Did I just find my favorite Ali Hazelwood book?

Y'all I cannot remember the last time I was giggling, kicking my feet, and rereading sentences over and over again until the words bled together. Check & Mate, Ali's YA debut, just completely blew out Bride and The Love Hypothesis. It wasn't even on my tbr radar until late last night!! I wanted to read something light and fluffy, and then my ARC was just boring its eyes into me. This was like 9pm? Possibly a little before or after. Ultimately, I did not go to sleep till 1:30a. I could not put this book down, refused to honestly. The rain and thunder were pouring outside, and I was a goner within these pages, within Mallory and Nolan's story.

I can't lie: the cover of this book is not good. It's not as beautiful as Ali's other books, and I judged it for that. I put off reading it because I was thinking "it can't be better than the others." Y'ALL, I WAS WRONG. HIT ME UPSIDE THE HEAD BECAUSE I WAS DELUSIONAL. Thankfully, the universe thought to teach me the "don't judge a book by its cover" mantra, and I certainly learned my lesson.

First off, this story is genius. I watched Queen's Gambit back in 2020 or 2021 like most people, but the idea of chess competitors in a romance was a flawless from the get-go. The execution, somehow, even superior. Ali weaves a beautiful love story amongst the trials and tribulations of familial problems as well as identity and self-reflection issues. The friendship undertones within this book are poignant and hard to watch. Every reader can relate to those miscommunication/ assumption moments that come with friendship (other relationships too) changes. I just cannot believe how well rounded and fulfilling this story was for my heart. I'm 24, but I saw myself reflected back in Mallory with such a startling clarity. I cannot wait to reread this beauty in the future either.

But nothing stole my heart more than the tension and build up to Mallory and Nolan. Not only was their first interaction perfect, but I was squealing like a baby pig when he showed up to Mallory's house. That only worsened in the best way when he was invited in for dinner. The conversation between Mallory, her family, and Nolan—one of the best, most natural scenes I've ever read about. It felt like each character could fly off the page; they were THAT real in that moment. Then, the tension during the tic-tac toe game was off the charts. I knew Ali was good at building relationships in her stories, but she flexed those muscles to the high heavens in this one. She's proved with Check & Mate alone that she does not need the sex to write a damn good love story. She can do it all with a finesse most authors dream of. I kept rereading scenes of them over and over again, against my own will at times, because I could not get enough of this romance. They're my favorite couple in Ali's books, and I will die on that hill.

Also, one of the reasons I adored their relationship was just how honest and raw they were to the other. Nolan, alone, is such a refreshing lead. He's so different from Ali's other male leads, but his honesty just really stuck with me. His ability to speak his mind and unapologetically be himself to Mallory just made me so happy. Even after they've broken up and the two are gearing up for their Championship chess game, he knows his feelings so well for Mallory that he does not show an ounce of distrust or anger. She said some horrific things to him, but he only speaks of her in the highest caliber. He compliments her to a whole pressroom, and Mallory is dumbstruck. He's a good guy that knows she made a mistake because she was hurting, and instead of making her grovel, he's compassionate, understanding. It's beautiful to read. It reminds me of my own partner, and I think that again is why this story hit so hard for me.

Mallory feels like a brutal reflection of myself in many ways. I'm certainly not in her exact situation, but the feelings and thought processes she had throughout the story mimic my mind. This fear of being alone and not being needed. That fear of vulnerability. The terror that your own mind and fear could destroy something good. I know some readers will probably find her annoying and a self-saboteur, but I only saw someone human making some mistakes along the way to happiness. Damn, Mallory was a great lead. I cannot wait to see what Ali dreams up next for a leading lady.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the eARC. I cannot believe it took me so long to find this wonderful book. Now I cannot wait to scream its praise from the rooftops.

“I don’t think I believe in destiny. I believe in solid openings, and middle games that show initiative, and swift transitions to end games. But I can’t stop wondering if maybe the universe was trying to tell us something, and— I want to be with you. I want to be with you. As much as I can. As much as you’ll have me.”

Read if you enjoy:
♟️ Chess Tournaments
♟️ Young Adult (FMC 18, MMC 20)
♟️ Rivals to Lovers
♟️ Chess Prodigies
♟️ He Falls First
♟️ Banter
♟️ Mostly Closed Door

“Because when I’m with you, Mallory, everything is different. When I’m with you, I want to play more than I want to win.”

I loved the show of Queen’s Gambit so when I saw a book with a similar concept, I was immediately drawn to it. Although different from the show, this book was a nice read with great character growth and banter. It is a young adult approach so get into the mindset before jumping into this one.

Hazelwood did great with the FMC. Mallory is portrayed as a very real and flawed character who is trying to navigate life after a loss, with guilt and a deeply felt responsibility to support her mom and siblings. She was very relatable, caring, sarcastic, and funny. She is learning to navigate life and love.

I wished this book had dual POVs as I would have loved to be inside Nolan’s mind. He was quiet and bad-tempered, but full of love and desire for Mallory. Once he participated in that tournament and was defeated by Mallory, he was deeply attracted to the girl who literary ran away afterward. It was sweet to see the story develop within chess and love. Wished I had seen a little more of the romance side in this book. Nonetheless, a quick and enjoyable read!

