2023
WISE Score
Amazon
The Queen's Gambit meets enemies-to-lovers romance, where the only thing more intense than the opening gambit is the sexual tension.
4.3
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Ali Hazelwood successfully pivots from her adult 'STEM-romance' niche to the YA world without losing her signature wit.
It’s a smart, fast-paced read that manages to make a board game feel like a contact sport. If your kid is looking for a romance that doesn't treat them like they're ten, this hits the sweet spot between 'sweet' and 'sophisticated.'
It’s not brain rot; it’s a well-crafted story about strategy, both on the board and in life.
Best for ages 14 and up. While younger readers who are advanced might handle the vocabulary, the romantic themes and 'not-quite-PG-13' discussions are firmly aimed at the high school crowd.
The story focuses on family loyalty and the protagonist's growth as she reconciles her talent with her past trauma. It treats competition with respect and avoids the 'mean girl' tropes often found in YA.
While it follows the 'enemies-to-lovers' blueprint, the deep dive into the professional chess circuit and the strategic metaphors provide a fresh coat of paint on a classic genre.
It's a Young Adult novel, meaning it's cleaner than the author's adult books but still contains sexual references, some profanity, and discussions of complex family dynamics. No graphic violence or unexpected triggers.
It makes intellectual pursuits like chess feel high-stakes and exciting. It also offers a grounded look at the pressure of being a young provider for a struggling family.
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