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whatrobynsreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was fun but not one I will think about often. I liked the diversity of characters and family dynamics and exploring those but Mallory pissed me off - lol another classic Ali Hazelwood FMC. I also appreciated how this wasn’t another woman in STEM romance but still a woman thriving in a male dominated field. Also it is not YA like it is marketed. It is a normal romance between younger adults - still has spice!!
I kinda want to learn how to play chess hahaha
I kinda want to learn how to play chess hahaha
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Car accident, Addiction, Dementia, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Chronic illness
naluminum's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I love the representation of the world of chess and the challenges women face in a male-dominated sphere. But the story here did not draw me in. The female protagonist assumes she has to be the main provider of her family, assumes her best friend doesn’t care about her, assumes the male interest (the most female-written puppy dog love interest I have experienced yet) hates her guts, and overall is delusional and lashes out at the smallest slights.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexism
Minor: Dementia
unicornofthesea's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Chronic illness
Moderate: Dementia and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Car accident
angelofthetardis's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Mallory was a child chess prodigy, until her family fell apart. Now 18 and stuck in a dead end job with no prospects, a chance to play at a local tournament comes up, in which she makes one hell of an impression by taking on the world's top player. As things progress, she attacks, defends, takes out pieces and players alike, but might just end up backing herself into a corner. Is she a pawn in a larger scheme, or the Queen of her own destiny?
Summing this book up is relatively easy - it's essentially 'The Queen's Gambit' by Walter Tevis, but without the drugs and alcohol. If you've read that one, this does feel rather tame and cutesy in comparison. That's not to say it's a bad book; it's very easy to read, even if you don't know much about chess, and is generally enjoyable. If you need a quick distraction read, this is a good one to pick up.
I do like the social commentary aspect of this book though; the breaking down of an 'old boys network' and the fact that women will unconaciously underperform in certain circumstances (like when playing chess) when they 'know' they're facing a man. The 'old boys' in this case aren't that old, but have the attitude that the main character is intruding in their man's world and has either been given an unfair advantage to get there, or has slept her way to her spot. So there is definitely a sense of satisfaction when they receive their comeuppance. Otherwise though, there's not a whole lot of depth to the story - it is primarily a beach read romance.
If I suspend my disbelief, I can get on board with the relationship between our two protagonists. I'm not entirely convinced a relationship would develop like this in the real world, but hey, that's why it's fiction! They are very sweet and a well matched pair, and the gentleness with which they fall is lovely. My main frustration however is that the author spends almost the whole book building up the fact that Nolan wants to face Mallory in a professional game with proper stakes... and then draws the book to a conclusion without giving us the payoff to that build! It just needs one more chapter!
I also have to say that I found Mallory's younger sisters REALLY annoying, especially Sabrina. I felt they added very little to the story, and it felt like quite lazy writing when their whole attitude changes on the strength of one conversation. They were just the least believable part of the writing for me.
Overall, it's not quite what I was expecting, but it is about on par with what I was expecting.
Summing this book up is relatively easy - it's essentially 'The Queen's Gambit' by Walter Tevis, but without the drugs and alcohol. If you've read that one, this does feel rather tame and cutesy in comparison. That's not to say it's a bad book; it's very easy to read, even if you don't know much about chess, and is generally enjoyable. If you need a quick distraction read, this is a good one to pick up.
I do like the social commentary aspect of this book though; the breaking down of an 'old boys network' and the fact that women will unconaciously underperform in certain circumstances (like when playing chess) when they 'know' they're facing a man. The 'old boys' in this case aren't that old, but have the attitude that the main character is intruding in their man's world and has either been given an unfair advantage to get there, or has slept her way to her spot. So there is definitely a sense of satisfaction when they receive their comeuppance. Otherwise though, there's not a whole lot of depth to the story - it is primarily a beach read romance.
