This book was everything that I was hoping for and more! The vibes between Chloe and Sig in The Au Pair Affair were intense, so I loved that Dream Girl Drama went back in time to show readers just how they got to their present. Their chance meeting at Chloe's country club was the perfect meet cute and it was clearly both lust and love at first sight. If you are a new reader to the series at this point, you have no idea how heartbreaking this scene is, but if you are a series vet, you know that the dinner from hell is about to come.

Because of the future step-sibling situation, Chloe and Sig take a step back from would-be lovers to best friends, but the passion is constantly there beneath the surface, and it's obvious to everyone around them. While Tessa Bailey's books always have some great sexy scenes, my favorite parts of this book were how the connection between these two characters helped Chloe find some inner strength and courage that she needed to pursue more. I suppose that some readers might be weirded out by the step-sibling/love situation, as the public ends up being in the book, but they are adults when they meet, have no idea that their parents are dating, and so I guess I don't see what the huge deal was. Maybe I'm just naive.

I feel like the groundwork was laid for a couple more books in this franchise, so I hope that I'm right!! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for letting me read Dream Girl Drama! It’s been one of my most anticipated rom coms for 2025 and I’m so happy to get it in 2024! It’s got that reliable delightful Tessa Bailey energy, the stakes are high for both characters, and it adds so much tension to their interactions. That said, the fact that they feel their love is forbidden and taboo because they’re going to be step-siblings feels ridiculous to me. Based on other reviews, it’s clear that this would be a genuine conflict for some people, but I really don’t get that. They meet as adults and it’s both parents like 3rd or 4th marriage, the fact that would be a career obstacle seems far fetched to me. But like I said, it adds great tension to their dynamic, so I rolled with it.

*Dream Girl Drama* by Tessa Bailey is a fun, steamy escape with plenty of charm. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and Bailey’s signature humor shines through, keeping the story lighthearted and engaging. While some parts felt predictable, the romance and witty banter more than made up for it. A solid, enjoyable read for fans of romance with a touch of sass!

In *Dream Girl Drama*, Tessa Bailey serves up a fun, fiery romance packed with unforgettable characters, sizzling chemistry, and a storyline that is as dramatic as it is heartwarming. Known for her signature blend of humor and heat, Bailey delivers a delightful rom-com that explores the ups and downs of falling in love while balancing dreams, doubts, and a fair bit of self-discovery.

The novel introduces us to a protagonist with big dreams and even bigger obstacles, who’s determined to make her mark. But life gets a little more complicated when she meets a charismatic love interest who is equal parts swoon-worthy and challenging. Their undeniable chemistry is instantly engaging, with plenty of witty banter and intense moments that keep the tension deliciously high throughout the book. Bailey’s knack for writing dynamic dialogue and electrifying romantic tension truly shines here, making every scene between the leads a joy to read.

One of the standout elements of *Dream Girl Drama* is Bailey’s nuanced character development. Both the protagonist and her love interest are beautifully flawed, with insecurities and backstories that feel authentic and relatable. As they navigate the emotional rollercoaster of romance, they also confront their own personal struggles, growing individually as much as they grow together. It’s a journey that is both sweet and empowering, reminding readers that love often brings out the best in us – but not without a little self-reflection along the way.

Bailey’s signature humor is also at full throttle, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and clever dialogue that brings lightness and charm to the story. The side characters add depth and warmth, from supportive friends to quirky family members, each bringing a dose of personality that enriches the narrative.

With its compelling mix of romance, personal growth, and drama, *Dream Girl Drama* is a feel-good story perfect for fans of witty, heartfelt romance. Tessa Bailey captures all the highs and lows of finding love while chasing your dreams, leaving readers both smiling and inspired. For anyone craving a romance with equal parts humor and heart, *Dream Girl Drama* is a must-read.

Tessa Bailey has done it again.

I’ve been absolutely feral for this book since reading about Sig and Chloe in the Au Pair Affair. The whole time reading that book, I wanted to read this. This book exceeded my expectations and beyond; I’m still smiling thinking about it.
I loved Sig and Chloe’s relationship and dynamic with each other. I’m a sucker for insta-love, and I couldn’t get over how obsessed they were with each other from the get go, especially Sig towards Chloe. I love when an author doesn’t just tell you how the characters feel, they actually describe and show you. Some of the scenes, not even spicy, between Sig and Chloe were so charged, I literally was on the edge of my seat in anticipation. Don’t even get me started on the spice. 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️

I only had 2 cons, that in no way changed my 5 star rating:
One, I won’t say anything too specific, obviously the characters have their HEA, but I just didn’t particularly care for how it came about at the end, felt almost like a cop-out.
Second, I wish it was a little bit longer. I could have easily read at least another 50-100 pages.
Both cons are 100% a me problem though 😆

Overall, this book gave me the classic Tessa Bailey feels, instant 5-star. Just absolutely making me smile throughout the entirety. This one and Fan Girl Down, I immediately wanted to reread once I finished. I’m praying there’s more books in the Big Shot series to come.

