Heart's Gambit

Heart's Gambit #1

by J.D. Myall

"A high-stakes fantasy that’s impossible to put down... the dangerous romance between Emma and Malcolm kept me on the edge of my seat. Don’t miss this beautiful, powerful debut." - Kristen Ciccarelli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter

A thrilling and romantic debut fantasy where competitors from two prominent, time-traveling Black families must fight in a deadly magical duel—and find themselves falling in love.

This beautiful edition
- Color, designed endpapers
- A stunning foil stamp

The Baldwins and the Davenports have been sworn enemies for centuries. Ever since Venus Davenport and Titus Baldwin, two enslaved kids, fell in love, tried to run away, and got caught by their mistress, Sabine, a powerful witch. Desperate for freedom, they struck a bargain, and she gifted their families the ability to exist outside of time, along with magic to survive and thrive.

Those gifts came at a price.

Once a generation, their families must put forth a competitor for a magical duel to the death to feed Sabine's immortality. This time, Emma Baldwin–a wish spinner–and Malcolm Davenport–a maker of illusions–are chosen.

But when they meet to check out the competition, sparks fly. Soon, the two are exchanging letters, having secret meetings, and fighting off their cursed urges to hurt one another, all while trying not to fall in love. And if they are ever going to have a chance to be together, they only have one to put an end to Sabine’s curse, once and for all.

J.D. Myall's Heart's Gambit is an irresistible journey of dazzling magic, unforgettable first love, and daring to dream of something more.

"Heart's Gambit is positively magic. Readers will fall in love across time and place as they follow Emma and Malcolm through the terror, danger, and redemption of the family curse keeping them bound. It felt like the perfect mix of Caraval and The Night Circus, stamped with Myall's personal brand of hope and rage." - Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Time Travel, Magic, Audiobook

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2026

About the author

J.D. Myall is a literary assistant at Neighborhood Literary Agency, co-chair of Drexel University's MFA Alumni Association, and host of the Craft Chat Chronicles podcast. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart's Gambit, launches in Winter 2026. When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem, she mentors writers through workshops at www.jdmyall.com.

https://linktr.ee/jdmyall

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart's Gambit (Heart's Gambit, #1) by J.D. Myall

Book Blurb: The Baldwins and the Davenports have been sworn enemies for centuries. Ever since Venus Davenport and Titus Baldwin, two enslaved kids, fell in love, tried to run away, and got caught by their mistress, Sabine, a powerful witch. Desperate for freedom, they struck a bargain, and she gifted their families the ability to exist outside of time, along with magic to survive and thrive.
Those gifts came at a price.
Once a generation, their families must put forth a competitor for a magical duel to the death to feed Sabine's immortality. This time, Emma Baldwin - a wish spinner - and Malcolm Davenport - a maker of illusions - are chosen.

Rating: ***
Feels: Adventure, Tension, Intrigue, Excitement
Style: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Romantasy
First published February 3, 2026 : 336 pages

High stakes and fast paced whirl wind trip through time as two families cursed to compete in deadly trials against each other meet again. The world building was intense and I liked the inclusion of magic and how each family member used it differently and how it affected each one differently. The most fun was the popping through different time zones constantly and seeing how they adapted in each. I had a difficult time with the hard and fast insta attraction , while battling against the urge to harm each other due to the curse and the family rivalry. The end was not expected and after all the heartbreak in the book was surprising. It was a really enjoyable face paced tromp through time while trying to find a way out of their family curse.

Favorite Quote: "You're the best thing in my life. I love you like I love music. You see me. Sometimes my family just sees me as a protector. A soldier. A rockhead, " ...

This book has:
High Stakes
Deadly Trials
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Love Letters
Family Curse

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the uniqueness of this story. It was charming and the characters were all special. The reason I gave it a four star instead of five is this whole book didn't really give you any break from the doom and gloom. When I finished this book, I was hoping everyone would be happy and we would actually get some sort of satisfaction from it. If it wasn't the tether, it was fear of the birds/witch, fearing strangers, fearing the other family, fearing loss that had already taken place and possibly would take place... etc. Immediately after the climax, we are thrown right back into despair. This made it hard to enjoy the story completely.

I do understand that the ending is meant to be a setup for a second book, so I'm hoping there will be more balance between doom and gloom AND courage and confidence after what these families overcame in book 1.

