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Major Gift
The widow of a tech mogul is determined to give her wealth away—and keep one secret from the journalist tasked with telling her story. A hot new take on the billionaire romance.
When Ndidi Davis’s husband unexpectedly dies, she’s left bereft—and with $2.1 billion in the bank. She channels her grief into launching a charitable foundation, but the endeavor is made more complicated by Geoffrey Campbell, an ambitious, perceptive journalist assigned to profile her philanthropic pursuit. Geoffrey’s reporting slowly uncovers Ndidi’s whole heart—and some parts of her past she’s worked hard to keep out of the public eye.
When Ndidi Davis’s husband unexpectedly dies, she’s left bereft—and with $2.1 billion in the bank. She channels her grief into launching a charitable foundation, but the endeavor is made more complicated by Geoffrey Campbell, an ambitious, perceptive journalist assigned to profile her philanthropic pursuit. Geoffrey’s reporting slowly uncovers Ndidi’s whole heart—and some parts of her past she’s worked hard to keep out of the public eye.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
March 4, 2026
4.25
This was a refreshing read; female billionaire in Silicon Valley. I actually think it would be a great full-length novel so we could go deeper with the characters.
Would recommend!
This was a refreshing read; female billionaire in Silicon Valley. I actually think it would be a great full-length novel so we could go deeper with the characters.
Would recommend!
May 20, 2026
I enjoyed this take on a billionaire romance because it did not follow the typical storyline I read in this genre.
The story follows Ndidi (Didi) as she grieves the loss of her husband while trying to focus on giving back, and hiding a major secret from her past. Geoffrey, the journalist writing her profile, ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story. I really liked how his career began and that he had previously written about Alex, Didi’s husband, and how his start up came to be. That detail made the story feel full circle in a really satisfying way.
It was clear from the beginning that Geoffrey sensed there was more to Didi’s story, but I appreciated the patience and ease he brought to their relationship. They connected naturally from the start, and the comfort he provided allowed Didi to slowly become her true self.
Overall, this was a thoughtful and refreshing romance with strong emotional themes woven throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and the 831 Stories Romance for the ARC. I read an uncorrected proof and all opinions are my own.
The story follows Ndidi (Didi) as she grieves the loss of her husband while trying to focus on giving back, and hiding a major secret from her past. Geoffrey, the journalist writing her profile, ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story. I really liked how his career began and that he had previously written about Alex, Didi’s husband, and how his start up came to be. That detail made the story feel full circle in a really satisfying way.
It was clear from the beginning that Geoffrey sensed there was more to Didi’s story, but I appreciated the patience and ease he brought to their relationship. They connected naturally from the start, and the comfort he provided allowed Didi to slowly become her true self.
Overall, this was a thoughtful and refreshing romance with strong emotional themes woven throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and the 831 Stories Romance for the ARC. I read an uncorrected proof and all opinions are my own.
March 24, 2026
I liked it! A woman in the tech world, Ndidi, finds love after her husband passes away. There are some nice “yes bitch!!” moments where Ndidi asserts herself while interacting with men who are belittling her.
I’m really into all of these later in life romances I’ve been consuming lately (I think this woman is 40?) - I’m thinking of Violet Bridgerton’s plot-line in newest season of Bridgerton and Found Time (the 831 I read yesterday). Awesome and refreshing to read about someone’s second great love story.
Out on May 19th!
I’m really into all of these later in life romances I’ve been consuming lately (I think this woman is 40?) - I’m thinking of Violet Bridgerton’s plot-line in newest season of Bridgerton and Found Time (the 831 I read yesterday). Awesome and refreshing to read about someone’s second great love story.
Out on May 19th!
May 2, 2026
I’d like to thank NetGalley and 831 Stories for providing me with this eARC!
I went into this one without having read even the blurb… it was a nice surprise to see the development of the story. One thing I’ll always love is when a woman comes through and ends up confidently slaying whatever problems the story throws at her. This story, also, was refreshing in the sense that the maturity of the characters was tangible. The communication through the evolution of their relationship was chef’s kiss!
4 ⭐️
I went into this one without having read even the blurb… it was a nice surprise to see the development of the story. One thing I’ll always love is when a woman comes through and ends up confidently slaying whatever problems the story throws at her. This story, also, was refreshing in the sense that the maturity of the characters was tangible. The communication through the evolution of their relationship was chef’s kiss!
4 ⭐️
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April 24, 2026thank you netgalley and 831 stories for the digital arc! review to come!
Review of advance copy
I borrowed this from my daughter who received it as an ARC. The book was a great read and the author has a beautiful writing style, especially regarding scenes with intimacy, either emotional or physical. I was a bit surprised that there is so much character and relationship development and then it seemed like the book wrapped up so quickly. In any case I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am not sure how to feel about this book. The writing is good. It draws you in. However, the main character is difficult.
Before I delve into the hard parts, something simple that I struggled with is that I felt I could not visualize any of the characters well. Except for Wendy and maybe Henry. For Ndidi who is the FMC, I had a blank face; the things I could picture most clearly were her hairstyles. In romances and in literary fiction, I am used to characters being described more thoroughly. All I got was that she was pretty, which did not help to shape her in my mind. Whether or not it is intentional, I do think it is a keen reflection on her character—though I won’t take the time to connect those dots because I’m already writing too much as is.
I’ll start by saying that I love a book about grief. I am Black and a woman and a working professional who has had to deal with very difficult men. I understand that characters are not perfect narrators. However, I really struggle with the way this was presented.
I knew what was happening from very early on, so there was no element of surprise or emotional volatility, which actually might’ve made it easier for me to read the book from a more critical lens. However, I do like getting wrapped up in a novel and I enjoy being caught off guard, so that predictability is part of why this book is three stars for me.
There is a lot more underlying discontent that I would like to voice as a reader; it is not limited to the novel, it is definitely a reflection on our society, but this novel aims to address these problems in our society so it has triggered these feelings in me.
I don’t know what this book is asking me to feel—maybe confusion or a niggling of frustration. It mostly made me think. The delicacy with which these critical topics were handled, much like Geoffrey’s final piece, skirted around a plethora of really sensitive topics without criticizing them head on. It was a soft book for a very hard edge of the world that is too difficult to navigate and survive to be so subdued in a novel that seems to be positioning itself as a criticism.
Considering that I (as a person quite similar to the main character) was not be surprised by this book, it makes me feel as if it is written for a wider audience. And with that in mind, I don’t always feel that things need to be softened for groups that will view this as ‘just’ a work of fiction—as opposed to a personal reality.
Literature has an incredible purpose: informing and expanding the views of readers. Fiction, specifically romance, is an amazing vehicle for this. People quite literally come to romance with open hearts. I won’t pretend to know the best way to handle the delivery in Major Gift, but a less subdued effect would have made me feel a lot more enamored with this story.
As it is, it just reminds me of why so many women are jaded and chronically ill. We are exploited in the same ways that we are taken for granted in romantic relationships. We are forced to fight and fend for ourselves. We have to make tough life-changing decisions to escape toxic environments. We are overworked and we are underpaid. We are taught that it is rude to discuss our potential, both financially and socially, in a work environment.
