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Checkmate: Book One in the Villainous Games Series
Katerina “Kaye” Grace isn’t ready to die. As “Checkmate,” her powers of energy manifestation and manipulation earned powerful enemies–including Charade, whose touch contains both intoxicating pleasure and lethal control.
When Checkmate is captured by the Confederation for Citizen Protection, a powerful anti-superhero organization, Charade is the last person she expects to save her. Now, a guest in Charade’s world of cat and mouse games and forbidden temptations, she is thrust into a city she never knew existed. One of corruption and sin, with assassins and CCP sympathizers hunting in the shadows. Kaye is willing to pay with her life to save her city, and with it her soul.
Zane Maxwell is dead–at least he’s supposed to be. He lost everything the night he saw the woman he loved die on the banks of the New Malcolm River. From those ashes, Charade was born and with him a darkness Zane struggles daily to control. A darkness that demands not only justice, but retribution.
It was impossible with Checkmate in the way. His fierce adversary, whose fiery opposition makes his blood sing. His enemies made her their hero, someone Zane desired as much as loathed, then broke her. Luckily for her, she’s the perfect key to his revenge. But the woman behind the mask is more enticing than he ever could have dreamed, and there’s no game he loves more than pushing her buttons. As they close in on their target and the monster within him is unleashed, he’ll have to decide if vengeance is worth sacrificing the nemesis who stole his heart.
When Checkmate is captured by the Confederation for Citizen Protection, a powerful anti-superhero organization, Charade is the last person she expects to save her. Now, a guest in Charade’s world of cat and mouse games and forbidden temptations, she is thrust into a city she never knew existed. One of corruption and sin, with assassins and CCP sympathizers hunting in the shadows. Kaye is willing to pay with her life to save her city, and with it her soul.
Zane Maxwell is dead–at least he’s supposed to be. He lost everything the night he saw the woman he loved die on the banks of the New Malcolm River. From those ashes, Charade was born and with him a darkness Zane struggles daily to control. A darkness that demands not only justice, but retribution.
It was impossible with Checkmate in the way. His fierce adversary, whose fiery opposition makes his blood sing. His enemies made her their hero, someone Zane desired as much as loathed, then broke her. Luckily for her, she’s the perfect key to his revenge. But the woman behind the mask is more enticing than he ever could have dreamed, and there’s no game he loves more than pushing her buttons. As they close in on their target and the monster within him is unleashed, he’ll have to decide if vengeance is worth sacrificing the nemesis who stole his heart.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 19, 2026
Checkmate, oh Checkmate, where do we even begin!? For starters, Anna Natalie’s writing is chef’s kiss, smooth like butter, truly poetic in essence. “When the sun sets, the water blazes with it, and majesty of the sunrise over the skyline steals my breath.” Baby, if that ain’t poetry, march me back to school. I haven’t read good writing like this is quite some time, it’s refreshing. The way in which she describes everything down to even the air; it just truly makes you feel like you are right there, picturing everything that’s happening, seeing it perfectly. It’s magnificent. I even had to stop & reread a few paragraphs, to truly take a small pause, just to admire how amazing this writing is. “Energy is kinetic, vital, alive, and it is in all things. It stills only when I harvest it.” Beautifully written. Another thing I love about this book is the diverse cast of characters, not only in race but in sexuality too, *hands are clapping*. She also wrote with dual perspectives, god do I love when an author does that. Enemies to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes, mix in a slow burn, sprinkle in some good ol’ tension and boy does this book takes you exactly where you wanna go! The FMC & MMC, perfect match. The spicy scene is EVERYTHING we needed! HOT! HOT! HOT! The twists, the surprises, the turns in this book…… oooooo, I cannot recommend this book enough, truly beyond a five star read for me! It wasn’t just a book about superhero/supervillain, it was so much deeper. Real life scenarios, questioning what is right & wrong, forgiveness of thyself & of others. Are we all monsters? Heros & Villains live in every human being, we get to determine everyday who we wanna become, who we want to continue to be. Will you take the hero’s path or the villain’s!? “If this is hell, what a delicious way to burn.” I cannot wait to see where this story goes, because of course, in true author fashion, she ended on a cliffhanger! It just makes me hunger for the second book even more, I need it….yesterday! Like Checkmate says, “Patience is a virtue I never possessed.” Because girl, same!
March 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author!
Checkmate offers you a world where the “villain” makes you first go: “hear me out” and then, “hear HIM out”.
