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A review by caitlaird
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
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