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xxmoonlitsky 's review for:

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
5.0
challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I cannot thank NetGalley and Putnam enough for granting me the opportunity to read this phenomenal book in advance of publication. I've read two of Ali Hazelwood's novels ("The Love Hypothesis" and "Love on the Brain") prior to this (and am ecstatically continuing my way through the rest), and I honestly think that this is Hazelwood's best work yet.

All of Hazelwood's novels have been funny and relatable and romantic and quirky and wonderful, but "Check & Mate" just felt so...REAL. I could easily put myself in Mallory's shoes, feel the burdens she carried every day. As the older sibling, I know exactly how obnoxious younger sisters can be, and the frankly ridiculous amount of strength it takes to just exist beside them - attempting to fill in as a second parent seems like a Herculean effort. Putting the weight of the world on Mallory's shoulders and then pushing her to open up to others, to let go of the burdens she's been carrying for so long she's forgotten what it's like to be without them - my heart absolutely went out to her. And getting so angry that you've backed yourself into a corner long before you realize you've done so? I am SO familiar with that scenario.

"Check & Mate" made me feel so many things - I laughed, I cried, felt devastatingly hollow and swooping joy - but the end of this novel was worth every move across the chessboard it took to get me there. Ali Hazelwood has written something here to treasure, to tuck close to your heart and protect. She's reminded us that we don't always have to be alone and tackle everything ourselves. It's not about winning the current match - it's the long game that matters. And if you're happy? Well, that's what winning looks like.