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RomCom University #1
Chess Not Checkers
She thinks he’s an arrogant jerk.
All Jasmine Chamberlain wants is to make her family proud. She owes them everything and intends to pay them back by being the best student, cheerleader, and chess player the university has ever seen.
Unfortunately for her, on her first day of chess club, she gets paired with an arrogant, flirty, hotshot quarterback with an affinity for pushing her buttons. Even worse? He’s better than her at chess.
He thinks she’s gorgeous.
Shepherd Kingsley is on a mission to escape his brother’s shadow. At every press conference and on every sports network, Shepherd is being compared to his undefeated brother. Determined to be known for his name and not his brother’s, he decides to beat every record Jason set.
It’s all going according to plan until Jasmine shows up on campus. Shepherd is drawn to her fire immediately, but dating cheerleaders is forbidden, and he can’t risk being benched.
All Jasmine Chamberlain wants is to make her family proud. She owes them everything and intends to pay them back by being the best student, cheerleader, and chess player the university has ever seen.
Unfortunately for her, on her first day of chess club, she gets paired with an arrogant, flirty, hotshot quarterback with an affinity for pushing her buttons. Even worse? He’s better than her at chess.
He thinks she’s gorgeous.
Shepherd Kingsley is on a mission to escape his brother’s shadow. At every press conference and on every sports network, Shepherd is being compared to his undefeated brother. Determined to be known for his name and not his brother’s, he decides to beat every record Jason set.
It’s all going according to plan until Jasmine shows up on campus. Shepherd is drawn to her fire immediately, but dating cheerleaders is forbidden, and he can’t risk being benched.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2025
272 people are currently reading
1643 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
March 19, 2026
I listened to the audiobook and I have to say that it made my experience so much more enjoyable. Both of the narrators did a great job, I really liked how the story was brought to life, I gave an extra star because of it!!
Jasmine is determined to have the best college experience and make her family proud. Shepard is under a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations his older brother set. They get paired up to be chess partners, she thinks he's an arrogant jerk, he think she's beautiful. They can't stop teasing each other and as they spend more time together, they realise they have a lot in common and feelings start to grow.
Jasmine lived with an immense pressure and need to prove to the family she gained and her sister she was worth it. It made me so sad, especially because her family loved her so much, they were such incredible people. She was an amazing chef, I loved how much joy cooking brought her. Her connection with her roommates and how they slowly started opening to each other was so special. I can't wait for their stories.
Shepherd was the star quarterback, but he hated the way he was constantly compared to his brother and the pressure he felt to do everything better, so he'll be known for himself, broke my heart a little. He was so supportive and I loved how open he was with Jasmine and his bond with Willow was a delight to see.
Jasmine and Shepard were incredibly cute together. The banter, the chemistry, the friendship, the chess games and the cooking, the way they were able to be vulnerable with one another, the understanding, the support, the way she fought for him and how protective he was of her, they made the perfect couple.
I have to admit that the audiobook did the heavy lifting here. I had some issues with the writing style and the story did feel underdeveloped and a little rushed, there were scenes that felt too short and some that we didn't see, we were just told what happened and I think that was a miss.. While that would usually bother me a lot, I realised that audiobooks make it much easier for me to disregard those issues. I didn't feel as frustrated and I found myself enjoying it more than I normally would, which is why I'm giving it a higher rating.
The secondary characters were included into the story very seamlessly and it actually made me curious about their stories.
Also, I really excited to learn more about Marigold and James!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ALC.*
Jasmine is determined to have the best college experience and make her family proud. Shepard is under a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations his older brother set. They get paired up to be chess partners, she thinks he's an arrogant jerk, he think she's beautiful. They can't stop teasing each other and as they spend more time together, they realise they have a lot in common and feelings start to grow.
Jasmine lived with an immense pressure and need to prove to the family she gained and her sister she was worth it. It made me so sad, especially because her family loved her so much, they were such incredible people. She was an amazing chef, I loved how much joy cooking brought her. Her connection with her roommates and how they slowly started opening to each other was so special. I can't wait for their stories.
Shepherd was the star quarterback, but he hated the way he was constantly compared to his brother and the pressure he felt to do everything better, so he'll be known for himself, broke my heart a little. He was so supportive and I loved how open he was with Jasmine and his bond with Willow was a delight to see.
Jasmine and Shepard were incredibly cute together. The banter, the chemistry, the friendship, the chess games and the cooking, the way they were able to be vulnerable with one another, the understanding, the support, the way she fought for him and how protective he was of her, they made the perfect couple.
I have to admit that the audiobook did the heavy lifting here. I had some issues with the writing style and the story did feel underdeveloped and a little rushed, there were scenes that felt too short and some that we didn't see, we were just told what happened and I think that was a miss.. While that would usually bother me a lot, I realised that audiobooks make it much easier for me to disregard those issues. I didn't feel as frustrated and I found myself enjoying it more than I normally would, which is why I'm giving it a higher rating.
The secondary characters were included into the story very seamlessly and it actually made me curious about their stories.
