I love Tessa Bailey but this book wasn’t my favorite. I have enjoyed series and how they connect to each other but also how they are stand alone books. If you don’t read books 1&2 then you’re not really missing out on much. With that being said I just didn’t love Chloe’s character and how spoiled and entitled she was. Sig also seemed annoying to my he was infatuated with her the second he saw her which I can usually get on that story line but maybe because they were forbidden lovers because they were step siblings thru the whole thing off for me. Book 1 is my favorite in the series and I also enjoyed book 2 a lot. This one just missed the mark. But I’m hopeful book 4 will live up to the earlier books in the series.

I genuinely have been sitting on this review for at least 6 months, because I hate leaving such a negative review on a Tessa Bailey book. But I don't know as if I've ever been more disappointed in a book that I was this looking forward to, but here we are. Was there drama? Absolutely. But was it all so incredibly unnecessary that it was headache inducing? Yes. All of the drama between them was just self-inflicted and didn't make any sense. It was like they were in a tornado of their own mess and neither of them could think logically for even a single moment. Chloe was insufferable and never learned, and Sig just enabled her the entire time, I couldn't root for them or their romance, and not because of the step sibling thing (which REALLY isn't an issue). I hate to say it, but Tessa has gone from being an auto-buy author for me, to one I feel like I have to be wary of. I've heard good things about the next book in the series though, so I'm going to remain hopeful!

"When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.
Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged.
Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.
Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more…" -Goodreads

This is my new favorite book by Tessa Bailey! The tension was crazy and it was such a fun read! I absolutely loved this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tessa can do no wrong I am
Convinced! I love all of her couplings and they leave me happy with the end result but still craving more. The sheer want and absolute desire these two felt for eachother was palpable. Every book Tessa writes lets me fall deeper and deeper and I wouldnt have it any other way.

When NHL player Sig Gauthier finds himself stranded and phoneless, the last thing he expects is to meet Chloe Clifford, a free-spirited harp prodigy who steals champagne and his heart in one magical evening. But fate throws a wild twist their way when they learn their parents are not just dating, they’re engaged. Suddenly, his dream girl is about to become his stepsister. Torn between attraction and propriety, Sig and Chloe agree to keep things platonic. Easier said than done when the chemistry is this intense and Boston is full of temptation.

Tropes
* Manic pixie dream girl energy
* Forbidden romance (soon-to-be step-siblings)
* Opposites attract
* Forced proximity (new city, new rules)
* Famous athlete + quirky artist
* “We can be friends… right?”
* One magical night → long-lasting tension
* Found family & high society drama
* Flirty banter that melts the page
* A heroine trying to break free from her bubble
* A golden retriever hero with a heart of gold and hockey gloves
* Big emotions and even bigger romantic stakes

Tessa Bailey delivers another sexy, slightly chaotic, and utterly swoon-worthy rom-com in Dream Girl Drama. Sig and Chloe have an instant spark, but their story is anything but straightforward. With Tessa’s trademark blend of humour and heat, the book dives into messy family relationships, self-discovery, and the thrill of falling in love with the one person you probably shouldn’t. Chloe is the kind of heroine you root for: eccentric, earnest, and longing for freedom. And Sig? The perfect mix of loyal, protective, and undone by her. Expect laughter, longing, and plenty of tension, a dreamy escape with just the right amount of drama.

They meet in a bar, hit it off and the next day they are reunited at her mom’s because his dad and her mom are getting married. From there it just gets awkward. I definitely did not like the characters in this book, they were just too cringey. I’m not even sure I finished the book.