When you are Black, that is an entirely new dimension to navigate. Everyday, “quiet” sentiments are communicated very loudly without being said—without most people around you noticing. There is no calling attention to it if you want to keep your job and fund an enjoyable life for yourself.
With Ndidi, there is an implicit distance between her and the average reader because she is a billionaire which is also unrelatable, particularly in this current economic and political climate. It is possible that her wealth has diluted the personal impact of her life experiences. People say money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it sure does buy you peace of mind. It gives you access to coping mechanisms that make life easier to survive. You are not necessarily forced to face your challenges head on when you are secure. Even so, I did appreciate reading about a successful Black woman. I have not encountered many books where the main character is a Black woman who is doing quite well for herself and living a relatively peaceful life.
However, much like her family, I am left confused by the entire situation as it unfolds. I too feel that there is something missing from her story. I wasn’t satisfied with her explanations. It felt very much like a rationalization to survive what was the first half of her life and a softening of reality to avoid accepting the truth. Her sister even alludes to her habit of using logic and reason to work her way out of feeling—I believe that can be applied to her story at a larger scale. The entire recollection has been coated in a layer of logic and reason.
The book truly feels like a larger reflection of her, and I’m not sure those are always books that I enjoy reading. I enjoy feeling like the author has imposed a sense of judgment for readers to follow, because at the end of the day the character is fictional and some things need a heavier hand when it comes to what you want readers to take away.
Art is no longer yours once it is in the world and language is inherently insufficient. There will always be gaps in communication from one mind to another. These are concepts I have carried with me since college. When you put something into the world, everyone who interacts with it will run with it—reshape it through the lens of their own perceptions, which are formed by their own life experiences. When you make criticisms so vague about topics that are so complex, there is a lot of room for misconception.
One last thing that frustrates me is the fact that the story also doesn’t properly delve into the ways Black women are mistreated/taken for granted in relationships. It is true for all relationship dynamics, but it is poignant in mixed relationship dynamics because of the element of social perception and regard. A white man will always have a fundamentally different life experience and point of view. It is inevitable. This is not a point about personal failings by race; I’m sure we’re all aware that all men, including men from one’s own culture, can fail women. However, because this character is so intricately tied to the main man in her life through work and through love (since early adulthood), because so late in life she is saying she has had her best intimate moments with someone who is essentially a stranger, this point feels especially relevant in the context of her story.
I’m not sure everyone will be able to read these words and see through the murky puddle of it all. I want more media in the world that compels people to gain clarity on situations like this. Every book I have read that broaches this topic, of Black women struggling in the workplace or in dating, handles it from either a quirky or a tortured or a surface level lens. I want something deeper and more evolved, a story that is not afraid to be on the nose. Considering I have encountered so many multilayered stories from this publishing house, and I have seen the way being queer is covered—boldly and emphatically and very much on the nose—I really wish that there was more here. Something less muted.
Before I delve into the hard parts, something simple that I struggled with is that I felt I could not visualize any of the characters well. Except for Wendy and maybe Henry. For Ndidi who is the FMC, I had a blank face; the things I could picture most clearly were her hairstyles. In romances and in literary fiction, I am used to characters being described more thoroughly. All I got was that she was pretty, which did not help to shape her in my mind. Whether or not it is intentional, I do think it is a keen reflection on her character—though I won’t take the time to connect those dots because I’m already writing too much as is.
I’ll start by saying that I love a book about grief. I am Black and a woman and a working professional who has had to deal with very difficult men. I understand that characters are not perfect narrators. However, I really struggle with the way this was presented.
I knew what was happening from very early on, so there was no element of surprise or emotional volatility, which actually might’ve made it easier for me to read the book from a more critical lens. However, I do like getting wrapped up in a novel and I enjoy being caught off guard, so that predictability is part of why this book is three stars for me.
There is a lot more underlying discontent that I would like to voice as a reader; it is not limited to the novel, it is definitely a reflection on our society, but this novel aims to address these problems in our society so it has triggered these feelings in me.
I don’t know what this book is asking me to feel—maybe confusion or a niggling of frustration. It mostly made me think. The delicacy with which these critical topics were handled, much like Geoffrey’s final piece, skirted around a plethora of really sensitive topics without criticizing them head on. It was a soft book for a very hard edge of the world that is too difficult to navigate and survive to be so subdued in a novel that seems to be positioning itself as a criticism.
Considering that I (as a person quite similar to the main character) was not be surprised by this book, it makes me feel as if it is written for a wider audience. And with that in mind, I don’t always feel that things need to be softened for groups that will view this as ‘just’ a work of fiction—as opposed to a personal reality.
Literature has an incredible purpose: informing and expanding the views of readers. Fiction, specifically romance, is an amazing vehicle for this. People quite literally come to romance with open hearts. I won’t pretend to know the best way to handle the delivery in Major Gift, but a less subdued effect would have made me feel a lot more enamored with this story.
As it is, it just reminds me of why so many women are jaded and chronically ill. We are exploited in the same ways that we are taken for granted in romantic relationships. We are forced to fight and fend for ourselves. We have to make tough life-changing decisions to escape toxic environments. We are overworked and we are underpaid. We are taught that it is rude to discuss our potential, both financially and socially, in a work environment.
When you are Black, that is an entirely new dimension to navigate. Everyday, “quiet” sentiments are communicated very loudly without being said—without most people around you noticing. There is no calling attention to it if you want to keep your job and fund an enjoyable life for yourself.
With Ndidi, there is an implicit distance between her and the average reader because she is a billionaire which is also unrelatable, particularly in this current economic and political climate. It is possible that her wealth has diluted the personal impact of her life experiences. People say money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it sure does buy you peace of mind. It gives you access to coping mechanisms that make life easier to survive. You are not necessarily forced to face your challenges head on when you are secure. Even so, I did appreciate reading about a successful Black woman. I have not encountered many books where the main character is a Black woman who is doing quite well for herself and living a relatively peaceful life.
However, much like her family, I am left confused by the entire situation as it unfolds. I too feel that there is something missing from her story. I wasn’t satisfied with her explanations. It felt very much like a rationalization to survive what was the first half of her life and a softening of reality to avoid accepting the truth. Her sister even alludes to her habit of using logic and reason to work her way out of feeling—I believe that can be applied to her story at a larger scale. The entire recollection has been coated in a layer of logic and reason.
The book truly feels like a larger reflection of her, and I’m not sure those are always books that I enjoy reading. I enjoy feeling like the author has imposed a sense of judgment for readers to follow, because at the end of the day the character is fictional and some things need a heavier hand when it comes to what you want readers to take away.
Art is no longer yours once it is in the world and language is inherently insufficient. There will always be gaps in communication from one mind to another. These are concepts I have carried with me since college. When you put something into the world, everyone who interacts with it will run with it—reshape it through the lens of their own perceptions, which are formed by their own life experiences. When you make criticisms so vague about topics that are so complex, there is a lot of room for misconception.