Following our main and adorably sassy character Kaye (aka Checkmate), we’re introduced to a world where a troubled city full of villains and heroes struggle with the drug Rose. New Malcolm houses so many dangers, and who knew that Kaye’s arch nemesis, Charade (also known as Zane), was looking to fix it…with her help? Set with a delicious enemies to lovers concept, we get to see two people absolutely entranced with one another finally come to terms with their feelings and learn to trust one another to save their city from the life-ruining drug Rose.
Spice level: 3/5 (the perfect kind of in-between with a great balance of spice, romance, and plot)
Brownie points: The plot twists are my favorite kind and I welcome you to experience them for yourself. (No, I won’t spoil it.) I’m not one who likes the high fantasy books. The kind where it’s HEAVY world building and hard to follow and understand. Natalie offers the perfect level of world building that it was easy to follow along and left me satisfied when I finished the book, so that right there is probably my most favorite thing about this. We need more books like this!!!
Checkmate offers you a world where the “villain” makes you first go: “hear me out” and then, “hear HIM out”.
Following our main and adorably sassy character Kaye (aka Checkmate), we’re introduced to a world where a troubled city full of villains and heroes struggle with the drug Rose. New Malcolm houses so many dangers, and who knew that Kaye’s arch nemesis, Charade (also known as Zane), was looking to fix it…with her help? Set with a delicious enemies to lovers concept, we get to see two people absolutely entranced with one another finally come to terms with their feelings and learn to trust one another to save their city from the life-ruining drug Rose.
Spice level: 3/5 (the perfect kind of in-between with a great balance of spice, romance, and plot)
Brownie points: The plot twists are my favorite kind and I welcome you to experience them for yourself. (No, I won’t spoil it.) I’m not one who likes the high fantasy books. The kind where it’s HEAVY world building and hard to follow and understand. Natalie offers the perfect level of world building that it was easy to follow along and left me satisfied when I finished the book, so that right there is probably my most favorite thing about this. We need more books like this!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“No monster is born on its own.”
“Checkmate” is super (pun intended), sassy, and spicy.
When checkmate is purchased from a superhero auction house by her arch nemesis, she never would have dreamed the next several months would unfold like they do. No one is who she thought they were… except the cat.
A thorough exploration of superhero (and villain) origins riddled with family trauma, heroic exploits, and tragic accidents. Strong elements of the duality of good and evils.
A couple spots were harder to follow but still a wonderful read that I think holds great things in the rest of the series. Oh my gosh, the ending of this was superb! I’m ready for book two.
“Checkmate” is super (pun intended), sassy, and spicy.
When checkmate is purchased from a superhero auction house by her arch nemesis, she never would have dreamed the next several months would unfold like they do. No one is who she thought they were… except the cat.
A thorough exploration of superhero (and villain) origins riddled with family trauma, heroic exploits, and tragic accidents. Strong elements of the duality of good and evils.
A couple spots were harder to follow but still a wonderful read that I think holds great things in the rest of the series. Oh my gosh, the ending of this was superb! I’m ready for book two.
March 21, 2026
I love a good superhero story! This book has it all; superhero, super villain, and humans! Enemies to lovers? YES, PLEASE! The beginning was slightly confusing for me but I quickly became engrossed in the story. Author Anne Natalie describes details so well, such as how the air feels around the characters and the smells in the air. I felt like I was there in person.
“No one ever tells you how loud fire is.” 🔥
Wait! Who is saving who here?? And that ending? Girl! How long must we wait?
“No one ever tells you how loud fire is.” 🔥
Wait! Who is saving who here?? And that ending? Girl! How long must we wait?
March 28, 2026
Wow! A masterpiece!! I was addicted from the beginning!! This was a fun superhero/villian read! It left me wanting more! Can’t wait!!! Great read and highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4.25 ⭐
This was not only my first introduction into the genre of dark romance, but it also was my first superhero/villain read and I absolutely LOVED it. Natalie's debut work has a dual POV that is shared between our two MCs, Checkmate (Kaye) and Charade (Zane). We follow our superhero who slowly fades from the public eye after her mysterious disappearance and we get to explore the darker side of New Malcolm once she is forced into close proximity with her nemesis, Charade.
It was really nice to get snippets of their pasts leading up to the present day (similar to a prologue but actually starting in chapter one to aid in the buildup) and then to continue that method of showing not telling during intense moments. All of the characters - main and side characters - had such differing powers with no two being the exact same even if the methods of usage were similar, which really added depth to the story and made me excited every time we met a new Super (someone with powers). Each character also played such an important role within the story which made them all stand out instead of fading into the background, so I hope we keep seeing them throughout the series!
