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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
None
No violence
Language
Some
Some profanity throughout
Sexual Content
Some
Moderate romantic and sensual content; some explicit scenes
Substance Use
None
No substance use
Emotional Intensity
Barely any
Mild: the family stress and Mallory's complicated feelings are handled with warmth
What this book is about
Mallory, a former chess prodigy who quit the game to support her family after her parents' divorce, is dragged to a charity tournament and beats Nolan Sawyer — the best chess player in the world. He's fascinated; she's annoyed. Ali Hazelwood's YA romance brings her signature STEM-romance formula to chess with excellent results: witty, genuinely funny, and with a slow-burn that rewards patience.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
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