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Heart's Gambit #1
Heart's Gambit
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26A 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.
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 choice: 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.
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 choice: 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.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 3, 2026
20 people are currently reading
13964 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Myall
2 books77 followersJ.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
https://linktr.ee/jdmyall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 24, 2025
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.
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.
they-told-me-to-read-it
July 8, 2025Rec via Rebecca Danzenbaker
October 5, 2025
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.
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.
December 22, 2025
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!
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!
December 17, 2025
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.
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.
Want to read
July 24, 2025deadly magical duel? pretty romantic, i would say.
November 3, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quick Summary: A dynamic, heart altering ride through history and time
My Review: Heart's Gambit by J.D. Myall is book #1 in the Heart's Gambit series. It is scheduled for release on 2/3/26.
About the Book: "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."
In My Own Words: Time jumps from the distant past into the near future. Loss and betrayal across a timeline steeped in tragedy. Love and secrets all around. Dark, malevolent magic that tortures and torments. The lives of two families bound by the crushing weight of a curse.
What I Liked/Loved:
- I loved the originality of this story. It was like a shadowed version of Voyagers but more than.
- I loved the characters. The lead characters drew me into their drama right away. Even the family members were captivating. I liked that the families were so similar. It was interesting to see the other side of the coin where they were both concerned.
- I liked the temporal play and the adventures through time. I thought the author did an amazing job with weaving in notable historical events, periods, and people. There was a sense of nostalgia, just as much as things seemed contemporary.
- I was intrigued by how the primary antagonist got the curse started. It was pretty darn deep. Still, I know there is more to learn. All I know is that I am ready for book 2.0.
- I loved the unpredictability of what was happening. Wow! I never saw what was coming. The cliffhanger ending was chef's kiss.
- The supernatural elements and revealed powers were amazing. The variety of magics was top notch.
- I really liked the strength that came through the words of the matriarchs of both families.
- Although I did not like the training situation that Emma had to endure at the hands of her grand, I did understand it. It was written so well that I hated to love it, but I did.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Alaska Jackson, Eric Lockley, and Khaya Fraites. The trio did a remarkable job bringing the story to life. They were able to create tension, churn up emotions, and voice the angsty drama that existed between the characters. It was insanely good!
My Final Say: This was an outstanding story. It was creative, moving, and unforgettable. It was action-packed. There was never a dull moment. I cannot wait to see how it all plays out. Let's go!
I recommend this book for older YA, teens, new adults, and adults. It would be a wonderful book club read.
*** Some of the content in this story may be triggering. Potential readers are encouraged to read any and all author/publisher notes. ***
Other: Readers who enjoy supernatural fantasy, enemies to lovers stories, forbidden romances, dark dramas, and time travel will love this story.
Rating: 4.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Ages 15 and up
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Content Warning: Yes
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience. I look forward to reading more in this series.
My Review: Heart's Gambit by J.D. Myall is book #1 in the Heart's Gambit series. It is scheduled for release on 2/3/26.
About the Book: "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."
In My Own Words: Time jumps from the distant past into the near future. Loss and betrayal across a timeline steeped in tragedy. Love and secrets all around. Dark, malevolent magic that tortures and torments. The lives of two families bound by the crushing weight of a curse.
What I Liked/Loved:
- I loved the originality of this story. It was like a shadowed version of Voyagers but more than.
- I loved the characters. The lead characters drew me into their drama right away. Even the family members were captivating. I liked that the families were so similar. It was interesting to see the other side of the coin where they were both concerned.
- I liked the temporal play and the adventures through time. I thought the author did an amazing job with weaving in notable historical events, periods, and people. There was a sense of nostalgia, just as much as things seemed contemporary.
- I was intrigued by how the primary antagonist got the curse started. It was pretty darn deep. Still, I know there is more to learn. All I know is that I am ready for book 2.0.
- I loved the unpredictability of what was happening. Wow! I never saw what was coming. The cliffhanger ending was chef's kiss.
- The supernatural elements and revealed powers were amazing. The variety of magics was top notch.
- I really liked the strength that came through the words of the matriarchs of both families.
- Although I did not like the training situation that Emma had to endure at the hands of her grand, I did understand it. It was written so well that I hated to love it, but I did.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Alaska Jackson, Eric Lockley, and Khaya Fraites. The trio did a remarkable job bringing the story to life. They were able to create tension, churn up emotions, and voice the angsty drama that existed between the characters. It was insanely good!
My Final Say: This was an outstanding story. It was creative, moving, and unforgettable. It was action-packed. There was never a dull moment. I cannot wait to see how it all plays out. Let's go!
