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The Scholars Gambit: A New Adult Academic Rivalry Novel: A Maple Ridge Duet, Book 1

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JOURNALIST. SCHOLARS. ACADEMIC RIVALS.

At the prestigious Maple Ridge University, journalism majors Sienna Hensley and Dexter Pearce compete for an elusive scholarship that transforms their one-time partnership into a cutthroat academic rivalry. Their futures are on the line, risking everything they’ve worked for to claim the ultimate prize. As tensions rise, so do the stakes, leading to a chaotic spiral of sabotage, fiery arguments, and unexpected consequences. In this gripping tale of ambition and betrayal, the battle for success becomes a high-stakes game with no clear winner.

Who will ascend to the top, and who will be forced back into a life they never desired?

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

8 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

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Twyla Menezes

13 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Carl Bluesy.
Author 8 books111 followers
December 13, 2025
After seeing the authors earlier horror stories, I was very interested in seeing her take on this kind of story. I’m happy to say did not did disappoint.

This book is grate. It gives you lots of time to get lost in its world and get to know the characters right!

The prose were top notch, the drama, intense and the tension thick. This was such a grate read, a it seems like there will be another book soon, and I’m exited to see where this story goes next!
Profile Image for Erica (gothicffee_raven).
12 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2024
Loved this book! I normally don't like slow burns, but this worked! It's a rivalry academic set in the 50s. It set during autumn and the coziness is perfection! Love the banter between Dexter and Sienna. They're both from different backgrounds, but both are wanting the same thing, an academic scholarship! Seeing their relationship grow is what makes the story so good! I say go and read it, especially if you love fall cozy academia romance 🥰
Profile Image for Heather Byrd.
170 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2024
From the first page I was hooked. What a great debut story of academic rivalry between two students with different backgrounds and hardships, but with similar needs and desires.

They are very alike despite their backgrounds. And seem to constantly be competing for the same things.

Character growth with Sienna and Dexter is seen throughout the story which is great because they eventually start working together that evolves into a healthier relationship for both of them.

The flow of the story was slower than I’m used to. I feel like after chapter 31ish the story plateaus a bit. There were some parts IMO that could have been summarized and the timeline could’ve been jumped. And some of the dialogue was repetitive at times. I’m not a fan of characters retelling the stories events to each other.

The integrity of the writing throughout the story was beautifully done.

Side Note:
One thing I noticed that may bother some readers, was the story setting was not authentic to the 50s timeline. The story is to be academia set in the late 50s. However, the relationships and dialogue between characters were very modern. I didn’t realize they were in the 50s until I saw 1958 written and then it made sense to me why they were using typewriters and printing presses instead of computers and copy machines. lol. Sienna clothing style also makes sense now, but Dexter has shaggy hair, tattoos and rings on his fingers that feel more 80s rock character. This didn’t really bother me and I like the story the way it is, so I won’t be deducting my rating.

Also this book genre is Coming of Age Fiction and College Romance which hits the mark 😁 If you want modern characters, relationships and issues in a 1950s academia setting than BAM! This is for you!
Profile Image for requiemz.reads.
172 reviews13 followers
September 24, 2024
4.5⭐️An excellent 50s-inspired academia read.

Lovers of well-written academia-styled reads your search has come to an end— The Scholars Gambit has entered the scene! Deliciously autumnal and cosy in tone, Maple Ridge University and its environs is woven in such a way that you are now a part of its halls, thoroughfares and hangout spots circa 1958.

With a competitive dynamic and banter aplenty there’s an old school, sweetly slow-burning quality to MCs, Sienna and Dexter’s relationship. I couldn't help but adore the way they connect and eventually fall for one another amidst their academic rivalry.

This dual POV, rivals-to-lovers storyline will pull on your heartstrings. There are backstory dramas, obstacles that need to be overcome and challenges each wish to master.
In a way, Si and Dex help heal one another.
Through mutual respect, vulnerability and connection comes growth and that is precisely what these two do— they raise the bar in a multitude of ways which ultimately inspires them to become their best selves individually and as a unit.

