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Checkmate #2
Cashing the Reality Check
Sequel to Pawn Takes Rook
Book Two
Even after eleven months of keeping the mean streets of Axis City safe, superduo Checkmate—Hogarth Dawson—and his boyfriend, Memphis Rook, still receive the cold shoulder from the Power Alliance. Undeterred, Hogarth brings his intense focus to bear on Rook, and after Hogarth makes an accidental marriage proposal, it becomes all too clear Rook isn’t quite at the same place. But before life gets awkward, duty calls.
Booted-off female contestants of the romantic reality show Single and Super are being found in comas, and Checkmate needs to get to the bottom of it. As part of Rook’s plan, he cleans up his bad boy image and goes undercover as a bachelor looking for love among twenty-five frenzied women. Against Rook’s wishes, Hogarth sneaks onto the set as a cameraman to investigate the case on his own. With questions unanswered between them, emotions run high, distracting them and feeding a trap of their own making.
Book Two
Even after eleven months of keeping the mean streets of Axis City safe, superduo Checkmate—Hogarth Dawson—and his boyfriend, Memphis Rook, still receive the cold shoulder from the Power Alliance. Undeterred, Hogarth brings his intense focus to bear on Rook, and after Hogarth makes an accidental marriage proposal, it becomes all too clear Rook isn’t quite at the same place. But before life gets awkward, duty calls.
Booted-off female contestants of the romantic reality show Single and Super are being found in comas, and Checkmate needs to get to the bottom of it. As part of Rook’s plan, he cleans up his bad boy image and goes undercover as a bachelor looking for love among twenty-five frenzied women. Against Rook’s wishes, Hogarth sneaks onto the set as a cameraman to investigate the case on his own. With questions unanswered between them, emotions run high, distracting them and feeding a trap of their own making.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
39 people want to read
About the author
Lex Chase
16 books61 followersLex Chase once heard Stephen King say in a commercial, “We’re all going to die, I’m just trying to make it a little more interesting.” Now, she’s on a mission to make the world a hell of a lot more interesting.
Weaving tales of cinematic, sweeping adventure—and depending on how she feels that day—Lex sprinkles in high-speed chases, shower scenes, and more explosions than a Hollywood blockbuster. Her pride is in telling stories of men who kiss as much as they kick ass. If you’re going to march into the depths of hell, it better be beside the one you love.
Lex is a pop culture diva, her DVR is constantly backlogged, she has intense emotions about Hannibal’s Hannigram, and unapologetically loved the ending of Lost. She wouldn’t last five minutes without technology in the event of the apocalypse and has nightmares about refusing to leave her cats behind.
She is grateful for and humbled by all the readers. She knows very well she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and welcomes feedback.
You can find her on those Facebook and Twitter things at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LXChase
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lex_Chase
Find her blog at http://lexchase.com
Weaving tales of cinematic, sweeping adventure—and depending on how she feels that day—Lex sprinkles in high-speed chases, shower scenes, and more explosions than a Hollywood blockbuster. Her pride is in telling stories of men who kiss as much as they kick ass. If you’re going to march into the depths of hell, it better be beside the one you love.
Lex is a pop culture diva, her DVR is constantly backlogged, she has intense emotions about Hannibal’s Hannigram, and unapologetically loved the ending of Lost. She wouldn’t last five minutes without technology in the event of the apocalypse and has nightmares about refusing to leave her cats behind.
She is grateful for and humbled by all the readers. She knows very well she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and welcomes feedback.
You can find her on those Facebook and Twitter things at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LXChase
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lex_Chase
Find her blog at http://lexchase.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 10, 2013
B+
These books are so much fun! I enjoyed the quirky writing style full of pop culture references and the feeling like we were running in fast forward without any filters and a sense of great of abandon. It is awesome!
This is the second installment of the Checkmate series and you will want to read the first book Pawn Takes Rook in order to really understand how great these novellas are. The story picks up a little shy of a year later and never stops.