I recommend this book for older YA, teens, new adults, and adults. It would be a wonderful book club read.
*** Some of the content in this story may be triggering. Potential readers are encouraged to read any and all author/publisher notes. ***
Other: Readers who enjoy supernatural fantasy, enemies to lovers stories, forbidden romances, dark dramas, and time travel will love this story.
Rating: 4.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Ages 15 and up
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Content Warning: Yes
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience. I look forward to reading more in this series.
November 2, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
1.5 rounded up
I initially put this book down around the 30-40% mark but decided to pick it up again because the concept of the Tether/Gambit, curse, and battles/trials were intriguing to me. I unfortunately think that the story's execution fell flat in plot, characters, and theme, and the writing wasn't something I connected to.
What I enjoyed:
The author did a wonderful job at physical descriptions; the settings, circus, new locations as the characters time traveled, and some of the magic in action were vivid. I enjoyed the time traveling aspect and how each character had a unique kind of magic. There were some plot points that were engaging, particularly in the first and last 25%. Learning about the world was my favorite part, and that world building set up a great foundation for the magic, curse, and future books (especially given the cliffhanger-type ending). Each main character's family history was interesting as we got details sporadically throughout the story. The themes I believe the author intends to convey are clear and meaningful, ranging from family and love to commentary on racism. Towards the end of the book (last 25%), the plot really picked up, and I enjoyed some of the twists that came! I do feel that the end is the strongest part of the story, as that is when the games and characters are truly put to the test and 'action' takes place. The stakes finally feel 'real' when this action ramps up, and I was much more engaged!
What didn't work for me:
I struggled with the writing and structure. The plot synopsis' promise of a curse and competition were gripping, but it didn't actually come into play until the very end, most of the story and writing itself being repetitive and circuitous. I found that everything felt very unexplored; events, feelings, and changes are brushed over very quickly. The writing itself is very overt ('tell') and read more so middle grade to me, including language that drew me out of the story and important scenes (for instance, characters sincerely using "bestie" and "womb mate"). Because of how overtly things were stated, the characters' emotions felt forced and stilted. I also felt that the themes weren't able to really resonate because they were simply stated by characters through dialogue rather than explored through their actions or the story itself. While I enjoyed learning about Emma and Malcolm (as well as their families) individually, the way the story quickly focused on their romance took away from character development. Like the characters themselves, the romance didn't feel believable; it felt forced and stilted. I also found that the characters were very inconsistent from moment to moment, which was frustrating.
Overall, I do think the story conveys many important messages and themes, and it creates an intriguing world of magic. I won't be continuing with the series because the writing isn't for me, but I could see its potential for expansion!
1.5 rounded up
I initially put this book down around the 30-40% mark but decided to pick it up again because the concept of the Tether/Gambit, curse, and battles/trials were intriguing to me. I unfortunately think that the story's execution fell flat in plot, characters, and theme, and the writing wasn't something I connected to.
What I enjoyed:
The author did a wonderful job at physical descriptions; the settings, circus, new locations as the characters time traveled, and some of the magic in action were vivid. I enjoyed the time traveling aspect and how each character had a unique kind of magic. There were some plot points that were engaging, particularly in the first and last 25%. Learning about the world was my favorite part, and that world building set up a great foundation for the magic, curse, and future books (especially given the cliffhanger-type ending). Each main character's family history was interesting as we got details sporadically throughout the story. The themes I believe the author intends to convey are clear and meaningful, ranging from family and love to commentary on racism. Towards the end of the book (last 25%), the plot really picked up, and I enjoyed some of the twists that came! I do feel that the end is the strongest part of the story, as that is when the games and characters are truly put to the test and 'action' takes place. The stakes finally feel 'real' when this action ramps up, and I was much more engaged!
What didn't work for me:
I struggled with the writing and structure. The plot synopsis' promise of a curse and competition were gripping, but it didn't actually come into play until the very end, most of the story and writing itself being repetitive and circuitous. I found that everything felt very unexplored; events, feelings, and changes are brushed over very quickly. The writing itself is very overt ('tell') and read more so middle grade to me, including language that drew me out of the story and important scenes (for instance, characters sincerely using "bestie" and "womb mate"). Because of how overtly things were stated, the characters' emotions felt forced and stilted. I also felt that the themes weren't able to really resonate because they were simply stated by characters through dialogue rather than explored through their actions or the story itself. While I enjoyed learning about Emma and Malcolm (as well as their families) individually, the way the story quickly focused on their romance took away from character development. Like the characters themselves, the romance didn't feel believable; it felt forced and stilted. I also found that the characters were very inconsistent from moment to moment, which was frustrating.
