Chess Not Checkers, by Annah Conwell

I was so looking forward to reading Chess Not Checkers, and it completely lived up to every bit of my anticipation. This book reminded me exactly why I love Annah Conwell’s worlds so much: every character, every cameo, every thread ties together in a way that feels like coming home 🩷

 Jasmine Chamberlain (yes Dahlia's little sister from But He's My One Regret) finally gets her story and it is everything I hoped for! Pair her with Shepherd Kingsley (Jason's brother from Run Option) and you've got a sweet slow burn college romance full of playful banter, big hearts and all the family chaos we know and love. I adore how Annah brought in familiar faces like Coach Bass (from One Last Play), Grayson at the family gatherings and teaching her chess, MJ and Levi, all those connections made the world feel even better ♟️

 The roommates were such a fun addition getting to know: quiet (and maybe just a little dark) Aurora, Saylor (who's already scouting husband candidates) and Marigold (with her ex best friend Jameson), they are the perfect setup for the next books in the series and I already cannot wait to read their stories! 🩷

What I loved most though was Shepherd’s constant teasing of Jasmine. From the very beginning he's convinced she likes him, and he never lets her forget it. It's not quite enemies to lovers (because he's clearly been smitten all along) but that playful push and pull made their chemistry shine. Every scene between them felt like a mix of challenge and charm and watching Jasmine slowly realize he might just be right was so fun ♟️

I love the big chaotic found family warmth and the cozy sense of belonging that wraps around every page. Honestly, I cannot think of a single thing I didn't like in this book. Annah Conwell continues to prove why she has been an auto buy author for me because her books feel like comfort and excitement all at once 🩷

If you love college romances with heart, humor and sweet slow burn chemistry, Chess Not Checkers is a must read. Annah Conwell isn't just telling the same old love story; she's playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers ♟️