The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams | book review
“The Cheat Sheet” by Sarah Adams has been living rent-free in my head since I read it for the first time. Adams captivates readers with charming humor and emotional moments in this BookTok sensation.
Bree is helplessly in love with her extremely hot, longtime best friend, Nathan. But when a misunderstanding goes public, the ex-dancer and professional football player are forced to fake date – and we all know what happens with fake-dating tropes…
Summary
“The Cheat Sheet” tells the story of Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson, two best friends who would do anything for each other – except admit that there might be something more than friendship between them. Bree battles her own insecurities and does everything she can to hide her feelings for Nathan. Nathan, on the other hand, is a celebrated football star who seems to have it all – except for the one person who truly matters to him.
When an embarrassing misunderstanding pushes Bree into the spotlight, an unexpected opportunity arises that could bring them closer together: a fake relationship. As they pretend to be a couple in front of the public, the lines between pretend and reality begin to blur. But can Bree and Nathan take the leap from best friends to something more without risking the bond that holds them together?
Characters
The main characters are Bree, an ex-dancer, and Nathan, a professional football player – two best friends kind of in love with each other but also don’t want to jeopardize their longtime friendship. Like every well-written character, both Bree and Nathan come with their own backstories and struggles. Let’s dive into their journeys so we can get to know them a little better!
Bree Camden
At the beginning of this sports romance, Bree Camden comes across as a humorous, loyal, and warm-hearted person who struggles with self-doubt. She had always been a dancer, but an injury forced her to end her beloved ballet career—a loss that deeply affected her self-confidence. Ballet was a crucial part of her identity, and without it, Bree constantly questions herself: Is she still enough?
These insecurities are especially strong when she compares herself to Nathan, her best friend and a successful football player. Given Nathan’s public success and status, it’s no surprise that Bree sometimes feels insignificant and doubts whether they could ever truly be equals.
As the story progresses, Bree undergoes impressive character development. She learns that her worth doesn’t depend on what she achieves or whether others admire her. Instead, she begins to recognize her own strengths and starts to value herself again—regardless of external validation. This journey, however, isn’t without obstacles. Bree faces setbacks that challenge her progress, but it is precisely these difficult moments that lead to important realizations and help her rise above herself.
Bree is someone who often hides her true feelings behind witty remarks and a bright smile. She especially keeps her love for Nathan hidden, fearing that revealing her emotions could jeopardize their deep friendship. But this is where her most significant growth occurs: Bree realizes that it takes courage to be vulnerable and to stand by her feelings—even if that means risking what matters most to her.
An equally important part of her journey is the understanding that she doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved. Bree learns that self-love and the belief in her own dreams are just as essential as romantic love. She ultimately finds the courage to embrace her emotions and accept herself for who she is—regardless of Nathan’s success or the pressures of public perception.
By the end of the story, readers meet a stronger, more confident Bree who no longer hides behind self-doubt. She remains the funny, warm-hearted character readers loved from the beginning but now faces the world with the courage to stand up for herself. Her journey feels authentic and relatable—especially for anyone who has ever wondered whether they are truly “enough.”
Nathan Donelson
Nathan Donelson, a successful football star and seemingly the perfect dream man—handsome, athletic, and popular—carries a very different story beneath the surface. Despite his public success, Nathan feels enormous pressure, both professionally and personally. He consistently puts the needs of others before his own, especially when it comes to Bree, his best friend, for whose well-being he feels deeply responsible.
His biggest obstacle? The fear of losing Bree if he confesses his true feelings. Convinced that he can’t give her what she deserves, Nathan holds back his emotions. This fear, combined with his need for control, fuels his inner turmoil and keeps him from opening up.
As the story unfolds, Nathan’s self-doubt becomes more apparent. He questions whether Bree could ever love him the way he loves her. However, the fake relationship they embark on forces him to confront his feelings and let go of some of the control he has always clung to.
Nathan’s character development shines as he learns that true strength lies in vulnerability. He realizes that protecting others by hiding his emotions only creates distance. By allowing closeness and embracing the risks that come with love, he grows into someone willing to fight for what truly matters.
By the end of the story, Nathan transforms from a reserved, hesitant friend into a man ready to open up completely. His journey is a deeply emotional exploration, proving that even those who seem to have it all face the same fears and hopes as everyone else.
Tropes & Themes
“The Cheat Sheet” is a friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, sports romance that follows two best friends who secretly have feelings for each other but are forced to fake-date to clear up a public misunderstanding.
It’s also a slow-burn romance, as the love story between Bree and Nathan unfolds gradually. There are countless emotional moments where I couldn’t help but think, “Come on, just tell them already!”—but of course, they took their time.
Spice Level
The spice level in this book is reeeally low. You’ll find plenty of romantic moments, sizzling tension, and undeniable chemistry, but no explicit scenes. Sarah Adams is known for this style, and I think it perfectly fits the theme of the book—intimate moments are simply implied rather than described.
The focus is on romantic gestures and emotional depth, which makes the story so incredibly cute and heartwarming.
Writing Style
Adams writes in a light, humorous, and approachable modern style. There’s so much witty banter and charm throughout “The Cheat Sheet”—I found myself laughing and smiling a lot while reading. It’s one of those stories that feels so memorable, it just pops into my thoughts every now and then.
Because the writing style is so modern and accessible, it’s incredibly easy to dive into the love story and get completely swept away by it.
I would also say that the English in this book is quite simple. So, if English isn’t your first language but rather your second or third, you’ll still find it easy and enjoyable to read.
Final Thoughts
I know I’m repeating myself, but this book lives rent-free in my head—seriously! Bree and Nathan keep popping into my thoughts because this love story is just so approachable, funny, and packed with adorable banter and an lot of green flags.
If I’m being honest, I would have loved it if their respective sports had been given a bit more attention. Not too much, of course—the love story needs to stay in the spotlight—but just a little more would have been nice.
That being said, “The Cheat Sheet” totally delivers with its perfect mix of sports romance, slow burn, and fake dating.
So, if you’re looking for a romance book where feelings take center stage and the emotional bond between the characters matters more than explicit scenes, then Bree and Nathan’s story is definitely the perfect fit for you!
Have you read The Cheat Sheet von Sarah Adams? What are your thoughts? Share it in the comments!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Cheat Sheet
Author: Sarah Adams
Series: The Cheat Sheet #1
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication date: 04/26/2022
ISBN-13: 9780593500767