Overall, I do think the story conveys many important messages and themes, and it creates an intriguing world of magic. I won't be continuing with the series because the writing isn't for me, but I could see its potential for expansion!
November 12, 2025
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
2.5 Stars
Time travel is always an interesting concept, but it can also be confusing, and this story definitely sits in that space. There are moments where the logic doesn’t quite hold up for me. The idea of timelines that they somehow stick to is intriguing, but a little unclear, especially since it seems Sabine can choose which generation fights which? Or are they the same generation, but living in different times? Not clear enough for me.
There are also a few inconsistencies. Early on, the main character says that when she travels, only a second passes for everyone else, but later her mum says she noticed she was missing and went looking for her. These small contradictions take you out of the story a bit, even though the way they travel is quite unique. Time travel is always difficult to get right, and I can see some of these questions being answered in the next book, but at this moment in time (no pun intended), it feels a little weak for me personally.
The strongest part of the book is the family dynamics. Every family is fighting to survive, and everyone has lost someone. It feels raw and emotional, and there’s no clear side to root for. The betrayals keep coming, and trust is constantly shifting. I especially enjoyed the reveal about how Emma’s family took her memories, which was very well done.
Where I struggled most was with Emma and Malcom’s relationship. It’s hard to believe that two people raised to hate each other would agree to meet so easily, let alone form a connection so quickly. I did like that they both question the world they’ve grown up in and want to end the curse, but their relationship feels rushed. I never quite believed they were fighting against wanting to kill each other, which made their dynamic less convincing.
The magic system is fresh and interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing it explored further. There’s a lot of potential here, especially if the time travel logic and relationships are developed more in the next instalment.
2.5 Stars
Time travel is always an interesting concept, but it can also be confusing, and this story definitely sits in that space. There are moments where the logic doesn’t quite hold up for me. The idea of timelines that they somehow stick to is intriguing, but a little unclear, especially since it seems Sabine can choose which generation fights which? Or are they the same generation, but living in different times? Not clear enough for me.
There are also a few inconsistencies. Early on, the main character says that when she travels, only a second passes for everyone else, but later her mum says she noticed she was missing and went looking for her. These small contradictions take you out of the story a bit, even though the way they travel is quite unique. Time travel is always difficult to get right, and I can see some of these questions being answered in the next book, but at this moment in time (no pun intended), it feels a little weak for me personally.
The strongest part of the book is the family dynamics. Every family is fighting to survive, and everyone has lost someone. It feels raw and emotional, and there’s no clear side to root for. The betrayals keep coming, and trust is constantly shifting. I especially enjoyed the reveal about how Emma’s family took her memories, which was very well done.
Where I struggled most was with Emma and Malcom’s relationship. It’s hard to believe that two people raised to hate each other would agree to meet so easily, let alone form a connection so quickly. I did like that they both question the world they’ve grown up in and want to end the curse, but their relationship feels rushed. I never quite believed they were fighting against wanting to kill each other, which made their dynamic less convincing.
The magic system is fresh and interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing it explored further. There’s a lot of potential here, especially if the time travel logic and relationships are developed more in the next instalment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
Stop what you’re doing, because I just found your next favorite romantic fantasy, and it’s irresistible! J.D. Myall’s Heart’s Gambit isn't just a book; it's a whirlwind of dazzling Black excellence, centuries-old family feuds, and a curse that absolutely demands an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Seriously, my little heart couldn't handle the drama! 😭
The premise alone is everything: The Baldwins and the Davenports, two prominent time-traveling families, are locked in a deadly duel thanks to a dark bargain made centuries ago for freedom. Every generation, two young competitors must fight to the death to feed the immortality of the witch Sabine. Enter our star-crossed darlings: Emma Baldwin, the fierce wish spinner, and Malcolm Davenport, the smooth maker of illusions. ✨
From the second Emma and Malcolm meet, the tension is palpable! I live for a moment where the characters are supposed to hate each other, but the chemistry is so strong, they’re basically radiating heart eyes across the room. We're talking secret letters, midnight meetings, and cursed urges that make their forbidden romance feel incredibly high-stakes. 💌 Forbidden love is just better, right?
