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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
168 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
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
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.**
November 17, 2025
4.5 so cute! I love seeing old characters
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!!!!!
November 28, 2025
Cute book I liked seeing the holt/carter family again
January 1, 2026
Really sweet 💜
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.
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.”
November 18, 2025
ARC Review
Chess Not Checkers
Annah Conwell
5/5 stars
Publication date: out now!
Is there anything Annah Conwell can’t write? I loved this closed door college romance! Jasmine is finding her own way after leaving for college determined to make her family proud. She decides to join chess club only to discover the beloved quarterback, Shepherd Kingsley is also a chess player. Is Shepherd the arrogant football player Jasmine thinks he is or is there more than meets the eye?
Annah has truly mastered the art of swoon without the spice to the point that I was so excited that their knees touched while sitting next to each other (iykyk!). I loved the found family aspect of this book and how the characters truly complimented each other. It’s fun if you have read But He’s a Carter Brother series to recognize other characters but definitely not needed to enjoy as a standalone! Can’t wait for the next book!
I highly recommend this book! You can find it on kindle unlimited 🎉
Chess Not Checkers
Annah Conwell
5/5 stars
Publication date: out now!
Is there anything Annah Conwell can’t write? I loved this closed door college romance! Jasmine is finding her own way after leaving for college determined to make her family proud. She decides to join chess club only to discover the beloved quarterback, Shepherd Kingsley is also a chess player. Is Shepherd the arrogant football player Jasmine thinks he is or is there more than meets the eye?
Annah has truly mastered the art of swoon without the spice to the point that I was so excited that their knees touched while sitting next to each other (iykyk!). I loved the found family aspect of this book and how the characters truly complimented each other. It’s fun if you have read But He’s a Carter Brother series to recognize other characters but definitely not needed to enjoy as a standalone! Can’t wait for the next book!
I highly recommend this book! You can find it on kindle unlimited 🎉
November 13, 2025
Annah Conwell knocks it completely out of the park with her college romance debut! (someone give me a football term idk sports)
I’m like 100% serious when i say that though, this book was fantastic, the yearning, the tension, the chemistry, THE BANTER?!? INSANE!!!
Shepard and Jasmine were everything and more, so adorable, i literally can’t with them, i was GIGGLING the entire time no joke, i love them so much. And the vulnerability was so sweet, and they shared things with each and i ate it up.
I really adored the college background for this, i feel like it’s so rare to get good clean college romances and she delivered sooo well with this one.
This book had be shouting GIRLHOOD at least 10 times! I love girls! I loved the friendships so much and i’m hyped for their books!!!
Also, the cameos were fantastic i miss all my babies from the Carter fam!
And omg “Yes chef” “Not a chef” “YET” KILLS ME
I’m like 100% serious when i say that though, this book was fantastic, the yearning, the tension, the chemistry, THE BANTER?!? INSANE!!!
Shepard and Jasmine were everything and more, so adorable, i literally can’t with them, i was GIGGLING the entire time no joke, i love them so much. And the vulnerability was so sweet, and they shared things with each and i ate it up.
I really adored the college background for this, i feel like it’s so rare to get good clean college romances and she delivered sooo well with this one.
This book had be shouting GIRLHOOD at least 10 times! I love girls! I loved the friendships so much and i’m hyped for their books!!!
Also, the cameos were fantastic i miss all my babies from the Carter fam!
And omg “Yes chef” “Not a chef” “YET” KILLS ME
November 18, 2025
4.5 Stars! 🏈🍂
After reading the entire But He's a Carter Brother series in a weekend, I was surprised (and thrilled) to discover Annah was soon releasing a fall-themed book about characters from that series! Of course, I picked up the book on the morning it released and sped through it! This book was so perfectly fall; it felt like drinking a cinnamon latte and eating pumpkin chocolate chip muffins (if you know, you know).
As for the story itself, it was cute and deep in a way only Annah Conwell can write! Both of the main characters had vivid personalities and interests unrelated to the love story, which I always love to see. The chess and cooking scenes were so cute. I also smiled over the roommates' friendship dynamic, and can't wait for Marigold's book to release in the spring.
With all that said, if you like football, chess, cooking, and/or cute romance, check out this book! If you're a Taylor Swift fan, think of it like the football lyrics of TTPD's "The Alchemy" with the melody of Speak Now's "Long Live".
🏈 Rivals-to-Lovers
🍂 Forbidden Love
🏈 Found Family
🍂 Baker FMC + Athlete MMC
🏈 Nicknames
🍂 Past Character Cameos
After reading the entire But He's a Carter Brother series in a weekend, I was surprised (and thrilled) to discover Annah was soon releasing a fall-themed book about characters from that series! Of course, I picked up the book on the morning it released and sped through it! This book was so perfectly fall; it felt like drinking a cinnamon latte and eating pumpkin chocolate chip muffins (if you know, you know).
