Tessa Bailey has done it again! Dream Girl Drama is a heartfelt, steamy, and emotional rollercoaster that had me laughing, crying, and swooning in equal measure. Sig and Chloe’s story is one of undeniable chemistry, aching tension, and the bittersweet longing of two people who know they’re meant for each other but feel they can’t be together.

From the moment Sig and Chloe meet in that private country club, their connection is electric. That moonlight kiss? Absolute magic. But when their parents’ engagement throws a wrench into their blossoming romance, the emotional stakes skyrocket. Tessa Bailey masterfully conveys the anguish of holding back, and there were moments my heart ached so deeply for Sig and Chloe that I found myself in tears. Their mutual longing was palpable, and the way they tortured themselves by denying their feelings was both gut-wrenching and beautiful.

What really stood out to me was how much these characters grew throughout the story. Chloe’s journey from a sheltered harp prodigy to an independent woman was empowering, and Sig’s unwavering support made me fall for him even more. Their struggle to stay platonic, despite their undeniable connection, created so much tension—I was rooting for them with every turn of the page.

With her signature wit, charm, and steamy romance, Bailey crafts a story that’s as much about family and self-discovery as it is about love. Dream Girl Drama is the perfect rom-com for anyone who loves forbidden romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and a story that will tug on your heartstrings.

If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey or just love a romance that makes you feel everything, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare for all the feels—you’ll be thinking about Sig and Chloe long after you turn the last page.

I went into this hoping for an interesting take on the stepsibling trope, expecting tension, cute banter, and chemistry. Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed with both the romance and the characters themselves, though there were a few redeeming aspects that saved this from a one-star rating.
The premise had potential: two strangers meet, sparks fly, only for them to reunite later at a dinner hosted by their parents, who announce they’re engaged, making them soon-to-be stepsiblings. There were so many directions this could have gone, but the immediate, overwhelming attraction between Chloe and Sig felt rushed. I wanted tension, flirting, cute banter and mutual pining for one another, where was undeniable chemistry I was promised? Its only CHAPTER TWO and it’s been what? Almost an hour tops since they met and he’s already begging to F**K her. WHAT IS THIS INSANITY!!!?

The MFC Chloe has led a very sheltered, rich and privileged life. She’s very naïve and inexperienced to basically anything in the real world to the point that I find it very hard to believe people like this could exist in real life. So, you’re expecting me to believe that a 25-year-old rich girl has never been to a Sephora?

Let me quote a phrase from Chloe’s POV, “She’d only been in Boston for two weeks-long enough to know everything cost money” - For someone who says this you would think she would be smart about her spending. Nope! She later spends her rent money on eye creams! FYI not her money since she’s cut off from mommy’s bank, and its Sig’s money that he set aside for her to pay rent to just reckless spend on useless things. I honestly couldn’t tell if she’s just clueless, or just entirely detached from reality cause why on earth would a person do that?!

Sig, the male lead, is supposed to be a nice guy helping Chloe gain independence, but his actions often come across as controlling rather than protective. His obsessive focus on Chloe, constantly thinking of her and not even seeming to remember his own hockey career, made him feel one-dimensional and more of a walking “red flag” than a romantic lead. There’s an underlying ick factor to his generosity, like he’s buying her time and attention rather than forming a genuine connection. I almost forgot he was a hockey player because his personality revolved solely around Chloe.
The MMC takes out MFC away to Boston, away from her overbearing mother and sheltered life so she can study music the way she has always wanted, spends money to buy her an apartment and even gives her spending money. Like damn! All this happens in the span of a few days to a week! All the while his constant thoughts about wanting to get into her pants made it seem like his actions wasn’t that noble at all!

The story's solution to their “stepsibling” issue was weak, bordering on laughable. Chloe and Sig’s attitude seemed to be, “We’re about to be siblings, but let’s throw caution to the wind and see where it goes.” This casual disregard for their situation felt irresponsible.

Also WHY DID SHE HAVE TO FINGER HIS ASS – LMAOOO THIS TOOK ME OUT AHAHAHAAHA😭😭

Ultimately, Chloe and Sig needed to work on themselves before diving into this chaotic relationship. They kept running from the real issues by jumping into bed rather than actually communicating. And if we’re guessing whether they’ll still be together after the epilogue? Realistically, it’s unlikely. Without growth or development as individuals, I can’t see this couple surviving long-term.

