This book follows Sig and Chloe as they navigate their forbidden romantic feelings for each other as their parents plan to get married, making them step-siblings. Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job of making the reader feel the angst in this story and the chemistry between the characters. She made it easy to want to root for them and what they wanted. At first Chloe annoyed me a bit since she comes from a wealthy family and all she knows is how to be taken care of but I loved seeing her grow into herself with the ability to take care of herself. I loved Sig from the very beginning and I loved watching how he navigated the entire situation. I admit I haven’t read the other books in this series yet but now I can’t wait to jump into them! Overall, I loved the love in this book and it was an easy read I couldn’t put down! I would recommend to anyone looking for a sweeter romance that has some filthy spice!

Fun and sexy, just like all of Tessa's books! Don't want to give anything away, but it was a more interesting way of handling the "we can't date because of..." trope. Both supporting each other, trying to do the right thing, their story definitely had a great buildup. I received this as an ARC from Avon and Harper Voyager via Netgalley.

I’m not sure what Tessa Bailey puts in her books, but my goodness they get better with every book she writes. Chloe and Sig’s story was utter perfection. The angst and longing between them was *chefs kiss*. Chloe and Sig’s story follows the two characters as they learn they are about to become step siblings and now need to navigate their relationship without stepping over any boundaries while falling in love with one another. No problem, right? This has been my favorite book of the series (and I loved Fangirl Down!). I couldn’t put it down.
5⭐️ with some delicious 🌶️ - highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC!

Dream Girl Drama is book #3 in the Big Shots series, but works as a standalone. For context, I have read book 2, but not 1. We got snippets of these main characters in book 2, so I had an idea of what was coming.

Sig & Chloe have an intense meet-cute that leaves them wanting more, but just a couple of hours later they learn their parents are engaged. Sig & Chloe are about to become step-siblings!
*Insert sound of screeching tires after slamming the brakes.*
Now that exploring their chemistry is completely off-limits, Sig takes it upon himself to be a “best friend” to help Chloe come out of her sheltered bubble/rich-girl lifestyle. He is going to help her learn some basic adulting skills. Sig takes care of her in all the ways, except for the way he most wants to take care of her, if you know what I mean. This is a Tessa Bailey book we’re talking about after all!!!
And, so, the slow burn begins!

Initially, I was bracing myself to be put off by Sig stepping in to do everything for Chloe. The dependent/helpless woman trope is a pet peeve of mine. I was worried it was going to be too similar to what she was escaping (minus the control aspect). But I was glad that it didn’t become a one-sided dynamic. Chloe reciprocates support for Sig in a way he has never had and has always needed.

Before I started it, I was kinda cringing with the main trope: <i>almost-stepsiblings lusting after each other</i>. I recognize that might be a me thing. After all, they were fully consenting adults when they met and were not yet aware of their parents' relationship. It ended up being far less messy than I expected, and never actually crossed the line into taboo-land (in my opinion). If you are hesitant due to this trope, don’t worry and give it a go!

You can always count on Tessa’s books to deliver on banter, goofy humor, fluffy rom-com vibes, and spice. This one checks off all of these and was a solidly entertaining read. I have thoughts on who will be in the next book if the series continues! And if it does, I’ll definitely be reading those, too.

Thanks to Avon / Harper Voyager, & NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Swoonworthy, sexy, and so very satisfying. If there’s one thing I’m always going to love it’s forbidden romance, and it’s executed really well here. I fell in love with Sig and Chloe in The Au Pair affair and they don’t disappoint in Dream Girl Drama! Honestly, they’re now one of my favorite Tessa Bailey couples. They have that signature quality of her writing that I’ve been missing since Fangirl Down. Both of their voices are so real and distinct even in third person narrative— I truly felt like I was in both of their minds, experiencing their growing pains right along with them. You could cut the tension with a knife between these two. The further I read, the more visceral their yearning for each other became. There’s definitely insta love & lust going on, but I wasn’t bothered by it given the context of the series and their story. If you loved either of the prior books in Tessa’s Big Shots series or It Happened One Summer from her Bellinger Sisters duology, this is an absolute treat and must-read. 4.75 stars for me but rounding to 5! One of my favorite sports romances I’ve read to date!

Thank you so very much to Harper Voyager US and Avon Books for providing me with an advanced copy!

This is the perfect book for a young romantic. Any lover of young adult who needs to figure out their next step, should start here.

So many feelings, so much tenderness and care. I love a slow burn in the way that it reveals every step of falling, without relying on physical intimacy to set the scene.

This is my favorite of the big shots books. The first was hilarious and adorable — heartwarming. The second was hot and fast paced, like a fever dream. And this third installation? Wistful, gorgeous, utterly fulfilling.

