This was a really nice Young Adult Romance in a super fun, interesting, and competitive setting.
I loved learning about the gender pressures and toxic culture in chess and that Hazelwood mentions a real life study about women in chess. It added a social aspect to the book that I appreciated.
I wasn’t crazy about the FMC. She is IMO a bit too stubborn, self righteous, and immature. There was a point at the third act breakup that really annoyed me. Having said that though, she grows a lot as a person, acknowledges her mistakes, and tries to be better. So that kind of self growth is really nice to see in a romance.
I loved the MMC/love interest! He was absolutely adorable and sincere and actually made me smile! Just to note, this is a closed door romance.
This book felt like a lighter, more fun and romantic version of The Queen’s Gambit. Young talented chess prodigy rises in the international ranks and deals with everything that comes with that. Still felt really fresh and original though! I’m all for chess romance being the new hockey romance!
All in all, a solid, cute romance by Hazelwood!
I loved learning about the gender pressures and toxic culture in chess and that Hazelwood mentions a real life study about women in chess. It added a social aspect to the book that I appreciated.
I wasn’t crazy about the FMC. She is IMO a bit too stubborn, self righteous, and immature. There was a point at the third act breakup that really annoyed me. Having said that though, she grows a lot as a person, acknowledges her mistakes, and tries to be better. So that kind of self growth is really nice to see in a romance.
I loved the MMC/love interest! He was absolutely adorable and sincere and actually made me smile! Just to note, this is a closed door romance.
This book felt like a lighter, more fun and romantic version of The Queen’s Gambit. Young talented chess prodigy rises in the international ranks and deals with everything that comes with that. Still felt really fresh and original though! I’m all for chess romance being the new hockey romance!
All in all, a solid, cute romance by Hazelwood!