I also can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copies. I adore special edition books, I’m so excited there’s multiple different editions for this one that we can pick up when it’s released.

Thank you Tessa Bailey, Avon, and NetGalley for an ARC.

Thanks Avon and Harper Voyage for the ARC for my honest review. For me, the authors latest books have been pretty hit or miss. I didn't connect with the dream girl or dream guy in this one. And instalove is not my thing. The pacing was awkward as well and not enough swoon for my taste.

I love this author. She writes deeply passionate love stories and the hero is totally book boyfriend material. However, Chloe and Sig are grown adults who are completely unrelated by blood. There is no good reason they should have had issues being together. Who cares that his father was marrying her mother? His hockey team image would have been tarnished? It’s silly to me. I just couldn’t get into the premise.

This had all the makings of a romance I would normally like. And while I loved the tension and it was an easy read, the thing I couldn't move on from was the DIALOGUE. It really was just the cringiest dialogue when they were speaking to each other. And the first few chapters the way that Chloe and Sofia speak? Using phrases like "my good man"? I just can't. When they weren't speaking, I was liking it. But obviously dialogue is a major part of any romance, so that leads me to a 2.5.

The way I dropped what I was doing to read this book (sorry to my apartment, school work, actual work, etc.). I read it in one night. I laughed, kicked my feet, audibly “awwwwed” and also hit my head with my Kindle. I was so engrossed in the story I didn’t see the solution coming. I thought everyone was being a little dramatic about this relationship (bc no celebrity has dated someone more inappropriate than an age appropriate future step sibling they didn’t have any sibling-like relationship with!!!) but I’m obsessed with the longing and the growth of the relationship and how the relationship has to grow without the spice in the beginning. .And when the spice does show up (not that I’d call this a slow burn because they flirt around it the whole time) it’s 🔥

I love Tessa Bailey; I’ll read anything she writes, down to the clown FMC. I really enjoyed the first two in this series, and I was very excited for this book. Ultimately though, it was kind of a letdown. I found the relationships (FMC/MMC and both with their parents) kind of toxic and unhealthy. It was also kind of hard to really like either the FMC or the MMC considering their relationships with money. I’ll keep reading all things Tessa Bailey, but this book goes at the bottom of the pile for me.

3 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good!!! Nobody does romance like Tessa Bailey. The tension and the chemistry between Chloe and Sig was so well done. I know people have mixed feelings about inta-love, but I for one LOVE insta-love and was so happy to see it here and it worked perfectly for the story! Sig, my man, is OBSESSED with Chloe. Like, would walk to the ends of the world type of obsessed. Chloe goes through so much growth and development throughout and it is so well done. The end was super satisfying and amazing and I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. These two are perfect for each other! Definitely worth the read!!

Take a dash of love at first sight, some forbidden romance, career and financial stress and complicated parental relationships and you get this. Spicy, fun, laugh-out-loud... everything Tessa Bailey does best!

Such a cute romance! Tessa Bailey is a rock star. I especially loved the mmc, such a charmer and I loved how thoroughly he shows up and loves. The story was mildly predictable but it was still entertaining with great tension and build up. Plenty of spice and chemistry. I read it in one night because I couldnt put it down for even a second. I think it's wild that people couldn't find the romance in other reviews. It was such a romantic read for me. Who wouldn't want a man like Sig? Hot hockey player love at first sight, let's go.

Thanks to netgalley & publisher for this arc! I was very intrigued about them from the crumbs we got in previous book but this book absolutely destroyed me!!

