Tessa Bailey never fails to deliver. The tension.. the spice..chefs kiss.

Chloe and Sig were incredible. I do wish Chloe had a bit more character development. I definitely think Sig (willing) took on 90% of the struggles and do wish Chloe faced a bit more as well. However, this was such a fun, sexy book.

I would absolutely recommend.

I really loved the beginning and how strong of a connection Sig and Chloe had. I lost a bit of interest in the story as it went on. I still liked it overall, but not my favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this eARC for my honest review!

I SQUEALED when I saw the email for the arc in my inbox and instantly put it to the top of my TBR because I just knew it would be good. I mean, there's nothing to say other than Queen Tessa has done it again. She is an instant buy author for me and I don't even need to know the blurb or plot because I just trust her to put out gold.

From the moment Sig and Chloe met there was obvious chemistry. Sometimes angst really kills me, but THIS angst had me flipping pages like it was nobody's business because not only did it make the end even better but it was sweet to watch them get to know every little thing about each other. I lived for their stolen moments and flirting. While I don't consider their situation taboo (they met each other before they knew they would become step siblings and never even grew up together), I understand that they both live more public lives and people can't seem to keep their nose out of other's business. It's heart breaking that couples (fiction or real life) have to suffer through their relationships being in the spotlight when having a relationship without the paparazzi is hard enough.

Anyways, that being said, Sig is a dream cloud. All he wants to do is love and protect Chloe, but he also wants to help her become independent and get out from under her mom's claws.. Sure he was possessive, but so are all Tessa's men, it was nothing outside the usual. It seems others found him controlling at times, but I didn't really feel the same because Chloe was basically a baby animal entering the wild for the first time and had no idea how to do anything for herself. He didn't judge her for that, the circumstances she was born into, or the things she didn't know, but instead sat by her side and taught her how to "adult". He also basically "gave the shirt off his back" for her on a daily basis because he wanted her to be comfortable in this major life transition even when he didn't have any money for himself.

It was also really wonderful to see Chloe's character progress as well. I never had a problem with her, but it was kind of like watching a flower bloom. Sometimes, you need to be taken out of your comfort zones to grow as a person, and that's exactly what happened.

For me, it was a 5 star read and am so grateful I got to read it early. Thanks again NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager!

I just didn't vibe with this book. The stepsibling plot for two grown adults wasn't it for me. They weren't bio related, weren't raised together and didn't know each other before. It seemed like pushing a big deal that wasnt? Also Chloe was very naive and it drove me crazy

I have been waiting for Sig and Chloe’s story. And was it so worth the wait. The tension and yearning? Phenomenal. Honestly did not see the ending coming how it happened which was super cool. And the characters story was just adorable. And the characters themselves were just fun. Do you ever have those books where you could see yourselves having a blast with the MC’s? This is one of those books and the humor was right up my alley. I was sooo excited when I got the approval from netgalley for this arc and I’m also SUPER excited to get the beautiful copy with those sprayed edges on my shelves!

I loved this book. Chloe and Sig were both great on their own, but I really enjoyed them together. I was rooting for them so hard by the end and I love how the book turned out.

Pro hockey star Sig Gauthier just wants to have supper with his estranged father, meet his new girlfriend, and get back to his life in Boston. When his truck unfortunately breaks down in front of an upscale country club, Sig thinks he can quickly use their phone and be on his way. He never expects to meet the vivacious Chloe Clifford and fall head over heels in love. The only problem…Chloe is his soon to be stepsister. Harp prodigy Chloe Clifford has lived a very privileged existence. She’s never wanted for anything except independence. Meeting Sig has thrown her carefully orchestrated life off course and she grabs at the opportunity to move to Boston and attend a conservatory. Sig and Chloe know they can’t be together, it will destroy Sig’s reputation and Chloe’s relationship with her mother, but they just can’t stay away from each other. So, they do the next best thing and become best friends instead. As Sig helps Chloe navigate her new life, she brings him a joy that he’s never felt before. When their parents marry and their carefully crafted relationship comes under intense scrutiny, Sig and Chloe are left with a huge decision. Do they give each other up or watch their lives implode?

