Check & Mate book by Ali Hazelwood Summary

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Checkmate of Hearts, a clever and endearing adult debut from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author who rose to fame with The Love Hypothesis. In this emotionally charged story, the complex pieces of life come together to entangle the fates of two rival chess players in a struggle that transcends the chessboard and reaches into the maze of the heart.

Mallory Greenleaf: A reluctant chess player in the game of life

Once an avid chess enthusiast, Mallory Greenleaf has cut her ties with the game. Every move on the chessboard now carries the weight of a turbulent past that tore her family apart. Her attention has shifted to her mother, her sisters, and the seemingly dead-end jobs that sustain their mediocre lives. However, a twist of fate forces Mallory to enter a charity tournament, where she unexpectedly outlasts the famous "King Killer" Nolan Sawyer, current world champion and dominant chess villain.

A chessboard romance unfolds

Nolan's unexpected defeat by an unknown opponent causes upheaval and leaves everyone, including Mallory, confused. To further complicate matters, Nolan expresses his desire for revenge. Mallory struggles with the mystery of this chess miracle and finds herself drawn into a game that transcends the chessboard. The question remains: What is Nolan's game, and can Mallory resist the lure of a strategic and enigmatic opponent?

Balancing the pieces: Chess: Love, Family and Chess

As Mallory moves up the chess ladder, she faces the challenge of keeping her family safe from the aftermath of the game that once separated them. Her victory unlocks coveted prize money, and Mallory finds herself making difficult moves not only on the chessboard but also in the spotlight that accompanies her rise in the chess world. But it turns out that the competition is not only fiercely intellectual but also irresistibly attractive, intelligent, and infuriating.

A revival of passion and conflicting emotions

Despite Mallory's best intentions, her latent love for the sport begins to revive. The narrative explores the tension between her desire to distance herself from the game and the game's magnetic pull on her. As Mallory struggles with conflicting emotions, the story unfolds and reveals that real games are not limited to the chessboard.

"Checkmate of Hearts": chess and love collide

"Checkmate of the Heart" is a story that transcends competition and deals with the complexities of family, love, and the unexpected twists and turns that life brings. The spotlight shines brighter than Mallory imagined, and the competition is not only about making the right moves on the chessboard but also about navigating the complex dance of emotions and desires.

Conclusion

The clever and intoxicating world of Heart Checkmate unfolds in this sprawling narrative, promising readers an exciting journey through the game of chess strategy, family ties, and the magnetic power of unexpected love. The attention escalates, the stakes rise, and Mallory must navigate not only the intricacies of the chessboard but also the intricacies of her own heart. A riveting story in which checkmate is not just a chess move, but a declaration of the heart's victory.