Chess is a bad idea.”
“Why?”
“Look where it got me.”
“It got you here. To me.

This was such a good cute book! I adore everything Ali Hazelwood writes!

“When I’m with you. I want to play more than I want to win.”
SWOON.

PLEASE, Ali Hazelwood, KEEP WRITING YA BOOKS.
I loved this so much. The characters, the family struggles as well as trying to find your own identity in the mess that the world has thrown at you. I couldn´t put it down.
It does read older YA (more 16+); even though there are no explicit sex scenes, IT IS very sex-positive. Which I thought were done really well.
So maybe also a great book for all the romance girlies who don´t want the steamy scenes but a great romance.

Also - who knew chess could be so interesting? Am I the only one who googled all night after finishing this book?
Great representation of Women in Chess - there was so much I didn´t know about that whole setting.

Can´t wait to see what A.H. will write next for the younger demografic.

I have read multiple books by Ali Hazelwood and have always enjoyed her writing style and characters. This was a fun story; I would not have thought I would care about chess tournaments so much. I also appreciated the theme about women in male dominated fields and it being a part of Mal's journey to be a confident chess player. Nolan is such a good person and his relationship with Mal is heartwarming.

Ali Hazelwood is an automatic buy and read for me, so I was so excited to be able to get this ARC!
Mallory, after some unfortunate personal events, decides she’s never going to play chess again. When her friend convinces her to play in a charity chess tournament before she goes back to college and Mallory wins against the number one in the world chess player, Kingkiller, all her existing plans go out the window. The bills for her family and younger sisters start piling up and she gets fired from her barely-making-ends-meet job, and this new opportunity falls into her lap, Mallory must make a decision for herself.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes rom-coms or any of Hazelwood’s previous novels.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Genuinely didn't expect to be so hooked by a book about Chess. I absolutely devoured this book and it left me wanting so much more. Their relationship and dynamic felt unique to them which made you want to root for them.

Mallory hasn't played chess in years. Her dad, as a Grand Master, was always pushing Mallory to be better, but ever since he left, she's sworn off the game. That is until her best friend convinces her to take part in a charity event, where Mallory inadvertently beats Nolan Sawyer, the world's #1 player. When her victory lands Mallory a paying position to train and play chess, she struggles to keep the game separate from her family life and keep from letting Nolan get too close to her heart.

I always love an Ali Hazelwood book and I was excited to see her dive in the world of YA. Hazelwood does a great job of introducing readers to the world of chess while keeping the story going and the reader entertained. Both Mallory and Nolan felt authentic, and Hazelwood really captured the growth Mallory especially experiences throughout the story. I think she did a great job of portraying the teenage/ young adult thought process without over exaggerating.

This one definitely reads as a Young Adult story and even without any serious spicy and younger characters, it was still an enjoyable listen. Once again, Hazelwood does a fantastic job of combining a love story while exploring the world of STEM. If you're looking for a closed-door romance or a good book for teens, Check & Mate is perfect. I haven't played chess in a few years, and this book definitely made me want to dig out my old chess board.

Check & Mate is now. Thank you to G.P. Putnam & Sons for my audio copy in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting:
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Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG

bueno, primero que nada: AAAAAAAAAAAAAA ALI LO VOLVIO A HACER HIJA DE REMIL TE AMO CON TODO MI SER QUIERO LEER TODO LO QUE ESCRIBAAASSS 😍😍😍😍

okey, now official review: thanks to netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

i knew that Ali would never dissapoint me even when she is writing YA. and i was right. the funniest thing is that it made me want to pick up a chess board after years considering how BAD i an at chess. i adored so much the way i was inmersed in the world of chess and learned even more about it, how important it can be for some people and the way it made one feel. i really adored the characters and how complex they are, i wanted to hug Mallory more than once because of everything she'd done for her family. her journey back to chess was so beautiful, how she allowed herself to feel and like it once again. and OMG NOLAN SAWYER HOW ON EARTH DID ALI MAKE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH ANOTHER OF HER MALE CHARACTERS THAT GUY IS JUST PERFECTION THE WAY HE SPOKE AND HOW IN LOVE HE WAS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 😍😍😍 i was always waiting for them to be together because sparks flew every time ldkfjg
i ate it in two sittings because of how addictive and good it was. her writing is just flawless and the modern references were on point. i really need to read everything this woman has ever written, i mean she is a fellow Reylo and i will always support her 💜💜

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

How do I get across just how cute this book is? From the very start it reels you in with chess intrigue and relatable characters and doesn't let you go. I adored hearing about the chess world, but even more than that, I absolutely loved the characters and their romance. At first, I was worried that Nolan was going to be too aloof for me, but the whole "he falls first" trope was strong with this one, and I loved watching him truly fall.

I loved the added depth of Mallory really working through her past trauma and guilt. It made her even more relatable and balanced out her humor and wit in a refreshing way. I loved the message of her finding her worth while also finding herself in the world and what she truly wants to be.

If you're looking for a sweet and kinda nerdy romcom, look no further!

