Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Check & Mate - Zug um Zug zur Liebe

I didn’t have many expectations going into this book other than a quick YA romance but BOY were they exceeded. Nolan is the cutest sweetest book boyfriend ever. A nice little break from the violent morally gray assholes everywhere these days. He’s still kinda broody and has his share of issues but his dry humor, quiet self-confidence, and “I only want you” type of love had me giggling and swooning the whole time. Mallory’s eldest daughter, responsible for all mindset was so real and relatable even if at times a little frustrating but it made her journey towards finally making decisions for her own wants and goals so much more satisfying. I honestly loved this book and enjoyed every second of it. Plus yay for bi/pan and gray/ace representation! It was a sweet afternoon read and I look forward to reading more from Ali Hazelwood.

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fkshg8465's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Too sappy and far too whiny for my taste

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llamalucia's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I really enjoyed this book and I've read over reviews where people feel like Mallory was pretty annoying at times but I actually really enjoyed her as a character.

The person I didn't like was her mother. I'm unsure how you don't realize the weight of the world is on your eighteen year old daughters shoulders when she is single handedly paying the mortgage and doing most of the childcare. I feel like it was almost negligent.

Okay let's talk about Nolan. I love him so much. I just love how much support and mutual respect he has for Mallory. There are so many things he did behind the scenes and the way he would stand up for her?! Perfect.

During the end at the press conference when he spoke about her had me smiling so hard.

I've said this about Ali Hazelwood books before but I adore the way she writes background characters. She makes them so loveable that you just want a book with their stories.

Overall it was such a good read, there were just some parts that were frustrating to get through.

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boba_n_books's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.25

Spice Rating: 🌶️ / 5

Even though I don't know much about chess, I still had so much fun reading Check & Mate.

At just 18 years old, Mallory feels the burden of providing for her mother, who has rheumatoid arthritis, and her two younger sisters. She's been able to until recently, when she got fired from her job as an auto mechanic. But after playing in a charity chess tournament for the first time in years, Mallory receives an offer for a chess fellowship. Even though Mallory swore off chess after her father suddenly passed away, she can't pass up the great salary. Surely she can keep chess at work and not become obsessed with again... right? Mallory has been keeping her chess fellowship secret to protect her family from the unpleasant memories they associate with chess, but after she starts to win tournaments and becomes internet famous, she might not be able to keep the ruse up much longer. And once she gets to know chess champion Nolan Sawyer, Mallory isn't sure she wants to keep her two lives separate anymore. She finally feels seen, and nothing is more terrifying to Mallory than that.

I thought this was such a cute novel! I loved learning more about chess and seeing the gender gap within the chess world. This is such a sweet romance with plenty of emotional backstory.

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mary_do_12's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

guilty.

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abby_can_read's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

📖
I have to admit it: Ali Hazelwood has me in a chokehold. I enjoyed this. I liked Mallory and Nolan. They were cute together.

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dkamada's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Queens gambit energy + no one writes sex scenes as well as Ali!

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julells's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Ein wirklich gutes Buch, wenn man sich auch für Sideplots begeistern kann und gerne Schach spielt. Sollte man den Sport allerdings nicht mögen oder auf der Suche nach einer ausschließlichen Liebesgeschichte sein, sollte man von diesem Buch vielleicht lieber die Finger lassen.
Ich glaube alles in allem gefallen mir die Erwachsenen- Romane von Ali Hazelwood (die ich bisher gelesen habe) ein bisschen besser. Trotzdem werde ich bald mal wieder mein eigenes Schachbrett rausholen.

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