In writing her characters thusly, author Twyla Menezes gifts her readers with a delightfully memorable tale that uplifts rather than denigrates. This author has a way with words that veers on poetic and is sure to delight. I look forward to reading more from her.
Profile Image for Brit  (Salty) .
17 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2024
First off I want to thank Twyla for giving me the honor of reading her book baby as an ARC.

The Scholars Gambit is a fantastic fall read for anyone looking to kick off their fall reading list right. I enjoyed reading the intricate scenes Twyla wove together making up all that is Maple Ridge University.

From the hot chocolate to the crisp weather and puddle jumps, everything here screamed fall and only made me more excited for my favorite season. I loved the aspects of music and poetry throughout the book and the relationship between the MFC, Sienna and her brother was raw yet heartwarming.

The MMC in this is everything you want in your next book boyfriend, Dexter is fantastic and I really loved the dual POVs - getting to be in Dexter's thoughts, feel his emotions alongside Sienna's.

Not to mention the tension in this slow burn Rivals to Lovers. It's cozy with some drama, suspense and heartache.
Profile Image for Julie.
220 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2024
Thank you to Twyla for providing me with an arc of The Scholar’s Gambit!

This book follows Sienna and Dexter, who are competing for an academic scholarship at their prestigious university. We see rivalry develop, as well as new relationships being made.

This book was fun! I loved the cozy, autumnal setting, and the details really put me into this 1950’s academia setting.

I also really loved Dexter and Sienna together and separate. They both had very well-developed backstories—Dexter’s father not supporting his dream of becoming a journalist, and Sienna coming from an unsupportive, abusive household. Both characters meshed really well together, and I loved their chemistry, rivalry, and banter.

I do think that the dialogue wasn’t really accurate to the 50’s, but all-in-all, it was a great read.

Read The Scholar’s Gambit if you love:

🍂 1950’s academia setting
🎻 academic rivals
🍂 integrated poetry
🎻 friendship
🍂 high stakes
🎻 autumnal atmosphere

I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Shama (thor.oughlyfantasy).
433 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2024
I love academic rivals to lovers. I read this book just for this trope and it was worth it!

This book was placed in the year 1958 so the vibe was vintage. Definitely got brownie points for the setting. And the old school love type, I just loved it

Rivalry was on point . Like the banter, the competition everything was so good

Ngl, the poems in this book was wayy better than few of the poetry books I've read

It's slow burn, so you will not get any romantic moments of the main characters until 75% of the book but the eventual build up made it all worthwhile.

Took me a while to get into this book, I felt it was a bit long but the moment the pace set in I couldn't put it down. I really really wished we got more of Sienna and Dex now


Tropes:
Academic rivals
Healing
Both are journalism students
Banter
Profile Image for Tola_bookdragon.
12 reviews
September 26, 2024
First and foremost, I'd want to thank the author for providing me with the privilege and honour of reading her ARC for an honest review!

The Scholars Gambit is a beautifully tempting story that is ideal for book lovers planning their autumn reading lists! I loved reading about the two main characters interacting and slowly growing and healing into better versions of themselves!

Also not gonna lie I have a weakness for academic rivalries, especially when done properly, like in the case of this lovely book! Another thing I liked was how the romance developed gradually, allowing you to appreciate the quirks and moments that connected Dexter and Sienna. On another point, Sienna's relationship with her younger brother was soooo cute!

And don't even get me started on the beautiful poetry in this book; the author's imagination was truly limitless (seriously made me appreciate the characters even more because I felt like I actually knew them )!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and it is a must-read for anyone searching for an autumn-themed novel set in a vintage academic atmosphere!

@Tola_bookdragon
Profile Image for siobhan.
194 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2024
What a journey...

Points in this book I really liked:
There is a real sense of character growth from beginning to end. Both main characters have their family drama, which guides their actions, even the more questionable decisions that fan the flames of their rivalry. Dexter and Sienna are well matched in every way.

That being said, there are definitely some side characters I loved to hate. The added drama gave this book a few layers of complexity, so it's not just your average romance novel.