One last thing that frustrates me is the fact that the story also doesn’t properly delve into the ways Black women are mistreated/taken for granted in relationships. It is true for all relationship dynamics, but it is poignant in mixed relationship dynamics because of the element of social perception and regard. A white man will always have a fundamentally different life experience and point of view. It is inevitable. This is not a point about personal failings by race; I’m sure we’re all aware that all men, including men from one’s own culture, can fail women. However, because this character is so intricately tied to the main man in her life through work and through love (since early adulthood), because so late in life she is saying she has had her best intimate moments with someone who is essentially a stranger, this point feels especially relevant in the context of her story.
I’m not sure everyone will be able to read these words and see through the murky puddle of it all. I want more media in the world that compels people to gain clarity on situations like this. Every book I have read that broaches this topic, of Black women struggling in the workplace or in dating, handles it from either a quirky or a tortured or a surface level lens. I want something deeper and more evolved, a story that is not afraid to be on the nose. Considering I have encountered so many multilayered stories from this publishing house, and I have seen the way being queer is covered—boldly and emphatically and very much on the nose—I really wish that there was more here. Something less muted.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you 831 Stories for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2026/0...
I've had an up-and-down relationship with the novellas from this publisher, but I'm always grateful when they give me another chance with their latest ARC. I actually liked this one a lot, and it has a lot of things going for it. But at the end of the day, I wanted more from it and it didn't feel like there was a lot of THERE there, even with the novella constraint.
Ndidi Davis is the forty-something widow of a tech billionaire (think he invented faux Instagram) who died too young last year. Now she wants to give her billions away (think MacKenzie Scott) and do some good before retiring from public view entirely. To launch her foundation, Giga Giving, she's doing a profile with preeminent journalist, Geoffrey Campbell. Sparks start flying almost immediately, the first Ndidi has felt since her husband died. Public perception, journalistic integrity, and grief all collide as Geoffrey tries to do what he came to San Francisco to do and Ndidi tries to figure out who she is without Alex.
It was lovely to read about adults who have adult problems (if you can think of a billionaire as someone with relatable problems), but any issues Ndidi and Geoffrey have seem to slide away very easily. Perhaps that's how it goes when you have money? Ndidi doesn't have a confidence problem, but the reveal and break in the third act seems to act like she does. I appreciate her speech to the board before she goes to get her man, but that could have happened at any time and it felt odd that she wasn't calling certain people out.
The novella also seems to abruptly end just as things were getting to the good part. I'm usually thankful for no epilogue, doing the work to say that everything's okay, but I was still left wanting. Any conflict of interest or problem in the public eye never comes to fruition. In fact, there's no mention of the public response to the article at all. Despite the odd warning from one person or the odd picture in a 20-slide Instagram, ahem OneK, post, no one seems to care, which is nice, but didn't feel real to me.
The author is an excellent writer and got many San Francisco/Bay Area vibes correct, which I appreciate, so I'd probably read something by her again. In the end, Ndidi and Geoffrey seemed like nice people I'd probably like to work for, but their story didn't light me up.
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2026/0...
I've had an up-and-down relationship with the novellas from this publisher, but I'm always grateful when they give me another chance with their latest ARC. I actually liked this one a lot, and it has a lot of things going for it. But at the end of the day, I wanted more from it and it didn't feel like there was a lot of THERE there, even with the novella constraint.
Ndidi Davis is the forty-something widow of a tech billionaire (think he invented faux Instagram) who died too young last year. Now she wants to give her billions away (think MacKenzie Scott) and do some good before retiring from public view entirely. To launch her foundation, Giga Giving, she's doing a profile with preeminent journalist, Geoffrey Campbell. Sparks start flying almost immediately, the first Ndidi has felt since her husband died. Public perception, journalistic integrity, and grief all collide as Geoffrey tries to do what he came to San Francisco to do and Ndidi tries to figure out who she is without Alex.
It was lovely to read about adults who have adult problems (if you can think of a billionaire as someone with relatable problems), but any issues Ndidi and Geoffrey have seem to slide away very easily. Perhaps that's how it goes when you have money? Ndidi doesn't have a confidence problem, but the reveal and break in the third act seems to act like she does. I appreciate her speech to the board before she goes to get her man, but that could have happened at any time and it felt odd that she wasn't calling certain people out.
The novella also seems to abruptly end just as things were getting to the good part. I'm usually thankful for no epilogue, doing the work to say that everything's okay, but I was still left wanting. Any conflict of interest or problem in the public eye never comes to fruition. In fact, there's no mention of the public response to the article at all. Despite the odd warning from one person or the odd picture in a 20-slide Instagram, ahem OneK, post, no one seems to care, which is nice, but didn't feel real to me.
The author is an excellent writer and got many San Francisco/Bay Area vibes correct, which I appreciate, so I'd probably read something by her again. In the end, Ndidi and Geoffrey seemed like nice people I'd probably like to work for, but their story didn't light me up.
April 11, 2026
thank you, netgalley and 831 stories for this arc!
i typically don’t keep up with specific publishers, but 831 stories is definitely becoming a publisher that i tend to keep track of. their selections—gorgeous books that explore love and identity in a very literary way—are consistent. the books themselves are written well.
“major gift” is no exception. the premise itself is interesting: it’s a twist on the typical billionaire trope. the woman is the billionaire and instead of being financially greedy and selfish, ndidi is crippled with self doubt and fear. recently widowed, she wants to give her wealth away to organizations. she wants to make a change in this world. she is selfless, often putting the needs of others in front of her. and she was fine with this until she met geoffrey, a journalist following her philanthropic efforts. and cue—romance.
the writing style was succinct and descriptive when it needed to be. at first, i was skeptical of the book length—i had thought that it would be too short to address the romance aspect, grief, philanthropy, identity, etc. but in hindsight, it was perfect in the sense that there wasn’t any unnecessary fluff. that being said, i do wish that the author fleshed out the reason behind ndidi’s apprehension for working in the tech world—maybe some flashbacks, etc. i do understand how that experience could rock a new grad’s world; however, the way it was executed was not convincing. i also wish that alex and ndidi’s relationship was fleshed out more. her grief was real but the object of her grief (alex) felt more like a caricature than a person.
i really enjoyed this book. it was a perfect blend of literary fiction and romance. in the past few years, i slowly got away from the romance genre because the writing quality in a lot of the newer ones were starting to decline. but even in my literary fiction novels, i still wanted to see romance. i didn’t want everything to be depressing. reading “major gift” reminded me the beautiful sub genre of literary romance!
this book is perfect for a reading slump cure!
“major gift” will be out this year on may 19!
i typically don’t keep up with specific publishers, but 831 stories is definitely becoming a publisher that i tend to keep track of. their selections—gorgeous books that explore love and identity in a very literary way—are consistent. the books themselves are written well.
