Tessa Bailey can do no wrong. I usually avoid step sibling romances (just not my jam), but there was no way I wasn't going to read Sig's story after the hints dropped in The Au Pair Affair.
The banter is hot, Chloe is an over-sheltered mess (in the best way possible), and everything gets turned on its head in the third act. The ending, while a tidy way to wrap up the story and give everyone their HEA should have been predictable, but the way the story is woven, it ends up being a wonderful take on the trope.

10/10 would wear a bedazzled pink Gauthier jersey and read again.

Tropes: step-sibling romance, forbidden/taboo romance, sports romance, insta-love

Blurb: Sig Gauthier, a Bearcat hockey player, immediately hits it off with Chloe Clifford, a child prodigy harpist. Despite their obvious chemistry, it gets smothered as hear the engagement of their parents and they will become step-siblings.

First of all, if ya’ll told me that little old me was going to get an ARC from Tessa Bailey, the smut QUEEN herself, I would’ve said ya’ll were crazy. But I can’t believe it, here we are 😭 I’m proud to announce that this book was in the usual Tessa Bailey fashion- smut-tastic, a very alpha male and cutesy FMC. Those smut scenes? Someone hose me down ya’ll 😂

I think this book still didn’t hit for me like it did Fangirl down tho. Chloe seemed too childish, and I get that she was used to the *finer* things but sis, you are literally on someone else’s hard earned salary now, maybe don’t blow your rent on creams??? 🥲 Sig’s protectiveness warranted more on the side of controlling at times and that was not the vibe. Like sir, how are you going to have her delete all of the men’s numbers in her phone? 👀 Crazy, couldn’t be me!

Thank you Netgalley and Avonbooks for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion 🫶🏼

It’s not often that I obsess over a book while and reading it AND days after I’ve finished it! I give a solid 4⭐️ ONLY because some “activities” were not my taste. But! The storyline, the plot, the forbidden love. The spicy! It was all *mwah* 👩🏼‍🍳 💋. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this cute masterpiece by Tessa Bailey! Not excuse me while I continue to wallow in my book hangover.

After reading The Au Pair Affair, I knew I needed to get my hands on this book.

Sig and Chloe have an undeniable connection and chemistry from the moment they meet. They quickly get to know each other and share moonlit kisses only hours before finding out they are future step-siblings. This complication adds so much tension and angst to their situation and turned the insta-chemistry into o the slow burn of the century. Ooh but the wait was SOOO worth it!

The ending was wrapped up tight with a big bow. I wasn’t sure how exactly Tessa was going to pull it off…but she did!

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey was a great read and I always enjoy her books. This book follows Chloe who is a harpist composer and Sig who is a hockey player. They both meet unexpectedly and on a very unusual way but they hit it off right away. They exchange numbers and hope to see each other again soon not knowing they will meet a lot sooner than later. They meet once again at a dinner meeting each other’s respective mother and father finding out they are going to be step siblings when each other’s parents are going to marry within the year. As they spend more time as friends their chemistry and undeniable attraction grows even more and they have to wonder whether to fight off their feelings or find a way to be together. Huge fan of Tessa Bailey and this book is definitely a 5 star read! Thank You NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this early ARC in exchange of my honest review. Publishing date of February 4, 2025.

I’ll be honest; most of my reservations about this book have a lot to do with me not being interested in this trope (step sibling love), but also, there were a lot of weird gaps and rushed time. Overall, not awful, but the other two in this series were much better!

4🌟 chloe and sig!!! this book is giving soulmates and I was here for it. the questionable step sibling trope was one I haven’t really read before, but tessa made it work! I thought the undeniable chemistry and tension between the characters from their first encounter was amazing, and the will they won’t they vibes throughout the book had me nonstop reading! I do wish we were able to get some more of the happy ending once the fog cleared, but I will still say overall that I enjoyed this one and I think my besties who love a hockey romance will definitely enjoy 💖

When I say this book lived up to the hype, I absolutely mean it. I have been wanting to read this book since Sig and Chloe were mentioned in the previous books and I immediately devoured this book. I love the forbidden aspects of this book and how clearly the characters love each other despite not always being able to show it. I highly recommend this book, it's the perfect mix of spicy and sweet.

Another fun, steamy read from Tessa Bailey! Chloe and Sig have off the charts chemistry, but it’s a forbidden love when they learn they will soon become step siblings. I loved the playful banter around Boston and sports rivalries. It seems like we’ll be getting another book (or two?) in this series, and I can’t wait to read more.

The tension and angst is exactly what I was hoping it would be and more. Absolutely obsessed with how obsessed Sig is.

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for letting me review this ARC.

