This was a good book but it doesn’t hold up to the rest of the series. It started off great! Talk about chemistry and fun times between Sig and Chloe. But then it hit the middle and changed. Sig is a great character but we never really see Chloe being independent. She has spent her whole life sheltered and while he teaches her things she is sheltered still. We also don’t get the read the deep conversations we crave but are told they have. This really disconnected me from caring about their future as well as it takes way too long for them to realize they’re meant to be and f the world. Also who cares if your parents marry you’re not related by blood! Then it all just wraps up in a split second and we’re left hanging. We spent the whole book waiting for them to be together and don’t get it except a short epilogue.

Overall I did binge the book on a plane and it did entertain me but it lacked the character development we have in the previous books. Will definitely still read more Tessa Bailey!

Wow this book started with a bang and it hooked me in so fast! I really enjoyed the plot as a whole, it was on the faster side but it never felt rushed. I liked that even though the main character was a Hockey player it did not solely focus on Hockey itself, I liked how it ventured out into a little different territory. I feel this helped me stay entertained and made it a little different then other Hockey books.
I felt the characters were very well done. Chloe was very naive but I liked her growth throughout the story, she was funny and such a character. Sig I really enjoyed, he had such a heart of gold and was just a sweet character. Overall I felt they both had, especially Sig, a very solid personality and were just all around great, enjoyable characters.
My favorite thing was definitely the side characters, I just loved them so much. I think the author really did a fantastic job writing and bringing them to life, they had so much personality and really added to the story.
There wasn't anything I personally didn't enjoy I am very confident in giving this a 5 star.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me this Arc!

Another winner from Tessa Bailey,in the third book of this series. Interesting characters who grow throughout the book, and are emotionally adults!

This book was okay-I was very excited to read it when I was given the ARC! But there were a few things that I did not love about this book. First, the “instant love” was a little excessive in my opinion. They met and not even 4 hours later were basically planning a future together. I like possessive MMCs-Sig was just over the top. He was obsessive, controlling, and manipulated Chloe’s feelings for him to get what he wanted. Also, Chloe and her lack of self-awareness drove me insane! The way she treated money after she literally said “I realized everything costs money” was crazy. I did enjoy the plot and guessed part of the twist pretty early on. I really liked the side characters and the spice was great! Overall, I liked it but didn’t love it.

I guess I’m in my hockey romance era because this was a delightful read. The forbidden romance trope was laid thick, and maybe I’m desensitized but the whole soon to be step siblings, when they’re full grown adults, didn’t phase me. And I would have preferred another reason for them to be forbidden, but regardless I had such a great time reading this. I ate it up in one sitting! Would have liked a little more hockey game play scenes included to add in more ambiance other than just talking about his upcoming contract possibilities. I LOVED Sig but Chloe was a little frustrating to me only because she was too naive at times for my liking. But she eventually grew on me towards then end when she finally takes matters into her own hands on decision making. The romance juicy with a steady tension buildup, the parental dilemma subplot was also at an engaging pace. But the plot twist at the end, I kind of saw coming or rather mentally I was hoping that would happen. This was my first Tessa Bailey read and I was unaware this was part of a series, so now I have to go back and read Burgess & Tallulah’s story as well as I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one that involves Corrigan’s story.

A chance encounter between pro hockey player Sig Gauthier and free-spirited harpist Chloe Clifford sparks instant chemistry—until they discover their parents are engaged. Bound by budding family ties and undeniable attraction, Sig helps Chloe escape her controlling mother while navigating their forbidden feelings. But can they really keep their connection strictly platonic amidst the chaos of love, family, and longing?

No one writes love interests who worship at the altar of a woman quite like Tessa Bailey does. The woman knows how to make you fall for a guy in a page or less and this book is no different.

As with any Bailey novel, you can count on a titillating mix of sweetness and steam with characters that just feel like they live in a Netflix rom-com you want to watch on repeat.

While some descriptions of our protagonist Chloe left me a bit worried in the beginning (Chloe gets increasingly more often described as something akin to child-like which did toe the line of turning creepy a few times), it does fit with her characterisation of someone who was brought up very sheltered and spoiled because of her musical abilities. I applaud Bailey for somehow making it charming instead of frustrating when Chloe would actually act like a child not getting what she wants or handing over everything to someone else to deal with.

