King's Gambit

by Mya

Gambit

gam·bit

/ˈɡambət/

noun

a device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage

Twenty-seven-year-old King Barrett was born and raised in the trenches. After being abandoned by his parents, he found solace in the streets, alongside the gangsters and dope boys. Even after retiring from the business, he stayed close to his roots.

One fateful afternoon, King and his best friend are in the wrong place at the wrong time and cross paths with a rival gang. Shots are fired, lives are lost, and a war brews. With only one option to protect himself, King has to lie low for a while.

Twenty-five-year-old Drew Cambridge never knew her father and her mother died. The only family she had was her older brother, Rashad Cambridge. Rashad was her biggest stressor because he wanted to become the king of the streets. At the sight of a war, Drew begs her brother to calm down, but his only goal is to add fuel to the fire until the whole city burns. Needing to escape, Drew cashes in her vacation time to treat herself.

When King and Drew end up in the same city, emotions are revealed. Sparks fly, blood is shed, and lives are changed forever in King’s Gambit.

Genres: Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2023

About the author

Mya is a twenty-five-year-old, boy-mom and author from Houston, Texas. Mya's introduction to the literary world came at the young age of sixteen when she published her first book "His Little Secret". Starting with fan fiction and transitioning to urban romance, Mya now has a growing catalog that includes black romance and women's fiction novels. Her love for black love has motivated her tp create stories that reinforce the idea that regular people deserve extraordinary romantic tales. Through her books, she wants to leave readers with a discussion-provoking dialogue about the black experience.

To keep in contact with Mya, follow her on social media and subscribe to her mailing list.
Instagram: AuthorMya
Twitter: AuthorMya
TikTok: TheAuthorMya
Facebook Group: Mama Mya's Reading Group

Reviews

[Girl Truss Me]

😍🫶🏾😍

King and Drew were a forbidden love that should not have happened. They were so good together and it’s sad what had to happen but I am glad they are working out their situation. I really wish we could have seen how it all worked out but hopefully once Saints book comes out we can get a real closing of King and Drew’s story.

[Antoinette Jones]

The King has found his Queen and he wasn't never giving her up!!

Oh my God where do I begin with this review? This book was everything and more. I knew the author was going to go deep with King but I was not prepared one bit. I thought this was going to be an enemies to lovers book but it's more than that. King had to leave town because of some beef that went down between his best friend and Drew's brother Rashad. Because of the stuff that was happening with her brother Drew decided to go away for vacation to Tahiti. But unbeknownst to her King booked a getaway to Tahiti as well. While visiting this beautiful location King and Drew would spend time together and become as close as two people could get. But unfortunately back home things were not going so well. They both knew that when they left that Island they would have to leave their love behind. Now no spoilers from me. I know I've said too much and I'm going to leave it there. But I will say this. Mya brought the receipts with this book Chile! it seems every book just gets better and better. The passion, drama, steamy sex scenes, funny moments all leading to a much deserved HEA with a twist! Mya got me straight laughing, shaking my head cause I just know Saint's book is gonna be 🔥🔥🔥 Y'all need to add the Barrett brothers to your TBR list. I highly recommend them. 💯💯

[Camisha Crisp]

What a King!

Mya’a storytelling has always been top tier since her first book. Her talent has only grown since then. King’s Gambit is so damn good . A love story of forbidden love between two people who shouldn’t be together because of circumstances beyond their control, but the heart and body wants what it wants ! I love King and Drew so much ! The intimacy that these two share is what made me love them the most . I love the relationship between the brothers! I love how they love and look out for each other. Mya’a ability to show black men be loving and vulnerable towards each other is beautiful. This is a great book and great follow up to the series!

[Kristin]

She did it again!

