dream girl drama: first off, this is my first Tessa Bailey book and this is the third installment of a series. after reading the description, i was intrigued but wary. step siblings that fall in love?

chloe and sig meet at country club where they really hit it off. an hour later, they meet again, but this time it’s at the dinner their parents are announcing their engagement. from there the two try to resist their urges and decide they should stay friends because they can’t imagine not being in eachother lives. long story short, they tease eachother for 8 months until their is a “solution” to their problem.

I really wanted to like this book but here were my issues:

-they meet. One hour later, he loves her and would give his whole life up for her?
-chloe has childlike behavior and sig enables it. it gave me the ick towards both of them.
-90% book is whining about not being able to be together. they are in their twenties when they meant. they didn’t grow up together. they are not related by blood. just do it if it’s “killing” them?

what tessa proved she can do oh so well is write some spice. when they do have moments, it is so clearly described.

overall, I was disappointed with this read. i have only heard good things about tessa’s book and i look forward to giving another one a shot.

thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Here’s to many more!

Missed Potential in a Steamy but Implausible Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tessa Bailey is known for her ability to write steamy, tension-filled romances, and Dream Girl Drama certainly delivers on that front. The chemistry between Sig, a brooding hockey player, and Chloe, a manic pixie rich-girl rebel, is electric. Their forbidden romance has all the hallmarks of a will-they-won’t-they dynamic, but unfortunately, the story falters under the weight of its own premise.

The plot leans heavily on the "taboo" aspect of their relationship—Chloe’s controlling mother is engaged to Sig’s estranged father, making them soon-to-be stepsiblings. However, the scandalous setup feels contrived. The pair didn’t grow up together, their parents aren’t married yet, and the stakes tied to their relationship are vague at best. It’s hard to believe this would cause any real drama in a modern setting, especially since both characters start out rejecting their parents’ judgment entirely.

Character development is another stumbling block. Chloe’s initial presentation as a jaded rebel quickly gives way to a laughably sheltered persona. She doesn’t know how to drive, doesn’t understand basic adult responsibilities like paying bills, and makes bafflingly poor decisions, like spilling personal secrets to a reporter. These inconsistencies make it difficult to connect with her or root for her growth.

Despite these shortcomings, the book isn’t without its merits. Bailey’s talent for writing sizzling scenes and palpable tension shines through, making this a fun, escapist read for those who can suspend disbelief. But for readers seeking depth or a more plausible setup, Dream Girl Drama may fall short of expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for an eARC of this book in exchange for a honest, unbiased review!

Adored this!

First of all, thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed here are my own honest review.

I thought all the other Tessa Bailey Books were steamy. Not like this. Just wow. The combination of slow burn and longing that these two characters have from jump just creates the most spice I’ve seen in her work so far. And that is saying volumes. I love being in the Big Shots universe, and the reintroduction to some of the other characters again.

This was such a fun read—I love hockey, so that helps. But beyond that I could not put this down— I needed to see where it all would go. And maybe it’s because I am reading 4 books at once but I could not see the ending the way it played out—so all the claps for that.
I really connected to Chloe’s messiness and both of the MC’s imperfections, which play into the entire storyline so perfectly.
The appearance of pain the the butt but precious pet was a bonus.

I will be reading this one again and very much recommend this book for any one that likes spice, laughing out loud and a sports rom com. It was spot on.

Tessa Bailey knows how to write a good romance. I have loved the Big Shots series, so I was very excited to get the ARC for Dream Girl Drama. Tessa knocked it out of the park again.

Our MMC is an over protective self assured Hockey Player who falls for a sheltered rich girl harp playing prodigy, however, she is his future stepsister. While this story is connected to Au Pair Affair, you don’t need to read it to understand and enjoy this story.

I think the characters were well written and I enjoyed reading their different POVs. The story had great progress and flow with a satisfying ending. Of course, like with other Tessa books, the smut was exceptional. I loved the side characters, especially the donor twins 😂 I am hoping there is another addition to this series following one of them.

Sig was a provider and protector and it felt so natural for him! Chloe felt a little too ditzy to me. She was really sweet and I felt like she had good intentions with Sig but she just was not relatable for me. We got a lot of Sigs past life and I wish we got more of Chloe’s maybe to understand her a little better. I didn’t see the twist coming at the end but it felt like a let down. The step sibling aspect of the book was angsty and made it more of a slow burn but, I’m not sure if it sits with me okay.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher was for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review ❤️

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

The beginning of this book is rough. Our main characters meet and basically fall in love (I would argue it's more lust) within the first few pages, only to find out that their parents are getting married, thus making their romance forbidden.

The tropes are strong right from the start. It's very much as the summary describes, to the point where the female main character sometimes feels almost stupid when it comes to doing basic day-to-day things, like washing clothes or paying rent. This element bothered me the most because it began to feel as if the FMC was using the MMC. I just wanted both characters to grow up and realize they weren’t helping each other—they were enabling each other.

