The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams is an entertaining story of the friends-to-lovers and fake dating tropes. It has all the makings of a fun rom-com, with a focus on friendship and family.
My Overview
Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson have been friends since high school. They went their separate ways after high school, but fate has brought them back into each others’ lives. Bree is now a ballet instructor, and Nathan’s a quarterback in an NFL team. As is the case with all good friendships, they’ve picked up right where they left off and hang out together all the time. Unfortunately, they’re in love with each other but neither will admit it.
What I loved most about this story:
- Dual POV narration by Bree and Nathan
- Great banter between Bree and Nathan
- Bree’s supportive sister
- Nathan’s supportive friends
The game changer for Bree and Nathan is when they sign a contract for a Super Bowl ad, which requires them to pretend to be a couple for three weeks. Nathan figures this will finally be a good excuse for him to figure out if Bree is interested in a relationship. He has no clue how to go about that, but lucky for him his friends immediately help him put together a cheat sheet. They figure why not? If Nathan uses a cheat sheet during games, he might as well use one to win Bree’s heart.
This was a really fun story that made me laugh at times. Bree and Nathan were likable and witty. Their banter kept the story entertaining throughout. As light and fun as this story was, the author added depth by including mental health in the storyline. Nathan suffers from anxiety attacks, and Bree has dealt with PTSD in the past. This made Bree and Nathan more real, while bringing those aspects of mental health to light.
My Recommendation
This is my first book by this author, and I only wish I’d started reading her books sooner. I truly enjoyed her humor and writing style, and can’t wait to continue reading more of her books. If you’re looking for a fun story with great banter, give this one a try. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration, as read by Renee Dorian and Teddy Hamilton. I highly recommend the audiobook.
Are you enjoying books by Sarah Adams too? Which one’s your favorite?
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I’ve been meaning to read this, as I do love the friends-to-lovers and fake dating tropes so much – glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Lucy
Thanks! Friends-to-lovers is a fun trope, and it was very well done in this story.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
This is an author that I do want to try. Plus, Teddy Hamilton is one of my favorite narrators. I am going to add this audio to my wishlist.
Lucy
Glad you’re adding this one to your TBR! I can see why Teddy Hamilton is one of your favorite narrators. He really brought Nathan Donelson to life 🙂
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I’ve only read (well, listened to) one by Sarah Adams and I enjoyed it. I’m a sucker for great banter so that alone has me interested.
Lucy
I love great banter too! Looking forward to more of her stories 🙂
Sam@WLABB
I just finished a different book by Adams yesterday (The Match), and based on the others I have read, she writes pretty sweet romances. This sounds like another fun one, and I love when the story includes a great friend group
Lucy
I hope you’ll enjoy this one too. Thanks for letting me know about The Match. I’d love to read that one too 🙂
Rachel
I’ve never heard of this author but the story sounds like something I’d love. I’ll check this one out. Glad to hear you enjoyed the audio!
Lucy
Thanks! I hope you’ll enjoy the audiobook and story as much as I did 🙂
Lark
I loved this one! Bree and Nathan are so fun. I loved their banter and their friendship and how Nathan’s football friends try to help him get out of the friend zone. 😀
Lucy
Glad you loved it too! The banter and Nathan’s friends kept this story entertaining throughout 😁.