I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so much! & I was THRILLED to get an early ARC from NetGalley & Avon books

Sig & Chloe story was beyond exceptional. The inner struggle they both go through and the forced growth that has to happen had me fighting for them along side them.

As always, banter between the two MCs is and will ALWAYS be my favorite. Tessa Bailey once again did not disappoint and I’m looking forward to the next installment coming this summer 2025!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity! Tessa Bailey is one of my all time favorite authors. Hockey is my favorite sport of sports romance. And this series has been so great. Sig and Chloe are mentioned earlier on in the series and I was so excited to get to read this book. It is a forbidden romance trope, so of course read the trigger warnings first as this book won’t be for everybody. This relationship was *chefs kiss* Not everyone can pull off this kind of romance tastefully, but Tessa did. I loved every second of it. I can’t wait for the series to continue.

The third installment of the Big Shots series, but each book can be read as a standalone. This story follows Sig and Chloe, a couple that meet by chance and it is love at first sight. However, later that same night, they find out that their parents are getting married, and they will soon be step-siblings. The two do their best to fight their attraction, but find it impossible to deny their love. A lot of sexual tension and angst- the perfect combo for a yummy love story. Sig is also the perfect cinnamon roll, possessive, alpha male we all want as an MMC. I have loved all of the books in this series- check them out!

2.75 stars

”you love her?” “I exist for her.”

I found the initial chapters of this novel quite promising, as the undeniable chemistry between the protagonists drew them together during their charming first encounter. however, the story took an unexpected turn with soap opera-like events following their realization that they were about to become step-siblings. initially, i adored the way the male character spoiled the female protagonist with a ‘princess treatment’ and took such tender care of her.
yet, as the story progressed, I began to feel disconnected from the narrative. Chloe was often depicted in a childlike manner, which became challenging to engage with at times. nonetheless, I was genuinely surprised by the significant twist revealed at the end of the book, and I appreciated how the author deftly navigated the complexities of their forbidden relationship.
Overall, it was a fast-paced read featuring endearing characters and moments of delightful romance.

many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🔥🔥🔥

Quick Breakdown

Hockey Hero x Harp Prodigy
Future Step Sister
Forbidden Vibes
He Takes Care of Her
Insta Attraction
Tension for DAYS
Slow Burn
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail

When Sig’s truck breaks down outside of a golf course on his way to meet his estranged dad & his new girlfriend, he doesn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams. Chloe & Sig share an instant intense connection & a kiss so red hot both know their lives will be forever changed. The bubble bursts though, when Sig gets to his important dinner & Chloe is already there. Her mom & his dad aren’t only dating, they’re engaged.

When Sig learns the sheltered Chloe always wanted to move to Boston for music school, he brings her back home with him. All the while knowing he can’t touch his future step sister.

I FLUFFING loved this!

It flirted with feeling taboo while not at the same time given Sig & Chloe met before they knew their fate. The will they / won’t they tension paired with their wholesome respect & desire to care for each other had me swooning!

I am OBSESSED with how obsessed Sig is with Chloe. The “he takes care of her” and gentle passive vibes Sig radiates have become some of my all time favorites for the respective tropes. This paired with the mutual pining, unwillingly falling in love as friends with the delayed gratification of their physical relationship made me burn alive as it edged me on. I will never look at laundry the same again 🫠

In The Au Pair Affair, Chloe had a bubbly naive personality that I originally didn’t know how to feel about. While we still see her that way, her back story explains why & you can’t help but love her for it. We learn so much more about her, including how kind & resilient she is as she attempts to grow her world & live more independently. Sig is her ultimate cheerleader & coincidentally, she brings out the best in him, too.

I already can’t wait to read it again!

What I liked:

There was a cute dog.

What didn’t work for me:

The insta-love was off the charts. Sig and Chloe are basically obsessed with each other from chapter 2. There was no build up at all. The only tensions I guess was sexual tension since they don’t actually cross that line until later in the book.

There was absolutely no chemistry between Sig and Chloe. The lack of character development made them feel like caricatures, Chloe the sheltered rich girl and Sig, the fixer. I don’t understand why or believe that they actually love each other.

I really wanted Chloe to have a lot of growth throughout the story and learn to be independent, but that really didn’t happen. Sig helped her move to Boston, but then for the most part sheltered her and bankrolled her so she never had to stand on her own two feet. It felt very infantilizing to me.

A lot of the spice is a big no for me. I hate how Tessa Bailey writes dirty talk, it is typically super cringey. And if I never hear/read the phrase “spurting sex” again I will be a happy woman.

I did not enjoy the circumstances of this book and I think it ruined the characters. The heroine has no growth as she went from being supported by her mother to being supported by the love interest. Her conversation with the landlord where she just used pretty girl privilege to avoid paying rent was gross. Then the hero is such an idiot that he side hustles to sell memorabilia to support her rather than teaching her anything about how to support herself. I love the first few chapters but the structure of the story made me hate the characters that the author started off on such a high note. I wish she had more of a relationship with her mentor who seemed like a bad ass. But she too was wooed by her talent and just gives up her job to her? I prefer more growth of people, not codependent misogynists.