Also, I really excited to learn more about Marigold and James!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ALC.*
March 30, 2026
i’ve really liked all of annah conwell’s books ive read so far, each series is interconnected and it’s fun to get snippets of the other couples! this book stars jason’s (the run option) brother, shepherd and dahlia’s (but he’s my one regret) sister, jasmine. jason isn’t featured as much as the carters but i was nostalgic getting glimpses of themx
this book seemed very YA to me even though they were in college. so much so that it felt weird when drinking was mentioned even though that is very age appropriate for a college student.
i did appreciate the deeper themes of jasmines grief and shepherds struggles with perfectionism. they both had crazy high expectations for themselves and felt like they needed to prove themselves “worthy” to their families.
this book was short and sweet and i would recommend to YA lovers! the narrators did a great job. thank you netgalley for the arc
this book seemed very YA to me even though they were in college. so much so that it felt weird when drinking was mentioned even though that is very age appropriate for a college student.
i did appreciate the deeper themes of jasmines grief and shepherds struggles with perfectionism. they both had crazy high expectations for themselves and felt like they needed to prove themselves “worthy” to their families.
this book was short and sweet and i would recommend to YA lovers! the narrators did a great job. thank you netgalley for the arc
March 26, 2026
thank you to netgalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ALC of this book in return for a voluntary and honest review!
god something about annah conwell's writing is so bingeable - both times ive picked up one of her books ive been incapable of putting them down!
seeing jasmine and shepherd fall for each other in real time was genuinely so heartwarming and believable, lowkey i need what they have yk?? there were multiple times that i said listening to this book and literally giggled im not even going to lie - moving on from this book will genuinely feel like im going into a state of mourning...
begging that we get to see glimpses of them in book 2 of this series!!
the narrators were also really fun! it was super easy to listen to and you could really hear what out mcs were meant to be feeling at any given moment! id love to check out more of their works
god something about annah conwell's writing is so bingeable - both times ive picked up one of her books ive been incapable of putting them down!
seeing jasmine and shepherd fall for each other in real time was genuinely so heartwarming and believable, lowkey i need what they have yk?? there were multiple times that i said listening to this book and literally giggled im not even going to lie - moving on from this book will genuinely feel like im going into a state of mourning...
begging that we get to see glimpses of them in book 2 of this series!!
the narrators were also really fun! it was super easy to listen to and you could really hear what out mcs were meant to be feeling at any given moment! id love to check out more of their works
February 28, 2026
(Pretty Clean NA Romcom)
THIS WAS SO ADORABLE 😍😍 I smiled so much reading this book 😁😁 Shepherd just has that effect on you 😂😂😂
I loved Shepherd and Jasmine so much.. both were great characters.. I wanted to give them both a hug for the amount of loss and hurt they went through 🥺🥺🥺 Jasmines friend group was AWESOME.. I need to see books with all their stories 🥰🥹
I also need to know what happens to Marigold and Jameson!
Overall, a very cute and fluffy read! Very Fall fitting too 🍂
My rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (took off a star for a kiss that got a little too descriptive)
⚠️ Age suggestion: 17+ ⚠️
CONTENT INFO ‼️
Sexual Content: no spice- up to semi detailed kissing, except one that got a bit more descriptive
Language: None
Violence: not really any
LGBTQ content: None
THIS WAS SO ADORABLE 😍😍 I smiled so much reading this book 😁😁 Shepherd just has that effect on you 😂😂😂
I loved Shepherd and Jasmine so much.. both were great characters.. I wanted to give them both a hug for the amount of loss and hurt they went through 🥺🥺🥺 Jasmines friend group was AWESOME.. I need to see books with all their stories 🥰🥹
I also need to know what happens to Marigold and Jameson!
Overall, a very cute and fluffy read! Very Fall fitting too 🍂
My rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (took off a star for a kiss that got a little too descriptive)
⚠️ Age suggestion: 17+ ⚠️
CONTENT INFO ‼️
Sexual Content: no spice- up to semi detailed kissing, except one that got a bit more descriptive
Language: None
Violence: not really any
LGBTQ content: None
November 18, 2025
4.5 stars and so close to being five, that I don't mind rounding it up here. This was SO CUTE! Like I-can-barely-take-it-I'm-getting-cute-aggression-and-want-to-throw-this-book-it's-so-cute.
I enjoyed the storytelling from cover to cover. Jasmine and Shepherd are both well-defined characters. I loved them both instantly. I could picture this writing vividly. I devoured the banter. This book made me laugh out loud with it's deadpan humor. And I loved being introduced to the dynamic between Jasmine and her roommates. I cannot wait for each of their books.
This totally captured that nostalgic college campus feeling. It made me miss college just for the sake of getting to experience that setting one last time in the busyness of an undergrad fall semester. I was in an informal chess club a few years ago, fresh out of undergrad at my first big-girl job so the chess thing took me back to that, but I digress. While the chemistry was off the charts, this lost half a star for me because the first kissing scene was too much for my preferences. That is my only complaint, otherwise this was so fun! The dash of depth in this did actually make me shed a few tears! And the ending wrapped up nicely. I recommend!
In this book:
-rivals to more (via chess club)
-off-limits
-found family
-dual-POV
-forced proximity (they also have a class together)
-star QB/football captain MMC
-cheerleader/aspiring chef FMC
Content Guide:
-romance: clean/some innuendo
-language: clean
-violence: one instance/non-descriptive
Potential Content Warnings
-college-age/underage drinking (not the main characters)
-brief unwanted advances
I enjoyed the storytelling from cover to cover. Jasmine and Shepherd are both well-defined characters. I loved them both instantly. I could picture this writing vividly. I devoured the banter. This book made me laugh out loud with it's deadpan humor. And I loved being introduced to the dynamic between Jasmine and her roommates. I cannot wait for each of their books.