As for the story itself, it was cute and deep in a way only Annah Conwell can write! Both of the main characters had vivid personalities and interests unrelated to the love story, which I always love to see. The chess and cooking scenes were so cute. I also smiled over the roommates' friendship dynamic, and can't wait for Marigold's book to release in the spring.
With all that said, if you like football, chess, cooking, and/or cute romance, check out this book! If you're a Taylor Swift fan, think of it like the football lyrics of TTPD's "The Alchemy" with the melody of Speak Now's "Long Live".
🏈 Rivals-to-Lovers
🍂 Forbidden Love
🏈 Found Family
🍂 Baker FMC + Athlete MMC
🏈 Nicknames
🍂 Past Character Cameos
November 20, 2025
Chess Not Checkers absolutely stole my heart!
If you love rivals-to-lovers, college vibes, and closed-door romance with tons of chemistry, this one needs to be on your TBR ASAP.
Jasmine and Shepherd had me hooked from their very first snarky, competitive, button-pushing interaction. Shepard trying to outrun his brother’s legacy and Jasmine trying to carry her family’s expectations brought so much emotional depth to this story without ever making it heavy.
I adore a romcom with strong friendships, and the roommate dynamics in this book were perfection. The girl gang feels like a real found family, and now I’m counting down the days for future books—Marigold, I’m looking at you!
The campus atmosphere, the flirty pet names, the chess matches (aka foreplay), and the supportive side characters—everything worked together to make this story completely addictive. Annah created a world I didn’t want to leave.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
If you love rivals-to-lovers, college vibes, and closed-door romance with tons of chemistry, this one needs to be on your TBR ASAP.
Jasmine and Shepherd had me hooked from their very first snarky, competitive, button-pushing interaction. Shepard trying to outrun his brother’s legacy and Jasmine trying to carry her family’s expectations brought so much emotional depth to this story without ever making it heavy.
I adore a romcom with strong friendships, and the roommate dynamics in this book were perfection. The girl gang feels like a real found family, and now I’m counting down the days for future books—Marigold, I’m looking at you!
The campus atmosphere, the flirty pet names, the chess matches (aka foreplay), and the supportive side characters—everything worked together to make this story completely addictive. Annah created a world I didn’t want to leave.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2026
this book was so so cute!! i loved jasmine and shepards relationship and i loved jasmines roommates as well. saylor reminds me of sloane from the naturals and i loved marigold, she was so iconic and i can’t wait for her and jamesons book because i know it’s gonna be so freaking good. i don’t really have an opinion on aurora bc she didn’t say much but when she did it was always so out of pocket and funny making me like her. all in all i really liked this book and can’t wait for the next one!
November 2, 2025
I LOVED this book! Jasmin and Shepherd were the perfect characters to write a spinoff about, combining characters from 2 different series, But He’s a Carter Brother and More Than a Game. I loved their banter and chemistry from the beginning. I laughed, I cried (yep, it hit some tough topics of acceptance and being enough and family), and I swooned. The cameos from the Carter family was like seeing family again after a long time away. I missed them. ❤️ Now for a new generation of friends to find love; I can’t wait to read about Marigold next.
November 9, 2025
I love all of Annah's stories. They are just so gorgeous. I am excited for this whole series so I can share it with my teens. The characters are obviously younger than I usually read but I loved every second of it. This family!!! It's just like coming home.
Brilliant, I feel so lucky to be part of Annah's ARC team.
Brilliant, I feel so lucky to be part of Annah's ARC team.
November 24, 2025
Very cute. 4.5⭐️ excited for the next in the series
November 30, 2025
Super cute! I loved the younger characters and the college setting.
December 9, 2025
Yes. This is exactly what I’m looking for in a easy cheesy rom com! The banter and the butterflies are so good. Annah Conwell’s first kiss scenes are perfection every single time.
January 6, 2026
4.5⭐️ Really sweet
January 9, 2026
i liked this book! it was cute and sweet and fun! i liked the characters and thought it was totally worth the read
November 15, 2025
RomCom University’s first installment had me in my feels. It was so fun to see glimpses of beloved characters from previous books, but I equally enjoyed seeing Jasmine and Shepherd’s story develop. The pressure to perform at your best all the time is a familiar feeling. There’s also something about a rivals to more romance— I can’t get enough! I loved the academia vibes for the nostalgia, and I loved the found family vibes from Jasmine and her roommates. Annah delivers another fantastic romcom full of heart, laughter, and swoon, and I am so excited to see all the roommates’ stories unfold as well.
November 18, 2025
4.5 because i like the side characters better. i think the other books have more potential than this one, still loved it thought. it ate
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October 30, 2025IM SO EXCITED TO READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 13, 2025
I absolutely adore Shepherd & Jasmine's fiery, caring, sweet, hopeful, heartbreaking, loving swoony happily ever after!!
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