Myall perfectly balances the thrilling action—the magical duels and the fight against the ancient curse—with the gorgeous, tender moments between Emma and Malcolm. It’s a true journey of first love, where they dare to dream of a future outside the toxic rivalry. Can they break the curse and finally be together? You'll be on the edge of your seat, screaming "YES!" by the final page.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that is full of complex characters, breathtaking magic, rich history, and a romance that will make you completely forget about your real-world responsibilities, then you need to grab this ASAP! It’s giving deadly stakes meets soulmates forever. Get ready to swoon
The premise alone is everything: The Baldwins and the Davenports, two prominent time-traveling families, are locked in a deadly duel thanks to a dark bargain made centuries ago for freedom. Every generation, two young competitors must fight to the death to feed the immortality of the witch Sabine. Enter our star-crossed darlings: Emma Baldwin, the fierce wish spinner, and Malcolm Davenport, the smooth maker of illusions. ✨
From the second Emma and Malcolm meet, the tension is palpable! I live for a moment where the characters are supposed to hate each other, but the chemistry is so strong, they’re basically radiating heart eyes across the room. We're talking secret letters, midnight meetings, and cursed urges that make their forbidden romance feel incredibly high-stakes. 💌 Forbidden love is just better, right?
Myall perfectly balances the thrilling action—the magical duels and the fight against the ancient curse—with the gorgeous, tender moments between Emma and Malcolm. It’s a true journey of first love, where they dare to dream of a future outside the toxic rivalry. Can they break the curse and finally be together? You'll be on the edge of your seat, screaming "YES!" by the final page.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that is full of complex characters, breathtaking magic, rich history, and a romance that will make you completely forget about your real-world responsibilities, then you need to grab this ASAP! It’s giving deadly stakes meets soulmates forever. Get ready to swoon
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF @ 34%
Emma and Malcolm are descendants of rival families descended from slaves who gained their magical power in a Faustian bargain with the wife of their former slave master's wife. Every generation, a member from each of their families is forced to fight in the Tethered Gambit, a magical battle to the death where the loser's death feeds Sabine's immortality. When Emma sneaks off from her family, she meets Malcolm, and sparks fly despite them being supposed to hate each other.
This was beautifully written, but I just do not think it's my kind of novel. It was far too bleak, and the scenes between Emma and her grandmother are blatant abuse and yet these families are supposed to be loving to their family members. I just couldn't finish it when Emma's grandmother threatened her life for about the third time in order to keep Emma's brother in line. I also found some of the elements of sexism in the novel to be concerning. Sabine is clearly evil, but it's as if the author and all the characters think it wasn't traumatic to her at all to be sold off in marriage at age ten — hello, that's incredibly traumatic even if she is also evil herself. It could've made a good point about how hurt people hurt people but it was apparently just more evidence of how she doesn't care about the suffering of the slaves on the plantation. Malcolm also slut-shames her sister, and when she calls him on it it's treated as funny banter and not actually sexist.
If you enjoy stories about magical competitions and fights to the death and don't mind dark content or detailed abusive family dynamics, this book might be for you! It just wasn't for me, even if I can recognize that it is written well.
Emma and Malcolm are descendants of rival families descended from slaves who gained their magical power in a Faustian bargain with the wife of their former slave master's wife. Every generation, a member from each of their families is forced to fight in the Tethered Gambit, a magical battle to the death where the loser's death feeds Sabine's immortality. When Emma sneaks off from her family, she meets Malcolm, and sparks fly despite them being supposed to hate each other.
This was beautifully written, but I just do not think it's my kind of novel. It was far too bleak, and the scenes between Emma and her grandmother are blatant abuse and yet these families are supposed to be loving to their family members. I just couldn't finish it when Emma's grandmother threatened her life for about the third time in order to keep Emma's brother in line. I also found some of the elements of sexism in the novel to be concerning. Sabine is clearly evil, but it's as if the author and all the characters think it wasn't traumatic to her at all to be sold off in marriage at age ten — hello, that's incredibly traumatic even if she is also evil herself. It could've made a good point about how hurt people hurt people but it was apparently just more evidence of how she doesn't care about the suffering of the slaves on the plantation. Malcolm also slut-shames her sister, and when she calls him on it it's treated as funny banter and not actually sexist.
If you enjoy stories about magical competitions and fights to the death and don't mind dark content or detailed abusive family dynamics, this book might be for you! It just wasn't for me, even if I can recognize that it is written well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
This book had an amazing start! I was immediately engaged, the concept behind the teleportation, the setting, and the overall premise were all incredible. I especially loved relearning bits of history while reading a fantasy story; that blend was done really well and added a lot of depth to the world.
What didn’t work for me was the insta-love. There was a lot of push-and-pull between the characters, and while I understand that this dynamic was meant to foreshadow the ending, I wish it had been handled in a more subtle, understated way. There are three major plot twists in this book, and two of them were noticeable from very early on. That said, one of the twists was absolutely beautiful, chef’s kiss, and easily my favorite part of the story.
