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Major Gift
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26The 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.
- GenresRomance
192 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 19, 2026
9 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 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!
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
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
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 2, 2026
4.75 ★
“it dawns on me that i’ve spent almost twelve hours with him today. and yet it felt like no time at all.”
major gift is a billionaire romance, except the billionaire is a widow who doesn’t believe being a billionaire is ethical and starts a foundation to give away 99% of her wealth — a fun twist on a classic trope. you go, girl!
ndidi and geoffrey are both in their 40’s and wow, there is just something so refreshing about characters who are emotionally mature enough to communicate like adults. though i’m usually not a fan of insta-love, it worked and made sense with these two. i loved their love so much i read it in one sitting.
831 stories always deliver with so much more than you’d expect from a novella. every story is unique, addictive and full of emotional depth.
thank you to tiffany ezuma, 831 stories and netgalley for this e-arc 🖤
“it dawns on me that i’ve spent almost twelve hours with him today. and yet it felt like no time at all.”
major gift is a billionaire romance, except the billionaire is a widow who doesn’t believe being a billionaire is ethical and starts a foundation to give away 99% of her wealth — a fun twist on a classic trope. you go, girl!
ndidi and geoffrey are both in their 40’s and wow, there is just something so refreshing about characters who are emotionally mature enough to communicate like adults. though i’m usually not a fan of insta-love, it worked and made sense with these two. i loved their love so much i read it in one sitting.
831 stories always deliver with so much more than you’d expect from a novella. every story is unique, addictive and full of emotional depth.
thank you to tiffany ezuma, 831 stories and netgalley for this e-arc 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and 831 stories for an advanced copy of this book!
I was so excited to receive this copy and read this book, and I was not disappointed. It had the classic signs of an 831 stories romance, and told a beautiful love story with an extra grittiness that you don't typically see in a lot of contemporary romance books. This book packed a really good story into a novella length book, but it didn't feel like it was lacking at all. It had depth and good characters (who were actually established adults!). I love that the story was about more than just the romance-it dove into heavier themes like grief, equality in the workplace, and more.
I had such a fun time with this one enjoyed every second of the story.
I was so excited to receive this copy and read this book, and I was not disappointed. It had the classic signs of an 831 stories romance, and told a beautiful love story with an extra grittiness that you don't typically see in a lot of contemporary romance books. This book packed a really good story into a novella length book, but it didn't feel like it was lacking at all. It had depth and good characters (who were actually established adults!). I love that the story was about more than just the romance-it dove into heavier themes like grief, equality in the workplace, and more.
I had such a fun time with this one enjoyed every second of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who loves the show Loot, I really liked this framing of the device, which is "What if Maya Rudolph's character was actually a serious, brilliant, but grieving widow.
Were this a longer book, I would've liked to see the adversarial vibe between Ndidi and Henry play out a little further, but in general, I thought this novella was just the right length and accomplished a lot in very few pages. The writing was beautiful, the heartstrings were pulled in just the right ways, I loved her relationship with her sister, and Geoffrey and Ndidi communicated as grown adults in a hard situation. It felt mature and lovely. I look forward to reading more by Tiffany Ezuma soon
I received an ARC from NetGalley
Were this a longer book, I would've liked to see the adversarial vibe between Ndidi and Henry play out a little further, but in general, I thought this novella was just the right length and accomplished a lot in very few pages. The writing was beautiful, the heartstrings were pulled in just the right ways, I loved her relationship with her sister, and Geoffrey and Ndidi communicated as grown adults in a hard situation. It felt mature and lovely. I look forward to reading more by Tiffany Ezuma soon
I received an ARC from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Like stepping into a warm bath, you already know the comfort a solid romance novel brings. This one has fully realized mature (in their 40's) main characters with backstories and their own friends and jobs they enjoy. Ndidi is a billionaire philanthropist and I enjoyed the flip of trope here, that instead of being swept away by her billionaire boss, she's the one with the money. Since she can live fully comfortably, what love-interest Geoffrey brings to the table has to be pretty special and desirable and fulfilling to Ndidi. Also this book is horny, I was rooting for them even when they were just making out like teenagers!
My first 831 Stories and I was excited to get the chance to read this one.
*Review of a much appreciated advance copy received from Netgalley*
My first 831 Stories and I was excited to get the chance to read this one.