This totally captured that nostalgic college campus feeling. It made me miss college just for the sake of getting to experience that setting one last time in the busyness of an undergrad fall semester. I was in an informal chess club a few years ago, fresh out of undergrad at my first big-girl job so the chess thing took me back to that, but I digress. While the chemistry was off the charts, this lost half a star for me because the first kissing scene was too much for my preferences. That is my only complaint, otherwise this was so fun! The dash of depth in this did actually make me shed a few tears! And the ending wrapped up nicely. I recommend!
In this book:
-rivals to more (via chess club)
-off-limits
-found family
-dual-POV
-forced proximity (they also have a class together)
-star QB/football captain MMC
-cheerleader/aspiring chef FMC
Content Guide:
-romance: clean/some innuendo
-language: clean
-violence: one instance/non-descriptive
Potential Content Warnings
-college-age/underage drinking (not the main characters)
-brief unwanted advances
November 17, 2025
OMG STOP. This book ate and left no crumbs. Annah Conwell, you have once again snatched my heart and run off with it.
Jasmine and Shepherd have completely stolen my heart. Their banter was top-tier, their chemistry was chemistry-ing, and when they eventually opened up to each other?? I was DONE. They’re honestly one of the cutest duos Annah has ever written.
On top of all the swoon, Annah handled Jasmine’s grief and Shepherd’s pressure so beautifully. It added so much depth without ever feeling heavy. Just… chef’s kiss.
I also loved seeing the overlapping characters from her other series. The cameos from the Carter family felt like a reunion. I’ve missed them so much.
The college setting, the Chef/Captain nicknames, the tension, the vibes… everything was just adorable. I’m already counting down for the next books, especially Marigold’s story.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Star Quarterback MMC
❤️🔥 Cheerleader FMC
❤️🔥 College Romance
❤️🔥 Rivals to Lovers
❤️🔥 Found Family
Jasmine and Shepherd have completely stolen my heart. Their banter was top-tier, their chemistry was chemistry-ing, and when they eventually opened up to each other?? I was DONE. They’re honestly one of the cutest duos Annah has ever written.
On top of all the swoon, Annah handled Jasmine’s grief and Shepherd’s pressure so beautifully. It added so much depth without ever feeling heavy. Just… chef’s kiss.
I also loved seeing the overlapping characters from her other series. The cameos from the Carter family felt like a reunion. I’ve missed them so much.
The college setting, the Chef/Captain nicknames, the tension, the vibes… everything was just adorable. I’m already counting down for the next books, especially Marigold’s story.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Star Quarterback MMC
❤️🔥 Cheerleader FMC
❤️🔥 College Romance
❤️🔥 Rivals to Lovers
❤️🔥 Found Family
March 11, 2026
It's exactly as the blurb says, no surprises there lol. Nothing particularly caught my interest for as much as I didn't actually hate it. One thing I will say I liked was how the author incorporated the characters from her other books into this one. It was just enough to get me curious about their stories but not enough that it felt like they were overshadowing the actual main characters. The narrators were also really fun to listen to, lowkey wouldn't have finished without them.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the alc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the alc in exchange for an honest review
November 5, 2025
I have the privilege of being on Annah’s ARC team and I just gotta say that this first entry in the “Rom Com University” series is a touchdown. Having met the love of my life in college, I have a soft spot for sweet, closed door (kissing only) stories where sparks fly between 18 year olds who just happen to be smart enough to know they’ve found “the one” and hold onto them. The fall-in love moments, the banter, and the pet names are all darling in “Checkers Not Chess” but what I appreciate even more are the family and friend dynamics which surround the main characters– this is definitely a group of people you’d want to know in real life. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it (releases 11/13) and would recommend it to love-story lovers out there!
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shepherd Kingsley & Jasmine Chamberlain
- Dual POV
- College romcom
- Chess club rivals
- Forced proximity (classes together)
- Star Quarterback MMC
- Cheerleader, aspiring chef FMC
- Big, loving family
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- All of the girls together, & their bond
- Delilah & Jasmine’s moment
- How the Carters love big
- Chef & Captain
- Him teaching her chess
- Her fighting for him
- Shepherd’s protective moment
- the marriage muffins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 1 of RomCom University - This book had everything I could ask for in a romcom. They had teasing, flirty banter. There were best friends who we got to see grow closer through the book. Each roommate has her own distinct personality and stuff going on. I loved getting little bits of each of their stories (can’t wait for Marigold and Jameson) and I was able to be invested in all the girls. Shepherd and Jasmine had deeper moments of connection and comforted each other through hard emotions. Their chemistry is also clear from their very first interaction. They worked as a team and taught one another. They have friend and family who surround them and support them.
This is a fun college age book that is easy to read and so heartwarming. If you’ve read Annah’s other books you’ll appreciate the cameos from past main characters more but it’s still easy to enjoy with no prior Annah book knowledge.
This is a closed door romance with no cursing and kissing/makeouts.
**Thank you so much to Annah for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
March 25, 2026
Chess Not Checkers is the first book in the RomCom University series by Annah Conwell and it delivers the most quintessential college experience. Jasmine, a cheerleader, and Shepherd, the hotshot quarterback, find themselves as partners in the chess club.
I love characters that come across one way but are opposite under the layers of protective characteristics. The competition is fierce and the attraction is forbidden, but the friendship-to-more that develops is a complete dream.
I loved seeing cameos of past characters, but it’s the insecurities, swoon, and meddling that consumed me.
The narration in this sizzling no spice romcom set in the world of academia is spot on. This is the perfect listen for fans of rivals-to-friends-to-love and lovers of sports romcoms with a dash of nerdiness.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I love characters that come across one way but are opposite under the layers of protective characteristics. The competition is fierce and the attraction is forbidden, but the friendship-to-more that develops is a complete dream.
