Got this as an ARC and I loved it. This is the best of the series so far! I enjoyed the snippets of Sig and Chloe in Au Pair Affair so I was excited to read their story. Their initial meeting was so cute - love/lust at first sight, then of course they realized they were going to be step siblings and they fought the attraction. Tessa finally built some tension this time, focused on the fact that they really were best friends 🥹, and that made their relationship even better. Also the Pop Tarts! Sig you precious baby. You don’t get any spice until around 60% and it was worth the wait because it felt like they truly had a connection. The “breakup” ultimately made sense and I wasn’t even mad about it, plus the ending made it all worth it!

Side note: excited for the next one with baseball? Girl pitcher? And if it’s not that one then the female manager for the hockey team? Sure thing!

Fave quotes:

“They’re not going to love me the way they love him.” I’ll love you enough for this whole city.

“It’s the purest thing I’ve ever felt in my life. It’s like I’ve loved her since I took my first breath.”

“I exist for her.”

Despite the stepsiblings aspect this one was taboo-lite. At first I even questioned why the hell everyone was making such a big deal about adults having a relationship and their parents getting married after the relationship started…but then I remembered the internet exists. You can’t get away with annnnnything. So yes, their relationship was forbidden in the public eye. That made for some really delicious tension between the Chloe and Sig! Another thing that took me by surprise was my investment in Chloe’s character arc. She starts out as an entitled, albeit sweet, socialite and grows so much in the story. I loved Sig being absolutely gone for Chloe and wanting to take care of her while also being proud of her accomplishments. I know I can always count on Tessa Bailey to give me a man obsessed, we love to see it!

This is the book I thought i would like the least but ended up liking it the most out of the series. While still very insta-love, I thought this was done so much better as there was a lot more longing involved. I’m glad I decided to read the rest of the series first before jumping straight into this as we get introduced to Sig and Chloe in the previous book. Chloe is so much fun, she is very positive and bubbly and I really enjoyed watching her grow outside of her mother’s mold. Sig will do anything for the people he loves and he goes above and beyond. Would I dish out thousands of dollars for someone I just met? Probably not, but he did and he had no issue with doing it either. Do I wish Chloe felt a little more grateful for the fact that he was dishing out thousands of dollars? Absolutely. I found it ridiculous that she was late on rent that he gave her because she decided to spend $700 of it on eye cream. I know she grew up not having to worry about money, but man that was shocking to me.

Other than that, I enjoyed the plot more than the other books and I thought the third act breakup was so much better. I mean this was definitely a genuine reason to not be together which was interesting to see how they navigated. Overall, I enjoyed the longing a lot more, even though it was insta-love, I felt like they ended up establishing their friendship first due to their circumstances which was nice and I really enjoyed watching them (especially Chloe) grow as individuals. I will also say the ending kind of irritated me, but I don’t want to spoil anything so I will leave it at that.

YEARNING! This book is the place to go if you’ve missed the feeling of yearning. It was really a good read and very emotional. It tugged at my heartstrings the entire time. All I wanted was to help Sig and Chloe find a way, they were so entirely perfect for each other. I enjoyed this sweet read and it had Tessa’s signature, sweetest grumps that have ever lived which I always enjoy. Sig a humble, star hockey player meets Chloe, an impulsive but sweet harpist in a chance encounter and it’s an immediate connection. However, they both have to leave to attend a previous commitment where lo and behold they find out their parents are announcing their engagement to each other and they set to be step siblings soon. Cue angst, turmoil, and so much tamped down love. I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the characters. It’s a quick good read and I recommend it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️


“His entire life, he’d told himself you don’t need it. That he didn’t require nice things. But Chloe . . . she was the first nice thing he couldn’t live without.”

“It’s the purest thing I’ve ever felt in my life. It’s like I’ve loved her since I took my first breath.” “Love,” Harvey said flatly. “You love her?” “I exist for her.”

“she’d lie down and die, because love was meant to be a glorious thing, but sometimes she wondered if loving someone and not being able to acknowledge and act on it could suffocate her to death.”

You could only cut the sexual tension with the sharpest ax around. Like, the entire book was just sooooo sexually tense, which may be the only reason I finished it.

Chloe, as we've seen in the second book of this trilogy, is very pampered and taken care of. Sig taking care of her came to me as no surprise. She was all too childlike and immature for me to like, honestly. It was so hard to connect and relate to her and Sig's relationship for that reason.

Sig's character wasn't awful. I liked how he loved Chloe and wanted to care for her while simultaneously teaching her to be independent. But there was still too much coddling for me to invest in this relationship fully. The way he was with Chloe was borderline infantile, and it's just not my bag.