I'm a huge fan of the other books in this series (Fangirl and The Au Pair Affair). This third book follows the characters of Sig and Chloe. This just wasn't my favorite. The plot was -- weak. The reader has to get past the idea of step-siblings falling in love (and Bailey does a good job making it less weird and more acceptable). The problem is that b/c this is forbidden and the book needs to be sexy, there's a lot of sexual "actions" that stop short of crossing any lines --- and frankly it's annoying after a while, Sig is sexy and hot but he's also got some real red flags -- especially with the "If I can't have you then no one can" mentality. It's less sexy and more ick. Chloe is annoying and selfish and just a too immature for a 25 yo. I really thought she was like 17 when we first meet her. Nope. The whole plot (estranged relationships etc., parents with secrets, lack of communication)-- was just irritating after a while. This storyline just wasn't as strong as the previous books and I was much less invested.

I’m so grateful I was able to get an advanced copy of this book. Tessa Bailey is an auto read author for me. I adore her books and love her characters and I love that this was part of a series. Admittedly, I love the first two in the series more than this one, but still felt the chemistry here was really strong and of course steamy! It has a twist at the end, but I honestly did not see coming.

Tessa Bailey brings the heat from the start with another fantastic addition to her Big Shot series! I love a sports rom-com and this one really does not lack in the drama department! A great steamy read that kept me giggling all the way through.

This book was my first Tessa Bailey book. I guarantee it will not be my last. I loved the writing style and the pace of this beautifully written book.

Dream Girl Drama starts with the characters meeting in the first chapter, so it’s quick to grab your attention. It’s a ‘love at first sight’ trope that isn’t done cringey. This is a forbidden romance because our main characters Sig and Chloe soon find out that they are to be future step siblings.

Sig is a two-time NHL all-star with the Boston Bearcats. With the way he grew up with his mother he never needed anything extravagant. Chloe is a harp prodigy who grew up pampered, and never having to do anything for herself. She just relied on her moms wealth.

Sig still drives a 1998 Chevy Pickup truck which breaks down while his phone is dead. He gets saved by Chloe who proceeds to steal champagne for them to toast to at the elite country club. Where they have such an instant magnetic connection to each other.

Once finding out that their parents are engaged they, keep it between themselves that they knew each other prior to meeting. This happened at dinner to tell them along with an introduction.

Chloe wants to move to Boston to go to school for the harp, against her moms approval. She is able to make that decision with the comfort of Sig. He supports her in more ways than one, showing her how to live without the cushion of money.

They both fight their feelings for each other, but the more time Sig and Chloe spend together the harder that becomes. Lines get blurred while Sig does everything he can to allow them to be together.

While reading this I was rooting for them, as well as feeling their struggles to keep a wall of friendship between them. This forbidden slow burn will have you swooning for the way Sig can take care of you. All while making you blush from the dirty things that come out of this gentleman’s mouth.

This is a definite 5 ⭐️ from me with 3.5 🌶️
I can’t wait to have the physical copy on my shelf because *chef’s kiss*

okay before I even start this book. I was so so SO drawn to Sig’s overbearing, weird protectiveness of his step sister/almost step sister in The Au Pair Affair?? I was sitting there really questioning if Tessa was actually going there from the rip when I saw that note in the beginning. And BOY I was right. By the end of the book I was DYING for this story!!!! And I am SO fucking happy I received an ARC copy of it. thank you so much Tessa, Net Galley, and Avon books!! okay so now I’m off to read it. Will share my final review when I’m done reading it! <3

𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.75★

A huge thank you to , Avon and Harper Voyager, NetGalley. /!. Tessa for the advanced reader copy of Dream Girl!! Honestly was not expecting this opportunity but I feel so blessed 😭🩷

When I was reading the Au Pair Affair, I instantly started sensing the vibe between Sig and Chloe and I was questioning many things 😂😭 the biggest one being why am I interested in a step sibling romance???? 🫣🫣 Anywho, here tf I am!!!! <3

For context: This book follows Sig Gauthier, a famous ice hockey player from Boston and Chloe Clifford, a harp prodigy from Connecticut. Both raised in completely different worlds, but somehow a broken down truck and a dead phone leads to a chance encounter that changes their lives forever. One stolen champagne bottle later and Sig knows he’s found the love of his life. Chloe, much like Sig, finds herself connecting so deeply and easily with someone for the first time ever. After a deeply passionate kiss, it’s decided: they’re continuing this chance encounter….. in bed. Convo chem? 🔥 but BED CHEM? let’s see if it’s just as good 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Unfortunately, they have prior obligations they need to attend to prior to meeting again for their fun filled night. They each have to attend separate dinner plans. Sig has dinner plans with his dad to meet his new fiancée and Chloe has dinner plans with her mother to meet her fiancé…. lol wait what??🫣 yep. The WORST second chance encounter ever… 😂

Something I really loved about the main characters: how vastly different their upbringings were. Sig is an only child that grew up with a struggling single mother. He learned to make the best of every situation, though he always wondered about his father. Unlike Sig, Chloe grew up sheltered, wealthy, and in constant control of her mother. Chloe constantly wondered about the independence of being on her own. The only person who stood up for her freedom was Sig, and if it weren’t for him, she would have likely never had the courage to go out and do her own thing. Chloe was challenged to grow in many ways, both as an average adult, learning to do laundry and cook, but also as a known prodigy harpist. (Relatable, - the harpist part lol).

