The tension and angst is exactly what I was hoping it would be and more. Absolutely obsessed with how obsessed Sig is.

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for letting me review this ARC.

I'm a huge fan of the other books in this series (Fangirl and The Au Pair Affair). This third book follows the characters of Sig and Chloe. This just wasn't my favorite. The plot was -- weak. The reader has to get past the idea of step-siblings falling in love (and Bailey does a good job making it less weird and more acceptable). The problem is that b/c this is forbidden and the book needs to be sexy, there's a lot of sexual "actions" that stop short of crossing any lines --- and frankly it's annoying after a while, Sig is sexy and hot but he's also got some real red flags -- especially with the "If I can't have you then no one can" mentality. It's less sexy and more ick. Chloe is annoying and selfish and just a too immature for a 25 yo. I really thought she was like 17 when we first meet her. Nope. The whole plot (estranged relationships etc., parents with secrets, lack of communication)-- was just irritating after a while. This storyline just wasn't as strong as the previous books and I was much less invested.

I’m so grateful I was able to get an advanced copy of this book. Tessa Bailey is an auto read author for me. I adore her books and love her characters and I love that this was part of a series. Admittedly, I love the first two in the series more than this one, but still felt the chemistry here was really strong and of course steamy! It has a twist at the end, but I honestly did not see coming.

Tessa Bailey brings the heat from the start with another fantastic addition to her Big Shot series! I love a sports rom-com and this one really does not lack in the drama department! A great steamy read that kept me giggling all the way through.

This book was my first Tessa Bailey book. I guarantee it will not be my last. I loved the writing style and the pace of this beautifully written book.

Dream Girl Drama starts with the characters meeting in the first chapter, so it’s quick to grab your attention. It’s a ‘love at first sight’ trope that isn’t done cringey. This is a forbidden romance because our main characters Sig and Chloe soon find out that they are to be future step siblings.

Sig is a two-time NHL all-star with the Boston Bearcats. With the way he grew up with his mother he never needed anything extravagant. Chloe is a harp prodigy who grew up pampered, and never having to do anything for herself. She just relied on her moms wealth.

Sig still drives a 1998 Chevy Pickup truck which breaks down while his phone is dead. He gets saved by Chloe who proceeds to steal champagne for them to toast to at the elite country club. Where they have such an instant magnetic connection to each other.

Once finding out that their parents are engaged they, keep it between themselves that they knew each other prior to meeting. This happened at dinner to tell them along with an introduction.

Chloe wants to move to Boston to go to school for the harp, against her moms approval. She is able to make that decision with the comfort of Sig. He supports her in more ways than one, showing her how to live without the cushion of money.

They both fight their feelings for each other, but the more time Sig and Chloe spend together the harder that becomes. Lines get blurred while Sig does everything he can to allow them to be together.

While reading this I was rooting for them, as well as feeling their struggles to keep a wall of friendship between them. This forbidden slow burn will have you swooning for the way Sig can take care of you. All while making you blush from the dirty things that come out of this gentleman’s mouth.

This is a definite 5 ⭐️ from me with 3.5 🌶️
I can’t wait to have the physical copy on my shelf because *chef’s kiss*

okay before I even start this book. I was so so SO drawn to Sig’s overbearing, weird protectiveness of his step sister/almost step sister in The Au Pair Affair?? I was sitting there really questioning if Tessa was actually going there from the rip when I saw that note in the beginning. And BOY I was right. By the end of the book I was DYING for this story!!!! And I am SO fucking happy I received an ARC copy of it. thank you so much Tessa, Net Galley, and Avon books!! okay so now I’m off to read it. Will share my final review when I’m done reading it! <3

𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.75★

A huge thank you to , Avon and Harper Voyager, NetGalley. /!. Tessa for the advanced reader copy of Dream Girl!! Honestly was not expecting this opportunity but I feel so blessed 😭🩷

When I was reading the Au Pair Affair, I instantly started sensing the vibe between Sig and Chloe and I was questioning many things 😂😭 the biggest one being why am I interested in a step sibling romance???? 🫣🫣 Anywho, here tf I am!!!! <3

For context: This book follows Sig Gauthier, a famous ice hockey player from Boston and Chloe Clifford, a harp prodigy from Connecticut. Both raised in completely different worlds, but somehow a broken down truck and a dead phone leads to a chance encounter that changes their lives forever. One stolen champagne bottle later and Sig knows he’s found the love of his life. Chloe, much like Sig, finds herself connecting so deeply and easily with someone for the first time ever. After a deeply passionate kiss, it’s decided: they’re continuing this chance encounter….. in bed. Convo chem? 🔥 but BED CHEM? let’s see if it’s just as good 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Unfortunately, they have prior obligations they need to attend to prior to meeting again for their fun filled night. They each have to attend separate dinner plans. Sig has dinner plans with his dad to meet his new fiancée and Chloe has dinner plans with her mother to meet her fiancé…. lol wait what??🫣 yep. The WORST second chance encounter ever… 😂

Something I really loved about the main characters: how vastly different their upbringings were. Sig is an only child that grew up with a struggling single mother. He learned to make the best of every situation, though he always wondered about his father. Unlike Sig, Chloe grew up sheltered, wealthy, and in constant control of her mother. Chloe constantly wondered about the independence of being on her own. The only person who stood up for her freedom was Sig, and if it weren’t for him, she would have likely never had the courage to go out and do her own thing. Chloe was challenged to grow in many ways, both as an average adult, learning to do laundry and cook, but also as a known prodigy harpist. (Relatable, - the harpist part lol).