The part that makes this a 2 star rating, however, is the huge scrutiny surrounding them becoming step-siblings some day. I've never read that trope, but I always thought the scandal was two people who grew up as step-siblings suddenly falling for one another, not two grown ass adults! Also, I know sports better than the average romance reader (just guessing, but maybe not...) and I can guarantee that a GM could care less if a player is banging out a step-sibling as an adult. The whole step-sibling scandal was too much for me and I kept saying This is so dumb! over and over again. I like Bailey's novels, she writes a killer sexy time scene, but the whole premise of this one was just over the top for me.

I love the whole sports romance theme, and I'm glad Bailey branched out to dabble in it. For this novel, though? I read for the sports romance, but only finished it for the sex. Definitely not for even a drop of this storyline. I'd read another golf romance, though, if she wanted to go back to that. :) Or football...

Thank you to Netgalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced readers copy of this novel in exchange for my (brutally) honest opinion.

I think I need to retire from reading Tessa Bailey at least for a little while because her books are starting to feel like they have the same no plot just smut and vibes, which is not really working for me unfortunately.

Dream Girl Drama- Big Shots #3

Author: Tessa Bailey- I read Fangirl Down and The Au Pair Affair-both 4 ⭐

Publication date: 2-4-25 | Read 1-27-25

eBook 384 pgs.

Genre:
*Contemporary Romance/Rom-Com
*Sports Romance

Tropes:
*insta-love
*step-siblings
*mutual pining
*cinnamon roll H
*family drama
*forbidden romance/star-crossed lovers

POV: 3rd person, dual

TW: absentee parents

Setting: Darien, CT + Boston

Summary: After a meet-cute at the swanky country club in Connecticut, Chloe and Sig are instantly attracted to each other. Sig is on his way to meet his father Harvey with his new girlfriend Sophia only to find Chloe there. She is Sophia's daughter and his soon to be stepsister when Harvey tells him they are getting married.

Heroine: Chloe Clifford-25, a harpist who wants to join the Boston Symphony Orchestra

Hero: Sig Gauthier-29, pro hockey player-Boston Bearcats-OTT protective of Chloe

Other Characters:
* Harvey Lerner-Sig's father, left Sig when he was a newborn
*Sophia Clifford-Chloe's mother who grew up wealthy
*Burgess-Sig's confidante, retiring from the Bearcats
*Mailer+ Corrigan-the rookies from the Bearcats
*Rosie-Sig's mother who lost money
*Reese Bauer-new GM of Bearcats, biracial

My Thoughts: Chloe was annoying in the beginning as a naive, spoiled, rich girl with an overbearing mother. Sophia wanted to keep Chloe in their ivory tower, but Sig convinced her to move to Boston and take on the world. Sig was an enabler for her bad habits with the rent and relying too much on him. Sig was blind to it because he was so in love with her, He was jealous and an alpha male with "mine" tendencies. Harvey and Sophia were against Sig and Chloe hooking up, and Sig even hired a PI to get dirt on his father. The gossip about Chloe and Sig's relationship caused scandal because of how people frown upon it.

Rating: 4/5
Spice level 4/5

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyage |Avon, and Tessa Bailey for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

I really liked Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey. It felt fresh and new to me in the category of friends to lovers.

Sig a professional hockey player accidentally meets Chloe a spoiled rich harp protégé, when his truck breaks down in front of her country club. The instant undeniable chemistry between them must be cut short because they both have important plans they must not miss. Sig is going to meet his father Harveys, new fiancé and Chloe is going to meet her mothers, Sophias, new fiancé as well. Unbeknownst to Sig and Chloe they are about to become step siblings. Feeling held back by Sophias power of Chloe, Sig gives her the strength to leave her safe home in Darien and go pursue her dreams of becoming a professional harp player for the Boston Symphony orchestra. Sig promises to be there to help Chloe forge a new life in Boston. The love and care Sig has for Chloe is so sweet and all consuming, while the fun and flirty personality Chloe has is a perfect match for Sig's. hard exterior. Quickly, their relationship is becoming taboo when the wedding of their parents is approaching. They must make very serious decisions in there own lives and the goals they have for themselves and future.. Its an emotional rollercoaster, but the way Sig cares for Chloe without her even knowing it is something else. He is the new book boyfriend of the year! Also, add in a little "she's mine" and "Don't touch her" vibes with hot hockey players, you cant go wrong!
I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to Tessa Bailey and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Sig and Chloe meet, have instant chemistry/attraction and then later find out that their parents are going to be married. This would make them step-siblings and “weird” (forbidden?) for them to date. That’s the whole concept of this book and I didn’t buy into the weirdness of it. They aren’t related!

Sig and Chloe have instant chemistry/lust, but it didn’t feel like the love they both say they felt. Plus, Chloe was just portrayed as too immature. I did love Sig’s character, though.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars for Tessa Bailey’s Dream Girl Drama!