The tension and attraction between Charade and Checkmate was intense, especially with the push and pull as they try to fight the growing feelings due to their long standing rivalry. Natalie built up the romance in such a slow but teasing way that leads to such a beautiful connection built on trusting each other and mutual understanding. The spice was tasteful and not overboard which I was worried about at first when I got the book.
I loved the plot twist towards the end because I didn't see it coming! What occurred made me feel like the whole world flipped upside down and there is a new set of rules to our characters that will have to be learned in the sequel which I'm so excited to dive into. Natalie definitely blurs the lines between villains and heroes and leaves you questioning how you view each side. It also makes you wonder what classifies somebody as a hero or villain. As for that cliffhanger.. I need the next book PRONTO!
Thank you so much to Anne for allowing me to read this ahead of its release!
This was not only my first introduction into the genre of dark romance, but it also was my first superhero/villain read and I absolutely LOVED it. Natalie's debut work has a dual POV that is shared between our two MCs, Checkmate (Kaye) and Charade (Zane). We follow our superhero who slowly fades from the public eye after her mysterious disappearance and we get to explore the darker side of New Malcolm once she is forced into close proximity with her nemesis, Charade.
It was really nice to get snippets of their pasts leading up to the present day (similar to a prologue but actually starting in chapter one to aid in the buildup) and then to continue that method of showing not telling during intense moments. All of the characters - main and side characters - had such differing powers with no two being the exact same even if the methods of usage were similar, which really added depth to the story and made me excited every time we met a new Super (someone with powers). Each character also played such an important role within the story which made them all stand out instead of fading into the background, so I hope we keep seeing them throughout the series!
The tension and attraction between Charade and Checkmate was intense, especially with the push and pull as they try to fight the growing feelings due to their long standing rivalry. Natalie built up the romance in such a slow but teasing way that leads to such a beautiful connection built on trusting each other and mutual understanding. The spice was tasteful and not overboard which I was worried about at first when I got the book.
I loved the plot twist towards the end because I didn't see it coming! What occurred made me feel like the whole world flipped upside down and there is a new set of rules to our characters that will have to be learned in the sequel which I'm so excited to dive into. Natalie definitely blurs the lines between villains and heroes and leaves you questioning how you view each side. It also makes you wonder what classifies somebody as a hero or villain. As for that cliffhanger.. I need the next book PRONTO!
Thank you so much to Anne for allowing me to read this ahead of its release!
March 28, 2026
"Patience is a virtue I never posessed."
This was my first foray into Superhero 'dark romance', which I will admit I wasn't aware was a thing.
Checkmate will keep you wanting to go back for more. I found myself going back to re-read passages, not because I had to but because I wanted to. The story is experienced in dual POV between our heroine Checkmate (aka Kaye) and her enemy Charade (aka Zane). What follows is a story that makes you rethink hero vs villain, good vs evil. This is a story full of twist and surprises as Checkmate finds herself working with Charade to save their city, New Malcolm.
Anne Natalie has a way of writing, of weaving a story so descriptive it makes you almost feel as if you are there. As if you are experiencing the city. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and suit up to experience the world yet again.
“The person you loved doesn’t exist anymore. You made sure of that. And I might find her again someday, when I get back all the pieces you stole from me. Only then will I know if I can forgive you or not, but until then you will keep your distance.”
This was my first foray into Superhero 'dark romance', which I will admit I wasn't aware was a thing.
Checkmate will keep you wanting to go back for more. I found myself going back to re-read passages, not because I had to but because I wanted to. The story is experienced in dual POV between our heroine Checkmate (aka Kaye) and her enemy Charade (aka Zane). What follows is a story that makes you rethink hero vs villain, good vs evil. This is a story full of twist and surprises as Checkmate finds herself working with Charade to save their city, New Malcolm.
Anne Natalie has a way of writing, of weaving a story so descriptive it makes you almost feel as if you are there. As if you are experiencing the city. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and suit up to experience the world yet again.
“The person you loved doesn’t exist anymore. You made sure of that. And I might find her again someday, when I get back all the pieces you stole from me. Only then will I know if I can forgive you or not, but until then you will keep your distance.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from author.
Enemies to lovers! A fantasy book that is DARK and SPICY!!!! If you enjoy being able to read a story from both the MPV and the FPV i think you will enjoy this book!