Tessa does not disappoint. After I read the first two in the series, I needed to read this one and I am so glad that I got the chance! Thank you for the opportunity!

This was exactly as it was described. I think if anything significantly lighter on the romance elements than anticipated but also very much aligned with the series as a whole. I previously enjoyed Bailey’s Bellinger Sister's series.

3.5 Stars

I want to start this review off by saying that I enjoyed the book. It was an easy read and one that I was motivated to keep reading, easily completing this within a few days.

I thought that Sig was an incredible MMC. I loved how much he cared for Chloe and put every ounce of effort into providing for her, along with those he loves. He was beyond willing to work himself to the bone to keep his behavior up. He had a couple of possessive moments, but I honestly liked them. But I understand if that’s not other people’s cup of tea.

Chloe lacked some general common sense, but was understandable because of her upbringing, her mother, and being extremely privileged with wealth. I didn’t mind it at first because this was her first step into real life. But it did bother me with how she still seemed to not understand how money works as the book went on, how expensive things were, etc, because she would blow the money she was given.

Another problem I had, was that I felt like the time jumps ruined opportunities for us to see them get closer, and watch their relationship develop. It felt like quite a bit of it was done “behind the scenes”, which sucked because I would’ve loved just a good intimate moment, not sex, just one where they really connected with one another.

Other than that, I genuinely wasn’t expecting the ending and thought it was really well done.

You know those books that you can pick up and you know that you’re going to love it. And those authors that if you can depend on that if you pick up their books, it’s going to be exactly what you need and the time that you need it. Tessa Bailey is one of those authors for me. And Dream Girl Drama…definitely is one of those books.
This one verges on the side of taboo. But as you know, Tessa Bailey writes romcoms so in the end, it will always work out. I’d loved this series since book one. She’s given us golf. She’s given us single hockey player dad. Now she gives us another hockey player who is immediately in love at first sight with a woman that who turns out is going to be his stepsister.
I loved the growth that Tessa gives Chloe. I think her character development was great. I love that though Chloe comes from a certain background she isn’t the typical girl one would assume her to be.
Our MMC, Sig, has had the opposite upbringing. But he wants to be able to give everything to Chloe. I have found this year that give me a possessive cinnamon roll that falls in love at first sight and in a happy girl.
I really do hope that she writes more in this series. I would love to see one for our new GM and even the two Rookies. I’m excited for what’s next.

Almost 4 stars. I'm a big fan of Tessa Bailey's. I've read a ton of her books, and all of her new releases are auto-buy for me. And out of all of the books I've read from her, the Big Shot series is my favorite. After reading The Au Pair Affair, I was definitely curious about Chloe and Sig. The tension between the two of them was obvious even in those books. And it does not take long for that tension to start in Dream Girl Drama. This book is definitely a bit insta-lovey, which if I'm honest, is not always my favorite. But both parties fall very hard and very fast. But Sig... I don't know that I've ever read a male lead as gone for their love interest as much as Sig was for Chloe. He lived and breathed for her. And I'm not gonna lie, that's pretty swoony. Unfortunately for both Sig and Chloe, their relationship is forbidden-- their parents are about to marry one another, making them step-siblings. I think I must be reading too many romance books, because the fact that they were going to be step siblings was a big deal. A HUGE deal. As in, a major impediment to their relationship. But given that they're not blood related, I didn't really jive with/understand all of the hullabaloo that caused. But apparently, it's pretty taboo. Who knew?!? We do have some fun cameos from the couple featured in The Au Pair Affair, and a lot of fun moments featuring other secondary characters. Tessa strongly hints at a possible 2 couples for future books, so this series will definitely continue. The things that I enjoy about most Tessa books were definitely present in Dream Girl Drama. Tessa's books, in my opinion, are just hysterical, and ALWAYS leave me laughing. And for those that are wondering, of course there were plenty of steamy scenes, though I will say there's probably less steam in this book compared to most of the others I've read from Tessa. All in all, I definitely enjoyed this one and am still really loving this series. And I'm excited to see where Tessa goes with the next books!

Thanks so much to Tessa, Avon, and netgalley for the ARCs in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for surprising me with an approval to read and review this!

Dream Girl Drama features some of my favorite things. He falls first (and immediately) and makes it his mission in life to make her happy to matter what. She realizes she wants more than what she had at home and takes a sudden chance at more. They both have very good character growth. They definitely have insane chemistry, and not just sexual.

Despite the title, I was surprised by how much drama there actually was, not that I'm complaining. It wasn't petty drama, it was actual life-altering drama. Drama that had me feeling a bit heartbroken for Sig and Chloe, I'll be honest.

I had some frustration at times with Chloe and with Sig. Chloe is a bit of a spoiled rich kid who was kept very sheltered by her mother. In general, I tend to not really like that type of character, especially when they take advantage of others when they screw up when it comes to money and not paying bills. That was my major frustration with Chloe. When it comes to Sig, he coddled her too much. I realize I said one of my favorite things is when the guy does whatever he can to make his love interest happy. I just wish that didn't mean him letting her get away with making several stupid financial decisions.

