Check & Mate

The page colour was different and damaged. Very disappointed

Nicely written, one of the few books by the author that I enjoyed.

LISTEN. Listen. This is the first Ali HAZELWOOD book I’ve ever read, I KNOW, I’m late to the party. But it was the CHESS that got me (I’m not a star wars fan). Now, I read a lot of books, like 100 a year books. But this one? THIS ONE??!! I giggled, I screamed, I threw up (metaphorically). Some people say there was too much chess but I LOVED IT. I was on the edge of my seat at every moment and the romantic aspect to it was in PERFECT quantity. The characters were believable, the love, the challenges and arcs. It immediately made its way to my favourites shelf after finishing it in 3 hours. Did I mention I got it as a gift for someone who likes chess but kept it and had to buy a second? Yes. It’s that good.

Tropes : Slow burn - Rivals to lovers Check & Mate d’Ali Hazelwood est un vrai plaisir à lire ! Elle ne râte jamais, j'achète systématiquement ses livres. Dès les premières pages on est happé par son style d'écriture qui est addictif et fluide : l’écriture est légère, drôle et captivante, impossible de lâcher le livre. Les personnages principaux sont adorables avec une dynamique pleine de charme et d’humour. J’ai particulièrement apprécié leur évolution et la manière dont l’auteur mélange tension, complicité et moments touchants. Le cadre du monde des échecs est surprenant et original pour une romance, je le découvre car je ne m'y connais pas du tout, c'est un univers peu exploité dans les livres YA ou romance adulte, ce qui rend l’histoire encore plus intéressante car on est dans un univers assez précis. L’intrigue se déploie avec rythme : pas de longueurs inutiles, chaque chapitre pousse à continuer la lecture. Les dialogues sont vivants, et le côté compétition/stratégie ajoute du piment sans alourdir. En bref, c'est une lecture addictive. Parfait pour les fans d’Ali Hazelwood ou ceux qui aiment les romances avec un cadre original et des personnages attachants. Je recommande chaudement, surtout pour les ados et jeunes adultes qui cherchent une histoire à la fois légère et captivante.

Could not get into the story at start but gradually got interested, i remember for myself how we can be ignorant sometimes.

Maravilloso

Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood is a sweet and enchanting romance that perfectly blends the excitement of competitive chess with the slow-burn chemistry of an opposites-attract love story. Hazelwood has a knack for creating lovable, relatable characters, and in this book, she brings together two people who couldn’t be more different, yet their connection is undeniable. The novel is brimming with Hazelwood's signature humor and heartfelt moments, but it’s the emotional depth and tenderness that make this story stand out. The relationship between Malory and Nolan is what gives Check and Mate its sweet, heartwarming charm. Their interactions are filled with moments of vulnerability, awkward confessions, and playful teasing that feels both genuine and touching. The lead characters, one a fierce chess prodigy and the other, an unknown prodigy, complement each other beautifully. As they navigate the highs and lows of competition and life outside the chessboard, their growing affection is marked by sincere gestures, shy smiles, and thoughtful moments of connection. What makes this book especially sweet is the way Hazelwood shows the characters supporting each other through personal insecurities and struggles. Their love grows organically through shared experiences and mutual respect, creating a story filled with tender, heart-melting moments. Whether it’s their obvious love for chess or an unspoken look across the board, Hazelwood captures the sweetness of two people falling in love while pushing each other to be better versions of themselves. Check and Mate is a delightful, heartfelt read that will leave readers smiling long after the final page.