That was the turning point when the book started to get better. Once the characters began to feel the consequences of their actions and grow, I enjoyed the story much more. The second half of the book was far stronger than the first. I particularly liked how the third act wrapped up and was pleased with the little twist toward the end.

If you're a fan of the manic pixie dream girl and insta-love tropes, I think this book will be a big hit for you!

As a long-time fan of Tessa Bailey’s books, I was over the moon to receive an ARC of this one. Although it didn’t rank among my favorites from this author, Dream Girl Drama still had all the fun, spice, and swoon that readers have come to expect from Tessa Bailey.

Personally, I really enjoyed the insta-love vibes between Sig and Chloe. The emphasis on how Sig fell for Chloe the first time he heard her voice, before he even turned around and caught sight of her gave me all kinds of warm-fuzzies. Sig’s constant care for and devotion to Chloe made him a top-notch MMC, while I absolutely adored Chloe’s bravery, determination, and growth. The fact that her sense of humor shines and her confidence continues to grow even as she feels increasingly uncertain in some aspects of her life felt so real and made me so proud of her. The trust she puts in Sig never feels misplaced, but neither does the self-reliance and confidence she develops as their story evolves. I absolutely adored the continual honesty between Sig and Chloe—especially when it felt like neither of them had ever really had that from their parents. Their ability to be honest with each other, even about hard things, even when their inclination is to protect the other with a lie, was honestly romantic as hell.

For all its good, I will say that this book felt like a bit of a departure from many of Bailey’s other books. The concept felt wholly in line with what I expect from her—fresh, a little off-kilter, unexpectedly fun and sexy for the circumstances—but this work in particular felt much more expository than her novels often do One of my favorite things about a Tessa Bailey romance is that she’s so unparalleled in her ability to show the progress, the evolution, of both the individual characters and their relationships. I think having so many time jumps took away from that somewhat, especially since the timeline laid out by those jumps didn’t actually make sense with the impending “deadline” Sig and Chloe are up against, nor did align with the amount of time readers are told has passed. Between the issues with the timeline and some pretty obvious flaws with the premise—especially the complications between Sig and each of his parents—I found myself occasionally frustrated as the plot unfolded.

Nevertheless, Sig and Chloe’s story is swoony and sexy and a little bit silly—all the things I want from a Tessa Bailey romance. I already can’t wait to see these two crop up again in Skylar and Corrigan’s book.

4 lust filled stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for these future step siblings!

Reading Chloe and Sigs story felt like riding a roller coaster that derailed on a barrel roll for 95% of this book… (my stress levels were high) if you think you know how it ends. No…. No you don’t…

I expected nothing less from a Tessa Bailey novel 😅 absolutely loved this!

Tropes
- Forbidden love
- Taboo romance
- Slow burn
- Insta love
- Sports romance

Thank you Avon, Tessa Bailey, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

First and foremost, thank you net galley for the ARC!!

I wanted this book from the moment I finished the 2nd book in the series. I liked it enough, it was a fun read for sure! The mmc, if I met his personality in real life I would run away 😂 but I will never run away from a Tessa Bailey book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. The story of Chloe and Sig is that of a forbidden heartwarming romance. Characters are well developed yet the book remains lighthearted a fun. The 🌶️ level is 5/5. It was a fun quick read that can stand alone in the series written by Tessa Bailey.

Sig meets Chloe when his truck breaks down at a country club and he immediately knows she's his dream girl. The problem is - as he later finds out - she's about to be his stepsister. He still helps her move to Boston and break free from her narcissistic and overbearing mother and finally start her journey as a professional harpist (he's a professional hockey player playing on a weak contract). Chloe has lived a life of luxury and doesn't know how to do much of anything - very Paris and Nicole "Simple Life". Sig feels the need to protect and provide for her, even though he doesn't make much money (he decides to sell memorabilia online to supplement his salary). They both cannot deny the draw they have towards each other, regardless of the fact they're going to be stepsiblings. Sig hires a PI to find a way to break up the wedding - anything will do. Will these two manage to find a way to be together, against all odds?

Tessa Bailey is always a great choice and I can't wait to read the next in the series! I loved the chemistry between Sig and Chloe!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

I was really looking forward to this book since I liked the others so far in the series and the characters intrigued me based on their introduction in earlier books. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me because I just did not buy into the conflict of the book. It felt manufactured and overdone. I just didn't see it really being a source of conflict in the real world, and that made the story feel really unbelievable. It was such a trivial conflict that could have been clarified so easily with just a little communication; the fact that it wasn't made the main characters look really unintelligent and the parents like truly horrible people. It also wrapped up far too quickly and neatly. The author is still a favorite and I will continue reading all her work, this one was just a bit of a bummer.

Sig is a professional hockey player with an inferiority complex and Chloe is a carefree, socialite, prodigy harp player. During a chance encounter at Chloe's country club sparks fly. Sig and Chloe have immediate off the chart chemistry that is electric. Once Chloe and Sig realize they are due to become step siblings their relationship becomes complicated. The step sibling trope was done in a clever way. I felt for both Chloe and Sig dealing with their own family issues and lack of the support they crave. It is the lack of this support that pushes them to come to support each other on every day things and not just a fling. This foundation helps to give Sig and Chloe a steady foundation. Although they go through their struggles I appreciate how they show up for each other.

