Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood [BRAND NEW]—A Bold and Playful Romance About Love, Ambition, and the Games We Play, Fiction, Softcover

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood - Book Description:

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays. After the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory's focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning bad boy of chess.

Nolan's loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone—especially Mallory. What's even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory's victory opens the door to sorely needed cash prizes and, despite everything, she can't help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist....

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren't only on the board, the spotlight is hotter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce(-ly attractive. And intelligent...and infuriating...)

Is this book for you?

What would you do if the very thing you swore off forever came calling again—this time with the promise of something greater? In The Queen’s Gambit meets enemies-to-lovers, this sweet yet sizzling romcom will sweep you into the world of high-stakes chess, family loyalty, and a love story that’s as unpredictable as the next move. Packed with witty banter, electric chemistry, and heartwarming moments, Mallory Greenleaf’s journey is a perfect blend of fierce competition and tender vulnerability.

Written by Ali, a proud cat mom, Nutella enthusiast, and lover of stories about women breaking barriers, this novel weaves sharp humor with heartfelt emotion. Ali’s signature touch brings characters who are smart, resilient, and unapologetically human to life, making this book as relatable as it is irresistible. Whether you're a fan of chess or just here for the swoon-worthy romance, this is the book you won’t want to put down.

A Sample Quote?