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daniche979's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.5
Yup I loved it. I actually liked the chess plot more than the romance. Don't get me wrong that was good too but I really enjoyed Mals story. My main complaint is I wish we actually got to see the final game vs getting the outcome in the epilogue. The tension would have been amazing!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, and Car accident
sarahcar_63's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexism
Minor: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, and Grief
showlade's review against another edition
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Alcoholism, Car accident, and Death of parent
duarshe's review against another edition
challenging
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
4.25
I read an Ali Hazelwood book and it's not five stars!! I know. I'm shocked, too. It's four starts instead. OMG how can I? Anyway, this was a cute and light read, it just felt a little bit underwhelming, ESPECIALLY, the end. We were building up towards that World Championship tournament and it is just weirdly summarised in an article in the epilogue. When the epilogue should be just extra scenes of Mallory and Nolan being cute and shit (imo). And, in general, I just felt their relationship kind of rushed. I missed the ANGST, the YEARNING that I always feel when reading Ali's books. Sometimes I just felt as if they just were good friends and work buddies. Finally, I would like to highlight how round of a character Mallory is, she has a really complex perception of herself and a complicated relationship with her past and family, which is always interesting to read.
Now, I will go and rewatch The Queen's Gambit. Thank you very much.
Now, I will go and rewatch The Queen's Gambit. Thank you very much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Dementia and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism
annatl4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.25
i loved the chess background, Ali always does a great job integrating the theme with romance and cheesy drama. i thought mallory’s sisters brought a nice aspect of humor and actually found myself laughing out loud. i even almost shed a tear toward the end. i appreciated the slow burn romance but was disappointed with the abrupt ending. mallory was also insufferable at some points.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexism, and Death of parent
khymihr's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Dementia
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, and Sexual harassment
smw2958's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Dementia, and Car accident
b_addie_readsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
I didn’t have many expectations going into this book other than a quick YA romance but BOY were they exceeded. Nolan is the cutest sweetest book boyfriend ever. A nice little break from the violent morally gray assholes everywhere these days. He’s still kinda broody and has his share of issues but his dry humor, quiet self-confidence, and “I only want you” type of love had me giggling and swooning the whole time. Mallory’s eldest daughter, responsible for all mindset was so real and relatable even if at times a little frustrating but it made her journey towards finally making decisions for her own wants and goals so much more satisfying. I honestly loved this book and enjoyed every second of it. Plus yay for bi/pan and gray/ace representation! It was a sweet afternoon read and I look forward to reading more from Ali Hazelwood.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Car accident, Death of parent, and Outing
fkshg8465's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Too sappy and far too whiny for my taste
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Abandonment, and Classism
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