Tuesday Traditions Begin

Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson's story starts with a simple tradition: Tuesday morning runs. Bree, a ballet-obsessed loner, and Nathan, the high school football star, become best friends through these early jogs. Their bond is immediate and deep, built on mutual ambition and understanding. Despite their different backgrounds—Bree's modest, hardworking family and Nathan's wealthy but emotionally distant parents—they find solace and joy in each other's company. This tradition, born from a desire for self-improvement, becomes the anchor of their friendship, surviving high school, college, and the tumultuous years that follow.

Unspoken Feelings, Unbreakable Bonds

As their lives progress, Bree and Nathan's friendship is tested by distance, ambition, and heartbreak. Bree's dreams of Juilliard are shattered by a car accident, while Nathan's football career unexpectedly soars. Despite years apart, fate brings them both to Los Angeles, where their Tuesday runs resume. Yet, beneath the laughter and loyalty, both harbor secret feelings for each other—feelings they're too afraid to voice, fearing the loss of their most important relationship. Their connection is so strong that it intimidates Nathan's girlfriends and leaves Bree perpetually single, unable to find anyone who measures up.

The Friend Zone Pact

Bree and Nathan's friendship is defined by strict, unspoken rules: no romance, no confessions, no crossing the line. Bree, convinced Nathan doesn't reciprocate her feelings, buries her love deep, determined to preserve their friendship at all costs. Nathan, equally smitten but paralyzed by fear of losing Bree, dates other women but never lets anyone get close. Their dynamic is so close-knit that it drives away Nathan's girlfriends, who sense the unbreakable bond and demand he choose. He always chooses Bree, but both remain stuck in the friend zone, each believing the other is uninterested.

Secrets, Sacrifices, and Scars

Both carry scars—Bree's physical and emotional from her accident, Nathan's from his parents' expectations and his own sense of inadequacy. Bree struggles to keep her dance studio afloat, refusing Nathan's financial help out of pride and a need for independence. Unbeknownst to her, Nathan secretly pays part of her rent for years, unable to watch her lose her dream. Their mutual sacrifices and secrets deepen their bond, but also create tension and guilt, as Bree's determination to do everything alone clashes with Nathan's need to care for her.

The Rent Revelation

When Bree accidentally discovers Nathan has been secretly paying her rent—and has even bought her building to protect her studio—she's furious and heartbroken. The revelation shatters her carefully constructed boundaries, forcing both to confront the depth of their feelings and the lengths they'll go to for each other. Their ensuing argument exposes their fears: Bree's terror of dependency and heartbreak, Nathan's desperation to help and his fear of losing her. The confrontation is a turning point, making it clear that their friendship is anything but ordinary.

Tequila Truths Unleashed

After a night of heavy drinking, Bree's true feelings for Nathan spill out to a gossip reporter in a bathroom. The video goes viral, sparking a media frenzy and forcing both to confront the truth in public. Bree panics, terrified that Nathan will pity-date her or that their friendship will be ruined. Nathan, secretly thrilled, is crushed when Bree tries to laugh it off as drunken nonsense. The incident brings their feelings dangerously close to the surface, but both retreat, clinging to the safety of their old dynamic.

Viral Confessions and Chaos

The viral video thrusts Bree into the spotlight, bringing unwanted attention and pressure. Nathan's agent proposes a solution: a fake dating contract with a lucrative endorsement deal. The world wants them together, and the opportunity could solve Bree's financial woes. Both agree, rationalizing that it's just acting, but the arrangement forces them into intimate situations that blur the line between fake and real. The chaos of public scrutiny and the charade of romance push their feelings to the breaking point.

The Fake Dating Deal

As they embark on their fake relationship, Bree and Nathan set strict rules to protect their hearts: no real kissing, no touching in private, no "hanky-panky." But the charade quickly becomes real, as staged photos, public outings, and "practice flirting" ignite genuine passion. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the boundaries they set begin to crumble. Each romantic gesture, each touch, and each look chips away at their defenses, making it harder to distinguish between what's fake and what's been true all along.

