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bookwookie's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
There were some really cute moments in this book, and I really liked the unique setting of having this be in the Chess world. I thought it was interesting to explore the dynamics of sexism in the sport, as it’s not something I’ve ever thought about. I do wish this had been more of the focus of the book, and that the author had brought in the recent instances of transphobia, with trans women being banned from women’s tournaments- I think that would have made the theme of sexism stronger. The many pop culture references did make me cringe a little and I really didn’t see why they were necessary. When they were used, it simply felt like the author didn’t know how to describe something and so defaulted to making a pop culture reference to hide that. I really think this book had potential, and I think that’s why I’m so bothered.
I did like how so much of the story between Nolan and Mallory was focused on building up their friendship rather than having them be attracted to each other sexually. That being said, I did find myself feeling uncomfortable when they mentioned at the end that he bit her ear??? AT THE TOURNAMENT??? Idk maybe I’m just frigid lol.
I did like how so much of the story between Nolan and Mallory was focused on building up their friendship rather than having them be attracted to each other sexually. That being said, I did find myself feeling uncomfortable when they mentioned at the end that he bit her ear??? AT THE TOURNAMENT??? Idk maybe I’m just frigid lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
This one didn’t hook me like Ali Hazelwood’s other books, but I still did enjoy this one. I really liked the focus on chess, all the ins and outs of the game mechanics, strategies, as well as the culture around chess. I felt like the romance took a back seat, which I wouldn’t have minded except for when things heated up it never felt like the slow burn paid off, I just didn’t really buy the connection between the two. I feel like that could be due to not enough character-building for Sawyer, or not enough relationship-building moments. I think where this book shines is as contemporary coming of age fiction, so if you go in knowing that I think this will be a fun read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Infidelity, and Sexism
annatl4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.25
i loved the chess background, Ali always does a great job integrating the theme with romance and cheesy drama. i thought mallory’s sisters brought a nice aspect of humor and actually found myself laughing out loud. i even almost shed a tear toward the end. i appreciated the slow burn romance but was disappointed with the abrupt ending. mallory was also insufferable at some points.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Sexism
hecate23's review against another edition
The story was all over the place. For a romance book, the main couple was hardly the main focus, and it was not a well-built relationship. Chess is basically the only thing they are attracted to concerning each other, and the main character had a very flat personality. Not to mention the constant underlying sexism and misogyny theme throughout that the main character had to deal with, but never actively stood up for herself. Love some of this author's other books, but this was a letdown.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
zuzu_lang's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexism
Moderate: Chronic illness and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
sofias_reading_obsession's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident and Sexism
ataylor8's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexism, Misogyny, and Infidelity
Minor: Sexual content
hjb_128's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, Cursing, Sexism, and Medical content
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Sexual content
79lulu12's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.5
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Infidelity, Outing, Car accident, and Chronic illness
innae's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cute story. What if Queen’s Gambit (I watched the Netflix version..did not read the book) was a little lighter? You would have the basis for this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Minor: Sexual content