Not appropriate content for a book that is classified under the YA genre! Far too many discussions about sex and sexuality - not to mention the fact that the main character is bisexual and discusses previous experiences with both men and women. This book just wasn’t for me

This really did not work for me - I don't know if it was the writing (bland) the character (blander) or the plot (a bland version of the Queen's Gambit) but for something billed as a rom-com, it's really more about her experience as a chess player except the author makes no effort in making chess feel interesting.

Is the word “disappointment” even in Ali Hazelwood’s vocabulary? I seriously doubt it, this woman does nothing but write amazing, funny and sexy books!

Check & Mate is Hazelwood’s YA debut but don’t be fooled by the genre label, there are very much same adult vibes as her previous books but the spice is very tamed down (fade to black). In Check & Mate we follow Mallory Greenleaf who is struggling to support her chronically ill mother and two teenage sisters. We get flashbacks of Mallory with her dad learning and playing chess but we don’t know what happened to him just yet. She gets fired from her job and falls back into playing chess, which seems the only way she can earn money at the moment.

I found Mallory so relatable and real. I could definitely see myself taking on all the responsibilities of the house and being that person who worries the most about everything. And I definitely felt the drifting apart with her BFF. That time after graduation is so fragile and hard.

Nolan was Hazelwood’s typical Adam Driver inspired hero…tall, dark, quiet and stoic. I really liked that him and Mal shared similar traumas and they could understand one another in relation to those traumas. Nolan had a bout of insta-love that came on a little early in my opinion but I still found them sweet and swoon worthy together.

The most surprising aspect of this book has to be the character of Oz. He was so hysterical, I laughed out loud several times at his quips and sarcasm, so so good! And I loved that he kicked Mal’s ass into gear when she needed it.

Overall, very solid book by Ali Hazelwood. I was able to read it in one sitting, did not want to put it down at all. Pacing was great and I learned so much about the game of chess. And now I feel like watching The Queen’s Gambit or Searching for Bobby Fisher just to stay in the moment, thanks Ali!

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for blessing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Look, I can count everything I know about chess on one hand. I’ve never played a real game of chess in my life and I don’t understand any of it. However, if Ali Hazelwood wrote it, I’m reading it.

Mallory spends her days worrying about her family and not thinking of her troubled past. She quit chess 4 years ago, without a glance back. If it was up to her, she’d never play again. But then, her best friend, Easton, gets her to join her team for a tournament. That’s where she meets the alluring Nolan. The number one chess player in the world. And she beats him. Suddenly, Mallory is whisked back into the world of Chess, but practically as a pro this time! People are paying her to win!

When she takes up a fellowship at Zugzwang, her world changes. She’s lying to her family, but at least she’s paying the bills. She’s trying to juggle her declining friendship with Easton who moved to Boulder for college. But most of all, she’s not trying to fall for Nolan, who seems to have his own checkered past. Because nothing good can come from that, right?

I LOVED this! I devoured it in one sitting and I regret nothing! Mallory and Nolan’s story was all consuming and I fell head over heels for both of them. I think I may have even learned a thing or two about chess in the process. Don’t ask me any questions though, all I remember is queens and knights. The chess piece bowed to the Queen. She was Queen of the knight.🖤🖤

I loved Ali Hazelwood’s first foray into YA! It had everything I love about her adult novels toned down just enough to suit this category. Mallory is a smart, complex young woman determined to take care of her family. She gets drawn back into the world of chess, which she had left behind as a young teen, after winning a game against the top ranked player in the world at a charity tournament. She accepts an offer of a fellowship to work on her game, and in spite of her efforts to treat chess as just a job, she finds herself being pulled back into the competitive and lucrative world. All the whole, she keeps crossing paths which the young world champion who she beat. Hazelwood writes a great romance, but also does a fantastic job of working more complex themes into her story, including complicated family relationships and sexism in competitive chess. I loved it, and am thrilled to have a new title to recommend to some of my younger romance readers.

I finished this book in 24 hours because I just could not put it down! “Check and Mate” is a wonderful, witty book that ties together two unexpected things: romance and chess. It left me with that warm and fuzzy feeling one gets when they finished a book they really really enjoyed.