Garth is a trip. We are told the story from his slightly manic, very emotional and always fun perspective. The only thing that moves faster than his mind is his mouth. He has a huge heart, which he wears on his sleeve. He is so achingly young, especially when he is dealing with issues with his much older lover. He has little real experience with being in love, so he’s a bit lost when trying to figure out where he stands when it comes to his place in Rook’s life. Add in the fact they are destined enemies and total opposites and you can understand how the guy would be a little nervous.
Rook is hard-edged, sexy, dominate and close mouthed. He is a hero in all ways, and while not dashing or gallant, he can’t help but try to fix things. He is a lot older than he looks and has lived through some really hard times, especially as a gay man having to hide who he really is. He has a big heart and he really wants to do right by Garth, but I don’t think he has a clue about how to tell Garth any of that.
Garth who is a ‘tell me’ me kind of guy is in love with Rook who is a ‘show ‘em’ kind of guy. Miscommunication, misunderstanding and confusion abound. They are adorable together. They are ridiculously hot together. They will crack you up. They will even get you to tear up just a smidge a time or two.
This is a very well written story with a strong plot and great emotional development. The characters are intelligent, have amazing abilities, a great deal of snark and the hot sex scenes help to move the relationship forward and give insight into who they are.
I was happily along for the ride every step of the way and was sad when it ended. I am so excited to read the next installment!
Reviewed by Nina
These books are so much fun! I enjoyed the quirky writing style full of pop culture references and the feeling like we were running in fast forward without any filters and a sense of great of abandon. It is awesome!
This is the second installment of the Checkmate series and you will want to read the first book Pawn Takes Rook in order to really understand how great these novellas are. The story picks up a little shy of a year later and never stops.
Garth is a trip. We are told the story from his slightly manic, very emotional and always fun perspective. The only thing that moves faster than his mind is his mouth. He has a huge heart, which he wears on his sleeve. He is so achingly young, especially when he is dealing with issues with his much older lover. He has little real experience with being in love, so he’s a bit lost when trying to figure out where he stands when it comes to his place in Rook’s life. Add in the fact they are destined enemies and total opposites and you can understand how the guy would be a little nervous.
Rook is hard-edged, sexy, dominate and close mouthed. He is a hero in all ways, and while not dashing or gallant, he can’t help but try to fix things. He is a lot older than he looks and has lived through some really hard times, especially as a gay man having to hide who he really is. He has a big heart and he really wants to do right by Garth, but I don’t think he has a clue about how to tell Garth any of that.
Garth who is a ‘tell me’ me kind of guy is in love with Rook who is a ‘show ‘em’ kind of guy. Miscommunication, misunderstanding and confusion abound. They are adorable together. They are ridiculously hot together. They will crack you up. They will even get you to tear up just a smidge a time or two.
This is a very well written story with a strong plot and great emotional development. The characters are intelligent, have amazing abilities, a great deal of snark and the hot sex scenes help to move the relationship forward and give insight into who they are.
I was happily along for the ride every step of the way and was sad when it ended. I am so excited to read the next installment!
Reviewed by Nina
June 17, 2017
This definitely had a comic book feel. I could almost see the panels. As such some of it was very over the top and some didn't make sense, but it was all good fun.
August 7, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Hogarth and Rook are super-duo Checkmate who are still determined to get into the Power Alliance, even with the pathetic excuses the Alliance keeps coming up with to ignore them. When Hogarth inadvertently blurts out a marriage proposal, Garth begins to realize that Rook might not be be in the same place but he can't dwell on his disappointment and insecurities because duty calls. Female contestants of Single and Super, a romantic reality show for those with superpowers, are being found in deliriously happy comas and Checkmate need to get to the bottom of it. Rook goes undercover as the bachelor looking for love and Hogarth sneaks onset as a cameraman, with emotion running high between them they discover the well laid trap they have walked into, and one of them will have to suffer a broken heart if they ever want to see reality again.
This is a great adventure in the Checkmate series where battle commences and Rook and Hogarth's relationship is tested. We start off this adventure several months after the end of Pawn Takes Rook and rejoin Hogarth and Rook as they battle crime. Hogarth hasn't changed, he is still the ever hopeful insecure man and Rook is still the strong snarly type, their relationship is still going strong although Rook is still cagey with his feelings and Hogarth is still full on with his emotions. Their new investigation into nefarious deeds takes them to the set of a reality TV show and it will test Hogarth's nerves to see women throwing themselves at Rook, but when he discovers the truth of the show he has to make hard choices.
