"Check & Mate" by Ali Hazelwood

 A unique romance featuring diverse characters that is perfect for readers looking for some angst. 

This was my first Ali Hazelwood book, which may surprise some as Ali Hazelwood is a world renowned romance author, but this is Hazelwood's first attempt at writing Young Adult Fiction. 

I could definitely tell that this author primarily focuses on adult readers because her writing style and her characters felt more elaborate and involved than most YA writing. Also, the characters were college aged students which has this book flirting with the line of New Adult Fiction rather than Young Adult Fiction. 

Overall, I did enjoy this book. In essence, this is a book about two chess prodigies who meet unexpectedly at a charity chess tournament and sparks begin to fly. Mallory, who has sworn off chess forever because she believes chess is responsible for destroying her life and her family, only plays in the charity tournament as a one time favor to her best friend. Nolan, the current world champion, was beginning to lose his passion for chess as it seemed like there was no one left to really challenge him. That is, until Mallory defeats him in the tournament. Now, Nolan wants nothing more than to play another match with Mallory, and Mallory wants to be left alone to continue her work in the local automotive shop so she can support her struggling family.  But when Mallory is offered the opportunity of a lifetime and the chance to really change her family's future, she finds herself once again immersed in the world of chess. The competition is fierce and so is the growing attraction she feels for Nolan.

I found Nolan, the male main character, to be an adorable cinnamon roll of a guy. He wanted nothing more than to be with Mallory in whatever way made her happy. Mallory was a bit of a frustrating character as she had some trauma to overcome before she could start making the decisions she needed to make for her own future and her family. But the overall love story was sweet and satisfying.

I will warn some readers that if you have never played chess before, then some of the language and chess speak can be a little confusing. But as an ameture chess player myself, I really enjoyed this dynamic for this love story. 

This book is a great choice for someone who is looking for something a little deeper and more complicated that the traditional YA love story.