IMPORTANT NOTE: Dream Girl Drama is marketed as a step-sibling romance, but really - their parents got married when they were full adults, and they met before they knew. If you're worried that there's an ick element - I think you can safely read this without feeling like there's a *creepy* element. (Especially after the ending which I won't reveal!)

-- Sig and Chloe had a genuinely adorable meet-cute that really made me love their characters - but then they fell pretty flat because they REALLY needed to grow up. BIG TIME. It takes time for everyone at different rates to grow up, and I can recognize that.. but there were still a lot of cringy moments in this one that I didn't feel were present in the first two books of the series. Sig for his stubborn behavior and Chloe for her blah-manic-pixie-dream-girl-energy.

**This is my major sticking point with this novel - Chloe (the manic-pixie-energy rich girl) still ended up married to a wealthy hockey player (I'm not spoiling anything by saying that - this is a HEA-contemporary-romance-novel where you know it's going to end up with them together, and her idea of a hard time was roughing it for a few months in a penthouse. Both Josephine and Tallulah were amazing main characters from the first two books in this series, and I just couldn't find it within me to like Chloe. Especially because who I thought Chloe and Sig were from The Au Pair Affair is 1000% wildly different from who their characters ended up being.

- Ends really well! Both characters got the level of closure they needed, and I loved the epilogue!

**Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

I’m so thrilled I received a copy of this book from NetGalley! It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and I’m giving it 4.5 stars out of 5. The Big Shots series has officially converted me into a Tessa Bailey fan—I would have jumped off a bridge to read this book, haha (but thankfully, I didn’t have to)!

Sig and Chloe were introduced in The Au Pair Affair, and I’ve been dying to dive into their story ever since. The book is told from dual POVs, and I have to say, reading Sig’s chapters was a pleasant surprise—especially since I’m usually not a fan of reading from a male perspective! But the way he described Chloe in the first chapter was honestly the best description I’ve ever read. If anyone ever called me "enthralling," it’s over for me—I’d be getting married right then and there!

I loved getting to know Chloe throughout this book. Watching her fight for herself and grow was definitely the highlight for me.

I was a bit unsure how Tessa Bailey would wrap up the story in a way that felt believable, but I’m happy to say she nailed it! The only reason I knocked off half a point was because I felt the ending could have been expanded a bit more. Honestly, I could have read hundreds more pages of Sig and Chloe.

4-4.5 stars, I truly cannot decide where to put it so I'm leaving it at 4 but I reserve the right to change my mind.

Fangirl Down was one of my top reads of 2024 and I had been a little disappointed in Au Pair Affair. The breadcrumbs left about Sig and Chloe had me chomping at the bit for this book though, and I'm so glad I was able to get an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.

The start was SO STRONG - I was absolutely in love with Sig and his complete devotion to Chloe. This also might be TB's least horny book? I mean, it's still spicy, don't get me wrong, but it didn't feel like her standard lust. The initial flirtation was natural and I was instantly captivated by their chemistry.

The moment Sig realizes who Chloe is KILLED me. Bailey is absolutely nailing her emotional descriptions for Sig, and it's likely why I love him so much. Part of why I loved this book so much is I think it's a magical thing when you know with 100% certainty that it's going to be a HEA - the author said so, the description said so, etc - but there are moments throughout when you question HOW it's going to get there because you're in the feels with the characters. She nailed it with this one.

I'm torn on giving it 5 stars because the parents truly were confusing to me, as was the timeline. I didn't totally buy their motivations and that kept pulling me out. Highly recommend if you're a Tessa Bailey fan.

CLASSIC Tessa Bailey silliness and debauchery in the best possible way! I think this book leans heavily into insta-lust (which Tessa herself admits in the marketing of this) so if you're against general insta-lust as a trope steer clear. But overall it's fun, it's silly, it's hot!

I didn't love it in the same way I've loved other Tessa Bailey novels purely just because the insta-lust and silliness of the general plot are not usually things I want in my romance but since I am such a big fan of Tessa I decoured this in practically one day.

New favorite? No, but definitely something I will recommend for anyone looking to have a lot of fun with a romance.

If you've ever read a Tessa Bailey book then you will know exactly what ti expect and this did not disappoint. Spicey as ever and cutsey

I didn’t know how I was going to like this one because I’m not a fan of step-sibling romance.. but I will say this book was a pleasant surprise!! Tessa Bailey really navigated the subject well and respectfully and I appreciated that!

The tension between the Chloe and Sig was palpable from the start and usually that’s an ICK for me but I really enjoyed that aspect in this one! It wasn’t overdone and there was JUST the right amount of angst and longing between them. This book had all the elements of a hockey romance that I love! Loved the slow burn, and the humor was top notch, especially with the two rookies, they are hilarious lol!

