Check & Mate
Easy read
Heartwarming
Sweet

Check & Mate

Ali Hazelwood2023
In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life’s moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart. Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory’s focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess. Nolan’s loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist.... As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren’t only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent…and infuriating…)
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Reviews

Photo of Chloé Dupèré
Chloé Dupèré@chloedupere
4.5 stars
May 11, 2025

Leave it to Ali Hazelwood to make me interested in the most random topics (because now I want to look up chess drama???).

Photo of debbie <3
debbie <3@debbiereadslittle
4.5 stars
May 8, 2025

i love when mc falls first and harder, and chess has been very cool to me so this was fun

+3
Photo of Nica
Nica@maisonnica
4 stars
May 4, 2025

thats not how 12 year olds, or 14 year olds, or 18, or 20 talk in this day and age,, but thats ok i can overlook ali hazelwood’s millenial brain

overall, this was really cute and i had a fun time :] i recommend it if youre looking for ya, low stakes books

2nd buddy read w/ @jellypoppd ! ♟️

Photo of melanie
melanie@melanieslibrary
4 stars
Apr 16, 2025

idk what was put in this that made me feel like i was going to war.(it might've been the reading slump that hasn’t let me finish a book in a month) but like this was all love and giggles until it wasn’t. like i'm laughing at a one liner and then see a brick getting thrown at me full speed. It was like if a lynn painter book was nerdier and if all the family undertones were intensified by 1000. But i really liked it i think the dynamic there was really good + the aspect of gender roles in chess but theres some random one liners that weird me out ngl like not enough to fully ick me out but ones that made me stare blankly at it like 😀

Photo of Tiana holt
Tiana holt@holttia
4.5 stars
Feb 25, 2025

the little cutiepatooties

Photo of Annabella
Annabella@onmyown
3 stars
Feb 23, 2025

not my favorite I'm afraid

Photo of jade
jade@howlsponyo
4.5 stars
Jan 27, 2025

This is the best book I've read from Hazelwood yet. I will be yanking on her house gate and begging for a sequel , even though it's not needed . And as a side note , I hope Bob went bankrupt

+2
Photo of larissa campos
larissa campos @ssecretgardenss
2.5 stars
Jan 12, 2025

Dos livros da Ali foi o que eu menos gostei, acho que ultrapassou os níveis de água com açúcar especialmente quando a promessa era um romance que começava com rivalidade. Não cumpre com o que promete e ainda enrola de maneira desnecessária, dando preguiça do livro ao longo da leitura. Talvez seja minha culpa por ter diferentes expectativas mas definitivamente aproveitei menos do que achei que aproveitaria.

+6
Photo of Monserrat Navarro
Monserrat Navarro @monsenavarro
4 stars
Oct 9, 2024

Funny, heartfelt if not teetering on cheesy, and the chess setting was super unique. Solid read.

Photo of M
M@experiencingm
0.5 stars
Aug 19, 2024

I'm not one to diss a book for joy, but I was truly disappointed by this one. I've read several of her novels and this is by far the worst. The plot is boring, the characters have no chemistry together, and it reads like any fanfiction you might find.

The FMC (female main character) is (like all of Hazelwood's novels) the super special, not like other girls, undefeatable genius in her field whose family is needy or otherwise doesn't understand her. The MMC is...there? Stated to be an a-hole but this is never shown. This basic description fits EVERY one of her novels.

The only notable change is the FMC is FAR MORE smexual that any of Hazelwood's previous ones while also being introduced to the readers as a MINOR. There is a time skip and she's TECHINICALLY an adult, but even the MMC's first description is "gen-z sex symbol" days after he turned 18. EW?

If you're only going to write books about one OC (who is normally mid to late twenties and smexually inexperienced) over and over and over again, why make your super horny one BARELY legal?

It's gross. It's cringe. It feels predatory. It ruined the whole book for me.

Would give zero stars if I could.

This review contains a spoiler
+2
Photo of Scarlett
Scarlett@scarchitax
4 stars
Aug 3, 2024

Un buen libro pero si siento que me falto mas amor o en su caso mas interacciones de los protagonistas, igual ojo que todo lo que Ali escriba es una joya

Photo of Scarlett
Scarlett@scarchitax
4 stars
Aug 2, 2024

No fue lo que yo esperaba pero me gusto, sin embargo, me falto mas interacción entre los protagonistas y menos familia ingrata

+5
Photo of Madii
Madii@alieco
3 stars
Jul 30, 2024

3.5/5 It's okay. The story is hooking but I didn't feel the chemistry of the main characters. I like the chemistry of ML's bestfriend and his "it's complicated" ex-gf GF better.

