though fangirl down remains my favorite in tessa's big shots series, dream girl drama is a worthy installment, providing the longing and desire readers hope to be immersed in with a forbidden romance. for sig and chloe, their instant connection becomes ill-fated when they discover their parents are soon to be married, quickly closing the door on any possible future they could dream of having together.

from the very first chapter, sig and chloe's chemistry was apparent, signaling to the reader that their happiness was worth fighting for. as the pair worked to help the other grow. sig offered chloe the independence and confidence she'd never known, while chloe offered the support and comfort he'd been deprived of since childhood. true to form, tessa's books are perfect for a bit of escapism, with characters that are likable and contribute greatly to the universe she crafts in each series. their connection was endearing and delightful as they navigated whether or not the universe would throw them a bone, whether they'd actually get the chance to be together. and thanks to some interest plot twists in the third act and a satisfying conclusion, I look forward to where the series may be headed next.

thanks to tessa bailey and avon for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers, and Tessa Bailey for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sig simped more than any simp has simped before. Tessa Bailey’s hallmark is a man who would do anything for his lady, and each new installment in the Big Shots series levels that energy up.

I will say this book in particular got a touch tedious in that aspect. It felt sometimes that moving the plot along got sacrificed for the sake of Sig and Chloe’s mutual yearning.

The twist was fairly predictable, though not in a bad way. The conflict was so intense for these two that it was nice to be able to see what was coming amongst all the butt stuff (an apparently new hallmark of Bailey’s stories).

I loved the introductions of the Orgasm Donors love interests and can’t wait to see how their stories play out.

Reading a Tessa Bailey book will always be a good time, even if you don’t vibe with the overall story. Insta-lust isn’t my usual trope of choice, but Bailey manages to write a story that’s entertaining and sexy, with two likable characters. While the story’s conflict felt forced at times, Bailey handled it with heart and I ended the book rooting for Chloe and Sig to have their happily ever after!

Let me preface this by saying - I did read the synopsis, and I knew what to expect going in. I thought with it being a Tessa Bailey book, I would still manage to enjoy it. However, it still felt uncomfortable to me that they were step siblings, or about to be step siblings. Even when Sig finds out they aren’t… it still doesn’t vibe for me.

Also, Chloe acts like a child throughout most of the story and it is really hard to route for them to be together. Sig has about a million red flags, too, and therapy would be a great idea for both of them.

The writing wasn’t bad and it was a quick read. Probably a 2.75 ⭐️ rating overall, rounded to 3. I’ve read better from Tessa Bailey and, to me, it just didn’t measure up to the others in the series.

While I love Tessa Bailey, this one wasn't my favorite.

Honestly the spice in this one was a bit cringe...I don't know what her obsession with women putting a finger in men's b*tt holes, but it's weird and it's in everyone of the books in this series. Maybe it's just me, but I find it strange and totally put me off. If that's your thing, all the power to you.

Moving on, besides that I did love the connection and meet cute between Sig and Chloe. Sig was everything. I loved his personality, loyalty, his need to take care and protect Chloe, he's super supportive and let's not forget the dirty talk 🔥🥵. I also loved watching the growth of Chloe's character.

Overall it was still a cute romcom.

Read if you like:
Forbidden Romance (soon to be step siblings)
Hockey Romance
Insta Lust
Slow Burn
Family Drama

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this eArc in exchange for my honest review

3.5 rounded up. ⭐️ I have loved the books in this series! Insta love isn’t my fave, but the chemistry between these characters started fast and the banter was cute and fun! Soon- to be step siblings who meet before they know… made this book a slow burn, but the spice did finally hit towards the end! This book had me laughing at parts & I ended up liking it more than I expected!

Such a great book! Loved Sig 😍 his loyalty, dedication and personality were swoon worthy. I loved the relationship between Sig and Chloe and cannot wait to see what this series has in store for the next book!

Hockey/Harp RomCom? That’s a yes please from me! This book was super cute but also had some decent spice. I am not normally into sport romance, but this one didn’t have a ton of sport stuff, it was more of a setting/backdrop— nothing like kissing in the zambonee etc. the storyline is a bit far fetched at times, but I read to be entertained. I enjoyed some of the side characters, especially the Orgasm Donors. Overall a fun read!

This was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it was enjoyable. I honestly thought it was going to be predictable at first, but there were twists and turns throughout the book with a delightful surprise at the end.

The story is about Sig and Chloe, a professional hockey player, and a woman who was born and raised in a very weathy family, who meet at a country club and fall head over heels for each other. Imagine the look on their faces an hour later when they meet again, only at dinner where they find out their parents are getting married, and they're about to be step siblings!

Chloe was born and raised in Darien, Connecticut, but was never able to follow her dreams the way she wanted to, as her mother thought she belonged in their wealthy neighborhood, and often made excuses to hold her back. In a leap of faith with encouragement from Sig, she moves to Boston, where he plays hockey, and was accepted to Berklee, to live out her dreams of becoming a professional harpist.

Sig plays professional hockey for the Bearcats in Boston, but he's hoping his upcoming season will come with his contract being renewed, and a salary increase.

Throughout the book we watch Sig and Chloe's relationship, and how they handle an attraction to each other, though they're about to become step siblings, and are trying to not let Sig's greedy father ruin what could be a great relationship for them.

This was a cute book, and I enjoyed the story. Thank you to Tessa Bailey, and Avon for the E-ARC!

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for proving this e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Too bad 1 star is the lowest that I can go. I should’ve DNF’d this book.

I had never read anything by TB because reading the synopsis and seeing the covers always gave me a very childish vibe, and I was right.

There was no plot, just this insta love, obsessive possession from both characters without any meaningful reason.

