I always love Tessa Bailey’s writing style and characters! However, this book was one of my least favorite I’ve read from her. I think Sig’s masculine energy was just a bit too much for me.
I CANNOT WAIT to read Corrigan and Skyler’s book though! The rookies were my favorite part of this book!

This was a fun, somewhat farfetched read. Overall I enjoyed it; I could've done without some of the sex scenes but that's just me.

I have to start by saying how feral my man's Sig was for Chloe. From the day they met to all the tension throughout the whole book, I was here for it. Also, the future step-sibling trope was wild! It was kind of like forbidden romance, and I was rooting for them regardless. I loved how the hockey team rallied for Sig in this one, too. Tessa Bailey does hockey romance well, and I enjoyed this one immensely. The spice in this one was so good that I only wanted more. I wished the reveal would have happened a bit sooner, but I understand why it didn't. The chemistry was amazing, but I would have loved to see a smidge more character development for Chloe. I liked her journey with Pierre and the harp, and her growth was cool. As always, I'm a big fan of Tessa Bailey, and I'm excited to see what she does next. Thank you to Avon for the ARC to read and review!

I was impressed with how Tessa Bailey walked the line on what would be considered a taboo romance. Without spoilers she managed to develop tension and respect between the characters while toeing the line of comfort. The Big Shots series has been one of my favorite series of hers and this one was an excellent installment. I really appreciated seeing how much Sig cared for Chloe's overall well being without becoming completely overbearing (there were a few close calls). I think most readers familiar with Tessa's work can expect an over protective alpha male which she yet again delivers. I do think Sig was more flushed out than previous MCs This felt like more of a slow burn spicy romance than what she normally writes. . Great foreshadowing for future books!


YouTube video scheduled for Jan5

First of all the overall concept of the storyline is weird. The future step siblings thing eh. I didn't mind Sigs character and I like how Chloe is becoming more independent but this type of "forbidden love" felt weird. They also started off so strong so fast, there wasn't a lot of build up and so the plot fell flat for me.

WOW. There was an undeniable chemistry between Sig and Chloe in this forbidden romance. I have been dying to read this story since their introduction in Au Pair Affair, and, much like the rest of the Big Shots series, this did not disappoint!

Sig, a professional hockey player in Boston, receives a message from his absentee father (Harvey) that he’s getting remarried and wants him to come to Connecticut for a family dinner to meet Sophie his new fiancé. Just a few miles away from the house near a country club, his truck breaks down. Unfortunately his phone is also dead after the three hour car ride, so he heads into the country club to borrow a charger and call AAA. Imagine his surprise when he looks up and standing in front of him is his dream girl. Chloe ends up keeping him company while his phone charges and after chatting there is an undeniable chemistry and instalove between them. Both with places to be, they exchange numbers and part ways, promising to try and see each other again soon.

Well soon happened quicker than either anticipated when it turns out they both had the same place to be since Harvey’s new fiancé is in fact Chloe’s mom. This causes both Sig and Chloe to decide that it would be too weird to let anything romantic happen between them. Instead they become “best friends” but harbor obvious and strong feelings for each other. Chloe ends up moving to Boston to pursue music at Berklee and Sig jumps into protector mode.

Watching them navigate undeniable bond was sweet as there is no doubting that the characters genuinely care for each other. This spicy romance was less steamy than the typical Tessa Bailey novel, but I like that it left more room for us to see the longing and connection between the characters. Bailey also does a good job of navigating the weird forbidden step siblings dynamic and kept the book from becoming uncomfy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I did a little jump for joy when I was approved for an arc of this book and I devoured it in one day!
I’ve been waiting for Sig and Chloe’s story since their very first scene in The AuPair Affair 💕❤️ their tension leapt off the page and that book wasn’t even focused on them as a couple. I knew their book would be fantastic, and it was!
Sig and Chloe are now my favorite couple by this author. Their meet cute was steamy, as are many scenes in this one. (Be warned-This book has quite a high spice level). I loved the slow burn and the way these two love each other and put the other’s best interests ahead of their own.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Great book.loved it. Was hooked from the start. Have to look up more from this author. Was she really a dream girl?

I love Tessa Bailey, and will always read her books.

Sig and Chloe have the most amazing "meet cute" and then time sneaks up on them and they must go to their planned obligations. They meet again shortly and discover they will soon be stepsiblings. Both Sig and Chloe still very much want each other as they establish boundaries and navigate their situation. I really wanted to love this story but Chloe fell flat as a FMC and Sigs MMC carried a lot of the story.

Book Review: Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

Tessa Bailey’s Dream Girl Drama delivers a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that is as heartwarming as it is steamy. The story centers around the enchanting, if somewhat unpredictable, journey of two people navigating the fine line between friendship, ambition, and undeniable chemistry.

