Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

7 reviews

sariefaerie's review

emotional funny hopeful 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

I went in assuming this would be good but that it would be my least favorite of Ali Hazelwood's books. With my lack of interest in chess I, wrongfully, assumed that I wouldn't be able to relate to the characters at all. Ali Hazelwood is a genius at making relatable characters, or maybe she just knows people like me a little too intimately. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death of parent, Car accident, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Alcoholism, Violence, Mental illness, Addiction, and Forced institutionalization

raechrae's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted relaxing slow-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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Sexism, Infidelity, and Mental illness

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

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death, Car accident, Addiction, Dementia, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Chronic illness

sophie19611's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

4.25

Great Valentine’s Day read! Like The Queen’s Gambit but lighthearted and less drug addiction lol 

This was really enjoyable! I had a great time with these characters (even if the main girl as many of Hazelwood’s FMCs tend to be just needed to SAY WHAT SHE WAS FEELING). I really enjoyed the whole cast of characters, the family conflict, the friendship, and even the chess despite knowing nothing about it. 

I suddenly have the urge to rewatch The Queen’s Gambit lol 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexism

Minor: Outing, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Addiction

nessajane's review

emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Alcoholism, Addiction, Alcohol, and Death of parent

leah08855's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Car accident, Alcoholism, Grief, Death of parent, Addiction, and Dementia

britwalsh16's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

Ali Hazelwood has done it again, & though it isn’t my favorite book of hers. I absolutely could not put it down. 
I loved Mallory and her struggle with dealing with her guilt & grief throughout the book, but who was she kidding when she said she wouldn’t get sucked back into the world she never stopped loving! Lol
And Nolan! Omg! I LOVE Nolan! He isn’t what you expect when you are told all the stories about him near the beginning. But the love at first sight that he got for Mal when he finally looked up from the chess board when she beat him, what girl wouldn’t want him to fall for them! He fell so hard, & he tried so hard to win Mal over! He is just the sweetest!!! I want a Nolan for myself!!! 🥰🥰🥰

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism

Moderate: Death of parent, Dementia, Bullying, Car accident, Grief, Infidelity, and Chronic illness

Minor: Violence, Addiction, Forced institutionalization, Outing, Abandonment, Car accident, Alcoholism, and Sexual content