✔️dual third person pov
✔️instant connection
✔️strangers to more to step siblings
✔️angst and longing times a billion
✔️TENSION of all tensions holy moly
✔️slow burn
✔️heartbreak soul destroying screaming crying throwing my iPad
✔️third act soul crushing breakup


Spoilers ahead:




It annoyed me so much how they were expected not to be together though they had this insane one in a lifetime connection because his deadbeat dad was engaged to her mum? I'm sorry but they didn't grow up together and never would live together as a family so why were they acting like this such a major problem. It annoyed me to no end because I would have said F off to the parents and told media they were together & gotten married before their parents got married!! Also him taking care of her so much paying for her entire life was sweet but also ridiculous and make me angry bc she could have at least gotten some part time job to pretend to help pay for shiz. This book destroyed meeeee!! They went through hell and back and yes with them for barely any moments of happiness wtf did I just read. They both had far too much empathy for their ahole parents who proved time and time again they were selfish aholes yet they gave up each for them??? Omg I want to scream still I'm so angry at this book. And the ending I knewwww would be what was true wtffff!! We should have gotten a happy together Sig & Chloe for longer than the end few pages I'm livid. And Harvey wtfff did he kept them apart! God I hate all the parents in this story.

This book was so good, I finished it in one day. I loved the story of the characters and how it all played out. Tessa never seems to disappoint! The MMC, Sig, is everything you would want in a man!

2.75/5

this rating seems harsh but i cant find it in me to care, maybe a 3… on a good day

i haven’t read either of the first two books in this series but i applied for the arc of this one randomly. i think tessa bailey and i are no longer vibing because i just haven’t loved her newer releases. the chemistry is always pretty good between characters but there seems to be nothing else there. where is the connection? where is the romance?

sig and chloe meet and have a love at first sight thing which is whatever but then the come out they are going to be step siblings so that puts a wrench in their plans. the wrench is actually nonexistent though because they have one dinner together and sig puts up his life savings so that chloe can be spoiled and live in her own for the first time in her life. i just didn’t but that the two of them had anything more than sexual chemistry. there were basically no scenes of them forming a connection and we were told about all of these small scenes but shown none of them. sig was just overly protective over her like she was a child and she thought it was hot. their personal relationships and motivations are not present in the book so it doesn’t even feel like they are full people.

so yeah i didn’t love this. spoiler, they don’t end up being step siblings… THANK GOD. this book just felt unfinished and maybe that’s cause it’s an arc but it needs some serious revamping to be a good romance book.

*thank you NetGalley for the ARC*

Tensionnnn
Hockey romance
Forbidden love
Opposites attract
Possessive hero (personal ick but I know many romance girlies enjoy)
Third person
Open door (3-4 spice on my scale)

Rich girl Chloe wants to leave her sheltered life to create a name for herself. Sig, the guy she met by chance, wants to help her do it. The problem? Her mom and his dad are getting married. The fact that Chloe and Sig met before they knew this? Not relevant.

"Dream Girl Drama" is probably my favorite Tessa Bailey book to date. The writing is more mature than previous works with an increase in different characters/personalities and detailed development. Funny side characters, set ups for two more books in the series (fingers crossed), a twist I didn't see coming and a lot of spicing spice. The constant tension is thicker than Sir Savage's thighs.

It's always interesting to read books that take place in the city in which you live. Tessa Bailey did her research.

My main gripe: "Dream girl" as a pet name? Really?

Thank you to the publisher (via NetGalley) for the ARC! It was kismet when it got approved -- I had literally just finished "The Au Pair Affair" the night before.

2.5 Stars

This series has definitely gotten better after the … interesting… start with “Fangirl Down” but the characters in “Dream Girl Drama” are all oddly immature. The “forbidden love” trope wouldn’t make much sense if these full grown adults just acted their age and were honest with everyone from the get go? By now, we can all figure out that they’re going to figure out a way to be together.

But I know what I’m getting into when I pick up a Tessa Bailey book and from that perspective it doesn’t let you down. It’s a quick easy read that keeps you entertained even if you roll your eyes as you read. I already know I’ll pick up the next one too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC and to Book Lords for being on the “Fangirl Down” (Big Shots #1) train.

What happens when you have a serendipitous meeting with the love of your life and a mere hours later find out he is your future stepbrother?

I was rooting for Chloe and Sig from the get go and loved watching their story unfold.

You’ll enjoy this book if you like:

A touch of taboo
Love at first sight
Forced proximity
Laugh out loud moments
Slobbering bulldogs

This book felt very different than Tessa’s previous books. However I still really enjoyed it.

I was so excited for this book. The sneak peaks we had of these characters in the au pair affair were exciting and I can't say I wasn't looking forward to the "forbidden love" trope. And although I did enjoy a lot of it, there were some things that got frustrating. I am all for building tension and the whole "will they, won't they" but it got kind of annoying. I am a die hard nickname girl but I just couldn't get past "Dream girl".
Tessa Bailey will always be my girl, but this one missed the mark because it was so highly anticipated by me.