In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life’s moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart.
Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.
Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist….
As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)
🍁Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood 🍁
- One-word review: Genuine
- Emojis: 🤔🥺🥰
- Rating: 4.5 🌟s
My thoughts:
Check & Mate is a delightfully witty and intelligent YA Rom Com that fully invested me from page one. I didn’t stand a chance as Mallory Greenleaf wormed her way into my heart, as did her biggest chess competitor – Nolan. At times, I wanted to hug each of them, and other times, they frustrated me beyond belief. They are two halves of the same chessboard, and I would follow them anywhere.
I did have a few little issues with the story, but they were very minor and only worked to irritate me in small blips. I thought the sexuality aspect felt contrived rather than flowing naturally and authentically. It seemed to come up out of nowhere and leave just as quickly time and time again.
I did love the family themes and the grief/guilt themes. Though done repeatedly, it resonates and makes me empathize with Mallory and her family. The resolution of that plot thread was perhaps a bit too tidy, but still, it’s what I wanted for the family.
Nolan is also an excellent book boyfriend. He empowers women in life and chess, a notoriously male-dominated competition, even though women can compete on equal footing. I loved watching him, and Mallory fight that mindset competition by competition.
Check & Mate is a romcom on the surface but is profoundly empowering and moving underneath all the entertainment.
17 responses to “Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood #BookReview #RomCom”
Glad you enjoyed it fab review!
Thank you!
Wonderful review, Tessa💜 I’d given this a pass but now you’ve got me rethinking that decision.
I think you’d like it! I question them putting this as a YA. The female is 18 – graduated high school with no plans for college and supporting her mother and two sisters. The male lead is 20 – supporting himself. There’s no angst or anything. It’s just a good romcom save for a few minor things that I questioned (like labeling it a YA).
Thank you SO much for that clarification! It makes a difference.
It’s great you enjoyed the book, lovely review.
Thank you!
I’d probably like this. I really enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, and I’ve heard great things about this author. Nice review, Tessa!
Ali Hazelwood is a good writer. I’d definitely recommend any of her books to you.
Great review! I loved Mallory and Nolan too. 🙂
Sounds like romance wasn’t well written but the theme and layers were well presented. Great review, Tesaa!
Wonderful review! I just finished this one last night and really enjoyed it. I was a little nervous going in since I don’t play chess, but Hazelwood impressed me by how quickly she had me invested in each and every match.
The cover and title caught my attention during all the pre-pub buzz, and with this review I’m now definitely going to have to pick this one up! Sounds like a good one to save for January – a burst of cheer during the cold ickiness post-holidays 🙂
Great review! I just love that cover too.
Great review!! I’m going to add this one to the TBR!! I love the cover on this one too.
[…] to pass on this for audio review as I really don’t read much YA but after reading the review by Tessa @ Tessa Talks Books, I changed my mind. She says it’s more New Adult and that I do read […]
I’ve seen some mixed feelings about this book, but I like your review and I’m excited to read it myself.