While this book did have a few moments where I enjoyed the supporting characters like the parents and Chloe’s friend, who oddly felt more grounded than the main characters, the main characters needed more depth, that being said, it wasn’t enough to save this book for me.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Good lord the angst in this book! Sig and Chloe are just so so sweet together. He literally would move mountains for her. They’re doing their best to keep things platonic for obvious reasons but fail miserably lol. You could just FEEL their undying love jumping off the page at you.

Love how it turned into a little bit of a mystery. I totally called on what would happen though! Still loved every damn second of this book. The pages just fly by because you’re like, “They have to be together! They just have to!”

Get this book when it comes out. It’s a perfect addition to the series.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this amazing opportunity and this is my honest review!

I love Tessa Bailey! 💖💖💖

If you are a fan of Tessa Bailey then you will enjoy this read. Tessa Bailey caters to a very specific trope in the romance novel genre. She always writes men who are large, dominating, and somewhat feral over their love interest. I had the opportunity to see her speak last year when she was touring for one of her book releases and she joked that she told the graphic designer to make the man’s thighs thicker. This book, as all her other books, is full of steamy sex scenes, family drama, and an obsessive lust/love. You know what you are getting into by reading this book if you have read any of her others and it does not disappoint. It’s a guilty pleasure junk food read.

My rating: 3.5 stars

I’d like to thank NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this ARC.

**Spoiler warning**

This book really tries to toe the line of socially forbidden love, but I really struggled to understand why it was such a big deal. Yes, both main character’s lives were in the spotlight and media can be cruel, but they were adults when their parents met. There was no childhood cohabitation or weird family holidays as teens. Thankfully, they don’t end up as stepsiblings, but the book seems a bit dramatic. Even Sig’s Dad was harping on the fact they would be related so back off of Chloe, but he KNEW that wasn’t even true.

Also, Tessa Bailey frequently writes MC women who need help, but Chloe took it to a whole new level. She didn’t know how to do anything and somehow convinced a person she just met to financially shell out more then he could afford to keep her in some form of luxury to prove she could “strike out on her own?” Seems a little crazy to me, but again if you like this genre, you will eat this shit up. Don’t even get me started on how Sig kept a closet full of pop tarts so that he could keep her dependent and keep tabs on her. Overall, I liked Chloe as an MC. Although helpless, she does have a growth arc and really does learn how to do a lot for herself. She puts Sig’s needs before her own at the end which I respect especially for someone who grew up surrounded by such wealth. I will say, Tessa Bailey really nailed the slow burn and intense sexual tension between Sig and Chloe.

ARC Review. 2.5 stars! This was a fun, silly, non-serious time. Both characters felt rich in the writing. If you are looking for a "deep" romance, this is not the one. Although very predictable, isn't that a reason to love it?!

Tesa Bailey goes on a slippery slope with Dreamgirl drama. Her latest hockey romance scrapes the surface of a forbidden romance. Let me first say that the this book had my mind in circles wondering just how Tessa was going to deliver this plot without crossing the line. I really think this book is perfect for a reader who loves Hockey romance and loves the idea of giving yourself a fighting chance at love. This is my first hockey romance and my first Tesa Bailey read. I was both excited and nervous for this story given the taboo of the plot. I was here for Tessa’s overall vision. Let me start by saying I wanted to love Sig & Chloe together but I found myself getting frustrated with a Chloe’s lack of sense of self (felt she relied heavily on Sig) I do recognize this was her identity since page 1. She wanted growth and independence and I feel she just scratched the surface of the growth she was looking for. I thought Tessa did a good job of writing Sig. He was likable, and that’s always a plus for me. I mean who doesn’t want a man who will destroy the world or anything in his path to make you happy? They had a insta love “connection” & that was fine until it became more of a lust than actual love story for me. (I knew there was spice going in and I’m here for that all day) I suppose the “burn/crave was what Tessa wanted us to feel so I can see how it went that direction.

Right off the bat a wrench gets thrown into their chance encounter. I have to say during those scenes I was actually confused on whether they knew each other or not? We’ve got a guy whose career is hanging in the balance and then we have Chloe, who is a carefree ‘I’m a good time, girl socialite’ who both get the shock of their lives when they end up seeing each other again only this time it’s under the cringiest of circumstances..their parents are getting married. I did find myself speculating how their 2nd encounter was going to go and I was pretty close to how it played out. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing but I’ll chalk it up to being invested in the storyline and watching way too many CW shows to begin with.