Photo of Kirsten Kim
Kirsten Kim@kirstenkim
4 stars
Jul 22, 2024

cute til u find out nolan was modeled after magnus carlsen

Photo of Carmen Malca
Carmen Malca@cramen
3.5 stars
Jul 20, 2024

twas cute

Photo of Linara K.S
Linara K.S@linara
4 stars
Jul 19, 2024

I whisper-screamed at 2 am for two days straight, and for that reason alone, I'm giving this 4.5 🌟 This book isn't perfect. Far from it, even. However, the internal turmoil within the main character and the depths given to each interpersonal relationship she has is impressive. I found myself empathic in more ways than one, and not just toward the main character but also her family and friend (yes, singular). This book could've been better if Mallory had better judgement. Don't get me wrong, even though her choices are justified by her past and I get the way she thinks, I myself think like her at times (well, more than 'at times'), her decisions come across as immature and unthought. Despite her being in her head a lot, not much comes out of it. The answers to her problems are so evident, and yet she never seems to be able to find them. She just seems daft at times, that's all. But all in all, this book made me giggle, shriek, and even gasp. I'm a chess fan and always have been so ofc I might be biased when I say that this book was ENTERTAINING! Yes, folks, you heard me correctly. This book was SO MUCH FUN. I mean, I can't even remember the last time I had this much fun with a book. You should read it. :)

Photo of Rebecca Hurd
Rebecca Hurd@becca2bz
5 stars
Jul 16, 2024

Ali Hazelwood just can’t miss in my personal opinion!! Every single one of her books makes me believe in possibilities. Her characters are complex and genius level smart, and I love that her female characters are usually smarter than the men!! Mallory and Nolan are no different!! I love chess so this book was even more enjoyable!! All in all this is a winner, Checkmate!!!!

Photo of matti horckmans
matti horckmans@matti444
2 stars
Jul 10, 2024

this was okay but i really do not care about chess. sorry

Photo of radhika dhawan
radhika dhawan@radhikadh
5 stars
Jul 4, 2024

"Are you real?" The air between us swells, overflows. "Sometimes I'm scared that I imagined you. Sometimes I think you're only in my head." any time i see any variation of this quote i start smiling so hard….which i already was this entire book.

Photo of p.
p.@softrosemint
3.5 stars
Jul 3, 2024

Best Ali Hazelwood book and it is all because she had to keep it PG and could not write smut or about how massive the LI is how much it turns the MC on, etc. etc. so she had to get to the heart of the novel which is, by all means, a sports anime. Outstanding work. (Though it was pretty clear Hazelwood's knowledge of chess was not as broad as that of any other subject she has written about. And my favourite book that I have read this year featuring chess as a metaphor for the main charaters' relationship is still Micah Nemerever's "These Violent Delights").

Photo of khadijah fasih
khadijah fasih @kfasih26
1 star
Jun 27, 2024

ew … she tried to so hard to be relatable to gen z and it only translated as cringe sorry

Photo of Kate B-L
Kate B-L@librarycard
3.5 stars
Jun 14, 2024

I love everything Ali Hazelwood writes, that being said, this is probably my least favorite of her books. The characters are well-formed and the side characters are quirky and fun, but the MC has the biggest chip on her shoulder and it pained me to read her whining all the time. Thank God someone finally put her in her place, unfortunately that doesn't happen until the last 30 pages when it really should've happened halfway through (at the latest)

+4
Photo of Moonchild
Moonchild@thecyberm0onchild
5 stars
May 31, 2024

"Check & Mate" by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating YA debut that had me glued from the start. As someone who loves stories that blend romance with unique settings, this book was right up my alley. Mallory Greenleaf, the protagonist, is done with chess after it tore her family apart. But when she unexpectedly defeats renowned player Nolan Sawyer, everything changes. Their connection sparks a whirlwind of emotions as Mallory navigates newfound success and unexpected romance. Hazelwood's portrayal of Mallory's internal struggle resonated with me, as she grapples with her past and her budding feelings for both chess and Nolan. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, drawing me deeper into their story with each page. As Mallory rises through the ranks, Hazelwood explores themes of family, ambition, and love, weaving together a compelling narrative that kept me engaged until the very end. What I found particularly compelling was the way Hazelwood skillfully intertwined Mallory's personal journey with her passion for chess. The descriptions of the game were vivid and immersive, making me feel like I was right there on the board with Mallory and Nolan. But beyond the chess matches, "Check & Mate" is ultimately a story about resilience and redemption. Mallory's journey to reclaim her love for the game and find happiness despite her past struggles is both inspiring and heartwarming. Overall, "Check & Mate" is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of YA romance and stories about overcoming adversity. With its witty dialogue, endearing characters, and swoon-worthy romance, it's a book that left me eagerly anticipating Ali Hazelwood's next book, "Not in Love" which comes out June 11.