The Romance Cheat Sheet

Nathan, desperate to escape the friend zone, enlists his teammates to help him create a "romance cheat sheet"—a list of escalating romantic gestures designed to win Bree's heart. From holding hands to surprise visits, slow dancing to food fights, each item is a calculated risk. The plan is both hilarious and heartfelt, as Nathan fumbles through awkward winks and staged moments, but it works: Bree's walls begin to fall, and their friendship transforms into something deeper, richer, and more vulnerable.

Practice Flirting, Real Sparks

The fake dating arrangement forces Bree and Nathan into close quarters, where "practice flirting" and staged intimacy spark real desire. A slow-burn food fight turns sensual, a staged photo shoot becomes electric, and a hallway kiss ignites a passion neither can deny. Each encounter chips away at their fears, but also heightens the stakes—if they cross the line, there's no going back. Both are terrified, but hope begins to outshine fear.

Hallway Kisses, Heartbreak Risks

In a dark hallway at a party, Nathan finally confesses his intentions and kisses Bree for real. The moment is electric, shattering years of restraint and unleashing a flood of emotion. But with vulnerability comes risk: both fear rejection, heartbreak, and the loss of their most precious relationship. The kiss is a turning point, forcing them to confront what they truly want—and what they're willing to risk to have it.

Hope, Hesitation, and Healing

Bree, haunted by past disappointments and the loss of her dreams, has always chosen safety over hope. But Nathan's love and vulnerability inspire her to take a leap of faith. She decides to hope for more, to risk her heart, and to believe that she deserves happiness. Their mutual confessions and growing intimacy become a source of healing, as both learn to let go of old wounds and embrace the possibility of a future together.

Panic, Pressure, and Panic Attacks

Nathan, under immense pressure from his career, family, and the expectations of others, suffers a panic attack at a family gathering. Bree, who has battled anxiety herself, recognizes the signs and helps him through it. The experience strips away Nathan's armor, exposing his deepest insecurities and fears of inadequacy. Bree's compassion and understanding deepen their bond, teaching Nathan that vulnerability is not weakness, and that he is loved for who he is, not what he achieves.

Vulnerability and Vows

In the aftermath of Nathan's breakdown, both finally lay their hearts bare. Nathan confesses his lifelong love for Bree, and she admits she's loved him since the day he tied her shoe. They acknowledge the years lost to fear and misunderstanding, but vow to cherish each other from now on. Their love is no longer hidden or restrained—it's celebrated, healing, and transformative. They decide to wait for marriage before consummating their relationship, savoring the anticipation and the depth of their commitment.

The Super Bowl Proposal

Nathan's team loses the Super Bowl, but instead of despair, he feels relief—the pressure is finally over, and he can focus on what truly matters. On the field, surrounded by chaos and confetti, he proposes to Bree, declaring his love in front of the world. She says yes, and they decide to elope that very night, choosing each other over everything else.

Wedding Night, New Beginnings

Their wedding is a surprise masterpiece, orchestrated by Nathan with the help of friends and family. Bree walks down the aisle in a dream dress, surrounded by loved ones, and marries her best friend. Their wedding night is tender, passionate, and full of gratitude for the journey that brought them together. In the morning, Nathan confesses to using a "romance cheat sheet" to win her heart, and Bree forgives him, delighted by his devotion. Their story ends not with a grand gesture, but with the quiet certainty that they are, finally, exactly where they belong: together.

Characters

Bree Camden

Bree is a former ballet prodigy whose dreams are derailed by a devastating car accident. She channels her passion into teaching dance, running a studio for underprivileged kids, and living with fierce independence. Bree is witty, nurturing, and deeply loyal, but haunted by fear of disappointment and heartbreak. Her love for Nathan is the secret at the core of her being, shaping her choices and her reluctance to risk their friendship. Over the course of the story, Bree learns to let go of fear, embrace hope, and accept that she deserves both love and help. Her journey is one of healing, vulnerability, and the courage to choose happiness.

Nathan Donelson

Nathan is a star NFL quarterback with a heart as big as his biceps. Raised in privilege but emotionally neglected, he finds true connection and purpose in his friendship with Bree. Nathan is generous, loyal, and self-sacrificing, often putting others' needs before his own. He struggles with perfectionism, pressure, and a deep-seated fear of inadequacy. His love for Bree is unwavering, but he's paralyzed by the fear of losing her. Nathan's journey is about learning to accept help, be vulnerable, and believe that he is worthy of love for who he is, not just what he achieves.

