Tessa is an auto-buy author for me and I've loved the other books in this series so I was pretty excited to get this story. Full disclosure, any type of forbidden romance is usually my least favorite type. It did seem like the entire focus of the book was set on a premise that didn't seem like that big of a deal to me so maybe that was part of it. I LOVED Sig though. What a man.

Book 3 in this series, and hopefully not the last! Sports and *forbidden* romances are not my go-to tropes, but Tessa Bailey's fun writing made this a must read for me, especially after enjoying the first two books.

Sig and Chloe's unconventional story was introduced in the previous book, and now we get to see how it all started. Chloe came off a little spoiled and sheltered in the last book, and Dream Girl Drama fills in her backstory. Both characters had a lot of room for growth, and their romance is pretty dramatic, but as always, Tessa Bailey keeps it light and fun with lots of banter and support from the side characters. I flew through this book in a day because I had to see how they resolved it!

Read this if you: like instalove, enjoy goofy rookies, or if have a special spot in your heart for the dramatic baseball scene in Twilight.

This is the second book I have read from Tessa Bailey. The writing is very interesting in this book. I felt like the whole book was pure smut. While I like that occasionally, it seemed like it took over the book. I felt like the whole storyline became about them being so lustful. You really didn’t get answers on anything outside of smut until the very end, which then felt kind of rushed. Some of the smut bits were a little cringy. All in all, I do think it was a good book and perfect for those who love pure smut.

For fans of Tessa Bailey, I think you’re really going to like this one. I was not a fan of how Chloe was written to be a very helpless, rich, dumb blonde. I think in this day and age we can do women more justice. I understand why the traits were there for the story line but it still fell flat for me. The whole step sibling thing was a bit weird. I couldn’t figure out why it was such a big deal, honestly. These are grown adults who literally just met. Overall, the story kept me intrigued until the end, even though the ending was pretty predictable.

Dream Girl Drama presents an intriguing forbidden romance with a "future step-siblings” dynamic, blending the tension of Chloe's wealthy background with Sig’s humble beginnings turned successful hockey player status. Tessa Bailey delivers her signature chemistry, bringing plenty of tension and spice to their romance.
While the plot is engaging, it occasionally feels repetitive as the characters waver between following the rules and pursuing their undeniable attraction. This "push and pull" dynamic slows the story down at points. Additionally, character development feels limited—moments like Chloe's close friendship with Tallulah happen primarily off-page, which can make certain relationships feel underexplored. I also felt that the relationship between the main characters happened mostly off page in the beginning, so when they declared their love for each other (in inner monologue) it felt very sudden and unrealistic. Chloe and Sig’s romance feels a little rushed, with "insta-love" moments that don't fully capture the deeper connection you’d expect from a "dream girl" narrative.
Sig’s protectiveness also sometimes crosses into possessive territory, which did not resonate with me, especially given Chloe's inexperience with life outside her sheltered upbringing, and the caretaking tone in parts of their relationship. Yet, Chloe’s journey toward independence is such a positive message, and I was rooting for her as she paved her own way.

Overall, Dream Girl Drama offers Bailey’s trademark romance and tension, with an interesting premise that will appeal to fans of intense, steamy stories with a touch of insta lust.

5⭐️
Thank you so much to NetGalley for an early arc copy of this book!
I absolutely loved this. I just finished The Au Pair Affair on Saturday and fell in love with Sig and Chloe instantly. I loved how the first five or six chapters were of just them meeting for the first time, getting background on their relationship, and then jumping into the present day. I loved their chemistry, I loved how they were the center of each others universe, and I loved getting to know some of the minor characters (in preparation for the fourth book next summer👀). All in all, I had a great time, and I'd absolutely recommend this. I can't wait for it to come out in February next year so everyone else can love it as much as I have❤️

This is a fantastic book, I would give it 4.5 stars, but since that is not an option on here, I rounded up to 5. The forbidden love stories are almost always the best and this one was taboo but in the best way. The instant attraction and lust was like no other. The characters had instant chemistry with each other and seemed to be a good fit with each other's friends. As soon as I was about 10% into the book I could not put it down- Which is my favorite type of book! I will say that I think the book moved a little too fast toward the end to wrap it all up in a bow, but I also could have read 1,000 pages of this story with how well it was written. I do think the judgements from others about Chloe and Sig with them being "step siblings" was a little far fetched since the characters met as adults and had no idea their parents were dating, but I really liked the "want her, can have her" element to this book. Overall if the ending didn't feel as rushed I would give the full 5 stars. I would love to how everyone reacted to the big news that is revealed, how the extended families felt about the situation etc.

