Check & Mate

Check & Mate

Ali Hazelwood

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers 

Mallory Greenleaf vows to never play chess again after it leads to the destruction of her family. That is, until she reluctantly plays a final match against chess champion, the notorious “King Killer” Nolan Sawyer during a charity game. To everyone's surprise, she expertly defeats him. Mallory wants to walk away from chess forever, but Nolan just can’t handle the loss. He wants to beat her at any cost. Meanwhile, Mallory realizes her chess skills could win her large amounts of sorely needed cash prizes. As she continues to work her way up the ranks, Nolan’s resolve only grows. As chess tournaments come and go, their rivalry isn’t the only thing growing between them.

CONTENT WARNINGS

Ali Hazelwood

https://alihazelwood.com/

I’m originally from Italy, lived in Japan and Germany, and eventually moved to the US to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. I recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies me. When I’m not at work you can find me binge-watching shows with my three feline overlords (and my slightly less feline husband), running, or eating candy.

I’m represented by the amazing Thao Le of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency