Tessa Bailey proves yet again why she's the master of bedroom talk and intense chemistry in a hockey romance that finely treads the line of taboo between two future stepsiblings. Sig and Chloe's initial meeting is filled with fireworks of feelings and the shock that follows has them trying to fight those feelings for each other while not being able to stay away either. I loved the way the way the story built and seeing Chloe's growth from sheltered to confident and secure and seeing Sig get some answers. It was hard to put down and the perfect escape. It's sure to bring the heat in a jam packed month with amazing romance. I am loving this series and looking forward to reading more stories set in it!

ARC Review:

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey is the third book in the Hot Shots series. I have never rooted for a couple so hard then Sig and Chloe! I am absolutely obsessed with this series. I have been excited to read Sig and Chloe’s story after they were introduced in book 2. This book had romance and a boat load of tension. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for these two to be together. The storyline was exciting and i truly enjoyed reading this story.

Chloe was such a sweetheart! She may have been sheltered and naïve but she never let that get her down. Her and Sig were literally made for each other. Their chemistry was instant and I loved it. Sig would give the shirt off his back to Chloe. God to have a man love you like Sig loves Chloe. These two were so cute and I just needed them to be together. Their parents both irritated me the whole book. I wanted to throttle them, especially at the end. This book had romance, spice, and tension. I am so excited to see what will be next for the Hot Shots series! I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

📚 Dream Girl Drama is available now for pre-order!

🗓️ This book will be released on February 4th, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

HAPPY READING

Tessa Bailey is back again with another hilariously fun and sexy romance. After really enjoying Fangirl Down and the Au Pair Affair, I was beyond excited to get my hands on this ARC and it did not let me down. I devoured this book! After meeting Chloe and Sig in Au Pair Affair, I was very curious to unpack their chemistry and learn more about their relationship.

Chloe (prodigy harpist) and Sig (professional hockey player) share a passionate kiss after meeting for the first time, approximately 2 hours before they find out their parents are getting married. Even though it’s a bad idea, they cannot stay away from each other. Sig helps Chloe move out of her mother’s home to Boston to continue training as a harpist, and in the process, she becomes a part of his everyday routine (read: he is obsessed and possessive, as all Tessa Bailey men are. If you don’t like men being in love in the first chapter, this may not be for you).

These two have all the chemistry, and their relationship truly brings out the best in each other. The conversations they had melted my heart and made me swoon. I loved how much both characters grew over the course of the novel, and how Tessa didn’t just let them be together. I was on the edge of my seat in the last 1/3 trying to figure out how they were going to end up together with the impending marriage of their parents. No spoilers, but I loved the ending.

Tessa bailey fans and sports romance fans, y’all are going to love this one. It isn’t as deeply emotional and heart-wrenching as other romances I’ve read, but it was so much fun. I’d recommend reading the hot shot series in order, because you meet the characters progressively through the books. Solid 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed going back and seeing how Sig and Chole met after already being introduced to them in previous books. Sig meets his dream girl, who unfortunately turns out to be his future step sister. Even though they are not related and met as adults, its is looked at negatively by their parents, and for the future of both their career goals. The characters has good chemistry, but I dislike how helpless the FMC was with a lot of things.

Thank you Net Galley & Avon and Harper Voyager for the early Arc of this!

I do love a Tessa Bailey book for a good quick reset. Dream Girl Drama features Chloe (manic pixie dream girl) who is a prodigy and so sheltered she can barely function in the real world and Sig, professional hockey player, who falls in instant lust/love with Chloe and makes it his job to care for her. Due to some strange family dynamics, they cannot be together romantically but also cannot stand to be apart from eachother. Sig is a dream man. Chloe has some character growth but I was so disconnected from their relationship due to her immaturity and his codependency. This sadly was just not for me. I loved Fangirl Down but this didn’t have the same magic. Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted arc.

I love a soap-opera style book. Seriously, this book was giving all of the General Hospital vibes a girl could want. A forbidden romance where they are about to be step-siblings? Sign me UP.

Except...it feels like the publishers are just forcing Tessa Bailey to write hockey romance? Like it feels like she doesn't care about it at all? I get that this isn't her first time writing hockey, and this is the second hockey player in this series. But any part that has hockey feels like lazy writing on her part. One thing that stands out is the new GM saying "I want to add a Stanley Cup to the trophy case." Maybe that's just a turn of phrase, but anyone with an iota of NHL knowledge knows that is a blatantly wrong thing to say. Any hockey element of this book could have easily been turned into another sport or another job, but of course the powers that be had to make it hockey. Ugh.

Other notes about this book: the time jumps in the first third feel really bizarre and unnecessary; the book would have been stronger if we could fully see the development of Chloe's independence, rather than just random snippets. Although it seems like Sig didn't really want her to be independent, or he would have taught her that you don't need to spend hundreds at Sephora when rent is due. (Side note: is anyone truly that naive?) I would have rather seen a slower timeline with character growth than another spice scene.