I did enjoy Sig’s over protective nature and Chloe’s relatable girl moments..Tessa threw in a T-swift reference and I giggled at that not bc of anything other than it being unexpected which I appreciated as a low key swiftie. I wanted more of a connection between the two of them. There was seemingly more fluff than depth and while I know I’m not reading Shakespeare, I wanted more to think about with these characters and all I kept thinking was ..where is the real drama? Did it get lost bc I feel like it all got lost in translation for me. This read was not terrible but it wasn’t memorable for me.

Maybe this was one of those right book wrong time kind of things. I’m def open to reading more TB in the future but this one just didn’t leave me with anything other than the obvious question of will they or won’t they? And maybe that’s all Tessa wanted from me as a reader..I walk away giving Sig & Chloe’s story 3.2 ⭐️’s.

Thank you to both NetGalley & Avon books for the advance reader copy. I hope whoever comes across this review takes a chance on any book that ever crosses their path you never know you just might love it.

Tessa Bailey has done it again! This is a classic Tessa Bailey romance, and I loved it each step of of the way. The love between Sig and Chloe felt truly believable, and I was sad when it ended. When I finished the last page, all I wanted to do was go back and read the first. A lovely, steamy, read!

Hockey star Sig and oblivious country club girl Chloe accidentally meet and find instant attraction and chemistry. But….hours later, they discover their parents are getting married and they’re destined to be stepsiblings. So any romantic relationship is off the table. Still, Chloe, who’s 25 yet doesn’t know how to do ANYTHING on her own, decides to move to Boston at Sig’s invitation, find her own place, and enter the music school she’s been accepted to. And just sponge off Sig.

Chloe is a prodigy on the harp but has always simply coasted on her natural talent, never actually working at it or developing any kind of drive or goal to do anything. She’s also never lived independently, done laundry, or even thought about real life outside her mansion and country club. She’s only ever existed in a shallow, superficial world and never used her brain to think beyond it. In other words, completely sad, out of touch, and unrelatable for me.

Now that she’s slightly more on her own (though still shamelessly mooching off Sig), she slowly starts to get it and develop a basic appreciation for the real world, though remains pretty ignorant throughout the book. Most of the time, she behaved more like a spoiled teenager than an adult. So yeah, I had a hard time with her.

Sig was more of a real human; someone who had to work for what he has and go through hard times to achieve success. He’s always been restrained, but can’t help spoiling Chloe and enabling her dependence and obliviousness to the world.

There were a lot of great moments in Dream Girl Drama—heated conversations and tension between Sig and Chloe, efforts to make the right choices and do the right things, growing as friends and soulmates, balancing their hockey and music dreams with their desire to be together. There just wasn’t much substance, which is ok as it’s a romcom and not supposed to be incredibly deep. I just didn’t connect with these characters or the storyline, and there was a lot of repetition. So while the book was well-written and had its moments, it’s not my favorite by Tessa Bailey. I have absolutely loved some of her books, It Happened One Summer and Unfortunately Yours in particular.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Dream Girl Drama! I was so excited when I received this Arc because I loved the first two books in this series. Honestly, this did not live up to what I was expecting. I really do like this book but Sig was kind of annoying. The ending made me feel way better about the whole situation between him and Chloe!!

Definitely a good read. Hoping there is another book on C and S! If you know, you know!

I’m a big Tessa Bailey fan and this forbidden romance didn’t disappoint. It was much more slow burn than I would have preferred compared to some of her other books but still absolutely worth the read. I really hope we get more Bearcats books.

I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC! I love Tessa Bailey and haven't read a book of hers in a while! I'm so honored to read an advance copy! Hockey books are always so hot. 🔥 Chloe and Sig are perfect for each other, except they find out their parents are getting married. Now, they must push their feeling's aside and remain just friends. Sig is not happy with his father, so he hires a private investigator to find dirt on his dad to break the marriage apart.

O M G. I was over the moon when I saw the email come through saying my request for this ARC was approved- Thank you!!! I love, love, love Tessa Bailey and I have loved the past two books in the Big Shots series.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Forbidden Love, He Falls First, Love at first Sight and a bit of forced proximity

I want to start by saying I understand the negative reviews about how the story begins. BANG- they’re obsessed with each other and Sig will do anything for her. It was giving Fairytale vibes with Sig being the Night In Shining Armor. But the rest of the story totally makes up for it!

I DEVOURED this book in three days. Damn working a full time job and having deadlines because all I could think about was finishing this book.

