Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for providing me this ARC!

The third installment of the Big Shots series, Dream Girl Drama definitely takes the cake for the most taboo of the bunch (in a good way). Forbidden romance between two characters who are slated to become step-siblings, unbeknownst to them upon their first meeting, certainly makes for a steamy and spicy plot. I really enjoyed the banter between Sig and Chloe, but I can definitely say he is the most unbelievable of all the MMC’s in the series. Overprotective, yes, but there’s a sort of possessiveness that makes me mildly uncomfortable at some points. I can overlook that though, for the most part. I am thankful that the wrap-up ended in a much less morally-grey way than it could have (a la Penelope Douglas). Overall, an enjoyable and passionate installment for the series. Always a delight reading Tessa’s books!

I was so excited to read Chloe and Sigs story after reading The Au Pair Affair and this book did not disappoint. Chloe is a privileged sheltered harp prodigy and Sig is a professional hockey player with a rough past. Sig and Chloe meet after his car breaks down in front of her posh country club and immediately are attracted to one another. They plan to meet up that night, however they find out they are going to be step siblings when they both show up to dinner with their parents. Once their parents are engaged, Chloe and Sig try to find a way to be able to be together without it being frowned upon.

I loved the fated mates aspect of this book with Chloe and Sig. Chloe is trying to be independent and the way that Sig is so loyal and their for her is so sweet. I loved that despite thinking they wouldn't be able to be together that Sig and Chloe continued to look out for one another and were true to one another. The conflict of the plot was a little difficult to believe since Chloe and Sig would become step siblings by marriage as adults and Sig and his father really didn't have a relationship. Despite that, I really enjoyed this book. I also loved the intro to the next book in the series and can't wait to see what is in store for Corrigan!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC!

Tessa Bailey proves time and time again to be a tour de force and a leader in her genre. DREAM GIRL DRAMA, the next installment of the continuing Big Shots series, is a shimmering, effervescent love story that captured my heart from the first chapter--perhaps even the first page. Bailey has a reverence for her characters, and a unique gift in her ability to transform seemingly-second tier side characters into leading lads and ladies. I was so engrossed with Chloe and Sig's magical meet-cute that I found myself heartbroken all over again when reminded of their core conflict. I was stunned by Sig's determination, drive, and unyielding affection for Chloe. By the end of the book, I felt proud of Chloe in a way I never imagined I could be for a fictional character! Although their conflict seemed insurmountable, somehow Bailey pulled off a magical Hat Trick with the third story in this delightful, daring, and downright hilarious series. I won't be able to eat or sleep until I get to meet Skylar, the next blushy heroine to step into the Big Shots world...

The way that I love this book....I have few words that are able to describe it. This was the perfect angsty, will they-won't they, almost Romeo and Juliet vibes, but tinge it just a little bit taboo. I simply could not stop reading it, and finished it the same day that I started it. I think this is one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books thus far, and definitely the best in the big shots trilogy! I can't wait to talk about it with my patrons.

This was so good! I loved this story and these characters the way this author writes makes you hooked until the end

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

This was my first Tessa Bailey novel and while I did enjoy that the extravagant drama read like a telenovela it was a bit much at times. However, it was enjoyable and I’d be interested in reading the other books in the series.

Tale as old as 2025, Love at first sight, but then they learn that their parents are getting married. Do they fight the attraction, or give into it. The slowest of slow burns. Hilarriously funny in a wait you need laundry detergent to do laundry, kind of way.

I was so excited for this ARC - I was ready to dive into Sig and Chloe's story - and by the end was definitely not disappointed. I enjoyed the characters and their individual stories. However, it was hard for me to get over the taboo theme of supposed future step-siblings. It overshadowed the love story in my opinion and kept me from being able to fully enjoy the growth of their relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC.