I thought this story was brilliant, both Hogarth's and Rook's reactions are brilliant all the way through. Hogarth is so funny with his descriptions and retelling of events and he is just sooo angsty at times it is wonderful. Rook is very stoic, nothing really gets any reaction out of him but boy does Hogarth drive him to the edge. The storyline is really good with Hogarth and Rook having to take on an alternative reality, beating the bad guy and rescue all the victims but it comes at a high price. Hogarth is really put through the emotional mill as he tries to puzzle his relationship with Rook out, even his blissed out moments are tinged with angst because trying to figure out how Rook really feels will take an impossible superpower.
I recommend this to those who love strange superheroes, difficult choices, angsty moments, communication problems between lovers, spectacular rescues, some hot moments and a great ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Hogarth and Rook are super-duo Checkmate who are still determined to get into the Power Alliance, even with the pathetic excuses the Alliance keeps coming up with to ignore them. When Hogarth inadvertently blurts out a marriage proposal, Garth begins to realize that Rook might not be be in the same place but he can't dwell on his disappointment and insecurities because duty calls. Female contestants of Single and Super, a romantic reality show for those with superpowers, are being found in deliriously happy comas and Checkmate need to get to the bottom of it. Rook goes undercover as the bachelor looking for love and Hogarth sneaks onset as a cameraman, with emotion running high between them they discover the well laid trap they have walked into, and one of them will have to suffer a broken heart if they ever want to see reality again.
This is a great adventure in the Checkmate series where battle commences and Rook and Hogarth's relationship is tested. We start off this adventure several months after the end of Pawn Takes Rook and rejoin Hogarth and Rook as they battle crime. Hogarth hasn't changed, he is still the ever hopeful insecure man and Rook is still the strong snarly type, their relationship is still going strong although Rook is still cagey with his feelings and Hogarth is still full on with his emotions. Their new investigation into nefarious deeds takes them to the set of a reality TV show and it will test Hogarth's nerves to see women throwing themselves at Rook, but when he discovers the truth of the show he has to make hard choices.
I thought this story was brilliant, both Hogarth's and Rook's reactions are brilliant all the way through. Hogarth is so funny with his descriptions and retelling of events and he is just sooo angsty at times it is wonderful. Rook is very stoic, nothing really gets any reaction out of him but boy does Hogarth drive him to the edge. The storyline is really good with Hogarth and Rook having to take on an alternative reality, beating the bad guy and rescue all the victims but it comes at a high price. Hogarth is really put through the emotional mill as he tries to puzzle his relationship with Rook out, even his blissed out moments are tinged with angst because trying to figure out how Rook really feels will take an impossible superpower.
I recommend this to those who love strange superheroes, difficult choices, angsty moments, communication problems between lovers, spectacular rescues, some hot moments and a great ending.
August 10, 2013
3.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
So book two seems to have a different focus than book one. In book one all Garth wants is to be admitted into the Alliance as an official superhero. He has a good amount of hero worship for Rook and things between them kick off from there and they fight the bad guys together. Cashing the Reality Check focuses more on their relationship. There’s still the humor and the superhero bad ass stuff but I think this one was more “romance” than the first one.
Garth is a huge fan of Single and Super, a show very much like the Bachelor. YES! I’ve watched a season or two. Anyway, it’s the final night and he’s about to make his pick when something crazy attacks Garth and Rook which results in the trashing of their apartment. The heroes still have to patrol the streets so they go out and find one of the contestants from the show wandering the streets. Almost in a zombielike trance. They take her to hospital only to find a fellow superhero bringing in another woman from the show in the same condition. The fellow superhero is Pixel and she has the power to draw something and make it so. Pretty cool, right? Garth doesn’t totally trust her but she drops a bomb on them that one of the superheroes has gone rogue and doing something sinister on the set of Single and Super. To be on the show you have to be a hunky dreamboat type of guy, so Rook gets a makeover to go under cover. He tries to go it alone but Garth isn’t having it. He sneaks on set with the help of Pixel to discover the secrets hidden behind the scenes.