The novel follows the life of 24-year-old actress Hallie O’Callaghan, who lands the role of a lifetime in a rom-com series. Hallie is a bit of a hot mess — a relatable and endearing character with big dreams and the occasional misstep. Enter her co-star, the aloof but undeniably attractive actor, Max Steele, who seems like the ultimate bad boy with a soft side just waiting to be discovered.

Bailey’s signature humor shines throughout the novel, filled with witty dialogue and playful banter that keeps the pace engaging. Hallie’s snarky sense of humor and Max’s dry wit create a dynamic that is both charming and entertaining. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and while the tension between them builds slowly, it’s totally worth the wait.

One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of vulnerability and self-acceptance. Both Hallie and Max have their own emotional baggage and insecurities, and Bailey skillfully weaves their growth arcs throughout the narrative. This adds depth to what could have been a purely lighthearted rom-com and brings an emotional layer that will resonate with many readers.

While Dream Girl Drama is undoubtedly a romance at heart, it also doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of career pressures, self-doubt, and the complexities of navigating a relationship in the public eye. The setting of the Hollywood entertainment world provides a fun, glamorous backdrop, but Bailey ensures the story doesn’t get lost in the glitz and glamour, focusing instead on the authenticity of the characters’ experiences.

If there’s one flaw in the book, it’s that some readers might find the slow-burn romance a tad predictable. However, Bailey’s ability to balance emotional depth with humor and passion makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read, even if the plot hits familiar beats.

In conclusion, Dream Girl Drama is a delightful romantic comedy that will appeal to fans of Tessa Bailey’s previous work and anyone in the mood for a fun, heartwarming escape. With strong characters, sizzling chemistry, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, it’s a book that proves once again that Tessa Bailey knows exactly how to write a love story that is impossible to put down.

Another fun Tessa Bailey book. She turned two pretty vapid characters into something more interesting. The twist was well-placed and unexpected. Looking forward to the next stories in the series, assuming the rookies get their stories.

This book just wasn’t for me. I didn’t understand the problem with them being together. Two people who meet as adults that aren’t related and met before they found out their parents were getting married doesn’t seem like a problem to me but the whole conflict revolves around this. The FMC is infantilized and that was very cringe to me and the instalove was too much.

I’ve been very excited to get to Sig’s and Chloe’s story since meeting them in Tessa’s previous book.

Tessa’s books seem to be hit or miss for me, I loved fangirl Down and strongly disliked The Au Pair Affair. But still I really wanted to continue the Big Shots series.

The beginning of the book is really interesting finally getting to see how Sig and Chloe got to the point of being future step siblings in love. But about 50 percent in I started to dislike the way Chloe took advantage of Sigs generosity towards her, she was spending rent money on eye cream of all things. And just being overall ungrateful to how much Sig did for her. That rubbed me the wrong way. I get she’s an over protected, over privileged rich girl but damn she really acted like a child sometimes. A whole step up from Tallulah tho, I actually did like Chloe she just annoyed me sometimes.

The whole step siblings thing just felt a little blown out of proportion, I mean they met as adults. There was no blood relation or really any closeness with either of their parents. So I didn’t get how that would be the scandal everyone seem to think it would be. Maybe I’ve read too many books where step siblings fall in love, and I’ve only read like 3 sooo… maybe is a rich people thing, I don’t know.

It did get a little soap opery at some points like over dramatic, but I loved it either way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

Dream Girl Drama is book three in Tessa Bailey’s Big Shots sports series. It’s best enjoyed after at least book two since the characters from that one feature in this one prominently.

This was fun but not my favorite Tessa Bailey. Sig was down bad from the very start and I do love a man that knows what he wants. Chloe grew on me but I found her grating at first. The pacing was a little off for me too.

I’m usually not a fan of “insta love” because it always seems extremely unrealistic to me, but Tessa Bailey did it RIGHT and I’m now sold on giving the trope a fair chance. Sig and Chloe had the cuuuutest meet cute I’ve read so far. Sparks fly and their heated chemistry is instantaneous. So what are they supposed to do when only hours later they find out their parents are . . . engaged?! Cue the drama llama!! I was so nervous trying to figure out how in the world Tessa would pull off this happily ever after, but I know never to doubt the queen. I don’t know how she makes me fall in love with every couple in her books, she just does. Probably because she makes her MMCs super possessive protectors, and that’s hot as hell in my book.

THANK YOU, NetGalley and Tessa Bailey for this amazing opportunity. I totally freaked out when I was approved for the ARC. This made my month!!

"You love her?” “I exist for her.”

A Tessa Bailey arc? Am I God's favorite?