Then again, that characterisation fit perfectly with what Sig was after. Sig, as we know from his initial pop-ups in The Au Pair Affair, is a pro hockey player who didn’t have an easy start to life. Growing up poor, his biggest goal in life was to make sure his mother got the support she needed and that has driven much of his choices. There’s something so sweet and tender about this protectiveness that is intrinsic to his character which made me one of his biggest fans. That translates very well to how he treats Chloe like a princess from the get-go and just wants to make sure she gets everything she wants in life. This sometimes means that he takes possessiveness and pushiness to a bit of an uncomfortable level but somehow, it still works out.

One thing that struck me as quite funny was the way the “forbidden” nature of their relationship was portrayed. They kind of toe around it for a lot of the book which—depending on how many step-siblings relationships you’ve read in your time—will either annoy you because a) it’s not like they grew up together or even knew each other before they found out their parents were getting hitched and b) it’s something you do want to be addressed directly in a book that highlights the forbidden nature of said relationship so much, frankly because of the emotional turmoil it can and will have on the characters. Again, that comes down to personal preference, though.

Alas, overall this was a wholesome romance between endearing characters with “I want you but I can’t have you” vibes and trying to figure out how to move forward when situational circumstances are just not going your way.

Is this novel over the top? Absolutely, no doubt about it. For most of the story, Sig’s only discerning character trait (besides being a hockey player and a decent guy) is being a simp for Chloe. But honestly, in the world we currently live in, we could all do with some more over-the-top-will-love-you-loud-and-proud-and-take-care-of-you-whirlwind-romance shenanigans, right? As always, Bailey makes the premise work and invites you to take a breather from reality and just let yourself be filled with giddy feelings.

Looking for a fast-paced romantic comedy with a guy that will move mountains for his one true love? Then dive into Dream Girl Drama, Bailey’s latest compelling romance featuring hilariously complicated family relationships and two people who are a perfect match.

I am not normally a fan of the insta love trope but I could not get enough of Sig and Chloe!

Sig was down BAD for Chloe, the way he yearned for her? So good! He cared so incredibly much and the way he spoiled and protected her had me swooning. While I did love Chloe’s positive personality, I found that at times she came off slightly childish which is the reason for a lower rating than other books in this series.

The overall story of how to navigate their relationship with the complication of becoming future step-siblings kept me entertained. All in all, definitely enjoying this Tessa Bailey series!

I am a Tessa Bailey fan! It Happened One Summer is one of my all time favorite 5⭐️ reads, and I really enjoyed book one of this sports series (Fangirl Down). So I was thrilled when I got the ARC for Dream Girl Drama. Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books! Also this cover is gorgeous!! 😍

What I loved about this book was the magnetism between Sig and Chloe. Tessa Bailey knows how to write that chemistry! And the inner turmoil they were each struggling with to keep the lines in their relationship felt so raw and real.

I’ll say it over and over, but I am someone who is not bothered by similar plot lines / tropes in books if it’s done well! While this was reminiscent of the FMC in It Happened One Summer (wealthy woman trying to make it on her own), it just slightly missed the mark for me. Sig’s enabling of her naivety really made Chloe seem immature, and I didn’t find the growth as well-rounded.

Ultimately, the “drama” of Sig and Chloe being potential step-siblings really overpowered everything. Like was this a sports book? I almost couldn’t tell you from how little we heard about hockey. Sig could have played for any professional sports team. What I loved so much about Fangirl Down was the combination of golf details with the romance. And maybe that’s a me problem since we watch more golf than hockey in our house?

I loved the side characters, especially the rookie hockey bros. Would love to see a plot line play out for one (or both) of them! And while I haven’t read the Au Pair Affair, I’m adding it to my TBR after the little taste of Tallulah and Burgess we got in this novel.

Tessa never fails to bring the heat!! Dream Girl Drama is witty, hilarious and downright naughty and I loved every second of it. Chloe and Sig will have you turning pages at an ungodly speed because their story is that addicting!

