Ugh. I should know better than to read something that starts by describing a character as manic pixie dream girl. I hate that concept. But this book was really annoying. I didn't like any of the characters.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

Rating: 3/5 ✨

Publication Date: February 4, 2025

Sig and Chloe’s story starts with an instant spark when his car breaks down in front of her country club. When she steps in to help, their chemistry is undeniable 🔥—but their whirlwind romance takes a dramatic turn when they discover their parents are engaged, making them soon-to-be step-siblings 😱. Suddenly, their attraction becomes forbidden, forcing them to navigate the challenges of love under scrutiny.

One of the highlights of the story was how Sig helped Chloe become more independent 💪 while still being protective. He never made her feel inadequate but instead guided and supported her. Chloe, who first seemed naive, turned out to be sweet, smart, and passionate 💕. However, at times, her helplessness made it hard to fully connect with her character.

The chemistry between Sig and Chloe was absolutely off the charts 🚀—steamy, electric, and intense. Some readers might see it as love, while others may feel it was more about lust. The book’s fast pace, filled with dramatic twists and turns 🎭, kept things interesting, though some moments felt overly exaggerated. The central conflict—whether their relationship was truly taboo—felt frustrating for some 🤔, as it seemed like an unnecessary issue since they met as adults before their parents’ engagement.

Overall, this book delivers sizzling romance, emotional ups and downs 🎢, and a dynamic couple that keeps the pages turning. While some elements might not resonate with every reader, those who love forbidden romance, angst, and undeniable chemistry will likely find it an engaging read! ❤️‍🔥

Thank you, @netgalley and @harpercollins , for giving me an ARC of Dream Girl Drama in exchange for an honest review! 📖✨

Thank you netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I will pick up any Tessa Bailey book and know that I will enjoy it. I loved the forbidden aspect of this one, in particular. This was a fun and romantic read.

Tessa Bailey has once again dazzled readers with her latest romance novel. This delightful story is a perfect blend of humor, passion, and heartfelt moments that fans of contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy.

From the very first page, Bailey's signature wit shines through, drawing you into the world of the characters. The protagonist's journey is relatable and entertaining, making it easy to become emotionally invested. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and their banter is both charming and hilarious, creating a dynamic that keeps you flipping pages late into the night.

Bailey's writing captures the ups and downs of love with a skill that feels both authentic and engaging. The themes of self-discovery and the importance of following your dreams resonate deeply throughout the narrative. Readers will find themselves rooting for the characters as they face challenges and barriers to their relationship, all while navigating life's unexpected twists. Don’t miss out on this charming tale that combines love, laughter, and a dash of drama!

This book was witty, with charismatic characters navigating family entanglements and playful tension set against a lively sports backdrop.so much fun!

So, I loved Dream Girl Drama. I’ve noticed a lot of people were put off my the “taboo” romance but I did not see it that way at all. Without spoiling, Chloe and Sig meet and have an instant attraction. Mind you both are grown adults. They soon learn their connection is closer than either imagined. As they battle the new found circumstances, the two build an incredibly tight bond.

I sincerely enjoyed their connection. Sig and Chloe just clicked and got each other from the beginning. It was so nice to see the pair stand by each other even if it wasn’t how they imagined.

The flow was great, the humor was cute and the vibes were amazing. This may be my favorite book of the series. And who doesn’t love a good hockey romance?? I liked it so much I bought a hard copy too!

Take one broody hockey star, one sheltered country club princess, mix in some sizzling insta-lust, and then—plot twist—make them almost-step-siblings. That’s the deliciously messy, trope-tastic setup of “Dream Girl Drama”, the third book in Tessa’s Big Shots series. And let me tell you, it delivers ALL the tension and spice you could want.

Sig and Chloe’s first encounter is the stuff of fairytales—or at least the kind that come with smoldering glances, kisses and instant, electric chemistry. But just as things start sparking, reality throws a bucket of ice water on their connection. Their parents are getting married, and any hope of exploring what’s between them? Off the table. Except… some attractions just won’t be ignored.

Chloe, a former child music prodigy who’s been coddled her entire life, starts off a little naive but quickly finds her footing. Watching her step out of her privileged bubble and truly live was so satisfying. And Sig? This man is intensity personified. He’s the kind of hero who would burn the world down if it meant giving her a better one. His unwavering devotion to Chloe, his support for her independence, and the way he just worships her? Whew. Someone get me a fan.

The spice? WHEW! The balance between plot and steam is just right, keeping you fully invested in their journey. The romcom vibes are strong and their flirtatious banter is top-tier. Sig and Chloe might have tried to resist the inevitable, but for us readers? Falling for them was effortless. I needed a fast and fun read and this one came at the perfect time.

Thank you @tessabaileyisanauthor, @avonbooks and @netgalley for the gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

2.5 ⭐️

My least enjoyed of all of her books read so far. I disliked both MCs so that’s likely what did me in. The ending had a good plot twist, but if I hadn’t switched to the audiobook, there is no way I would’ve finished the ARC to even get to the plot twist.

LOVED THIS BOOK

it had me nervous with the step sibling trope but o m g i have no regrets reading this! Sig was so perfect. The tension was chefs kiss! Also the slow burn was done well. I'm truly mad at MYSELF for not reading this sooner but so glad i was able to read it during february💕

This book was fun, flirty, and full of Tessa Bailey’s signature spice—but it didn’t totally blow me away. The chemistry? On point. The banter? So good. But the plot felt a little predictable, and some parts dragged more than I wanted.