“major gift” is no exception. the premise itself is interesting: it’s a twist on the typical billionaire trope. the woman is the billionaire and instead of being financially greedy and selfish, ndidi is crippled with self doubt and fear. recently widowed, she wants to give her wealth away to organizations. she wants to make a change in this world. she is selfless, often putting the needs of others in front of her. and she was fine with this until she met geoffrey, a journalist following her philanthropic efforts. and cue—romance.
the writing style was succinct and descriptive when it needed to be. at first, i was skeptical of the book length—i had thought that it would be too short to address the romance aspect, grief, philanthropy, identity, etc. but in hindsight, it was perfect in the sense that there wasn’t any unnecessary fluff. that being said, i do wish that the author fleshed out the reason behind ndidi’s apprehension for working in the tech world—maybe some flashbacks, etc. i do understand how that experience could rock a new grad’s world; however, the way it was executed was not convincing. i also wish that alex and ndidi’s relationship was fleshed out more. her grief was real but the object of her grief (alex) felt more like a caricature than a person.
i really enjoyed this book. it was a perfect blend of literary fiction and romance. in the past few years, i slowly got away from the romance genre because the writing quality in a lot of the newer ones were starting to decline. but even in my literary fiction novels, i still wanted to see romance. i didn’t want everything to be depressing. reading “major gift” reminded me the beautiful sub genre of literary romance!
this book is perfect for a reading slump cure!
“major gift” will be out this year on may 19!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stars: 3.5
Summary: Major Gift is a smart romance featuring Ndidi, a recent widow who wants to give away most of the money her late husband earned after creating and selling a popular app. Geoffrey, a journalist, is assigned a story about the foundation she created and shadows her for a week as she gets it off the ground. The chemistry between the two of them is almost immediate and undeniable, but Ndidi remains guarded as she clings to a secret she doesn’t want Geoffrey to discover.
What I liked: The novel’s first-person narration, from Ndidi’s POV, allows us to get close to her thoughts and emotions quickly. Though she’s inherited billions, she’s relatable and down to earth: “In a world where wealth-hoarding is not only possible but encouraged, I want to do the opposite. I want to give it all away,” she reveals in the first chapter. But we later learn other factors are at play in her decision to unload the money — a lack of confidence, guilt, disenfranchisement with the challenge of being a woman in the “tech bro” world, and fear of letting people see her true self — that many readers will likely also relate to.
I also enjoyed the plot and its sweet love story. Fans of romance won’t be disappointed; the chemistry between Ndidi and Geoffrey is palpable, and watching Geoffrey help Ndidi slowly come out of her shell had me hoping they’d end up together.
What didn’t work for me: Many of the supporting characters felt formulaic and two-dimensional. There’s the sassy, direct sister; trusty, righthand chief of staff; condescending older male in the workplace; and an employee introduced to us as homosexual though his sexual preference has no bearing on the story — it feels like a checked box.
I also struggled with the abrupt ending. I don’t want to give it away, but I’ll say it felt like either a cop-out, or as though the author reached her word limit and needed to quickly wrap it up.
TL;DR: It’s a sweet romance with likable characters, but I was left wanting more.
Stars: 3.5
Summary: Major Gift is a smart romance featuring Ndidi, a recent widow who wants to give away most of the money her late husband earned after creating and selling a popular app. Geoffrey, a journalist, is assigned a story about the foundation she created and shadows her for a week as she gets it off the ground. The chemistry between the two of them is almost immediate and undeniable, but Ndidi remains guarded as she clings to a secret she doesn’t want Geoffrey to discover.
What I liked: The novel’s first-person narration, from Ndidi’s POV, allows us to get close to her thoughts and emotions quickly. Though she’s inherited billions, she’s relatable and down to earth: “In a world where wealth-hoarding is not only possible but encouraged, I want to do the opposite. I want to give it all away,” she reveals in the first chapter. But we later learn other factors are at play in her decision to unload the money — a lack of confidence, guilt, disenfranchisement with the challenge of being a woman in the “tech bro” world, and fear of letting people see her true self — that many readers will likely also relate to.
I also enjoyed the plot and its sweet love story. Fans of romance won’t be disappointed; the chemistry between Ndidi and Geoffrey is palpable, and watching Geoffrey help Ndidi slowly come out of her shell had me hoping they’d end up together.
What didn’t work for me: Many of the supporting characters felt formulaic and two-dimensional. There’s the sassy, direct sister; trusty, righthand chief of staff; condescending older male in the workplace; and an employee introduced to us as homosexual though his sexual preference has no bearing on the story — it feels like a checked box.
I also struggled with the abrupt ending. I don’t want to give it away, but I’ll say it felt like either a cop-out, or as though the author reached her word limit and needed to quickly wrap it up.
TL;DR: It’s a sweet romance with likable characters, but I was left wanting more.
May 20, 2026
I really wanted to love Major Gift by Major Gift because the premise immediately hooked me. A middle-aged billionaire in Silicon Valley giving away her wealth to try and change the world, while a writer follows her to profile her and ends up falling in love with her? That sounds like the setup for such a layered and fascinating story.
I think that’s why this ended up being a disappointing read for me. The concept has so much potential. Themes of grief, wealth, morality, power, philanthropy and the ethics of being extraordinarily rich in a deeply unequal world. There’s so much here that could’ve been explored in a really nuanced way. But for me, the book only briefly touched on those ideas before moving on.
I also struggled with the writing style. It’s very accessible and easy to read, which I know will work for a lot of readers, but it personally fell flat for me because it leaned heavily into telling rather than showing. The main character is often described as “brilliant” but I never really felt that through the writing itself. I kept wanting more depth, more complexity, more substance.
I think the novella length ultimately worked against the story. The characters, their relationship and the themes all felt underdeveloped to me and I found myself wishing this had been a full-length literary novel instead. Because underneath it all is a genuinely strong concept that could’ve led to such an emotionally and intellectually compelling story.
I completely understand that novellas aren’t meant to flesh everything out extensively, but this felt less like intentional restraint and more like missed opportunity. I finished the book thinking about what it could have been rather than what it actually was.
I think that’s why this ended up being a disappointing read for me. The concept has so much potential. Themes of grief, wealth, morality, power, philanthropy and the ethics of being extraordinarily rich in a deeply unequal world. There’s so much here that could’ve been explored in a really nuanced way. But for me, the book only briefly touched on those ideas before moving on.
I also struggled with the writing style. It’s very accessible and easy to read, which I know will work for a lot of readers, but it personally fell flat for me because it leaned heavily into telling rather than showing. The main character is often described as “brilliant” but I never really felt that through the writing itself. I kept wanting more depth, more complexity, more substance.
I think the novella length ultimately worked against the story. The characters, their relationship and the themes all felt underdeveloped to me and I found myself wishing this had been a full-length literary novel instead. Because underneath it all is a genuinely strong concept that could’ve led to such an emotionally and intellectually compelling story.
I completely understand that novellas aren’t meant to flesh everything out extensively, but this felt less like intentional restraint and more like missed opportunity. I finished the book thinking about what it could have been rather than what it actually was.