In Ali Hazelwood's latest novel, "Check and Mate," readers are treated to a compelling young adult contemporary romance that transcends the boundaries of the genre. With a refreshing premise centered around chess, this story weaves together elements of competition, family dynamics, and the complexities of young love in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique.

At the heart of the story is Mallory Greenleaf, a young woman who has sworn off chess after it tore her family apart years earlier. However, when she finds herself reluctantly drawn back into the world of competitive chess, her encounter with the notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer sets off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about the game and herself.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its well-realized characters. Mallory and Nolan leap off the page, each with their own distinct personalities and struggles. Hazelwood skillfully crafts their relationship, allowing it to unfold organically as they navigate the intricacies of the chess world and their own emotions. Readers will find themselves rooting for their romance from the very first page, eager to see how their story will unfold.

While "Check and Mate" is technically classified as young adult, it leans more towards the new adult category due to the depth and maturity of its themes. Mallory and Nolan may be young, but their experiences and emotions feel authentic and relatable, making them easy to connect with on a deeper level.

Overall, "Check and Mate" is a triumph for Ali Hazelwood, showcasing her talent for crafting engaging characters and heartfelt romances. With its blend of romance, chess strategy, and family drama, this novel is sure to captivate readers of all ages. As Hazelwood continues to explore the young adult space, I eagerly anticipate what she will bring to the genre next.

I think this is my favourite teen romance of this year. The story was cute, and I related to the FMC in the way that all she wanted to do was provide for her family, even before her own well-being. I think the relationship between Nolan and Mallory developed very naturally and it was extremely sweet. The way he cared about her was adorable. I have to be honest though, if Ali Hazelwood wrote it, I'd probably love it. She's got my brand of cheesy down to a tee (so yes, I do recognize her books may be cheesy but I'm eating it up!).

Absolutely adored. I will read and love anything by Miss Ali Hazelwood. Obviously this was much more PG than her adult novels, but she continues to surprise me as a fluid author that can master any genre. Go Ali!

I found Check & Mate to be purely entertaining hence the 5 stars, but I must admit from an adult perspective, there are many issues with the storyline that I could have dropped the score to a 3.5. As a HS School Librarian, when I read YA I try to keep the intended audience in mind. The main characters do seem to be a bit older than high school and some of the dialogue is not realistic for teens to be discussing with adults. Overall, I would recommend this to my teens.

Thank you for the advance copy.

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I adore Ali Hazelwood, but, no lie, I had my doubts about a YA chess romance. I should've trusted the queen, because this had me hooked from page one and I don't even particularly CARE about chess.

Man, did I care by the time I finished reading this book lol. Mallory and Nolan were adorable and I loved their love. This book managed to tug my heartstrings in every direction and I loved it SO MUCH.

Ali Hazelwood continues to be the go-to for any kind of STEM (although does this count? Idk lol) romance and she's an auto-buy author for me.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. I am such a fan of Ali's and this was one of my favorites of hers. No one writes romance like her! Read this, then read all of her books!

I really enjoyed check mate it was fun and cute, I found the main character to be very relatable and I think her and Nolan share such a great relationship so it was fun to follow them on their chess journey, I wish the ending was a bit more in depth but I always want more.
Thank you Netgalley and author for this early arc!

5/5 stars

"I've got you. Nothing bad is going to happen. You can let yourself want this because you already have it. You have me."

Guys GUYS this quote alone should be enough to convince you to read this book. I want to learn how to play competitive chess now so I can find my own Nolan oml

As Ali Hazelwood's first YA, I really enjoyed this - I thought the pacing was a bit different from what I've read from her so far in her adult novels but not in a bad way at all. I thought the character depth and backstories were refreshingly different from her previous books, which, while all amazing, are pretty similar in terms of character archetypes and plot structures.

As a burnt-out older sibling, I felt so called out by this book in the best way and some of the quotes in this book - LIKE PLSSS GO READ THIS RN

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Check & Mate is a fun, funny, and fantastic game of life, friendship, relationships, and all that chess has to offer.

Ali Hazelwood has a magnificent gift for humor with all of her characters amidst their beautiful brains. And the tension she built between these MCs was wonderfully sweet with just a bit of simmering tension. I absolutely LOVE Mallory and Nolan.

Mallory's home life is... chaotic, yes. But she excels as a daughter, sister, and friend. I loved her siblings (even when they're little brats) and my heart went out to them all.

With a perfect mix of YA charm, great character development, hilarious shenanigans, and Ali Hazelwood's signature character chemistry, Check & Mate is a joy.

**Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin, and Ali Hazelwood for a copy of Check & Mate and the opportunity to leave my honest, voluntary review!**

Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong in my eyes. I don't typically read YA but I'll make an exception for Ali. This book didn't read at all like a YA to me. It was mature, thoughtful and had great character development. It kept me engaged and I wasn't bored at all. This just proves that Ali is a must-buy, don't even have to read the synopsis author for me. I loved how smart it was and how it introduced me to another aspect of "nerd" culture that I wasn't aware of. The characters were so well developed and explained and you could feel the connection and struggles within their relationship. 5 stars for sure.