I’ve read a handful of Tessa Bailey books and generally have mixed feelings about them, but this one is by far my favorite. Tessa could write about tension and dirty talk between two plants and I’d read it gladly. Her characters are sometimes disjointed, and I would say the FMC in this book is at times, but I felt more emotion from these characters than previous books. Yes, I get that it’s kind of a taboo relationship, but it’s not quite tipping that line.

That said, I’d more accurately rate this book 4.5/5 because the twist and everything around that detracted from the story. I understand there needed to be some sort of explanation or catalyst for the HEA, but I want really buying it.

Sig Gauthier is going in my top 10 book boyfriends though!!

I have never been so excited to receive an ARC as when I got this one! 2024 has been the year of Tessa Bailey for me, so I’m thrilled I got to close out the year with an early copy of Sig & Chloe’s story. I’ve really enjoyed the “Big Shots” series, and while I did enjoy this book, it’s solidly in third place in the trilogy for me. Possibly because while all three are technically sports romances, there is very little hockey on-page in this one.

Sig & Chloe fall in love at first sight when a chance meeting thrusts them into each other’s path. Little do they know, they’re about to become step siblings. That’s right…their parents are getting married. So they commit to being friends. Best friends. Best friends who occasionally kiss. At least until the wedding. But when the time comes, will they be able to distance themselves from each other in order to save their reputations, and their careers?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Tessa is my girl, and will remain an auto-buy author for me. Every romance I’ve read by her is witty, fun, and the spice is through the roof. This one is no exception! If you’re a fan of romance, I think you’ll really like it. But compared to her other novels, this one just wasn’t my favorite. I think I fell too hard for Burgess & Tallulah in book two, and found myself wishing this book featured them more. This is also a rare example of a romance where I liked the MCs more as a couple than I did as individual characters. Chloe is incredibly spoiled and naive at the start of the book, almost to an insufferable degree. But I did appreciate her growth and how she learned to dig deep and earn what she wants. I really wanted to love Sig, but I found his possessiveness a little off putting.

Putting aside the taboo-adjacent subject matter, I think the main reason I didn’t LOVE this one is that I am not a fan of the insta-love trope. I don’t find it believable, and it takes a very special story for me to get on board with it. Instant chemistry? That I believe in, and Sig & Chloe have that in spades. If you’re looking for nonstop sexual tension, you won’t be disappointed!

If this review sounds a little all over the map, that’s because it is. My feelings about this book were/are a little sporadic.

I will definitely give Tessa props for somehow making a forbidden romance that works out and not in a super cliche way. I appreciate the way the earlier characters in this trilogy made appearances for advice, and that we had already met Sig and Chloe. I really was routing for them, and I found his point of view more interesting and relatable than hers, even though he was a professional hockey player. This one surprised me in a good way.

You're starting with Sig who is going to meet his father for dinner to be introduced to his new girlfriend. But the universe had other ideas and he actually had the cuties meet cute with Chloe. But that is short lived when they both find out their parents are the ones dating. The twist that I didn't see coming and it gave me such mixed feelings of do I want them together or not. In one space they are not related so this isn't as a big deal as everyone is making it seem. But in the public eye they are about to be step siblings and that just a no no period. So getting to read both their thoughts and feelings while trying to unpack this heartbreaking reality is crazy. Because their thoughts were anything but clean when it came to one another. This story can be read as a stand alone even though it is part of a series. You do get cameos of other characters but the writing is well done to where you don't feel lost when they do speak about them. Overall if you are a Tessa Bailey girly I would say check this one out and if you are not into cheesy romance you can skip it.

Fun Tessa Bailey escapism. I don’t know what it is, but lately I’ve been reading numerous sports-themed romcoms, like Sarah Adams for example. Going in with a high bar, this one doesn’t let down. It’s a fun page turner that at one point I couldn’t put down. And thanks to Tessa Bailey, Avon, and NetGalley for this ARC, I door the opportunity to enjoy it.