March 8, 2026
I’m LOVING these 831 Stories and Major Gift was another easy read and a refreshing take on the billionaire romance! Ndidi Davis is an African American woman grieving the loss of her longtime husband Alex and determined to donate the fortune he made through a tech startup to meaningful charities. Unfortunately, if she wants to drum up support for her charity, she has to talk to the press, something she’s been avoiding since the sudden death of her husband over a year ago. Geoffrey Campbell is the attractive reporter that she chooses to write a piece on Alex and her new charity. Sparks fly between the pair and they bond as Geoffrey shadows her to research his article. Eventually, Ndidi has to decide whether she‘s ready to move on and risk opening herself up to Geoffrey, the only one who’s really ever seen her and the secret she’s been keeping from the world.
LOVED the fact that Ndidi and Geoffrey are 41!! I’ve read SO many books where the FMC and MMC are in their 20’s and it was fantastic to see a more mature FMC and MMC who don’t have and don’t want kids of their own (don’t worry there’s still some cute kids and adorable moments with our MCs!). Loved that Ndidi is giving all her money away and thoroughly researching all the charities she’s donating to, I wish this woman existed in real life, she would’ve changed the world. FYI there is a little spice but there’s only like two scenes and they’re not explicit at all. The cast of characters is diverse and we see the darker side of a black woman working in STEM. TW: our FMC experienced some serious racism and misogyny in the workplace.
This was a quick enjoyable read that’s cementing 831 Stories publishing as one of my favorites. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
LOVED the fact that Ndidi and Geoffrey are 41!! I’ve read SO many books where the FMC and MMC are in their 20’s and it was fantastic to see a more mature FMC and MMC who don’t have and don’t want kids of their own (don’t worry there’s still some cute kids and adorable moments with our MCs!). Loved that Ndidi is giving all her money away and thoroughly researching all the charities she’s donating to, I wish this woman existed in real life, she would’ve changed the world. FYI there is a little spice but there’s only like two scenes and they’re not explicit at all. The cast of characters is diverse and we see the darker side of a black woman working in STEM. TW: our FMC experienced some serious racism and misogyny in the workplace.
This was a quick enjoyable read that’s cementing 831 Stories publishing as one of my favorites. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC provided by Netgalley and 831 Stories in exchange for an honest review.
Major Gift is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you—warm, charming, and quietly confident in what it's doing.
Ezuma writes with real warmth, and the nonprofit fundraising world is such a refreshing setting for a romance. There's something inherently appealing about watching someone who's genuinely good at their job navigate the messiness of catching feelings when they absolutely should not be catching feelings. The tension between professionalism and desire? Delicious.
The leads have an easy chemistry that builds naturally, and I found myself rooting for them from early on. Ezuma doesn't rely on manufactured miscommunication or overblown drama—instead, the conflict feels grounded and real, which made the payoff satisfying. There's a gentleness to this book that I really appreciated; it trusts the reader to stay invested without constant chaos.
If I'm being picky, there were moments where I wanted just a little more heat, a little more friction before the resolution. Some scenes could have lingered longer in the tension before releasing it. But honestly? That's a minor quibble in an otherwise lovely read.
This is a comfort romance done right—sweet without being saccharine, low-angst without being boring. It's the literary equivalent of a really good first date where you leave thinking yeah, I'd see them again.
Bottom line: A warm, grounded romance with a fresh setting and leads worth rooting for. Perfect for when you want something that'll leave you smiling.
Major Gift is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you—warm, charming, and quietly confident in what it's doing.
Ezuma writes with real warmth, and the nonprofit fundraising world is such a refreshing setting for a romance. There's something inherently appealing about watching someone who's genuinely good at their job navigate the messiness of catching feelings when they absolutely should not be catching feelings. The tension between professionalism and desire? Delicious.
The leads have an easy chemistry that builds naturally, and I found myself rooting for them from early on. Ezuma doesn't rely on manufactured miscommunication or overblown drama—instead, the conflict feels grounded and real, which made the payoff satisfying. There's a gentleness to this book that I really appreciated; it trusts the reader to stay invested without constant chaos.
If I'm being picky, there were moments where I wanted just a little more heat, a little more friction before the resolution. Some scenes could have lingered longer in the tension before releasing it. But honestly? That's a minor quibble in an otherwise lovely read.
This is a comfort romance done right—sweet without being saccharine, low-angst without being boring. It's the literary equivalent of a really good first date where you leave thinking yeah, I'd see them again.
Bottom line: A warm, grounded romance with a fresh setting and leads worth rooting for. Perfect for when you want something that'll leave you smiling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eat the rich, except for Ndidi!
Major Gift is one of those romances that hooked me with a strong premise and easy-to-love characters but lost me a little in the execution. Ndidi, a newly widowed billionaire, is trying to give away all of her money. Obviously a widow trying to give away the fortune left by her husband is news-worthy, enter Geoffrey, the journalist tasked with writing a profile on Ndidi. Geoffrey shows up and the book finds it spark. Their chemistry shows up early and carries through, even when Ndidi keeps parts of herself locked away.
Ndidi’s narration feels grounded, and the way her grief, guilt and sense of responsibility intertwine adds some weight to the sweet romance between her and Geoffrey. That said, the story doesn’t live up to its potential for one reason: the ending comes in really, really fast–I get that 831 stories is known for its novellas but surely we could have allowed for a few more pages to give a more rounded closing to Ndidi and Geoffrey’s story.
Overall, Major Gift was an engaging, character driven, and enjoyable romance with a thoughtful core, even if there were some fumbles with the execution. Perfect in its lightness, sandwiched between all the dark and heavy reads that I’ve picked up lately. 831 and its authors still have a forever-fan in me!
Thank you to Netgalley, 831 Stories and Tiffany Ezuma for the arc!
Major Gift is one of those romances that hooked me with a strong premise and easy-to-love characters but lost me a little in the execution. Ndidi, a newly widowed billionaire, is trying to give away all of her money. Obviously a widow trying to give away the fortune left by her husband is news-worthy, enter Geoffrey, the journalist tasked with writing a profile on Ndidi. Geoffrey shows up and the book finds it spark. Their chemistry shows up early and carries through, even when Ndidi keeps parts of herself locked away.
Ndidi’s narration feels grounded, and the way her grief, guilt and sense of responsibility intertwine adds some weight to the sweet romance between her and Geoffrey. That said, the story doesn’t live up to its potential for one reason: the ending comes in really, really fast–I get that 831 stories is known for its novellas but surely we could have allowed for a few more pages to give a more rounded closing to Ndidi and Geoffrey’s story.
Overall, Major Gift was an engaging, character driven, and enjoyable romance with a thoughtful core, even if there were some fumbles with the execution. Perfect in its lightness, sandwiched between all the dark and heavy reads that I’ve picked up lately. 831 and its authors still have a forever-fan in me!