I loved seeing cameos of past characters, but it’s the insecurities, swoon, and meddling that consumed me.
The narration in this sizzling no spice romcom set in the world of academia is spot on. This is the perfect listen for fans of rivals-to-friends-to-love and lovers of sports romcoms with a dash of nerdiness.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
March 12, 2026
Chess Not Checkers by Annah Conwell
Narrated by Cat Protano and Kevel Shah
Jasmine – college cheerleader, aspiring chef, chess player, raised by her older sister after her parents’ death.
Shepherd – college quarterback, chess player, lives in his older brother’s shadow.
This story starts out with Jasmine being snarky to Shepherd for no reason.
Despite this they develop a friendship which turns into more – despite coach’s no dating cheerleader’s rule.
Relatively low angst, good found family vibes, clean romance, both have emotional backgrounds driving them, cooking and chess lessons, plenty of communication.
Narrators did a good job – did take me a couple of chapters to feel that they were the characters. Some of the additional voices that the used for friends and reporters were cringing at times
Annah is a new to me author so I was unfamiliar with the characters that were from her previous books – maybe having read their stories I would have enjoyed this one more
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media
Narrated by Cat Protano and Kevel Shah
Jasmine – college cheerleader, aspiring chef, chess player, raised by her older sister after her parents’ death.
Shepherd – college quarterback, chess player, lives in his older brother’s shadow.
This story starts out with Jasmine being snarky to Shepherd for no reason.
Despite this they develop a friendship which turns into more – despite coach’s no dating cheerleader’s rule.
Relatively low angst, good found family vibes, clean romance, both have emotional backgrounds driving them, cooking and chess lessons, plenty of communication.
Narrators did a good job – did take me a couple of chapters to feel that they were the characters. Some of the additional voices that the used for friends and reporters were cringing at times
Annah is a new to me author so I was unfamiliar with the characters that were from her previous books – maybe having read their stories I would have enjoyed this one more
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media
November 17, 2025
4.5 so cute! I love seeing old characters
February 24, 2026
I will read anything Annah Conwell writes without question.
March 20, 2026
actually the cutest!!
This book was just the cutest!! I knew their love was inevitable after the More Than A Game series, and Annah did them so right. I enjoyed that Jasmine and Shepherd were safe places for one another & their teasing was adorable. I’m always down for Carter family cameos too. 🤩 A new girl group with honest conversations and support for one another? Sign me up for the rest of the series. Jameson and Marigold are going to get me. 🥹🫶🏻
This book was just the cutest!! I knew their love was inevitable after the More Than A Game series, and Annah did them so right. I enjoyed that Jasmine and Shepherd were safe places for one another & their teasing was adorable. I’m always down for Carter family cameos too. 🤩 A new girl group with honest conversations and support for one another? Sign me up for the rest of the series. Jameson and Marigold are going to get me. 🥹🫶🏻
November 2, 2025
“Win or lose, I love you”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-college romance
-enemies/friends to lovers
-baking
-football
-he falls first
Shepherd:
A hardworking guy who puts so much pressure on himself to be the best and get out from under his brother Jason’s shadow. He’s a chess prodigy, star football player, and a horrible cook. His humour is 👌
Jasmine:
A curly haired freshman (sister of Dahlia) who loves to bake/cook, enjoys playing chess, and cheers. She hates always hearing about how great Shepherd is. She also struggles with feeling like she needs to repay people for their gifts.
Plot:
Jasmine moves into her new college dorm, and finds that everyone is always talking about Shepherd Kingsley. She believes he’s a popular idiot with a big ego and finds herself extremely displeased when shes paired up with him for chess club and has to sit next to him in class. Overtime, they begin to hang out and get to know each other. Jasmine realizes her assumptions about Shepherd are totally wrong. Feelings start brewing but it gets complicated since the football players were told they aren’t allowed to date cheerleaders.
My opinion:
This was such a good book and if I could rate it higher I totally would. I loved how the characters balanced each other out and helped each other through their feelings and hard parts of life. The bonbon part was so cute 😫 Overall, 10/10 it was a amazing read and it really warmed my heart.
Warnings:
Loss of parents
Drinking
A guy getting touchy with a girl (it was ended before it got bad)
My favorite quotes ❤️
“Being a prodigy is not as fun as it sounds. In theory, I should be living the high life. My cheeks should constantly be aching from smiling so much. Sometimes that’s the case. But most of the time, the pressure to perform feels like hands wrapped around my neck in a vise grip, squeezing tighter and tighter.”
“That’s going to make this situation worse, so I shouldn’t add fuel to the fire. Unfortunately for Jasmine, I’ve always been fond of watching flames dance.”
“I play till the end. Always.”
“Worth the risk. And right now? Jasmine seems more than worth it.”
“Always. The word feels more like a promise than banter.”
“Trust me, once the secret is out, I’m telling everyone you’re mine.”
“Thank you for fighting for me.” She smiles and I feel as though I’m being lit from within. “Always.”
“Together,” she murmurs. “Always,” I repeat her sentiment from the other day in my room.
