Omg, how I love Ali Hazelwood!!! This is her first romp into ya romance, and it stayed true to that, fading to black.  I was unsure bc the main characters Mal and Nolan are 18 and 20, respectively.   But, even so, this was so romantic.   Another just wonderful, makes my heart happy, makes my life complete, romance! 

I adored the look into the world of chess.  Especially,  the insight about gender in this world and how male dominated it can be.  I felt like this was a perfect transition for Hazelwood from STEM to chess while keeping it relevant and making some great points.

Mal has been taking care of her family, working in a garage after graduating high school, for the money to pay bills and care for her sick mom and her two adorable sisters.  She grew up playing chess with her father, even attending many tournaments until age 14 when her father mysteriously was not part of her narrative anymore.   What happened with him is revealed,  but it clearly is reflected in her dislike of chess now and her inability to fully trust.  

When her friend Easton invites her to a chess tournament, Mal's life is tipped over after she beats the #1 chess champion Nolan Sawyer.  (Who is also very cute).  

I loved this so much and definitely recommend it! 

Out November 7, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!