The Cheat Sheet

Is it ever too late to leave the friend zone? Discover the heartwarming friends to lovers romance that became a sensation on TikTok—now with a new chapter and a Q&A with the author!

The friend zone is not the end zone for Bree Camden, who is helplessly in love with her longtime best friend and extremely hot NFL legend, Nathan Donelson. The only problem is that she can’t admit her true feelings, because he clearly sees her as a best friend with no romantic potential, and the last thing Bree wants is to ruin their relationship. But those abs . . .

Nope! Nothing but good old-fashioned, no-touching-the-sexiest-man-alive, platonic friendship for Bree. In any case, she has other things to worry about. After a car accident ended her chance at becoming a professional ballerina, Bree changed paths and now owns her own dance studio, with big dreams to expand it. But one more rent increase could mean the end of the studio entirely.

Then, as usual, Nathan comes to the rescue and buys the entire building. A stubborn Bree is not happy about it and decides to rebel with a couple—okay, maybe more than a couple—of tequila shots. Then her plan backfires as she spills her deepest, darkest secret to a TMZ reporter. One viral video later, the world thinks Nathan and Bree are the perfect couple. Before they can really talk about her confession, Nathan’s publicist proposes a big opportunity that could mean financial security for Bree. The catch? They have to pretend to be in love. For three whole weeks.

What will happen when Bree gives in to the feelings she’s been desperately hiding for so long, and could she be imagining that Nathan is actually enjoying it? Sarah Adams scores more than touchdowns in this exciting romantic comedy.

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Published Apr 26, 2022

Average rating: 7.52

199 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *The Cheat Sheet* is a sweet, lighthearted slow-burn romance with endearing banter, charming characters, and a cozy, wholesome vibe. Many ...

TheCleverReader
Feb 03, 2023
8/10 stars
This was adorable. I loved the banter and found myself laughing out loud at work more than once while listening. I thought the narration was great. I enjoyed the love story between Bree and Nathan. I will be honest that I didn't realize this was a sweet romance until the end but it didn't bother me at all. I enjoyed the slow burn between the two of them and thought the story played out perfectly!

I definitely recommend and plan to read more of Sarah Adams books!
SherylStandifer
Mar 20, 2026
6/10 stars
As much as I love football, and romantic stories with football as a back-drop, I didn't love this one. Trying to put my finger on it, but the overriding issue I had with it, is that, if they were such good friends, why didn't they know they had a thing for each other - and literally, from the start, when they first met in high school? There was too much interior mind-delving by each side of the couple, Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson, that just didn't ring true. And frankly, not enough plot movement. It took me awhile to get through it, due to sheer boredom. Guess I just didn't care about the couple. Cute idea, a ballerina and a professional football player. But I enjoyed the ribbing among his buddies/teammates more than the revelation of the couple who were gradually - and I mean, snail's pace gradually - inching toward something else.
JenneRNT
Feb 17, 2026
8/10 stars
I love Sarah Adams books! This one was great. Laugh out loud! You are rooting from the beginning. Closed door romance, easy listen and engaging characters.
Maxime
Aug 28, 2025
9/10 stars
Such a sweet and cute story! Its the perfect romantic story for all romantics out there. I have also laughed out loud with the hilarious, recognisable scenes!
Lauren Greely
Jul 01, 2025
6/10 stars
3.25 ⭐️ 2 spice

The .25 was for teddy hamilton only

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