“I love you.” He brushes his nose against mine again. “I love you too, Chef.” “For the last time, I’m not a chef,” I groan. He smiles as he whispers, “Yet.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-college romance
-enemies/friends to lovers
-baking
-football
-he falls first
Shepherd:
A hardworking guy who puts so much pressure on himself to be the best and get out from under his brother Jason’s shadow. He’s a chess prodigy, star football player, and a horrible cook. His humour is 👌
Jasmine:
A curly haired freshman (sister of Dahlia) who loves to bake/cook, enjoys playing chess, and cheers. She hates always hearing about how great Shepherd is. She also struggles with feeling like she needs to repay people for their gifts.
Plot:
Jasmine moves into her new college dorm, and finds that everyone is always talking about Shepherd Kingsley. She believes he’s a popular idiot with a big ego and finds herself extremely displeased when shes paired up with him for chess club and has to sit next to him in class. Overtime, they begin to hang out and get to know each other. Jasmine realizes her assumptions about Shepherd are totally wrong. Feelings start brewing but it gets complicated since the football players were told they aren’t allowed to date cheerleaders.
My opinion:
This was such a good book and if I could rate it higher I totally would. I loved how the characters balanced each other out and helped each other through their feelings and hard parts of life. The bonbon part was so cute 😫 Overall, 10/10 it was a amazing read and it really warmed my heart.
Warnings:
Loss of parents
Drinking
A guy getting touchy with a girl (it was ended before it got bad)
My favorite quotes ❤️
“Being a prodigy is not as fun as it sounds. In theory, I should be living the high life. My cheeks should constantly be aching from smiling so much. Sometimes that’s the case. But most of the time, the pressure to perform feels like hands wrapped around my neck in a vise grip, squeezing tighter and tighter.”
“That’s going to make this situation worse, so I shouldn’t add fuel to the fire. Unfortunately for Jasmine, I’ve always been fond of watching flames dance.”
“I play till the end. Always.”
“Worth the risk. And right now? Jasmine seems more than worth it.”
“Always. The word feels more like a promise than banter.”
“Trust me, once the secret is out, I’m telling everyone you’re mine.”
“Thank you for fighting for me.” She smiles and I feel as though I’m being lit from within. “Always.”
“Together,” she murmurs. “Always,” I repeat her sentiment from the other day in my room.
“I love you.” He brushes his nose against mine again. “I love you too, Chef.” “For the last time, I’m not a chef,” I groan. He smiles as he whispers, “Yet.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
OMG, I loved this! 🥰🥹 Annah Conwell, you’ve really outdone yourself! I love how this story was a spinoff of two different characters from previous books by this author. I gotta catch up! 😂 There’s so many connections throughout this story. The Carters/Holt families are HUGE! I LOVED Jasmine and Shepherd! Like, one minute I’m giggling and kicking my feet, then the next minute I’m feeling ALL of the emotions! 🥹 Jasmine’s roommates, Aurora, Marigold, and Saylor were a joy to read about, too! They all have their different personalities to them, and they all have a sisterly bond, which was so sweet to see. The tropes throughout this story??! LOVED! The “I love you” scene?!! LOVED! Just everything about this story made my heart swoon and I want more! I cannot wait for Marigold’s story! Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for the e-ARC! 🩷 All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2025
OH. MY. HEART. 🥹🥰😆💕🤩
Jasmine and Shepherd have STOLEN MY HEART. The key is gone! I’ll probably never find it because I love these two SO MUCH!!!!!!
This is my all time favorite read from Annah. Hands down my favorite rom com ever!!!!! I don’t think I’ll ever get over how stinkin cute Jaz and Shep were. Their banter?!?!? Their chemistry?!?! And then they like poured out their hearts to each other???? I was dead. I adored it so much!!!!
As always, Annah delivered a sweet and swoony rom com with delicate issues wrapped under the surface. The way she handles Jasmine’s grief in the story, as well as the pressure that Shepherd is under, was so. well. done!!!
Honestly I can’t wait for the rest of this series! It’s gonna be one I come back to over and over again I can already tell!!!!!
Jasmine and Shepherd have STOLEN MY HEART. The key is gone! I’ll probably never find it because I love these two SO MUCH!!!!!!
This is my all time favorite read from Annah. Hands down my favorite rom com ever!!!!! I don’t think I’ll ever get over how stinkin cute Jaz and Shep were. Their banter?!?!? Their chemistry?!?! And then they like poured out their hearts to each other???? I was dead. I adored it so much!!!!
As always, Annah delivered a sweet and swoony rom com with delicate issues wrapped under the surface. The way she handles Jasmine’s grief in the story, as well as the pressure that Shepherd is under, was so. well. done!!!
Honestly I can’t wait for the rest of this series! It’s gonna be one I come back to over and over again I can already tell!!!!!
April 3, 2026
Annah appears to be a new favorite author of mine, whether it’s romcoms or romantasy. This one is such a cute read, and fun. I love the rival to lovers thing that Jasmine and Shepherd had going on. What I really enjoyed, though, was Jasmine fighting for Shepherd. That was actually very refreshing! And the found family going on with all of the side characters.. so much fun! Let’s just say several books have been added to my TBR.
