3.75 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads. I enjoyed Dream Girl Drama but this wasn't my favorite from the Big Shots series. I liked Sig and Chloe's connection from the start but didn't really buy into the "drama". Without giving too much of the plot away, I felt that Sig and Chloe were two consenting adults who didn't need to consider the "problem" that kept them from being in a relationship with one another. Also, I felt that Sig was a bit too over controlling at points.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this advanced copy. Dream Girl Drama is available on February 4, 2025.

I really wanted to love this, but unfortunately It wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't really connect with the characters. However, it was a fun read at times! I think initially it was a super interesting and fun read but as time went on, it got dragged out a little too long for me. I couldn't get myself to focus on what was happening. I think the trope just wasn't to my liking this time. .

This book started out so strong with so much potential, but it just got more and more cringe the more I read. Way too much instant love and I just can’t handle a helpless FMC. Like to the point that she was acting like an actual child and the MMC was taking care of her like she was a child. Knowing the contents of her fridge/pantry because you know she basically isn’t capable of restocking it herself? Ridiculous. I’m all for a man taking care of a woman, but this took it to a whole new level that I couldn’t get behind.

The whole conflict of why they couldn’t be together was just silly. They’re adults. No one is actually related here and who cares?? You’re telling me it’s such a scandal that these two people wouldn’t be able to have their jobs??? It just seemed unrealistic.

And the way it all wrapped up….. it kind of made me mad. Like would these two have not fought for their relationship had certain events not happened?

It pains me to be so harsh because I am a true Tessa Bailey stan. This just did not feel like Tessa Bailey for some reason, and I noticed it at the very beginning. It just had a different tone about it and I can’t quite explain it.

This book was just next level good for me. I loved loved loved it. It was slow burn, spicy, tense, sweet, filthy, and so perfect. Thank you so much for the ARC, I'm beyond grateful to have read their story and been able to enjoy it without waiting for February!

If you love Tess you’ll love this book. These were some of my favorite characters of hers. They had so much chemistry and the banter was top notch

Review time!

I give this read 4/5 stars. I loved Fangirl down so much that I was worried about not enjoying this one. But Tessa Bailey always makes me fall for her characters. The banter between Sig and Chloe was unmatched. Sig and Chloe meet unexpectedly and learn they're about to be STEP-SIBLINGS?! That doesn't stop Sig from swooping Chloe off to Boston to explore the big city life. This man bends over backwards in every way possible for her. He protects and loves her even if that means giving up his dream captain spot with the bearcats. But will she let him?
Characters: Chloe was introduced as a codependent, rich, and spoiled girl. But once in Boston we learn she was just coddled in that lifestyle by her mother. Chloe is such a sweet, thoughtful, and angelic harpist.
Sig was introduced as this confused, broody hockey man. Once Chloe came into his life he started showing who he truly was. He was protective, encouraging, and head over heels in love.
I loved the way the characters complement each other and helped each other grow individually and together. Beautifully written.
Favorite quotes:
"Don't you dare change a thing about yourself"
"Miss me, dream girl?"
"You're my Sig"

Thank you so much Avon for the advance copy of this!

I have been such a big fan of Tessa since joining the Bookstagram community. Just like with any author, you have your hits and misses and Tessa is no exception. Those who I talked to about her books know that I was nervous about this one after reading The Au Pair Affair. I was not sure how I would feel about a future stepbrother & stepsister romance would play out. But leave it to Tessa to make me hooked the whole time.

Sig Gauthier was gone for Chloe Clifford the moment they met at the country club. And boy were they so into each other throughout the whole book. They knew they shouldn't have these feelings. Because when they thought something was going to happen between them their parents decided to go fall in love and announce they were getting married.

"Is it forward and extremely soon if I say I'm attracted to you?"
"I'm only pissed I didn't get to say it first."