Imagine this: Sig meets his literal dream girl after his truck breaks down at a country club, they drink champagne, banter, share moonlit kisses ... only to discover a few hours later that Sig's dad is marrying her mom. Yeahhh, they're about to become step-siblings. Although the chemistry is instantaneous, they both know they have to forget what happened between them and move on. immediately... or do they? 👀

Like I said, the chemistry between Sig and Chloe was off 👏 the 👏 charts! All the insta-love, cosmic soulmates vibes you could ever want!! Tessa kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time with the will they/won't throughout the whole book. I was so worried the entire time that the wouldn't find a way to be together (and might just say "fuck it") but the plot twist at the end had me 😱🤯😲.

I could see how this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, and I'll admit that Chloe annoyed me until she had her "wake up" moment, but even with all my reservations, this might actually be my favorite book in the series. They just made me love LOVE. I was enamored.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!!

I've never read a Tessa Bailey book I didn't adore!! This was no exception! Dream Girl Drama is the 3rd book in the Big Shots series, and was slightly interwoven with "The Au Pair Affair". We met Sig and Chloe in that book, but got to hear their story in this. At times, I really was hoping Sig was going to pull something crazy with a PI investigating his dad. I LOVED this story, it was a little weird to think about Chloe's Mom marrying Sig's Dad, but the friendship that developed within each of them was such a cool story to read. You'll really want to read this one to know the ending!!

While I loved this book, I have a feeling this one is going to be hit or miss for many readers. Sig and Chloe meet hours before they find out they are to become siblings and the chemistry is off the charts. Sadly, they have to immediately stop any sort of intimate relationship once they find out the sad news that their parents will be marrying one another in the very near future. Sig does everything in his power to get his dad to not marry Chloe's mom but to no avail and what are they to do? They must remain friends. This book does end on an HEA and I won't spoil it to say how that happens, but there are only so many ways to skin a cat as they say.

I really liked both Sig and Chloe and their attraction to one another was undeniable. I also love how Sig took care of Chole and taught her so many things about his world works. I also love how he supports her and her passion for music (and skincare). Sig is definitely husband material. Overall this was a fun, spicy read as are all of Tessa's books and this one was a hit for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🏒🛍️💳❄️

TESSA. BAILEY. Constantly raising the bar tbh. I don’t know how she did it but I believe this is my favorite book by her😮‍💨

Whatever was put into this book I want more‼️ absolutely can not wait for more books for this series. Been here since the first thoughts brewed on TikTok and oh they all have what needed to be given. Each book in the Big Shots series has been so incredibly good. I have been sat and I was not patient and begged for this arc 🫣

Thank you times a billion to Avon and NetGalley for the arc!🫶 I will definitely be rereading before release!

The way Chloe and Sig were written truly made a hole in my heart. I adore them. Alone and together. I love how much they cared for each other and defended each other. The spice was everything! They truly just have my heart😭 am obsessed with them and almost skipped class to keep reading. But truly Tessa did phenomenal on Dream Girl Drama and ahhhh I’m just a blabbering mess. Still can not believe I got this arc 🥹 also will definitely be spam posting about them in the next few months🤍

- Future step siblings
- Forbidden love
- Hockey romance
- Insta love💋

📚 Dream Girl Drama
✍ Tessa Bailey
📖 Sports Romance
⭐3/5
🌶️🌶️

🙏 Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy of Dream Girl Drama. All opinions are my own.
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🎯 What I loved: I love teammate banter and the quirky relationships between Sig, Burgess and the rookies cracked me up. For many series that feature different teammates getting their own books, you feel like the books are truly interconnected so you have to read one before reading the others; this was not the case with Dream Girl Drama. It featured Burgess and Tallulah a little bit (from The Au Pair Affair) but didn't mention any characters from Fan Girl Down and functioned as a full standalone. The book featured a lot of Tessa Bailey's signature internal monologues by both characters and was full of 'feelings'. It wasn't as spicy as her other books and was a serious slow-burn, but with the forbidden nature of the featured relationship, I think the book had to function that way. It took a taboo subject and made it mostly fun but it wasn't one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books.

🙅‍♀️ What I didn't: I struggle with insta-love books because I like to see chemistry build over time, so the fact that Sig and Chloe were just instantaneously obsessed with each other didn't appeal to me. I also felt like there wasn't any banter in this book which is my favorite part of reading romance. Sig and Chloe just got along from the get-go and he bent over backwards for her every time she had any desire. I get that he was obsessed with her but I wish there had been some kind of push and pull within the relationship. The only tension in the book (although obviously it was a part part of this) was that this was truly a forbidden romance...for good reason. This kind of worked because there wasn't any blood relation between the two but I definitely got some ick factor from this one.
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Read if you love:
*forbidden romance (potential future step-siblings)
*insta-love
*slow-burn
*hockey player & harp player
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See also: The Game Changer, Forever Hold Your Piece, The Idea of You