November 28, 2025
Cute book I liked seeing the holt/carter family again
January 1, 2026
Really sweet 💜
February 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
spice level: 0.5
violence level: 0.5
oh my gosh i could gush about this for ages 😭😭😭i love this couple!
full review later once i collect my thoughts ❤️❤️❤️
***for the record, i read this book to get out of a reading slump, meaning i wasn’t fully engaged with it at times. otherwise, the rating would be much higher than it is. my plan is to reread it soon.***
spice level: 0.5
violence level: 0.5
oh my gosh i could gush about this for ages 😭😭😭i love this couple!
full review later once i collect my thoughts ❤️❤️❤️
***for the record, i read this book to get out of a reading slump, meaning i wasn’t fully engaged with it at times. otherwise, the rating would be much higher than it is. my plan is to reread it soon.***
November 17, 2025
this was one of my highly anticipated reads bc i rlly enjoyed the confidentiality clause from this author but this was kinda disappointing,,, imo she writes better with adult romance rather than college romance idk, but yeah there was very few times it was almost cute but for the most part it was just really cheesy, the nicknames weren’t cute sawry and the chef, not yet part was so annoying, they keep saying it gazillion times i’m like stop ???? pls hahah ???? but,,, i still want to continue reading this series because the side characters were kinda interesting, i’m lowkey interested with the next book too, they’re more interesting imo lols,,, hope her writing improves,,, pls, this series has so much potential 🤧
December 24, 2025
It really truly wasn’t bad. But it just didn’t catch me. I wasn’t caught by it. I could have lived my life without reading it as much as I did enjoy it. It just felt like it was just a bunch of scenes out together, but like it truly flowed.
December 28, 2025
DNF did not hold my interest at all. I don't love when the girl is such a hater and just annoyed by the love interest.
November 23, 2025
4.5-5stars!!?
"Tell me you're mine," I whisper into her ear.
"You're mine," she says, ever the rebel.
I chuckle. "That was never in question, beautiful."
ARE YOU KIDDING THIS WAS SO CUTE!! Annah Conwell has done it again!! This book was an absolute delight. This story was a believable rivals to lovers filled with friendship, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry that quite literally had me smiling and grinning at my kindle ear to ear while kicking my feet (not an exaggeration I was basically reduced to the heart eyes emoji the whole time). Anyone looking for a closed door college (sports) romance with sweet friendships, found family, and truly charming romance — I HIGHLY recommend this one!!
In Chess Not Checkers, we get to know the witty younger sister of Daliha (from But He’s My One Regret), Jasmine. Jasmine finds herself quickly in a rival situation with the campus golden boy, star quarterback, chess prodigy and football legend Jason’s (from The Run Option) younger brother — Shepherd. Their initial rivalry quickly evolves into a comfortable friendship as they both navigate personal insecurities and external pressures that challenge them to be vulnerable and redefine their measures of success. Their relationship fosters the growth they both need. They both strengthen each other and fight for each other and lean on each other making this romance feel earned and real.
For anyone that’s read annnny of Annah’s other series, she does an INCREDIBLE amount of fan service without it being too much or taking away from the story. If you haven’t, it’s just mentions of a sweet interconnected family. I loved seeing all of the Holt/Carter family back together in various ways again.
Seriously, I wish I read this when I was in college. This was so wholesome and had me cheesing the whole time. I cannot wait for the rest of this series — I wish it was all available today!!
Trigger warnings: college parties, underage drinking (not by MCs), unwanted advances, family trauma, parents not invested in child’s lives, dead parents
Rivals to lovers. Forced proximity. Found family. Sports romance. Football captain x cheerleader. Forbidden romance. Dual POV. First person POV. Closed door.
"Tell me you're mine," I whisper into her ear.
"You're mine," she says, ever the rebel.
I chuckle. "That was never in question, beautiful."
ARE YOU KIDDING THIS WAS SO CUTE!! Annah Conwell has done it again!! This book was an absolute delight. This story was a believable rivals to lovers filled with friendship, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry that quite literally had me smiling and grinning at my kindle ear to ear while kicking my feet (not an exaggeration I was basically reduced to the heart eyes emoji the whole time). Anyone looking for a closed door college (sports) romance with sweet friendships, found family, and truly charming romance — I HIGHLY recommend this one!!
In Chess Not Checkers, we get to know the witty younger sister of Daliha (from But He’s My One Regret), Jasmine. Jasmine finds herself quickly in a rival situation with the campus golden boy, star quarterback, chess prodigy and football legend Jason’s (from The Run Option) younger brother — Shepherd. Their initial rivalry quickly evolves into a comfortable friendship as they both navigate personal insecurities and external pressures that challenge them to be vulnerable and redefine their measures of success. Their relationship fosters the growth they both need. They both strengthen each other and fight for each other and lean on each other making this romance feel earned and real.
For anyone that’s read annnny of Annah’s other series, she does an INCREDIBLE amount of fan service without it being too much or taking away from the story. If you haven’t, it’s just mentions of a sweet interconnected family. I loved seeing all of the Holt/Carter family back together in various ways again.
Seriously, I wish I read this when I was in college. This was so wholesome and had me cheesing the whole time. I cannot wait for the rest of this series — I wish it was all available today!!
Trigger warnings: college parties, underage drinking (not by MCs), unwanted advances, family trauma, parents not invested in child’s lives, dead parents
Rivals to lovers. Forced proximity. Found family. Sports romance. Football captain x cheerleader. Forbidden romance. Dual POV. First person POV. Closed door.
November 30, 2025
Chess Not Checkers is a charming, irresistibly heartfelt college football romance. Annah Conwell has such a way with words. She is the queen of flirty banter, teasing quips, and fiery females. Her writing sparks with personality—full of quick wit, whip-smart dialogue, and chemistry that practically crackles. She balanced swoon, sass, and emotional depth with effortless ease. This book is no exception. I couldn’t put it down!