Thank you to Netgalley, 831 Stories and Tiffany Ezuma for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75⭐️ i'm slowly growing more fond of "later in life" romances. geoffrey and ndidi were so unsuspecting going into it and ended up finding themselves getting comfortable with each other. their romance was so cute to see unravel. i was initially scared when i saw that geoffrey was a journalist, and that was just trauma from other journalist x profile couples i've seen, and thankfully, this one isn't one i have to add to the list. he was very considerate and tried to change her perspective on things so she could see herself in a different light + stop being so hard on herself. & obviously, i hated henry from the start, and i was very happy to see ndidi finally stand up for herself at the end.
it touched on how women (specifically WOC) in STEM are treated, but i think it simply grazed the surface of the issue. i genuinely don't know what could have happened, but i wish there was more to the revelation of her participation in the creation of OneK. he became a known name and a billionaire with her help.. i kinda hate that he's the legacy of the company and wish that we were able to see more of the aftermath of geoffrey's profile/ndidi's revelation.
thank you 831 stories for the arc (via netgalley)! (:
it touched on how women (specifically WOC) in STEM are treated, but i think it simply grazed the surface of the issue. i genuinely don't know what could have happened, but i wish there was more to the revelation of her participation in the creation of OneK. he became a known name and a billionaire with her help.. i kinda hate that he's the legacy of the company and wish that we were able to see more of the aftermath of geoffrey's profile/ndidi's revelation.
thank you 831 stories for the arc (via netgalley)! (:
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Major Gift by Tiffany Ezuma follows Ndidi Davis, a 40-something tech billionaire's wife who is widowed unexpectedly when her husband dies in a car accident. Ndidi decides to start a foundation called Giga Giving to give away all of her wealth to causes that are important to her. Geoffrey Campbell is a reporter who is writing a profile piece on Ndidi to get the foundation publicity. From the moment they meet, there is chemistry between the two and while Ndidi seems very emotionally repressed, they move into a relationship quickly. Other notable characters are her sister Adamma, who lives on the east coast, and her assistant Wendy, who plays matchmaker.
I was intrigued by the description of this book but once I put the book down, I found it really hard to pick it back up again. The plot just didn't have enough depth for me and I felt so sad for Ndidi that she spent so much time so worried about what everyone else thought of her. While I enjoyed the ending, I felt like the story ended quite abruptly. I think the storyline for Major Gift is good, but I would have enjoyed it more as a full length novel so that the author had time to dig deeper into the characters and the story and end with an epilogue.
Thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the ARC!
I was intrigued by the description of this book but once I put the book down, I found it really hard to pick it back up again. The plot just didn't have enough depth for me and I felt so sad for Ndidi that she spent so much time so worried about what everyone else thought of her. While I enjoyed the ending, I felt like the story ended quite abruptly. I think the storyline for Major Gift is good, but I would have enjoyed it more as a full length novel so that the author had time to dig deeper into the characters and the story and end with an epilogue.
Thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ndidi is a billionare widow. She decides, à la Mackenzie Scott, that she wants to create a foundation and give all the money away. But her carefully orchestrated plan hits a roadblock when she finds herself falling for Geoffrey, the journalist covering the launch of her foundation. Oh, and she has a secret that could throw a wrench in both her work and her budding relationship!
I loved “Major Gift”! To me it was the least romance-y of all the 831 Stories books I’ve read so far, which, to me, was a good thing. It centered first and foremost on Ndidi’s growth as a character, and Geoffrey was just part of that journey which I loved. (Although he was a good part! Excellent male main character.) And I said this about the last 831 Stories I read and I’ll say it again for – this is a book about grownups and for grownups. There is no fake drama created just to make the plot more interesting. Just two grownups with their own baggage trying to find a way to be together. Which is all I want out of a romance.
Highly recommend this book!
PS: Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I loved “Major Gift”! To me it was the least romance-y of all the 831 Stories books I’ve read so far, which, to me, was a good thing. It centered first and foremost on Ndidi’s growth as a character, and Geoffrey was just part of that journey which I loved. (Although he was a good part! Excellent male main character.) And I said this about the last 831 Stories I read and I’ll say it again for – this is a book about grownups and for grownups. There is no fake drama created just to make the plot more interesting. Just two grownups with their own baggage trying to find a way to be together. Which is all I want out of a romance.
Highly recommend this book!
PS: Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Major Gift by Tiffany Ezuma is a thoughtful debut about Ndidi, who, after the death of her billionaire husband, channels her grief into giving away much of his fortune through a charitable foundation. When Geoffrey, a perceptive author and journalist, enters her life, their conversations slowly bring parts of Ndidi’s past into focus and lead her into a period of self-reflection.
I really liked how the story explores being a woman of many layers—looking back on the life you’ve lived, recognizing the sacrifices you’ve made, and deciding who you want to be moving forward. Ndidi’s reflections felt honest and intentional, especially as she begins to see her choices more clearly and shape her identity on her own terms.
I wished some moments had more space but I still appreciate how digestible and quick this novel reads. For those who are interested in a story about care, self-awareness, and two people showing up for each other while still leaving room to grow.
“Revealing our true selves is a gift we can give each other, and that reciprocity of being received for who we are- its a major gift”
Thank you netgalley and 831 stories for the arc!
I really liked how the story explores being a woman of many layers—looking back on the life you’ve lived, recognizing the sacrifices you’ve made, and deciding who you want to be moving forward. Ndidi’s reflections felt honest and intentional, especially as she begins to see her choices more clearly and shape her identity on her own terms.
I wished some moments had more space but I still appreciate how digestible and quick this novel reads. For those who are interested in a story about care, self-awareness, and two people showing up for each other while still leaving room to grow.
“Revealing our true selves is a gift we can give each other, and that reciprocity of being received for who we are- its a major gift”
Thank you netgalley and 831 stories for the arc!
March 11, 2026
I picked up Major Gift by Tiffany Ezuma because the premise sounded really interesting, and overall I’m glad I read it. For me, it landed around a 3 star read. It was a quick, easy book to get through and the concept definitely kept me curious about where the story was going.
That said, I did feel like the pacing was a little rushed. I I do feel like that ends up being an issue with a lot of the 831 stories since they’re so short. Some of the bigger moments happened really quickly, and I found myself wishing the author had slowed down a bit to let those scenes develop more.
I also had a hard time fully connecting with the characters. They felt a bit flat to me, and I kept wanting more depth or backstory so I could feel more invested in what was happening to them.
Even with those issues, I still enjoyed the overall idea behind the book and appreciated how easy it was to read. I just wish the characters had been a little more developed and the story had taken a bit more time to unfold.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That said, I did feel like the pacing was a little rushed. I I do feel like that ends up being an issue with a lot of the 831 stories since they’re so short. Some of the bigger moments happened really quickly, and I found myself wishing the author had slowed down a bit to let those scenes develop more.
I also had a hard time fully connecting with the characters. They felt a bit flat to me, and I kept wanting more depth or backstory so I could feel more invested in what was happening to them.
