5 Reasons to Read The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams is a lighthearted, feel-good romantic comedy featuring a classic friends-to-lovers trope. The story follows Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson, who have been best friends for years. Bree secretly harbors feelings for Nathan, a star NFL quarterback, but she fears ruining their friendship if she confesses.

When the media mistakenly assumes they are dating, they decide to play along for publicity, leading to a series of staged romantic moments that gradually blur the lines between pretend and real feelings. The book is known for its witty banter, wholesome romance, and engaging characters, making it a fun and heartwarming read.

Below is a detailed and realistic analysis of The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams, covering its strengths and weaknesses.

Book Overview: The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

  • Author: Sarah Adams
  • Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
  • Published: 2021
  • Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, Fake Dating, Sports Romance
  • Tone: Lighthearted, Humorous
book The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

The Cheat Sheet Plot Summary

Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson have been best friends for years. Bree, a ballet teacher, has been secretly in love with Nathan, an NFL quarterback, but she keeps her feelings to herself to avoid ruining their close friendship. However, after a drunken confession, the media mistakenly assumes they are dating. To take advantage of the situation, Nathan’s PR team suggests they fake a relationship for publicity.

As they pretend to be a couple, their long-buried feelings become harder to ignore. Between cute and awkward moments, The Cheat Sheet builds up to a heartwarming and predictable conclusion.

5 Reasons to Read The Book Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

  • Adorable Friends-to-Lovers Story – If you love the slow burn of best friends realizing they’re in love, this book The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams delivers with plenty of sweet and funny moments.
  • Fake Dating with a Fun Twist – The classic fake relationship trope is executed in a heartwarming way, making the romantic tension even more exciting.
  • Light, Funny, and Feel-Good Vibes – Bree’s hilarious inner thoughts and the playful banter between her and Nathan make this a perfect comfort read.
  • Wholesome and Swoon-Worthy Romance – No unnecessary drama or toxicity—just a charming love story that makes you smile.
  • Perfect for Rom-Com Lovers – If you enjoy authors like Emily Henry or Sophie Kinsella, The Cheat Sheet will be a delightful addition to your bookshelf.

✨ Strengths of the Book The Cheat Sheet

✅ Wholesome Romance

If you enjoy a romance without excessive drama or angst, this book delivers. There are no toxic relationships or unnecessary heartbreaks, making it a cozy and feel-good read.

✅ Strong Friendship

The chemistry between Bree and Nathan is believable because of their deep friendship. Their dynamic is filled with inside jokes, genuine care, and a comfortable bond, making their romance feel natural.

✅ Light and Funny Tone

The book The Cheat Sheet is full of humor, especially Bree’s inner monologues. If you like books that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one provides plenty of laughs.

✅ Fake Dating Done Right

While fake dating is a common trope, The Cheat Sheet executes it well by combining it with mutual pining. The tension of “Will they admit their feelings?” keeps the story engaging.

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⚠️ Weaknesses of the Book The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

  • Predictable Plot – The book doesn’t offer many surprises. If you’ve read other rom-coms with friends-to-lovers and fake dating, you’ll likely predict how things will unfold.
  • Too Much Internal Angst – Bree spends a lot of time overthinking and doubting herself. While this makes sense for her character, it can sometimes slow down the story or feel repetitive.
  • Over-the-Top Sweetness – While the wholesome romance is a strength, some readers might find it too sugary or unrealistic. If you prefer more depth or emotional complexity, The Cheat Sheet might feel a bit surface-level.

What is the main plot of The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams?

The Cheat Sheet follows Bree Camden, a ballet teacher secretly in love with her best friend, NFL quarterback Nathan Donelson. After a drunken confession leads the media to believe they’re dating, they decide to fake a relationship, blurring the lines between friendship and romance.

What themes are explored in The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams?

The novel delves into themes such as the transition from friendship to romantic love, the challenges of expressing hidden feelings, and the complexities of fake dating turning into genuine affection.

Is The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams part of a series?

Yes, The Cheat Sheet is followed by a sequel titled The Rule Book, published in 2024, focusing on a romance between Derek, one of Nathan’s friends, and his college ex-girlfriend turned sports agent.

Is The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams available in Portuguese?

Yes, The Cheat Sheet is available in Portuguese and can be found in various online bookstores and e-book platforms.

🔎 Final Verdict The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

⭐ 3.8/5 – A fun, heartwarming read, perfect for fans of rom-coms who enjoy light, feel-good romances with lovable characters. While not groundbreaking, The Cheat Sheet succeeds as a charming and easy read, especially for those who love friends-to-lovers stories.

Would I recommend The Cheat Sheet? Yes, if you’re looking for a cozy, low-stress romance. But if you prefer deeper, more intense romantic conflicts, this might not be your best pick.

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