This is my first Tessa Bailey novel & I really enjoyed it! Sig & Chloe's story was an endearing tearjerker with the right amount of slow burn & spice. My heart broke so many times for them!

I will explore more of Tessa Bailey's work and recommend Dream Girl Drama to others.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey is a very spicy romance with a forbidden love angle. Some plot points felt predictable, and the pacing was uneven in parts. I definitely loved the other two books more. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for fans of Tessa Bailey or lighthearted rom-coms. Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager & NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Dream Girl Drama. 3.5 stars

When hockey star Sig Gauthier’s chance encounter with sheltered and free-spirited Chloe Clifford sets off a whirlwind of sparks, it seems like the start of an epic love story—until the shocking revelation that Chloe is about to become his stepsister. What follows is a bittersweet tango of restraint and longing, as the pair navigates their parents’ engagement, Chloe’s struggle for independence, and the undeniable pull between them.

Chloe’s vibrant personality and Sig’s steadfast support make them a captivating duo, even as they try to keep their relationship strictly friendly. The tension is palpable, the emotional stakes are high, and the journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about love.

I love Tessa Bailey, but I am not the biggest fan of the insta-love trope. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and this book was still very enjoyable!

Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

Thank you Net Galley and Tessa Bailey for allowing me the pleasure of reading a free copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.

Sig Gauthier is a pro hockey player on his way to meet his estranged (and conman) Dad’s new rich fiance when his beloved old truck breaks down by a country club. When attempting to use a phone to call a tow, he meets the beautiful and bubbly Chloe- a child prodigy harpist whose personality and beauty have him immediately obsessed. They agree to see each other again, but that happens much sooner than they both anticipated when upon arrival at dinner with his soon-to-be stepmom, there is Chloe…. His soon to be stepsister! Will Sig and Chloe be able to be friends or will the chemistry between them win out?

Character development: I feel that the author did a good job of giving us back stories and personalities of each main character, and did very well at keeping a certain dynamic between the two that was consistent throughout the book. I also love how she didn’t just make Chloe a spoiled rich girl, and was able to give her an arc that showed her develop in emotional maturity and responsibility. The chemistry between the characters was also *chefs kiss*, and their treatment of each other and dynamic made it easy to root for them. The side characters were also entertaining and easy to remember.

Plot: I loved the idea behind this story, with the difference in social status between the two (that didn’t end up being cliche), the future sibling trope mixed with the secrets/forbidden love, and also loved that the story wasn’t just about the two of them and the relationship, but also kept the reader wanting to hope and dream for each character individually. The pacing was perfect, giving a perfectly written slow burn.

This book was different than my usual romance choices, as I don’t usually reach for sports romance, but I really loved it. I grew attached to both FMC and MMC, and was continuously hopefully that they would make it work. The slow burn 🔥 was incredible, and the character development was superb.

5⭐️

This has been the first Tessa book that I’ve really loved in a while. I wasn’t super into Fan Girl Down and The Au Pair Affair was just ok. When we met Sig and Chloe in that book I was instantly hooked and had to know more. The forbidden love premise really drew me in.

I didn’t have very high expectations for Chloe’s character TBH. She seemed like your typical spoiled rich girl in the previous book. I enjoyed diving deeper into her story and finding out she has a lot of substance and drive. Sig is basically a dream MMC. It was such a mystery not knowing exactly why Sig was taking such care of Chloe, letting her go on Sephora shopping sprees and dropping everything for her when they were first introduced. His protective nature turned out to be so heartwarming. Their relationship, as complicated as it was, was so enjoyable to read. The slow burn as annoying as it can tend to be really worked for me here. Tessa really does know how to write amazing characters with banter, humor and chemistry. And it’s not a Tessa book without the steamy moments (I had to take a break a couple times!). I was really curious as to how they were going to end up together - there were only a couple options that would still make the book realistic. I do wish that the ending wasn’t so rushed and that we could have gotten a further glimpse into their future. I really did love this book and wish I could say the whole series so far has been a hat trick but sadly not the case. Onto Skylar and Robbie’s story!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Is there anything I love more than some good pining? Nope. I definitely love it and I loved it here too.

Can I just say that Sig and Chloe’s chemistry was EXPLOSIVE? It was practically dripping off the page. I think I was definitely more invested since I had seen them so often in Tallulah and Burgess’ book. I really appreciate that you got to know them both outside of their relationship with each other.