Even with those issues, I still enjoyed the overall idea behind the book and appreciated how easy it was to read. I just wish the characters had been a little more developed and the story had taken a bit more time to unfold.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an interesting book but suffers from its short length. Many of the characters don't feel fully developed and the main relationship feels rushed. It also brings up a lot of real issues but doesn't solve them or solves them in unrealistic ways. It also errs on the side of logic over emotion, which doesn't work well for a story about romance.
Ndidi Davis was with her husband Alex from the time they were nineteen when the two met in a computer science class at college. Alex went on to code OneK, which made him a billionaire, and Ndidi allowed herself to simply be along for the ride. When Alex dies unexpectedly Ndidi channels her grief into launching a charitable foundation to get rid of the majority of the 2.1 billion dollars left in their bank account. She decides to work with Geoffrey Campbell, a reporter, to get a profile written on her and the company. Ndidi finds herself drawn to Geoffrey and wonders if their relationship could be more than professional, and if she can tell him the whole truth, even what she has kept hidden from her family.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Ndidi Davis was with her husband Alex from the time they were nineteen when the two met in a computer science class at college. Alex went on to code OneK, which made him a billionaire, and Ndidi allowed herself to simply be along for the ride. When Alex dies unexpectedly Ndidi channels her grief into launching a charitable foundation to get rid of the majority of the 2.1 billion dollars left in their bank account. She decides to work with Geoffrey Campbell, a reporter, to get a profile written on her and the company. Ndidi finds herself drawn to Geoffrey and wonders if their relationship could be more than professional, and if she can tell him the whole truth, even what she has kept hidden from her family.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
March 29, 2026
Another short and sweet story published by 831 Stories. I think anything published under them will be auto-reads for me. They’re short, easily-digestible, and feel complete in a way some full length novels don’t for me. Major Gift by Tiffany Ezuma was no different than the others I’ve read in this way.
This story follows a newly widowed Ndidi as she takes the billions inherited from her husband’s tech efforts and builds a limited term philanthropic effort. As this launches, Geoffrey, a journalist, writes a piece on Ndidi and gets to know her in a way she isn’t expecting. What follows is the story of a woman overcoming grief, standing up against some bigotry disguised as concern, and finding joy.
I really enjoyed this story and the reverse of the typical billionaire story where the man holds the money and power. While Ndidi needed to stand up MUCH earlier than she did, I understand the timeline that the author wished for wouldn’t have allowed for that. I know too many me like Henry, and I think he triggered a sense of fight or flight I was unprepared for lol
Thank you to NetGalley and 831Stories for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows a newly widowed Ndidi as she takes the billions inherited from her husband’s tech efforts and builds a limited term philanthropic effort. As this launches, Geoffrey, a journalist, writes a piece on Ndidi and gets to know her in a way she isn’t expecting. What follows is the story of a woman overcoming grief, standing up against some bigotry disguised as concern, and finding joy.
I really enjoyed this story and the reverse of the typical billionaire story where the man holds the money and power. While Ndidi needed to stand up MUCH earlier than she did, I understand the timeline that the author wished for wouldn’t have allowed for that. I know too many me like Henry, and I think he triggered a sense of fight or flight I was unprepared for lol
Thank you to NetGalley and 831Stories for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Major Gift follows Ndidi, the widow of a tech billionaire in her creation of a charitable foundation to give away most of her fortune. As press for the foundation, she is interviewed by Geoffrey, a journalist to write a profile about her life and work.
This story was really sweet, I liked Ndidi and Geoffrey as characters and thought they complimented each other well. I feel like the story bucked trends that are typical in contemporary romance – the main characters were in their forties and already established in their careers, the FMC was a billionaire, rather than the MMC, and she was arguably more successful than him in a professional sense. I liked the critique of the tech industry and how exclusive and discriminatory it is to anyone who doesn’t fit the pre-determined ‘mold’, and it was refreshing to see a billionaire giving away her wealth, rather than hoarding it or on a constant quest for more. Workplace romances aren’t usually my favourite, but I liked how developed the characters were, and despite its short length, thought the plot wrapped up nicely at the end.
Thank you to 831 Stories and Netgalley for the ARC copy.
This story was really sweet, I liked Ndidi and Geoffrey as characters and thought they complimented each other well. I feel like the story bucked trends that are typical in contemporary romance – the main characters were in their forties and already established in their careers, the FMC was a billionaire, rather than the MMC, and she was arguably more successful than him in a professional sense. I liked the critique of the tech industry and how exclusive and discriminatory it is to anyone who doesn’t fit the pre-determined ‘mold’, and it was refreshing to see a billionaire giving away her wealth, rather than hoarding it or on a constant quest for more. Workplace romances aren’t usually my favourite, but I liked how developed the characters were, and despite its short length, thought the plot wrapped up nicely at the end.
Thank you to 831 Stories and Netgalley for the ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
These short stories never disappoint. I’ve loved almost all of them, but this one might be my favorite so far.
One thing I really appreciated about this story was the way it touches on how women in STEM are treated, especially women of color. The banter between Ndidi and Geoffrey was so good. Their flirting had me smiling more than once while reading. Geoffrey was incredibly patient and understanding, especially with everything Ndidi was carrying emotionally. She’s still dealing with the guilt of moving on after her husband’s death, and that struggle felt very honest throughout the story. I also liked that Geoffrey wasn’t perfect either. He clearly has commitment issues, while Ndidi tends to avoid getting too close, so they both have things to work through. I appreciated that the story didn’t pretend all of that was magically fixed by the end. You can tell they still have work to do, but somehow that made it even better. By the end I was definitely rooting for them. It’s a short story, but it still manages to feel real and meaningful.
One thing I really appreciated about this story was the way it touches on how women in STEM are treated, especially women of color. The banter between Ndidi and Geoffrey was so good. Their flirting had me smiling more than once while reading. Geoffrey was incredibly patient and understanding, especially with everything Ndidi was carrying emotionally. She’s still dealing with the guilt of moving on after her husband’s death, and that struggle felt very honest throughout the story. I also liked that Geoffrey wasn’t perfect either. He clearly has commitment issues, while Ndidi tends to avoid getting too close, so they both have things to work through. I appreciated that the story didn’t pretend all of that was magically fixed by the end. You can tell they still have work to do, but somehow that made it even better. By the end I was definitely rooting for them. It’s a short story, but it still manages to feel real and meaningful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the latest 831 novella about Ndidi Davis, a widow in her 40s whose tech mogul husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her with $2 billion dollars. She decides to pull a Mackenzie Bezos and start a charitable foundation giving the money away. In the process, she meets Geoffrey, a journalist who once profiled her husband and is now profiling her about the launch of the foundation. She ultimately has to come to terms with her husband's death, how public she wants to be, secrets that only the two of them and the co-founder of the company he sold knew. In the process, she falls in love with Geoffrey and has to reconcile whether it's okay feel that for someone so soon after her husband's death.
I love this novellas -- they're the perfect length if I'm not ready to dive into a full book. That said, I found myself wanting a little more development in the relationship between Ndidi and Geoffrey. I would love to see 831 continue to publish novellas but also step into publishing full-length novels.
Thanks to 831 and Netgalley for ARC.
