A review by pantslint
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

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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