Tessa Bailey delivers another steamy, heartfelt romance in the third installment of the Big Shots series, and this one brings us an irresistible combination of forbidden love, hockey-player charm, and the journey to self-discovery.

Chloe Clifford, a harp prodigy and high-society socialite from Darien, Connecticut, never expected to meet someone like Sig Gauthier, a rugged hockey player for the Boston Bearcats. Their paths cross unexpectedly at Chloe’s country club, where Sig, stranded with a beat-up truck, is clearly out of place. Chloe, with her fiery wit and spontaneous spirit, takes it upon herself to save Sig from the awkward situation. Champagne is stolen, sparks fly, and their undeniable chemistry leads them to a steamy make out session on the golf course.

But just as quickly as their connection ignites, it’s snuffed out by an unexpected twist: their parents are getting married, making Chloe and Sig future stepsiblings. Forbidden territory!

Despite the complications, Sig convinces Chloe to move to Boston, supporting her dreams of attending Berklee and mastering her harp skills. As they grow closer in the vibrant city, Chloe starts to mature, discovering the value of hard work and pursuing her passions. Along the way, she becomes a devoted dog mom to an adorable, sleepy pug named Pierre and learns how to fight for her dreams—and for Sig's dreams as well.

Meanwhile, Sig juggles the pressures of professional hockey and his feelings for Chloe. With colorful teammates, a strict harp mentor pushing Chloe to her limits, and the constant pull of forbidden love, their journey is anything but easy. But can they find a way to balance their careers, family, and love without sacrificing what matters most?

Loaded with Tessa Bailey’s signature spice, sizzling banter, and heart-melting moments, Dream Girl Drama is a captivating story about love, ambition, and breaking the rules when it matters most.

Can’t wait for Big Shots #4 and #5 to keep my love for the Bearcats alive!

Thank you so much to Avon for an early copy of this book!💖

Queen Tessa Bailey has popped off again! The Big Shots series is one of my absolute favs and this book doesn't rival that! As a girlie who was obsessed with fanfic in like 2016, future stepsibilings was a throwback trope for me but MAN it was done so good!! The longing + yearning was SO strong and made me never want the book down because I just wanted Sig and Chloe to be together!!! I literally didn't want to stop reading this book, I had to berate myself at like 1 AM because I was "just one my chapter"ing myself and I knew if I let myself, I would stay up and finish the book!😂 I mean everything about this book was so solid and made me so absorbed and obsessed! There's friends to lovers + possessive MMC + hockey romance + her wearing his jersey + forbidden romance!?!?! How much more could you want! There was soooo many sweet moments but also some spice sprinkled in towards the end but MAN it was so good and I'm already sad that I'm done reading the book...😭
TBH I'm really hoping that Tessa Bailey keeps writing some books in this series because there are definitely some characters I could see having their own books!👀

I was waiting for our story of Sig and Chloe. Tessa, you delivered sister!

Tropes:
He falls first (and HARD)
Forbidden romance (future step-siblings)
Touch her and die vibes
HEA

First of all, I read this book in less than 24 hours - when I tell you, you will eat this up, you will. I loved the glances we got of Chloe and Sig in the first 2 books of this series, even the smallest of pieces told me this was going to be SO good.

Sig can put himself toward the top of the list of book boyfriends, immediately. Possessive (in a good way), wants to take care of those around him, thoughtful, ALL in on his emotions, yes please.

Chloe, while at times it could be frustrating to read a character that was an adult but didn't have all the thought processes of one, it was great to see her flourish after she had lived a life most people would never want to, under the control of her mother.

This absolutely was the best book in the Big Shots series, I don't know what it was about the tone Tessa used here, but it was fantastic.

Big thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC - this was a highly anticipated read for me this year!

This one definitely tops my favorite in the series so far! I adored Chloe and her oh so bright personality. She knew what she wanted and she went for it. Sig was the ultimate protector and he had me swooning throughout the book. If Chloe wanted it, she got it. The banter between the two was so much fun and they had me giggling throughout this whole book. My heart also broke for them constantly throughout the story while having to deny their feelings for each other. I love forbidden romance stories and don't usually let my emotions get the better of me but this one really got me in my feels and I was tearing up multiple times. Tessa did such a good job at making me really FEEL their pain and happiness and it kept me hooked throughout the story.