I'm terrible at writing reviews so this will be quick. You need to read this book! (Read Justice's Devotion first) King is whew.... a real man. He has BDE and sex appeal that is out of this world. He was a thug and a gentleman and that's a lethal combination. I sympathized with them for the situation that they were put in because of other people but I'm also glad that they were able to get that time alone to fall head over heels for each other. I was definitely rooting for them the whole time and the ending.... I can't wait until book 3!!!

[Milcah Jackson]

Romeo and Juliet

This was good read. There were a lot of complexities to King and Drew’s love story, but I liked that they took their time when it was necessary. For example, when they had their first hiccup—taking a few days to think things over before coming together again, was needed. It allowed them to have time to evaluate and come together again. While I hated what happened to Rashad, I saw it coming. He wasn’t in the headspace to change, and unfortunately, Drew had to see it first hand.

[Vickie Woods]

Vickie J

Drew have a lot going on... Loving the man who killed her brother..... King. Never did they think they would end up at same place, you can't help who you fall in love with but it happened I felt so bad how it happened but not surprised because her brother was on a death wish. It's going to take a minute but she is going to be fine, King loves her and that's forever for him... Now can't for Saint's mess to start.

[DOMINIQUE Davis]

ok king

Not me liking King more than Justice 🥴. Although King had a lot of maturing to do during this story his character growth made me love him. After tragic events lead these two into each others paths the attraction was evident and the lengths they went to to one up each other for their dates were so cute. Drew made King mature a lot faster than he foresaw. Their love turned out to be deadly but they were what each other needed. Can’t wait for Saint.

[Bug]

Nice

Super interesting plot. It had a Romeo and Juliet kinda vibe to me. King tried to stay clear of the drama but somehow it seems to find him. Drew was the best sister she could be but you can't make decisions for your brother. Their love was tested and I can't wait to see how it plays out. I felt for the brother. .Great story and nice pace .

[Monae Nicole]

Loved it

King is my favorite right now.😍😍 He was full of BDE and a gentleman. The chemistry between him and Drew couldn't be denied, no matter the obstacles they faced. I'm glad things they worked out the way they did. I can't wait for Saint's story.

[Monica Whipple]

King

King was everything you hear me. 🙌 Mya you did it again. Falling for brothers. 😆 This is good reading.

[Pamela session]

King and Drew 🔥🥰🥰🥰🥰

This series is off the chain King was definitely book bae 💯❤💙💜🤎 love how his brothers had his back visa versa 😍❤this men are amazing sexy 😍and down for whatever 😍loved it

[sheila ford]

King Gambit

This was a great read, I am happy that King didn't give up on Drew. I hate that her brother was was such a hard ass and had to lose his life, but she deserved to be happy.

[TrueBookJunkie]

Welp… I’m exhausted 😂. Mya had me on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book. After the ending of Justice’s book, I had to find out what happened with King.
What I loved most about this book was that we got to focus on King and Drew with little distraction from the outside world, and they needed that. I’m still shaking from this storyline and the way everything played out. I loved Drew and felt for my girl because she went through so much, but King being there to give her what she needed was beautiful.
I’m now jumping into Saint’s redemption. I’m hoping his female has the patience of a saint (no pun intended) because he drives me crazy just being a side character with him now in the spotlight. I know I need to prepare 🥴

[Helen Clark]

Things Changes

Destruction can cause a domino effect on the lives of others. Its hard to see the reality of the lives of the ones you love. You see them cause hurt and pain in others lives, but you don't think it affects you, until you're faced with that same, hurt and pain.

At some point you have to choose you and recognize, even the people you love can't be saved, it they don't want to be saved.

[Alicia Sims]

Fate wins

The hate between Rashad and King/Benny is no match for the love festering between Drew and King. Rashad let his jealousy and hate consume him & it almost cost him his sister. King and Drew were meant for each other but their loyalty to their brother wouldn't let them be great at times. I love Logan's wisdom that she shares.