This book unfortunately fell very flat for me. The characters in the book seemed very immature and the “spicy” scenes were also not the best compared to other romance books I’ve read. This is a quick read and I was able to finish it within 24 hours if you’re looking for a quick romance book or need a palate cleanser book. **Thank you Avon and Harper Vouager for an arc copy of this book**

A classic Tessa Bailey love story. Lovable characters and the perfect amount of spice. I love when the man is so head over heels and it rocks his whole world.

This was my first Tessa Bailey book. Unfortunately I did not really care for the book. I had a hard time with the third person as well as the instalust. I know it is supposed to be more rom-com like but struggled with the unrealistic aspects of it. (Step sibling situation). I think for what the book was, it was about 100 pages too long as well. I like books with a bit more angst and buildup. Overall though I think others may love this especially if they are big Tessa Fans!

Title: Dream Girl Drama
Author: Tessa Bailey
Publication date: February 4, 2025

It's the week of my birthday and I find it fitting and delicious that I get to provide a book review not only for one of my favorite authors but also my favorite series of hers as well. 🎁✨️

Dream Girl Drama is book #3 in the Big Shots series and if anyone knows me I have been obsessed with Fangirl Down since its release in February of this year.

This book had a lot of firsts for me. I had yet to experience insta love and surprisingly, forbidden romance. Tessa really edges you in this book because the sexual tension between the two protagonists is immediate and leaves you desperate…for a long time. And it makes sense because they are going to be step siblings. 😬

I love that Tessa can incorporate humor, spice and heart into 300s yet leave me with a smile on my face and maybe a few unshed tears.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶

Thank you to ##tessabailey #avonbooks and #netgalley for providing this arc.

Forbidden love filled with all the tension, longing, and heart you could ask for.

This is basically a slow burn in the Tessa Bailey world, despite a timeline that feels jarringly fast at first. You get a very charming meet cute, leap through the getting to know you phase, and dive deep into the desperation of two people forced to ignore their feelings. It kind of feels like the whole book takes place in a third-act-breakup, but not in a bad way. The timeline makes sense since so much of Sig and Chloe's story takes place before we meet them in the previous book. It's written in a way that feels natural, there's just a small part of me that is bummed I missed out on some of those early moments.

Sig and Chloe are likeable (yet flawed) and you really root for them to figure things out. Really great romantic tension with their efforts to not cross the line drawn between them. Watching Chloe grow more confident and independent with Sig's help is a delight.

The actual sports aspect is pretty light but it IS there. There are plenty of fun scenes with notable members of the team outside of practice or games, so to me it did still feel like a sports romance.

Tessa Bailey should also be called The Queen of Breadcrumbs because she always sets up her next book in a way that has you invested based off of just a few pages. I have no hesitation about continuing with the series.

I'd recommend to anyone who loves Tessa Bailey (obviously), fans of Clueless, and people who think self sacrifice is a noble way to show your love.

I was disappointed in the conflict in this one, which brought down my overall enjoyment of the book. I think it's a bit unrealistic to make the conflict that these adults, who met as adults, were romantically linked, as were their parents.

Chloe and Sig had set chemistry and Pierre was great comedic relief, but this book just fell flat for me compared to the first two in the series.

3.5 stars! This was classic Tessa Bailey fun! I really liked how from the beginning we knew how both Chloe and Sig felt and that they didn’t let each other second guess those feelings - also made the taboo aspect better since it was truly the only thing keeping them apart. It felt a little repetitive at times due to that taboo can we/should we theme throughout but still was a good time! Chloe isn’t a favorite character of mine - I wanted more from her. I wanted her character growth to be more clear. We get a bit more from Sig and a better understanding of him and why he is the way he is. Very excited for the next book and to see Tessa in my hometown in February🤭🤭

Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for a honest review!

Absolutely loved Dream Girl Drama! Has the perfect mix of heart that will make you cry and heat that will make you drool. The tension between the FMC and MMC was palpable; I couldn’t put it down. As always, getting to check back in on previous characters and get a glimpse into future love stories is always a treat. Another perfect Tessa Bailey love story!