If I suspend my disbelief, I can get on board with the relationship between our two protagonists. I'm not entirely convinced a relationship would develop like this in the real world, but hey, that's why it's fiction! They are very sweet and a well matched pair, and the gentleness with which they fall is lovely. My main frustration however is that the author spends almost the whole book building up the fact that Nolan wants to face Mallory in a professional game with proper stakes... and then draws the book to a conclusion without giving us the payoff to that build! It just needs one more chapter!
I also have to say that I found Mallory's younger sisters REALLY annoying, especially Sabrina. I felt they added very little to the story, and it felt like quite lazy writing when their whole attitude changes on the strength of one conversation. They were just the least believable part of the writing for me.
Overall, it's not quite what I was expecting, but it is about on par with what I was expecting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Cursing, Infidelity, Dementia, Chronic illness, and Sexual content
caffeinatedromancereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“Because when I’m with you, Mallory, everything is different. When I’m with you, I want to play more than I want to win.”
Even knowing nothing about chess, this was cute. It wasn't my favorite though. I think maybe I just wasn't the targeted audience.
Mallory, a once excellent chess player has a lot of weight on her shoulders with her mother's illness and trying to be a second mother to her two sisters. She's stretching herself too thin and refuses to ask her mother or anyone for help. She has cut off chess for the rest of her life because of a past trauma that also has the potential to hurt her family. She does a favor for her best friend and plays an amatuer chess tournament for charity, this sets events into motion that changes her life.
Nolan, known as "The King Killer" in chess circles was a mysterious cutie. He meets Mallory when she beats him in that amatuer chess game tournament. He is instantly intrigued about her. He wants her to play chess against him, but she refuses. Of course that just makes him want to know her more lol.
They were cute together, in the typical teen way lol.
I think Oz was my favorite character. I loved his dry, serious humor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Dementia
Minor: Car accident
samantha_06x's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
3.0
SPOILERS!!
I love ali hazelwood she is my absolute favourite author but i’d been putting off reading this for a while because i had a feeling it wouldn’t be my thing. to start i know nothing about chess but the book is written quite well that you don’t need to fully understand chess to enjoy the tournaments and become invested. i love the, premise guy is so good at chess winning becomes an expectation until he meets the girl who changes everything and he starts to fall back in love with chess!! i could have been giggling and kicking my feet. the whole book felt like it was leading to a massive tournament between mal and nolan. he keeps asking her to play even bribing her and she says no until they finally get to the championship and are about to play.
then it just ends!! what’s the point in a chess book if you just cut to 2 years in advance oh yeah by the way she won and is now a world champion???
not enough romance for me when they finally get together and kiss i was very underwhelmed. not enough tension for me.
the family drama was alright i was very invested and cared a lot about mal and her family. loved darcy she was probably one of my favourite characters. I saw a lot of people saying this was more adult in terms of the sexual content i felt like i was missing something because they just mention a few terms like organism and then that’s it . i’ve definitely read ‘spicier’ ya books. i did like that it was nolan who was the virgin i am sick of the female virgin trope so that was really refreshing.
overall i enjoyed the book it wasn’t horrible and i read it fairly quickly i just have come to have such high expectations of ali hazelwood especially after her most recent book bride so this was a little underwhelming
I love ali hazelwood she is my absolute favourite author but i’d been putting off reading this for a while because i had a feeling it wouldn’t be my thing. to start i know nothing about chess but the book is written quite well that you don’t need to fully understand chess to enjoy the tournaments and become invested. i love the, premise guy is so good at chess winning becomes an expectation until he meets the girl who changes everything and he starts to fall back in love with chess!! i could have been giggling and kicking my feet. the whole book felt like it was leading to a massive tournament between mal and nolan. he keeps asking her to play even bribing her and she says no until they finally get to the championship and are about to play.
then it just ends!! what’s the point in a chess book if you just cut to 2 years in advance oh yeah by the way she won and is now a world champion???