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart's Gambit is a fast-paced YA romantasy debut featuring time travel, cursed families, century-long enemies, and a forbidden love.

📖 Early Reader Review 📖
🗓️ Release date: February 3, 2026

🖤 YA romantic fantasy
🖤 1st person POV
🖤 Generational vengeance
🖤 Impossible love
🖤 Time travel

Spice rating: 🌶 (not explicit scenes)

Heart's Gambit felt unique. It feels like J.D. Myall intentionally went into this book trying to avoid copying and pasting romantasy tropes because there were many unique flare/spins. For such a short book, there was a lot going on and plenty to keep me interested throughout.

This story blends real life events/periods of time with fantastical elements that create an engaging, gut-wrenching reading experience. Many of these chapters are hard to digest, especially the first few, because these fictional situations really happened (even if there is a magical spin). It's fitting that February was the release month for Heart's Gambit because it is Black History Month, and this book is a reminder that Black history is American history. It highlights many present-day struggles that Black Americans continue to face like racism, prejudice, systemic oppression, and generational trauma, while also celebrating Black culture and what makes it integral to present-day America and American history.

Heart's Gambit is YA, so I wasn't thrown off by the insta love and lust. Oh to be young and in love (while also not trying to be unalived in a deadly dual). These characters were both charming and loveable, even though I feel like our FMC, Emma was a lot more fleshed out than our MMC, Malcolm in this book.

While I found the time travel aspect to this story interesting, it didn't always make sense and/or felt semi random at times. It almost felt like a disorienting game of hide and seek at times, which may have been what the author was going for. As a result, I felt confused why we were in a certain time and place at various moments, and it threw off the pacing for me.

In addition to the time travel, I'm still confused by the magic system. This is semi-expected since this is the first book in a series, but it's not entirely clear why certain family members have certain powers and/or how they work. There are also a handful of magical objects that help certain characters, but they feel almost at odds with the rest of the world—they're almost too conveniently thrown into the story (e.g., each family has one magical object in existence that helps them time travel and these objects are very different). In short, I'm hoping J.D. Myall further dives into the magic system in book 2 and provides a lot more clarity.

I chose to immersive read this book and highly recommend that reading experience. The audiobook narrators gave a fantastic performance, and I'm excited to continue reading this series!

A sincere thank you to Allurial for gifting me an limited edition ahead of its release.

[Stacey | read.with.stacey]

DNF at 37%

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and the author for the e-arc.

Unfortunately, this one was not for me. Despite the synopsis sounding really good, I just could not connect with the story and I struggled with the writing style.

[Kenzie Deerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this!!! Such a unique story that had amazing romance and incredible themes. 🥹✨🖤

[Rebecca Danzenbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lushly and beautifully written, I wanted to absorb every word into my mind and body. Enthralling!!! And the stakes! Did not see those plot twists coming! 💜💜💜

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, this one wasn’t for me, despite loving the synopsis and really wanting to enjoy it. I make a point to seek out fantasy written by Black authors because their perspectives often feel fresh, imaginative, and eye-opening in ways I’m not accustomed to—and that’s something I truly value. Unfortunately, this time, something didn’t quite land.

I found the story to feel disjointed at times, and I slowly found myself losing focus even while listening to the audiobook. The narrators—Alaska Jackson, Eric Lockley, and Khaya Fraites—all did a solid job, and I’ve enjoyed their work in other projects, which is ultimately why I settled on a three-star rating. Still, the narration wasn’t enough to keep me fully engaged or bridge the gap where the story itself lost momentum for me.

The book leaned heavily into very detailed descriptions of more superficial elements, while the deeper, more meaningful plot threads felt underexplored. I’m usually someone who appreciates rich, detailed prose, especially when it enhances a cinematic reading experience, but here it felt more like an exercise in craft than a tool that served the story. At times, the writing came across as more pedantic than purposeful, which pulled me out rather than drawing me in.

That said, this is very much a personal taste issue. There were sections that were genuinely strong, well-written, and engaging, even if they didn’t sustain that level throughout for me. I can absolutely see this working better for other readers, and I’m glad I gave it a chance despite it ultimately not being a hit for me.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Macmillan via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

[jenny reads a lot]

Rec via Rebecca Danzenbaker

[SuzieQuzie7973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you thank you thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and J.D. Myall for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Heart's Gambit is an amazingly awesome debut for J. D. Myall. I was hooked from start to finish, and was left begging and praying for more. I'm having a hard time finding the perfect words to describe this book...All that's coming to mind is...OH MY WOW!!! The character development, the world building and the flow were nothing short of phenomenal. I can't wait to see what else J.D. Myall has in store for us. Y'all can bet your bottom dollar I'll be here waiting for everything's that's to come.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all y'all.

[ᴄᴀᴛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆ | This book was so different and fun. I loved all the time travel and magic, and the world building was nice too.

𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
This was definitely more of an emotional read, I feel like it was constant gloom with hardly any break from that.
I loved all the magic and see the differences there were with every family member, as well as the time travel aspect of the book.

I do think this book could've done well as a standalone instead of being the first in the series. Just much longer and more focus on the ending as it felt a little rushed.
And since it's the first in the series, I think it would've been nice if the romance wasn't as soon as it felt, if it had started maybe at the end of the book or in the second, rather than the first. And even if they didn't become friends quite as fast as they did, maybe a little more time disliking/distrusting each other. I didn't really believe that the characters loved each other as much as they said they did. Alsoo I'm just not a fan of insta love, and I just didn't feel like it worked here.

I also think the book was really good at showing all the hardships black people went (and still) go through. The fear they have and the hatred they faced just because of their skin color.
I loved reading about the exploration of Black culture and seeing it represented so nicely in this book.

There was also quite a lot of like pop culture references & just celebrities if these days mentioned (the Kardashians, Kendrick Lamar, etc.) And generally, I don't really enjoy that in books, set in the present/future or not.

𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
I'm definitely excited for book two, whenever that comes out. I do see the building up for it, though I'm not quite sure exactly what could/will be done in it.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have a free, advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0🌶 (fade to black) - 3.5☆

[Jess Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy of this Young Adult Romantasy.

3.5 ⭐️

This is a true young adult book with young adult writing, but it is still descriptive, atmospheric and done well. This is a good debut full of black excellence, perseverance and strength through oppression, and time travel. The author sends a great message that is extremely relevant right now about unity and community coming together to rise up and defeat their oppressor.

This is a fast paced plot full of time travel, games and trials and young love. The romance is closed door, but there is a line about waking up sweaty and tangled in the sheets the next morning. There is also reference to condoms. Without this one page the book would have been acceptable for audiences as young as 12 in my opinion.

This was an enjoyable young romance that I can see many young adults loving. Plus there are time traveling Bentleys, who wouldn't want one of those?

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads

I really enjoyed this audiobook from Macmillan Audio! The narrators did an absolutely amazing job bringing every emotion and sentence of the story to life.

This was a emotional, heart wrenching and warming fantasy story. I loved the witchy magic mixed with the time travel. I think this story series has a ton of potential and am excited to see where the author takes these families next. While the audiobook itself was captivating and had me wanting more I am not sure if I read the physical book I would have felt the same way. The first 1/3 of the book was a slow burn leading to a bit more pickup in the second portion of the book. I think that a lot of time was spent on the build up to the last third of the book leaving the ending rushed. Although I love a good cliffhanger ending I would have liked to see more detail and time spent on the last third of the book and what was going on during the 3 stages of the gambit.

[Summer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sure there are readers who will love how descriptive this novel is, for me, this was just a bit too much style and not enough substance.

Sentences here were so often overstuffed that it became a drag on the pacing, and even when the tempo of the story picks up, extraneous details keep coming, décor and fashion are noted in moments where you’d think any character/any person’s focus would be on the life and death of it all.

It wasn’t just the amount of descriptives either, it was also the type that were overused, pop culture name drops and fashion marked the various time travel periods, sure, but in a somewhat shallow way. Rarely did I feel like the vibe of a time and place had truly been captured.

I would have been more forgiving of this narrative’s desire to tell me unnecessary things (like the direction any given skirt twirled in), had this also spent more time telling me things I actually needed to know more about to be fully pulled into the story.

Emma’s family’s circus and Malcolm’s family’s show (Circus, too? A Musical revue?) were so underexplored that I wondered why they were even part of the novel. The time travel wasn’t delved into enough to feel like it had a true purpose in the story either, we’re told some events can be changed and others can’t, we’re not told why that is, nor is there much information about why these families live and travel where they do, or what the scouting missions entail.