“Dream Girl Drama” by Tessa Bailey delivers playful banter and steamy romance, making it an enjoyable read. While the story felt a bit predictable, it’s still a great addition to her lineup.

Amazing! I loved this book so much! Tessa Baily knows how to write a fun, steamy and banter-filled romance. If you are looking for a valentines day read, pick this up!

I really wanted to like this book and while I didn't hate it there wasn't much I enjoyed. I'll just come right out and say that insta-love isn't for me. Sig was lovesick over Chloe literally two seconds after meeting her and just wasn't really engaging for me. I think that's why it took me so long to get into this book. I will say once I got about 40ish percent into it, I was on a roll so it was quite easy to read. I also feel like I genuinely liked the FMC, Chloe up until she had to function as human on her own and she couldn't. Like can we please have a competent, driven woman who wants to pay for her own things???? That stressed me out. I'm aware this is a book, but Sig having to front everyone's bills was just too much while Chloe was blowing everything on EYE CREAM. Also STEP SIBLINGS AREN'T RELATED. Why are we freaking out so much!? Like I get it but at the same time....do we have to mention it every five seconds? I feel like I just couldn't connect to Chloe and honestly the most unbelievable thing about her is that she has access to an ungodly amount of money and she hasn't stepped into a Sephora........and I know for a fact that there is a Sephora 10 minutes away in South Norwalk. I just wish she came across more adult like and driven since she wanted to show her mom she could be on her own. I will say that it did take me a while to figure out the plot twist..I did figure it out before it happened but it was literally the page before and that did redeem this book a little bit. At the end of the day, I was hoping for a little more banter and tension. And last, but not least.......what is with the obsession with butt stuff????? Overall, I'd say 2.75 stars. Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager as well as NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

3.5 stars

This is book three in the Big Shots series and I really enjoyed it. Our main characters, Sig and Chloe, were present in the first two books and I was very excited to read their story. While this book was entertaining and fun, something about it felt different than the first two. Maybe a little too fast?

Sig and Chloe meet by chance one day, and their chemistry is instantaneous. They part ways with promises to see each other again, only to find themselves unexpectedly meeting up at Chloe's mother's house as their parents are getting married.

Tessa managed to make this a slow burn and insta-love story at the same time. Sig and Chloe's chemistry was great, and I could really sense their love for each other. Sig was all in right from the get go, and I love seeing a man be a simp. Chloe was sheltered and overindulged, but she was a good person. While she did make progress towards becoming a more self-sufficient person, I was hoping to see a little more progress in that area.

I was really unsure how this book was going to end and how they'd manage to be together, and I was really happy with the result. The spice was excellent as usual. My only complaint is that the storylines with the parents didn't wrap up the way I thought they would. I was looking for a more explosive showdown between Sig and his mother & Chloe and her mother, but they way things were handled did make sense.

This is a great entry in the series. I wonder if Reese's story will be next?

The most tension slow burn build up ever! The clear understanding of why they shouldn’t combined with me screaming and pleading for them to “DO IT!”

As always Tessa writes with such a witty banter and hilarious moments between characters you can’t help but fall in love. Highly recommend this read as it falls into one of my top Tessa Bailey books.

I loooooved this one! This is the third book in the big shots series and while I have enjoyed both book one & book two this one has been my favorite! As soon as we got glimpses in the prior books of Sig and Chloe I knew without a doubt that I needed their full story and Tessa delivered it! It has a forbidden storyline, which I loved, it created an angst and a tension between Sig and Chloe that had no business being so dang good! I loved the characters, I loved their chemistry, I loved this whole story. Probably one of my favorite Tessa books yet! Thank you to Tessa & Netgalley for the arc!!

Tessa Bailey delivers another swoon-worthy hit with Dream Girl Drama, the third standalone in her Big Shots sports romance series. This time, the spotlight is on Sig, the hockey-playing cinnamon roll, and Chloe, the harp-prodigy-turned-independent-woman. Their connection is electric, complicated by the fact that they’re about to become step-siblings—a forbidden-ish twist that adds delicious tension to their love story.