Although this is an insta-love story (which I don’t really gravitate towards) I did enjoy the tension between Chloe and Sig in the book. Knowing they would be step siblings did freak me out a little, but also logically you’re two grown adults who met before you knew what was happening between your parents. For a second I felt like they were really about to run off to be together because I could find no logical way otherwise and that was upsetting 🤣🤣 I also kind of felt bad for how they were being scrutinized in the media and it made me realize that this is literally reality for current day celebrities and that is so shitty??

Anyway. Final thoughts: I had a hard time trying to figure out how the heck this relationship was going to work. I’m not sure why the resolution to their story was just not something that ever crossed my mind, but it made me so happy when it finally happened and made so much sense😭 Overall, I enjoyed this and I’m excited for the orgasm donors to get their turn 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚: forbidden romance, insta love, sports romances, ice-hockey, smut 🌶️

Ok so this is book 3 in her sports romance series and every time I have gone to read any of her books in this series I have not been thrilled with the thought of actually reading the story.

AND yet, this is the third time that I have been reluctantly pulled in the direction of actually liking it.

Ugh why?? Why do they all sound horrible and then they are actually enjoyable? I’m honestly a bit miffed. Lol

Sig and Chloe were annoying to me in book 2 and the step sibling thing was weird. But their meet cute was magnetic and then the bomb was dropped. It made me root for them from day 1. Tessa did a good job there that is for sure. This was maybe her closest to taboo book I can think of since it’s a step sibling book but just read it if you aren’t a taboo reader because I think you might like the resolution. And if you aren’t a taboo reader, just know— this is a Tessa Bailey book after all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Bailey for the advanced reader copy!

“I haven’t been a bachelor since I heard your voice for the first time. I was yours before I even turned around and you know it.”

Dream Girl Drama (Big Shots, Book 3)
Author: Tessa Bailey
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

On his way to dinner to meet his dad’s new girlfriend, Sig Gauthier runs into a bit of car trouble. With a dead phone, he has no other option but to stop at the nearby country club for help. Even as an NHL player himself, Sig feels exceptionally out of place somewhere so posh. Chloe Clifford, a club member, quickly comes to his rescue. Her antics and longing for adventure capture Sig’s attention right away. After hitting it off with a steamy golf course kiss, the two exchange information and head to their separate plans. Little did they know those plans overlap because they were just re-introduced to each other by their parents. Remember Sig’s dad’s girlfriend? Well, it turns out she got upgraded to fiance and she also happens to be Chloe’s mom…making Sig and Chloe soon-to-be step-siblings.

Chloe and Sig’s connection was instant but the added complications quickly simmered it out a bit, giving their romance that slow-burn feeling but with a hot start. The beginning of the story drew me in quickly and had my attention but some of the drama and conflict towards the middle lost me for a bit. Their story was still enjoyable to say the least and the end for sure turned it around for me with some twists and connecting of the dots. Overall, there was plenty of drama and comical relief that really added to Sig and Chloe’s story making it their own while keeping that true feel of a classic Tess book.

If you like:
Hockey Romance
Forbidden Romance
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn

Reviewed by: Karley🧡

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book!

As a huge Tessa fan I had high hopes for this book. I loved Fangirl Down but felt somewhat indifferent towards The AuPair Affair. I was hesitant going into a step siblings romance but was excited nonetheless.

I was unfortunately very let down. I love forbidden romance but I don’t think step siblings is for me. It seemed like it was turned into a much bigger deal than it ever should have been considering they’re adults who have just met. It was made worse by the fact that at many times I felt Sig treated Chloe with sibling like treatment (also seen in the AuPair Affair) versus a woman he is interested in.

I found Sig and Chloe’s relationship to be somewhat toxic. Specifically the scene where Sig tells Chloe to delete all the men in her phone. They just don’t seem good together.

I also found the spicy scenes to be uncomfortable. I’m not sure if I just don’t like Sig or what but his dirty talk was cringey.

I’m so sad I didn’t like this. I think I am just not the target audience for these tropes.

I was happy to get this one. I was waiting for Sig and Chloe‘s story after reading about them in the Au Pair Affair. I love the way Sig is with Chloe. He treats her like a queen. The spice, angst, banter and chemistry was perfect and I flew through this one! Highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the arc to read and leave my honest review.

