This book is so god damn dumb and yet?? I kind of think I loved it??? I hated it until about 40% in well I told myself I hated it even though I flew through it just laid in bed reading it and from 40%, I started to really enjoy it!! It was cute and fun and with things happening in my life, a lot of the time that's just what I need!!

Mallory was a character I liked which seems to be an unpopular opinion but I didnt hate her like everyone else. She was so frustrating and selfish at many times during the book especially that argument for the third act breakup what she said before she stormed out was actually awful but overall, I did actually like her and respected how much she loved her family and just wanted to keep them cared for and protected.

My favourite character as I think is truw with most people was Nolan he was an absolute sweetheart!! I absolutely adored him, I keep saying Ali Hazelwood men are absolutely unmatched and Nolan is no different. He absolutely has the most beautiful soul and his backstory absolutely BROKE my heart with his grandad. But the amount he truly cared, the way he struggled to let people in but is in 10000% when he feels like he can, the way hes just really trying his hardest I love him with my whole heart.

I LOVED EMIL AND TANU THEY WERE MY KIDS!! The way they cared and loved for Nolan and Mallory and their relationship was so sweet I just loved them so so much.

I also really loved Defne she was so fucking cool and how much she believed in Mal made my heart so warm!!

I really liked Oz as well he was so fucking funny bless him.

I hated pretty much everyone else tbh. Sabrina was such a selfish bitch, Mallory sacrificed pretty much everything for her and all she did was moan and tell Mallory how awful she was she actually boiled my blood. I hated her best friend as well she was also so god damn selfish.

Let's be honest, the plot of this book is kind of dumb and the synopsis actually just makes me.laugh but it was fun and I really liked the way Hazelwood decided to highlight the sexism within chess!!

Overall, I really actually enjoyed this book even though I didnt think I would. It wasnt a 5* but it was super fun and definitely a book I will happily reread!!

I absolutely love Ali Hazlewoods books! I love how she incorporates science, STEM, and intelligence into her novels. And our readers love her too! I’m so excited to acquire and share my thoughts on this new read from one of my favorite authors!