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A review by curiouser_books
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
Perfect palette cleanser
Actual stars: 4.25
Format: Audio, Libro.fm
What I loved: The characters grabbed me from the opening. There was no "getting into the book" and this is what I love about YA, you don't have to "earn" the book, it gives right from page one. I loved these characters, they were likable and relatable while not being cringy. I also loved the chess element. Reminded me of The Queen's Gambit without the trauma. So much banter, it was so good.
What I didn't love: This reads more like New Adult than YA. It was the Indie Kids pick ... but I'm not handing this to a 13 year old. The talk of sex was comfortable (but never graphic) which makes me hesitate to hand it to a younger teen. That was what I was thinking about while reading, what teens am I handing this to?
Who I'm recommending this to: Romance readers who want less spice, but all the tension. The banter in this is kinda perfect. It's also a quick read, I listened in an afternoon, so people who aren't practiced readers will love it too.
Actual stars: 4.25
Format: Audio, Libro.fm
What I loved: The characters grabbed me from the opening. There was no "getting into the book" and this is what I love about YA, you don't have to "earn" the book, it gives right from page one. I loved these characters, they were likable and relatable while not being cringy. I also loved the chess element. Reminded me of The Queen's Gambit without the trauma. So much banter, it was so good.
What I didn't love: This reads more like New Adult than YA. It was the Indie Kids pick ... but I'm not handing this to a 13 year old. The talk of sex was comfortable (but never graphic) which makes me hesitate to hand it to a younger teen. That was what I was thinking about while reading, what teens am I handing this to?
Who I'm recommending this to: Romance readers who want less spice, but all the tension. The banter in this is kinda perfect. It's also a quick read, I listened in an afternoon, so people who aren't practiced readers will love it too.