That said, if you’re here for steamy tension, a little drama, and a romance that still delivers the feels, it’s definitely worth the read!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.

Chloe and Sig are my favorite characters in the Big Shots series from Tessa. Chloe starts out as a naive, young musician and throughout the book has so much growth. Sig, a man who has known the pain of a father who didn't stay, wants to love and be loved. The chemistry of these two throughout the book is palpable.

I loved it! The tension in this book was so beautiful! I loved the characters and how they were perfectly flawed. Tessa Bailey is a master of writing romance and keeping the reader engaged! I can’t wait to read her next book!

I had no idea this series was going to end up being five books and I’m SO excited! I’ve loved Tessa Bailey books ever since I discovered It Happened One Summer. Fangirl Down is without a doubt my favorite of this series, but I still really enjoyed this one!

I’m still not over the chemistry in this book. Wow wow wow 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 The yearning? The angst? CHEF’S FREAKING KISS. I’m kinda meh about insta-lust but this book still had me crossing my fingers for Sig and Chloe from page one! My heart ached for them 😩

You could easily say Chloe was a bit spoiled but I LOVED her. She has the brightest spirit and such a kind heart. Her passion for the harp was so moving and I swear I could her the notes coming off the page! And I absolutely adored Sig. His feelings for Chloe ran deep and I know there is not one thing this man wouldn’t do for his dream girl.

Swoony, steamy, and yet still so sweet. Thank you Avon and Tessa Bailey for the ARC!

Thank you netgalley for the arc!!

I have been having a mixed reaction with Tessa’s books lately because they feel more lusty than love and that’s not the same to me. I did like parts of this one though, mainly Chloe learning to be independent and fighting for that freedom. I didn’t really like Sig though. There was nothing that kept me drawn to him throughout the book. So this one wasn’t it for me. But I think I know who the next book will be about though and I hope that one will be good because I really like the guy even though I’ve only seen him a bit! So I will continue to see if I’m right.

I think if you have liked Tessa’s other works this one would be perfect you!

3/5⭐️

3/5 Stars

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for providing me with an arc.

This was a fun one from Tessa Bailey. I always have to go into her books expecting ridiculousness and this one was no different. I really loved these characters and I want to go back and read the rest of the series but you can just pick this one up and dive in if this one interests you the most. I had a fun time and these are some of my favorite characters I have read from Tessa. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series and I recommend this one. This is a future step sibling romance so it has a forbidden aspect but both of them care so much for each other and it has so many cute moments.

Steamy hot, blow the doors off of the bedroom with dirty talk, satisfying romance!

Coming in hot for Valentine’s Day, the latest installment in the extremely satisfying Big Shots series by Tessa Bailey. I was anticipating this story while reading the Au Pair Affair, and the story of Sig and Chloe did not disappoint. This may be my favorite yet, but I confess you will have a hard time stopping me from reading any story by Tessa Bailey. I absolutely love these quick and hot romances. More, please…

Thank you @tessabaileyisanauthor @avonbooks
@netgalley for adding the spice to my life this week.

QOTD: What would be your perfect date night?

I love doing any project or activity with my Joe. A perfect date would be ice fishing, kayaking or going for a hike.

#romancebooks #romancereader #opendoorromance #spicyromancebooks #dreamgirldrama #currentlyreading #arcreading #bookreviews #bookstagram #books #bookseries #romanceseries #bigshotsseries

Tessa Bailey is a favorite. This was not my favorite from her simply because of the troupes. The dirty talk was on point.

Taboo books are not my favorite but I pushed through. Can't wait till book 4 of the series to come out.

This was my 2nd book by Tessa, and I felt the same way about this one as I did the other one. I loved the premise of the story, but I found the writing style lacking. I feel like some parts were repeated throughout the book and that other parts were rushed. I also feel like the investigation into their parents' relationship took up too much of the story and seemed like the main focal point to me. The FMC was very annoying to me, and I think that's why I felt the way I did about some parts of the story. I also felt like the spicy scenes were weird. I like spice, but something just threw me off during some of them.

This may be one I just need to sit on for a while and then come back to update and give a better review. As it stands, I am giving it 3 stars and a maybe on if I would recommend it or not.

Oh I have been waiting for Chloe and Sig’s story forever! Chloe and Sig knew that they were meant to be at first sight. Unfortunately for them, soon after meeting they realized that they were going to be step siblings. There was so so so much tension between the two who were trying to keep in platonic. While I didn’t relate the Chloe in the way that I thought I would based on the last story, I slowly grew to like her in the end. She was raised differently than most and it was interesting to see her learn how to manage life on her own. Sig was absolutely perfect. He protected, provided, and loved her know matter what. The two together- chef kiss.

This is both an insta love yet a development story. While I hated how Chloe never really "grew up" I feel it would have been better if she put a little more effort.. and Sig didnt help either. He was an enabler the whole time. I have to say this was so much story which was shocking to me and I was really interested in it. I do wish the dun dun dun moment was different .. and yet it still worked.
But you cant say that Sig didnt become book boyfriend material with his "<b> I exist for her</b>"

its a good story and it leads to a fourth book if the series continues.