This series as a whole has been so fun and I was so happy to finally get Chloe and Sig's story after seeing them in previous books and getting hints at their relationship!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Where do I even begin? Very rarely does a book disappoint me from the very beginning, but alas this one did. I was excited to read a fun step-sibling romance, but the instant love automatically ruined that excitement. This "taboo" romance was just awkward, and also there was nothing remotely close to making it taboo - these are two adults who meet before they even know their parents are engaged and it's overdramatized throughout the entire story. I also could not connect to either one of the characters; the FMC Chloe is made to be so incredibly naive and a constant "head-in-the-clouds" character, that it doesn't even seem believable. Then there's Sig who is unhealthily possessive and absolutely ridiculous with every single reaction he has regarding Chloe. In chapter two, he knew her for an hour and is already begging to sleep with her, move her to Boston and pay for all of her expenses. Their connection for me never went beyond sexual-chemistry.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dream Girl Drama is the third book in the Big Shots series. The main characters, Sig and Chloe were in The Au Pair Affair, so I was curious about where their story was going to lead and I wasn't disappointed.

Sig Gauthier is a professional hockey player who grew up with very little, so he works hard now to provide for his mother. He could have the best of things, but he prefers to save instead of spend. He's on his way to an important dinner with his father when his car breaks down in front of a high-end country club.

Chloe Clifford is a musical prodigy on the harp. She comes from a family where she has wanted for nothing and has been very sheltered and spoiled. She spends most of her time at the country club playing tennis if she isn't practicing harp.

Chloe encounters Sig when he comes up to the country club looking for a phone since his cell is dead. The connection between Chloe and Sig is immediate and while they both have places to be, they make a plan to meet up after they both attend the events they need to. Little did they know they were headed to the same dinner where Chloe's mother and Sig's father let them know they are a couple and getting married!

Sig and Chloe know that because they are going to be step-siblings things can't go any further between them, however the pull between them is undeniable. They choose to be friends and when Chloe moves to Boston, Sig does everything he can to help and spoil her. Will these two be able to deny their feelings for one another?

Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job with a trope that I feel can be really difficult. You could feel how much both Sig and Chloe felt for one another, but how much they wanted to make sure they respected the boundaries given the situation. I really enjoyed this story and how it ultimately played out in the end!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

This was like a 3.5-4 read (so rounding up). Granted I’m very lenient with my ratings and go off vibes. The first two books were better IMO, but I still enjoyed the story and how it played out. I didn’t connect to the characters like I did with the previous, I wish I did. It didn’t grasp my attention as much as I would’ve liked, but it’s still very well written.

Having read the previous book where Sig and Chloe appear for the first time, I was so curious to read about how they first met and ended up being almost step-siblings while you could see a mile away they were into each other.

Needless to say, their meeting was so cute that by the end of the second chapter my heart was already hurting for them. They had no idea their parents were going to get married when they first met and lusted after each other.

But, the way the story progressed made me lose focus of the book. Maybe my expectations where too high, or maybe in this book I wasn't sold on the forbidden trope. Sig had claimed the entire length of the book he wanted nothing more than a better contract because of his past life, and when he got the chance he didn't take it because of Chloe, while he already knew he couldn't go on with her. I get it that it was for the sake of the novel, but still.

Chloe, while still being depicted as vain and shallow, was more reasonable than him. Maybe, the fact that she was still portrayed like a rich spoiled kid also was disappointing to me.

Sig, I liked him a lot in The Au Pair Affair, and I liked him a lot here too, except for a few decisions he's made that didn't sit well with me.

Again, maybe I had too high expectation that set me up for disappointment. I'm curous about the Os donor's next book though.

Thank you NetGalley and Tessa for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions are my own.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Tessa Bailey for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Never knew I would enjoy a step-sibling romance read yet here we are?!! Sig was obsessed with Chloe from the moment he saw her that first night but the story then turns into a slow burn when they find out their parents are engaged later that same night. I was not sure how or if they would even work out and the last few chapters had me stressingggg! As long as Tessa Bailey keeps writing, I will keep reading!


Tropes:
- Forbidden Romance
- Love at First Sight
- Hockey x Harp Prodigy
- Friends to Lovers

Tessa Bailey's Dream Girl Drama delivers a captivating romance with sizzling chemistry between the main couple. The MMC is a truly swoon-worthy hero, exhibiting a protective nature and genuine depth of character that makes him incredibly endearing. The novel excels in its portrayal of relationships, both romantic and platonic, with each character contributing meaningfully to the rich and engaging dynamics.

While the story offers numerous strengths, the FMC's characterization occasionally felt somewhat limiting. Her portrayal sometimes leaned towards helplessness, which, while potentially a facet of her character arc, could have benefited from a more pronounced display of strength and independence.

Despite this minor reservation, Dream Girl Drama remains a highly enjoyable and emotionally resonant read. It's a fantastic choice for readers seeking a fun and engaging romance with well-developed characters.

3.5 🌟 I’ve enjoyed the entire Big Shots Series! It was so nice getting to know Sig and Chloe 💕 At times, the plot felt a little rushed, but their Chemistry made up for it