My 9th read of the year was Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood, her first YA romance novel.
A summary attempt
Mallory was done with chess, a game that ruined her whole family… until she wipes the floor with the number 1 chess champion, Nolan, at a charity tournament. When a chess club comes forward offering her a scholarship that could help her take care of her mum and sisters, with enough left over to pay the mortgage and then some. So, even though she never intended to play again, she can’t pass up the chance to take care of her family, so she’ll have to see the year through but chess will just be a game, it was not consume her whole life, nor will she obsess over the really hot chess champion she accidentally beat.
She quickly rises through the ranks and receives a lot of attention from the chess world, all while she’s trying to keep it a secret from her family. Also, there’s the slight issue of the mutual attraction between her and Nolan.
My thoughts
I liked this story, I really don’t feel like anything was missing with it having less spice than a normal Ali book because the yearningggg and the tension was still there. All the stuff about the world of chess felt very Queen’s gambit but with a much blunter more awkward main character. The male main character was a typical Ali one, tall, reserved and mysterious but if a formula works, why mess with it? Mallory’s journey is relatable for any parentified eldest sister trying to let go of control and I really liked the ending.
Buy the book for yourself
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Antonia Bernardin 
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