I really like Garth. He’s quirky, funny and I’d have to agree with Rook, intense. He goes and goes like an energizer bunny. Sometimes it’s too much but on the other hand he has some lines or comments. His thought process is fun and reading the book through his POV definitely gives it a voice. Rook is a little harder to understand but since he’s quiet and broody and we never get his POV that’s understandable. He has some very sweet moments in this book. Still tough but he’s in love for the first time in a long time and it’s always nice to see big strong men acting sweet.
We meet a new superhero named Pixel in this one and I’m kind of torn on if I like her or not. You’ll find out why when you read it. I didn’t fully grasp why the bad guy was doing what he’s doing. I would have liked a little more back round there. Also, why and how Garth’s manifested like it did in the big battle scene. The ending was very sweet. If you liked the first one you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
So book two seems to have a different focus than book one. In book one all Garth wants is to be admitted into the Alliance as an official superhero. He has a good amount of hero worship for Rook and things between them kick off from there and they fight the bad guys together. Cashing the Reality Check focuses more on their relationship. There’s still the humor and the superhero bad ass stuff but I think this one was more “romance” than the first one.
Garth is a huge fan of Single and Super, a show very much like the Bachelor. YES! I’ve watched a season or two. Anyway, it’s the final night and he’s about to make his pick when something crazy attacks Garth and Rook which results in the trashing of their apartment. The heroes still have to patrol the streets so they go out and find one of the contestants from the show wandering the streets. Almost in a zombielike trance. They take her to hospital only to find a fellow superhero bringing in another woman from the show in the same condition. The fellow superhero is Pixel and she has the power to draw something and make it so. Pretty cool, right? Garth doesn’t totally trust her but she drops a bomb on them that one of the superheroes has gone rogue and doing something sinister on the set of Single and Super. To be on the show you have to be a hunky dreamboat type of guy, so Rook gets a makeover to go under cover. He tries to go it alone but Garth isn’t having it. He sneaks on set with the help of Pixel to discover the secrets hidden behind the scenes.
I really like Garth. He’s quirky, funny and I’d have to agree with Rook, intense. He goes and goes like an energizer bunny. Sometimes it’s too much but on the other hand he has some lines or comments. His thought process is fun and reading the book through his POV definitely gives it a voice. Rook is a little harder to understand but since he’s quiet and broody and we never get his POV that’s understandable. He has some very sweet moments in this book. Still tough but he’s in love for the first time in a long time and it’s always nice to see big strong men acting sweet.
We meet a new superhero named Pixel in this one and I’m kind of torn on if I like her or not. You’ll find out why when you read it. I didn’t fully grasp why the bad guy was doing what he’s doing. I would have liked a little more back round there. Also, why and how Garth’s manifested like it did in the big battle scene. The ending was very sweet. If you liked the first one you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
August 24, 2013
Please leave comments on Lucky's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
When we last saw our intrepid heroes, Garth had died, only to be saved by Memphis Rook’s incredible power (the one that each time he uses it costs him a year of life). They became a couple, much to the chagrin of Garth’s former boyfriend (who called him Ho…god, how I hated Captain Douche…I mean Chivalry). It turned out that Chivalry had plans of his own that involved Garth and let’s just say they weren’t conducive to Garth’s continued health. At the end of the book, Chivalry did something no one expected and Garth walked off into the sunset with Rook, only to learn there were new challenges that waited for them. Well, they’re back and bigger and badder than ever.
In book 2 of the Checkmate series, Lex Chase gives our boys the workout in both the relationship department and the superhero department when they have to investigate why beautiful women are turning up shriveled and drained after they’ve appeared on the show. Lex Chase created an incredible world with these guys and takes it one step farther when they have to leave this reality to go to another one in order to save both.
The villains are insanier (I know it’s not a word. Sue me.) The heroes are way more heroic. We meet Pixel (who I have to admit, has one of the coolest powers in like ever!), Garth finally steps up and learns more about who he really is and his place in the world. Despite what it costs him. I’ve got to say, the end of this story? One of the best scenes I’ve read in a very long time.