[Alesia Russell]

Barrett Brother return!!
King and Drew had unconventional love storyline…loved it!!
The beef between King and Drew’s brother Rashad caused them to experience a destined forbidden love. The Barrett brothers loyalty to those they care about is refreshing!! Drew was put into a no win situation, loved she took a minute to reflect on the big picture and chose her HEA!!!!
On to Saints story.

[Ruby]

Forbidden Love!!!

King and Drew's relationship came about after both of them had to leave town when beef started brewing in town between King's best friend and Drew's brother. What a surprise when they both end up in the same country and the same resort. In spending time together, they discovered that they each had a crush on the other when they were younger and attending the same school. I enjoyed how they got to know each other before embarking on their passionate relationship. I also loved the passion and love they had for each despite the madness that was happening at home. King's filthy mouth had me literally laughing out loud and the banter between them added to the story as well. When tragedy happened once they returned home, I was glad they were able to work things out between them in the end. All in all, this book was a great forbidden love story that you need to pick up.

[Shaunrick McGee]

Talk about leaving readers wanting more! I still can't get over how the author wraps up a book but leaves us with a cliffhanger at the same time! King and Drew were caught up in a mess that didn't even directly involve them but loyalties and pride kept getting in the way and thusly tried to keep them apart. However, King had other plans...“We’ve got forever, so slowing down doesn’t scare me away.” Although the books can be read as standalones, you immediately want to get the other brother's story. Justice was good, King was even better, and now I've got 7 days to wait for Saint's story and I CANNOT WAIT!!!

[Verlana Munn]

All Is Fair Between Love And War

Mya, good read. Lord King never thought he would end up in the situation he was in. Benny and King were always on go. They never thought to turn the other cheek, they just had to be the winner.
Rashad nor Tyriek used the sense God gave them, which cost them more than they were willing to pay.
Drew, never thought she would find love getting away she never thought her heart would meet her soulmate. This is so good emotional, senseless war, but very realistic. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Ondria Bacon]

King….

Oh wow! King is just what his name says. Knows how to treat a woman and how to protect as well. Great story! Of course the Rashard situation played out like I assumed. But that King smoothly moved in timely to make the best of the hand he was dealt.
Great part 2 now let’s see what Saint is getting into.

Happy Reading!

[T G]

King's Gambit, I love it ❤️

I love the Barrett Brothers. The series is definitely worth reading. Loyalty is everything, and King is going to stay loyal to his best friend. But loyalty and love sometimes don't go together. Drew and King have to make some hard decisions, and it's extremely painful for one of them. I love this story. 😍

[Jacklin]

Great read

Whew this book had me mad, laughing, and crying! I gold my husband I want to go to Tahiti for our next anniversary trip lol. The love they shared was beautiful and magical

[latavia barrow]

loved it

I loved every moment of this book. I love catching up with this family. My favorite things black love, hood, and drama. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin]

King Barrett

King and Drew had me smiling from the time they meet. These two flee Houston after an altercation with his best friend and her brother's best friend turns deadly. King, Benny, Tyriek, and Rashad have had "beef" for so long, nobody really knows why it even exists. After blood is shed between two of them, King and Drew - separately decide to leave Houston for Tahiti. King and wants no part of a street war and Drew is tired of her brother's antics and his bloodlust. Who knew two people who've secretly crushed on each other since high school would get their opportunity thousands of miles away from home. I felt that in my soul when they said they could never look at Galveston beach the same after Tahiti. I said the same thing when I went to The Caribbean. Apprehensive at first, Drew doesn't see it as a good idea hanging with King because of the history between humans her brother, but she relents. This trip is all about doing for herself and that is exactly what she does. She'll figure out the rest once she's back in Texas. King was really sweet and romantic. He was not who I expected him to be. I kno he and Benny had been friends since childhood, but maybe it was Benny's hot headedness that got him into situations. Great read, now I'm off to Saint's book. Happy Reading Y'all!💋

[Monique]

(3.5⭐️) I enjoyed King and Drew as a couple. They had great chemistry and good banter. I also appreciated that we got to see their relationship develop on page, especially with the extended time they spent isolated together. It made their connection feel more believable.