I've been waiting for this book! The forbidden romance, the tension, the steam! I felt like it def delivered on it. I would say it's my favorite book in her new sports series and my favorite romantic couple!

3.5 Stars

When Sig Gauthier and Chloe Clifford first meet, their attraction is visceral... and instantaneous. But the second time they meet, they realize they can NEVER act on the feelings that they both obviously share...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dream Girl Drama was an angsty, sexy and emotional, opposites attract read! Chloe and Sig may fall in love at first sight, but when they realize they are about to be step siblings, they will have to learn to settle with being friends... but then the real world intrudes...

Since being discovered as a prodigy harp player, Chloe Clifford  has lived a very sheltered, and unfulfilling life. And while she has had big ideas of being on her own, she has never been able to act on them until meeting Sig. He gives her the confidence and support to move to Boston... which just happens to be the city he lives in...

Sig Gauthier is a professional hockey player, total brute, and a big softie when it comes to Chloe. She is his dream woman, but a future between them could never be... but Sig is determined to keep her happy and safe, no matter how much the lines may get blurred...

This book was a super sexy and completely complicated, read! When Chloe and Sig first meet they experience the most intense attraction... only to find out their parents are not only dating, but engaged! They vow to remain friends and spend all the time they can together, but when their friendship becomes too public, choices will have to be made...

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

MISS. TESSA. BAILEY!!!!
I was absolutely flabbergasted when I got approved for this advance readers e-book! I was so excited to dive in and as always, Tessa’s writing hit all the marks for me. I’m so here for every part of this book! Cannot wait for the next in the series!

Look, I love a protective MMC so who will move the earth for his love, but Sig is a little too possessive. Sure, he wants to give Chloe the world and never have her suffer, but not allowing her to grow in her own way causes her to suffer. Not his intent, but still the outcome. I still love him though.

And Chloe is such a ray of sunshine, especially having grown up in such a privileged life. Seeing her blossom and grow into an independent woman was such a treat.

The forbidden love aspect of Sig and Chloe’s relationship really gave SUCH GREAT tension which was just as savory as the actual spice. The chemistry between the two was off the charts and had you rooting for a step-sibling romance.

If you’re looking for a little taboo romance with a side of insta love and some really fun spice - this is it. When I open a short rom-com, I’m not looking for the next great American novel… I’m looking for a good time with a decent plot, likable characters and spice that surprises me - Tessa Bailey never fails to deliver on that for us - and Dream Girl Drama was another win for me from her!

Sig (mmc) was down BAD for Chloe (fmc) from chapter one and I thought their dynamic was incredibly sweet - though Chloe’s character did read a bit “child-like”… which, given her background was to be expected, but was still a little hard to read at times.

All in all, this book was a good time, and for that I’m going with four stars! If you liked Fangirl Down, Au Pair Affair or and of Tessa Bailey’s other reads - this one won’t disappoint!

Another amazing book to the series. Once again Tessa can't make me hate any book even if she tried. My favorite one in this trio.

I loved Sig and Chloe's book.
Sig is a hockey player and on his way to see his dad when his old truck decides to quit working. He pulls into the country club and isn't treated kind. Chloe breaks in on a conversation Sig is having, and she takes Sig aside and helps him. These two just hit it off from first sight. When Chloe leaves Sig, he didn't know if he would see her again.
Sig goes to dinner to see his dad, and runs into Chloe, who he finds his dad is marrying her mom..
Chloe has led a life sheltered by her mom, but Sig helps Chloe see what talent she is missing and takes her to Boston.
Sig and Chloe are so close and deny the attraction, for as long as they can. When life becomes difficult, because of their jobs and circumstances, they try to go their separate way, yet they are still so drawn to each other.
When Sig is leaving to move to LA, he finds that life can be what he and Chloe want.. it's pure love and joy!

I was definitely in on this one after meeting Sig and Chloe in the previous book.

I did really like these two. They're both so loyal and filled with love. I enjoyed reading their connection, even if it was instalove. I did have a bit of a back and forth with being annoyed with Sig's overprotectiveness and Chloe's cluelessness. Both of them have some growth (Chloe especially) and it was refreshing to see a difference.

Plot wise, it's a meandering pace towards the end. The tension was more of an idea than actually in place and I'm okay with that. The way Tessa got herself out of the main issue was good and the epilogue was exactly what I wanted for these two.

Overall, it was the characters that kept me reading. Oh, and I loved seeing the rookies and am beside myself at the next book.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

As always Tessa Bailey does not disappoint. I enjoyed the meet cute between Sig and Chloe but of course it is never as easy as it seems. I appreciated the character development of Chloe, trying to be an adult and stand on her own two feet while stumbling along the way. The relationship between Sig and Chloe was enjoyable and as always a bit steamy. Tessa Bailey is an auto read author for me, I enjoy everything she writes.

3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️

Listen, this book just didn’t quite hit for me the way Fangirl Down did. Was it also everything I’ve come to need from Tessa Bailey?? Yes. Will I continue to devour anything this woman writes?? Also yes.