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A review by kaitisbooknook
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.0
It’s been a minute since I read an entire novel in one sitting, but I could not put this down. Charming, adorable, funny, and sexy. (I mean the plot but this also kind of applies to Nolan?? Who knew chess had bad boys, but I’m into it.)
Not only did the romantic relationship feel earned and real (and so cute I actually giggled and kicked my feet), I also loved the dynamic between the mother and sisters, as well as the idea of how to maintain childhood friendships into adulthood.
The key elements of a Hazelwood rom com were here (they’re both wicked smart, she’s tiny, and he’s tall and broody!) but it WORKS and manages to feel different from her precious works.
Darcy and Oz were stand out side characters and regularly delivered the best one liners. My only come there is I wanted to see more of a conclusion to the Oz’s storyline, or see their friendship become more developed. I also would have loved more time between the moments of getting together and breaking up, which would have made that interaction feel as devastating to the reader as it was to the characters.
Overall I greatly enjoyed myself and would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted and engaging rom com. Also I will be purchasing a chess set!!
Not only did the romantic relationship feel earned and real (and so cute I actually giggled and kicked my feet), I also loved the dynamic between the mother and sisters, as well as the idea of how to maintain childhood friendships into adulthood.
The key elements of a Hazelwood rom com were here (they’re both wicked smart, she’s tiny, and he’s tall and broody!) but it WORKS and manages to feel different from her precious works.
Darcy and Oz were stand out side characters and regularly delivered the best one liners. My only come there is I wanted to see more of a conclusion to the Oz’s storyline, or see their friendship become more developed. I also would have loved more time between the moments of getting together and breaking up, which would have made that interaction feel as devastating to the reader as it was to the characters.
Overall I greatly enjoyed myself and would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted and engaging rom com. Also I will be purchasing a chess set!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Dementia, and Death of parent