The story definitely took a dramatic turn toward the end. I knew something was coming, but I didn’t expect it to play out that way. The ending frustrated me for two reasons: first, there’s no real resolution to their story, so I’m hoping we get some kind of update in the final book. And second, Drew…ma’am. I get being hurt and confused, I do. But let’s be serious…King’s actions, as heartbreaking as the outcome was, are probably the only reason one (or both) of y’all are still alive. That part wasn’t really clicking for her, and it had me side-eyeing a bit.

The story itself was solid, though it did feel a little repetitive at times and some of the dialogue was a bit corny. But overall? I had a good time. Very much giving Romeo and Juliet vibes

[STEPHANIE WILLIAMS]

one of the best

Whew, can i brag about King for a minute. I hardly read urban romance but this one is one of the best ones ive read ever. It was King’s vulnerability for me. The way he felt for Drew was top tier. This was another book where it was the best recipe for not being too hard and not being too soft. King was not afraid to show and tell Drew his most deepest feelings and i was here for it all! Ms. Mya, baby you definitely did not disappoint with this one. I hated that Rashad got unalived and i was hoping that Drew didnt blame King for doing what he was supposed to do. I was sooooo happy when she actually explained to him what she was feeling about what he did but still let him know that she was still choosing him after she worked thru her emotions. That melted my heart and i would absolutely LOVE an update about their life together. Maybe a holiday book 🤞🏾 but you did your 1 & 2 with this one!

[Aisha]

King’s Gambit was another really good read in the Barrett Brothers series. King and Drew had a strong connection, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Their story had romance, family drama, loyalty, danger, and plenty of emotional moments to keep me invested from beginning to end.

I liked the balance between the romance and everything happening around them. There was enough drama and tension to keep the story interesting without taking away from King and Drew’s relationship.

Now for my one complaint: ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER?! 😩🤣 This series has ended both books on cliffhangers so far, and it is entirely too much! Apparently Mya has decided her readers do not deserve peace or closure.

Overall, King’s Gambit was entertaining, emotional, dramatic, and definitely worth the read. I’m really enjoying this series, even if these cliffhangers are testing my patience. Of course, I’ll still be reading the next book because clearly I’m already invested.

[SumFire]

It's complicated 🤷🏾‍♀️

I can't believe I slept on this series so long!

Laying here grinning 😀 when I should be packing.

King had a rough one. This story was giving Romeo & Juliette or Bronxtail vibes with the "forbidden love". Even his best friend was not accepting of the relationship.

That was a tough pill to swallow for Drew. To have fallen in love and pursue a relationship with your brothers nemesis. He only family.

I like the big sis energy Logan brought. She gets it. You have to make sacrifices for those you love. King is playing the long game but the way my anxiety is set up I need clear cut HEA's.

Let's see what shinnanigans baby bro is up to next!

I said what I said! As always: don't take my word for it read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors!

[Kay]

Where’s the accountability?

Don’t get me wrong I love the chemistry between king and drew. However, I don’t like how she makes him pay for him defending himself against her brother. He had every right to do what he did. Her brother broke into His House trying to kill him. It was kill or be killed. Had she not posted a pic of them and had her location on her brother wouldn’t have been able to find her. She never once held her brother accountable for getting himself killed. She held king accountable and put their relationship on pause for something any human would do. The book was ok up until that point!

[Roxy Reads]

mechanics meeting

Drew and King took us through it…….a chance meeting on a vacation from life for Drew and for King her brother Rashad and what a meeting g it was because King pursued her and won her Herat and that when more drama follows…to fall in love with your brothers enemy and try to hide it was exhausting for Drew she couldn’t catch a break and king was ready for the chaos but as always live wins with a whole lot of hurt along the way sadly now we have to get Benny on board with dealing with Drew in Kings life and who leaked the tape can’t wait for Saints drama