Sig’s a professional hockey player with no filter and an outstretched sense of justice on the verge of a big career breakout. Chloe is a pixie manic dream (the books words, not mine) who’s been caged up by a mom who thinks her daughter is an extension of her and not an independent person. A psychologist would have a field day with so many of the characters in this book. All of them are in need of therapy. But it’s also what makes the book interesting, and without the personality faults and problems there would be no story.

The book starts off sizzling between the two MCs and never gets below simmer. Through circumstances that they have little to no control over, Sig and Chloe’s romance has to be put on the back burner while life takes over. The attraction between these two is palpable to everyone around them and earns this book 5/5 🔥 for romance and build of tension. If you’re a fan of how Bailey tackles attraction, you will not be disappointed with this book: 5/5 🌶️. It will make you blush.

Without giving away too much of the plot, surprisingly or not when it comes to forbidden lovers tropes, there were points where Bailey could have turned a moment into a cliche or predictable one which might have made me roll my eyes. However, instead she was able to pivot into something that either made it seem like she or the characters were self-aware enough to not fall into that trap and be one-dimensional, predictable, soap opera-esque caricatures. An example of that is how possessive and protective Sig was of Chloe, how Chloe acknowledges it, and a segment that examines what that looks like externally, what the motivations are, how the characters interpret it and react to it. That level of introspection is in my opinion unusual but also very much like how real life works. Plot/ Storyline: 4/5 ⭐️

What also makes this book standout is the subplot or B plot about the characters growing as individual persons. There are times in other books (not this one) where I’ve wanted to slap a MC and ask them “What were you thinking” whether it was fatalism the character had resigned themselves to or stupid stubbornness and blindness. That doesn’t happen much here, partially because of the self awareness that Bailey wrote into both of the MC characters. In Dream Girl Drama, the MC’s seem to know what parts of their future were in their control and what weren’t. You can’t help but root for Sig and Chloe on their own and as a couple, even though the two of them start off (and maybe end) a bit as messy humans. MC: 4/5 ⭐️

When I requested this book I didn’t realize that it was the third in a series. It’s only the second book of Bailey’s I’ve read, not being a huge fan of the first. But with this one, she’s inspired me to go back and read the first two in the series and hope that a fourth and fifth one were planned based on two quirky side characters.

A good beach read. Highly recommend with a warning that there are very explicit spicy scenes. Total: 4.5/5 ⭐️

Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors, and Dream Girl Drama was such a fun, satisfying read. Sig and Chloe’s story pulled me in right away with their flirty and electric first meeting. I loved how their connection evolved as they got to know each other, and their banter and chemistry kept me hooked.

Chloe’s journey to find her independence was one of my favorite parts, and I appreciated how Sig supported her without overshadowing her growth. The family dynamics added some great tension and heart to the story, keeping things interesting without being over the top.

The way the story wrapped up was perfect—it felt thoughtful and true to the characters. This was a fun, light read with just the right mix of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments. Another win from Tessa Bailey!

I absolutely loved this book. It can be read as a stand-alone. Chloe was such a fun character to read about. Sig was perfect. I am a sucker for a hockey player. Their meeting was adorable. Chole the little Champagne thief. Every second of this book was entertaining. It was great that characters from the other books made appearances. The forbidden aspect of Sig and Chloe's relationship was done well. It didn't come across as gross. Tessa Bailey does it again. I enjoyed this read.

Can't go wrong with a sports rom com right? Tessa Bailey books are always fast paced and funny and I love her characters. The chemistry between them was a little extra, but still enjoyable. I have to say I'm glad they didn't end up becoming step siblings!

After reading book two in the series, I couldn't wait to read Sig and Chloe's story. Tessa Bailey did not disappoint. As someone who's read a lot of her backlist, I found this to be angstier than her other books but it really worked for me. It wasn't too heavy on the sports so if you're not a sports fan, you'll still enjoy this. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

Tessa Bailey delivers a compelling and emotional love story in *Dream Girl Drama*, bringing to life the highly anticipated romance of Sig and Chloe, first introduced in *The Au Pair Affair*. Ever since their brief mention, I couldn’t wait to dive into their story, and it certainly lived up to the hype.

