"Eat that - or anything else - in my car, and I will chop your hands off and boil them in my urine."
"I'm hungry."
"Then starve."
I bite the inside of my cheek. Honestly, I think I'm growing on him. "But this is my emotional support sandwich."
"Then have a mental breakdown."

There's just something about an Ali Hazelwood book that is comforting to me. You're always guaranteed a fun and heartwarming read with characters that you adore.

This is easily one of the best YA romances I've read this year. Ali Hazelwood creates this world that holds your attention, and I flew through this book in a couple of hours.

Mal and Nolan were both such intriguing characters, and I loved Mal's development in this book. Her side characters were just as strong, particularly Oz and I loved the storyline. I'm tempted to learn how to play chess just so I can understand what's happening in this book!

Ali Hazelwood is an auto-buy author for me as this point.

I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood is her new YA/NA release and is a cute and clever romance set in the world of professional chess.
Mallory Greenleaf left chess behind her years ago, and since the death of her father, the man who taught her the game and shared her love of it, it has been too painful for her to play. Instead she has focussed on helping her mother with her two younger sisters , even choosing not to go to college so that she can work and help out with the family finances. When her best friend guilts her into participating in a charity tournament Mallory beats the current world number one player, Nolan Sawyer, the so called "Bad Boy " of chess, notorious for being a poor loser as well as for his prolific dating history. Nolan does not like loosing and is determined to face off against Mallory again, but she is more determined than ever to leave the sport behind. The only thing that could convince her otherwise is the money that she could make, money that would make a huge difference to her family.
Since this is billed as a romance it is not surprising that sparks soon fly between Ali and Nolan, and as they find themselves drawn to one another, the walls that each of them have built up, for very different reasons, soon start to crumble.
This was just such a sweet and charming romance, with a slow burn and just a little sizzle, making it perfect for both teen and adult readers. I loved the emphasis on friendship and how important it is to work to keep communicating with the people who are important to us. All of the secondary characters were so much fun, but particularly Nolan's chess friends and Mallory's youngest sister. I also thought the book tackled grief in a sensitive and realistic way , and one that would resonate with younger readers. There is a lot of emphasis on chess in the book, and it is clear that the author has done quite a bit of research about the game and the world of professional chess, and while it was interesting it did get a little repetitive at times.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Once again, Ali Hazelwood nails it ! In this young adult novel, we follow Mallory, a young chess prodigy who suddenly stopped playing when she was 14. To help her best friend, she accepts to play in a tournament, and plays against the world champion. And she beats him. Yes, she's that good ! But she runs away...

Begins then a sweet love story, first between Mallory and chess, but also between Mallory and Nolan. He's supportive, respects her boundaries and privacy, in this mysoginist world, and is the perfect match for her !
In the meantime, she heals from family issues, and grow up in a way she never acknowledge before.

This book is a great story, where (as in others Ali Hazelwood books), women who evolve in a men's world are poorly considerate, but become anyway strong and powerful.

Mallory & Nolan: Checkmate for Love?


When Ali Hazelwood publishes a new book, there's no question that I have to read it, even if it's about a sport like chess, which I find totally boring!

“Check & Mate” is a story that is primarily about one thing: chess. This is Mallory and Nolan's story. I really wanted to like Mallory and Nolan's story, but unfortunately it didn't really click for me, which doesn't mean it was bad! For me, “Check & Mate” is simply Ali Hazelwood’s weakest book to date.

Mallory loved chess, at least until four years ago. Since her father's death, she has been caring for her chronically ill mother and her two younger sisters. Mallory is responsible and quite kind. She's also a chess genius and good with numbers, which I think is really cool. Unfortunately, after a while she got on my nerves a bit. Her merry-go-round thoughts and her constant digressions were a bit tiring to read. Nolan is one of the best chess players in the world and has rarely lost a chess game in his career. Until Mallory played against him. I was hoping for a bitter rivalry here, but Nolan is just too much of a sweetheart for that! Normally I'm an absolute sucker for Ali's men, but unfortunately I think Nolan remained too superficial and it's a real shame.

The story really focuses on the game of chess. It's 90% about chess and the love story takes up about 10%, but it wasn't really developed and I liked the short story better, for example. Ali also touched on far too many topics here and unfortunately they weren't worked out consistently for me.

If you are a fan of the series The Queen's Gamit you should take a look at Mallory and Nolan's story.