This series is so fun!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

I am such a Tessa Bailey Fanatic, and her Big Shots series is quickly turning into one of my favorite series by her. Sig and Chloe have a unexpected meet cute at a country club, and its insta- love for both of them. Only for them to arrive separately at a dinner party and learn that their parents are going to get married to each other. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of pining, lots of will they, won't they and the only reason I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I was literally on the edge of my seat BEGGING them to be together. The waffling of wanting to be together so badly, but not able to because it will effect their careers (not 100% sure I think it would have mattered that much in real life but I could be wrong!!) was a little too drawn out for me. I would have preferred more time together and less time apart but thats just how I am. Chloe is very sheltered, and this is a turn off to some, but I loved watching Sig take care of her and how down BAD he was for her. Sig and Chloe forever <3

Of note, this is Tessa dipping her toe into a "taboo" romance because they are future stepsibilings, but they didn't know each other until they became adults and they met before they found out their parents were getting married so I personally didn't even consider this taboo. More not traditional? Idk, I loved it, and don't let the future stepsibilings turn you off!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

My Rating: 3/5
Spice Rating: 4/5

If you have liked any of Tessa Bailey's previous books, you will enjoy this one. This novel is just like her others with her classic, cheesy, *spicy* love stories that she is well-known for,

I can honestly say that I felt like Dream Girl was the best book out of the Big Shots series and even though the main trope was a "forbidden romance", it didn't feel completely taboo or overly cringey. I felt like the fact that Chloe and Sig didn't have a physically romantic relationship more than 60% of this book -- it gave them a good foundation and made their feelings for each other more believable since they spent months just getting to know each other.

My biggest gripe is the entirety of this book I just wanted to yell "WHO CARES, JUST DATE" -- they're two consenting adults, who met as adults, not knowing their parents were together. Sig doesn't even really have a relationship with his dad to begin with -- they're basically estranged, even if Sig didn't want them to be. I also understand that we live in a world with internet and in real life, especially with Sig being a professional athlete, their story *would* have made headlines. But also in the real world, it would have been a topic of discussion for 5-7 business days and then everyone would have been onto the next greatest scandal, forgetting all about them and their barely taboo relationship.

Having the entire conflict being centered around their parents getting married and that being a "no-no", became fairly frustrating by the end of the book.

Overall, I felt like Tessa's writing has grown throughout her career, which is always so fun to see authors continuously improving their craft. "I exist for her" will go down as one of my favorite sentences written.

4.5!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early review copy! I was so so excited for this book after finishing book 2. I originally thought this series would only be a duology upon finishing, but I was thrilled to find another two books in the series!
I feel like this one was SO different from what we’ve been getting from Tessa Bailey lately (minus Fangirl Down because I loved that one too). This one did have the signature Tessa Bailey instalove, but it felt different because of the forbidden nature of Sig and Chloe’s relationship.
This very much gave Piper and Brenden because of Chloe and Sig’s personalities. Chloe’s character was giving entitled, spoiled, and naïve but in the best way possible. Sig’s desire to give Chloe the princess treatment definitely reminded me of Brendan, but I loved every second of it. Tessa Bailey has the sports romance thing DOWN.
I only deducted half a star because it just didn’t quite give me that five star feeling, but I still really loved it. I can’t wait for the last book in the series!

Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing an ARC for me to honestly review prior to publishing.

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Au Pair Affair I was so excited to get into Chloe and Sig’s story! This definitely delivered in making me love them even more than I already did.

No spoilers, but the spice was *chefs kiss*, but the banter between the two is what made it for me. While Chloe isn’t my favorite type of FMC, I was glad to see her overarching journey throughout the book.

Cheers to more Tessa Bailey stories in this world, I can’t wait!

I love Tessa Bailey's books and many of them are in my top 20 and my favorite re-reads. This book had a lot of the elements I enjoy - an immediate connection between the main characters, fun side characters and a balance of humor and heat. Unfortunately, I was unable to buy into the main conflict and, with any other author, wouldn't even have tried. The idea that a relationship between two adults that met each other several hours before finding out that their parents were in a relationship and intending to get married in the next eight months would be so scandalous that it could derail both of their careers is ridiculous to me. I suspended disbelief and managed to mostly enjoy the book but had to downgrade the rating to 3 stars for that premise.

You can always count on Tessa Bailey for the SPICE! Talk about chemistry between Chloe and Sig. I gave it three stars because the title characters and the plot of them soon being step siblings. It felt a little off. Overall, a solid TB book--a "forbidden" love and a story that has you unable to put down the book. Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Maybe I'm dreaming. She'd taken a line drive tennis ball to the forehead and the paramedics were loading her onto a stretcher right now. She wasn't really sitting in the lounge with the most casually intense man she'd met in her life. It was an illusion.