Dream Girl Drama starts unforgettably. It ends romantically — and there’s a whirlwind of a ride packed within the chapters that fall in between. It’s a perfect closed loop & I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I fell in love with this couple in the last novel. Honestly, I was obsessed with Burgess because he’s such a fucking man. But Sig, he’s the true romantic. To be adored and so well cared for…it’s a dream; one I was happy to experience vicariously through the lovely, ever ethereal, Chloe.

Thank you #NetGalley & Tessa Bailey’s publishing novel for allowing me to read this ARC. I screamed. This is exactly the kind of heart-filling read I need at a time like this.

Summary:
Sig and Chloe have a chance meeting and they both feel it—this is it. Their person. But then they find out their parents are engaged to be married and they’re about to be step-siblings—and their obvious connection is about to become a major problem. How can they survive a life where they have to deny how they truly feel about each other?


Title: Dream Girl Drama
Author: Tessa Bailey
@tessabaileyisanauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5

Tropes:
Insta-love
Forbidden Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
HEA

Triggers:
Manipulative parent
Forced separation


Whitney’s Thoughts:
Another amazing read from Tessa Bailey! This book is way more heartache and angst and less rom-com than Tessa's other books, but what a beautiful story of finding yourself, knowing what you want and going for it, and never giving up hope. What a journey!

Cute followup to the other two in this series. I didnt like it as much as the other two but it is solid. But it is starting to struggle to keep up with its predecessors and I'm worried about the obvious sequel.

Errrmaaageeerrrd this book. Left me in happy tears. Such a great story, I don’t even want to describe and ruin it. Read it. Love it. It’s soooo good!

EVERY SINGLE STAR! Sig & Chloe were classic Tessa Bailey perfection. Sig is the biggest simp I've ever read and I am here for it! The chemistry between these two was amazing. I loved these two so freaking much. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read Dream Girl Drama <3

The author does a great job of building the chemistry between the characters, making their slow-burn romance both relatable and thrilling. The tension is palpable, as they navigate their feelings amidst family dynamics and personal boundaries. While the "forbidden love" aspect can sometimes feel a bit overused, it works well in this story, keeping readers hooked.

What stands out most is the development of both characters—they're well-rounded and their emotional growth feels authentic. Though there are some moments of angst and drama (as expected in step-sibling romances), the resolution is satisfying, with the couple ultimately finding a way to make their unconventional love work.

I had the incredible opportunity to read this as an ARC. This story exceeded all my expectations—it was an emotional roller coaster like no other!

This story breaks all the clichés of a typical hockey romance. Instead of the usual "jock winning over the pretty girl," it’s an instant connection for both characters, and their chemistry is off the charts from the start!

Characters:
●Sig - A third round draft pick hockey player fiercely dedicated to his dream of making it big in the hockey world. Coming from humble beginnings, Sig always lived modestly, grounded by a big heart and an unwavering work ethic. Despite the challenges he’s faced, Sig’s determination to make something of himself is admirable and adds depth to his story.

●Chloe - A child prodigy harpist whose life has been shaped by her extraordinary talent and her mother’s expectations. Having always done as she was told, Chloe has never truly experienced independence or followed her own path. That all changed when Sig unexpectedly entered her life.

●Pierre -Best little bull dog anyone could wuv 🐾!

This story had me captivated from the start! Sig & Chloe fall in love at first sight, only to face a shocking revelation that turns their world upside down—their parents, unbeknownst to them, have been secretly dating and are now planning to marry 🤯. Chloe and Sig’s story is a thrilling rollercoaster of forbidden love and heated passion. With their budding relationship complicated by their parents' engagement, they find themselves torn between undeniable attraction and the reality that step-sibling romance is a no-go. Throughout the story, they wrestle with their feelings, attempting to resist the pull between them to protect their careers and family ties. But until their parents officially say “I do,” they’re determined to find a way to keep the wedding from happening—and in the meantime, their love story sizzles with some seriously steamy scenes!

This book is a delicious mix of tension, passion, and the exhilarating rush of breaking all the rules.

Spice - 3.5/5
Plot - 4/5
Characters - 4/5
Overall Review 4/5

Sig and Chloe were electric! I enjoyed the twist on a hockey romance. Perfect grumpy/sunshine romance. I could have done without the stepsibling situation, but it didn't really bother me too much since it never really made sense in the first place! I loved Pierre and wish he had been featured more. Harvey is the villain and I stand by that.

