Reviews with content warning for Dementia - Shakkimatti

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: Rivals to Lovers, Bi FMC, He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Sex Positive
3rd Act Breakup?: Yes

The Praise: Honestly, no author can make me laugh like Ali. Her books are hilarious while also being swoony and sweet. Mallory is messy and complex and occasionally unlikeable, but it gives her a sense of realism. Nolan was so sweet. I loved that he fell so hard for Mallory, how badly he wanted to play against her, and how supportive he was of her. I also really liked the bi rep and how Mallory having sex and several past partners was not a shameful thing. Sex positivity in a YA book is so important.

The Critique: That final fight before the third act breakup RUINED ME. I gasped out loud, had to put down the book and walk away for a bit. Mallory went for the throat and I understand that she was upset and defensive and hiding behind the untrue things she said, which is fine! BUT I wish her apology to Nolan had been more substantial. It felt kind of halfhearted to me, even though it wasn’t (but I only know that because I was reading her inner monologue!) This would’ve been a perfect 5 star for me if the apology had been better.

Final Thoughts: I’ve yet to read an Ali book that I don’t love. Her characters are always so funny and relatable and I love that she tends to focus on her FMCs succeeding in male-dominated fields/sports.

Content Warnings

ellelockley's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective tense 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

3.0

I picked this up because I really loved Ali Hazelwood's past books, and whilst this one was enjoyable and I finished it in one day, it does not compare to the others. I did like her tackling of Mallory's inner thoughts and the pressure she puts on herself, whilst also showing her flaws. Hazelwood demonstrated well the world of misogyny that exists in competitive chess which I am sure gives female chess players the representation they want. I do think the character development was a bit iffy and I feel like Mallory's feelings were not properly validated and were sort of glossed over to acknowledge others'. I would recommend this book who want an easy read.

Content Warnings

andreapepsii's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

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tabea1409's review against another edition

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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

5.0

Content Warnings

amandafitz's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

4.5

Content Warnings

kaitisbooknook's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

It’s been a minute since I read an entire novel in one sitting, but I could not put this down. Charming, adorable, funny, and sexy. (I mean the plot but this also kind of applies to Nolan?? Who knew chess had bad boys, but I’m into it.)
Not only did the romantic relationship feel earned and real (and so cute I actually giggled and kicked my feet), I also loved the dynamic between the mother and sisters, as well as the idea of how to maintain childhood friendships into adulthood.
The key elements of a Hazelwood rom com were here (they’re both wicked smart, she’s tiny, and he’s tall and broody!) but it WORKS and manages to feel different from her precious works.
Darcy and Oz were stand out side characters and regularly delivered the best one liners. My only come there is I wanted to see more of a conclusion to the Oz’s storyline, or see their friendship become more developed. I also would have loved more time between the moments of getting together and breaking up, which would have made that interaction feel as devastating to the reader as it was to the characters.
Overall I greatly enjoyed myself and would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted and engaging rom com. Also I will be purchasing a chess set!!

Content Warnings

mrsd2008's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

5.0

Content Warnings

pantslint's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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

3.5

Compared to Hazelwood's other work that I've read, I think this might be the weakest. While the characters are certainly as loveable as usual,

it seems like she didn't know what to do with certain characters once their use for Mallory and Nolan's storylines were done. Koch was such an obviously nasty villain, but his demise was off-screen and passive—not the retribution I was waiting for. Like he was barely an afterthought... which he is as a person, but it just felt way too easy? The side love story of Emil and Tanu felt thrown away. The details about their friendship and love made me root for them, only for their development to happen off-screen as well. While they certainly aren't the main focus, it just felt a little like unfinished business. And that's the general vibe I get from this story overall: it feels like there are too many gaps of unfinished business.

Regardless, I still love this book though, just as I love all of Hazelwood's love stories. I couldn't put it down until I knew FOR CERTAIN what happened... which was until the end. :)

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