This is definitely a slow burn, so if you are expecting spice in the first few chapters, this might not be the read for you. But....when the spice does kick in, hold on to your seats. 🌶 Patience is a virtue.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Garrett.
49 reviews
January 1, 2025
Unforgettable Characters

The story was lovely and had enough going on to keep me entertained and wanting to dive back in to the story. The characters are so well developed which is refreshing. Both main characters have a good amount of realistic baggage that isn’t their defining personality trait. They have hobbies that add to the story but don’t steal the plot. The romantic progression feels logical and not fantastical. I cannot say enough about the character writing for Sienna and Dexter. Even the side characters have so much depth.

It reads like a young adult book however, there is some explicit smut/spice and for that reason, this book is for mature audiences.
There were some very minor anachronisms or implausible tidbits that pulled me out of the story.
Profile Image for Cierras_reading.corner .
108 reviews
September 23, 2024
This book has made me obsessed with the 50s. Twyla did an excellent job at portraying each characters past and turning it into their character development through out the story. Sienna is such a strong FMC and even tho she needs no man to help her Dexter was always there. Reading their tension(all the tension…) made me be all giddy and laugh like a school girl. This is a perfect fall love story with a twist of enemies to lovers(or are they…) I’ll let you decide when you read this book(cause you will….right?).
Profile Image for Ana.
488 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2024
Okay, hear me out, put this one on your tbr. It's so good I couldn't put it down. I know I have said that about a few books I have read this year, but I can't help the author write such good books.

Dexter and Sienna were definitely meant to be from the start they just didn't know it. Their relationship of "who was better than who" was one of my favorite things. They were meant to show off who was better, but that made this romance be even more than I expected.

Loved the writing, the chapter names to know who was talking. I mean, I loved it all. I can't wait to read more books from this author.
Profile Image for Morgan Hopkins .
218 reviews9 followers
September 16, 2024
Read this in a couple days. I loved it so much. The characters were written beautifully. This book had me hooked since the first introduction of the characters. I loved Sienna and Dexter. The slow burn between them was amazing cant wait for the next one
Profile Image for Debra.
46 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2024
This book was AMAZING!! OMG the characters were great! You knew they were meant to be but they didn't know that at first. Sienna and Dexter (chefs kiss) I cannot wait to read more books from this author!
Profile Image for Libby James.
Author 5 books25 followers
January 18, 2025
What can I say except loved it!

Twyla does an amazing job of getting you to feel for her characters. Sienna and Dexter were meant for each other and she had you rooting for them through the banter, the bickering and everything else.

The descriptions were spot on and you can imagine what the setting would look like. I loved everything about this book and cannot wait to read more from this amazing author.
Profile Image for Liv.
751 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2025
⋆。°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆。°✩

This book was SO good?? Ugh exactly what I was after.
If I had to give it a summary; its all the academic romance you could ever want, combined with the angst and backstory of the Boys Of Tommen series but it WORKS.
Tropes; enemies to lovers, found family, academic rivals, banter, high stakes, rich vs poor, growth and healing.

Smut was like 2/5 on the spice scale, but the tension was THERE in the scenes where spice was absent I tell you. It’s also a HEA for the couple but I do believe book 2 will be out in the Autumn of 2025 - I know NOTHING about that one but I’m excited!

Sienna was our FMC and she has a complicated past. She got out, she found her freedom but she’s drowning to keep it. She’s spent so long focusing on keeping herself afloat, is she actually living? Well we get to see her do that and it is GLORIOUS!

Dexter is our MMC, and who doesn’t love the rich boy with some issues? He loves deeply, he’s selfless when he wants to be, and he is every woman’s dream when it comes to men so.. ahem, no complaints here!
1 review
May 14, 2025
This was a good read set in the 50's. I like how descriptive Twyla gets with the autumn weather, makes me want to sit in front of a cozy fire with a hot beverage. I never wanted to put the book down. I stayed up way too late a few nights wanting to finish the next chapter.

Dexter and Sienna are from different sides of the tracks both aiming to prove themselves while fighting for the same scholarship. Love that once they know each other they they are fighting for each other.