I also needed more concrete worldbuilding for the curse and the witch. If she needs dead people and she’s so powerful, why doesn’t she just kill them herself instead of waiting around for them to kill each other? And why would she arm them with magic and time travel abilities when both of those things might help them elude or defeat her? Also, if the point of the “duel” is to battle to the death, why are there three stages of “competition,” why aren’t they just immediately battling to the death? I have so many more questions and so few solid answers.

I was really interested early on when Emma uses her magic in a way that morally compromised her, that was a standout moment that felt like it had a ton of potential to build story on, so it was disappointing when neither Emma’s magic nor anyone else’s is explained or explored to a satisfying degree.

As for Emma and Malcolm’s romance, it developed in too much of hurry. Their families spent generations killing one another, yet these two exchange a few not very deep letters and they’re devoted to one another? When there’s that much bad blood you’d think it would take more time and more situations where they’re gradually earning trust before they could overcome such ugly history and fall in love. Their connection here was achieved too simply and too on the surface for me to really buy into it, but I did think the author did well with the bonds between the siblings, those relationships were much more convincing to me than the romance between Emma and Malcolm.

This ends by setting up a sequel so expect a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll read any further in this series, it might work for someone else but it just wasn’t a good fit for me, it didn’t go deep enough into anything, even the most serious aspects like slavery and Emma’s mental health, seemed just touched upon rather than dug into in a meaningful way.


I received this ARC through a Goodreads giveaway.

[Shannon Knisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉'𝓈 𝒢𝒶𝓂𝒷𝒾𝓉 ❤️

Thank you so much to @macmillan.audio , Author J.D. Myall, and Wednesday Books for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝒮𝓎𝓃𝑜𝓅𝓈𝑜𝓈:
❤️A high-stakes romance set against long-standing family tension and buried secrets

❤️Centers on Emma and Malcolm, heirs on opposite sides of a deep-rooted conflict

❤️What begins as rivalry and mistrust slowly shifts into cooperation and something more

❤️Both characters are forced to confront the truth behind their families’ feud

❤️A character-driven story where growth and accountability take center stage

𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈:
A quick-paced story with a unique magic system and a seamless blend of modern day + magic. I loved how it explores legacy, power, choice, and emotional maturity, with a strong focus on communication and breaking harmful family cycles.

The book thoughtfully highlights present-day struggles African Americans face, as well as the realities endured throughout history, adding real emotional weight. Make sure you check TW.

I listened to the audiobook, which I highly recommend. Alaska Jackson, Eric Lockley, and Khaya Fraites all did a fantastic job bringing the story to life! Overall, this was a strong, engaging listen with an ending that will have you wishing the sequel was out!

Author: @jd_myall
Publisher: @wednesdaybooks @macmillan.audio
Audiobook Length: 12 hrs 17 min
Audiobook Narrators: @laska_jackson @iamericlockley @khayafraites
Release Date: February 3, 2026

[Fanna]

deadly magical duel? pretty romantic, i would say.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio, and Macmillan Young Listeners for this advanced copy! You can pick up Heart's Gambit on February 3, 2026.

From the get-go, I could feel how immense the stakes were in this story. Two families, cursed generations ago by a witch and slaveowner, are forced to battle to the death every few years and be locked in a decades-long feud that can only end in bloodshed. So much has been lost and sacrificed by both families, but can Emma Baldwin and Malcolm Davenport heal what's been broken?

I absolutely loved the magic on display in this book. Emma, our FMC, specializes in manifesting wishes and making them come true, while Malcolm crafts elaborate illusions and can occasionally see visions of the future when he plays music. I appreciated J.D. Myall's attention to detail when setting these scenes and trying to immerse the readers in the world, especially when time travel is involved for both families. We follow Emma and Malcolm through so many different time periods, leading them to dress/act a certain way so as not to draw attention to themselves.

This book was also a wonderful exploration and celebration of Black culture throughout the decades. From the 1920s speakeasies and jazz clubs to the more harrowing experiences during Jim Crow times, we see Emma and Malcolm understand their history and work toward a better future for Black people in general.

But setting and magic system aside, I do wish we'd seen both the conflict and romance in this story spread out across multiple books. The plot sets up an interesting dilemma: participate in this deadly competition by choice, or the witch who cursed them will start killing off family members at will. Malcolm and Emma have already lost siblings, parents, and countless other kin to this cruel game, and they have a choice in participating or trying to break the cycle.