Tessa Bailey’s Dream Girl Drama is heart meltingly romantic. It’s the perfect mix of swoon, spice and Bailey’s signature humor. Sig and Chloe are couple goals and two of the best characters I have experienced in a while. Their love, devotion, and care for each other is palpable. Their connection, electric. Bailey makes you feel the yearning and burning. You can’t help but love Sig and Chloe. The things they do and lengths they go to for each other are, at turns, amusing, heartbreaking, and joyful. This leads to sometimes hilarious, sometimes angsty situations. Bailey’s sense of humor is effervescent and a little bit naughty. Naked harp playing anyone?!?! You can always depend on a Tessa Bailey book for a good, solid story, great writing, heat, and fun and Dream Girl Drama does not disappoint!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this early. The insta list between Chloe and Sig is palpable. I love Chloe’s personality and the story is a lot of fun. While it isn’t a life changing book, it was a fun fluffy romance that had lots of long awaited spice.

Tessa Bailey (almost) went there! The slow burn was agonizing but also made me finish this book in 2 days. By the time the MC were together, the book was over! I wish it would have happened a bit sooner so the ending didn't feel rushed. But the tension, the dirty talk, the spice was A+. If you enjoy Tessa Baileys writing and don't mind some open door, almost taboo, sports romance - this one is great!

Dream Girl Drama has a premise that was new to me in romance novels. They are about to become step-siblings in a world where that is seen as a really big taboo. I enjoyed the two of them getting to know each other and being each other's support. I had no idea how Tessa Bailey was going to get them out of their difficulty, but it was worth the wait. I definitely recommend this book.

Another hit from Tessa Bailey! I’ve decided the reason I am so drawn to the men she writes is because they are manly and usually grumpy with a bit of an ego-but not me that they’ve earned. They also really know how to take care of their women!

This is Chloe and Sig’s turn. They had a hot meet cute then hours later discovered they are to become step siblings…cue the angst. I loved Chloe’s development throughout this story going from someone who was totally reliant on her mother to being independent and flourishing. Sig was overprotective to a fault but also made sure Chloe was taken care of even if that meant going without himself. He wanted to see her do well that much,

I loved this story and the epilogue! Don’t miss the third book in this series. I enjoyed all of them.

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of Tessa's books and very rarely do I not mesh with one. This one I was hesitant about because I don't usually like taboo subjects but I loved this one!

I thought it was done very well. I adored Sig and Chloe's friendship and relationship. Their chemistry was perfect. I also loved their personalities. They truly were ride or dies! This was the perfect blend of romance and comedy. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Thank you @Avon and Harper voyager for the gifted ebook.

This was my favorite Tessa Bailey book to date. I loved getting glimpses of Sig and Chloe in the previous Big Shot novels I couldn't want for their story!

“You love her?”
“I exist for her.”

Sig and Chloe meet and it's instant lust. This is not usually a favorite of mine but it was done so well. I appreciate their connection and how quickly Chloe jumped into help Sig without knowing him. I loved Sig's affection and protectiveness of Chloe. Watching Chloe find her independence was so fun, she was a little wild but Sig took it in stride and it was just so sweet.

Their tension and buildup was epic. The I can't rave enough about this one. Favorite of the Big Shot standalones so far.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TESSA BAILEY! I am obsessed with this series " Big Shots" ! "Dream Girl Drama" is my favorite of the three. I was super excited to see that this story follows Sig and Chloe, after seeing cameos of them in her previous book "The Au Pair Affair". I lived from the forbidden love, fun banter, and the chemistry of these two! Sig and Chloe characters and character development throughout the book was magical. I thoroughly enjoyed reading there love story. Tessa Bailey definitely delivered this novel! I highly recommend reading this series and I am excited to see where this series takes us next!