Tessa killed it with the plot twists and the slow, slow, slow burn. I absolutely loved Sig and Chloe’s story. I had no idea how they were going to end up together and Tessa executed it perfectly.

I will be recommending this book to everyone because UGH- SO GOOD.

Review also posted to my GoodReads account and shared with my Romance Book Club.

This was a quick read. I loved the happy ending and the story line. It was just enough steamy. But it still can't beat the first two in this series.

Tessa Bailey has been a hit or miss author for me but the premise of this one really intrigued me so I decided to request for it. Overall, this one fell a bit flat for me. I always have a bit more trouble with third person romance books and this one was no different. Sig and Chloe were introduced in a previous book in this series and I truly was excited to read their story! Their meeting was cute and I honestly didn’t have any issues with them being step-siblings because they were both grown adults. My problem with this one was it just felt wayyy too insta-lovey and lust over love for me. The second a romance turns to insta-love I am pulled out of the story because it is hard to believe the romance between the main characters. I wasn’t a big fan of Chloe throughout this and wish that her character was more fleshed out. I just didn’t love this one but I am incredibly grateful to NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . 5 (3.5 stars)

This is book three in the Big Shots series that follows Sig and Chloe from the prior book AU Pair affair. You can read all three as standalone, but they interconnect as well.

We get special hints of characters from previous books and Easter eggs to come.

Sig is great, you just love him. He’s is the overly protective, great guy who has insta love with the blonde who just may be his step sister soon by marriage. He finds this out as he arrives that night to see her at the dinner he is meeting his father’s future wife.

What ensues is step sibling mutual pining? A cute dog. Pierre is the MVP. I enjoyed this book and found myself rooting for them! For instant chemistry, it does become a slow burn. I’d say it is probably my least favorite of the books overall, but I would continue the series. Thank you again for this arc opportunity:)

Tropes:
🔥 step sibling romance ?
🔥 instant chemistry
🔥 slow burn
🔥 friends to lovers
🔥 hockey player x musician
🔥 over protective bear

Thank you to NetGalley , Harper Collins, and Tessa Bailey for this ARC copy of dream girl Drama .

Thank you so much to #NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to have the opportunity to read Dream Girl Drama; it was an immediate read for me! I read the first two books in this series, and I was looking forward to reading the story about Chloe and Sig.
Chloe and Sig met and found immediate attraction that they both didn't want to end. Until they find out that they are to be future step siblings. Then things get messy for the both of them! This book has it all, with the right amount of spice that keeps you begging for more! This is a definite read!

I was so incredibly grateful to get an ARC from Tessa Bailey! This one had a lot of fun tropes in it- forbidden love, sports romance. If you’ve read the Au Pair Affair, you will be excited to see these characters have their own book! Sig and Chloe meet and the chemistry is undeniable, then they find out they are going to be step siblings. While they hope their parents’ relationship will fail, they continue to grow closer. This one was full of love and spice and a definite page turner!

Dream Girl Drama is the third book in the Big Shots series. I thoroughly enjoyed Fangirl Down and The Au Pair Affair. I love Tessa Bailey and her writing. The Au Pair Affair gives a little taste of the chemistry between Chloe and Sig. I was so enamored by their characters and I could not wait to read their story. I was over the moon when I got the approval to read the early advanced copy of the book. And boy did Ms. Bailey deliver!

The book starts with the cutest and most swoon-worthy meet-cutes I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Their chemistry was so explosive from the start, that it was almost too much too soon. But the events that followed dampened the flames of the would-be love affair between our main characters. We knew that would happen, from the crumbs offered in The Au Pair Affair. But there’s something about the forbidden nature of their romance that just makes it more delicious.

This book had me grinning like a maniac the whole time. I devoured it; I could not put it down. Sig and Chloe have captured my heart. And the spice in this one was 💯 spicing 🥵🫣 The agonizing wait for the main characters to get together was well worth it. I absolutely enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more of Tessa Bailey’s writing.

A million thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and HarperCollins for making one of my dreams come true. Thank you for the pleasure of allowing me to read the eARC for an honest review.

sig was literally down bad from the jump… I loved this book so much and I’m actually so sad I have to wait until February to discuss this with my friends 😭

Dreamgirl is not without its flaws. Some plot points feel slightly predictable, and certain moments could have been explored in greater depth. However, these minor shortcomings don’t overshadow the novel’s emotional impact.
I am usually a big Tessa Bailey fan, but her books lately have been feeling it’s the same thing but with different names