While I didn’t personally love the romance, I did appreciate how the characters communicated with one another, and that aspect was genuinely adorable. However, the whole “I like you, but I also have a weird vibe and might want to kill you” dynamic is a hard one for me to fully get past. On top of that, while prejudice is clearly a major theme in the book, the main character herself holds some very strong prejudiced views toward the other main character. That contradiction pulled me out of the story more than once, especially since I kept thinking, “Don’t you hate when people do this to you?”
Overall, I really liked the writing, and I loved the plot and concept behind the story. While the execution was… fine, it could have been stronger in certain areas. Because of that, I ultimately rated this book 3 stars.
Thank you again to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
This book had an amazing start! I was immediately engaged, the concept behind the teleportation, the setting, and the overall premise were all incredible. I especially loved relearning bits of history while reading a fantasy story; that blend was done really well and added a lot of depth to the world.
What didn’t work for me was the insta-love. There was a lot of push-and-pull between the characters, and while I understand that this dynamic was meant to foreshadow the ending, I wish it had been handled in a more subtle, understated way. There are three major plot twists in this book, and two of them were noticeable from very early on. That said, one of the twists was absolutely beautiful, chef’s kiss, and easily my favorite part of the story.
While I didn’t personally love the romance, I did appreciate how the characters communicated with one another, and that aspect was genuinely adorable. However, the whole “I like you, but I also have a weird vibe and might want to kill you” dynamic is a hard one for me to fully get past. On top of that, while prejudice is clearly a major theme in the book, the main character herself holds some very strong prejudiced views toward the other main character. That contradiction pulled me out of the story more than once, especially since I kept thinking, “Don’t you hate when people do this to you?”
Overall, I really liked the writing, and I loved the plot and concept behind the story. While the execution was… fine, it could have been stronger in certain areas. Because of that, I ultimately rated this book 3 stars.
Thank you again to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
November 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of a generational long family feud that is spurned by a 1:1 matches to the death, and the families have magic AND time travel, sounded really interesting. Unfortunately, it just kinda fell flat.
The magic of the world felt confusing and a little clunky to me. Each person had a different skill and it was a little hard to keep track of who could do what. Everyone could time travel and each family had objects to help them adjust to that. I felt like that aspect could have been kept as is without the other magic.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the relationship between the FMC and MMC. They met twice and exchanged some letters over the course of a night, and they were devoted to each other. It just felt jarring since again this feud has been going for generations and the curse literally makes them hate each other.
I did enjoy the details the author added to help enforce where the characters were in a point of time. Such as changing the mode of transportation, what the clothing looked like, and even how the characters would talk.
Overall, some really interesting pieces, but some larger parts didn’t work for me.
The concept of a generational long family feud that is spurned by a 1:1 matches to the death, and the families have magic AND time travel, sounded really interesting. Unfortunately, it just kinda fell flat.
The magic of the world felt confusing and a little clunky to me. Each person had a different skill and it was a little hard to keep track of who could do what. Everyone could time travel and each family had objects to help them adjust to that. I felt like that aspect could have been kept as is without the other magic.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the relationship between the FMC and MMC. They met twice and exchanged some letters over the course of a night, and they were devoted to each other. It just felt jarring since again this feud has been going for generations and the curse literally makes them hate each other.
I did enjoy the details the author added to help enforce where the characters were in a point of time. Such as changing the mode of transportation, what the clothing looked like, and even how the characters would talk.
Overall, some really interesting pieces, but some larger parts didn’t work for me.
December 18, 2025
Received ARC from NetGalley
I DNF this book around 60%
It’s a really cool concept. Two families blessed with unique forms of magic, but cursed to hate each other and forced to participate in duels at the whim of the witch who gave them power.
The blurb gave me The Night Circus or Hotel Magnifique vibes. And the beginning def had some of that. But there was just one circus show. All these examples of how cool magic could be, but it was never expanded upon.
The writing style of as also not for me. It felt like a lot more tell not show. But things were told jn a weird order, or certain details were repeated more than needed. For example, one scene is described with certain scents. They leave that area, but then go back and it’s repeated that there are those scents again. It just felt unnecessary.
Finally, there is a constant message of racial injustice in America. Which I think is great for shaping these characters, their desires and the reasons behind all their actions. But it was overdone in my opinion. It felt like every few pages something was said about racism.
Cool concept, and while I do want to know how they beat the witch, I just couldn’t get with the delivery of the story.