This is like the Parent Trap 2 but with hockey and mental health. I absolutely loved it. I haven't read as many Tessa Bailey books as I'd like to, but trust me that I will now be running to snatch up every single one. What a great steamy romance with banter, unique story elements, and all the parental mixed family fun. This was fantastic!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was there any doubt this book wouldn't be a 5 star read?

Reading a Tessa Bailey book is always like going home after a long road trip, comfort at its peak! Safe to say I loved everything about this book.
I don't know how it is that when TB writes an insta-love, it just feels so natural, I loved their first meet and just everything about Sig and Chloe. Sig was the perfect hunky overprotective cinnamon roll, the way he wants to take care of her, be everything for her, loves her flaws, guy made me weep with his love for her. Chloe was unapologetically herself and I liked that about her. I don't think this book needs any other marketing except that it's a Tessa Bailey book!

I love Tessa Bailey. She has become a blind buy author for me. Once her books go on pre-order, I buy them. I have read 16 of her books and intend to read every single other book she’s ever released. I already have preorders for Dream Girl Drama in the ebook and BN special edition, even for the special edition with LitJoy. And I do not plan on canceling those preorders, even though this book is not my favorite. It doesn’t mean I didn’t like it! It’s just not my favorite of her books. (I feel like I need to apologize to Tessa Bailey for not loving everything she’s ever done. I’m basically Sig the way he is with Chloe at this point: Just take my money, Tessa!)

Dream Girl Drama had a lot of things going for it. There was a lot of longing and tension considering Chloe and Sig had to force themselves to ignore their attraction to each other since both found themselves to be in sensitive positions professionally where the taboo idea of (future) step-siblings hooking up could potentially mar their reputations and careers. This was one of the book’s strengths and weaknesses. It was a strength because one of the best parts of a romance book is the moment the characters finally succumb to their urges and get together, and the build up until they get there is part of why it’s so amazing. The weakness is there was so much opportunity to really capitalize on the tension, and it felt like there weren’t as many moments as there could have been. (Oh, there were MOMENTS, trust me, but it felt like there was much more opportunity for more.) I strongly suggest you read The Au Pair Affair if you’re going to read this book, not because you need to for anything plot related, but because there are a lot of time jumps in the beginning of the book that fast forward through Chloe and Sig’s relationship. I think this might be because they were regularly featured in The Au Pair Affair, but even thought I’d already read that book, it still felt rushed. It makes them feel a little rushed. I still understood why she did it: if she hadn’t had so many time jumps, it could have felt like it was dragging for those of us who already had so many sneak peeks at Chloe and Sig in the previous book.

One thing that Tessa Bailey never ever flops at are her love scenes. She is the big leagues. She is who I’m sure authors wish to emulate. She is masterful at writing possessive men losing all of their inhibitions for the one woman who makes them feel like breathing exists solely for the chance to live around that woman. It’s always over the top, but I don’t care. (Sig says he would willingly and happily sign his soul over to the devil with a smile on his face for Chloe. I get how most people would think, “.....really? Your soul? To the DEVIL? For a single human woman?”) BUT then Tessa Bailey turns around and writes stuff like this:

His eyes were a little glazed when he leaned back down, settling his mouth on top of hers, breathing. Breathing. "I'm coming on too strong. I know I am. But I’m begging you to take me home and say that again while I’m fucking you, Chloe." He gripped the outside of her thigh and
massaged it, before letting his hand ride up just beneath the hem of her skirt. "If you're not ready for that, we can keep this little skirt on while you ride my face. I'll be blessed either way.”
==
“You grew up pampered, but that’s not how I would have treated you in bed. I’d have fucked you like the world was ending." He dropped his mouth to her breasts and licked each slope, before slowly dragging his tongue up the side of her neck and laving a circle beneath her ear. "It would have been ending, because another one would have been beginning. Ours."