I love Shepherd and Jasmine so much! Jasmine isn’t impressed by his name or status and is quick to put him in his place, which Shepherd finds completely refreshing. He loves getting her riled up and can’t help teasing her. Their flirty ribbing and spirited exchanges had me eating up every moment and grinning from ear to ear. I love how they began as friends and slowly grew closer. Their vulnerability and emotional connection warmed my heart. Both struggle with feeling like they have something to prove, and I loved watching them help each other face the internal expectations they’d placed on themselves. The way they encouraged and supported each other was the sweetest.
I also loved getting glimpses of the overlapping characters from Conwell’s other series. Jasmine’s conversations with Grayson, Dahlia, and Sebastian were so touching. I absolutely adore the family, roommate, and teammate dynamics of this story. I’m eagerly anticipating the rest of this series! I cannot wait for Marigold’s story to see how Jameson wins her over.
If you love college-age romance with top-tier banter, swoony kisses, strong friendships, and emotional depth, you’ll definitely want to read Chess Not Checkers.
✨Includes:✨
Football Captain + Star Quarterback
Cheerleader + Aspiring Chef
Chess rivals
She calls him ‘Captain’
He calls her ‘Chef’
Forbidden romance
Secret relationship
Protective MMC
Found family
Strong friendships
College relationship
💙Favorites:💙
🏈Chess club
🏈He calls her Chef.
🏈She calls him Captain.
🏈Cooking + Chess lessons
🏈Her fighting for him
🏈Picnic + bonbons
🏈Family dinners
🏈Win or lose
🏈Marigold and Jameson
🏈Marriage muffins
🏈Shepherd’s protectiveness
🏈Saylor and Graham
🏈Meeting with Bash
🏈Declarations
Thank you Annah Conwell for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love Shepherd and Jasmine so much! Jasmine isn’t impressed by his name or status and is quick to put him in his place, which Shepherd finds completely refreshing. He loves getting her riled up and can’t help teasing her. Their flirty ribbing and spirited exchanges had me eating up every moment and grinning from ear to ear. I love how they began as friends and slowly grew closer. Their vulnerability and emotional connection warmed my heart. Both struggle with feeling like they have something to prove, and I loved watching them help each other face the internal expectations they’d placed on themselves. The way they encouraged and supported each other was the sweetest.
I also loved getting glimpses of the overlapping characters from Conwell’s other series. Jasmine’s conversations with Grayson, Dahlia, and Sebastian were so touching. I absolutely adore the family, roommate, and teammate dynamics of this story. I’m eagerly anticipating the rest of this series! I cannot wait for Marigold’s story to see how Jameson wins her over.
If you love college-age romance with top-tier banter, swoony kisses, strong friendships, and emotional depth, you’ll definitely want to read Chess Not Checkers.
✨Includes:✨
Football Captain + Star Quarterback
Cheerleader + Aspiring Chef
Chess rivals
She calls him ‘Captain’
He calls her ‘Chef’
Forbidden romance
Secret relationship
Protective MMC
Found family
Strong friendships
College relationship
💙Favorites:💙
🏈Chess club
🏈He calls her Chef.
🏈She calls him Captain.
🏈Cooking + Chess lessons
🏈Her fighting for him
🏈Picnic + bonbons
🏈Family dinners
🏈Win or lose
🏈Marigold and Jameson
🏈Marriage muffins
🏈Shepherd’s protectiveness
🏈Saylor and Graham
🏈Meeting with Bash
🏈Declarations
Thank you Annah Conwell for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2026
Dual pov, football player x cheerleader, collage, chess players, she’s a chef, large family, former character cameos, interconnected romance series, young adult, maybe instalove but its adorable
I cried so many times reading this book. It wouldn’t even necessarily be an emotional part of the book, but this has healed something in me.
Jasmine and Sheppard are so adorable and deserve all the love they don’t think they deserve. It can be hard wanting to live up to the expectations of loved ones and not want to disappoint them, and both these characters handled talking to those people in their lives with such grace.
One thing that I appreciate about this book that I have not seen done well is the depiction of college cheerleaders. As a former college cheerleader, it’s hard work, we don’t have an offseason. We go from football and volleyball, to basketball, to baseball, all while doing appearances for the school and maybe practicing for our own competitions if you are a school that competes. College cheerleaders are athletes and I applaud Annah Conwell of her depiction of them. The only thing I would nitpick is we would never wear our uniform - or anything declaring the university - to a party. That’s it. Everything else is correct from my personal experience.
Annah’s books transition so well from text to audio. I have both read and listened to multiple books and I am hooked the entire time no matter what format!
Since I have read a few of Annah Conwells books, I know who most of the characters are in this one, and it’s always so fun seeing cameos of former characters who’s stories you’ve loved and wondering if we’ll be getting more fun surprises in future books! I actually own both of what would probably be the main stories related to this one, but I haven’t read them yet, but I think I’m about to change that.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own and I do not accept anything for reviews.
I cried so many times reading this book. It wouldn’t even necessarily be an emotional part of the book, but this has healed something in me.
Jasmine and Sheppard are so adorable and deserve all the love they don’t think they deserve. It can be hard wanting to live up to the expectations of loved ones and not want to disappoint them, and both these characters handled talking to those people in their lives with such grace.
One thing that I appreciate about this book that I have not seen done well is the depiction of college cheerleaders. As a former college cheerleader, it’s hard work, we don’t have an offseason. We go from football and volleyball, to basketball, to baseball, all while doing appearances for the school and maybe practicing for our own competitions if you are a school that competes. College cheerleaders are athletes and I applaud Annah Conwell of her depiction of them. The only thing I would nitpick is we would never wear our uniform - or anything declaring the university - to a party. That’s it. Everything else is correct from my personal experience.
