Buy Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (paperback)

Check & Mate

**Book: *Check & Mate* by Ali Hazelwood**

*Check & Mate* by **Ali Hazelwood** is a charming and heartwarming contemporary romance that blends science, competitive spirit, and an unexpected love story. Known for her witty, endearing writing style, Hazelwood captures the essence of opposites attracting and the journey of two unlikely characters finding love through their shared passion for chess and strategy. This is one of her signature “STEMinist” romances, where she cleverly mixes professional ambition, intellectual challenge, and heartfelt emotions.

In *Check & Mate*, Hazelwood introduces readers to an intelligent, strong-willed protagonist who is caught between a professional rivalry and personal connection. The narrative plays with themes of intellectual competitiveness, vulnerability, and the complexity of forming meaningful connections in a world that often feels overly competitive. A perfect pick for those who enjoy a blend of humor, romance, and smart characters who find themselves in situations that test both their personal and professional lives.

—

### **Overview**

The plot centers around **Carla**, a brilliant, no-nonsense chess prodigy who has spent her entire life prioritizing her career. She’s known for her razor-sharp mind and is determined to prove herself in the world of competitive chess, a field still dominated by men. But things take a turn when she crosses paths with **Max**, a charming, enigmatic, and highly competitive chess master with a reputation as both a genius and a bit of a troublemaker.

What starts as a fierce professional rivalry quickly evolves into a deeper, more personal connection as the two chess players challenge each other in ways they never expected. As their competitive natures ignite sparks, they must navigate their growing feelings for one another, all while dealing with the pressures of their high-stakes careers. Along the way, they discover that the greatest strategy of all may be learning how to balance love, ambition, and self-acceptance.

—

### **Key Themes and Concepts**

1. **The Power of Intellectual Competition**: Central to the book is the theme of **competitive intellectualism**, particularly in a male-dominated field. Carla and Max’s rivalry pushes them both to new heights, but their journey is also about learning to appreciate each other’s brilliance and the power of vulnerability. The chess board serves as a metaphor for the balance between strategy and spontaneity in love and life.

2. **STEMinist Romance**: As with many of Hazelwood’s works, *Check & Mate* shines a spotlight on women thriving in typically male-dominated fields, in this case, chess. Carla’s journey to being recognized as an equal to her male counterparts is central to the plot. Hazelwood weaves in themes of empowerment, the challenges faced by women in science and intellectual professions, and the importance of supporting one another in these spaces.

3. **Opposites Attract**: One of the book’s charming elements is how **Carla** and **Max**, who initially seem like polar opposites, end up complementing each other. While Carla is reserved, focused, and pragmatic, Max is charismatic, unpredictable, and a bit of a rebel. Their chemistry builds as they learn to push each other’s boundaries, both professionally and emotionally, which leads to both personal and professional growth.

4. **Vulnerability and Emotional Growth**: Though the book is primarily a romance with plenty of witty banter, it also delves into the vulnerability and emotional growth that both characters experience. Carla, especially, has built walls around herself, using her intellect as a shield from deeper emotional connections. As she opens up to Max, the reader witnesses her emotional evolution from a focused chess champion to someone who learns to embrace love and vulnerability.

5. **Chess as a Metaphor for Life**: The game of chess itself acts as a metaphor for the strategic, often calculated moves that people make in relationships. Just like in chess, decisions in love require planning, intuition, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. The characters’ emotional development mirrors the game of chess: each move they make brings them closer to checkmate—or to discovering how to truly connect with one another.

6. **Personal Growth and Ambition**: The book also explores themes of personal ambition and the challenge of balancing career goals with personal relationships. Both characters are highly driven and have been focused on achieving success for most of their lives. The tension between their growing affection for one another and their professional aspirations makes for a compelling and realistic dynamic, reflecting the difficulty of juggling career ambitions and personal relationships.

—

### **Why You Should Read *Check & Mate* by Ali Hazelwood**

1. **Witty, Smart, and Engaging**: If you love romances with sharp, intelligent characters, *Check & Mate* will definitely appeal to you. Hazelwood’s humor, combined with her characters’ intellectual banter, makes for an entertaining read that never feels heavy-handed.

2. **Perfect for Fans of STEM Romance**: If you’ve read Hazelwood’s previous books like *The Love Hypothesis* or *Loathe to Love You*, *Check & Mate* will feel like a natural progression. Her trademark blend of smart, relatable women and passionate romances set in intellectual worlds continues in this book. Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or simply enjoy a compelling romance with a unique professional backdrop, this book will hit all the right notes.

3. **Compelling Character Development**: Both Carla and Max undergo significant emotional growth throughout the book. While their rivalry begins in a more typical “enemies to lovers” format, the deeper emotional layers add richness to their relationship and provide a satisfying arc for the reader.

4. **Diverse Representation**: The novel also offers a diverse perspective in its portrayal of characters from different backgrounds in a professional field. Whether it’s the intersection of gender, career ambition, or the challenges of working in competitive spaces, *Check & Mate* adds nuanced representation to the romance genre.

5. **Romantic and Heartfelt**: At its core, this book is a sweet, romantic story about two people who learn to challenge one another in more ways than one. The romance is slow-burning and filled with emotional tension, making it both satisfying and rewarding when the characters finally come to terms with their feelings.

—

### **Conclusion**

*Check & Mate* by **Ali Hazelwood** is a delightful and witty romance that combines intellectual challenge with emotional depth. Perfect for readers who enjoy **STEM-based romances**, **enemies to lovers** tropes, and a healthy dose of humor, it’s an entertaining and heartfelt exploration of ambition, vulnerability, and love. With a strong, intelligent female protagonist and a charming, complicated love interest, the book offers much more than just a romance—it’s an empowering story about embracing vulnerability, breaking down walls, and finding balance between career success and personal happiness.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s both smart and sweet, with great chemistry and a unique professional setting, *Check & Mate* is a must-read.