I’m a Tessa Bailey fan and was excited for Sig and Chloe’s story since they appeared in the previous book in the Big Shots series. I absolutely adored their meet cute, it was Tessa’s signature dirty banter at its best. While I did enjoy the book, I had trouble buying in to the central conflict. Maybe I’m the weirdo here but the step-siblings issue that all the conflict hinged on didn’t seem to be that big of a deal—they met in their mid/late 20s, it’s not like they grew up together or were raised as siblings. I don’t know why everyone in Boston found their relationship so taboo when they met as consenting adults. But anyway, we love a man down bad and Sig is down the absolute baddest for Chloe. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Avon for this ARC. I absolutely adore Tessa Bailey and her writing. This was as advertised the fluffiest more swoony Tessa book I’ve read in a minute. There was never a question of Sig and Chloe’s relationship. I didn’t even hate the conflict because it was an actual conflict and while I wouldn’t consider it a third act breakup because it didn’t have the emotionally conflicting feelings I usually associate with that. I think the fact that they were absolute best friends before they finally gave into the attraction spoke volumes and really made the book hit home for me. I love this whole series so much and I hope there is more in the works!!

Loved reading Sig's turn at his romance story! Per usual, her stories suck you in and you want to keep reading to see how it all plays out!

I am LOVING Tessa Bailey's foray into steamy sports romance! Dream Girl Drama continues the fun we had with Fangirl Down and The Au Pair Affair and I love how the pervious characters are popping up in the books.

After meeting Sig and Chloe in The Au Pair Affair, I was really excited to read about their unconventional love story. I loved the tension and wondering how they were going to figure out how to be together. I kept wondering why everyone was making such a big deal out of their step-sibling relationship (they aren't actually related, it doesn't seem like a big deal to me) but it was obviously the main plot point of the book. The ending wasn't exactly surprising but it was satisfying. I loved Chloe's character development throughout the book, from a somewhat spoiled, sheltered daughter to an independent, working musician. And she was the strong one who finally had the guts (try to) end the relationship so that neither she nor Sig would have to give up everything they worked so hard to achieve.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

DREAM GIRL DRAMA by Tessa Bailey
⭐️ rating: 7/10

read if you like:
🏒 hockey romances
🥰 spicy romances
👄 emotionally intense relationships
🙋🏻‍♂️ domineering men

summary:
This romance is about Sig and Chloe, who find themselves meeting by chance and then bound in a way they couldn’t imagine. Sig is a professional hockey player, and when his car breaks down, he runs into Chloe Clifford, a country club girl with a wild side. The two are immediately attracted to each other, before finding out that their parents are engaged, and they are set to be….stepsiblings. Can the two stay away from each other romantically and embrace their new family?

While this is generally a quick romcom read, there were a few aspects of this that were totally unrealistic. Sig falls for Chloe immediately and starts debating his life and career for her right after they meet, which is both kind of pathetic and unreasonable 😂 He also immediately starts funding her privileged lifestyle, which feels obnoxious. I don’t love the helpless girl trope, especially these days, so I just don’t know if the book was for me. I also missed out on some of the character development — I wish we had seen more of the parents’ relationship as well to be able to compare/contrast with their children. The ancillary characters — like their friends — are interesting though, and make the story a little more than just a smutty romance. The ending is cute, albeit a little too convenient but brings a sappy conclusion to a fluff story.

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy! Check this out when it releases on February 3.

Genre: Spicy Romance
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️

Summary: Sig is on his way to visit his father, with whom he shares a tumultuous relationship, when his truck breaks down outside a posh country club. There, he has an unexpected encounter with Chloe, a woman who seems out of his league in every way. Despite their differences, their connection is instant. Though they both have pressing commitments, they agree to explore the undeniable chemistry between them. But their potential romance takes an abrupt turn when they show up at the same dinner and discover that their parents are engaged.

Thoughts: Tessa Bailey absolutely delivered with this novel. I was blown away by how perfectly balanced it is. It’s got laugh-out-loud humor, swoon-worthy romance, electric chemistry, and family drama that made me not want to put it down.

The characters are so well-crafted and dynamic. Chloe’s got a spoiled, entitled vibe going, but her genuine kindness and heart shine through in such a compelling way. And Sig is the ultimate book boyfriend… thoughtful, strong, and impossible not to fall for.

The “will they or won’t they” tension does stretch on a little longer than I felt was necessary, but the creativity in Tessa Bailey’s storytelling more than makes up for it. If you enjoy spicy reads with real depth and an engaging plot, this book is an absolute must-read.

