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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
funny
inspiring
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:
N/A
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong. I loved this story, and I loved the writing. I would have liked a bit more of a deep dive on chess itself and gotten some more nitty gritty to help us understand various moves/gambits/etc. (like Carrie Soto and tennis). But the characters were well-written, the love story is sweet and giggly, and the family relationships are really expertly developed. Highly recommend for a quick and light read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Chronic illness
a cute YA-ish chess romance!
i did laugh at a few moments in this book, but some of the conversation between the sisters were… interesting. i really do not like when there are gen-z references in a book too ( mentioning tiktok, ao3
i did laugh at a few moments in this book, but some of the conversation between the sisters were… interesting. i really do not like when there are gen-z references in a book too ( mentioning tiktok, ao3
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I love chess my whole life but I don't enjoy playing it. Weird. Andddd I cried reading this, which is also weird. Oh goshhhh I can kill myself if this book it not one of the eldest-sibling-trauma-and-burden-and-pain genre. AND! As always! The romance?!?! Super Commendable. The tension?!?! Oh la la haiwjsusjahsjaka.
I'm obsess with Ali Hazelwood's books, I can't seem to stop myself from consuming all her books like my life depends on it and I cannot bring myself to read other authors' books (yet). It's addicting: her writing style, her characters, her humor, her everything! It's creative how Ali Hazelwood plots her stories in a way that should have been boring if it's not her who's writing the stories.
I'm obsess with Ali Hazelwood's books, I can't seem to stop myself from consuming all her books like my life depends on it and I cannot bring myself to read other authors' books (yet). It's addicting: her writing style, her characters, her humor, her everything! It's creative how Ali Hazelwood plots her stories in a way that should have been boring if it's not her who's writing the stories.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Such a cute and quick read! I loved the "I've liked you all along" trope that existed between Mallory and Nolan. I found her a little insufferable in the way that all teenagers are, but it was easy to give her grace after realizing where her character arc and growth were headed. The Epilogue perfectly wrapped up this storyline.
emotional
funny
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
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I could read another whole book on Mallory’s daily life ❤️