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noellegrace8's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
lilawsahar's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
4.0
Mallory Mallory Mallory. I really related to her as an eldest daughter. I feel like there are a lot of responsibilities taken on as an eldest daughter that aren’t acknowledged, but taken advantage of. I think the mom could have helped by not putting the burden of the whole household onto her. It was weird how the mom crushed off Mallory’s troubles by her not asking for help when the mom depended on her to make money, buy groceries, and take care of her younger sisters. Like can you take responsibility for not helping or getting help yourself? I feel like the friend did the same thing. She blamed Mallory for not reaching out enough, but you didn’t even respond to her text messages??? Shitty friend. The only one who was kind to Mallory was her chess community. Nolan literally saved her from a shitty situation.
I love how this romance also includes the importance of friendship, family, and having safe sex. Great book for teens to read and relate to.
I love how this romance also includes the importance of friendship, family, and having safe sex. Great book for teens to read and relate to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, and Gaslighting
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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
After reading Ali Hazelwood's other books, I was excited to pick up her first venture into Young Adult.
"Check & Mate" follows Mallory Grennleaf, a young adult who has put her life on hold to try to take care of her mom and sisters. When she was a younger teenager, she was on track to become a chess champion, unfortunately, after an incident involving her father, she vowed to give up chess forever. That is, until opportunity knocks on her door, and she is offered a chance to get paid to play the game she loves so much. At a charity competition, Mallory beats the best chess player in the world, Nolan Sawyer. Should Mallory return to the world of competitive chess? And should she give into her desire to see Nolan again?
This was a really sweet love story, with two really lovable characters. Nolan is such a good guy, and he is so humble despite being an exceptional chess player. He is flawed, and doubts himself, but Mallory is so good for him and really helps him to see that there is more to life than chess. Nolan helps Mallory accept her love of chess and helps her become an even better player.
We know early on that something happened to Mallory's dad, and that is why she does not want to play, but the author really drags out the "reveal" of what actually did happen. I understand the significance of this event and why it is important to Mallory's story and character development, but I feel like the author did not have to leave so many frequent breadcrumbs, she could have just waited and reveled it in the same way. I also find it slightly unbelievable how much Mallory blamed herself for what happened. Her guilt seemed a little extreme and unnatural to me, and more of a plot point to make the story seem higher stakes.
As with all of Ali Hazelwood's books, there are great feminist undertones to this book. Women in chess are often heavily discriminated against, and it was empowering to see strong women characters fighting back on these groundless claims. I almost feel like Ali Hazelwood's writing style is better suited in the Young Adult sphere.
I will, of course, read more from Ali Hazelwood in the future, and I highly recommend this title!
"Check & Mate" follows Mallory Grennleaf, a young adult who has put her life on hold to try to take care of her mom and sisters. When she was a younger teenager, she was on track to become a chess champion, unfortunately, after an incident involving her father, she vowed to give up chess forever. That is, until opportunity knocks on her door, and she is offered a chance to get paid to play the game she loves so much. At a charity competition, Mallory beats the best chess player in the world, Nolan Sawyer. Should Mallory return to the world of competitive chess? And should she give into her desire to see Nolan again?
This was a really sweet love story, with two really lovable characters. Nolan is such a good guy, and he is so humble despite being an exceptional chess player. He is flawed, and doubts himself, but Mallory is so good for him and really helps him to see that there is more to life than chess. Nolan helps Mallory accept her love of chess and helps her become an even better player.
We know early on that something happened to Mallory's dad, and that is why she does not want to play, but the author really drags out the "reveal" of what actually did happen. I understand the significance of this event and why it is important to Mallory's story and character development, but I feel like the author did not have to leave so many frequent breadcrumbs, she could have just waited and reveled it in the same way. I also find it slightly unbelievable how much Mallory blamed herself for what happened. Her guilt seemed a little extreme and unnatural to me, and more of a plot point to make the story seem higher stakes.
As with all of Ali Hazelwood's books, there are great feminist undertones to this book. Women in chess are often heavily discriminated against, and it was empowering to see strong women characters fighting back on these groundless claims. I almost feel like Ali Hazelwood's writing style is better suited in the Young Adult sphere.
I will, of course, read more from Ali Hazelwood in the future, and I highly recommend this title!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content