Reviews

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

maeloche's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

3.25

keetabi_keeda's review against another edition

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4.0

Review by my colleague Sakshi Dixit,who does not have a Goodreads account, posting on her behalf.

If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and think, then look no further than Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood. This is the third book in the author’s series of standalone romances featuring brilliant and quirky characters who work in STEM fields. In this one, we meet Mallory Greenleaf, a former chess prodigy who gave up the game after a traumatic loss. She now works as a mechanic in New Jersey, taking care of her family and avoiding anything to do with chess. That is, until her best friend Easton convinces her to join a charity chess tournament in New York, where she unexpectedly faces off against the world’s number one player, Nolan Sawyer.


Nolan Sawyer is a chess legend, a genius, and a mystery. He has been dominating the chess scene since he was a child, but he is also notoriously aloof and secretive. He rarely gives interviews, and when he does, he comes across as cold and arrogant. He has no friends, no hobbies, no life outside of chess. He lives for the thrill of winning, and nothing else. Until he meets Mallory, who beats him in a stunning upset. He is intrigued by her, and determined to find out more about her. He offers her a deal: he will teach her advanced chess techniques, if she agrees to play him again.


What follows is a delightful and engaging story of two opposites who attract, clash, and challenge each other. Mallory is witty, warm, and loyal, but also insecure and afraid of her own potential. Nolan is brilliant, intense, and passionate, but also lonely and misunderstood. They have a lot of chemistry, but also a lot of obstacles to overcome. They have to deal with their past traumas, their family issues, their career choices, and their feelings for each other. They also have to navigate the chess world, which is full of drama, intrigue, and rivalries.

Read full review here: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/check-mate-by-ali-hazelwood-a-smart-and-swoony-romance-with-a-chess-twist-book-review

sakkura's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing 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

miaolvr's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative tense 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

3.75

wavymave's review against another edition

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4.0

She is so real for acting the way she does. Like all of her actions seemed totally rational to me

flumbii's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

When I say I loved this book I mean I LOVED this book!!!!!!

It was soo good!!!
It reminded me a lot of The Queens Gambit but set it in the present and make it more about a love story where the girl doesn’t wanna pursue chess even though she’s a fucking prodigy.

It was amazing!!!
The tension between Nolan and her was unmatched and I loved every second of the book!!!!!

draganascrafts's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

5.0

celine_2000's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

zimzalazom's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved it. Made me want to pick up a chess piece at 12am. This ali hazelwood enjoyed enjoyed this book with all her heart.

niamd's review against another edition

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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? Yes

4.0