All in all, I enjoyed this! I'm interested in seeing who the characters will be in book #4.

✨🚨 ARC ALERT! 🚨✨

Tessa Bailey has done it again, y’all! Dream Girl Drama is the cozy, laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging gem you didn’t know your TBR needed—but trust me, it does. 💖

Sig and Chloe? Chefs kiss perfection. Their instant connection isn’t just adorable; it’s straight-up magical. ✨ From their first meeting, you can feel the chemistry literally jumping off the page. The way these two support each other, even when the world seems determined to throw every obstacle in their way, is everything we dream of in romance.

Let’s talk Chloe for a sec—because her growth as an independent, badass woman chasing her dreams is everything. 🌟 And Sig? He’s the kind of partner we all deserve, cheering her on from the sidelines and standing by her side when it counts. (Spoiler: It always counts.)

Oh, and for my fellow Burgess & Tallulah fans—yes, there are those little Easter eggs that make it feel like a warm hug from the universe. 🫶 But if you’re new to this world, no worries—it’s a stand-alone that will pull you in all on its own.

Get ready for humor, heart, and a whole lot of feel-good moments. Tessa Bailey delivered a masterpiece, and I’ll be shouting about it forever. 🗣️

*****

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey is an absolute wild ride of a rom-com! It's messy, swoony, and full of that signature Bailey spice. I mean, the chemistry between Sig and Chloe? 🔥 But honestly, there were times when the whole "our parents are engaged" thing felt a little over the top for me, even though it was a total trainwreck in the best way. If you're in the mood for some drama, laughter, and heat, this is perfect, but it's not quite 5-star material for me. Rating: 3.5 stars.

As soon as these two were mentioned in the Big Shots series, I wanted to know more. Thankfully, Tessa Bailey delivered, as only she can. Sig and Chloe have a chance meeting before their world skidded to a stop when they were asked to attend a dinner in which her mom and his dad announced they were engaged. Sig had to grow up fast and be self sufficient from a very young age. He has worked his whole like to be in the NHL. Chloe has lived in a posh, generational wealth bubble. She is a child prodigy harpist that yearns to have more independence. We follow their timeline of becoming best friends and their personal growth. If you love getting the inside scoop of unconventional love stories and happy endings that only Tessa Bailey can deliver, this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I found the whole *taboo* step sibling issue to be not that big of a deal. They're fully grown adults that started something prior to knowing about their parents so I just didn't see that as a huge issue. Which means a lot of the book was way more dramatic than I was anticipating. Also, Chloe was a little too immature for my taste. I get needing to learn to be on your own, but buying eye cream over paying for rent? Seriously? Overall, I did fly through this and it was fine.

Tessa has done it again! (Spoilers to come) I was a little hesitant when I saw the step siblings trope, but Tessa outdid herself with the setup and backstory of the characters. It never felt too wrong, but boy did it feel right! The tension between Sig and Chloe is undeniable and I couldn’t wait to get their HEA! This book built characters and emotions that I don’t normally think of when reading a book this steamy and hot, but I was laughing, tearing up, and got attached to Pierre! I love that Sir Savage and the rookies made their appearance and hope that the rookies love stories are next! The was Tessa sets up more love to come always leaves me giddy with anticipation. I felt the love between Sig and Chloe and hope they show up in future books as well because I miss them already! Excellent 3rd book to the big shots series!

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. It was so fun to read the last of this series before it even has come out!

I liked this one way more than I thought I would. I was a little weirded out by Sig and Chloe’s relationship in the second book but reading their story was so much better than I’d imagined. Just goes to show you it's so easy to judge someones relationship when you have no idea what's actually going on or just by societal norms. I devoured this book and loved the Corrigan and Mailer side bits all throughout. This book has all the spice and drama and lives up to the rest in this series!

I want to say, I feel extremely blessed that I was given the opportunity to read the ARC for this book.

First a review disclaimer, my review will be more about how this book made me feel and how the overall plot and character development was. I don't like to spoil things and I am not going to write a book report analysis with quotes and stuff. What fun is reading a book if you have to break down and analyze the character and plot.

I feel that Tessa Bailey did amazing with the story build and character development of this book and the others in this series. Of note, the Big Shots series can be read as stand alone book, but they hint to the previous book. This book only hints to The Au Pair Affair due to Sig and Burgess being friends and teammates.

On to this book.

Let me just say, this book had all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I raged with the characters, and I gasped when things happened. I don't do that often, but when I do, I know that this book has me hooked.

Chloe is freakin' hilarious with her naivety. She comes off as flighty and unsecure but with a big heart. When the spice hit (not the leading up tease but the actual going forward), Chloe turned into a confident beast who knows what she wants and how to ask for it.

Sig only has eyes for Chloe and is very evident in this book. Sig wants to protect Chloe and help her navigate her independence. Although he tends to enable her more rather than letting her wings spread wide.

The push/pull dynamic and the "forbidden" attraction in this book had me just as frustrated as they both were. I was rooting for them the whole time. The plot twist made me so mad for their relationship. This book does have an HEA so that is something to look forward to.

I will be adding this entire series to my book case (or trophy wall) and will likely re=read this once I get the physical copies.