I found this book to be an engaging and enjoyable read that exceeded my expectations, especially as my first superhero-and-villain story. Throughout the book you will come across amazing character development and substantial world building. There is a classic element of ‘ he rescued her and they fall for each other’. I loved the found family dynamic and the strong” touch him/her and die’ energy that added intensity to the relationships. The story presents good and evil in a more complex way, and the plot twist- especially near the end- kept me hooked. The characters and emotional elements, including some romance, added depth, even through i was left with a few questions. Overall, it was a compelling read that made me excited to see what happens next!!!!!
Available on March 21, 2026!
Enemies to lovers! A fantasy book that is DARK and SPICY!!!! If you enjoy being able to read a story from both the MPV and the FPV i think you will enjoy this book!
I found this book to be an engaging and enjoyable read that exceeded my expectations, especially as my first superhero-and-villain story. Throughout the book you will come across amazing character development and substantial world building. There is a classic element of ‘ he rescued her and they fall for each other’. I loved the found family dynamic and the strong” touch him/her and die’ energy that added intensity to the relationships. The story presents good and evil in a more complex way, and the plot twist- especially near the end- kept me hooked. The characters and emotional elements, including some romance, added depth, even through i was left with a few questions. Overall, it was a compelling read that made me excited to see what happens next!!!!!
Available on March 21, 2026!
March 21, 2026
Tense, clever, and emotionally layered.
Checkmate by Anne Natalie is a compelling romance that blends emotional tension with a strategic, almost game-like dynamic between the characters. The story explores power, control, and vulnerability, showing how relationships can sometimes feel like a careful balance between winning and losing.
What stands out is the push-and-pull between the characters. Their interactions are charged with tension, making every moment feel intentional and meaningful. As the story unfolds, layers of emotion and motivation are revealed, adding depth to both the romance and the conflict.
The narrative keeps you engaged by balancing emotional stakes with the idea of strategy—where every choice has consequences. The characters’ journeys reflect growth, self-awareness, and the realization that not everything can be controlled.
Overall, Checkmate is an engaging and emotionally driven read that combines romance with psychological tension and thoughtful character development.
Checkmate by Anne Natalie is a compelling romance that blends emotional tension with a strategic, almost game-like dynamic between the characters. The story explores power, control, and vulnerability, showing how relationships can sometimes feel like a careful balance between winning and losing.
What stands out is the push-and-pull between the characters. Their interactions are charged with tension, making every moment feel intentional and meaningful. As the story unfolds, layers of emotion and motivation are revealed, adding depth to both the romance and the conflict.
The narrative keeps you engaged by balancing emotional stakes with the idea of strategy—where every choice has consequences. The characters’ journeys reflect growth, self-awareness, and the realization that not everything can be controlled.
Overall, Checkmate is an engaging and emotionally driven read that combines romance with psychological tension and thoughtful character development.
March 24, 2026
Checkmate by Anne Natalie delivers a fun, twisty take on a superhero world where not everything is as it seems.
Checkmate is a local hero in a city full of supers, while Charade plays the role of the villain—but when Charade unexpectedly saves Checkmate, the lines between hero and villain begin to blur. As the two are forced to work together to take down the mysterious “C,” the story unfolds into a mix of mystery, tension, and surprising alliances.
This book had a strong hook, and the twist at the end completely elevated the experience for me—it’s one of those moments that makes you rethink everything that came before.
There’s definitely some spice (I’d call it about 🌶️🌶️🌶️), along with a solid balance of action and intrigue. I do wish we had gotten a bit more character development early on, especially with Checkmate and Charade’s dynamic, but honestly it left me wanting more—in the best way. I would absolutely read a prequel exploring their backstory.
Overall, a really enjoyable read with a payoff that makes it worth sticking through to the end.
Checkmate is a local hero in a city full of supers, while Charade plays the role of the villain—but when Charade unexpectedly saves Checkmate, the lines between hero and villain begin to blur. As the two are forced to work together to take down the mysterious “C,” the story unfolds into a mix of mystery, tension, and surprising alliances.
This book had a strong hook, and the twist at the end completely elevated the experience for me—it’s one of those moments that makes you rethink everything that came before.
There’s definitely some spice (I’d call it about 🌶️🌶️🌶️), along with a solid balance of action and intrigue. I do wish we had gotten a bit more character development early on, especially with Checkmate and Charade’s dynamic, but honestly it left me wanting more—in the best way. I would absolutely read a prequel exploring their backstory.