I think it would've been a tad more believable if these two spent a bit more time distrusting each other before becoming fast friends and lovers. I understand that neither wants to perpetuate the cycle, but that kind of understanding and revelation usually takes more time to develop. It also would've helped their conflicts with their families feel more nuanced and drawn out, as both are under physical and mental strain by their families to train to kill the other person. Some of these training scenes were just heartbreaking, even if you know it's done because the families want their kids to survive.

But for all that conflict to come to a head and be (mostly) resolved by book one just felt a bit rushed to me. There is a cliffhanger setting up Book 2, but overall, I wish this had been spread out more across both books so Emma and Malcolm could take more time breaking down each other's walls.

If you're in the mood for time-traveling magic users caught in a deadly competition, though, this is your book!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book surprised me in the best way. Hearts Gambit delivers a romantasy that feels fresh, bright, and a little different from what I’m used to, while still hitting the emotional beats I love. From the start, the story pulls you into a world where time, fate, and choice are constantly at odds, and I found myself genuinely invested in seeing how it would all unfold.

The characters were one of the strongest parts of this book. They felt well developed and layered, with growth happening naturally as the story progressed. I loved watching them navigate not only the external conflicts but also their internal struggles, especially as the time-traveling elements added extra weight to their decisions. Nothing felt easy, and that made the stakes feel real. Will love banish evil?

The plot itself was fun and engaging, with the time-travel aspect woven in thoughtfully rather than feeling gimmicky. It added tension, intrigue, and emotional depth, especially when characters had to face the consequences of altering moments that mattered. I appreciated how the author kept the story moving at a steady pace while still giving us time to connect with the characters and understand their motivations.

Overall, Hearts Gambit is a strong, imaginative romantasy with compelling characters, an interesting twist on the genre, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. I’m really glad I picked this one up, and I can’t wait to read the next one.

I also received the audio of this book, I thought all 3 of the narrators did an amazing job with bringing every emotion that the characters were feeling and helped to bring this story to life.

I want to thank NetGalley, SMP and Macmillan for the opportunity to review this book.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even begin to describe the depth of this YA fantasy novel? I cannot encapsulate the magical world-building that lives within the actual Black American experience. It is beautiful and tragic and dazzling and gut wrenching. This author, J.D. Myall, has crafted something special with this story.

Emma Baldwin and Malcolm Davenport are the eighteen-year-old children of their respective families, both with magic in their blood and the ability to time travel. Malcolm is trying to save as many people in the past as he can. Emma is bored with her family’s (admittedly glorious) circus act. She also wants to change the past.

The Baldwins and the Davenports are fierce and bitter enemies going way back to their ancestors. And every so often, the witch who gave them their magic tethers a member from each family to fight in a duel to the death.

This time it’s Emma and Malcolm’s turn. But when they meet, they know they’ll do anything to break their tether and end this brutal ritual once and for all.

Y’all. This book. The imagery. The symbolism. It broke my heart wide open. While the author is careful, she does take you through the Black experience in the US during slavery and through the Jim Crow era. It’s real and it’s devastating.

🎧 The audiobook was beautifully performed by Alaska Jackson, Eric Locklet, and Khaya Fraites.

Highly recommended for lovers of high stakes fantasy, young love, magical shows, and a touch of Night Circus.

I received this ALC via @macmillan.audio. All thoughts are mine alone.

fantasy novels | ya novels | young adult books | audiobooks | Heart’s Gambit | J.D. Myall | book recs | recommendations | book reviews | bookstagram

[Arthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Broadway streaks, magic circus shows and feuding families tethered to destroy each other is a unique Romeo Juliet doomed love perspective.. add in a fated fight to death with a shadowy witch and spying Ravens, it elevates the tension!!
My heartfelt gratitude to St. Martin's Press snd Netgalley for this wonderful opportunity.
J.D.Myall enthralls with the exploration of black history, meandering through key events and cultural gambit that capture the essence and spirit of each age. The Davenports and the Baldwins have been engaged in centuries of clan battles, we with each side losing beloved members, tracing back to an ancient curse by the witch Sabine!
The book boasts of a melt your heart letter exchanges, beautiful dates and wildly and madly dysfunctional families, all helped by strong matriarch! The New Orleans vibe is alive throughout the book!
I blazed through it in 2 days time and am a satisfied, culturally immersed and in love with Emma and Malcolm- cannot wait to see more!!!

