"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. 

"A Taste For Love" by Jennifer Yen

 "The Bachelorette" meets "The Great British Baking Show" in this romantic comedy about food, family, and finding what makes you happy.

Liza Yang has never been good enough for her mother. She's not a model like her beautiful, intelligent older sister, she doesn't want a sensible career like accounting, and she does NOT want to date any of the Asian American boys that her mother is constantly trying to set her up with. 

The one thing Liza has always been passionate about is baking. Liza's mother is the owner of one of the most popular bakeries in the city, and Liza's passion for creating and experimenting with new recipes is one of the few things she has in common with her mother. 

In an attempt prove her skill and passion for baking, Liza agrees to help her mother judge their annual junior baking challenge contest, which her mother's bakery puts on every year as a scholarship opportunity for young bakers.  However, on the first day of the baking challenge, Liza finds herself the star of her own personal bachelorette reality show. Instead of choosing talented, aspiring bakers, her mother has selected 10 Asian American young men that have been pre-approved to date Liza.  If that isn't embarrassing enough, her mother also provided them a detailed bio on Lisa and offered her up as a prize. Not only will the winner receive a scholarship, but this year's winner will also receive six private baking lessons with Liza. 

When Liza realizes what her mother has done, she is beyond embarrassed and her rebellious tendencies urge to her to push back against her mother's ridiculous plan. There's only one problem: James Wong. He's handsome, stoic, gruff and surprisingly kind at times, and Liza finds herself irresistibly drawn to him despite her resolve to not give in to her mother's scheming. 

As Liza battles her growing feelings for James, and fights for her mother's approval, she realizes that just like some of her recipes, life doesn't always go as planned, and the best recipes are often created when you follow your heart. 

This was a super cute romantic story that is perfect for readers who are looking of a light, feel-good read. The descriptions of all the different food that appeared in this book made me want to crawl inside it so I could taste it all for myself!