Chloe honestly couldn't believe her luck. Sig was definitely a man dreams were made of. They had just met, but they were talking like they'd know each other forever. And the sparks were unbelievable!

Sig made this trip into town as a favor for his dad. Meeting Chloe when his truck broke down was very unexpected. And amazing. But things don't always work out so easily.

Sure enough, twists and turns ensue. One minute, Chloe and Sig think they are match made in heaven. Next thing you know, it's all turning to crap. Falling for each other could cost them both their careers. They have to figure out what they are willing to give up just to be together.

This is a good book with some definite twists!

4.5⭐️

This was so much fun and much better than I anticipated; given the trope. Sig is a literal joy and Chloe was way less brainless than I expected given the other interactions in book 2. They were super fun together and I loved the tension.

As usual, the drama was high, spice was great, and I loved their relationship. Oberall, it was a fantastic time. I do think I got a little tired of the side character drama but that's just me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa for this ARC!

Bailey has had me hooked for Sig and Chloe's story since the first glimpse of them in The Au Pair Affair. This book delivered on both the drama and the romance. Full of forbidden love, family chaos, secret stolen moments, and so much angst! Bailey sure knows how to hit you with absolutely electric chemistry and then make you suffer in the best way.

Tropes & What to Expect:
Forbidden Romance
Instalust but Angsty AF
Sports Romance
Broody Hockey Player meets Dream Girl Harpist
Steamy Slow Burn (but spicy when it gets going)
Messy Family Drama
Opposites Attract

The forbidden tension in the book was so well done. Sig was down bad for Chloe the moment he saw her and I'm here for it. The way it shifted from instalust to the slow burn angst was everything. I love the banter between these two and TB just does it so well.

I did have to turn my brain off for this book because ultimately I never saw a problem with their relationship. They met as adults and didn't even know their parents were dating. Ultimately if that was explained, I don't think it wouldn't be a problem. Maybe that's just me compartmentalizing because I shipped these two from the start. This was such a fun read and now I immediately need to get my hands on Pitcher Perfect.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve fallen in love with another Tessa Bailey book! Dream Girl Drama is my favorite addition to the Big Shots series. Tessa writes dirty scenes like no other and has a special way of making me adore her MMCs. I was worried that the third person writing style would be hard to get into, but it was no problem at all.

This is another big success for Tessa.

4.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dream Girl Drama centers around future step-siblings who meet, develop feelings for each other, but are kept apart because it would look “weird.” This plotline was the main reason I couldn’t fully get into the book. While it wasn’t terrible, it definitely wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time understanding why their relationship would be considered weird, especially since they met as adults before knowing their parents were involved. All they’d have to do is explain that publicly, and I feel like the issue would be resolved. Maybe I’m just not familiar with the social expectations of famous or wealthy people?

The chemistry between the characters was undeniable, intense, and electrifying, but it felt more like lust than genuine love. The FMC also seemed somewhat helpless at times, with the MMC constantly doing things for her without much in return. This dynamic left me feeling disconnected from the story.

The chemistry between the two was definitely the highlight of the book and what kept me engaged. While I think some readers will enjoy it, this one was just okay for me.

I had to set this down at 25% unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. I’m not a big fan of insta love, and this book was just gushing with insta love. I also just didn’t love that Chloe is 25 and still lets her mother control 100% of her life, and that she’s taking a full ride to a school she could obviously easily pay for. These details about Chloe made me not like her much as a fmc, and the only details we really get about sig is that he grew up poor and loves Chloe on sight, so there’s not much to like about him either… I didn’t feel like I wanted to route for the couple. You have to like something about the other person in a romance, not just see them and decide you should be together without knowing them literally at all. I could also tell sig was going to play this I can’t be with you even though I want to game, and that just isn’t my vibe. I will say if you don’t mind insta love I can see this book being great for someone else, it’s just not my cup of tea!

So excited that I received an ARC, definitely one of my most anticipated reads. Amazing book, this series has been so unique and fun. I love Sig and Chloe’s relationship there is so much tension. They want to be together so bad and are willing to sacrifice so much so they be together. Loved how Sig wanted to marry her asap and talked about their future. Guy falls really hard and was super excited to read since the au pair affair. The twist was great, Tessa Bailey is on a roll! I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Not my favorite Tessa Bailey book. I didn't find their relationship too believable and I didn't think the smut scenes were well-written in this book. I did think that the plot was cute; however.