Ali Hazelwood has written many books, with her most famous one being The Love Hypothesis, which was published in 2021. While Hazlewood’s books are usually targeted towards people in their 20s and 30s, she wrote her first and only Young Adult book, ”Check and Mate,” in 2023.
“Check and Mate” is a cute romance set in modern times. The main character, Mallory Greenleaf, is very relatable. She tries hard to take care of her family, even when they do not really need to be taken care of. She sacrifices a lot for her family as a result of something she did in her past. I believe many eldest daughters will relate to her. Mallory also tends to self-isolate herself, which leads her to think up a reality that is not quite true.
The romance aspect of the book is a form of slowburn. There was not much interaction between Mallory and the love interest at first, but as the book progressed they form a bond. There are many tropes in the book including being taken care of while sick, slight age-gap, rivals to lovers, he fell first and my personal favorite, grumpy and sunshine. The relationship between the two love interests is built on admiration for the most part.
I would rate this book a 9/10. The setting, problems and romance are amazing. It did feel a little quick at the end, but it’s still an amazing ending. Mallory coming to a realization of her past is a big part of the book, which I think is important to many people. The book highlights how everything does not depend on one person or thing. It also showcases how letting people in is not a weakness, but a strength.
“Check and Mate” by Ali Hazlewood is available in the Mt. Vernon High School Library. Students can find it located on the far right wall next to the atrium with the other Eliot Rosewater (Rosie) books.
