MMC- Sig- 29yo Hockey player 6’2”
FMC- Chloe - 25yo harpist prodigy
Spice- 4/10


We got a glimpse of Chloe in the other book, and although she seemed nice, she also seemed very spoiled and ditzy. I’m so glad her character is much more flushed out and we got to see Sig and Chloe’s story.

They meet in this unexpected way of chemistry and banter and it’s very insta love (which I typically loathe), but then there’s lines like : “Her looks were the least of what stopped his breath” and he really falls in love with the kind of person Chloe is…which is very sheltered and a bit spoiled, but she is totally aware of her privilege without knowing how to get out from under her mother’s control, and a very sweet and kind person. She’s also a bit naive but also hilarious.

The story centers around finding out their parents are engaged to be married, which would ruin both of their career prospects if word got out they were in a relationship as step siblings, right after finding each other and knowing they never had and probably never will find magic like they have together again with anyone else.

You’d think there’d be not enough romance or it would be sort of dragged out since they initially decide they can’t be together and just be friends, but there is sooo much to their story.

Amazing banter from literally the first page, a good amount of spice, character development, totally swoon moments, and lots of tension…but the good kind, not the annoying kind. IYKYK. I laughed, I cried, I swooned.

I can’t recommend this book enough, and will most likely reread again someday.

Tessa Bailey has been hit or miss for me. She’s written some of my favorite books (Hook, Line & Sinker) and then others that I didn’t care for (It Happened one Summer)

I requested this ARC after reading Fangirl Down and absolutely loving it, but then totally procrastinated on reading it and wasn’t going to review, because The Au Pair Affair was a miss for me.

I’m sooooo glad I decided to honor the commitment to read and review because I (gasp) loved this even more than Fangirl Down- and I loved that book even though it was cheesy sometimes. This book may even be one of my favorites. Thank you NetGalley!

Professional ice hockey player, Sig, is on his way to a family dinner that he doesn't want to go to when his car breaks down outside a prestigious country club. Inside he is saved by the most beautiful woman he has ever met and they share an intense kiss before she rushes off. Sig eventually makes it to the dinner where he is shocked to find Chloe is already there and their parents announce they're to be married. Sig and Chloe decide they can never be together because of this but also can't stay away from each other.

I was really drawn in at the start of this book. The chemistry was insanely intense and I had high hopes that I'd found a new book boyfriend. But I just couldn't get into it after that. I found the storyline a bit ridiculous, honestly. I thought the step sibling relationship was going to add a layer of taboo to the book but it was the complete opposite. The characters were a bit meh too. Chloe is a privileged princess, which I normally like in a book but there was nothing more to her. And Sig just gave up his personality when he met Chloe. The ending didn't even save things for me. I felt like it was rushed so they could have their happy ending.

I’m truly at a loss on how to rate this. After I finished, I was unsure and almost a week later after sitting on it, I’m still unsure. Tessa is a hit or miss for me. I feel like this was on the closer side of the miss; however, I felt like I read this way faster than I expected to because I needed to get through it. I’m not sure if it was just because I needed to finish so it was over or if I just was invested in their story. I didn’t love the whole almost step-siblings thing. It honestly didn’t make sense to me. Also the big reveal at the end was predictable. I honestly kind of skim over the spicy scenes for TB books because sometimes they are just out of this world strange. But then again, I can confirm that no one writes quite like Tessa Bailey. Again, I’m conflicted about this one. I definitely didn’t love it but I’m not sure that I hated it either.

4/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love a Tessa Bailey book!

This book follows Chloe and Sig and I do have to say this has been my favorite in the series so far.

This book is a forbidden love, hockey romance with some spice.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

I want to first thank Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the opportunity to read the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The longing, want, and angst in this book was top tier. I actually loved the lack of spice within this book, the tension made every second of it worth reading. The last thirty minutes of this book was anxiety-inducing but I felt it wrapped up the story perfectly. I was really nervous because I loved Fan-Girl Down but The Au Pair Affair ended up being a book I did not finish. I cannot wait for Pitcher Perfect. (Fingers crossed that I receive the arc!)

It’s always a good time with a Tessa Bailey novel and there’s comfort in knowing what to expect: over the top down bad for the FMC hero, dirty talk galore, and humorous side characters (I forgot I had missed the “Orgasm Donors”). I picked this up loving the awkward dynamic between Chloe and Sig from The Au Pair Affair, fully ready for their bizarre story. And the opening did not disappoint. This meet cute was so well written with the excitement and insta-lust Bailey is so good at writing. I loved the opening to their love story and felt that unpredictable sizzle between them that all takes place before the start of The Au Pair Affair. This was the best part of the book, when there’s all the promise for these characters before the plot threw them a curve ball.