“Check & Mate” by Ali Hazelwood gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Firstly I would like to mention that due to the fact that this book is targeted as a YA there isn’t anything explicit but there are some milder scenes within the book.

If I’m being completely honest, I feel like I binge read too many romance books back to back so maybe that has hindered my opinion of this book but I thought it was really good, the couple is adorable and it’s a nice light-hearted read!

This is my first Ali Hazelwood book and I shall definitely be reading more after this one, this book is based on rivals to lovers with Nolan being in love with her the whole time which is adorable!

4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC for review. All thoughts of my own.

Let's start with the obvious: if you're looking for something different from Ali Hazelwood's signature style in romance novels with a focus on STEM, you won't find it here. Aside from the YA target audience and being based entirely around competitive Chess, this is very much what you would expect from any of Hazelwood's novels. And there's some comfort that comes from that expectation. The formula from start to finish is the same. The character tropes and appearances align with what we've come to know of this author's need for petite FMCs and massive MMCs, and aside from the missing smut element, fans of Hazelwood will be pleased to know nothing has strayed from the same old style.

Despite all that, I liked this one. Mallory is struggling to keep her family afloat after some challenges in their livelihood. Her mother is unwell, her father has passed away, and her two younger sisters still have after-school curricular activities to support. Instead of moving on to university after graduating high school, Mallory is focusing on how to make money. She participates in a chess tournament for a friend, a game she was once passionate about, and ends up beating the number one player in the world. Now her life is thrust back into a game she loves to hate, the ugly sides of professional sport and the callous male-led nature of chess, trying to avoid telling her family where she is making her money, and dealing with Nolan Sawyer and his need to play chess with her.

I enjoyed Mallory's journey of stepping back out into the world and doing something she truly loves. She rediscovers herself, as she wades out from under the drowning layers of family responsibilities and debt. Her naivety of competitive chess, and how she navigates it is intriguing, especially with sexist jerks that test her at every turn. I appreciated the friends she makes with those on her team, and the friends of Nolan the closer she gets to him, especially when she was once quite alone with all the heavy lifting she had been doing to keep her family afloat.

The romance aspect was built well, and really sweet. It was obvious - partially because of Hazelwood's tried and tested ways of writing her male characters - that Nolan liked Mallory a great deal, and watching him support her without taking away all her choices was rewarding. Sure, there was the typical third-act breakup angst, but it resolved well, and I believed in their connection and feelings. There is everything in this romance, except for detailed smut, so for fans of how this author writes intimate scenes, I don't think you'll be that let down.

I did knock a star off because I feel like the whole situation with Mallory's family was borderline toxic. I honestly want to know who hurt Ali, or if she loves making her FMCs suffer at the hands of their families, for the repeated trauma she puts them all through. A lot of the issues in this book could have been very easily solved if Mallory's mother hadn't taken a passive seat in caring for her daughters, even though she was ill. If Mallory and her family had actually communicated, even if they were struggling, they could have made mutual choices and sacrifices that limited the burdens on Mallory's shoulders. Further, the secret kept just felt more flimsy of an excuse as the book went on, and I wished the author had found a better way to paint these life obstacles for Mallory and her family.

I also disliked how Mallory's bestie just reappeared at the end of the book and all was forgiven. Again, communication could have resolved a LOT of Mallory's issues. But I guess this book would then be much shorter without all the drama it added.

I am, for transparency, a love/hate reader of this author. I have several issues with the way she poses themes in her books and the samey feeling to all her characters since there's been zero diversity in appearance over her novel releases. However, I cannot deny the addictive nature of her books and how easy it is to keep flipping the pages. I'm intrigued to read what comes next.

Starting this book I didn’t realise it was YA, I assumed it was New Adult which is fine because I also love YA novels. I love the cover of this book! It’s stands out and looks great!

Although I wasn’t aware of the target Audience I quickly realised from the writing. The writing was more immature than I was used too, even in YA books, which I also understand given the target audience. However I just felt this book was cringe and there was too many pop culture references.

I love the love hypothesis it’s one of my all time favourite books, which people either agree or disagree with but for me it developed my love for romance. I’ve also read love on the brain which was good.

But I just feel this book was too “I’m not a regular mom I’m a cool mom”. The writing seems very pushy to appeal to younger teens but in my opinion that ruins it by trying to be too relatable. My first thought was why is Ali Hazelwood marketing too a younger audience?! I just feel the magic and storyline compared to ‘the love hypothesis’ has changed and I feel it’s makes her books repetitive and disconnected. Writing because the story is right and not because we need to fit in is always my advice. There was no real chemistry in this book and it felt chaotic to read. The characters didn’t stand out, the storyline was vague and unrealistic. Where has the magic of Ali hazelwood gone?