Although this is an insta-love story (which I don’t really gravitate towards) I did enjoy the tension between Chloe and Sig in the book. Knowing they would be step siblings did freak me out a little, but also logically you’re two grown adults who met before you knew what was happening between your parents. For a second I felt like they were really about to run off to be together because I could find no logical way otherwise and that was upsetting 🤣🤣 I also kind of felt bad for how they were being scrutinized in the media and it made me realize that this is literally reality for current day celebrities and that is so shitty??

Anyway. Final thoughts: I had a hard time trying to figure out how the heck this relationship was going to work. I’m not sure why the resolution to their story was just not something that ever crossed my mind, but it made me so happy when it finally happened and made so much sense😭 Overall, I enjoyed this and I’m excited for the orgasm donors to get their turn 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚: forbidden romance, insta love, sports romances, ice-hockey, smut 🌶️

Ok so this is book 3 in her sports romance series and every time I have gone to read any of her books in this series I have not been thrilled with the thought of actually reading the story.

AND yet, this is the third time that I have been reluctantly pulled in the direction of actually liking it.

Ugh why?? Why do they all sound horrible and then they are actually enjoyable? I’m honestly a bit miffed. Lol

Sig and Chloe were annoying to me in book 2 and the step sibling thing was weird. But their meet cute was magnetic and then the bomb was dropped. It made me root for them from day 1. Tessa did a good job there that is for sure. This was maybe her closest to taboo book I can think of since it’s a step sibling book but just read it if you aren’t a taboo reader because I think you might like the resolution. And if you aren’t a taboo reader, just know— this is a Tessa Bailey book after all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Bailey for the advanced reader copy!

“I haven’t been a bachelor since I heard your voice for the first time. I was yours before I even turned around and you know it.”

Dream Girl Drama (Big Shots, Book 3)
Author: Tessa Bailey
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

On his way to dinner to meet his dad’s new girlfriend, Sig Gauthier runs into a bit of car trouble. With a dead phone, he has no other option but to stop at the nearby country club for help. Even as an NHL player himself, Sig feels exceptionally out of place somewhere so posh. Chloe Clifford, a club member, quickly comes to his rescue. Her antics and longing for adventure capture Sig’s attention right away. After hitting it off with a steamy golf course kiss, the two exchange information and head to their separate plans. Little did they know those plans overlap because they were just re-introduced to each other by their parents. Remember Sig’s dad’s girlfriend? Well, it turns out she got upgraded to fiance and she also happens to be Chloe’s mom…making Sig and Chloe soon-to-be step-siblings.

Chloe and Sig’s connection was instant but the added complications quickly simmered it out a bit, giving their romance that slow-burn feeling but with a hot start. The beginning of the story drew me in quickly and had my attention but some of the drama and conflict towards the middle lost me for a bit. Their story was still enjoyable to say the least and the end for sure turned it around for me with some twists and connecting of the dots. Overall, there was plenty of drama and comical relief that really added to Sig and Chloe’s story making it their own while keeping that true feel of a classic Tess book.

If you like:
Hockey Romance
Forbidden Romance
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn

Reviewed by: Karley🧡

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book!

As a huge Tessa fan I had high hopes for this book. I loved Fangirl Down but felt somewhat indifferent towards The AuPair Affair. I was hesitant going into a step siblings romance but was excited nonetheless.

I was unfortunately very let down. I love forbidden romance but I don’t think step siblings is for me. It seemed like it was turned into a much bigger deal than it ever should have been considering they’re adults who have just met. It was made worse by the fact that at many times I felt Sig treated Chloe with sibling like treatment (also seen in the AuPair Affair) versus a woman he is interested in.

I found Sig and Chloe’s relationship to be somewhat toxic. Specifically the scene where Sig tells Chloe to delete all the men in her phone. They just don’t seem good together.

I also found the spicy scenes to be uncomfortable. I’m not sure if I just don’t like Sig or what but his dirty talk was cringey.

I’m so sad I didn’t like this. I think I am just not the target audience for these tropes.

I was happy to get this one. I was waiting for Sig and Chloe‘s story after reading about them in the Au Pair Affair. I love the way Sig is with Chloe. He treats her like a queen. The spice, angst, banter and chemistry was perfect and I flew through this one! Highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the arc to read and leave my honest review.

I've been waiting for this book! The forbidden romance, the tension, the steam! I felt like it def delivered on it. I would say it's my favorite book in her new sports series and my favorite romantic couple!