Will good triumph over evil once again? If so, what will the cost be? And what happens when in the finale, Pawn really does take Rook?
When we last saw our intrepid heroes, Garth had died, only to be saved by Memphis Rook’s incredible power (the one that each time he uses it costs him a year of life). They became a couple, much to the chagrin of Garth’s former boyfriend (who called him Ho…god, how I hated Captain Douche…I mean Chivalry). It turned out that Chivalry had plans of his own that involved Garth and let’s just say they weren’t conducive to Garth’s continued health. At the end of the book, Chivalry did something no one expected and Garth walked off into the sunset with Rook, only to learn there were new challenges that waited for them. Well, they’re back and bigger and badder than ever.
In book 2 of the Checkmate series, Lex Chase gives our boys the workout in both the relationship department and the superhero department when they have to investigate why beautiful women are turning up shriveled and drained after they’ve appeared on the show. Lex Chase created an incredible world with these guys and takes it one step farther when they have to leave this reality to go to another one in order to save both.
The villains are insanier (I know it’s not a word. Sue me.) The heroes are way more heroic. We meet Pixel (who I have to admit, has one of the coolest powers in like ever!), Garth finally steps up and learns more about who he really is and his place in the world. Despite what it costs him. I’ve got to say, the end of this story? One of the best scenes I’ve read in a very long time.
Will good triumph over evil once again? If so, what will the cost be? And what happens when in the finale, Pawn really does take Rook?
August 27, 2013
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Lex Chase’s Cashing the Reality Check, second in the Pawn Takes Rook series. The book is set in a quirky alternate reality where superheroes (and supervillains) are a common commodity. The two protagonists have superpowers derived in part from their creation as opposite sets of chess pieces. Having a basic knowledge of chess comes in handy when reading this series. I found the numerous references to current memes, song lyrics, and pop culture to be fun (Google is helpful for those of us who disdain hipsterness). Cashing reminds me of a nongraphic graphic novel, with the characters mostly all caricatures, but that is part of the fun. Sometimes one of the heroes, Garth, gets a little shrill, but he comes through in a pinch, so that balances out. Chasing the Reality Check has a very satisfactory ending, so if the author does not continue the story arc, the novel does not leave one hanging (which is a pet peeve of mine). I would have enjoyed a little more backstory, especially for the major secondary characters. While I tend to prefer plot-driven novels, I like enough character development that they don’t seem two dimensional. Still, a very fun read, making me LOL several times.
January 9, 2015
So. I'm going to try my best to explain how I felt about this book. Ahem.
Have you ever read a book that started off...fine? Like, "this is funny, lol" or "oh, that's cute". But, it doesn't really grip you? I mean, it's a good story but your earth isn't really shattered? And you're reading along and halfway through you're like, "hmm...this isn't amazing but I like it". So then you're 3/4 of the way and you're like "yeah, this book is a solid 3 stars. Not bad but it could be better". And then BLAM. The author hits you with and ending that RIPS OUT YOUR HEART AND DOES THE MACARENA WITH IT. It's such a perfectly happy ending that you can't see through your happy tears? It is everything you have been waiting for from the main character and the perfect words are said? And not the same words everyone else says but completely perfect for this book? Yeah? Good. Because that was a fantastic feeling.
Have you ever read a book that started off...fine? Like, "this is funny, lol" or "oh, that's cute". But, it doesn't really grip you? I mean, it's a good story but your earth isn't really shattered? And you're reading along and halfway through you're like, "hmm...this isn't amazing but I like it". So then you're 3/4 of the way and you're like "yeah, this book is a solid 3 stars. Not bad but it could be better". And then BLAM. The author hits you with and ending that RIPS OUT YOUR HEART AND DOES THE MACARENA WITH IT. It's such a perfectly happy ending that you can't see through your happy tears? It is everything you have been waiting for from the main character and the perfect words are said? And not the same words everyone else says but completely perfect for this book? Yeah? Good. Because that was a fantastic feeling.
August 19, 2013
3.75 stars
January 13, 2015
*sigh* the very end of this book is perfection. I added a whole star for it.
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