The first Tessa Bailey book that I read was “The Au Pair Affair.” Since then, she has become an author that I will definitely read when I can. Although I have gone down the rabbit hole and read ALL of her back catalog yet, I’m sure that will be coming soon! That’s one of the reasons why I was extremely excited to get to read this one early.

I love that, although this is a book three in a sequel, you aren’t missing a whole lot if you haven’t read “The Au Pair Affair.” Actually, I really like how this gives backstory that we weren’t privy to in book two. One of the things I will say is that this book gave me EXTREME ANXIETY because I just really couldn’t see a path forward for them. I spent a good chunk after the 50% mark just HOPING that something would change for them, because it wasn’t looking good for them. Not to be a spoiler but, it does work out for them in a way that I did not expect.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I had one of the most satisfying epilogues I have read in a while. Also, I’m super excited that there is going to be a book four in the series. I was prepared to be sad that this was the end for these characters, so I am glad that’s not the case!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This just might be the least steamy book Tessa has written and I’m here for it. The longing, want and angst in this book was top tier. I just wanted these 2 kids to be together but they couldn’t because their parents were together and getting married which would make them step siblings. The mmc Sig is down bad obsessed with Chloe like he did everything for her. In the beginning i felt like he liked her more bur as the book went on i saw how much both did.

The steamy scenes weren’t that much but were so full of ‘were doing this, we shouldn’t be but we can’t help it vibes’. The romance was cute but i wanted to see more domestic bliss moments when they finally could be together. Loved seeing the other characters and the found family moments and possibility the next couple 👀. Thanks to Avon for the arc!

Read for:
- Forbidden romance
- Sports romance
- All the longing
- Hockey player and harpist
- Future step siblings 👀

Tessa Bailey's Dream Girl Drama is a delightful rom-com that delivers on all fronts. The chemistry between Chloe and Sig is undeniable, their banter is witty and charming, and the slow-burn tension kept me hooked from start to finish.

Chloe, with her quirky charm and infectious energy, is a heroine you can't help but root for. Sig, the brooding hockey player with a heart of gold, is the perfect counterpart to her vibrant personality. Their interactions are filled with playful banter and genuine affection, making their journey towards love all the more enjoyable.

The supporting characters are equally captivating, adding depth and humor to the story. The setting of Copper Falls is beautifully described, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

If you're looking for a fun, heartwarming, and sexy read, Dream Girl Drama is a must-read. Tessa Bailey has once again proven her talent for writing captivating love stories that will leave you smiling and swooning.

I enjoyed this romantic comedy. I’ve read most of Tessa Bailey’s work, and this is in my top 5. I hope she keeps cranking them out because I can’t get enough.
Thank you, Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

What did I just read? And why did I like it?

Tessa Bailey’s Big Shots series has gotten me to read books with tropes I don’t normally like. First single dad/nanny in The Au Pair Affair and now future step siblings in Dream Girl Drama! Sig and Chloe first appear in APA and it seemed like this weird inside joke how protective Sig was of Chloe and I thought it was odd but imagine my shock when I found out they were getting their own book! But at least I’d get some answers about these 2!

I did correctly predict how they were going to be able to be together in the end, but it was still a roller coaster of emotions along the way where at times I was shaking my head at them and other times when I was rooting for them. As far as they are on their own, Sig is a great hero although a little too overprotective and illogical with how he wants to provide for Chloe and Chloe is a little too oblivious although genuinely trying to live on her own for the first time.

This book isn’t for the faint of heart or easily scandalized, but if you have read other Tessa Bailey books then you’ll like this one too.

The Big Shots series hasn’t been my favorite of Tessa Bailey’s but Dream Girl Drama changed my mind. I loved Sig and Chloe and all of their drama and their growth. I couldn’t get enough of them and their story. The intensity was so pure (read: not cheesy) and palpable and I was cheering them on from page 1. It felt like a Tessa Bailey book and I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Spoilers*



Probably my favorite Tessa Bailey book of all time. Sig and Chloe's meeting was sooo cute and romantic, and the escape onto the golf course with the stolen champagne?! (My heart!!)
Gosh, Sig's loyalty and dedication to Chloe had me in a chokehold. When he drove to her house after their fight to get her lucky blouse for her, I literally started crying! The romance just made my heart squeeze in all the right ways, and the SPICE. THE SPICE. 10/10 !!!
I was iffy about Chloe and Sig in the previous books due to the stepsibling thing (duh), but reading from their POVs made me absolutely root for them! I was lowkey terrified they weren't going to end up together, and could not for the life of me figure out how they were going to get around their parents' marriage. I am so happy with how things ended and will 100% be buying this one once it is released!
Great work Tessa!! <3