It's still Tessa Bailey, so the writing itself is good. But there was a lot to be desired with this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sig meets Chloe when his car breaks down in front of the country club she belongs to. When the door man won’t let him in to make a call, Chloe steps up and helps him. They feel an instant attraction and start hooking up, but then realize they both have somewhere to be and plan to meet up later. Unfortunately, they come to find out that their parents are engaged to be married and therefore they will be step siblings soon. This makes their attraction forbidden from those around them personally and professionally.

I love how Sig helped Chloe become more independent, while still being protective. When she didn’t know how to do something, he never made her feel stupid. He just guided her and made her feel strong. I didn’t know how I’d feel about Chloe’s character, but I ended up loving her. I thought she’d be too ditzy for my taste, but she was just sheltered with nobody to show her how to do things for herself until Sig came along. She was actually very smart, sweet, passionate, and loving person.

I have to say, I don’t know how Tessa does it but Sig and Chloe’s chemistry was through the roof! I was giggling and kicking my feet in the air!
I was rooting for them the whole time! I laughed at the banter, my heart sank with heartbreak at times, and my heart beat with happiness at other moments.
I found myself trying to figure out ways they could be together and still have their careers and dreams. I never thought I would enjoy a more taboo relationship like this, but I loved it! I didn’t see the resolution coming, and I actually gasped because I wasn’t expecting it. I honestly didn’t know how it was going to be resolved. I give this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and can’t wait for this one to be out in the world!
I really hope there’s a 4th book in the series!

I was really excited to get the ARC of this book because I was so curious about Sig and Chloe’s story after The Au Pair Affair. It was definitely a fun romance read. The step siblings plot line definitely kept the story interesting. There were some really sweet moments in this story. Sig was an overprotective softie for Chloe, which is what I love to see. The only thing I wasn’t completely sold on was their first meeting was very instalove, but I liked their growth together and seeing Sig support Chloe’s independence and help her fulfill her dreams was very satisfying.

I always read Tessa Bailey's books and I was so excited to read this 3rd book in the series having just finished the 2nd one. I was a little disappointed at first because I thought that the book started off weirdly fast. Like it was rushed and trying to tell a lot of a backstory in a very short amount of time. Because of that, I felt like I was having a hard time connecting to the characters at first. But as the book continued, the pace slowed down to a less frenetic speed and I was able to really enjoy the two characters and their love story. While this wasn't my favorite in the series (the 2nd book was the winner in my opinion!), this was another really good Tessa Bailey book!

ARC Review:

If you loved Liz Tomforde’s Windy City series, then you’ll also love this! Somehow, I didn’t see the ending coming. However, is it just me, or was there another obvious solution??

The nickname was kinda cheesy to me (“Dream Girl” - “Chlo” was cute). He’s also trying way too hard to provide for her financially. It’s sweet, but he knows love is more than money, so it’s weird that he has this hyper-fixation to get her the rich lifestyle she had with her mom.

The author did a great job on developing the FMC, but I could used a little more on the MMC. However, their love felt palpable, and I felt their pain. This is the worst situation to be in!! I also loved how thoughtful, considerate, and protective the MMC was.

Imagine dropping everything you’re doing and actually pursing your life goals. Remember that unequivocal freedom you feel when you first move out? That’s how reading this book feels. It’s never too late to be independent. It can be scary, but also invigorating.

Details: kinda forced proximity/friendship, FORBIDDEN LOVE, hockey, bulldog, harp, money, strawberry poptarts, opposites attract, parental issues, SPICY, dual POVs

Quotes:

“I'll love you enough for this whole city.”

“…sometimes she wondered if loving someone and not being able to acknowledge and act on it could suffocate her to death.”

“I would sell my fucking soul for you and smile while I signed on the dotted line.”

“I saw a person who made me want to trust the good in people.”

“I'll love you until the sun goes dark.”

“He lived for those details.”

I’m so grateful to be approved to read this book! I absolutely enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down! Tessa did An amazing job writing these two characters out and I thought the story was beautiful. The humor was my favorite in this book. I think this book would be a great palette cleanser for many readers as it will get you right back into reading again :)

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book! I’m a big Tessa Bailey fan, and after reading book #2 in The Big Shots series, I was looking forward to Sig and Chloe’s story.

In true Tessa Bailey fashion, it’s an “insta-love/lust” trope with lots of spice. It follows Sig and Chloe (future step-siblings) as they navigate their “forbidden” feeling’s for each other.

I really enjoyed this book! The banter and relationship between Sig and Chloe was so cute. And their chemistry was IT. Sig definitely became my new favorite book boyfriend. He’s everything you could want in a MMC.

Tessa Bailey can do no wrong in my eyes. Overall, it was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for the future books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me a chance to read an ARC copy of this bookp

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh Tessa. The queen of dirty talk does not disappoint with this book. And it’s a hockey romance too! Bonus points for that.