It was so easy to fall in love with the couple in this book. I loved the complexity that Mallory has—she’s funny and quirky but also serious and willing to do anything for her family. Nolan is just wholesome and the kind of guy any girl would be lucky to have. Wanting to learn more about characters like this and want things to work out for them effortless. Add to that the competition and seriousness of chess and you have a great albeit unconventional backdrop to romance.

I’m a big fan of Ms. Hazelwood’s and this book did not disappoint at all. I loved it all and was hooked from the first page. I know this is categorized for young adults but I don’t think there’s an age limit on this one—if you like cute romances, this is definitely one to try!

**Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Young Reader’s Group/G.P. Putnam Sons Books for Young Reader’s for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honesty opinion. You made me day with this approval, it was a the privilege to read and review this book.**

"Check & Mate" by Ali Hazelwood is a fun, cutsy young adult romances debut that blends chess, romance, and personal growth.

The story revolves around Mallory who has sworn off chess after the sport brought devastation to her family. She is determined to focus on her mother, her sisters, and her mundane job that keeps their lights on. However, fate has other plans when she reluctantly agrees to participate in a charity tournament and unexpectedly defeats the renowned and enigmatic "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer, the current world chess champion and notorious bad boy.

Nolan's surprising loss to an unknown player sends shockwaves through the chess community, leaving everyone wondering about his motives. As Mallory's victory opens doors to much-needed cash prizes, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Nolan and the strategic world of chess once again. While Mallory rockets up the ranks, she struggles to shield her family from the game that brought them pain. Simultaneously, her love-hate relationship with chess takes a new turn, as she discovers that the competition extends beyond the chessboard, leading to unexpected challenges and irresistible attractions.

Ali Hazelwood creates an eye-opening, colorful story amongst the allure of the chess world, immersing readers in the intricacies of the game and its emotional impact on the characters. The chemistry between Mallory and Nolan is palpable, and their complex relationship adds depth to the narrative.

"Check & Mate" is a delightful YA novel that will appeal to chess enthusiasts and romance lovers alike. It personally did read a little young for my personal tastes (which I am well aware I a personal problem when I pick up a YA book). It is certainly tailored to and geared towards Gen Z (which is fine!) which made it not quite a perfect fit for me. I will certainly stay loving Ali Hazelwood's adult books and let the young-uns have their YA in peace :)

Did I read this in one sitting and stay up way too late to read because I always drop everything for Ali’s books? Absolutely. Real rating of 4.5.

Ali leaves behind the main characters in STEM this time to favor a bi main character who enjoys working on cars (which I love) to support her family while her love of chess reignites. Mallory can be a bit of a mess at times, but honestly, who wasn’t at her age? She struggles with guilt regarding her family and her role in its current situation while fighting her passion for chess. It doesn’t help when all eyes are on her after beating the best in the world her first tournament back.

You can’t help but love all the characters in their own ways and appreciate how much they all want to help each other out. While Nolan did kind of feed into the typical “big and broody” love interest stereotype that Ali has in her books, I found him to be interesting and sweet despite the walls he has up after growing up in the spotlight. He genuinely supports and admires Mallory and it’s adorable. We also get a little rheumatoid arthritis rep in Mallory’s mom and I always appreciate chronic illness rep in books. As someone with RA, it really can be that debilitating some days.

I did feel that the ending was a little rush after all the buildup towards it and the anticipation that surrounded it. I did appreciate how much chess was present in the book and it took me back to when I enjoyed “The Queen’s Gambit” (although some say it’s not accurate to competitive chess but I’m none the wiser since I know nothing about it. Accuracy would’ve been appreciated though). The writing style and banter was the fun style that I always expect from Ali, although the heavy pop culture references were a bit much at times.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and had a lot of fun. I think it read more as new adult than YA, but maybe that’s just me. Regardless, I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my collection!

Release date: 7 November 2023
Genre: YA
Star rating: 5⭐️

First off I just want to say how GRATEFUL I am to have received this ARC on NetGalley. It literally made my day!

