A review by protestmyboredom
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Not as good as Hazelwood’s other books- very reminiscent of Queen’s Gambit and not as witty or intellectual as her other books either. I still like the relationships and progression but didn’t like the book as much- maybe because it’s YA? But I like plenty other YA.
Her family and friendship drama just seemed resolved too easily and her background didn’t seem fully developed. Even her relationship (which she was supposedly super commitment-phobic) resolved very quickly and easily (which I do love a happy ending so didn’t mind much). But he fell so fast over her for what- they didn’t even talk during that one game.
Eh cute book but not very special.