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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
Another amazing romance from Ali Hazelwood, who has never steered me wrong! I never thought I’d be this invested in chess or a romance surrounding it … but Mallory and Nolan (amidst their rivals to lovers banter and deliciously intense chemistry) might have just given me a new appreciation of the game.
I really enjoyed the supporting cast of characters too, which brought an added layer of depth and emotion to Mallory and Nolan as we got to know their friends and family. Especially Mallory’s younger sister Darcy and Nolan’s best friends (Tanu and Emil) who I found entertaining.
If you’ve loved Ali’s other books then you’re certain to enjoy this, but just be aware it is a YA romance so don’t expect any spice. And as always, do check TWs beforehand.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Chronic illness and Infertility
Minor: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Dementia, and Car accident
booklifeisthelife's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was pretty cute and engaging. It stands on its own even without the romance. The romance is good though. I really enjoyed the familial aspects of this too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Sexual content, Dementia, and Sexual harassment
poisonviolet's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The one Taylor Swift reference made up for the abundance of Riverdale references (so… so many Riverdale references). The funny thing is I wouldn't have given it another thought, but I have a friend who has some heavy feelings towards the show so each time I read the word ‘Riverdale’ I instantly had the urge to text her (amenity to said friend even though said friend is probably the only person reading this). HI FRIEND! Anyways, this was adorable.
I loved the TV series ‘The Queens Gambit’ and promptly taught myself how to play chess. There was a long period of time when I would wake up each morning and demand to play on my family's super cool Marvel chess set against my brother. Side note, I was never good. I almost always lost. But it was fun pretending I was smart for a moment. All that to say, this book is perfect for people who love the series. I think Mal is a lot like Beth Harmon, less psychedelic drugs though, like a lot less.
I admire Ali Hazelwood so much as an author and a person. I thought this story was a lot of fun. The characters were interesting and complex. Even though I knew a third-act breakup was coming, I still wanted to put those two in a room and force them to work it out. If I were Mal, I would have been so embarrassed after coming to terms with the words coming out of my mouth that I would have either disappeared off the edge of the planet to never be seen again or thrown rocks at his window holding up a boombox begging on my knees. Basically, I get it girl, you are going through so much, but why did you do him like that? For me to feel bad for a man takes a lot so this is crazy.
Also, Mal totally thinks her moms a complete idiot and I couldn't help but giggle about how dumb she was being. Homegirl was on Good Morning America and didn’t even think twice about how she was lying to her entire family about where she is. My sweet Mal, I know there's a lot going on in that brain of yours, but what? What were you thinking? No no, that's the thing, the real question is why weren't you thinking. Anywho, that was a silly plot bit.
Overall I had fun, I wanted to keep reading and reading. It was cute and fluffy and angsty and everything a romance novel should be.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent
nicoles_reading_corner's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Misogyny
Moderate: Dementia, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Car accident
erinjeanette's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Misogyny, and Grief
nixdrafts's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.0
She's the worst, omfg. I love Nolan tho, marry me, pls!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Dementia, and Car accident
letiross's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Chronic illness, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Dementia, and Car accident
lkristin2018's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
This is a romance set in the world of international competitive chess. However, it’s also a coming of age book, and a book where the two main characters deal with challenging family issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Ableism and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide and Outing
There was not an actual suicide, but several examples of characters making jokes about suicide.funshine3's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Chronic illness and Infidelity
Minor: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
kalefactory's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism and Car accident