A review by hookedbythatbook
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

5.0

Check & Mate is a heartwarming story of rediscovering passions and finding that one perfect person. 

Nolan is a beautiful, beautiful soul. It needs to be said twice. It was very clear that chess was his only obsession until Mallory came along. She was his perfect match and just about the only person that really understood him. He was an equally disruptive but important force in her life. Mallory had to grow up very quickly and for a long time her life revolved around taking care of her family when she should’ve had the chance to just be a young woman discovering her own interests. Their family and friends and fellow chess afficionados added so much dimension and heart. 

I loved the chess details. I don’t play chess, but I love technical details in general, so it worked for me. 

This book made me cry and smile, sometimes at the same time. The writing was engaging and kept me glued to the pages until the very end. I can highly recommend this book if you like YA or NA romance.