I absolutely adore Ali Hazelwoods writing and I think she did a phenomenal job with her debut YA novel! This was one of my most anticipated books of the year (along with Love Theoretically which I cannot wait to devour in June).

I never thought I would be so interested in chess but this book literally made me want to go out, buy a chess set and learn to play chess with my boyfriend!

I absolutely adored Mallory and Nolan and the tension between these two were just utter perfection! Check & Mate had the perfect blend between strong FMC’s, feminism and cute and fluffy romance to keep you wanting more and more!

Oh and did I mention I binged this book in less than 24 hours? No? Well I did and I’m pretty sure it just cured me from my reading slump!

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Teen and Ali Hazelwood for providing me with an eARC copy of this book! I cannot describe how grateful I am!

Mallory has turned her back on the world of chess and college in order to stay home to support her mother and two younger sisters. But when an opportunity arises to play chess and get paid for it… Mallory can’t refuse. Through her training and competitions, Mallory forms relationships that have her questioning whether or not to stay as cold and calculating with people as she can be in a chess game.

This book was fantastic! Hazelwood brought the same messy and tender character development and laugh out loud humor that she is known and loved for in the adult romance world to a YA story. Would absolutely recommend!

After disliking Love on the Brain, I was nervous to read Check & Mate, but this actually wasn’t that bad! I think being YA helped, Ali Hazelwood’s writing often felt cringey in her adult books but feels more appropriate here. Her characters’ thoughts and conversations felt slightly less forced. I also thought the chess aspect was a fresh break from the STEM content we usually get. However, this book definitely still had some issues. I still felt a disconnect with the characters, I really did not need that many Riverdale references and I felt the writing towards the ending wasn’t as strong as the rest of the book. Still, it was a fast paced, easy, entertaining read.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

From the New York Times bestselling author of “The Love Hypothesis” comes her debut YA novel, “Check & Mate.”

Eighteen-year-old former chess prodigy Mallory Greenleaf is done with the sport. After it led to the destruction of her family four years ago, Mallory’s new focus is on her sick mom, her two younger sisters, and her dead-end job as an auto-mechanic. But then, Mallory begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity chess tournament and inadvertently beats the current World Champion, Nolan Sawyer, also known as “the bad boy of chess.“ Her victory leads to a job opportunity she can’t pass up and opens the door to cash-prizes that her family sorely needs. It also leads to more run-ins with Nolan. Will they become chess rivals or something more?

I know absolutely nothing about chess and have never even played, but having recently read and loved “The Queen’s Gambit,” I couldn’t wait to read this book. It was a fun romantic comedy, and I enjoyed it overall. However, I don’t think this book should be classified as a YA novel. It straddled the line between juvenile (too many fart jokes and TikTok references) and adult (we get it, Mallory likes sex), so I would not recommend it to a younger audience. I also had a hard time reading any chapter with Mallory’s 12-year-old and 14-year-old sisters. They were horrible to her, even though she worked so hard to give them everything they needed and keep the bills paid. They did redeem themselves in the end, though. Overall, a fun read, and I look forward to reading more from Ali Hazelwood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ali Hazelwood is swiftly becoming a go to author for me and her foray into young adult romance does not disappoint.

Mallory Greenleaf's life has been ripped to shreds in the past four years. As the eldest of three daughters with an ill mother, Mallory has taken on being a provider for her family. Mallory's used to giving things up since she left chess four years ago, so what's giving up being a young adult, and university with friends?

An impromptu fun chess tournament where Mallory defeats the top chess player in the world results in a surprising offer for a chess fellowship. Mallory initially declines but further circumstances end up resulting in her taking it. The fellowship forces Mallory to evaluate her passion for the sport of competitive chess, while also causing her to come to the realization that everyone could use help finding their way.

Ali Hazelwood delivers a good novel, but I did find the conclusion and conflict a bit rushed, particularly as there were three conflicts that needed to be resolved. Aside from the pacing, this story was fun and a good read.

Mallory and Nolan are just adorable in this YA debut novel! It's expertly woven into a chess based romance that will have you flipping page after page. Love a STEM focused novel and the character development in this one! She knocked it out of the park for a YA debut.

