Thank you so much Penguin Teen for an advance copy of this book!

This book will be published on November 7th.

OBSESSED.

That's it - just kidding but also not really.  I was really excited when Ali announced she was writing a YA novel. I just love her style of writing and as much as I would love her to have more diversity in the size of characters, I also like knowing what I'm getting into when I read her books. It doesn't bother me that her female and males are always similar and if I want a different type, I'll read elsewhere.

"Do you know how fucking good you are?"

I do not know how to play chess. I am fascinated by those who can because it is such a mental game and you have to see future moves and think about what your opponents moves are going to be. My only ever exposure prior to reading this was watching the show The Queen's Gambit. And I absolutely loved the show!  Even with not having the knowledge of chess, it did not deter me from following along. I think those who have the knowledge of chess definitely would have an enhanced experience.

I felt that Mallory was a great character and showed a lot of growth from start to finish. She felt like she had to be the caretaker to her family after her father died and her mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She had been a chess prodigy but then suddenly stopped (which we do learn why). I think that having the conversation with her mom should have happened sooner than it did because girl was doing a lot. I understand Mallory wanted to do right by her family and step in when her mom was hurting but the mom could've done a little bit better at expressing that she doesn't need that much help.  I loved Mallory's relationship with her younger sister Darcy. I thought that their relationship came off as really special. I thought Mallory's relationship with Sabrina felt believable. Sabrina was at that perfect age of teenage angst and is only a few years younger than Mallory so they are at that odd age dynamic that won't be nice now but in 5 years, perfect.

"But life is too long to be afraid."
"Too short you mean."
"No. Years spent carrying grudges, talking yourself out of things that might make you happy? They go slowly."

Mallory and Nolan.
Sigh.
I love them!

I definitely was not expecting for the guy to fall first but as the audience you could pick up those vibes right away. I just loved how persistent he was but in a way that also gave her space. He didn't rush her but somehow always made himself known that he was there for her.  Nothing ever seemed to faze Nolan except for Mallory. Hazelwood definitely had me swooning from left to right. I just loved Mallory and Nolan together. They complimented each other so well and I just love the tension between them. I would love to see a chapter or two from his point of view especially when he first met Mallory (or when he shows up at her house or maybe in Vegas or wait when they are at Worlds).

Were there parts of this predictable? Oh yes but I loved it all the same.
This book is right at the cusp of the New Adult genre as both the FMC and MMC are both out of school. It did not necessarily bother me that the FMC was 18 but I would've loved to have seen her start at the age of 20.

If you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood's prior work, then you likely will all in love with this one too!
If you are new to Ali's work, check this out if you enjoy a swoony YA with some sister drama & lots of chess!

Swoon Meter: 12/10
Karaoke: Sadly, no