Sig, a hardworking pro hockey player with a tough upbringing, meets Chloe, a sheltered child music prodigy, in a whirlwind of moonlit kisses and undeniable chemistry. Their connection feels like a fairytale—until they discover their parents are engaged, making them soon-to-be step-siblings. This shocking twist throws them into a tangled web of forbidden love, tension, and yearning.

Chloe’s character shines throughout the book. While she starts off as a spoiled, sheltered “princess,” her growth and quiet strength make her journey both relatable and endearing. Sig’s protective nature and devotion to her are heart-melting, though he occasionally toes the line between possessive and controlling. Despite this, their bond is captivating, with playful banter and heartfelt moments that make their relationship feel authentic and electric.

The forbidden aspect of their love adds an extra layer of angst and intensity, especially as their parents' whirlwind romance progresses. Sig and Chloe’s longing glances, casual intimacies, and undeniable chemistry build up to a slow burn that’s as sizzling as it is sweet.

This story is the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and drama. Tessa Bailey masterfully balances the tension of a forbidden romance with moments of humor and heart, making it impossible not to root for Sig and Chloe. If you’ve been eagerly waiting for their story, *Dream Girl Drama* won’t disappoint—it’s a fast-paced, angsty, and utterly satisfying read.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon | Harper Voyager for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dream Girl Drama serves up a sizzling, laugh-out-loud rom-com, complete with forbidden sparks, family chaos, and a heaping dose of heart. Sig and Chloe’s chemistry is electric from their champagne-stealing, moonlit meet-cute to their awkward family-dinner realization that romance is off the table—or is it?
Sig’s blend of rugged hockey-star charm and unexpected sweetness makes him a swoon-worthy hero, while Chloe’s quirky, harp-playing, rebellious spirit keeps the dynamic fresh and fun. Their journey from instant attraction to hesitant friendship brims with tension, humor, and emotional depth, as they navigate family dynamics and their own growing feelings.
The step-sibling angle adds a layer of drama that might raise eyebrows, but the author's trademark humor and knack for heartfelt storytelling keep it more sweet than scandalous. While the plot occasionally veers into predictable territory, the lovable characters and steamy, banter-filled moments make it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Dream Girl Drama is a romantic whirlwind that scores big on chemistry, charm, and the author’s signature style. A must-read for fans of opposites-attract stories with just the right hint of chaos!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a book for fans of spicy hockey romances with a ‘touch her and die’ MMC and a naive princess FMC. Chloe is a harpist prodigy who was never allowed to leave her mother’s house. Sig is a professional hockey player in Boston who isn’t rich but takes care of his mother financially anyway. They meet at a country club and sparks fly immediately, but they soon find out their parents are engaged so they will become step siblings and they cannot have a relationship. This is the conflict for the rest of the book and not a page goes by that we aren’t reminded that they are madly obsessed with each other but can’t have each other because it would be scandalous.
This book was not for me. I think Sig needs therapy because while he does take care of Chloe and is protective and supportive he is also overbearing, somewhat controlling, and highly insecure. Chloe is cartoonishly sheltered and somehow unaware of how to do basic life things like buy dog food or do laundry but she’s in her mid twenties. And there was no buildup to their connection even though they had the time spent together to form a real relationship; instead they just instantly knew they were supposed to be together forever and would never get over each other. I also didn’t understand why they couldn’t just explain how they met as adults and are not related to each other so there is no reason for this to be scandalous. And to put a final nail in the coffin, it ended so abruptly and the resolution wasn’t much better than just explaining to the press in the beginning that THEY ARE NOT RELATED.
Read this if you like spice, insta-love, and don’t care about logic.

Another winner from Tessa Bailey. Even with the almost-but-not-quite taboo storyline, I actually enjoyed this one more than the previous in the series. And although the angst was OFF THE CHARTS here, it may just be her most pure romance to date. A novel of contradictions, this Dream Girl Drama.

Book Review: Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

Tessa Bailey once again delivers a heart-pounding and steamy romance in Dream Girl Drama, a novel that blends sharp wit, emotional depth, and her signature sizzling chemistry. Fans of her previous works will find themselves immediately immersed in this whirlwind story of complicated love, self-discovery, and second chances.