Even though Mallory Greenwood abandoned chess years ago, she can’t help but feel a sense of longing when she begrudgingly takes part in a charity chess tournament. When she beats “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer, world famous bad-boy and chess heartthrob, Mallory’s success suddenly skyrockets her name recognition within the traditionally male dominated sport, revealing cracks in the old patriarchal norms as well as those in her fiercely guarded personal life. Soon the questions becomes whether Mallory keep her heart in check while trying to find her place in the chess world and exactly what gambit is Nolan playing in his ferocious desire for a rematch.

This book succeeds where The Queen’s Gambit failed: it makes chess sexy and approachable and—most importantly—relevant. Every bit of push and pull between Mallory and Nolan on and off the chess board is delicious foreplay, and the will they/won’t they part of their relationship plays out beautifully. Hazelwood gives a master class in pacing and tension, bringing each match to satisfying conclusion without belaboring each move. Even readers who don’t know a pawn from a hole in the ground can appreciate chess with new lusty set of eyes.

Check & Mate is the YA debut of Ali Hazelwood! Hazelwood has written contemporary romcom novels like one of my favorites, Love on the Brain. I was a bit hesitant to read this YA but I’m happy I did because it’s definitely one of my favorite reads of the year! Check & Mate follows the story of chess players, Mallory and Nolan. Mallory grew up loving chess but at the age of 13 she decided to give it up and not look back. Now she finds herself at 18 beating the #1 chess player in the world, Nolan. I can definitely say that Nolan is OBSESSED with Mallory. The way their relationship developed was one of my favorite things to see. Mallory is a strong and resilient character who believes it is her job to ensure her family does not fall apart. When she begins to allow someone like Nolan into her life, it warms my heart to see her open her heart and allow someone to care for her as well. If you’re an older sister this is definitely the book for you! This is another one of my favorites, the character and what they are going through is super relatable! Check & Mate is out November 7th, 2023 and I highly recommend you pick up this YA because it is for everyone, no matter your age!

Ali Hazelwood is a master romcom author. I've been a fan of her other work for a while, but I was glad that she switched up the dynamic between the main characters! the banter was fun, as were the chess competitions! Check & Mate is a perfect YA romcom for everyone who wants a movie-esque feeling!

This book made me remember why I love YA romance so much. It brought back all the giddy, unable-to-stop-reading-even-when-I-can’t-keep-my-eyes-open joy that I remember so well from my first time reading a new Stephanie Perkins or Meg Cabot novel. Ali Hazelwood hit this out of the park.

Fans of her adult romances will definitely appreciate the rivals to lovers romance here (did I swoon? more than once? yes!), but this is also an incredible coming of age story. I hope Ali Hazelwood writes more YA.

Highly recommend to fans of YA, romance, and/or Queen’s Gambit. Thank you so much to PenguinTeen and NetGalley for the advanced copy ❤️

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood is the first book in so long that has made me want to lie down and kick my feet in a giddy manner.

I LOVED this so much (despite the cringeworthy moments and pop culture references). A book has not made me feel this competitive since Carrie Soto is Back (which I also loved!!!).

I loved the slowish burn (that wasn’t too slow) and the focus NOT on the relationship at all times. It was great to see Mal grow into a new person and find her love of chess again, and the revealing of Sawyer’s personality was excellently crafted.

Overall would totally recommend if you’re looking for an older YA romance and have a competitive streak!!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!

Receiving this ARC was a dream come true and I was going to wait to post the review until closer to publication but I could not wait to shout about this book. I have loved all of Hazelwood’s adult romances and I was really excited to see what she was bringing to the ya audience. I really enjoyed this romance which had such an interesting premise, complex characters, and a unique Queen’s Gambit flair. I really enjoyed rooting for Nolan and Mallory and, while I admittedly do not know a lot about chess, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It took me a few chapters to become fully engrossed but it stayed with me for a long time after it was done. I loved this book and if you loved Ali’s other works I recommend preordering this YA Romance that comes with a healthy dose of feminism!

Thank you to PenguinTeen Canada and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.