I love the chess storyline, although I feel we just had a goal to include that and nothing else. This could’ve been such an amazing, original story but for me unfortunately it fell flat. I want romance!! And book boyfriends who are worth it!! While this may not always be the main plot of a book, I just feel unstimulated and uninspired by books now.

Thank you Netgally, Publisher and Ali Hazelwood for this ARC!

If Ali writes it, I'm gonna eat that shit up!!

I had no clue going into this that it was YA but I think Ali did it so well (there's still so much tension and yearning - I think it maybe leans closer to NA!) - it allowed her to expand the world outside of the main relationship and she did it really well. Mallory really felt like a fully formed person and watching her manoeuvre life with her family and struggle with support she feels obligated to provide. We get to see her have platonic relationships and explore a budding career in a male dominated field. It's usually hard for authors to balance these things against the romance without it feeling forced, and Ali has definitely struggled with that in other books, but I think she benefitted from making this a YA/NA read!
NOLAN - hands down one of the best love interests ever put to paper! He was ridiculously sweet and the level of respect of adoration he had for Mallory bled through (literally even from their first encounter it felt like he was fascinated by her) and he falls first is a trope I die for.
For a book that focuses heavily on chess you really don't need to know much - I went in with 0 knowledge and now want to learn!
Mal & Nolan are literally soul mates, this book is perfect and Ali Hazelwood belongs in the NA genre!

Having not read Ali Hazelwood's novels before, I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by a fast paced romance novel with a subplot (which really was the main plot) that has taught me more about chess than anything else has in my life.

A very lovely book that prioritises its protagonists presence as a fully fleshed out and interesting person as well as a romantic lead.

After reading the love hypothesis and love on the brain, I wasn’t sure if a book based around chess was going to be a good read for me. I, however, loved this. I still don’t know how to play chess, or even what a single rule is, but I was well immersed in this and felt like I had taken a step into the chess world. I enjoyed this for a ‘tame’ romance book, and actually whizzed through it in a couple of days. I now definitely look forward to reading more Ali Hazelwood books.

3.5*

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This wasn't my favourite Ali Hazelwood book, but that doesn't mean that I didn't love it!

I was lucky enough to have a flight and some sunbathing to devour this book and read it so quick!!

Ali really does know how to create characters you are invested in from the beginning. I just wish we had more of Nolan. I thought Mal's sisters were hilarious!

As always, I can't wait to see what Ali writes next!

Ali Hazelwood I LOVE YOU, but I don’t love chess. I have zero interest in it. In fact I may even have a negative interest in it. I am potentially more interested in watching paint dry. It also actually reminded me of my primary school boyfriend who was obsessed with chess.
With that being said, Ali’s writing is always great and fun to read and I will forever stand by the fact that I will read everything this women writes, including her shopping list. Everything I didn’t enjoy about this book was a problem with me and nothing to do with the book and writing. It just wasn’t my thing, but it will be someone else’s and that’s okay :)

For full disclosure I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher.

Not my absolute favourite Ali hazelwood book but it was still enjoyable. I really enjoyed the queens gambit on Netflix so it was nice to read a chess themed book which isn’t something I see often in other books. (Even though I don’t understand the game at all haha). It was a good read considering this is Ali’s first YA novel.

Ali Hazelwood you have done it again. I adore this, such a good story and i loved the characters. The writing style was so faced paced and easy. Ali hazelwood is forever an instant buy author <33

I loved this book. I tried to put it down once at 2.30am to get some sleep, since I am working right now, but my mind wouldn't settle because I so badly wanted to know what was going to happen. Hazelwood laces her books with something because I've felt the same with every other book of hers I've read. I think I enjoyed this one more than Love on the Brain and Love Hypothetically, though.

Mal and Nolan are younger than the characters she's written before and there's no spice in this book - only fade to black - but honestly, I think that was needed. It was a nice change of pace from what she normally puts out and I ate it up.

I liked the completely different family situations Mal and Nolan came from, and they still managed to find common ground with one and other. Mal's family dynamic frustrated me - especially how they treated her - but at the same time, it felt realistic, so I wasn't too mad. All I'll say is - the bitch comment was deserved and overdue.