4.5 stars!

Thank you Tessa Bailey, Avon| Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

***Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for sending me an e-arc of Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey! All thoughts are my own!***

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he goes into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters Chloe Clifford, his dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the 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, and they’re engaged.

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a harp prodigy, yearns to escape sheltered life with her controlling mother. Sig helps teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know they can never be more than friends, since they are soon-to-be step siblings. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more.

So I wasn't sure how I would like this considering the relationship, also the fact that I am not a hockey fan. I wasn't too big of a fan of The Au Pair Affair, but I enjoyed this one much better. I loved the characters and getting their backgrounds, one being very independent, the other being sheltered from independence. I honestly enjoyed their time together and the tension between them, trying to hide their feelings. The stakes were high for both of them with their careers, and neither one of them had to sacrifice to get what they wanted, even thougj what they really wanted was to be together without it being wrong. I was glad the ending happened the way it did. I probably should have guessed it, but I'm happy I didn't. Needless to say, thank you to the private investigator.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey is out February 4th, 2025!

Tessa Bailey’s romances are steamy and silly and lots of fun, and Dream Girl Drama is no different. If you loved It Happened One Summer, this book has a similar energy, which skirts around the edge of taboo (well, not really really, just Tessa-taboo).

Hockey player Sig Gauthier is off to meet his dad and soon-to-be stepmother when car trouble lands him at a fancy country club. There he meets Chloe, a gifted harpist, (a Piper Bellinger/Alexis Rose character), and they share an instant connection but they find out she is the daughter of his father’s fiancée. Even so, Sig whisks her off to Boston and sets her up in an apartment he can’t afford, while telling himself he is looking after her and giving her the space to grow up away from the cosseted but stifling life she had with her mother.

Phew! That’s a lot, and it’s a lot to process in this charming but ridiculous romcom. Chloe is a honey, but she’s been overprotected to the extent that at twenty-five, she has never made a decision for herself, has no idea about the value of money, or how to catch a bus, or even how to do the laundry! There’s plenty of comedy around Sig indulging her as she finds her feet and they fall in love, but it feels like there’s more at stake for Sig because he’s risking his job, his finances and his reputation, while Chloe is so clueless that she has no idea of what he stands to lose by being involved with her.  She does experience growth as she learns to do things for herself, but Sig definitely has more to lose and her story is not as compelling as his. Luckily, he pulls it all together – just in time.

Dream Girl Drama has all the Tessa Bailey staples – it’s funny and fast paced, the dialogue is snappy, and Sig and Chloe are vulnerable and likeable. It’s a slow burn (because of the possible step-sibling thing, and for Romance Reasons), but once they give in to temptation, the sex is filthy and vocal and they are very well matched. The protectiveness/possessiveness Sig displays which might be concerning if this was at all realistic, but luckily for them (and us!), it’s a spicy fairytale. From the actual gazillion dollar harp, to the bulldog, Sig’s teammates (Corrigan and Mailer – the Orgasm Donors), private detectives, Chloe’s toxic mother, paparazzi, a last minute race to the happily ever after, this is a riot.

There’s nothing here to dislike if you love Tessa Bailey. Chloe is gorgeous, she loves Sig’s overprotectiveness and their future together will work out just fine.

Well, I really wanted to love Dream Girl Drama. And for the most part, I did like it. I think Tessa Bailey is pretty proficient at writing rom-coms and she has her own unique style of giving the reader a love story that can make one chuckle while simultaneously swooning, too. BUT, her use of insta-love between Chloe Clifford and Sig Gauthier was way over the top. They meet at a country club and practically within minutes know that they have met their soulmates? Now, I'm a firm believer in knowing that you may have just met the love of your life but these two were almost ridiculous about it. Not to mention a bit immature as to their actions throughout the book. And I think that's what drove me the most crazy: the fact that they acted like lovesick schoolchildren who couldn't function without the other by their sides.

