Review: Check & Mate - Ali Hazelwood

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…)

In Ali Hazelwood's «Check & Mate», a captivating tale of rivalry, ambition, and unexpected romance unfolds amidst the strategic world of chess. Mallory Greenleaf, a former chess prodigy, has sworn off the game that once defined her life. Determined to leave her competitive past behind, she focuses on her college experience, embracing a carefree lifestyle and casual dating. However, her carefully constructed world is disrupted when she encounters Nolan "the Kingkiller" Sawyer, a charismatic and infuriating chess grandmaster who reignites her passion for the game.

As Mallory reluctantly agrees to coach a group of chess players, including Nolan, she finds herself drawn back into the competitive chess scene. The tension between her and Nolan intensifies as they spar both on and off the chessboard, their intellectual rivalry masking a simmering attraction. Mallory's determination to prove herself clashes with Nolan's unwavering confidence, creating a dynamic that is both electrifying and frustrating.

Hazelwood masterfully weaves chess strategies and terminology into the narrative, creating a captivating backdrop for the emotional battles between Mallory and Nolan. The chess matches are vividly depicted, with each move carrying strategic significance and mirroring the characters' emotional states. The novel's strength lies in its ability to make chess accessible and engaging, even for those unfamiliar with the game.

Amidst the strategic maneuvers and intellectual clashes, Hazelwood explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the power of second chances. Mallory's journey of rediscovering her love for chess parallels her personal growth as she confronts her past and embraces her true self. Nolan, too, undergoes a transformation, shedding his arrogant facade to reveal a more vulnerable and compassionate side.

«Check & Mate» is a delightful and engrossing read that will captivate both chess enthusiasts and romance aficionados. Hazelwood's engaging prose, witty banter, and well-developed characters make for a captivating story that will keep readers hooked until the very last move.