I don’t know…this may even be a 2.5 stars for me. I did connect with either man character and I don’t even know why. It was just not a story that I bought into for whatever reason. I usually really enjoy this author too.

I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This was a cute quick read. Chloe’s character was a bit awkward .
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Finished this book in less than a day! Tessa Bailey is such a fun writer and her characters always have great chemistry. The chemistry between Sig and Chloe was on fire. I love a forbidden love story with so much tension when in a room together. Really loved her Bellinger sister series but this book is for sure top 3 for me. Would read this again and again

It's well established at this point that if Tessa Bailey writes it, I'm going to read it. I had been excited for Sig and Chloe's story since they started making cameos earlier in this series - and the wait was worth it. 
 
Any time a new Tessa Bailey book shows up to my place, it's a drop everything and start reading that book type of situation. Her books are just so addictive - between the tension, the spice, the interesting and flawed characters, the humor, and fast pace, they hit for me - and that was especially true for this book.  
 
I'll be honest, I've never read a book with (potential) step siblings before - and I was a bit skeptical. But Tessa Bailey delivered! Sig and Chloe's chemistry was insane straight from their meet cute - even when they became taboo / a forbidden romance, I was kicking my feet and shouting at them to just kiss already. Sig was such a simp for Chloe - in the most endearing and swoony way.  
 
The only part I struggled with in this book was Chloe's naivety. I understand that she was supposed to be sheltered, but it nearly crossed the line into the absurd. I think if she had had a few more basic life skills, it would have been less distracting. 
 
I am having SO much fun with this series - I'm so happy there's going be five books (and I'm gonna need Tessa Bailey to write more sports romances in the future). I can't wait to read Pitcher Perfect later this year!

I have read a few of Tessa Bailey's books now and have enjoyed them all! This was no exception. My one complaint is that i didn't see the conflict as being much of a conflict. They were adults when their parents married, they were not legaly adopted by the other parent and they didn't grow up together or even know each other before their parents got engaged. I appreciated that the author brought the media in as the biggest opstical as I can see how that would be the case, esp for those who are in the lime light. Overall I loved the chemestry and banter between the main characters ad can't wait to read more from this author.

Dream Girl Drama was a pleasant read. We have gotten glimpses of Sig and Chloe's relationship in the last book, Au Pair Affair. There was always a story there and I was excited to dive more into it. Their first meet was interesting and it was fascinating to see how these two were navigate their connection. Sig and Chloe just couldn't stay away from each other. They just needed one another, and it was intriguing to see what would happen as the story progressed. A lot of the discourse was about their future relations as step-siblings. There was a lot of tension of "will they" or "won't they." I wanted more depth of their bond-like why they were just destined for one another. That should have been explored more. I did like the friendship between the hockey players. It was fun and full of brotherly love. Those moments were some of my favorites. Overall, a fine story. Tessa Bailey's books have a good premise, good writing, and nice characters but sometimes I am itching for more. I am still interested in the next book and what will happen there.

This is the newest book in Tessa Bailey’s Big Shots series and I have really enjoyed each of them! I especially loved listening to this one with the enormously talented Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton voicing our MCs.

Every time I open a Tessa Bailey book, I know I’m in for an extremely fun and steamy time. This one piled on the angst and yearning too, which is just my favorite. Dream Girl Drama has:

- Pro Hockey MMC
- Prodigy Harpist FMC
- Future step siblings
- Forbidden Love
- Steamy slow burn
- Touch her and die MMC
- Steamy times with his hockey jersey
- Set in Boston

Tessa Bailey’s FMCs always have the most unique careers and it’s one of my favorite things about her books. Dream Girl Drama had Bailey’s signature dirty talk and off the charts sexual chemistry too. While Sig and Chloe are forbidden to be together due to the optics of their situation, they never truly have a taboo relationship so don’t let that put you off if you’ve got reservations.

I’m very excited about the next couple that was teased towards the end and cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

This just wasn’t my cup or tea. I can see why others would love it however I just couldn’t relate to the characters. I am a sucker for a hockey romance but I feel like this just feel a little flat.

Thank you Avon and Netgalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed Dream Girl Drama - forbidden romance is one of my favorite tropes to read (IRL? Maybe not so much…). Sig and Chloe had such electric chemistry, and following along as they tried to deny their feelings for the sake of their parents made me sympathetic for their experience. Sig was so protective of Chloe which was charming AF, and Chloe was brave in trying to move to a big city and pursue a career outside of the country club lifestyle she was used to. I alternated between ebook & audiobook, narrated by Callie Dalton & Teddy Hamilton, because I wanted to see how the story would unfold. While not my favorite of the series (Not much can top Fangirl Down), I found this to be a really enjoyable and quick read.

“Despite its promising premise, this book failed to deliver. The plot felt predictable, the characters lacked depth, and the pacing dragged in too many places. While there were moments of intrigue, they were overshadowed by weak writing and underdeveloped ideas. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn’t live up to expectations.”

2/5 Hot take - I don't think Tessa Bailey is for me.

This book was written well, it has a plot, it has spicy scenes, its a hockey romance - I get why people like it. Tessa Bailey is known for her spice. But I don't think her books are for me. I have only read a few, but they have never stood out. I think her characters could be a little bit more developed into flawed, individual beings. This book specifically had a slight downside as I went into it, I hate the Insta Love trope, and this one was literally chapter one insta love. While her smut is spicy, it just doesn't do it for me. It almost seems like it is trying to hard to me. i simply could not get into this book the entire way through.