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our story isn't written in stone, Emma. Neither is the future. We write it every day with every choice we make."
Heart's Gambit pubs today! If you enjoy star-crossed lovers, time traveling, magic, and tender moments amidst turmoil, I think this is a book for you. I'm definitely adding this to my kids' TBR.
Generations ago, the Davenports and Baldwins were pitted against each other when a powerful witch manipulated one to illuminate the others. A love broken by betrayal, each generation must compete to the death at the witch's behest.
If teens these days are anything like Malcolm and Emma, I have so much hope for our future. They're inspiring and the perfect amount of rebellious. J.D. has so many one-liners that had me press pause to absorb the emotions of the moment. The narrators’ performance brought this story to life. Highly recommend this format.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the complimentary audiobook! All thoughts are my own.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book I got as a surprise physical ARC! Thank you so much! I really enjoyed it and am excited to see where the series goes.

This book follows two families who have magical powers and are cursed against each other. Both families have the ability to time travel and every few years the tether occurs which causes the Gambit to occur and one member from each family who is tethered to fight to the death.

What happens when the two tethered meet ahead of time and don’t want to fight to the death?

While this romance is very insta love feeling for me and the YA vibes are strong, where this book was strong was in its depiction of cultural pressures through time travel and how black lives are impacted and changed or not changed throughout.

[Hailey]

DNF @42%

The premise was interesting but the characters didn't draw me in. I struggled with the writing style: a lot of the dialogue was repetitive, as was the internal monologue of both MCs. I tried to keep going to see what would happen but I just didn't care enough about the characters by almost half way through.

An intriguing premise but lacked character development and connection for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

[Danielle | daniellereadslikealot · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT A RIDE. Oh my goodness, Heart’s Gambit was magical, devastating and such a whirlwind of a story. The magic system, especially the time traveling, was SO COOL. I loved the Romeo and Juliet meets The Night Circus vibes so much. Both Malcolm and Emma were such incredibly written characters and their romance was absolutely beautiful. I loved both of their families so much, especially Malcolm’s sisters! I thought the look at different parts of history as both families time traveled to stay safe and protect one another while also feeling the guilt of not being able to stop all of the horrific acts of racism was gut wrenching, but so well done. AND THAT ENDING. Oh my god, perfect set up for book two, but I AM TRAUMATIZED. Such a unique and beautiful love story that defies time and a hateful curse.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for the digital reader’s copy!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this YA historical time traveling romantasy between rival families fated to sacrifice one member every generation to a duel to the death thanks to a bargain made with a witch in the past. Great world building, an epic romance and lots of historic and cultural details. I really liked it and can't wait to read the sequel. Perfect for fans of books like Blood debts and the Legendborn series.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this story more than I liked actually reading it. Too much telling verses showing and the constant time traveling, nearly every single chapter to a different time and place, made it so I never felt rooted or connected to the story. I felt all over the place, we literally were all over the place. I found the writing to be lacking in any emotion. The romance was okay; some cute moments for sure and lovely declarations but again the writing caused a disconnect there too.

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round up to 4.5 stars.

[Marisa (marisalynnreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up

Not knowing this was the start of a series sucks, the cliff hanger!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are really strong Romeo and Juliet vibes, which are amplified by the bloodlust driving Emma and Malcolm ever closer to killing each other as they fall deeper and deeper in love. I really enjoyed the weaving of time travel, romantasy, and African American history. Myall writes the lived experiences of Black men and women, from slavery to the contemporary era. Even with magic, the Davenports and Baldwins must always move cautiously, no matter what time period they visit, due to the racism they face, especially given how they came to have magic powers in their bloodlines. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Ashley Bhasin]

Heart’s Gambit is reminiscent of The Night Circus x The Hunger Games in a thrilling yet whimsical YA high stakes fantasy. The tension between the Baldwins and the Davenports, and the forbidden romance/ enemies to lovers angle hooked me immediately. This debut novel has time travel/ adventure, murder and magic. The ending was unexpected and heartbreaking, but set up a potential sequel very well.

[Samantha]

dnf @ 42%

Unfortunately, I don't think this book is for me. I had high hopes because the premise reminded me of Caraval and Phantasma. I really wanted to like this book.

The prologue and first couple of chapters were interesting but after pages of no character development, world-building, or adequate plot profession, I really couldn't get myself to continue reading this without it feeling like a chore. The writing felt so repetitive and repeating the same plot points over and over again.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book!