I will say, as much as I enjoyed this book and the fact I'm still thinking about how much I fucking love Mal and Nolan today, the book was predictable. There were three or four mysterious plot points throughout the book, and I guessed all of them before they happened. For me, I'm not mad about it, because I don't mind being able to predict what happens, but I could see that being disappointing for some people. My books don't have to be complex mindbenders, they just have to be entertaining enough to keep me interested.

I'd say, if you've enjoyed what Hazelwood has released before, then you'll like this, despite the different feel to it. It's got the Hazelwood magic sprinkled throughout.

4.75/5
Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for my gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review. This is my first ever Ali Hazelwood book and I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it, even though I don't know a single thing about chess. This book sucked me in, I actually had a hard time pausing this book, and when I did all I want to do is to continue. I LOVEEED reading the tight friendship that blooms between Mallory, Defne, Oz, Tanu, Emil and Nolan. The romance between Mallory and Nolan is beautifully written too, it DID make me swoon several times while reading. Now I finally understand the hype around Ali's books. I love seeing all the pop culture references because it makes the book more "real" with how deep in pop cultures most of us are nowadays, so seeing Timothée Chalamet/ Riverdale/ Taylor Swift being namedropped in real life is like the new "norm". Also, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is? As someone who loves the color pink, this book is right up my alley.

I know absolutely nothing about chess but had so much fun reading and learning about it in this book. Check & Mate is definitely my favourite out of all of Ali Hazelwood’s books and a tiny part of me wants to learn how to play chess now. This was a super quick read and I loved the romance in this book. The female main character was getting on my nerves towards the end of the story but I loved how her friends and family called her out on the way she acted. Five out of five stars.

I can see why this is Ali Azelwood’s favorite child. Check & Mate is a wonderful YA and I was enthralled by the story from the beginning.

While the story is not one bit believable, it was a fun read and I can see a lot of young adults and people from generation Z relating with the characters.

Mallory is a great female lead: she is strong willed, caring, smart and funny. Her insecurities are understandable and make the final conflict believable. I loved to see her grow and was quite surprised by seeing her admit to her flaws and apologize.

Nolan is the sweetest character and I only wish we could have seen more of him and their romance. He is tall and broody, falls first, but reads Mallory better than a book. He is caring, protective, vulnerable and mature. In one word: Wonderful

Ali knows her readers well, and I’m sure most will appreciate all the pop culture references. This is, however, one of my pet peeves and I wish someone would advise Ali against it. It just dates the books, and not only might presently alienate some readers, it will certainly alienate future readers, while adding absolutely no value to the story. This is a pity because this book actually shows character growth, as opposed to most of YA I’ve read lately. I would be quite willing to show this to my daughter, but as most of the problems teenagers face cross generations, their “interests” vary. Honestly: TikTok, AO3, Percy Jackson, Riverdale, Timothy Chalame, Goodreads (and I bet some Taylor swift codes which I blessedly won’t be able to find) probably won’t even be cool next year.

Ironically, this is the book that treats sex in a healthier and positive way.

Gorgeous cover, good romance, great character development. You did great job Aly👏

The release date is a bit unfortunate but after all of you finish Iron flame, do pick up this book 🙂

<i>I would like to thanks Little Brown Book for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
</i>

Hopefully I don’t sound ridiculous when I say I was thrilled and very grateful to have been approved for an early copy of this book. I have adored everything Ali Hazelwood has written so far and was eager to get stuck in.

As always Ali’s characters are wonderful. She never fails to make me fall in love with them as individuals, but also as a couple. Whilst there were minimal steamy moments between them due to it being YA, that didn’t mean there was a lack of chemistry or tension. This was certainly a slow burn, enemies to lovers story done in the right way.

I enjoyed the competitive aspect of their relationship too and the look inside the world of professional chess. As with all of Ali’s books there is a focus on the sexism faced by her FMCs whilst they traverse a world generally occupied by men. She shows the challenges they face just to be treated civilly, let alone as equals and it’s one of the reasons I love her stories so much.

Another fantastic read. I’m so glad I’ve already got my special edition pre-ordered and I can’t wait to read Bride.

All the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Problem here was lack of intimate scenes between two main characters. Like almost non. If I wanna book about chess I am gonna get one. It's nice to focus on it because hello it's called check and mate, but let's not forget about this is romance. Chemistry was there but author simply didn't focused on it. I loved this but then i didn't at the same time. It took me out of my reading slump as I couldn't get into anything. This had so much potential. I am disappointed. Nolan deserved so much better. *sniff*