The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

You know that feeling when you’re watching your favorite rom-com, and you just want to reach through the screen and smack some sense into the main characters? Well, get ready to experience that same delightful frustration with Sarah Adams’ The Cheat Sheet. This charming romantic comedy had me alternately swooning, laughing out loud, and resisting the urge to throw my e-reader across the room (in the best way possible, of course).

The Play-by-Play

Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson have been best friends since high school. She’s a dance instructor with a heart of gold, he’s the star quarterback for the LA Sharks. It’s your classic “friends-to-lovers” setup, with one tiny problem – they’re both too scared to admit their feelings for each other.

When Bree accidentally spills the beans about her crush to a reporter (tequila strikes again!), she and Nathan find themselves thrust into a fake dating scenario to save face. What follows is a delightful dance of miscommunication, sexual tension, and enough sports puns to make even the most die-hard football fan groan.

Touchdown or Fumble?

Let’s break this down, shall we?

The Good

• Chemistry for Days: Bree and Nathan’s connection leaps off the page. Their banter is witty, their friendship feels genuine, and the sexual tension? WOW
• Laugh-Out-Loud Moments: I found myself giggling more times than I care to admit. Adams has a knack for humorous situations and one-liners that’ll have you snorting your coffee.
• Heart and Soul: Beneath the rom-com exterior, there’s a touching exploration of self-worth, family dynamics, and the courage it takes to chase your dreams.
• Supporting Cast: The secondary characters, especially Bree’s sister Lily and Nathan’s teammates, add depth and humor to the story.

The Not-So-Good

• Predictability: Look, we all know where this is going. It’s a romance novel, after all. But there were times when the plot felt a tad too formulaic.
• Communication Issues: There were moments when I wanted to lock Bree and Nathan in a room until they talked out their feelings. The miscommunication trope can be frustrating if overused.
• Pacing: The middle section dragged a bit, with some repetitive internal monologues that could have been trimmed.

X’s and O’s: Breaking Down the Game Plan

Characters

Bree is a relatable heroine—she’s kind, a bit clumsy, and hilariously self-deprecating. Her passion for dance and her students is genuinely touching. Nathan, our hunky quarterback, could have easily been a one-dimensional jock, but Adams gives him depth. His struggles with anxiety and the pressure of fame add layers to his character.

The supporting cast is equally entertaining. Lily, Bree’s sister, had me in stitches with her unapologetic meddling. Nathan’s teammates provide both comic relief and surprising moments of wisdom. And can we talk about Dylan, the sassy hairstylist? More of him, please!

Writing Style

Adams’ writing is breezy and conversational, perfect for the genre. She has a gift for snappy dialogue and internal monologues that feel authentic. The dual POV between Bree and Nathan works well, giving us insight into both characters’ insecurities and desires.

That said, there were a few moments where the prose felt a bit repetitive, particularly when rehashing the characters’ fears about ruining their friendship. A little tightening in the editing process could have elevated the pacing.

Romance Factor

If you’re looking for steamy scenes, you might want to look elsewhere. The Cheat Sheet is more of a slow burn, focusing on the emotional connection rather than physical intimacy. Personally, I found this refreshing. The tension builds beautifully, making those tender moments all the more impactful.

Humor

This is where Adams truly shines. The situational comedy (Bree’s disastrous attempt at a striptease had me cackling) and witty one-liners keep the tone light and fun. The author strikes a nice balance between humor and heart, never letting the jokes overshadow the emotional core of the story.

The Final Score

The Cheat Sheet is a delightful addition to the romantic comedy genre. It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes you just want a book that makes you smile, swoon a little, and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. On that front, Adams delivers in spades.

Is it perfect? No. But its flaws are easily forgiven in light of its charm and heart. It’s the literary equivalent of your favorite comfort food—familiar, satisfying, and guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Who Should Read This?

• Rom-com enthusiasts who enjoy a good friends-to-lovers trope
• Readers looking for a light, feel-good escape
• Sports romance fans (though you don’t need to know anything about football to enjoy it)
• Anyone who’s ever been stuck in the friend zone and dreamed of breaking free

Who Should Skip It?

• Readers looking for steamy scenes or explicit content
• Those who prefer their romance with a side of suspense or high drama
• Anyone allergic to cheesy sports puns (seriously, there are a lot)

The Playbook: Similar Reads

If you enjoyed The Cheat Sheet, you might want to check out:

• “The Friend Zone” by Abby Jimenez
• “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
• “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” by Christina Lauren

Personal Foul: A Slightly Biased Opinion

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story. There’s something so satisfying about watching two people who clearly belong together finally get their act together. The Cheat Sheet scratched that itch for me in all the right ways.

Was it predictable? Sure. Did I mind? Not one bit. Sometimes you want to be surprised, and sometimes you want the comfort of knowing everything will work out in the end. This book is definitely the latter, and that’s okay.

What really won me over was the genuine friendship between Bree and Nathan. Too often in romance novels, the “friendship” feels like a thin veneer over instant attraction. Here, you can feel the history, the inside jokes, the comfortable silences. It makes their eventual coming together all the more satisfying.

Also, can we talk about Nathan for a second? I’m not typically one to swoon over the “perfect guy” trope, but damn if Adams didn’t make me reconsider. A professional athlete who’s kind, funny, and emotionally intelligent? Sign me up.

The Final Whistle

The Cheat Sheet isn’t going to revolutionize the romance genre, but it doesn’t need to. What it does, it does well—delivering laughs, heart, and a love story that’ll leave you with a goofy grin on your face.

Sarah Adams has crafted a novel that feels like catching up with old friends. It’s cozy, it’s fun, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the best love stories are the ones that take a little time to develop.

So, grab your favorite snack, curl up on the couch, and get ready to root for Bree and Nathan. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself yelling “Just kiss already!” at your book. Trust me, we’ve all been there.

The Cheat Sheet is a solid win for Sarah Adams. It’s not the Super Bowl of romance novels, but it’s definitely a playoff contender. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch “When Harry Met Sally” and contemplate the complexities of friendship and love. Or maybe I’ll just daydream about my own hunky quarterback sweeping me off my feet. A girl can dream, right?