And their story was heartbreaking. The whole time my heart hurt for them. (Did I mention how much I love pining?!?)

That being said… I had a hard time believing that the public perception of their relationship would be all that bad. Step siblings that met as adults hardly seems the scandal of the century.

I also am really sad that we didn’t get to see Josephine and Wells at all. Considering they’re part of this series, I feel like they’re really not.

I’m so happy I got to read this book though, and I’m even happier that I don’t as given and ARC of it. I really, REALLY hope we see more in this series (like the Org*sm twins.)

Thank you for the arc opportunity with this book! Unfortunately this is a book I will not be able to finish. I was super excited for it but am finding it very strange and taboo in regards to the writing and story. The MFC and MMC are also not easy to follow and enjoy reading about.

Again, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have reviewed this one, this book just isn’t for me but I know others will love it so much!

Dream Girl Drama is a dual-POV forbidden romance. Sig and Chloe meet by chance, or date, and fall hard and fast for each other. Unfortunately, that same night they learn that their parents are engaged, making them future step-siblings and a relationship off-limits. They can’t stay out of each other’s lives though, quickly becoming best friends and forever toeing the line. Sig won’t stop until he finds a solution and a way to make his dream girl his wife!

I really loved this one, this series just keeps getting better and better! I was wary of the taboo nature of their future relationship but liked the way it was handled. I loved Chloe’s chaotic energy and how she grew into herself, and I adored Sig. This was a fantastic first read for 2025!


Read dates: 12/31/2024- 01/02/2025
Goodreads review: 01/02/2025
Instagram review: 01/03/2025
Blog review: 02/04/2025

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I don’t think that affected my reading it at all.

We have a professional hockey player and prodigy harpist that meet and fireworks fly 🎆

I really enjoyed Sig and Chloe’s story. Of course they run into some obstacles along the way, making it so they can’t be together, but there’s a lot of angst and steam along the way! I don’t want to give too much away.

The spicy scenes were well done and well built up to. Character development was also pretty good. I was personally annoyed with the whole step siblings storyline butttttttt the development and reasons behind it made it more tolerable - or at least I understood it.

Overall a good story with some good spice!

Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for sending me this ARC!

I’m obsessed with this! I’ve loved the Big Shots series from the beginning and this might be my favorite one yet. If I’d had time to read it in one sitting I surely would have.

I did have a hard time believing that lives and careers would be ruined by two adult step-siblings dating, but I can’t complain too much because the resulting tension was TENSIONING. The ‘touch her and die’ vibes were IMMACULATE. Sig and Chloe will live rent free in my head for a long time to come.

I really enjoy books by Tessa Bailey and was sure I was going to like this book after reading the blurb. Sig (H) is a wonderful swoon-y hero, but unfortunately Chloe just didn't work for me. She is supposed to be 25, and I know a sheltered 25, but she acted like an entitled 14 year old. I always finish my books, butcouldn't do it anymore at the 60% mark and skipped to just read the HEA (because I cannot just stop a book in the middle), but by this point I didn't care how they got to the HEA. This book gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded to 3. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I absolutely loved this book! As someone who devours hockey romance, I couldn’t resist falling for the newest hockey hottie from Tessa Bailey. Sig is possessive, caring, and knows exactly who he wants—*and that’s Chloe*.

I’m a sucker for insta-love, and the moment Sig meets Chloe, I was hooked. Chloe comes from a world of extreme wealth and doesn’t know the first thing about taking care of herself. When she runs away to Boston, I’ll admit her childlike personality was a bit much at times. But as the story progressed, I loved seeing her grow, and by the end, I was fully on board with her character.

The angst once they discover their impending fate of becoming step-siblings? *Everything*. The tension, the forbidden romance—it was the kind of slow-burn that had me aching for more without ever feeling drawn out. Honestly, I enjoyed the pining *way* more than the usual enemies-to-lovers trope. This book nailed it.

That said, it wasn’t a perfect five-star read for me. The main characters gave up on their love story too easily when they hit a roadblock. I felt like better communication—especially about the whole step-sibling drama—could’ve made their struggle feel more authentic. Plus, the ‘found family’ aspect I typically crave in sports romances was missing. Sig never really opened up to his friends, which left me longing for that deeper connection.

I can’t wait to dive into Skylar and Corrigan’s story next!

A huge thank you to @NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, Avon, and Harper Voyager Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes you just need an unhinged, smutty book. This is that book.