This book made me feel all the emotions, I laughed, I cried, Definitely add this to your list of want to reads!
Profile Image for Annabel Manzanares.
34 reviews
October 13, 2024
3,5 ⭐️

I gave this review so much thoughts over the days and I don’t know if it was the book or my circumstances while reading, which weren’t the best, but this book just didn’t was it for me. I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it, I liked the overall story it just had too many buts.

1. I didn’t like Sienna, like at all. I couldn’t connect with her and so decisions that usually have little sense to me, like Wesley, had already less sense.

2. I feel like it should have +100 less pages. I normally like thick books where I can read a lot inside a characters mind but in this case, they felt unnecessary most of the time.

3. It was supposed to be set in the 50’s but some things just doesn’t make sense for that time.


Don’t get me wrong, as I said, I overall liked the story, I guess it just wasn’t for me 🙃
Profile Image for Kimberly Haddix.
47 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2024
This book was a perfect start for the autumn season! The Scholar’s Gambit is a dark academia romance set in a 1950’s university setting. I loved the FMC, Sienna, and the MMC, Dexter. They were just perfect for this story. Sienna is feisty and strong-willed and Dexter is determined and considerate. Their academic rival was so fun to read with all the witty banter, tension, and frustration. They complement each other perfectly. There is some great open door spice towards the end. There are great friendships with the side characters, betrayal, childhood trauma, family problems, and lots of drama.
Profile Image for jor.
242 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2024
This book was nothing short of amazing. I enjoyed learning about both MCs backgrounds, seeing how it affected them as people and in school, and watching them grow throughout the story. Twyla's writing is so good it makes you not want to put the story down. I haven't read many academic rival books but this one felt perfect, especially for the fall. The vibes of the book were immaculate. This slow burn was also so worth the wait! I'm excited to read more by Twyla!!
Profile Image for DianaKay Abraham.
Author 2 books22 followers
February 17, 2025
A fun college tale

This was entirely too long, but a good story nonetheless. I could have cut out 180 pages and still got the story without a bit of redundancy. There were a lot of repeat sequences that messed with the flow, but overall Sienna and Dexter were fun characters to get to know. Byan is a dick and Twyla did a great job making me hate him and Courtney.
Profile Image for Piper James.
456 reviews7 followers
September 23, 2024
Scholarly competition

Sierra and Dexter are academia goals 😍 their competition with each other kept the story driving and interesting. The banter is fantastic. Overall great read
4 reviews
July 23, 2025
This book is very well written. I loved Dexter and Sienna’s love. But mostly the strength and will Sienna pocessed.
Profile Image for Mave Hathaway.
Author 5 books7 followers
September 16, 2024
Scholars Gambit by Twyla Menezes is an enemies to lovers, found family romance. There are dark undertones so be sure to check out the trigger warnings to protect your mental health.
Sienna comes from the wrong side of the tracks, growing up in an intense and volatile family situation. Dexter by all appearances has everything anyone could ever need. Yet looks can be deceiving. Add in the pressures of college and scholarships and things get tense. A snarky boyfriend, a clingy girl and a rash of good friends completes the cast of this beautiful book.
It goes deeper than a typical enemies to lovers book. Menezes really pulls at the heart strings and at times I was in tears while reading. This is a fantastic romance and I can't wait to see what comes next for these characters!
5 reviews
September 10, 2024
Chapters 1-5 start slow and build a solid detailed setting, from chapter 6 onwards is a rollercoster that you just cannot get of, desperate to know what's coming next. The main characters are so alike your rooting for them to get together from the start despite their questionable actions driven by their own family drama. How sad i am that i finished the book is a testament to Twylas phonemenal writing.

Its a must read
3 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2024
An absolute binge read. This book had me hooked since the first introduction of the characters. The way the author details the university life along with the individual characters is so captivating and creative. Sienna and Dexter are EVERYTHING 😍. This intense, dramatic, heartfelt academia will have you nail biting and cheering on this duo of rivals until the very end. I need more!
Profile Image for Sabine A McDaniel .
140 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2024
What a delightful fall read. This rival to lover novel was a delightful slow burn set in the late 50's. The poetry and the music. Getting to know the main characters was nice and the side characters helped the story along.

Thank you to the author for a copy of the early release. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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