Mallory hasn’t played chess in years. Her dad, as a Grand Master, was always pushing Mallory to be better, but ever since he left, she’s sworn off the game. That is until her best friend convinces her to take part in a charity event, where Mallory inadvertently beats Nolan Sawyer, the world’s #1 player. When her victory lands Mallory a paying position to train and play chess, she struggles to keep the game separate from her family life and keep from letting Nolan get too close to her heart.
I always love an Ali Hazelwood book and I was excited to see her dive in the world of YA. Hazelwood does a great job of introducing readers to the world of chess while keeping the story going and the reader entertained. Both Mallory and Nolan felt authentic, and Hazelwood really captured the growth Mallory especially experiences throughout the story. I think she did a great job of portraying the teenage/ young adult thought process without over exaggerating.
This one definitely reads as a Young Adult story and even without any serious spicy and younger characters, it was still an enjoyable listen. Once again, Hazelwood does a fantastic job of combining a love story while exploring the world of STEM. If you’re looking for a closed-door romance or a good book for teens, Check & Mate is perfect. I haven’t played chess in a few years, and this book definitely made me want to dig out my old chess board.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEWS OF ALI HAZELWOOD REVIEWS:
LOVE ON THE BRAIN REVIEW | LOVE, THEORETICALLY REVIEW
THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS REVIEW | Not in love review
Check & Mate is now. Thank you to G.P. Putnam & Sons for my audio copy in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
