Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood – Riveting YA Romance with a Chess Twist (E)

Check & Mate is a captivating young adult romance novel by bestselling author Ali Hazelwood. The story follows Mallory Greenleaf, a former chess prodigy who has sworn off the game after personal struggles. But when she reluctantly returns to compete in a charity tournament, she unexpectedly defeats Nolan Sawyer, the reigning world champion. What begins as a single match spirals into rivalry, tension, and undeniable chemistry. Blending wit, heart, and the intensity of competition, Hazelwood crafts a story about second chances, resilience, love, and finding your true path.