A review by lilawsahar
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

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. 
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