As far as plot devices go, the narrative of Dream Girl Drama relies heavily on the reader accepting that a relationship between step-siblings (not long time live together, but adult step-siblings) would be taboo. I wanted it to be awkward and uncomfortable at worst, but personally I didn’t see a tremendous issue with their relationship. It was hard to imagine a whole city being invested in what didn’t feel like the juiciest of gossip. Regardless, I felt like a good time was delivered by Bailey, and if you can go along with the idea that step-siblings dating would be problematic, then the storytelling will work for you. This is escapism, pure and simple, with over the top characters who live big and have big personalities. Although not my favorite book in this series, I still think it fits in perfectly with the Big Shots series and would read again for that initial high of making a connection with someone at first sight. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Another amazing read from Tessa Bailey! *Dream Girl Drama* delivers on all fronts with swoon-worthy moments and characters you can’t help but root for. Sig calling Chloe his "dream girl" and doing whatever it takes to be with her is just *chef’s kiss*. Chloe, a sheltered prodigy harp player, is mischievous and comes to Sig’s rescue when his car breaks down. Instant attraction is there, but fate has other plans, leading them both to a dinner where their parents are announcing their engagement.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, but they both know they have to keep their feelings in check—especially with their parents about to marry. Sig, a rugged hockey player with a tough background and a single mom, he helps Chloe find her independence, but the tabloids start to stir things up.

This book is such a fun ride and ties perfectly into *Fan Girl Down* and *The Au Pair Affair*. I hope we get more stories in this world because the side characters and the friendships/family dynamics are just fantastic. Of course, there’s top-tier spice (Tessa Bailey does not disappoint in that department!). If you love swoon-worthy romance with a side of drama and steam, this is a must-read!

I truly enjoy Tessa Bailey, for she provides a great steamy romance book that entices you . I have not read something that I don't like from this author.

It’s taken me a while to write this review, based on how I feel about the book. I wish I had great things to say, like my experience with all Tessa Bailey’s other books I’ve read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

As it’s the third book in the series, the reader gets to see this couple’s tension in the other novels and it’s exciting to get to this particular book. Chloe and Sig begin the story meeting for the first time and it’s a connection right off the bat. However, after this destined meeting, they discover that their parents are getting married, and from there, they decide that they need to stay friends, but of course, that’s not how the story plays out. From their beginning attraction, will they stay apart for their family or will they throw caution to the wind?

At the beginning of the book, the author takes the reader back to the moment the couple, Sig and Chloe, met. I really liked this addition to the story and I think it added chemistry and angst to their dynamic. However, it felt like I was skipping through the story without being provided a meaning, besides the obvious love connection these characters are working towards, and it made me frustrated that I could see the potential. I usually love Tessa Bailey’s writing, it's hilarious, witty, and sexy. This story, however, felt like she was writing too much with the formula she’s curated over time and got too comfortable with it.

Moreover, while I enjoyed the beginning of the story, I skimmed the end and didn’t find that there was a real meaning to the story in the end.

Dream Girl Drama follows Sig and Chloe, whom we met in book 2 of the Big Shots series. The story starts with the pair first meeting and we’re given front row seats to their instant attraction, only to quickly learn that the pair are soon to become step-siblings when they discover that Sig’s social-climbing father is newly engaged to Chloe’s wealthy mother. Sig and Chloe must try to navigate their newly-placed boundaries and deny their feelings while desperately wanting what they can’t have— each other.

This book was so good and such a page turner. I loved the tension and banter between Sig and Chloe so much! The palpable attraction paired with their obvious connection and the touch of taboo made the story scorching hot! I can’t wait to see whose story is told next!

3.5⭐️
This is a typical Tessa Bailey good time, & worth a read if you like her style and the other books in this series. Both the main characters were endearing and there is something to be said for a man so down bad he will sell his own sports memorabilia to support his girls Sephora habit!

Thank you Tessa Bailey for getting me through this nightmare of a week.

As always, Tessa Bailey takes a trope that normally makes me cringe (stepsiblings in this case, dear god) and makes it work. They meet before they're aware of the upcoming nuptials! They're adults and didn't grow up together! It's fine! Per usual, there's a healthy dose of (unrealistic) drama, but it's all in good fun. Just don't think to much into it.

I was intrigued by Sig and Chloe since they showed up in The Au Pair Affair. I loved watching Chloe evolve throughout the book and find her independence, and watching Sig support her without stifling her.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

Tropes
- forbidden romance
- sports romance (hockey)
- future step siblings
- she’s a music prodigy (harp)
- instalove

this book had me battled the entire time. I’ve never read a tessa bailey book ( I know shocker don’t yell at me) and I was really excited to try this one out. sadly, this just wasn’t my cup of tea!

a hockey player who’s car breaks down before meeting his dad at a country club and who comes in? a music prodigy harp player who pretends she knows him so he can enter the country club.

there is immediate attraction between them and I was genuinely excited to see their chemistry develop. they end up exchanging numbers as they both have somewhere to be to find out their parents are engaged to one another (gasps)

chloe is very sheltered as her life has revolved around music and sometimes it was hard to like the character as she was so naive and clueless about the world around her. sig was my favorite part as I will root for a man who’s obsessed.

