Scan barcode
A review by booksbytheglass
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
okay I admit it, I wasn’t super into this one when I started - mallory was way too in her own head to actually see the world around her and that annoyed me to no end. however, I was so happy to be proven wrong the more and more I read 🥹🥹
to be honest, it was really the side characters that drew me in. mallory’s younger sisters were equal parts hysterical and adorable, defne (mallory’s mentor) was a badass woman who takes no shizz from sexist men, and nolan’s squad of seconds were exactly what you would expect from the coolest chess players around.
while mallory grew on me more and more, nolan was every bit the golden retriever I was hoping for 🥹🥹 we got enemies to lovers, he falls first, grumpy sunshine, and so much cuteness!!
and mallory definitely did come around, especially after a few stern talking tos to realize she didn’t need to have the world on her shoulder all the time 🤡 I just really can’t believe I went from feeling “eh” about this book to absolutely loving it at the end!! I cannot recommend sticking this one out, especially if you’re a YA romance fan and was as obsessed with queen’s gambit as I was!
thank you to berkley and netgalley for the advanced copies in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: champagne brut
to be honest, it was really the side characters that drew me in. mallory’s younger sisters were equal parts hysterical and adorable, defne (mallory’s mentor) was a badass woman who takes no shizz from sexist men, and nolan’s squad of seconds were exactly what you would expect from the coolest chess players around.
while mallory grew on me more and more, nolan was every bit the golden retriever I was hoping for 🥹🥹 we got enemies to lovers, he falls first, grumpy sunshine, and so much cuteness!!
and mallory definitely did come around, especially after a few stern talking tos to realize she didn’t need to have the world on her shoulder all the time 🤡 I just really can’t believe I went from feeling “eh” about this book to absolutely loving it at the end!! I cannot recommend sticking this one out, especially if you’re a YA romance fan and was as obsessed with queen’s gambit as I was!
thank you to berkley and netgalley for the advanced copies in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: champagne brut