This might be one of my favorites in Tessa Bailey's series! Sig and Chloe have made several appearances in other books, and while the topic of potential siblings romantically involved is taboo - Bailey relayed it without seeming inappropriate or shocking in the least. Sig and Chloe have a great connection and I love their dynamic. I love the Chloe is so light-hearted and tender, but she knows how to stand up for herself when she needs to. The way that Sig cares for and protects her is dreamy! I love them together and so was happy to see them get their HEA! Dream Girl Drama is a light, funny, and spicy novel - exactly what you expect from Tessa Bailey! Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

1 star

chloe Clifford grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth her entire life which resulted in her <b>not knowing how to do her own laundry</b>, how to drive, and <b>spending $700 of her rent money on eye creams</b>. like, i’m pretty sure some of the <b>TOP</b> celebrities in the world know how to do their own fucking laundry. i really hated how tone deaf she was - if she met someone who was struggling financially, she would’ve started throwing rude ass comments at them and just <b>degrade</b> that person. i really, really, really, <b>really</b>, hated that. tone deaf people are arguably some of the <b>worst</b> people in the world. <u>because while you’re here struggling with learning what detergent is, many people are struggling to find their next meal. this was by far the worst part of this book.</u>

sig gaunthier was also so frustrating. their first meeting, he somehow knew that she was the one and she is apparently the most stunning, beautiful, ethereal girl that she’s ever seen. he was describing her like a GODDESS (and not in a good way). and for someone who hasn't even <b>spoken</b> to her yet, that’s a <b>huge</b> reach. dealing with her bullshit was just so annoying to read about. he took care of her every needs like he was her babysitter. she’s a goddamn ADULT. this girl seriously needs to go out into the world and see how the real world works and not stay in some <b>picturesque fantasy she has in her empty head that everything is perfect in the world.</b>

some other stuff that really pissed me off:

- fmc moved out with the mmc less than one day into meeting him
- lust at first sight
- 21%: “and they were all sorely out of luck. because no one got close to Chloe. no one but him.”
- weird ass time skips: 2 weeks to 2 months every chapter
- “her hormones were multiplying like rabbits”
- “she was in love with sig” 35% in
- spent her rent money on EYE CREAMS…

Bold, Bantery, and Bursting with Chemistry

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey is a sizzling blend of enemies-to-lovers tension and heartfelt vulnerability, wrapped in Bailey’s trademark wit and snappy dialogue. This time, the drama unfolds between a headstrong heroine with big dreams and a brooding love interest who knows exactly how to push her buttons—in all the right and wrong ways.

Bailey excels at creating layered characters who feel real beneath the heat. The romantic tension is electric, but what elevates the story is the emotional payoff. Both leads are dealing with their own insecurities and ambitions, making their connection feel earned and resonant.

The pacing is quick, the banter crackles, and the intimate moments are, as always, steamy without overshadowing the heart of the story. Some plot beats feel a little familiar if you’ve read her previous work, but Bailey’s charm lies in how she makes every trope feel fresh.

Dream Girl Drama is funny, flirty, and full of feels—a dreamy romance with just the right amount of drama.

I absolutely LOVED The Au Pair Affair but cringed a little when Sig and Chloe were teased in the book. Sig meets Chloe when his car breaks down on his way to dinner with his dad and his dad's fiancee. After they talk and share a steamy kiss, Sig believes he found the girl of his dreams. What Sig didn't expect, was to see Chloe at dinner at his dad's house. Turns out, Chloe is about to be his step-sister, right after their parents get married.

Not going to lie, this is my least favorite book in the series. Chloe is very immature for her age and it gave me secondhand embarrassment. She is supposed to be a full grown woman but can't do anything for herself. She is dependent on her mom and Sig throughout this entire book. I really wished the best for Sig, but Chloe is not that, regardless of what his head is telling him.

Although I didn't enjoy this book, I look forward to Tessa's next book in the series.