Ya’ll. YA’LL. Do you see what I mean? So if a hot fictional dude wants to be all dramatic and say he’ll sacrifice his soul to the devil for the chance to bump body parts with the main female character, and then Tessa Bailey goes and produces scenes like the ones I just shared? Pffft, go for it. I’m like, “Say all the silly stuff you want, fictional hot man! I’m here for it!” That isn’t even the serious spice. These scenes will always compensate for whatever lapses may end up in a Tessa Bailey novel. She can write a possessive man INCREDIBLY well.

My only real annoyance with this novel was Chloe repeatedly spending her rent money on beauty products at Sephora and repeatedly being late with her rent. Chloe is propped up in the book as someone who has no real valuation of money. She is unaware of how much things cost because she has always had endless access to money via the credit cards her mother pays. She doesn’t even know how to drive because she has her own chauffeur. When she breaks from her mom to move to Boston, her mom financially cuts her off, and Sig - who has known her for like 5 hours - offers to cover her financial obligations (rent, food, utilities, etc.). I do not want to reveal more than is necessary, but Chloe inaccurately assumes Sig can afford to give her extra rent money because each month she ends up doing ridiculous things with that rent money: like spending $600 on eye creams (yes, plural, all eye cream) at Sephora. (This character was just so out of touch.) She was a kind person, but stuff like this made her seem like an airhead. I couldn’t understand why by this point she wouldn’t have set an alarm reminder on her phone to remember to pay the rent on time so she wasn’t inconveniencing her super, nor why Sig wouldn’t just set up the rent to autopay from his checking account. (Although, he felt it was an honor for Chloe to drive him closer to getting broker and broker each month, which….what?) BUT there is a scene where Sig goes above and beyond to continue to support Chloe, despite the issues it’s beginning to cause for him, and it’s a sweet and selfless moment. He refuses to chastise her or make her feel bad; he just resolves to figure it out. So even though Chloe began to infuriate me with misspending her rent, I don’t know how else we could have gotten that scene if she hadn’t. And there is some growth on Chloe’s part once she realizes what she’s doing.

I loved how Burgess was a shoulder for Sig throughout the book. Two other hockey players, Mailer and Corrigan, who were in The Au Pair Affair, also make appearances in this book, and they are SO funny. For some reason, they didn’t stick with me in The Au Pair, but the surely did this time around. Tessa’s next book was noted at the end, and it’s called Pitch Perfect, and I am HOPING it’s about Corrigan! There is a scene in the book that involves a baseball game, and I’m so hopeful and excited to read this silly, sweet guy’s love story.

Mailer and Corrigan hijinks preview:

"Sig," Chloe started, "how quickly can someone develop separation anxiety?"
"Corrigan gets separation anxiety from Burgess”, Mailer said.
"Shut the fuck up," Corrigan fired back. "You're the one who has his rookie card framed on your nightstand.
"It's a collector's item, bitch.”

So even though this is not one of my favorites, I still loved it. I will reread it again when it comes out to see if I can catch any changes. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for permitting advanced access to Dream Girl Drama.

I was excited to read this book, since I have enjoyed most of Tessa Bailey’s other romances. I was intrigued by the story between these two characters, which was touched on in The Au Pair Affair.

I have to say I was a little disappointed. Insta-love is just not convincing to me. Within hours of meeting, the characters are making life-changing decisions. I didn’t feel like the characters were very well developed. Chloe was SO clueless and helpless. How could she be 25 and still be that unaware of how things work? Sig instantly decided to do everything for her and pay for her life of luxury. It just seemed weird when he lives such a modest lifestyle himself. I understand wanting to spoil her a little, but she was doing ridiculous things, like spending hundreds on skincare, knowing that she had no money. Some of the spice even drug on for me—I ended up skimming parts of those scenes at times. I was also able to guess the resolution of the book.

In all, I did find this a quick read and I did like aspects of Sig and Chloe’s relationship. I just wish it was more developed over time and not so unrealistic. I think both characters had a lot of potential and I really liked both of them, both in this book and Au Pair Affair. The book was just missing some relatability or something to help me connect with the characters more deeply. Still, it’s worth a read if you’re a Bailey fan, or if you like taboo relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to read and review this ARC!