Sig really helped Chloe grow when she moved to Boston. I am not sure it was the best idea of his to pretty much provide her lifestyle (which was not cheap). But I am glad she did not take it for granted. I feel from my memory of the 2nd book when we were introduced to Chloe, that she became a different person between the two books? In Au Pair, she came off as a little bit of an airhead but in this one I did not get that impression at all. I love that Tessa made her a harp prodigy. It allowed her to have her own thing to focus on while Sig had his hockey. Chloe was focused on becoming the best and to get that first chair with the symphony while Sig was trying to figure out his future with the Bearcats.

Despite the forbidden romance of it all, we still get the flirting, the banter and of course the spice! Tessa is one of the queens of being able to do all three flawlessly. Sig wanted nothing more to be with Chloe and even begged his dad to break off his engagement so he could be with her. I am not a huge fan of when a man is possessive and I think he was a tad overboard for my liking even in a book. And she just kind of went with it because of her feelings for him. Like with removing a friendly Elton's number from her phone? Come on! BUT the whole dog park scene did plant the seed for the next book in the series.

This can be read as a standalone but I think you would have fun reading the other two. Fangirl Down will likely always be my favorite in this series but man oh man am I sure having fun with it!

4.5

I did not like this book. I guess it could’ve been worse? I found the writing to be childish and just bad, I felt like Chloe was 16 not 25 by her behavior. I also feel like the conflict was dumb- they weren’t actual siblings and they were both adults- it’s not like they grew up knowing each other so who cares.

First, thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this eARC.

I did not read the first two books in this series (I didn’t know if I had to) but I quickly found that I wasn’t missing anything from the first two books.
Tessa Bailey navigated the taboo romance topic so well that I found myself aching for the characters to be together. I was literally yelling at the book for certain parts. It’s so well written and I was sad that it was over when I finished it. I will definitely be reading more of her work!

3.75⭐️ rounded up

When I met Sig & Chloe in the Au Pair Affair I was soo soo intrigued to get to their story! Step siblings/ future step siblings and forbidden love aren't tropes i would normally read, but if Tessa Bailey writes it, I'm gonna read it. I always fall in love with her MMCs and Sig is no exception, when he said "I exist for her" i knew I was a goner.

The angst in this book almost killed me (in the best way). While a good portion of this storyline was very predictable to me, however, I still enjoyed the story very much. and I'm so excited that one of the rookies is getting a book!!

If you are looking for a spicy, forbidden love, hockey romance that also has lots of dirty talk, this is the book for you!!

Big thanks to netgalley and Avon/ Harper Publishing for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Avon & Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for an eARC of Dream Girl Drama!

4/5 Stars

This is the third book in Tessa's Bailey's Big Shot series. Sig and Chloe meet at a country club and sparks fly, but when they show up at a family dinner where Sig's estranged dad and Chloe's mom and find out they are going to be step siblings they have to put the breaks on their romance. Obviously it's not easy when they are so attracted to each other and the tension builds to a breaking point.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, like all Tessa Bailey's books, it was a quick read. The tension between Sig and Chloe kept me turning the pages. I needed to know how they would solve their dilemma. I adored Sig and how he was so conscious of Chloe's needs and feelings, but did feel like he made some poor decisions because of his need for her. Chloe's character was definitely likeable, but super naive. She's a rich girl who never got a chance to grow up and while I sympathize with that, I also felt like she should have been aware about more things that were pretty hard to miss.

This book was flirty and fun. I would definitely recommend it to Tessa Bailey fans or anyone who enjoys authors like Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, Hannah Grace, or BK Borison.

Y’all. I went into this completely blind. Had no idea what the plot was - and I HIGHLY recommend readers do the same. It made the first few chapters so great. All I knew was that it was a Tessa Bailey, and honestly, that’s all I really needed. I loved this story. I loved the situation, the angst, the absolute feral-ness of the MMC and how he fell instantly. If you like insta-love, hockey, amazing pet characters and taboo in any way - this is a great read for you!

Classic Tessa Bailey. Great characters, witty banter, steamy (!!!), and an easy read. Loved that we got to see some characters from past books of hers while also was wondering just how she was going to wrap up this story - was pleasantly surprised with the ending and did not see it coming! One of my favorites of hers that I've read!