Lily Camden

Lily is Bree's older sister and confidante, always ready with advice, tough love, and a reality check. She's the anchor Bree turns to in moments of crisis, offering both comfort and a push toward hope. Lily's own happy family life serves as both a contrast and an inspiration for Bree, reminding her that love and happiness are possible.

Jamal Mericks

Jamal is Nathan's best friend on the team and the mastermind behind the "romance cheat sheet". He's supportive, playful, and always ready with a joke or a plan. Jamal's friendship helps Nathan navigate both the pressures of football and the complexities of love, providing both encouragement and a much-needed reality check.

Derek Pender, Price, Lawrence Hill

These three round out Nathan's inner circle, each contributing to the romance playbook and offering advice (good and bad) on how to win Bree's heart. Their camaraderie and banter provide levity and support, highlighting the importance of friendship and found family.

Vivian Donelson

Nathan's mother is a perfectionist who measures worth by achievement and status. Her constant criticism and emotional distance fuel Nathan's insecurities and drive his need to prove himself. Vivian's eventual confrontation with Bree and Lily forces her to confront her own flaws and the impact of her words.

Nicole (Nathan's Agent)

Nicole is the architect of the fake dating deal, always looking out for Nathan's career and image. She's tough but fair, and her business acumen helps steer the couple through the chaos of public scrutiny.

Dylan (Stylist)

Dylan is Bree's stylist and cheerleader, helping her navigate the world of celebrity and reminding her of her worth and beauty. His friendship is a source of confidence and joy for Bree.

Doug (Lily's Husband)

Doug is the quiet backbone of Lily's family, providing stability and warmth. His presence underscores the story's theme of healthy, supportive relationships.

Plot Devices

Dual POV Narrative

The story is told in alternating first-person chapters from Bree and Nathan's points of view. This structure allows readers to see the misunderstandings, secret longings, and parallel fears that keep them apart. The dual POV heightens dramatic irony, as each believes the other is uninterested, and deepens emotional resonance by exposing their vulnerabilities.

Fake Dating Trope

The fake dating contract, born from a viral confession and a lucrative endorsement deal, forces Bree and Nathan to confront their feelings in public and private. The trope is used to explore the blurred lines between performance and authenticity, and to create situations where their true emotions can no longer be denied.

The Romance Cheat Sheet

Nathan's "cheat sheet," crafted with the help of his teammates, is a running motif and plot device. Each item on the list is a mini-challenge or romantic gesture, escalating intimacy and forcing both characters to confront their feelings. The cheat sheet provides structure, humor, and a tangible measure of progress from friendship to love.

Secrets and Revelations

The story is propelled by secrets—Bree's hidden love, Nathan's financial support, the viral video, and the true nature of their feelings. Each revelation is a catalyst for change, forcing the characters to confront their fears, reassess their boundaries, and ultimately choose vulnerability over safety.

Symbolism of Injury and Healing

Bree's knee injury and Nathan's panic attacks are recurring symbols of the pain, pride, and pressure both carry. Their mutual care—Bree helping Nathan through anxiety, Nathan supporting Bree's dreams—becomes a metaphor for the healing power of love and acceptance.

Public vs. Private Personas

The contrast between Bree and Nathan's public roles (celebrity, influencer, "couple goals") and their private selves is a central theme. The story explores the cost of performance, the pressure to be perfect, and the liberation that comes from being truly seen and loved.

Analysis

The Cheat Sheet is more than a friends-to-lovers romance; it's a meditation on the risks and rewards of vulnerability. Through Bree and Nathan, Sarah Adams explores how fear, pride, and past wounds can keep us from the very happiness we crave. The novel champions the idea that true love is not about grand gestures or perfect timing, but about showing up, being honest, and choosing each other—again and again. The fake dating trope is used not just for laughs, but as a vehicle for growth, forcing the characters to confront their deepest fears and desires. The story's heart lies in its celebration of hope: the belief that, even after disappointment and heartbreak, we can choose to hope for more, to risk our hearts, and to find joy in the messy, imperfect, beautiful reality of love.

Last updated: May 21, 2025