A review by rachelcbentley
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I read this book in one sitting. I got up maybe once to feed the cat. If you've read other books by Ali Hazelwood, you know what you're getting into. It has the same vibes as her adult books but with younger MCs and fade to black. I'm excited to be able to have another contemporary romance for the teens I work with, I think older high school will enjoy. It hugs the line between high school and New Adult. I wonder if there were debates on where to place it as it's pushing the age range of "YA" as many of the characters are first year college. 
Is it revolutionary? Not at all, no wheels being reinvented. It is a good escape? Sure, you have the fluffy romance, the slight stress of "they're too happy, how is she (Ali) going to ruin this?" with the happy ending guaranteed. And sometimes that's exactly what you need. 
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