I DNF this book around 60%
It’s a really cool concept. Two families blessed with unique forms of magic, but cursed to hate each other and forced to participate in duels at the whim of the witch who gave them power.
The blurb gave me The Night Circus or Hotel Magnifique vibes. And the beginning def had some of that. But there was just one circus show. All these examples of how cool magic could be, but it was never expanded upon.
The writing style of as also not for me. It felt like a lot more tell not show. But things were told jn a weird order, or certain details were repeated more than needed. For example, one scene is described with certain scents. They leave that area, but then go back and it’s repeated that there are those scents again. It just felt unnecessary.
Finally, there is a constant message of racial injustice in America. Which I think is great for shaping these characters, their desires and the reasons behind all their actions. But it was overdone in my opinion. It felt like every few pages something was said about racism.
Cool concept, and while I do want to know how they beat the witch, I just couldn’t get with the delivery of the story.
October 21, 2025
Huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and J.D. Myall for sending me an Advance Readers' Copy of Heart's Gambit! <3
Prepare for a world filled with magic, time-travel, and a love that will overcome fate.
This story follows two rival families, the Baldwins and the Davenports, who have been cursed since two enslaved teens fell in love. Each generation must duel to the death to maintain their immortality. The narrative centers on Emma and Malcolm, who find themselves in a forbidden love that has the potential to break the curse. I really loved the setting of the story, especially the time-traveling aspects, as well as the supporting roles of family and the ethical implications involved. The time traveling circus was especially fun to read about, was giving me night circus vibes. I truly appreciated Malcolm's character, he was incredibly well-written and always was entertaining to read about. I appreciated the fact that both families were guilty in their own ways and you could see both sides in both Emma and Malcolm's POVs.
I think this book was really unique and fun, definitely worth a read!
Prepare for a world filled with magic, time-travel, and a love that will overcome fate.
This story follows two rival families, the Baldwins and the Davenports, who have been cursed since two enslaved teens fell in love. Each generation must duel to the death to maintain their immortality. The narrative centers on Emma and Malcolm, who find themselves in a forbidden love that has the potential to break the curse. I really loved the setting of the story, especially the time-traveling aspects, as well as the supporting roles of family and the ethical implications involved. The time traveling circus was especially fun to read about, was giving me night circus vibes. I truly appreciated Malcolm's character, he was incredibly well-written and always was entertaining to read about. I appreciated the fact that both families were guilty in their own ways and you could see both sides in both Emma and Malcolm's POVs.
I think this book was really unique and fun, definitely worth a read!
November 26, 2025
This is another teen challenge for survival story but with a unique origin. Rather than a dystopian world, this challenge takes place in our own world but touched with magic and across timelines. The origin of the curse is portrayed with more foundational information relayed throughout the story. I like the points of view and how the two families had different skills/abilities. The love story was well done, although some events seemed unlikely to me considering their situation (although these are teens, so maybe not so unlikely after all). I did take issue with the concept of time travel in this book: If you are going to meet someone 2 days after your first meeting, you don't have to wait 2 days to do it - you can time travel to anywhere and anywhen today! Where this happened in the book, it irked me and left me grumbling. I found the actual tether competition exciting and enjoyed the imagery of the setting and the fight. And then we get to the end of the story ... which also left me grumbling. I did enjoy the story but am unsure if I will continue the series. I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book which was entertaining and exciting!
November 23, 2025
First off, I would like to thank Goodreads and Macmillan Publishers for selecting me as a winner of the Advance Readers Edition of this book. I would actually give this a 3.5 star rating. This book has a unique concept with a fresh magic system. Enemies to lovers, long history of a family feud, and forced games/trials. This book is definitely a last 100 pages type of book. Most of the book was pretty repetitive, lots of descriptive writing, but chapter after chapter of not a lot happening. Not a lot of new information introduced or secrets being revealed until the last 100 pages. It was confusing at times as well, and the authors writing style just wasn't really for me. Then everything seems to happen quickly at the end. If bits and pieces of clues or action were given out more throughout the book, like what occurred near the end, this would have been a higher rating for me. I did find myself a little bored at times, and not wanting to continue to read. The ending pulled me in, and did surprise me some.
November 1, 2025
Heart’s Gambit is a romantasy debut that has a unique premise and emotional depth. The story follows Emma Baldwin and Malcolm Davenport, two rivals from magical, time-traveling families who are chosen to fight in a deadly duel. Their families have been locked in this cycle for generations. As Emma and Malcolm prepare to face off, they begin secretly meeting and falling for each other. Their connection important and compelling, and I was invested in how they might break the curse and rewrite their fate. The magic system is layered and imaginative, adding richness to the world and tension to their journey.
