Review: Adams’ sports romance is a real winner for me! 

 

“The Cheat Sheet” is told from both Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson’s point-of-view, allowing the reader to fully realize the extent of their friendship and love for each other. Though the two want so desperately to leave the friend-zone, neither person wants to tell the other about the romantic feelings they have in fear of losing the wholesome friendship they have spent years developing. Everything changes, however, when a reporter catches Bree, in an intoxicated state, verbalizing her attraction to Nathan. The video takes the world by storm and Nathan’s manager proposes that the pair date publicly for three weeks. The incorporation of the fake relationship trope permits the characters to explore something more and pairs well with the friends-to-lovers trope that is present. 

 

I appreciate Adams for making “The Cheat Sheet” a closed door romance. Much of her focus is devoted to creating intimacy through meaningful touches, addicting kisses, and swoon worthy dialogue. 

 

Keeping things PG also gives Adams the ability to spend time on other subject matters. She brings awareness to mental health through Nathan’s character. She takes care with writing the panic attacks Nathan experiences and provides a content warning at the beginning of her book. Adams also breaks the mold with Nathan by having him embody non-toxic masculinity. He doesn’t mind getting his toenails painted, crying in front of Bree, and seeking help from a therapist once the panic attacks become more than he can bear on his own. 

 

As a ballerina at one point in her life, Bree’s character gives voice to the unhealthy side of the sport (bloody feet, starvation, etc), which I think is important. 

 

In addition, Bree is of lower socioeconomic status and represents those that struggle financially. Still, she does her best to help her neighbor Mrs. Dorothea and I love that her studio in the novel operates on income-based tuition to help dancers with low income receive instruction. 

 

Both Bree and Nathan come from different walks of life, but they do not let that get in the way of their relationship. Instead, they become each others biggest cheerleader in life, making the book that much more enjoyable.