“Thank you Avon and Harp Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.”

Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️
Tropes
✨ forbidden relationship
✨ mutual pining
✨ rom com
✨ chance encounter
✨ hockey player mmc
✨ harpist prodigy
✨ insta love

With an unexpected curveball after Sig and Chloe meet she goes back with him to Boston to learn how to live an independent life. He vows to show her all the ropes, take care of her during her training and show her the city. They spend all their free time together, she goes to all his games, everyone thinks they’re together but they’re about to be step siblings. Sig is doing everything in his power to stop that from happening while uncovering his estranged father’s skeletons. Sig also has to make some hard decisions involving his team that can change everything. Can he figure out how to solve all these problems before the wedding day?

What a cute read!! This one started out nice and spicy! There was a bit of a burn in the middle which was nice! I enjoyed Chloe’s development throughout the book and Sig is just a sweetie! I think his foul mouth was my favorite though😮‍💨😆 Honestly I think the Orgasm Donors were my favorite characters in this book! They CRACK me up!! I cannot wait to continue the series!

Thank you netgalley and Avon Pub for the opportunity to read this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review! This review is entirely my own.

With each Tessa Bailey book I read, I become even more of a fan. In her newest book, Dream Girl Drama, Bailey delivers a steamy forbidden romance between Sig, a professional hockey player and Chloe. From the moment they meet, there are sparks flying everywhere. That is, until they realize they are on the path to becoming step-siblings. Taking on a more platonic relationship will only last for so long - as the heat still seems to rise between them.

Tessa Bailey has done a great job bringing her characters to life and giving her readers a delectable read. Whether you are a fan of Tessa Bailey or reading one of her books for the first time, you will not be disappointed. A great read!

When Sig and Chloe meet there are obvious fireworks, but as luck would have it, their parents are to be wed. Can Sig and Chloe maintain a platonic relationship even with all of the obvious chemistry and fireworks going off between them?
I absolutely love this series and this book did not disappoint! Plenty of heat and a quick read!

Tessa Bailey strikes again in Dream Girl Drama! I absolutely ATE this one up - sports romance + a "down bad" MMC + slight-almost-maybe taboo? I was absolutely sold, and Tessa delivered every bit of expectation I held. This novel holds all the spice of her previous installment, Fangirl Down, while having some solid character building, plot lines, and banter!

I adored both of these characters. The way that Tessa Bailey writes "opposites attract" is so well done, as many have seen in her previous novels (see: It Happened One Summer). Dream Girl Drama holds up this standard, and experiencing the growth of these characters, both together and separately was beautiful.

I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book, and have no notes! Tears of laughter, sweetness, and sadness were all shed during reading.

Thank you to HarperCollins/Avon and NetGalley for this ARC!

FULLY expected to hate this. I almost ALWAYS hate a ditsy blonde trope. I was worried the whole "almost" step-sibling thing would be too much weirdness. NORMALLY I would say I find the simp man trope to be counterproductive and unrealistic and undermining.

Maybe it's because I'm ovulating, or maybe it's because Tessa is just so good at what she does, I finished this fully convinced on their romance. You get resolution in the end (thank goodness), but the fact that I was rooting for Sig and Chloe from page one because OBVIOUSLY they are soulmates is a testament to the fact that Tessa knows how to write a perfect swoony meetcute that sweeps you up and carries you through the romance.

NOW. With all those accolades, why not 5 stars? Pretty simple. I think the characters carry this one, and the writing could be improved. The time jumps are weird. So much of their relationship isn't shown in the story, it's told in brief summary after the fact. I also think that while, yes, this is a Tessa novel and it's going to be spicy, we're already leaning into the taboo and probably could have reordered the events and had the resolution and THEN the spicy scenes, yeah? Or like, there's ways to have a spice that work around the whole problem situation. I dunno. That part of it still felt icky to me, and that lingers enough to be a negative.

I am a huge fan of Tessa Bailey and this book does not disappoint. It's quick and fun and of course has Tessa's trademark steaminess, brooding MMCs and dirty talk.

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

Wow, these characters burrowed deep in my heart! There was SO much tension, so much build up, and I felt that longing and hopelessness/hopefulness right along with them! Tessa's writing is stronger than ever here.

What really impressed me was that even though there's no denying this is insta-love, it's not lusty. Of course there's attraction, but really, it's a soul tie. There's so much growth and sacrifice and adoration between the characters. While reading, I was (im)patiently waiting for the spice to hit, but holding off for as long as it did was absolutely the right choice for the narrative!

This is the most romantic, but least comedic story of the series. Which only bothered me when I arrived at the poorly-timed forced humor of the baseball game, which made me realize how little levity the rest of the book had. But I guess we had to introduce Skylar somehow!