Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - Check & Mate - Zug um Zug zur Liebe

Ali Hazelwood never disappoints to infuse some feminism, gender topics into her romance novels.
this time on chess, this time in YA-book. Less sex, still emotional growth and warmth, more family relations. Finished this in 48hrs. This is fast for during a work week.

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xinawebb's review against another edition

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funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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noellegrace8's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a cute read. It focuses less on the relationship than other Hazelwood's. I appreciated that about it in some ways, but I think I would have given it a higher rating if the plot was something I was a bit more passionate about or could relate to. The chess plot was interesting, but in other Hazelwood novels, she makes you interested in it because of the FMC's love for whatever that focus is.

Some of the past memories of Mallory's, as well as some of the interactions between her and Nolan, were underdeveloped and would benefit from some more attention. But I did like both of their characters and appreciate the chess theme. I also loved that Mallory is a mechanic! But I do question the choice to make it seem as if that job is, by nature, a stepping stone to something better or simply a job that a person gets unhappily thrown into all willy-nilly. Altogether, a solid, fun read.

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nafsaila's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book, but it also had a good development of characters. Would recommend to those that enjoy a fast-paced romance. You didn't have to have a deep understanding of chess.

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the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Another fun, easy Ali Hazelwood read. I loved seeing a bisexual main character who is comfortable with her sexuality.

I will say that all Hazelwood male characters need to take a class on consent and boundaries. Hanging out with your ex's little sisters after you break up is...weird. Mallory's unbelivable success in the chess world also requires a healthy suspension of disbelief verging on straight up not thinking too much about it. This is also very much not a YA and more of an adult romance with fade to black sex scenes (but sexual themes are extremely present throughout).

With all this said, if you like Hazelwood, this is a fun one.

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katharina90's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Definitely my favorite Ali Hazelwood to date.

Marketed as YA but is really NA. Well written, loveable characters, and queer rep incl. bi/pan FMC and MMC serving demi/ace vibes.

I almost forgot this was written for a younger audience until the FMC's immaturity escalated towards the end. That was the only thing that annoyed me.

Great audiobook narration.

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icarusandthesun's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

exasperating and unrealistic.
the feminist commentary did little to spice things up. the way mallory and her family didn't communicate for the longest time was the worst – i didn't like her nor her weird family with both sisters being annoying to the moon and back. there was nothing cute or comforting about their family dynamic. the only person who didn't piss me off all of the time was nolan, because he seemed sensible, and like an emotionally mature person and was the most relatable with the way he didn't whine about absolutely everything.
the chess in this chess romance was alright, the references to chess players and moves plenty, so at least one can't complain about that.
i thought mallory's backstory was overdramatized and so over-the-top, i couldn't really sympathise with her at all. there was basically no conflict in this book that couldn't have been solved by a medium-long serious conversation.
not one of ali hazelwood's best books, imo.

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sweetteaandfiction's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring 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

5.0

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood doesn’t feel like a YA novel as much as it does a standard Ali contemporary romance, except the sex scenes fade to black instead of making you sweat.

PROS:
♟️I genuinely love chess
🤍The sexism was portrayed in a painfully accurate way
♟️The oldest, middle, and youngest child syndromes
🤍The slow acceptance of her “rivals” affection
♟️Keeping their private life private

CONS:
🤍I hate a third act break up
♟️The internalized hatred and blame
🤍MOST (but not all) men
♟️The burden of adults’ physical and mental illness on their family, while done well, was a hard read.
🤍Rejection of innate talent because of the selfish actions of others.

♟️♟️♟️♟️♟️ out of five castled Queens

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