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

This Tessa Bailey just wasn’t for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters.
Sig & Chloe have a chance meeting & immediately the sparks fly, but they soon realize they are destined to be step-siblings. Yet they are both in Boston, her being a harpist & him being a hockey player. All while trying not be be more than “best friends”.
This was cute and I did like the ending…I was hoping everyone would end up happy. But like I said…I just didn’t connect with Sig & Chloe! I know that long-term Tessa Bailey fans will be happy, even if it wasn’t for me.

Dream Girl Drama 🏒❤️


When pro hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down, he stumbles into a posh country club and meets free-spirited harpist Chloe Clifford. Sparks fly, but their budding romance takes a shocking turn when Sig discovers Chloe is his future stepsister—her mother is engaged to his father.

I really enjoyed how Sig genuinely cared for Chloe—it made their connection feel heartfelt and authentic. The romance was sweet, though it wasn’t as spicy as I expected. While I wouldn’t call it a true hockey romance (since hockey didn’t play a major role in the story), it still added a nice layer to Sig’s character. The twist at the end was a fun surprise and kept things interesting!

Read if you like:
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏽Family drama
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽 Opposites attract
🏒 Hockey romance

Ratings:
⭐️: 3/5
🌶️: 2/5
📖: 384
📚 genre: romance
✏️ pub date: Feb. 4

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.

This one was fun! I actually enjoyed it a bit more than book two but book one is still my favorite in the big shots series.

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 that might have over the top personalities.

Sig is great! He’s the kind of guy who falls first and hard, and who doesn’t love a guy worshiping them in all the right ways. But his protective and selfless nature often led to him coddling Chloe and for someone with very little independence since leaving her mom, I wanted a little more from her.

These two definitely had a fun and wild ride and I definitely loved their HEA!

Dream Girl Drama was very entertaining - there's lust, drama, tension, and some taboo moments. Sig and Chloe meet in an unlikely way and immediately feel a connection. Moments later, they find out that their parents are engaged, meaning they are going to end up step siblings if everything goes according to plan. Sig's immediate protectiveness over Chloe was a little cringey at times, but I'm sure there's plenty of people out there that will eat that up! Tessa Bailey definitely knows how to write a steamy rom-com!.

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the advanced e-copy in exchange of my honest review.

Dream Girl Drama is a great escapist romance, which honestly, I think we could all use right now. I requested this advanced reader's copy on Netgalley after reading and adoring Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey last year, and was delighted that Avon and Harper Voyager sent me a digital copy to read. Dream Girl Drama was a quick read for me, because it grabs you IMMEDIATELY, and as a reader, keeps you totally engaged with all the fun going on with this story. I didn't want to put it down.

Chloe is a super talented musician who lacks confidence to step outside the world she knows, and Sig is a pro hockey player. Sig and Chloe meet and have an instant connection, but then find out that their relationship just can't be. Much love and drama ensues. Sig is very protective and wants to take care of Chloe and Chloe loves Sig to pieces, but they just can't be together.
If you are looking for a REALLY fun romance, this could be the book for you!

Cute and easy book to read! With a hockey player and musical prodigy main characters I was super interested in how it would all work out. It had a lot of potential with the FMC and MMC that I was super optimistic in the beginning but by about 25% I knew I just wasn’t going to love it. The book was good and easy to read through but it just wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the way the FMC thought or handled things throughout the story and I just couldn’t relate to her or even the MMC. Over all the story ended well and I felt like it was a good story line it just wasn’t my favorite.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for my ARC that was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This one was so good. I’ve read several by Tessa Bailey and she never disappoints. Her spiciness and story writing ability are one of a kind and highly recommend. Sig and Chlo are meant for eachother and have such a strong attraction form the start but the impending marriage of their parents leaves them with a hard decision to make. Loved the ending.

I always have so much fun reading Tessa Bailey's work. Her writing is engaging, and her characters are usually such a joy to follow. That said, this particular book didn’t quite work for me. I think insta-love tends to make a romance feel a bit more shallow, and I found myself wanting something deeper that I could really root for. While I can always appreciate her humor and charm, this one just wasn’t my favorite. Still, I’ll absolutely keep reading her books because I know how much I’ve enjoyed her other stories in the past.

Imagine you have the best meet cute, meet the person of your dreams and come to find out you can’t have her?

Sid and Chloe meet each other unexpectedly outside a country club and immediately have a “love at first sight” connections between one another. They both come to find out they are at the country club for the same reason…to meet up with their parents. They both sit down at the same table and come to find out that Sid’s dad and Chloe’s mom are engaged to be married in a few short months. Sid and Chloe are both devastated by the new because they both were beginning to see each other in each other’s lives, but not for that reason.

Will Sid and Chloe continue with the “taboo” relationship and risk both of their careers over it, or will they realize that this connection is not worth it for both of them?

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!