I’ll admit the middle of the book dragged a little for me and I wanted just a bit more momentum but it wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story. The ending delivers, tying everything together in a satisfying way.
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
I’ll admit the middle of the book dragged a little for me and I wanted just a bit more momentum but it wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story. The ending delivers, tying everything together in a satisfying way.
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
November 5, 2025
Ho-ly cow. This book was AMAZING. The writing was beautiful at times. I'm a sucker for a time travel book so I knew I wanted to read this, but dang. I loved it so much I want a special edition!
Malcolm and Emma are two teens caught up in centuries worth of feuding and fate, but they are both determined to end it. Neither one has a stomach for violence. Malcolm and his family do as much as they can to be a positive force in a world that is constantly hurting others and Emma and her family are grieving a loss that cuts deep. Both families are living a life of grief and survival. They have to decide together to fight each other or the evil that demands an unwilling sacrifice.
I mention this because I am a teen librarian who lives in a very strict state that loves censorship. There is minimal cursing and implied s3x, but nothing beyond kisses happens on page. No drinking, no vaping, no drugs.
*This book was provided to me by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Malcolm and Emma are two teens caught up in centuries worth of feuding and fate, but they are both determined to end it. Neither one has a stomach for violence. Malcolm and his family do as much as they can to be a positive force in a world that is constantly hurting others and Emma and her family are grieving a loss that cuts deep. Both families are living a life of grief and survival. They have to decide together to fight each other or the evil that demands an unwilling sacrifice.
I mention this because I am a teen librarian who lives in a very strict state that loves censorship. There is minimal cursing and implied s3x, but nothing beyond kisses happens on page. No drinking, no vaping, no drugs.
*This book was provided to me by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
I went into **Heart’s Gambit** really excited about the concept, and the historical jumps and magical abilities were easy to follow once I got into the rhythm of things. The setting descriptions especially were gorgeous and honestly some of my favorite parts.
As for the characters, I really liked Emma and Malcolm individually—both of their situations are messy and emotional in a way that felt real—but their romance didn’t fully land for me. It was cute, but a bit rushed, and I feel like it was a lot of doom and gloom, where I would have. prefered more lightheartedness. That said, the themes of family, legacy, and the weight of generational trauma were handled well, and the ending definitely picked things up.
Overall, this was a solid, creative YA fantasy with a unique premise. Not everything worked perfectly for me, but it was still an engaging read, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next!
As for the characters, I really liked Emma and Malcolm individually—both of their situations are messy and emotional in a way that felt real—but their romance didn’t fully land for me. It was cute, but a bit rushed, and I feel like it was a lot of doom and gloom, where I would have. prefered more lightheartedness. That said, the themes of family, legacy, and the weight of generational trauma were handled well, and the ending definitely picked things up.
Overall, this was a solid, creative YA fantasy with a unique premise. Not everything worked perfectly for me, but it was still an engaging read, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next!
October 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heart's Gambit
by J.D. Myall
Malcolm Davenport and Emma Baldwin, both from prominent, time-traveling Black families, are forced into a magical, mortal game due to a curse placed on their families many generations ago.
Here is a poem I wrote to describe the book:
Richly written descriptions
you can sink down into,
raw emotion
painted on the page.
Violence,
tearing free, incising you.
Colors coating
love and magic,
tragic
time... and terror.
~Kerri Lynn Hilbert 10/8/25
St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books
February 3, 2026
Thank you St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#heartsgambit
#StMartinsPress #wednesdaybooks
#macmillanpublishinggroup
#arc #netgalley
#Brightbookreviews
#Goodreads #Fable
#Sci-Fi #Fantasy #Romance
#teens #youngadult
#timetravel #curse
#Magic #secrets
Heart's Gambit
by J.D. Myall
Malcolm Davenport and Emma Baldwin, both from prominent, time-traveling Black families, are forced into a magical, mortal game due to a curse placed on their families many generations ago.
Here is a poem I wrote to describe the book:
Richly written descriptions
you can sink down into,
raw emotion
painted on the page.
Violence,
tearing free, incising you.
Colors coating
love and magic,
tragic
time... and terror.
