A review by xvicesx
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

Supremely enjoyed the setting. I had another encounter with a beautiful chess book (First Move, by Jenny Ireland) at some point last year, and even at the time Check & Mate was being recommended. However, I was firmly entrenched in my unwillingness to give very popular authors a go having been burnt several times. I guess I will be again, but it is a pity that so much time passed before I got to enjoy this beautiful piece by Ali Hazelwood. 

The characters are magnificent. They stand out on their own, with full lives that continue outside of the scenes they're involved in, which makes the entire novel such a pleasant reading experience. You're invested in the hardship of Mallory's situation, you want to smack Bob, you want her relationship with Nolan to work. You want it all, and that's not so easy to pull off. 

So go and read this. It's gorgeous. 
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