If you loved

Books like Check & Mate

A crackling, banter-filled romance that captures the electric tension of a high-stakes game and the terrifying thrill of falling in love. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Check & Mate.

electric
swoony
hopeful
cozy

01
Love Theoretically
Ali Hazelwood
A sharp, swoony exploration of what happens when a chronic people-pleaser finally collides with someone who demands her unvarnished truth.
Shares:
- swoony
- playful
- earnest
- self-deprecating
02
Not in Love
Ali Hazelwood
A high-heat, emotionally charged collision of corporate rivalry and irresistible, secret attraction.
Shares:
- swoony
- wry
- earnest
03
Perfect on Paper
Sophie Gonzales
A sharp, big-hearted rom-com about a know-it-all advice dispenser who has to learn how to take her own medicine.
Shares:
- hopeful
- wry
04
Lightlark
Alex Aster
A glittering, cutthroat magical tournament where every alliance is a trap and survival means risking your heart.
Feels:
- glamorous
- treacherous
- tense
05
The American Roommate Experiment
Elena Armas
A cozy, swoon-worthy romp through a shared New York apartment that feels like a warm hug and a perfect rom-com movie.
Shares:
- swoony
- cozy
- playful
- earnest
06
Icebreaker
Hannah Grace
A high-energy, banter-filled collision of fierce ambition and golden-retriever warmth that melts into a remarkably healthy, high-spice romance.
Shares:
- electric
- swoony
- cozy
- playful
07
Daydream
Hannah Grace
A cozy, banter-filled college romance that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a favorite oversized hockey jersey.
Shares:
- swoony
- cozy
- playful
- earnest
08
Heartstopper, Volume Five
Alice Oseman
A tender, bittersweet embrace of a story that captures the quiet anxieties and profound joys of growing up alongside the person you love.
Shares:
- hopeful
- cozy
- earnest
- first love
09
The Hating Game
Sally Thorne
A masterclass in crackling banter and the electric, agonizingly fun tension of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
Shares:
- electric
- swoony
- wry
- playful
10
The First to Die at the End
Adam Silvera
A tender, ticking-clock romance that asks how fully you can live and love when tomorrow is stripped away.
Shares:
- earnest
- first love
11
Funny Story
Emily Henry
A sparkling, sun-soaked exploration of what happens when the worst day of your life accidentally becomes the beginning of your best chapter.
Shares:
- hopeful
- cozy
- wry
12
Archenemies
Marissa Meyer
A high-stakes tightrope walk of secret identities, shifting loyalties, and the delicious agony of falling for the enemy.
Shares:
- earnest

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