Chloe is the most childish 20 something girl I’ve ever read about. She’s never done anything for herself, he’s mom is manipulative and controlling. But when she moves away to become independent, we come across a toxic relationship between Chloe and Sig.
Because Sig doesn’t truly let her grown and become her own independent person. He teaches her only what he wants, he controls where she goes, what she eats, who she talks to all in the name of her being his soulmate and their love. His possessiveness and jealousy is just the worst, it’s not sexy and it’s not cute.

The whole forbidden love idea is good, but it was poorly executed and I could see the “solution” that was reveled at the end coming a mile away.

This books has 🚩🚩🚩 all over it.


And last but not least…
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WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F*CK HAPPENED WHEN THEY FIRST HAD S*X?

She freaking fingered him!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

I wish I could unread this!!!!

Dream Girl Drama is an amazing addition to Tessa Bailey’s Big Shots series! I had been anticipating Sig and Chloe’s story since being introduced to them in The Au Pair Affair. Their chemistry was so well written. Sig’s unwavering love and care for Chloe, along with all the mutual pining and witty banter made it difficult to put this book down. It was a fun read following them through all the obstacles they encountered while trying to find a way to make their relationship work.

And, while I absolutely do not condone spending rent money on eye cream, who doesn’t relate to Chloe’s love of Sephora!?!
 
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book! I’m looking forward to seeing what Tessa Bailey comes out with next.

Not going to lie, this book was a total let down. I am a Tessa Bailey fan, but this book left a lot to be desired. Read if you are curious.

I adore Tessa Bailey so much, but this one felt kinda rushed and not up to her normal hot hot hot but sweetly romantic stories. It felt a little... forced, maybe?

While I remain a Tessa Bailey fan, this one didn't quite resonate with me. I am looking forward to what's next in the series.

I wanted to read this love story so much ever since they first appeared in The Au Pair Affair. I just love how much these characters care for each other. Sig is the boyfriend of anyone's dreams. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great love story with lots of fun characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for providing me with an egalley of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Do I love insta-love? No, not really. Does Tessa Bailey write it so I just cannot help but love her characters, their story, and where they are going to end up? You betcha! Every time I think I'll hate when characters are immediately attracted to each other, Bailey does their story justice and makes me love insta-love love just a little bit more. Throw in there me enjoying the other books in this series, and I know I'm jumping into something I won't be able to put down.
Sig Gauthier is a hockey player with no plans to be romantically involved with anyone, until his chance encounter with Chloe Clifford. Their connection is instant and he can't get enough of her. When he's faced with the reality that his father is marrying Chloe's mother, he knows he has to stay away. But he just can't. Chloe wants more than her sheltered life and Sig give her to opportunity to take it. I love how much of a care taker Sig is. He is oath bound to keep Chloe safe and help her fulfill her dreams in any way he can. He knows he cannot have her, but he craves her and if being her supporter is what he must do to be in her life, then he takes it. Of course he cannot seem to stay way from her, from wanting to touch her and be with her in more than a brotherly way. Sig is probably one of my most favorite MMC's that Bailey has written. He's sweet and undemanding. He loves with his whole heart.
Chloe Clifford is the most sheltered character I've ever read. She has had her whole life handed to her being the daughter of a wealthy mother and not having had to want for anything her entire life. But Chloe feels stunted and her need to become her own person overwhelms her need to remain in the cushy life her mother has built. Her growth in this book is really great. She learns so many life lessons about being on your own. taking care of yourself, standing up for yourself, and most of being loved for yourself.
Bailey has a very particular writing style. I enjoy how she writes in third person. And I especially likes that she does a dual POV. I really feel like this helps her characters grow and develop. Her pacing is pretty fast paced and she always gets to the heart of the story immediately. I love when this happens and then you can spend the rest of the book watching the characters work out their story,
This was a great addition to the Big Shots series. Spice, drama, tension, and so much banter kept me turning the pages to see what happened. I cannot wait for Robbie's story!

I loved every minute of this book. The title says drama but I was NOT prepared for the level this hit! The supporting characters were well written and I’d live to read books about so many of them!

I adored Sig and Chloe so much. Highly recommend this book!

Dream Girl Drama was another incredibly fun read by one of my favorite authors, Tessa Bailey! I was so excited to read Sig and Chloe’s story after their cameo in The Au Pair Affair. And let me tell you… Tessa delivered!!! The characters were so cute Sig was an amazing “let me handle it” man and Chloe was the classic manic pixie girlie lol. Despite it being a slow burn (not my favorite) it still had so much spice!… yall the pinning!!! *chef’s kiss*!! My only down side of this book was the slow build up into what seemed like a very quick ending. I would have loved more of their sweet moments at the end or scene with Sig having her at a game as his actual girlfriend… something. But overall still a great book!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves. Sports romance, family drama, forbidden romance, and opposites attract!

Lastly I want to thank NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for granting me this ARC. When I say I was so excited to receive this book, it’s an understatement!! Thank you immensely!

This book was a great addition to the Big Shot series. I love Tessa Bailey, and this book did not disappoint. It was funny, romantic, and had a surprise that I did not see coming. Loved it! I’ll definitely be recommending to customers at the bookstore!!

Anyone else find a new book boyfriend after reading “Dream Girl Drama”? As someone who read the previous books in the Big Shots series, this was PERFECT. I always had a lot of questions about Sig and Chloe’s relationship and when Tessa Bailey wrote this, she served! I particularly enjoyed the character growth of Chloe and of course the chemistry between her and Sig was *fans myself with my hand* HOT. I felt like this book covered so many tropes all in one and it was the perfect first read of 2025. I will absolutely be recommending this book and the entire series.