Au Pair Affair. Ever since I got a whiff of these two I’ve been dying to read their story, and I’m pleased to say this was a hit for me. I was a little worried because these tropes are hard to do right (step-siblings in particular), but I actually did enjoy this one.

Chloe is a child music prodigy who was sheltered and spoiled, but her character really comes into her own throughout the book. The spoiled princess character is usually hard for me to connect to, but Chloe somehow made it charming instead of infuriating for the most part. There were definitely times when I wanted her to stand on her own, but that just isn’t how these tropes work. 😅 I personally would never let a man I just met control my finances, but I also didn’t grow up with her lifestyle. 🤷‍♀️

Sig is a pro hockey player who grew up poor but works hard to support his mom. I have a lot of feelings about Sig. He absolutely spoils Chloe and treats her like a princess and works so hard to be there for her in every way. I loved that! On the other hand, a few times he went over the border of ‘possessive’ and veered into ‘controlling’ land. But in classic Tessa Bailey fashion it somehow still ended up being okay with me.

Sig and Chloe meet in a whirlwind of attraction and moonlit kisses, only to find out hours later that their parents are engaged. I honestly wasn’t expecting the level of angst that Tessa gave us in this one, but I LOVED it. The forbidden aspect of the relationship really worked for me, especially when it wasn’t explicitly talked about, just kind of danced around. There are lots of yearning looks and casual intimacies that really add to the overall relationship. It starts very insta-lovey, but since they are soon-to-be-kinda-related the slow burn is tension filled and delightful. The buildup of their relationship minded me a lot of the 2015 movie ‘Sleeping With Other People’ (which is criminally underrated and everyone should go watch it).

Overall this was a very enjoyable read. I know Tessa Bailey can be hit or miss for a lot of people, but I always have fun with her stuff. ❤️

Well, you can officially knock me over with a feather.

The unbridled YEARNING. As soon as I saw them in the Au Pair Affair I knew. I knew I was going to get the mutual pining novel of my dreams. And I did! Because there is yearning and mutual pining and then there is the worshipping of the earth that they both walk on with this one. And the best part was that it didn't drag at any point, it didn't feel repetitive, and I loved it with my whole heart.

Now, I fear, that people are going to read this one and suspect that our lovely Tessa Bailey is trying to duplicate her success from It Happened One Summer. Not the people who read a lot of her catalogue, but once it gets into the booktok sphere, I fear, that it may become polarizing. However, it's not the same, and I really hope that those folks can jump on the bandwagon and just enjoy the chemistry of these two, that are totally off the charts.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for an e-copy.

4 stars - This was a big step up from The Au Pair Affair! I really liked Sig and Chloe, and The Au Pair Affair got me really excited to read their story! Tessa Bailey did not disappoint. Admittedly, the soon-to-be step-siblings thing was a bit weird, but I thought she handled it well. Very steamy (and no butt stuff this time, thank heavens!) and cute!

I have a confession to make. Tessa Bailey books are one of my guilty pleasures.

I have read quite a few of Bailey's romance novels in the last few years, and despite them being predictable and formulaic, I still enjoy them immensely. I was thrilled when I was selected to receive this advanced reader copy of Dream Girl Drama, as the first two novels in the Big Shots series were some of my favorites by this author. Which, considering how little I really truly have anything sports related in my life, is quite hilarious.

Dream Girl Drama follows Sig Gauthier, featured in the Au Pair Affair and Fan Girl Down, and his soon to be stepsister, Chloe Clifford as they try to navigate their obvious feelings for each other, despite learning immediately after their first meeting that their parents will be marrying in just eight short months. Knowing how a relationship between "siblings" will be received by the adoring public of the hugely popular hockey playing Sig and the crowd that the socialite mother of Chloe belongs to, the two choose to be friends. When Chloe gets an opportunity to study in Boston despite her mother's objections (and cutting her off) Sig, in his most friendly way, jumps to help. Yet, how long can these two fight of the feelings that are very clearly still there? Featuring cameos from some of the characters from the previous two novels, Bailey's novel will hit you in your feels....and then some!

While this is no way literary genius, and definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a pick me up and a cute romance. It is 100% worth your time, and you wont be disappointed!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon for the e-arc copy of this book!

A steamy, slow burn from Tessa Bailey.

Overall: 4
Spice: 3.5

Chloe and Sig had a perfect meet-cute and a perfect first kiss, but that comes to a screeching halt when they learn later that night that Chloe's mom is engaged to Sig's Dad. Sig still offers to help Chloe leave her sheltered life in Connecticut for independence in Boston, but how can they fight their growing attraction when they're spending all their time together? Would public perception of their relationship damage their growing careers?

I am greatly enjoying the Big Shots series by Tessa Bailey, so was very excited to get to read this early. As usual, this was a very fun and funny book with excellent banter and dirty talk. Unfortunately, I spent the whole book hung up on the premise. I kept asking friends if they would think Sig & Chloe's relationship was "inappropriate" and all said no. Once I suspended my disbelief, I enjoyed how the spice is provided in a slow drip just as the clues to the mystery of Sig's past are provided. Bailey is the queen of swoon-y one-liners, I highlighted many that made me stop in my tracks. I thought Chloe was on her way to taking better responsibility for her actions and spending, but would have liked to see more of that before Sig sweeps in to take care of everything. With a baseball fan husband, the beef with the rec league was hilarious and I hope there will be a Corrigan & Skylar book to explore a 2 sport couple. Highly recommend to Tessa Bailey fans.

Another fun novel from Tessa Bailey! Lots of laughs, improbably hilarious mishaps and plenty of spice.

Dream Girl Drama was cute. I was intrigued by Sig and Chloe in The Au Pair Affair, so it was nice to learn their story and see them get their happily ever after. I think we can all relate to Chloe’s feelings of being suffocated and wanting to make her own choices and Sig’s need to fix things for the people we love. I will keep reading the series.

Dream Girl Drama gives readers of the Au-Pair Affair the story we want--"step-siblings" Sig and Chloe--who's banter and tension in the previous "Big Shots" book stole the show! What happens when your car breaks down on your way to a family dinner and you meet your dream girl? A girl who is fun, adventurous, and maybe a little sheltered (or spoiled depending on how you look at it). Well you make out with them on a golf course after stealing some champagne obviously. Vowing to see each other soon--Sig and Chloe don't expect to see each other so soon--as in that family dinner. Turns out Sig's dad is engaged to Chloe's mom. Sig's dream girl is now his soon-to-be step-sibling. Not only that he's somehow promised to help her move to the city and take care of her--that's what a good step-sibling would do right? But what happens as that tension from their first meeting doesn't exactly go away?

I've never read a step-sibling forbidden romance as it usually gives me the ick. But after the previous Big Shots book I just HAD to read Dream Girl Drama. And IT DID NOT DISAPOINT! The insta love at the country club in the opening sequence was so believable. Tessa really made me believe these two had immediate chemistry. Beyond that, this book was just classically Tessa Bailey. It was fun! It was beautifully optimistic! The spice was *chefs kiss.* I LOVED Chloe. I think it would be easy to write off Chloe as flighty or just a spoiled rich girl but Tessa does not play into stereotypes and brings such a complexity to this character. Women like her exist and they shouldn't be shamed, but loved for who they are. This is a must read!