Overall, a really enjoyable read with a payoff that makes it worth sticking through to the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this is my first superheros and villians book, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. The lines aren't as defined as you think when it comes to good and evil in Checkmate. This story centers on the hero Checkmate and the villian Charade. But everything is not what it seems and new truths come to light the more you read. Checkmate (Kaye) and Charade (Zane) have an amazing game of cat and mouse going that I am so excited to follow into the next book.
Also, there is an insane twist towards the end that I NEVER saw coming. And I am usually good at figuring out book patterns. I applaud Anne for that one because oh boy is it a doozy. I really liked the names of the heros too. Not too cheesy but still fit in as a power descriptor. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Also, there is an insane twist towards the end that I NEVER saw coming. And I am usually good at figuring out book patterns. I applaud Anne for that one because oh boy is it a doozy. I really liked the names of the heros too. Not too cheesy but still fit in as a power descriptor. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a dark fantasy book with a little bit of spice. It is a very good book and very well written. Good world building and character development.
We are in world where superheroes actually exist.
Checkmate is a hero who tries to do everything to throw of the villains.
Charade is a villain who is trying to stop a drug he helped create.
Checkmate and Charade are enemies who always fight whenever they are around each other. Checkmate does wat she can to stop Charade. Charade is trying to fix stuff tht he messed up but she keeps getting in the way.
He ends up rescuing her and kidnaps her. She starts to see things differently and then decides after a lot of other stuff to help him.
They fall in love and its beautiful and true enemies to lovers troupe. Some really bad things happen and things get ruined. Nothing is the same for Checkmate but Charade thinks he can help her....we shall see. im so rdy to see qat happens next.
We are in world where superheroes actually exist.
Checkmate is a hero who tries to do everything to throw of the villains.
Charade is a villain who is trying to stop a drug he helped create.
Checkmate and Charade are enemies who always fight whenever they are around each other. Checkmate does wat she can to stop Charade. Charade is trying to fix stuff tht he messed up but she keeps getting in the way.
He ends up rescuing her and kidnaps her. She starts to see things differently and then decides after a lot of other stuff to help him.
They fall in love and its beautiful and true enemies to lovers troupe. Some really bad things happen and things get ruined. Nothing is the same for Checkmate but Charade thinks he can help her....we shall see. im so rdy to see qat happens next.
April 3, 2026
“I’m your villain, Checkmate. Only yours.”
This book is giving reverse-gender Dark Knight Rises but make it smutty. It’s superheroes and villains. It’s right and wrong. But mostly, it’s not knowing which is which. It doesn't hand feed you the story, it gives you the pieces and lets you put the puzzle together. It reads like a comic book turned romance novel. It’s emotional, chaotic, and beautiful. The burn is slow but get ready to melt in the spice when it finally hits. Cliffhanger? Kind of. Devastating? Only a little.
This book is giving reverse-gender Dark Knight Rises but make it smutty. It’s superheroes and villains. It’s right and wrong. But mostly, it’s not knowing which is which. It doesn't hand feed you the story, it gives you the pieces and lets you put the puzzle together. It reads like a comic book turned romance novel. It’s emotional, chaotic, and beautiful. The burn is slow but get ready to melt in the spice when it finally hits. Cliffhanger? Kind of. Devastating? Only a little.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enemies to lovers is one of my fav tropes.
And when I get both POV that is an extra bonus.
Dark fantasy with spice and the fact that superheroes are real!!! Yes I said superheroes are REAL!! But so are villains!
A true superhero & villain story!
The names are amazing Checkmate & Charade - how stinking cute.
I hate that there is a HEA, well at least in this book. Maybe in the next book?
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And when I get both POV that is an extra bonus.
Dark fantasy with spice and the fact that superheroes are real!!! Yes I said superheroes are REAL!! But so are villains!
A true superhero & villain story!
The names are amazing Checkmate & Charade - how stinking cute.
I hate that there is a HEA, well at least in this book. Maybe in the next book?
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Anne's writing is a poetic essence. Had me gripped from chapter 1. We have the beginnings of enemies to lovers, possessiveness, diversity in all ways. It has hints of DC and Marvel in the ways of Super heroes and villains. The questions tho......which path will you choose? Who can you trust? Can you even trust yourself?