Photo of Val
Val@bluesclues
5 stars
May 26, 2024

4.5 rounded up. this book made me want to play chess again, that's explanation enough. also, as someone who has played chess, is a sore loser and half-assedly tried to learn openings and variations it felt very authentic. -0.5 because I will never not laugh at references of the real world. stop mentioning jeff bezos pls thanks!

Highlights

Photo of larissa campos
larissa campos @ssecretgardenss

think we both said some things that we regretted." I swallow. "Things that we knew would hurt." I swallow again. “Mostly me." That's what happens when you fight with someone who gets you."

Photo of larissa campos
larissa campos @ssecretgardenss

And to do that, you're going to have to look into yourself, and be honest about what you want. And yes, I know that's terrifying. But life is too long to be afraid." I snort wetly. "Too short, you mean." "No. Years spent carrying grudges, talking yourself out of things that might make you happy? They go slowly."

Photo of larissa campos
larissa campos @ssecretgardenss

"Why would you keep some- thing that makes you think of me?" I feel him shrug. "Because I think of you anyway, Mallory."

Photo of hannah
hannah @fellalil

He's staring at me like I just stole his lunch money and bought myself a feather boa with it. Which, let's be real, I kind of did.

Page 102
Photo of hannah
hannah @fellalil

"I'm a motherfucking delight, Greenleaf. And for the record, you and I are equally hot."

Page 88
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Photo of hannah
hannah @fellalil

"Eat that - or anything else - in my car, and I will chop your hands off and boil them in my urine."

"I'm hungry."

"Then starve."

Honestly, I think I am growing on him. "But this is my emotional support sandwich."

"Then have a mental breakdown."

Page 76

good job oz

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Photo of Madi Van Houten
Madi Van Houten@madi_vh

Did it happen to you like it happened to me?

Page 258
Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

"Can I kiss you?"

"But our game—"

"I resign. You win. Can I kiss you?"

Page 243
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Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

There is a beautiful, indecipherable half smile on his lips.

"You think I don't want you to know me?"

Page 225
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Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

"If you're a woman, this system tears you down. Makes you doubt yourself and drop out of the chess club to leave room for the ones who are actually talented. Oz, Emil, Nolan ... even the good ones, they don't know how it feels. They don't know what it's like, being told that you're inherently destined to be second best."

Page 200
Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

"I want to play chess with you, Mallory."

Page 127
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Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

"Who doesn't love a good fake dating scheme."

Page 126
Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

"Are you going to run away?"

I frown. "What?"

"You usually run away from me. Are you going to?"

He's right. He's also rude. "You usually lose your king to me. Are you going to?"

I was aiming for a sharp, jugular-cutting jab. But Sawyer does something I did not expect: he smiles.

Page 118
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Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

"Hi," I say. I can't tear my gaze from his. Am I out of breath?

"Hi." Is he out of breath?

"Hi,"

Page 105
Photo of Aimee :)
Aimee :)@aimees_reading

And I don't think of him again for a little over two years. That is, until the day we play for the first time.

And I wipe the floor with him.

Page 4
Photo of Sophia
Sophia@sophia25

“Mallory.”

“I don’t know why I did that. I’m just— I’m so so sorry.”

Nolan stares like I’m the center of gravity of the room, like nothing else ever existed but me in all of space and time. It makes my heart beat in my throat, it makes me want to kiss him again, it makes me want to run the hell away.

“Sorry, I— ”

“Touch- take rule,” he murmurs. He stands, too. Every step back I take is one forward for him.

“I— What?”

“You touched me. Can’t stop now. Touch- take rule.”

Omg🥵

Photo of Sophia
Sophia@sophia25

I pad barefoot across the hardwood floor first thing in the morning, knowing I’ll find him in the breakfast nook, ready to tell him about whatever revelation I had during my sleep; his eyes scan every room he enters, quiet only when they settle on me, and sometimes I have the urge to lean forward to flatten the curls growing on the nape of his neck.

Quiet only when they settle on me😭

Photo of Julia <3
Julia <3@weasleyswheezeys

“Mom won't get me a smartphone till Im fourteen.”

“Mrs. Greenleaf" he tells Mom, who's sitting with me and Defne in the center row, "I will be purchasing a cellular phone for your youngest gremlin."

Page 295
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Photo of Julia <3
Julia <3@weasleyswheezeys

My twelve-year-old sister, who sleeps with a stuffed fox, just asked the world's number one chess player if he came over to bang me.

Page 122

i love ali hazelwood so much

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