A review by steca2
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

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

Ok so first, what’s the difference between YA and NA? I feel like this should be marketed as NA bc the characters are both over 18 and there’s a lot of adult themes (death of a parent, SUD, child abuse/neglect, psychosis). But maybe because it’s very much fade to black that’s why it’s YA? Either way, I liked it! My only big complaint is Mallory’s mother allowing Mallory to be parentified and not seeing through her martyrdom. Mallory so clearly needed therapy. I loved Nolan — he was literally perfect - but with his trauma history, he should be WAY more messed up. I wish there was a quick “oh I have to go to my weekly therapy”  to explain his self-actualized humility and perception lol but he was fabulous and so sweet. I also loved  the rest of the supporting characters. I wish there was reference to Hazelwood’s other books (maybe a quick “what would Marie do” reference??) but that’s just me loving Easter eggs.  
Also, I listened to the audiobook and while I did enjoy it, my big complaint was at times I wasn’t sure the difference between Mallory’s internal dialogue and what she was actually saying.