As usual from Tessa Bailey, this was fun and full of spice. The romantic pairing is slightly taboo, but I found the story fun and a great addition to this collection.

I was excited to get the ARC for this book to finally encourage me to start this series. I enjoyed books 1 and 2, but after meeting these MCs in book 2, I wasn’t sure how much I would like their book. They were annoying with all their labeling and I don’t think the main source of tension would really be that big of a deal in real life.

The entire book focused on them not being able to be together because they are set to be future step siblings, with Sig trying to find a way around it while helping Chloe become an independent adult. It just didn’t hook me and all the tension wasn’t hot enough to overcome that. The resolution was too easy too, for how big of a deal it had been.

We also briefly met the book 4 couple, but I don’t think I’ll be reading it based on the let down of this book, and I haven’t really been interested in learning more about that MMC who has been around in books 2 and 3.


3.5 stars, rounded down to 3
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing an eARC for my honest opinion.

I will read anything by Tessa Bailey, and this book did not disappoint! Spicy romantic storyline with a problem/plot twist as cliched as they come, but it was hard not to love both of these characters by the end.

When I tell you I binged this book, I mean it - I read it in a day! Dream Girl Drama was everything I wanted and more. Tessa Bailey has delivered a steamy, heartwarming, and utterly captivating romance that had me hooked from page one.

Let’s talk about Sig Gauthier - SWOON. He’s the ultimate book boyfriend, and his obsession with Chloe is the kind of love we all dream about. Instalove doesn’t always work for me, but for this story? It definitely did. Sig’s devotion to Chloe, their undeniable chemistry, and the way they both supported each other’s passions made their connection feel so authentic.

Chloe’s journey toward independence was inspiring, and I loved how Sig was there to guide her without overshadowing her growth. Their mutual respect and the way they looked out for one another made their relationship even more special. And the banter? Chef’s kiss. Add in the spice and you’ve got a romance that will have you fanning yourself one moment and swooning the next.

This was my first book by Tessa Bailey, and I’m already planning to read the rest of the interconnected standalones in this series. If you’re a fan of steamy romances with heart, Dream Girl Drama is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for providing an arc of this title in exchange for my honest review!

📕Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

⭐️ Dual POV
⭐️Hockey Star/Harp Player
⭐️Forbidden Romance

Sig and Chloe meet and have an intense instant connection. Until they find out their parents are getting married and they are about to be step siblings! Lots of spice but also lots of soulmate moments. He calls her Dream Girl!! ♥️

I love the slow burn of this book and how much Chloe develops and comes into her own. I’ll never get tired of reading books where women being strong independent badasses! The Big Shot series has been all
hits and this third book did not disappoint!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon Books and Tessa Bailey for this ARC. Get your own copy on February 4! ♥️

I had been excited for book two in the Big Shots series. Last book really set us up with our curiosity with Sig and Chloe. I was excited to dive in and see how their story began. However I felt disappointed with this story and ended up not finishing at 25%.

While the way they met was fun, it still felt slightly unrealistic. What kind of country club would not allow you to make a call if your car broke down? I know this is fiction, and it is not real, but it was too far fetched. Especially when he just agreed to set Chloe up in an apartment and help her to follow her dreams after only knowing her less than a day. I had originally thought it would be awkward with the potential "step siblings", but I was so confused as to why Sig was spending all this money on someone who he just met. He can't live without her after just a week?

I will not be posting this review to Goodreads since it is below three stars.
Thank you for the opportunity! I think I might just need to have a Tessa break.

3.75 stars

Normally I’m giving Tessa Bailey all the stars and while I still enjoyed this book, there was a lot that just either didn’t make sense to me or just felt odd. In the previous book of this series when we met Chloe, I’ll be honest and say I wasn’t excited about her as a future FMC because of how spoiled and her charm felt manipulative to get Sig to do anything for her. I do think this book explained that and even corrected it a bit which I appreciated. And I actually enjoyed the insta-love to we can’t be together but want to be aspect, it was fun and the yearning was peak.

But here’s my issue….this shouldn’t be such a scandal. Everyone acted like “ omg this is so weird it will ruin your life” but
1. They met as full grown adults
2. They met before the context of their parents was known.
3. Their parents weren’t even married yet.
4. If they were so sure they were in love, just get married first and then it’s just that your parents decided to marry each other later then you avoid the whole illegality of it in Massachusetts. (Which would honestly probably be something you could get around given the circumstances)

And everyone was so against the idea when I just don’t think it was anywhere near that level. I get it, it’s technically illegal to marry a step sibling in MA so yes, a bit of a scandal in some ways but I only learned that through Google and not in the book. That context honestly would’ve been great to know because it’s not the case in many states. It would be just maybe a tiny “oh that’s odd” but not a full blown scandal imo. And the resolution…doesn’t change anything! If you found the relationship weird in the first place, I don’t think that one detail changes anything to you! It’s still weird! Sure now it’s not technically illegal in MA but the public opinion probably would have no change.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!