Review summary
Ali Hazelwood’s Check & Mate pits a retired chess prodigy against the sport’s reigning champion in a sharp, slow-burn romance filled with strategy, ambition, and sparks.
Full review
Check & Mate begins with a classic tournament upset that upends Mallory Greenleaf’s careful plans. Hazelwood keeps chapters lean and propulsive, creating a bingeable rhythm that mirrors the click of game clocks. The pacing feels tailor-made for readers who crave contemporary romance with energy similar to the vibrant momentum in Great Big Beautiful Life.
Mallory anchors the novel with a voice that is clever, grounded, and deeply protective of her family. Her perspective balances humor with realism, especially when she navigates side hustles, carpool chaos, and the pressure of public attention. Nolan Sawyer contrasts her warmth with a cool exterior that hides a generous, complicated partner. Their chemistry thrives on snappy banter that slowly softens into collaboration, making every rematch feel like a flirtatious rematch of minds.
Chess strategy underpins the love story without overwhelming it. Hazelwood explains openings, sacrifices, and psychological gambits in approachable language so non-players can follow the stakes. The board becomes a stage for conversations about ambition, self-worth, and trust, transforming a cerebral sport into a deeply emotional arena. By the final chapters, the romance delivers both heartwarming intimacy and a satisfying professional payoff, cementing Check & Mate as a standout rivals-to-lovers read.
Why Check & Mate Stands Out
Dynamic chapter pacing and accessible chess descriptions keep the story fast while highlighting Mallory’s strategic mind.
The central romance balances flirty rivalry with sincere vulnerability, giving both leads room to grow without losing their spark.
Perfect For Readers Who Love
Sports romance energy applied to brainy competition and tournament travel.
Found family vibes, witty dialogue, and a heroine determined to secure her future.
You might also enjoy
Explore more contemporary romance highlights in our Great Big Beautiful Life review to keep your reading list stocked.
Visit the official U.S. Chess Federation site for live-streamed matches that echo the novel’s big-stage energy.
Key ideas
- Ambition and caretaking can coexist when characters build communities that support both goals.
- Trust grows through honesty about mistakes, not just victories on the board.
- Public attention is a double-edged incentive that can motivate and intimidate rising stars.
Reading guide
- Annotate Mallory’s major matches to track how her strategies evolve with each emotional breakthrough.
- Pair the novel with a curated playlist of instrumental focus tracks to mimic the concentration of tournament play.
- Schedule a casual chess night with friends or family to appreciate the novel’s emphasis on community support.
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