In typical Tessa Bailey fashion, there are definitely some cringe lines that make you cover your face in second hand embarrassment. But overall, I had a good time reading this.

When Tessa Bailey brings her A-game her books hit just right. The previous books in her Big Shots series really felt like they were all building up to this one. The chemistry between our leads, Sig and Chloe, was palpable in the previous two books and off the charts in this one. Tessa Bailey is branching into "taboo" with a potential step-sibling romance storyline but she toes the line perfectly. There's enough to make their relationship feel forbidden but it doesn't ever feel wrong. I particularly enjoyed the way Bailey shook things up at the end, which to be honest, I didn't see coming! Tessa's signature dirty talk is as hot as ever and she also manages to make Chloe, a seemingly superficial archetype in the first two books, into a full fledged character in her own story. Tessa is in her prime and I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.

A powerful, well-researched story that draws you in from the start. A compelling and rewarding read from cover to cover

Love some Tessa Bailey books! This one was a very quick read, and while it is #3 in the Big Shots series, it can be read as a stand-alone for sure. Loved the chemistry between Sig and Chloe. Although, Chloe reads very young-- I was shocked she was 25! Literally had to go back and make sure I saw that correctly. That said, insta-love is typically not my favorite trope, but TB makes it entertaining enough!

I enjoyed Dream Girl Drama! I was really looking forward to this story after reading Big Shots 1 and 2.

I feel like Chloe is different than how I perceived her in The Au Pair Affair (not a bad thing). Sig is the definition of if he wanted to he would!

The book’s beginning really sucked me in and I loved Chloe and Sig’s chemistry from their first encounter at the country club. The book definitely has a vibe of insta love and obsession but I have to remind myself that there were months and months of Chloe and Sig growing in their friendship. It really turned into months and months of yearning for each other. The tension!!! Definitely serving forbidden love.

We get some spice (bc duh it’s Tessa Bailey) and a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. A good and fun read where you’ll be rooting for Sig and Chloe the whole time.

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to receive this ARC. Tessa Bailey's writing is delightful and this book is no exception. It's a romantic comedy that makes you laugh out loud and tear up when your new favorite characters realize flaws in themselves and their families that they never noticed. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling and a will they won't they, and of course they will. This is the third book in this series, but it stands alone. If you want to read the other books (and you should) you will find these characters mixed in their stories. You should definitely spend your Valentine's Day reading this book. You can devour it in a sitting!

Dream Girl Drama is the eagerly awaited story of Sig and Chloe, who were first introduced in The Au Pair Affair.
The chemistry between Sig and Chloe is instant and magnetic, and they a share passionate moonlit make out session at the country club before realizing hours later that their parents are engaged. The looming complication of their soon-to-be family ties and the slow-burn tension is delicious and keeps you hooked.
Chloe is a gifted young musician who’s been sheltered and indulged her whole life (a spoiled princess), but throughout the book, her character grows and matures. Sig is a professional hockey player who grew up with nothing. He’s incredibly generous with Chloe, lavishing her with attention and care, treating her like a queen while working hard to be there for her in every possible way. He helps Chloe become a true independent person while not crossing the line of letting his true feelings get in the way until their undeniable feelings and attraction take over.
I absolutely adore and will read anything Tessa Bailey writes, and this book didn’t disappoint. I was very entertained and can’t wait for the next sports romance!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon | Harper Voyager for the advanced copy!

I LOVED IT.

It's insta-love at its finest, which usually isn't my jam but I love Tessa Bailey and she just knows how to do it. While the FMC's personality may be reminiscent of our favorite Ballinger sister from one of Bailey's other books, that happens to be a character I absolutely loved so I'm fine with it. I love a grumpy x sunshine as well and this fits that trope to a tee. The dialogue is great, the banter is bantering, and the slow burn is burning. This book follows grumpy azz Sig, a hockey player who becomes whipped without so much as laying an eye on the FMC, Chloe. If that isn't for you, then skip this one, but I am absolutely here for it. Sig and Chloe run into some significant family drama that, of course, can be cleared up with better communication on Sig and Chole's family's parts, but this is a book and not real life so just enjoy the angst, heartbreak, smut, sappiness, and hockey (but not overbearing hockey where there's entire chapters devoted to describing every single thing that happens in a game). It's AMAZING and I think Tessa Bailey totally nailed this one. Can't wait for what comes next!