Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

13 reviews

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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daisyfont's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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atamano's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

3.75


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sariefaerie's review against another edition

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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. 

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yanagi's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

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ghostmomxoxo's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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

3.5


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tabea1409's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-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


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kaitisbooknook's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-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

4.0

It’s been a minute since I read an entire novel in one sitting, but I could not put this down. Charming, adorable, funny, and sexy. (I mean the plot but this also kind of applies to Nolan?? Who knew chess had bad boys, but I’m into it.)
Not only did the romantic relationship feel earned and real (and so cute I actually giggled and kicked my feet), I also loved the dynamic between the mother and sisters, as well as the idea of how to maintain childhood friendships into adulthood. 
The key elements of a Hazelwood rom com were here (they’re both wicked smart, she’s tiny, and he’s tall and broody!) but it WORKS and manages to feel different from her precious works. 
Darcy and Oz were stand out side characters and regularly delivered the best one liners. My only come there is I wanted to see more of a conclusion to the Oz’s storyline, or see their friendship become more developed. I also would have loved more time between the moments of getting together and breaking up, which would have made that interaction feel as devastating to the reader as it was to the characters.
Overall I greatly enjoyed myself and would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted and engaging rom com. Also I will be purchasing a chess set!!

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greta_b8's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This one was really sweet.

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brookishbrunette's review against another edition

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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


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