Annah’s books transition so well from text to audio. I have both read and listened to multiple books and I am hooked the entire time no matter what format!
Since I have read a few of Annah Conwells books, I know who most of the characters are in this one, and it’s always so fun seeing cameos of former characters who’s stories you’ve loved and wondering if we’ll be getting more fun surprises in future books! I actually own both of what would probably be the main stories related to this one, but I haven’t read them yet, but I think I’m about to change that.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own and I do not accept anything for reviews.
November 1, 2025
Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVED this book! I even gave up some sleep just to keep reading! If you love a good rivals to friends to more story, this one is absolutely for you. Add in a college setting, roommates, and the promise of future romances with the side characters...Annah had me hooked from the start and excited for all the books to come!
When Jasmine meets Shepherd, she’s anything but thrilled. She’s SO tired of hearing his name everywhere he’s the hotshot college quarterback, after all. But if that’s not annoying enough, he’s also in her chess class, paired with her, and beats her every time! She finds him arrogant and infuriating; he finds her beautiful and can’t resist pushing her buttons. Before long, their chess sessions become something they both look forward to... and maybe, just maybe, they start looking forward to EACH OTHER, too.
As Jasmine and Shepherd slowly move from rivals to friends, and possibly more, they begin to unpack their insecurities and the reasons behind their constant drive to prove themselves. But just as they grow closer, the truth hits hard... they’re not supposed to be together. If they cross that line, Shepherd risks being benched, and Jasmine feels she can’t go against the coach’s rules either. So where does that leave them?
They’ve finally found something real... each other.. but they’re not allowed to have it.
I LOVED this story, the banter, the raw emotion, and the deeper themes of acceptance and belonging. It’s fun, sweet, and unexpectedly heartfelt, with plenty of swoony moments and kisses that made me melt... into a puddle? lol!
I cannot wait for Marigold’s story next, and I’m already counting down to what happens with the rest of the roommates!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
When Jasmine meets Shepherd, she’s anything but thrilled. She’s SO tired of hearing his name everywhere he’s the hotshot college quarterback, after all. But if that’s not annoying enough, he’s also in her chess class, paired with her, and beats her every time! She finds him arrogant and infuriating; he finds her beautiful and can’t resist pushing her buttons. Before long, their chess sessions become something they both look forward to... and maybe, just maybe, they start looking forward to EACH OTHER, too.
As Jasmine and Shepherd slowly move from rivals to friends, and possibly more, they begin to unpack their insecurities and the reasons behind their constant drive to prove themselves. But just as they grow closer, the truth hits hard... they’re not supposed to be together. If they cross that line, Shepherd risks being benched, and Jasmine feels she can’t go against the coach’s rules either. So where does that leave them?
They’ve finally found something real... each other.. but they’re not allowed to have it.
I LOVED this story, the banter, the raw emotion, and the deeper themes of acceptance and belonging. It’s fun, sweet, and unexpectedly heartfelt, with plenty of swoony moments and kisses that made me melt... into a puddle? lol!
I cannot wait for Marigold’s story next, and I’m already counting down to what happens with the rest of the roommates!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
November 14, 2025
Eee!! I love everything Annah Conwell has written and this book is such a fun addition to her stories! I loved the overlapping characters from her other series and how they tied together with a grown up Jasmine!
Jasmine, a college cheerleader and Shepherd, the star quarterback. don’t exactly start off on the right foot when their first interaction is at their college chess club. So, when they end up sitting next to each other in class as well as seeing each other at chess, Jasmine’s distain for Shepherd quickly turns into something entirely different!
This was such a fun college romance and I’m definitely excited for the future books in the series! Jasmine and Shepherd had such fun chemistry, and their banter at the beginning of the story kept me smiling! I Ioved it when they both finally let their guards down and got to know each other! I loved how he called her Chef and how she called him Captain and how they were just so dang cute together!!
Favorite quotes:
“Did you know you get two little lines between your eyebrows when you’re angry?” I ask as I move one of my pawns. Her scowl deepens while my smile grows. If there was an award for the cutest scowl, Jasmine would win it.”
“It probably means there’s something wrong with me that I enjoy her disdain for my general personhood, but every insult from her is like drinking from a water hose after a long day of playing backyard football in the summer: utterly refreshing.”
“Logically I know I shouldn’t let myself feel this way. The more time we spend together, the more I want. And I’m not allowed to want her.”
Jasmine, a college cheerleader and Shepherd, the star quarterback. don’t exactly start off on the right foot when their first interaction is at their college chess club. So, when they end up sitting next to each other in class as well as seeing each other at chess, Jasmine’s distain for Shepherd quickly turns into something entirely different!
This was such a fun college romance and I’m definitely excited for the future books in the series! Jasmine and Shepherd had such fun chemistry, and their banter at the beginning of the story kept me smiling! I Ioved it when they both finally let their guards down and got to know each other! I loved how he called her Chef and how she called him Captain and how they were just so dang cute together!!
Favorite quotes:
“Did you know you get two little lines between your eyebrows when you’re angry?” I ask as I move one of my pawns. Her scowl deepens while my smile grows. If there was an award for the cutest scowl, Jasmine would win it.”
“It probably means there’s something wrong with me that I enjoy her disdain for my general personhood, but every insult from her is like drinking from a water hose after a long day of playing backyard football in the summer: utterly refreshing.”
“Logically I know I shouldn’t let myself feel this way. The more time we spend together, the more I want. And I’m not allowed to want her.”
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