Alisha’s Review
I’d like to preface this review by stating an undeniable fact: I am a romance novel hater. I like romance in novels–––a longing look between characters, an intense passion between star crossed lovers, unrequited love and whatnot. But when the plot is people being together or not together, I kind of clock out. This is why I was skeptical upon picking up Dream Girl Drama, a new romance novel by Tessa Bailey.
This book did surpass my expectations. At times.
The novel opens with a steamy interaction between hockey player Sig and rich girl Chloe. Their opposites-attract personalities were fun and the exposition was well-fleshed out. Eventually, upon finding out they are in fact about to be step siblings, things become a little more complicated.
The novel handles the twists and turns of their forbidden relationship quite well. I think the level of awkwardness, tension and longing that would realistically happen in this situation is well translated in the book, and their relationship dynamic, Sig being a protective yet somewhat reserved tough guy, and Chloe being a soft and flirtatious trust-fund bay, is well-maintained throughout the book.
I do think there were a number of flaws, though. I think that Chloe’s character comes across as childlike a lot of the time, and their height and size difference is constantly referenced. This seemed a little demeaning, particularly because she struggled to do basic tasks for herself like laundry or washing dishes, and although this plays into her very wealthy character, it seems like it almost reduces her strength as a woman and an individual. She has to rely on Sig for nearly everything, and his protective nature comes across as overbearing at times. He threatens any future partners of hers after knowing her for, like, a week.
The main issue I had with this novel is that there is no character growth or development. Sig says he loves Chloe not even a quarter into the book. He never encourages her to grow as a person, and she does not attempt to grow as a person. I honestly forgot they were supposed to be in their late 20s––they act, talk and have the sex talk of awkward teenagers or lustful middle-aged divorced parents who forgot how new relationships work. There’s also a ‘plot twist’ at the end. It made me groan out loud when I read it. All that work for that ending???
The steamy scenes were in fact steamy. I know that Bailey’s books have a certain reputation for including certain sex acts, but this did not feature in Dream Girl Drama. Instead there was a lot of heated tension, longing desires and forbidden kisses.
Overall, this book was funny, albeit embarrassing at times, and an enjoyable read. If you don’t mind the occasional eye-roll inducing one liner or sappy scene, it has sweet moments.
If you like 2000s rom coms or enjoy an easy-read romance, this might be the book for you.
Rating: 2/5
Chelsea’s Review
Tessa Bailey’s Dream Girl Drama delivers a compelling blend of forbidden romance, hot chemistry and emotional depth that makes it hard to put this contemporary romance down.
The story centers on professional hockey player Sig and sheltered harp prodigy Chloe, whose chance encounter leads to an intense connection. A spanner is thrown in the works when upon discovering their parents’ engagement, making them future step-siblings. This twist propels the story into a captivating exploration of forbidden love and family dynamics.
Tessa crafts the tension between Sig and Chloe expertly. I love how authentic Tessa’s dialogue feels to read and this helps the instant attraction into a slow-burning relationship storyline super compelling.
The interactions are filled with witty banter, emotional depth, and steamy moments that I wanted to sink my teeth into.
While the plot delves into complex themes, it maintains a balance with lighthearted and funny elements.
Dream Girl Drama is a testament to Tessa Bailey’s talent for creating engaging, emotionally resonant rom-coms. With its well-drawn characters and intricate plot it is a must-read for romance lovers.
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Tessa Bailey and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy.
Purchase Dream Girl Drama here.
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