Top, like just about anything else Tessa Bailey. I love her writing style, characters, stories... pretty much everything. Sure, the trope is nothing new, but you wouldn't pick one of her books for novelty. You would for a feel-good read that can fill your heart with hope. A great choice for mood-lifting or getting out of a reading slump.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, Tessa Bailey, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the third arc I have received from this series of Tessa Bailey books and I was excited to read it as hockey romance books are a favorite of mine! It took me a little bit to remember Sig from the previous book, The Au Pair Affair, but it came back to me pretty quickly. I will say I probably should have seen some of the twists coming, but I didn’t and they were each a fun surprise!

Sig is a professional hockey player with a difficult family history hoping to get his next and bigger contract to continue in the NHL. Chloe comes from an old money rich family also with a complicated history that is harp prodigy. The two of their lives couldn’t be more different, but they still manage to make it work, or do they?

I liked the different use of the trope that is in this book that I won’t name as to not give away spoilers. It is typically done in a way that a lot of people don’t like, but I think how it was used in this book worked really well and made a ton more sense by the end of the book. Overall, this has been my favorite of the series so far! I’m still kicking myself for missing the request for Pitcher Perfect which is the next in the series, maybe my wish can still come true!

I really enjoyed this third entry into Tessa Bailey's "Big Shots" series. It's a different take on the step-sibling trope, where they connect BEFORE the step-sibling plot enters the story. I like how it was eventually resolved.

BK-R
2🌶️
Adult: FMC - 25, MMC - 27
POV: 3rd Person, Dual POV
🎧: Dual Narration

Thank you to NetGalley for this book for an honest review!

Almost Step-Sibling Hockey Romance by THE Tessa Bailey? I’m there! Do you need to read the previous books? I would suggest it. At lease “The Au Pair Affair”.

The way these 2 talk to each other… the dirty talk….. yes! The way he wants her 👀….. So good! Truly enjoyed this one! I will continue these! Tessa Bailey fan for life!

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Spicy Chapters: 17, 18, 23, 26

Obsessed, favorite book of the series so far! Tessa knows how to write male main characters! I finished this book in two days, it had me hooked!

“You love her? “ “I exist for her.” I LOVE the way Tessa Bailey writes romance. This book was so good. Definitely one of my favorites by Tessa Bailey.

⭐️⭐️½ – 3 ⭐

I absolutely love Tessa Bailey’s other work, but sadly Dreamgirl Drama just didn’t click for me the way I hoped. The premise had so much potential—a chance encounter, instant chemistry, and then the deliciously messy reveal that they’re about to be step-siblings—but I never really felt the tension or spark that I expect (and usually get!) from this author’s books.

The relationship between Sig and Chloe felt frustrating rather than fun, and I struggled to stay invested in their push-and-pull. While the setup was cute and there were moments of Bailey’s signature humor and banter, it never quite built into the swoony, steamy tension I was craving.

I’m still a huge fan of this author and know she can deliver amazing chemistry and memorable romances, but for me, this one landed as just an okay read. I wanted to love it so badly—but it felt a bit flat compared to her other books.

Such a cute romcom! It read so smoothly and had me smiling the whole way through. I really enjoyed the story and characters—perfect if you want something light, sweet, and feel-good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Cute and Entertaining, but Predictable
Dream Girl Drama was a fun, easy read that I breezed through in a day. Tessa Bailey’s writing is always charming, and the chemistry between the characters definitely delivered. I enjoyed the banter and the lighthearted vibe, but the plot felt a bit predictable and followed a familiar romcom formula. Still, if you’re looking for a sweet, quick escape with some feel-good moments, this one fits the bill.

This review is based off an ARC that I received from Netgalley.

This was messy in all the best ways. Equal parts steamy, chaotic and sweet. Sig is peak Tessa Bailey hero: big, bold, and not-so-secretly a softie. And Chloe is a harp-playing, champagne-stealing manic pixie dream girl with a rebellious streak. Again -- peak Tessa Bailey.

I wasn't super into the step-sibling thing....that was REALLY hard to adjust to. But it works because it's Tessa Bailey? How many times can I write that without it being cliche? If you're a Tessa Bailey fan, this is for you.