Elements of high fantasy but not hard to follow. Great world building and character development. The plot twist ..... chef's kiss
Can't wait for book 2
Elements of high fantasy but not hard to follow. Great world building and character development. The plot twist ..... chef's kiss
Can't wait for book 2
March 24, 2026
Ohhh my oh my! What a read! These superhero vs villain vibes are definitely top tier!! Checkmate & Charade's relationship is intense and so very well written. And who doesn't love an epic enemies to lovers?! I cannot wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn’t put this book down! Checkmate and Charade exploded my world and I’m here for it! I’m obsessed!! Forget the hero, I’ll take the villain!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So much fun packed into this story! So much betrayal and lust. I couldn't stop reading this. I loved the superhero and villain theme. The plot progressed with intriguing worldbuilding.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a good book. Could not put it down
March 29, 2026
Fabulous read!!!! cant wait for the rest of this series!!!! Great characters, fun ride into good vs evil and the many shades of Grey in-between. Anne writes characters that bring you on a journey and then makes you question your choices; in the best way possible. real characters you love, who have many sides and facets, whose choices, just like in life, build them into the characters they are.
April 22, 2026
Such a good read! Enemies to lovers is my bread and butter so I ate this up! The characters are very relatable and the world is easy to fall into and get lost. Can't wait to read the next one!
May 5, 2026
Superhero romantasy? Need I say more? ❤️🔥
This was such a fun read! I wouldn't call this your typical "enemies-to-lovers"—it felt more like two people desperately wanting to be each other’s nemesis, even though the instant attraction was undeniable.
The first half does a fantastic job developing their relationship and exploring all that tension. But then, Anne Natalie takes the plot and it soars! I did not see that ending coming at all. 🤯
How could youuuuu
I keep wondering where this story will lead next. .
This was such a fun read! I wouldn't call this your typical "enemies-to-lovers"—it felt more like two people desperately wanting to be each other’s nemesis, even though the instant attraction was undeniable.
The first half does a fantastic job developing their relationship and exploring all that tension. But then, Anne Natalie takes the plot and it soars! I did not see that ending coming at all. 🤯
How could youuuuu
I keep wondering where this story will lead next. .
April 6, 2026
This book wasn’t what I expected at all. I thought it was going to be something to do with a masquerade judging by the mask on the cover. There was a masquerade scene in the book, but this book wasn’t actually a superhero/villain story. It kind of gave me The Incredibles vibe like if Elasta Girl were to fall in love with Syndrome instead of Mr Incredible. I thought the story was good. I’d say the spice level was 🌶️🌶️ and a half maybe
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is an amazing read, however, I have questions that I feel like could have been answered in book 1 and that cliffhanger is brutal. Absolutely loved the chemistry between the hero and the villain I could have seen. Zane and her together for quite some time. I did not see that ending coming. I did not see that twist coming. I do not know how to feel because I love hea endings and this one ends it on a cliffhanger and I don't know if it's going to be a happy ending because of the twist that it throws you at the very end of the book. These characters are obviously meant to be together, but the push and the pull the enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers is what I feel like is going on and I'm really hoping that in the end we will see the happiness that was radiated throughout the book up until almost the end when the twist came to life. I have no clue how to feel just that that the book was a great read for a debut book and I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Checkmate by Anne Natalie🦸♀️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♟️AVAILABLE: MARCH 21, 2026♟️
SUPER Fun. SUPER Unique. SUPER Worth the Read.
Wow! I have never read a superhero romance before, and this did not disappoint. It was so interesting reading about the different power and world structures.
The romance was TOP TIER! I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers where there is intense yearning and passion from all sides.
And I love that we got to read the POV of both the FMC and the MMC. Hearing from both perspectives made the story so enjoyable to read (I personally love hearing a head-over-heels MMC.)
I would recommend this book to all romance readers who love a unique plot and character structure! I can not wait for the next book!
I LOVED IT!
TROPES:
💪Strong FMC
🦸♀️Superhero/Supervillian
♟️Enemies to Lovers
❤️Found Family
🦸♂️Touch Her/Him and Die
🫂Forced Proximity
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♟️AVAILABLE: MARCH 21, 2026♟️
SUPER Fun. SUPER Unique. SUPER Worth the Read.
Wow! I have never read a superhero romance before, and this did not disappoint. It was so interesting reading about the different power and world structures.
The romance was TOP TIER! I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers where there is intense yearning and passion from all sides.
And I love that we got to read the POV of both the FMC and the MMC. Hearing from both perspectives made the story so enjoyable to read (I personally love hearing a head-over-heels MMC.)
I would recommend this book to all romance readers who love a unique plot and character structure! I can not wait for the next book!
I LOVED IT!
TROPES:
💪Strong FMC
🦸♀️Superhero/Supervillian
♟️Enemies to Lovers
❤️Found Family
🦸♂️Touch Her/Him and Die
🫂Forced Proximity
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