Finally, and this could be a huge reason as to why I struggled, I ended up switching to audio about half way through, and it was a mistake. The female narrator was not a strong narrator for this character, which is a shame because I loved her for "The Love Hypothesis." If she changed styles, I hope she goes back, because it felt dry and a bit forced and slow.

Book Tropes: Forbidden Romance, Hockey/Sports, Insta Love, Mutual Pinning, Future Step-Siblings
Spice Level: 4/5
Trigger Warnings: Abandonment, Manipulative Parent

Love anything from Tessa Bailey. The tension between Sig and Chloe is top tier. Great steamy romance that is definitely a page turner!

Ugh. I should know better than to read something that starts by describing a character as manic pixie dream girl. I hate that concept. But this book was really annoying. I didn't like any of the characters.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 3/5 ✨

Publication Date: February 4, 2025

Sig and Chloe’s story starts with an instant spark when his car breaks down in front of her country club. When she steps in to help, their chemistry is undeniable 🔥—but their whirlwind romance takes a dramatic turn when they discover their parents are engaged, making them soon-to-be step-siblings 😱. Suddenly, their attraction becomes forbidden, forcing them to navigate the challenges of love under scrutiny.

One of the highlights of the story was how Sig helped Chloe become more independent 💪 while still being protective. He never made her feel inadequate but instead guided and supported her. Chloe, who first seemed naive, turned out to be sweet, smart, and passionate 💕. However, at times, her helplessness made it hard to fully connect with her character.

The chemistry between Sig and Chloe was absolutely off the charts 🚀—steamy, electric, and intense. Some readers might see it as love, while others may feel it was more about lust. The book’s fast pace, filled with dramatic twists and turns 🎭, kept things interesting, though some moments felt overly exaggerated. The central conflict—whether their relationship was truly taboo—felt frustrating for some 🤔, as it seemed like an unnecessary issue since they met as adults before their parents’ engagement.

Overall, this book delivers sizzling romance, emotional ups and downs 🎢, and a dynamic couple that keeps the pages turning. While some elements might not resonate with every reader, those who love forbidden romance, angst, and undeniable chemistry will likely find it an engaging read! ❤️‍🔥

Thank you, @netgalley and @harpercollins , for giving me an ARC of Dream Girl Drama in exchange for an honest review! 📖✨

Thank you netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I will pick up any Tessa Bailey book and know that I will enjoy it. I loved the forbidden aspect of this one, in particular. This was a fun and romantic read.

Tessa Bailey has once again dazzled readers with her latest romance novel. This delightful story is a perfect blend of humor, passion, and heartfelt moments that fans of contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy.

From the very first page, Bailey's signature wit shines through, drawing you into the world of the characters. The protagonist's journey is relatable and entertaining, making it easy to become emotionally invested. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and their banter is both charming and hilarious, creating a dynamic that keeps you flipping pages late into the night.

Bailey's writing captures the ups and downs of love with a skill that feels both authentic and engaging. The themes of self-discovery and the importance of following your dreams resonate deeply throughout the narrative. Readers will find themselves rooting for the characters as they face challenges and barriers to their relationship, all while navigating life's unexpected twists. Don’t miss out on this charming tale that combines love, laughter, and a dash of drama!

This book was witty, with charismatic characters navigating family entanglements and playful tension set against a lively sports backdrop.so much fun!

So, I loved Dream Girl Drama. I’ve noticed a lot of people were put off my the “taboo” romance but I did not see it that way at all. Without spoiling, Chloe and Sig meet and have an instant attraction. Mind you both are grown adults. They soon learn their connection is closer than either imagined. As they battle the new found circumstances, the two build an incredibly tight bond.

I sincerely enjoyed their connection. Sig and Chloe just clicked and got each other from the beginning. It was so nice to see the pair stand by each other even if it wasn’t how they imagined.

The flow was great, the humor was cute and the vibes were amazing. This may be my favorite book of the series. And who doesn’t love a good hockey romance?? I liked it so much I bought a hard copy too!

Take one broody hockey star, one sheltered country club princess, mix in some sizzling insta-lust, and then—plot twist—make them almost-step-siblings. That’s the deliciously messy, trope-tastic setup of “Dream Girl Drama”, the third book in Tessa’s Big Shots series. And let me tell you, it delivers ALL the tension and spice you could want.

Sig and Chloe’s first encounter is the stuff of fairytales—or at least the kind that come with smoldering glances, kisses and instant, electric chemistry. But just as things start sparking, reality throws a bucket of ice water on their connection. Their parents are getting married, and any hope of exploring what’s between them? Off the table. Except… some attractions just won’t be ignored.

Chloe, a former child music prodigy who’s been coddled her entire life, starts off a little naive but quickly finds her footing. Watching her step out of her privileged bubble and truly live was so satisfying. And Sig? This man is intensity personified. He’s the kind of hero who would burn the world down if it meant giving her a better one. His unwavering devotion to Chloe, his support for her independence, and the way he just worships her? Whew. Someone get me a fan.

The spice? WHEW! The balance between plot and steam is just right, keeping you fully invested in their journey. The romcom vibes are strong and their flirtatious banter is top-tier. Sig and Chloe might have tried to resist the inevitable, but for us readers? Falling for them was effortless. I needed a fast and fun read and this one came at the perfect time.

Thank you @tessabaileyisanauthor, @avonbooks and @netgalley for the gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

2.5 ⭐️

My least enjoyed of all of her books read so far. I disliked both MCs so that’s likely what did me in. The ending had a good plot twist, but if I hadn’t switched to the audiobook, there is no way I would’ve finished the ARC to even get to the plot twist.