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alexxmichelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really really enjoyed this book! I picked it up cause I like romance but I honestly would have enjoyed it without the romance. This is a weird pull but Nolans dominance reminded me of 2023 Max Verstappen specifically when during the challengers the other players say that they don't even think about beating him cause no one can. Sweet romance, interesting plot, good character development, and I learned a little about chess. Lost a star because I don’t think this should be classified as YA. I would not give this book to anyone under 14. There is no graphic sex but sex is talked about quite a lot and there are some more adult themes. <There is also a third act breakup that felt silly and unnecessary> My inly other critique is that she does tend to use the same basic formula for all her books. But ya know if it works it works cause I (and plenty of other people) eat it up every time. That being said overall a lovely book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, and Mental illness
llamalucia's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I really enjoyed this book and I've read over reviews where people feel like Mallory was pretty annoying at times but I actually really enjoyed her as a character.
The person I didn't like was her mother. I'm unsure how you don't realize the weight of the world is on your eighteen year old daughters shoulders when she is single handedly paying the mortgage and doing most of the childcare. I feel like it was almost negligent.
Okay let's talk about Nolan. I love him so much. I just love how much support and mutual respect he has for Mallory. There are so many things he did behind the scenes and the way he would stand up for her?! Perfect.During the end at the press conference when he spoke about her had me smiling so hard.
I've said this about Ali Hazelwood books before but I adore the way she writes background characters. She makes them so loveable that you just want a book with their stories.
Overall it was such a good read, there were just some parts that were frustrating to get through.
Okay let's talk about Nolan. I love him so much. I just love how much support and mutual respect he has for Mallory. There are so many things he did behind the scenes and the way he would stand up for her?! Perfect.
I've said this about Ali Hazelwood books before but I adore the way she writes background characters. She makes them so loveable that you just want a book with their stories.
Overall it was such a good read, there were just some parts that were frustrating to get through.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Addiction and Alcoholism
sariefaerie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I went in assuming this would be good but that it would be my least favorite of Ali Hazelwood's books. With my lack of interest in chess I, wrongfully, assumed that I wouldn't be able to relate to the characters at all. Ali Hazelwood is a genius at making relatable characters, or maybe she just knows people like me a little too intimately.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Mental illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, and Death of parent
raechrae's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Infidelity, Mental illness, and Sexism
whatrobynsreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was fun but not one I will think about often. I liked the diversity of characters and family dynamics and exploring those but Mallory pissed me off - lol another classic Ali Hazelwood FMC. I also appreciated how this wasn’t another woman in STEM romance but still a woman thriving in a male dominated field. Also it is not YA like it is marketed. It is a normal romance between younger adults - still has spice!!
I kinda want to learn how to play chess hahaha
I kinda want to learn how to play chess hahaha
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Death, Dementia, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
sophie19611's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Great Valentine’s Day read! Like The Queen’s Gambit but lighthearted and less drug addiction lol
This was really enjoyable! I had a great time with these characters (even if the main girl as many of Hazelwood’s FMCs tend to be just needed to SAY WHAT SHE WAS FEELING). I really enjoyed the whole cast of characters, the family conflict, the friendship, and even the chess despite knowing nothing about it.
I suddenly have the urge to rewatch The Queen’s Gambit lol
This was really enjoyable! I had a great time with these characters (even if the main girl as many of Hazelwood’s FMCs tend to be just needed to SAY WHAT SHE WAS FEELING). I really enjoyed the whole cast of characters, the family conflict, the friendship, and even the chess despite knowing nothing about it.
I suddenly have the urge to rewatch The Queen’s Gambit lol
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Outing, and Alcohol
nessajane's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Alcohol
leah08855's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Dementia, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
britwalsh16's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Ali Hazelwood has done it again, & though it isn’t my favorite book of hers. I absolutely could not put it down.
I loved Mallory and her struggle with dealing with her guilt & grief throughout the book, but who was she kidding when she said she wouldn’t get sucked back into the world she never stopped loving! Lol
And Nolan! Omg! I LOVE Nolan! He isn’t what you expect when you are told all the stories about him near the beginning. But the love at first sight that he got for Mal when he finally looked up from the chess board when she beat him, what girl wouldn’t want him to fall for them! He fell so hard, & he tried so hard to win Mal over! He is just the sweetest!!! I want a Nolan for myself!!! 🥰🥰🥰
I loved Mallory and her struggle with dealing with her guilt & grief throughout the book, but who was she kidding when she said she wouldn’t get sucked back into the world she never stopped loving! Lol
And Nolan! Omg! I LOVE Nolan! He isn’t what you expect when you are told all the stories about him near the beginning. But the love at first sight that he got for Mal when he finally looked up from the chess board when she beat him, what girl wouldn’t want him to fall for them! He fell so hard, & he tried so hard to win Mal over! He is just the sweetest!!! I want a Nolan for myself!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Dementia, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Outing, and Abandonment