The novel follows a fiery, determined heroine who finds herself caught up in an unexpected collision of passion and personal growth when she reconnects with a man who was once only a dream—until reality brings their worlds crashing together. Bailey crafts both protagonists with layers of charm and vulnerability, making their romantic tension leap off the page. Readers are treated to witty banter, heart-melting moments, and Tessa Bailey’s effortless way of infusing spice into every interaction.

What sets Dream Girl Drama apart is its balance between lighthearted fun and genuine emotional stakes. As the characters navigate misunderstandings, ambitions, and insecurities, readers will root for them not only as lovers but as individuals striving to overcome their flaws. Bailey explores themes of self-worth and courage, giving the story a relatable depth beneath its sexy, fast-paced exterior.

With dialogue that sparkles and swoon-worthy moments aplenty, Dream Girl Drama is a must-read for romance fans looking for the perfect mix of humor, heat, and heart. Tessa Bailey proves yet again that no one does rom-com drama quite like her.

Rating: 4.5/5
Perfect for fans of: Sarah Adams, Meghan Quinn, and Christina Lauren.

I wish after reading the book, some of the ick factor of a brother/sister forbidden romance would have went away but I just kinda found their relationship cringey. I was really hoping for more character development for the FMC but I just found her to be clueless and spoiled. It really bothered me how she just went from letting her mother take care of her to letting the MMC take care of her. And the fact that he was struggling just to give her the lavish lifestyle she was used to…it came off irritating instead of endearing. We all knew what the obstacle these two would have to overcome was and I felt like it was just overdone. We get it…their parents are getting married but there is a connection there. SPOILER ALERT: They aren’t actually related at all and the fact that all these adults chose to just never let this information come to light just made me mad. His mom already walked away from her family so why keep it from him?! Too much unneeded drama.

I LOVE a Tessa Bailey book, and this was so interesting! I really loved the main characters, especially Sig!! The premise of this book is usually not my cup of tea - with the step-siblings thing going on. (Though I *know* they just met, and didn’t grow up together, so maybe that helped a bit??)

Even so, it was a really interesting plot twist, and it kept me intrigued to see just how the issue was going to get resolved.

I will be adding it to my list of recommendations!

Thank you for allowing me to read the ARC of this book!

loved loved loved, more than excepted even! I basically like anything Tessa Bailey writes, and I’ve enjoyed this series a lot, but this was the best one in the series for sure. Sweet, funny, spicy, and with an emotional edge to it, this is a slow burn, forbidden (almost step-siblings), best friends to lovers romance between a life-clueless cellist and a pro hockey player. Bonus points that it’s set it Boston.

I was so excited to find out Sig and Chloe would get their own book after previously being introduced to these characters. Bailey did a great job at approaching the step sibiling taboo relationship situation. Sig and Chloe have great chemistry and make this one book you’ll want to add to your never-ending TBR!

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

Sig and Chloe finally get their own story!!!

Imagine the one you want to be with, your soulmate, is the only person you can’t be with.

This borderline taboo rom-com follows the relationship between Sig and Chloe, two soon to be step-siblings, as they battle their feelings for one another while their parents fall deeper and deeper in love. This novel is the third book in the Big Shots series by Tessa Bailey and is a hockey romance featuring tropes like insta love, slow burn, forbidden love, and secrets.

I really enjoyed knowing the inner monologue of the main characters as they yearn for each other. I adore how protective Sig is over Chloe and that he gives her princess treatment. Most of the drama happens in the last quarter of the book, so tension really built throughout the story as I wanted Sig and Chloe to finally get together.

I've loved everything I've read from Tessa Bailey, so I was super excited to read this one. It's an insta-love type thing with Chole and Sig, who learn they are about to become step-siblings. I loved the meet-cute and opening chapters, plus HOCKEY.

After the first few chapters I lost interest. I feel like the conflict of them being step=siblings could have been easily fixed with a good press release. They are adults and NOT related. That made things feel a like far-fetched from my perspective. That being said, I did finish the book and did like the way the author mitigated the situation.

I'm also personally not a fan of the over-protective man/helpless-woman situation.

Overall, this book wasn't a personal fav but I'm still a TB fan!