not enough romance for me when they finally get together and kiss i was very underwhelmed. not enough tension for me.
the family drama was alright i was very invested and cared a lot about mal and her family. loved darcy she was probably one of my favourite characters. I saw a lot of people saying this was more adult in terms of the sexual content i felt like i was missing something because they just mention a few terms like organism and then that’s it . i’ve definitely read ‘spicier’ ya books. i did like that it was nolan who was the virgin i am sick of the female virgin trope so that was really refreshing.
overall i enjoyed the book it wasn’t horrible and i read it fairly quickly i just have come to have such high expectations of ali hazelwood especially after her most recent book bride so this was a little underwhelming
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexism, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Chronic illness
Minor: Dementia, Infidelity, and Car accident
linwood's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
3.75
Having read several books by this author this is one of the better ones. This book is casual yet smart. The main character is brilliant but emotionally flawed, and held back by her past trauma. Our hero is the strong silent type, equally brilliant, and has already dealt with his trauma. The chess is entertaining and the games can be tense and exciting. I would categorize this as a sports romance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Dementia, Grief, and Chronic illness
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.5
On paper a YA book about chess did not seem like it would be my jam but I honestly could not put this book down. I know nothing about chess but I found myself immediately engrossed in the story. Our girl Mallory had a lot on her shoulder, how she handled it definitely felt in line with her character but really could’ve benefitted from some therapy. Nolan was one of those sleeper book boyfriends, I feel like he could’ve really been a swooner if given more scenes to show up and show out. He’s just Mr. Slow and Steady. Honorable mention to Emil and Tami- now that’s a book I want to read! I am glad that I gave this book a chance because it was a fun light story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Dementia, and Infidelity
Minor: Car accident
caitlaird's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
Fun and cute!
I thought Mallory was an interesting protagonist who was easy to root for. Nolan is a strong and stoic type but absolutely smitten underneath, we love to see it. He could’ve used a bit more characterization perhaps but he’s a real dreamboat nonetheless.
The way the main issue is resolved is a little anticlimactic and is rather blown out of proportion in my opinion and with how long it takes for Mallory to rationalize everything, but to give her grace she is 18 and dealing with a lot, she definitely needs therapy to help sort all this out. But all in all very cute and sweet, I was smiling through almost all of it.
I thought Mallory was an interesting protagonist who was easy to root for. Nolan is a strong and stoic type but absolutely smitten underneath, we love to see it. He could’ve used a bit more characterization perhaps but he’s a real dreamboat nonetheless.
The way the main issue is resolved is a little anticlimactic and is rather blown out of proportion in my opinion and with how long it takes for Mallory to rationalize everything, but to give her grace she is 18 and dealing with a lot, she definitely needs therapy to help sort all this out. But all in all very cute and sweet, I was smiling through almost all of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual content, Chronic illness, Dementia, and Infidelity
angiedotthereader's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.75
Never would have thought that chess can be romantic and make my heart race but there you go, such is the magic of Ali Hazelwood’s writing!
I really enjoyed this as my first Hazelwood. The female lead’s character growth definitely took the spotlight here, and the male lead was a supporting character who did his part to make this into the romance that it is. I am hoping that one day we will get to see his POV, maybe if Hazelwood is willing to write us some bonus chapters from Nolan’s view?
I loved all the chess content in this story too, and walked away with a newfound appreciation of chess. Best of all, the loose ends sprinkled throughout the story were tied together in a neat bow.
I really enjoyed this as my first Hazelwood. The female lead’s character growth definitely took the spotlight here, and the male lead was a supporting character who did his part to make this into the romance that it is. I am hoping that one day we will get to see his POV, maybe if Hazelwood is willing to write us some bonus chapters from Nolan’s view?
I loved all the chess content in this story too, and walked away with a newfound appreciation of chess. Best of all, the loose ends sprinkled throughout the story were tied together in a neat bow.
Content Warnings
Minor: Dementia and Alcoholism