~Kerri Lynn Hilbert 10/8/25
St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books
February 3, 2026
Thank you St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#heartsgambit
#StMartinsPress #wednesdaybooks
#macmillanpublishinggroup
#arc #netgalley
#Brightbookreviews
#Goodreads #Fable
#Sci-Fi #Fantasy #Romance
#teens #youngadult
#timetravel #curse
#Magic #secrets
November 23, 2025
Hope, grit, resilience, loss,anger over what is unfair, value, meaning, presence, and voice. I’ve not read anything quite like it before, the travel through time, looking at all of the struggles of black people throughout history and how it’s changed and the ways it’s stayed the same. But it also celebrates the strength which has come of the hardships while lamenting that it’s a tragedy they have occurred in the first place. It is a strength honored for how it was earned, but not celebrating the bloody battles it took to get there.
Full of young adult rage against the machine how only teens can and beautiful, deadly magic, it was a fantasy dystopian novel I would have loved in high school and enjoyed still today.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the early access; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full of young adult rage against the machine how only teens can and beautiful, deadly magic, it was a fantasy dystopian novel I would have loved in high school and enjoyed still today.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the early access; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 28, 2025
This book starts pretty grim. A witch curses the families of two lovers and they will have to be enemies. Their descendants will have participate in the Tethered Gambit, a combat to death in exchange of having magic. Both families can also travel through time. I found the idea very nice. The nods to black history were also very interesting. Emma and Malcolm try to work together to defeat the witch and not participate in the Gambit. The beginning is very interesting but then it slows down during the middle. However, the pace really picks up towards the end and sets up for the next book. This book had betrayals, time travel, magic, romance. I was definitely entertained while reading. Overall, it’s a nice YA Romantasy and I’m very interested in reading the next book !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
October 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an arc!
My first thought after finishing this book: WOW! The mix of magic and mystical elements with the topics of oppression, slavery, and discrimination was something I've never seen before in a book. And honestly, I fell in love with it. I feel like these topics, though so different, came together in a brilliant harmony that kept me captivated and educated. Seeing the sacrifices all of the characters have to make because of the time period and people around them was really well written---I felt for them. Myall did a great job with this book. I am quite curious to see where it can go with the next one!
My first thought after finishing this book: WOW! The mix of magic and mystical elements with the topics of oppression, slavery, and discrimination was something I've never seen before in a book. And honestly, I fell in love with it. I feel like these topics, though so different, came together in a brilliant harmony that kept me captivated and educated. Seeing the sacrifices all of the characters have to make because of the time period and people around them was really well written---I felt for them. Myall did a great job with this book. I am quite curious to see where it can go with the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐ 1🌶️ Hearts Gambit
I was pleasant surprised by the debut book by J. D. Myall. I love romantic fantasy books but was a little unsure because I tend to stay away from books that have anything to do with time travel because it's often not written well and it gets confusing but J. D. Myall did a fantastic job. The character development was great. If you like magic, fantasy, a little bit of romance, and pretty quick pace this is the book for you! Looking forward to book 2!
- Fantasy
- Slow burn Romance
- enemies to lovers
- magic
- time travel
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for ARC opportunity!
I was pleasant surprised by the debut book by J. D. Myall. I love romantic fantasy books but was a little unsure because I tend to stay away from books that have anything to do with time travel because it's often not written well and it gets confusing but J. D. Myall did a fantastic job. The character development was great. If you like magic, fantasy, a little bit of romance, and pretty quick pace this is the book for you! Looking forward to book 2!
- Fantasy
- Slow burn Romance
- enemies to lovers
- magic
- time travel
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for ARC opportunity!
November 7, 2025
A fun, magical read. Follow two unique characters as their families explore their unique magical powers, including travelling across time. The catch? An ancient curse that chooses a champion from each family to fight to the death. Our two MCs are thrust into this confusing world and forced to either find a way to end the curse or find a way to end each other.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dual narration - Alaska Jackson; Eric Lockley; Khaya Fraites
Great voices.
This was a decent book. I found it to be very YA writing style and I struggled to stick with it.
I feel for the right age group it would be a fabulous listen. The story is good and interesting just a bit more “middle” school YA.
Great voices.
This was a decent book. I found it to be very YA writing style and I struggled to stick with it.
I feel for the right age group it would be a fabulous listen. The story is good and interesting just a bit more “middle” school YA.
July 28, 2025
This debut was amazing, I can't wait to read more! A duel turned romance was amazing! Going from a duel to working together to break a curse, falling in love.. It was so wonderful. I am finding myself flabbergasted and unsure how to describe this any better than just OMG!
November 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
It was good, but felt very rushed. Some parts seemed a bit corny but I have to remember this is a young adult genre. The ending obviously hints at a sequel, which I will obviously read because I can’t be left hanging like that!
It was good, but felt very rushed. Some parts seemed a bit corny but I have to remember this is a young adult genre. The ending obviously hints at a sequel, which I will obviously read because I can’t be left hanging like that!
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