With Chloe a harp virtuoso and Sig a talented hockey player, you'd think that that aspect of their lives should have taken precedence over anything else. But these two are willing to almost sacrifice anything in order to be together despite his father and her mother getting married within months. They risk scandal and success and it's beyond silly. With way too much repetition about how they can't be together, how they can't touch each other and how they can't act on their wants, I skimmed many pages trying to get to what I hoped was logic. But sadly, even their decisions to only be friends became annoying. Not to mention how Sig took care of the formerly pampered Chloe and treated her like a child. This 25 year-old never heard of Google? I get that she lived a charmed life where everything was done for her but Chloe acted like she lived without the use of the internet and a phone!

Now, I will say the last 25 percent is what saved the book for me. Both Sig and Chloe finally grew the right kind of backbone and came to the realization that they simply couldn't be together as future stepbrother and stepsister. The final reveal that changes all that was a decent one and overall I was happy that Sig and Chloe could find their forever without any further obstacles.

Secondary characters, some we've met before in Bailey's last book, added the right amount of humor and support when needed. I didn't care for Grace, however, despite her being the mentor Chloe needed to make her professional dreams come true. But I did like the intro of new family members for Sig in the epilogue and the life he has finally been able to claim.

Again, I struggled throughout most of the book, bored by the back and forth of 'we shouldn't but we desperately need to' kind of premise. If perhaps their attraction might have been a bit less dramatic, then maybe I would have enjoyed it more. But I'm sure Bailey's faithful will love it just the same. It just wasn't the right fit for me.

3 stars.

I’m a big Tessa Bailey fan and while I liked this book it wasn’t one of my favorites. I think it just took so long to actually get started with the plot I got a little bored waiting for it to happen. And at times. Hole was a little too immature for me to believe she was a real person.

Hockey player Sig meets his dream girl Chloe when his car breaks down at a country club. After a steamy kiss, they make plans to meet up again after he has dinner with his father. And then it all goes downhill when he finds out that Chloe is meant to be his future stepsister. Somehow, he’s quickly entangled in her life as he helps her set up her own apartment away from her mother and they become the best of friends. It’s pretty much insta-love for these two, with every interaction between them filled with longing, but they’re both doing their best to keep things platonic since they’re soon-to-be=stepsiblings. This whole book is chaotic and messy and hilarious. And when we start getting steamy, it’s well worth the payoff. Chloe is the ultimate manic pixie dream girl character and so much fun to read.

So much anticipation for this story after being introduced to these characters in The Au Pair Affair! I had mixed feelings about Dream Girl Drama, but if you love electric chemistry without worrying about it being realistic, you might just love it!
Let’s start with the good. The chemistry between Sig and Chloe is undeniable and hot and what kept this book engaging and enjoyable. It is the true star of the show and the draw if you think this book might be for you. I also enjoyed how sheltered she is and the scenes where he is teaching her to do simple everyday tasks.
And the not so good. This romance was pretty unrealistic to me. They were professing their love after meeting for a few hours – I wish it had started as infatuation and built into love over the course of their friendship. I really struggled with the forbidden aspect of the romance. Maybe I grew up in the age of Gossip Girl, but it was hard for me to buy into the drama that them becoming step siblings (which they didn’t even know when they met!) made them such a forbidden taboo. I feel like it could have easily been explained and really wouldn’t have been something on the radar of most people if they didn’t bring it up. Finally, at times, Sig seemed really overbearing, bordering on red flag-y and it kinda gave me the ick.
I enjoyed this book for the chemistry between Chloe and Sig, but struggled with some of the more technical aspects of the plot. Still super excited for the next book in the series that was teased here.

Review posted on Goodreads 2/1/25, to be posted on Instagram (@ashlie_overbooked) on release day.