Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood is a dazzling YA debut that masterfully blends the cerebral intensity of high-stakes chess with a deeply moving story of redemption, family, and unexpected romance. Mallory Greenleaf swore off chess years ago—the game that wrecked her family doesn't deserve another move from her. But when a charity tournament lures her back to the board for one last game, she does the unthinkable: she checkmates Nolan Sawyer, the brooding, unbeatable World Champion known as the "Kingkiller."

Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Mallory finds herself in a whirlwind of grandmasters and grueling matches, where every move carries higher stakes than she imagined. The most dangerous game? The electric tension between her and Nolan, whose sharp mind and surprising vulnerability challenge everything she thought she knew about chess—and herself. As she climbs the ranks, Mallory must reconcile her past wounds with her growing passion for the game, all while protecting her fragile family from the world that once broke them.

Ali Hazelwood delivers her signature blend of razor-sharp wit and emotional depth in this enemies-to-loves story, where the chemistry crackles as fiercely as the competition. With its brilliant fusion of intellectual sparring and heartfelt vulnerability, Check & Mate is perfect for fans of The Queen’s Gambit and Beach Read—a triumphant tale of second chances, strategic romance, and the courage to reclaim what you love. This is a romance that doesn’t just play to win—it plays to steal your heart.

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