Sig and Chloe are such an adorable couple and I love how supportive they are of each other’s lives. My only complaint about this book is this- did Chloe get to keep the dog forever? Or did she have to return him? I feel like Pierre was better off with Chloe honestly.

I only give 5 stars to books I’d read again. And while this was an adorable romance, there is a never ending TBR.

This was a really good book! I’m so glad I got an e-arc of it from NetGalley. This storyline was good and I loved the appearances by Tallulah and Burgess. Chloe and Sig were good characters, but I’m not going to lie. I didn’t love them near as much as Josephine/Wells or Tallulah/Burgess. Chloe does well gaining her independence, but she’s very much the “dumb blonde” so to speak and I just didn’t love her character. Sig I also felt like was obsessed from the start instead of easing in and having to realize he liked Chloe similar to how Wells and Burgess had to come to that realization. All in all, this was a good read though!!!

Oh my, the tension build up in this book between Sig and Chloe was palpable. A desire that is enhanced by forbidden fruit. When the tension is so strong and they finally give in, the fire was so amplified. Both trying to do the right thing, only to learn they've been deceived and their love isn't a sin like they were led to believe. And a happy ending. This book hit all the marks for me!

This books reminds me of my wattpad reading days. I loved this book up until the end, which is the reason for 1 star reduction. The plot twist was a different way of handling this trope, but I'm not sure it made the difference to me that it was hoping to. Kinda wish it took the standard way of resolving this trope. It's still a HEA, but I don't know. It just wasn't as satisfying as I hoped.

Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and Tessa Bailey for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

Let me start by saying I was absolutely jazzed to get the ARC of this book... but I hadn't read the first two books in this series, so I finished those right before this one. Sig and Chloe make their debut in The Au Pair Affair, and I wasn't completely sure what to make of Chloe. That book made her sound a little dumb and incompetent, so I looked forward to learning more about her in this book.

Sig and Chloe meet and immediately start falling for each other, but they both have a dinner to get to, so they agree to meet up afterward. Except, when they get to dinner, they realize their parents are together and not only that, they're getting married. So, Sig and Chloe can't be together, but she does move to Boston where she and Sig get closer but continue to not act on their growing feelings for each other. At this point, I was screaming, "They're not blood related, what's the problem?!?!" The problem is optics; he's a public figure. She's a child prodigy from a wealthy family, and it just wouldn't look good.

The longing in this book is. So. Real. And heartwrenching. While their connection was quick, the relationship built up is a slow, slow burn. And, I'm happy to report that Chloe has much more depth than I gave her credit for.

You guys (and girls) this book was excellent! It wasn't as spicy as Tessa's other books, but there are a few spicy scenes (gotta love that forbidden love). The only reason I took off half a star is because the timeline doesn't match up with the second book.

I can't wait for Corrgian and Skylar's book, then, I'm assuming Mailer and Reece's book!

3.5

This book had some of my least favorite tropes and I still enjoyed it ( which says a lot!) The step-sibling trope and insta love are not my favorite kind of tropes, but with that being said I am so glad I read the full book because towards the end the book really won me over… the plot twist!!

Sig is a hockey player and Chloe is a harp protege. Sig has known what it is like to work hard and Chloe has had everything handed to her. Sig and Chloe instantly fall in love and then hours later discover they will be step siblings in a few months. For the next couple of months they struggle with avoiding the attraction they feel for each other. Sig would do anything for his dream girl and he proves that again and again. Even at moments that he knows he cant have her, he makes sure no one else will. I do wish Chloe had more of a character development. She just acted very child like for a good amount of the book and that frustrated me. Then again, this is her first time really doing things on her own.

Although this book was a 3.5 for me, I can see this being easily a 5 star read for many!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

3.5 stars rounded up for me!

What can I say? Tessa Bailey writes a good book and always will. This one isn’t one of my favorites by her though. Still a good story, but nothing that really drew me in or made me neeeeed to keep reading.

I loved the devotion and connection that Chloe and Sig share, without fail, throughout this story. My big gripe comes from the fact that the entire premise of the book’s conflict seemed weak. Mainly, according to the plot, they’re unable to be together because they are about to become step siblings. There is no relation by blood. They didn’t grow up together in the same house. They are adults who live their lives. Maybe I’m odd for thinking their parents getting married is a moot point? I understand the societal implications in a well-to-do community, but it seems far fetched that contracts of professional athletes and musicians would be on the line with something as far into the gray area as this. Idk, but it was frustrating for me to have that moot point be the entire plot. Sorry, not sorry.

Tessa Bailey never disappoints. I love that her novels have interwoven characters and situations. Her books are fast paced and witty and fun. This particular book makes you feel all the feels. The characters seem vulnerable and relatable. I didn’t feel there was as much spice as some of her other books, but there is definitely some. I will never not read a Tessa Bailey book. Highly recommend.