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 3.5/5

I had a really fun time reading this book as I do while reading most of Tessa Bailey's books. I really love the characters that Tessa Bailey has created in this series and the main characters in this book are no exception. I do feel like I wanted a little bit more from the romance in this book although I am struggling to pinpoint what it was exactly that was lacking for me. Overall, I had a fun time while reading it and am excited to continue this series but this book was just not a new favorite.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

While I've loved the other two books in the series (golf, who knew!!!) I was a bit hesitant for this one (potential step sibs? A little too close for comfort) but naturally dove right in none the less to see what sort of fun Tessa has in for us this time! 🤣

The insta love between Sig and Chloe turned slow burn angst was one heck of a roller coaster of will they won't they. And i absolutely loved it! Chloe running away from her sheltered Connecticut life and overbearing mother to Boston to chase after her harp playing dreams with the support of Sig making sure she doesn't want for anything. The two, torn apart by the impending nuptials of their parents, become the best of friends, but yet the tension and attraction between them keeps getting in the way, they both know it's only a matter of time before they cross that line. but with him in the public eye, rumors start to run rampant about their relationship as well as the fact that their about to be step siblings, ultimately putting both their careers on the line. But could love be enough to conquer all here?

In true Tessa fashion, this was such a fun read! I wanted a bit more of seeing their friendship grow and a bit more post 3rd act reconciliation/in the epilogue but I already can't wait for the next in the series!!!


Thank you Netgalley, and Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my review

I enjoyed this and thought it was well paced and entertaining however the one thing that bugged me a bit was the instant love trope, it felt a little excessive to me and hindered my experience

NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT!

When Sig’s truck breaks down on his way to dinner with his dad and his new girlfriend, he’s stuck at a posh country club, in search of a way to call a tow truck. His odds aren’t looking good until an angel comes to his rescue: Chloe Clifford. 🧚‍♀️

Sparks fly instantly and the two are utterly enamored with one another, too bad they both have places they need to be. Wait until they realize their dinner plans are to meet each other, at their parents engagement dinner…

That’s right, Sig’s angel dream girl is his future stepsister 🤦🏼‍♀️

The two are obviously wary to act on their attraction to one another, especially with so many eyes on the harp prodigy destined to make it big and the superstar hockey player waiting for his next contract. The stakes are high, but is it worth it for Sig to get his dream girl?

Sig is EVERYTHING!!! I’m obsessed with him and his utter devotion to Chloe, and his dirty mouth ❤️

Tessa was KILLING me with the “foreshadowing” at the end of these chapters!! It made it impossible to stop reading. But, once again, she killed it. I’m obsessed.

Thank you NetGalley, the QUEEN Tessa Bailey, Avon books, and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

An entertaining MMC brought down by a bland FMC.

This is my first Tessa Bailey that I really didn't enjoy. And I can't really say I was disappointed because I knew from the previous book that I wasn't really a fan of Chloe.

I think Chloe was an attempt at a Piper 2.0 from It Happened One Summer, and I loved that story. Piper was a spoiled, flighty FMC but she had a lot of depth and was putting in a lot of effort in her life. Chloe did not have that imo. She had the personality of a paper bag, and she went from living off her mother's money to just living off Sig's money, all the while saying she was doing it to be more independent. She was just oblivious, clueless, even lazy at times. I didn't really see her put in any kind of effort into her life until way over half way through, and that's where she finally starts to become an actual person.

Sig was a great MMC without an equal match. I feel like Chloe's character actually dampened his character. He had the potential to be much more dynamic, but he was hamstringed by constantly having to big brother her (ironic I know). He was either aggressively protective or aggressively horny, neither of which are bad things in moderation, but that's ALL he was. He had the ability to be so much more. And then you're also left wondering what he's actually seeing in her. She gives off staring into space and having absolutely zero thoughts vibes. Attractive? Not so much.

This was also my first step sibling romance, and this was probably not the best one to start with. It definitely didn't do anything for me in general so I'll be reluctant to pick up another one for awhile.

BUT this is still Tessa Bailey we're talking about. Even with all of the above, her books are just so easy to read and still enjoyable. So I will forever buy whatever she writes, but this one just wasn't for me personally.

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!