Hey, my book pals! It’s black friday here in the USA so I hope you are picking up many books on sale today! I took the Thanksgiving holiday to spend the day reading between cooking the turkey and dessert. I dove into one of November’s Book of the Month selections, Ali Hazelwood’s “Check & Mate,” and folks, it’s like a strategic game of emotions, romance, and unexpected moves that’ll have you hooked from the opening gambit.

Meet Mallory Greenleaf, who’s waving the white flag on chess after it played a part in her family’s downfall. But, like all good stories, there’s a twist, and Mallory reluctantly agrees to play in a charity tournament and ends up schooling none other than the chess heartthrob, Nolan Sawyer, aka the “Kingkiller.” Move over, world champion, because Mallory just made a grandmaster entrance.

Nolan’s loss to an unknown chess prodigy sets the stage for a game of romantic chess that’s as unpredictable as a gambit in a high-stakes match. Hazelwood weaves a tale where victory on the chessboard opens doors to cash prizes and a potential love match that neither player saw coming.

Mallory’s journey is a mix of heart and strategy as she navigates the chess world while trying to keep her family in the dark to spare their feelings. The tension between her and Nolan is like a well-played endgame. It’s complex, intriguing, and with the potential for checkmate at any moment.

The chess backdrop adds a unique flavor to the romance genre. It’s a world where every move is calculated, and the competition is not just on the board but also in matters of the heart. Hazelwood effortlessly blends the intensity of chess with the warmth of a budding romance. Fans of the literal brain scientist, and author, will love to know that she hasn’t ventured away from her nerdy girl romance roots with her YA debut novel.

Now back to our characters… Mallory is the kind of heroine you root for—smart, resilient, and with a touch of vulnerability. Nolan, on the other hand, is the chess maestro with a heart, and their chemistry is the kind that makes you want to grab popcorn and watch the romantic game unfold.

The spotlight on Mallory’s rise up the chess ranks alongside her personal growth, is a journey that’s both empowering and heartwarming. “Check & Mate” is not just a love story; it’s about conquering fears, embracing passions, and realizing that sometimes, the game of life is worth playing.

So my friends, if you’re looking for a romance that combines strategic moves and heart-flipping moments, “Check & Mate” should be your next read. Ali Hazelwood is a pro in crafting a story that’s as charming as a well-executed chess maneuver and as satisfying as a checkmate in three moves (is that a thing?). Grab your copy, find a cozy seat, and get ready for a love story that’s a game-changer. Happy reading, friends!

Have you read Check & Mate already? Tell me what you think!