Bailey masterfully balances humor, heart, and heat, taking readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Sig’s steadfast devotion and Chloe’s journey of self-discovery create a dynamic pairing that’s equal parts sweet and steamy. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the built-up tension keeps you hooked until the very end.

If you’re a fan of Bailey’s signature spice (and who isn’t?), Dream Girl Drama delivers in spades, while also packing plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. Though this book stands alone, those familiar with Au Pair Affair will find extra payoff in finally getting Sig’s story.

For anyone craving a sports romance with heart, humor, and forbidden love vibes, Dream Girl Drama is an irresistible pick.

🏒 Hockey romance
🎼 Harpist heroine
💕 Forbidden(ish) love
🌟 Love at first sight
🌶️ Classic Tessa Bailey spice

Bailey’s Big Shots series just keeps getting better—and Dream Girl Drama might just be her best yet!

First, I want to thank NetGalley for the e-ARC!
A continuation of a couple we caught a glimpse of in second Big Shots book, Au Pair Affair, Chloe and Sig’s unconventional relationship was something I never thought I’d be gravitated towards. My initial thoughts; there was a lot of built up tension between the two characters that kept me wanting to read more. Their chemistry was undeniable, despite the barrier that was keeping them apart - they’re about to be step-siblings. I overall enjoyed the book as it took me on a journey of many twists, comedy, and of course romance. It’s an easy read that you won’t want to put down.

Truthfully I liked this way more than I thought I would. I don’t usually go for blonde manic pixie dream girl FMCs, but Chloe was so endearing. Bailey wrote her journey from naive, sheltered rich girl to pursuing her own path as a professional musician in a way that felt natural and relatable, helped by her big, genuine heart. Her naiveté was never vapid; she is funny, self aware, and clever. The way Sig supported her by teaching her the life skills needed to survive was so sweet, and frankly I wanted more. While I love Bailey’s brand of “completely smitten MMC”, for Sig that was pretty much all that defined him. While Chloe’s personal journey was to become her own woman and Sig helped with that, Sig’s mission was essentially just to find a way to be with Chloe. The other thing that fell short for me was the romance timeline. I’m not inherently opposed to insta-love (though if you are you will struggle) but I struggled with it in this context. And because they’re extremely into each other from the jump it felt like Bailey had to abbreviate 6+ months to avoid feeling repetitive, using some strange time jumps in the first third of the book. I so wish we had gotten to see them fall for each other! The pieces were all there! And when they fully realize how much they care for each other it’s truly Bailey’s writing at its finest - the love, the yearning, the spice - all great! By the end I really loved them as a couple and was thrilled for their HEA.

Thank you so much to Tessa Bailey and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the eARC of this book. I was so excited to get this ARC and it definitely lived up to the hype I was expecting for this series! Sig and Chloe are some of my favorite characters out of this universe. But to be honest I love every character in this universe and no one can tell me any different. I highly highly recommend this book and any of Tessa's others. I can't say enough good things!! I can't wait to see what Tessa has in store for us next!!

What do you do when you fall in love with your future step sister?

Sig Gauthier finds himself in this predicament when he is swept off his feet by the high brow Chloe (last name). When Sig stumbles into the Country Club of Darien after his 1998 Chevy craps out 3 minutes away from his location and his phone dies, Chloe saves him from the snobby front desk who won’t let him charge his phone. Little do they know, they’re both late for the same dinner to meet their parents' new significant other. The bomb is dropped when they find out they will be related by marriage. Chloe decides to upend her life to reach her dreams of playing cello for a symphony orchestra and move to Boston with Sig. Convinced his father is trying to swindle Chloe’s mother, Sig is determined to find some dirt to allow him to be with Chloe. But will they be able to make it work or will they always be the one that got away?

Tessa Bailey created such loveable characters who fight to be with each other. The spice is on point but the insta love just didn’t do it for me. Chloe’s character felt unrealistic and far too fake. I recognize that in her world she probably did have some inauthentic qualities but her character did not feel fully fleshed out to me which made it hard to like her or their story. Sig’s protective nature was not attractive and more of a turn off. Even in the previous books, it felt like too much and not even in a “she’s mine” way. This one missed the bar with me 3.5/5.

Thank you to Avon Books and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.