In the enthralling world of Ali Hazelwood’s latest masterpiece, readers are invited to witness a tale where the strategic moves of life intertwine with the unpredictable game of love. With a backdrop of shattered family ties and a reluctant return to the chessboard, Check and Mate from Ali Hazelwood. promises a dazzling and heartwarming journey through the competitive realm of chess and the complexities of burgeoning romance.
As Mallory reluctantly becomes entangled in the world of high-stakes chess once again, the tension builds not only on the board but also within her own heart. Hazelwood expertly crafts a narrative that explores the magnetic pull of passion and the unexpected twists that life throws our way. Check & Mate is not just a story of strategic moves and calculated risks but a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and the rekindling of a love Mallory never thought she would find within the confines of a chess match.
In this cleverly orchestrated novel in the young adult genre, Hazelwood proves once again her prowess in capturing the intricacies of relationships, blending intelligence with emotion, and leaving readers eagerly anticipating each move in this captivating game of love and chess.
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Check and Mate Ali Hazelwood
In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life’s moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart.
Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.
Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist….
As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)
Our Review
In Check & Mate from Ali Hazelwood is centered around Mallory Greenleaf, an 18-year-old who finds herself navigating a life far removed from the typical college-bound trajectory. Mallory’s responsibilities as the primary breadwinner for her family. Following her father’s departure and her mother’s chronic illness, she works a 9-5 job, a role she reluctantly embraces. The strains on Mallory’s shoulders intensify as she becomes the de facto parent to her younger sisters.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Mallory, dragged into a chess tournament by a friend, triumphs over the world’s top-ranked player, Nolan Sawyer. This victory opens the door to a paid opportunity at a New York chess club. Drawing Mallory back into a world she had left behind after her father’s betrayal. As Mallory’s passion for chess rekindles and her rankings soar, she finds herself entangled with Nolan. Nolan is a 20-year-old prodigy with a desire for both a rematch and possibly something more.
While the family dynamics are skillfully portrayed, some readers may find themselves grappling with mixed feelings about the characters. Mallory’s family, while grappling with challenges, appears to lack the appreciation for her sacrifices, creating moments of frustration. The strained relationship with her younger sister, Sabrina, adds another layer of complexity to Mallory’s already demanding life.
The book delves into the intricacies of chess, introducing readers to the strategic and competitive aspects of the game. However, the focus on chess may feel overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the sport. The story unfolds against a backdrop of Mallory’s personal growth, including her evolving approach to relationships.
Check & Mate delivers an enjoyable and light-hearted reading experienc. It provides a refreshing take on the complexities of love and ambition. The novel offers a satisfying escape into the world of chess, romance, and self-discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Check and Mate have spice?
Since it’s YA there is less spice than her usual books. With the same interesting STEM fields!
What age is Check and Mate for?
The official rating for the book is for 14+.
Is there a sequel to The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood?
Whilst there is no official sequel: Love on the Brain will surely fit the bill! You might even see some familiar faces.