I love this novellas -- they're the perfect length if I'm not ready to dive into a full book. That said, I found myself wanting a little more development in the relationship between Ndidi and Geoffrey. I would love to see 831 continue to publish novellas but also step into publishing full-length novels.
Thanks to 831 and Netgalley for ARC.
March 10, 2026
It's always exciting to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy of an 831 Stories book, and getting Major Gift in my inbox was, certainly, a major gift. This story follows Ndidi Davis as she launches a foundation to give away her billions of dollars to various charities, following her husband Alex's death. A journalist, Geoffrey Campbell, is tasked with writing a profile of Ndidi and the creation of her foundation, and soon the two find their relationship extending past professional boundaries. I am such a huge fan of all 831 Stories and typically don't find them lacking anything, despite their short length - they always feel perfectly paced with the perfect amount of story. I enjoyed this one a lot, but just wish it had a bit more to chew on - more build up to their coupling, more conflict, more life after their relationship is revealed. I hope one day to read more from Tiffany Ezuma, and I'm crossing my fingers for a full-length novel. Big thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the early copy!
Did Not Finish
March 14, 2026Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Major Gift. I want to state upfront that I DNF’d this book at the 30% due to some triggering content that is personal to myself.
Major Gift follows Ndidi, a widow of her billionaire husband, who decides she wants to start fresh and give away all of her money to causes close to her heart. There is a budding romance between herself and a journalist covering her story. The premise of the book is great for fans of the billionaire romance trope, and tackles issues surrounding grief, wealth, sexism, and more.
I did find the portion I read to be a bit slower paced, focusing more on the MC’s personal arc than the romance aspect. Ultimately, the grief and loss of a loved one parts of the book were too much for me and I needed to stop reading after going through a loss recently. My own experience does not reflect on the quality of the book, and if this is not something triggering for you, I would suggest giving it a go. The writing was clever and witty, and I tend to love what 831 Stories publishes!
Major Gift follows Ndidi, a widow of her billionaire husband, who decides she wants to start fresh and give away all of her money to causes close to her heart. There is a budding romance between herself and a journalist covering her story. The premise of the book is great for fans of the billionaire romance trope, and tackles issues surrounding grief, wealth, sexism, and more.
I did find the portion I read to be a bit slower paced, focusing more on the MC’s personal arc than the romance aspect. Ultimately, the grief and loss of a loved one parts of the book were too much for me and I needed to stop reading after going through a loss recently. My own experience does not reflect on the quality of the book, and if this is not something triggering for you, I would suggest giving it a go. The writing was clever and witty, and I tend to love what 831 Stories publishes!
May 19, 2026
41-year-old Ndidi Davis is navigating her life following the death of her husband, Alex, a tech billionaire. When she proposes donating 99% of her wealth to initiatives such as early childhood education and women’s healthcare, she faces pushback from a board member advocating for STEM programs instead. Amid this internal clash, Ndidi must also manage the constant presence of Geoffrey, a journalist writing a profile on her. As their interviews deepen, she surprisingly finds herself experiencing a spark of romance for the first time since her husband's passing.
While “tech billionaire” can be seen as an eye-rolling cliche in romance books, I appreciated how the author made this storyline feel real and something of substance. Ndidi downplays her role in founding her husband’s successful app and navigates the challenge of being a successful Black woman in tech spaces. MAJOR GIFT is a cute, quick beach read to bring along with you this summer.
Thank you to #NetGalley and 831 Stories for an advanced reader copy of #MajorGift.
While “tech billionaire” can be seen as an eye-rolling cliche in romance books, I appreciated how the author made this storyline feel real and something of substance. Ndidi downplays her role in founding her husband’s successful app and navigates the challenge of being a successful Black woman in tech spaces. MAJOR GIFT is a cute, quick beach read to bring along with you this summer.
Thank you to #NetGalley and 831 Stories for an advanced reader copy of #MajorGift.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was reading this book whilst i also read others, so not all my time and effort was going into it. I called this book my “bus book” and that sentiment speaks for itself, obviously i would read it on the bus. But, some days i would avoid it altogether.
Major Gift was extremely cute and heartwarming, bringing together two characters that are quite opposite from one another. I didn’t really have a problem with this novel, but it lacked, for me, that spark that always makes me gravitate to books. That spark that ensures i don’t want to put it down or read anything else. I liked our FMC and the way she was so sure of herself at the end of the book, thanks to the mind-opening MMC. I really saw her growth towards the end, but still, i just didn’t feel anything for the story or our characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and 831 Stories for a chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Major Gift was extremely cute and heartwarming, bringing together two characters that are quite opposite from one another. I didn’t really have a problem with this novel, but it lacked, for me, that spark that always makes me gravitate to books. That spark that ensures i don’t want to put it down or read anything else. I liked our FMC and the way she was so sure of herself at the end of the book, thanks to the mind-opening MMC. I really saw her growth towards the end, but still, i just didn’t feel anything for the story or our characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and 831 Stories for a chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 21, 2026
4.5⭐ This book was so cute!! I read the description and really didn’t know what I was getting into, but I think this might be one of my favorite 831 stories yet. I loved how the themes of grief and finding love after grief were approached. I think the author did such a great job with that, especially because grief is such a weird route and different for everyone, and finding love after it can be just as difficult, and I think the way it was done here felt genuine and honest. I also loved how the book addressed women of color in STEM fields. While I’m not a STEM major of any kind, I do love a STEM romance, and love when it’s mentioned in books, I feel smart reading them its weird. This book, though, was good about addressing the problems within the field and I really appreciated it. Need more books about women of color in STEM!!! Overall, loved this book and highly recommend it when it does release!! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this story!
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April 9, 2026“Once I go home, I’m giving away ninety-nine percent of our money—the money I feel no ownership over—to charity. I’m going to start over, and I’m going to do it on my terms. I just have to figure out what exactly those terms are.”
I was kindly given early access to this wonderful little novella by 831 Stories, and it was the perfect romance read with a healthy grounding in reality. The only flaw was that it could have been longer; I would have happily read a full-length novel.
The romance unfolds between a journalist and Ndidi, whose billionaire tech husband has passed away. She is now embarking on a journey to give her wealth away to charities. As their relationship develops, a secret once kept between husband and wife (and one other man) comes to light, and Ndidi must decide what to do with that information.
Beyond the romance, there is also a discussion of what it means to be a woman of colour in Silicon Valley, in tech more broadly and even within STEM education.
I was kindly given early access to this wonderful little novella by 831 Stories, and it was the perfect romance read with a healthy grounding in reality. The only flaw was that it could have been longer; I would have happily read a full-length novel.
The romance unfolds between a journalist and Ndidi, whose billionaire tech husband has passed away. She is now embarking on a journey to give her wealth away to charities. As their relationship develops, a secret once kept between husband and wife (and one other man) comes to light, and Ndidi must decide what to do with that information.
Beyond the romance, there is also a discussion of what it means to be a woman of colour in Silicon Valley, in tech more broadly and even within STEM education.
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