Review for Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) | Spice: 🌶️🌶️½ (2.5/5 chili peppers)

I received an ARC of Dream Girl Drama from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and as always, Tessa Bailey did not disappoint! This book is a heartfelt, fun romance with sizzling moments and emotional depth that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What I loved:
• The love story between Chloe and Sig is absolutely heartwarming. Their connection develops into something strong and genuine while attempting to stay platonic. I really appreciated how their relationship grew from trust, understanding, and support, not just chemistry.
• The forbidden love aspect gave me all the angst and pining I adore in a romance novel. While I wouldn’t call this taboo, the tension was palpable, and it made their journey together all the more compelling.
• The Rookies/Orgasm Donors. Need I say more?
• Chloe’s perky personality and her shopping addiction were adorable, and honestly, she reminds me a bit of a certain Bellinger sister (wink, wink). Sig’s protective nature and his tendency to spoil her were a perfect match for her character.

What I didn’t love:
• As much as I get why it was necessary for the plot, I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love/lust. It didn’t ruin the book, but it did feel rushed for my personal taste.
• The spice level, while steamy, didn’t quite measure up to some of Tessa Bailey’s other books. The execution didn’t fully match the anticipation that had been built up.

Overall, Dream Girl Drama is a solid, enjoyable read that mixes humor, romance, and just enough spice to keep you turning the pages. Bailey’s ability to create emotional connections between her characters shines through, and it’s definitely worth picking up for any fans of contemporary romance! As always, I’ll be reading anything Tessa Bailey puts out—she’s an auto-buy for me!

The plot of this book was very frustrating. They are future stepsiblings, which literally drove the whole book. It caused so much very frustrating and unnecessary tension. These two met as ADULTS before they were even aware of their parents dating or being engaged! Why would this be such a huge scandal? It felt like way too much agony for something that wasn't even all that taboo, to be honest.

The spice was good, and the characters weren't all that bad. I had complaints, but it was an enjoyable read despite those gripes. I was really hoping for better, though. Also, the beginning was super rushed, so I didn't feel very invested in the chemistry between the characters. Very much insta-love.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
Sig and Chloe forever 🏒❤️

Sig, pro hockey player, meets his dream girl and a few hours later, he finds out they’re going to be step siblings. It crushes his dreams, but he’s determined to help her in every way. He offers to set her up in Boston to train for the orchestra. She agrees and they become close friends that have undying feelings for each other. They can’t be together romantically, unless Sig finds a way. They can’t fight their feelings forever! But can Sig keep his dream girl and end the wedding between their parents?!

Sig is in love at first sight and I adored his loyalty to her. He makes sure she has all the Sephora she wants. I enjoyed the baseball team vs hockey team rivalry! I can’t wait for more. Pierre the pup is also a highlight!

Overall I enjoyed the book, and I really liked both main character's and they had great chemistry! Overall it was a fun read!

I just didn't love the plot too much. They meet before but then find out they are soon to be step-siblings as their parents are marrying, so they decide to be friends instead, but their chemistry is undeniable. I just think it's a stupid reason don't to be with each other because they are not actually related. I feel like most Bostonians and people would realize that and not care. I just didn't love the drama in this book and felt like it was unnecessary! I loved Sig and Chloe though!

Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors and the “Big Shots” series is easily one of my favorite from her despite having very little interest in sports. I love how this book had so many characters from the second book that we all loved and Chole and Sig’s story was so sweet and endearing. When Chole and Sig meet they have intense chemistry however they soon learn they will be becoming step-siblings very soon. Chole decides to move to Boston where Sig plays on the Boston Bearcats so she and pursue her dream of playing the harp however having grown up very privileged and sheltered she doesn’t know how to live alone or do basic adult things. The steamy parts where certainly steaming in this one and I am crossing all my fingers and toes Tessa Bailey blesses us with more characters and books from this world!

Sig (hockey player and best friend to Burgess) and Chloe were teased in The Au Pair Affair. These two randomly meet, sparks fly and then bam - they find out their parents are getting married. SUPER INCONVEINENT.

Sig's relationship with his Dad is strained at best and he's determined to find a way around the whole step-sibling issue. Chloe is finally about to do something for herself - she's a child prodigy harpist and is moving to Boston to study. Except Chloe is helpless without Sig (a little too so imo) and sort of just waits for Sig to solve her problems. Because of course, people find out. They're attraction is obvious to all involved.

Loved getting more of the team though, really hoping the new GM has a book coming in the near future.

I read it in 2 days, the tension was incredible but I enjoyed Fangirl Down the most so far in this series.

Dream Girl Drama is one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books to date. So often the endings of romance novels are predictable (which isn't a bad thing) but this one had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. The heat between these two was steaming! I love when characters are kept apart by circumstances and not problems between the two of them, and this book delivered on that. Highly recommend to any sports romance readers.