*Review of a much appreciated advance copy received from Netgalley*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A grieving widow determined to give almost all her wealth away to charity offers a refreshing twist on the billionaire trope.
Ndidi and Geoffrey meet when he is hired as a journalist to profile her new nonprofit. They have an immediate easy and natural chemistry. I appreciated that they were mature and accomplished characters in their 40's who actually communicated.
Overall this felt soft, yet grounded and was a really satisfying read. With novellas, I sometimes feel the plot and characters are underdeveloped, but this didn't feel lacking for a short book.
Ndidi and Geoffrey meet when he is hired as a journalist to profile her new nonprofit. They have an immediate easy and natural chemistry. I appreciated that they were mature and accomplished characters in their 40's who actually communicated.
Overall this felt soft, yet grounded and was a really satisfying read. With novellas, I sometimes feel the plot and characters are underdeveloped, but this didn't feel lacking for a short book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This read super fast (as these books do, they are pretty short)!
I just really couldn't get invested in these characters. I don't know if it was because of how short the book was or because of the writing or for both reasons (probably both). But I just couldn't really get invested in them and their relationship.
I think a lot of people will like our FMC and her relatable problems, but this romance just didn't hit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I just really couldn't get invested in these characters. I don't know if it was because of how short the book was or because of the writing or for both reasons (probably both). But I just couldn't really get invested in them and their relationship.
I think a lot of people will like our FMC and her relatable problems, but this romance just didn't hit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
March 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, 831 Stories and Tiffany Ezuma for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t stop reading this and finished it in less than 24hours. It’s a quick read, only 192 pages.
The story was really interesting and I enjoyed it but didn’t feel a connection with the FMC and MMC - I wanted them to be happy but felt like I was missing something from being very invested. That might be due to the condensed nature of the book.
Despite the length I still really enjoyed the book and wish it was longer.
I couldn’t stop reading this and finished it in less than 24hours. It’s a quick read, only 192 pages.
The story was really interesting and I enjoyed it but didn’t feel a connection with the FMC and MMC - I wanted them to be happy but felt like I was missing something from being very invested. That might be due to the condensed nature of the book.
Despite the length I still really enjoyed the book and wish it was longer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adore 831 Stories books & this one is no different. It sucked me in from the first page & I finished it in 2 days (savoring it a tiny bit). The love story was sweet & didn't over stay it's welcome at all but felt fully developed & I was rooting for the two of them a lot! Really enjoyed it & can't wait to read whatever else Tiffany Ezuma writes.
Thanks to 831 Stories for the arc. All opinions & thoughts are my own.
cw/tw: grief & loss
Open door with minimal details
Thanks to 831 Stories for the arc. All opinions & thoughts are my own.
cw/tw: grief & loss
Open door with minimal details
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
think Mackenzie Scott (one of the worlds wealthiest women) as your main character but she’s a black woman and she falls for the journalist who is writing a profile on her 10 year philanthropic foundation plan.
Ndidi is hard on herself and hesitant to acknowledge her contributions. She’s relatable in so many ways.
my first 831 Stories short story!!! a delight
Ndidi is hard on herself and hesitant to acknowledge her contributions. She’s relatable in so many ways.
my first 831 Stories short story!!! a delight
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One year after Ndidi’s tech-billionaire husband Alex is killed in an accident, she starts a foundation to give away 99% of the wealth to charitable causes. Geoffrey is a journalist writing a piece about her foundation. As they get yo know each other, their relationship grows.
Another great addition to the 831 line-up.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.
Another great addition to the 831 line-up.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this short romance! It's a billionaire romance but she's the billionaire. It's also insta-love but that's to be expected. I really enjoyed how this one had a bit higher stakes than the other ones I've read. And I love that these characters are all actual adults.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this EARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this EARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novella is a perfect read for a palate cleanse. It’s packed with so much in such a short amount of time, and the pacing is spot-on. The chemistry builds naturally, the conflict feels real, not dramatic for drama’s sake and there’s a softness to this story that really worked for me. Warm, grounded, and genuinely satisfying.
March 6, 2026
“Major Gift” is a beautiful read with interesting and funny characters that hooks you right from the beginning! I enjoyed every second of this journey! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun romantic story with realistic and dynamic relationships.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great characters with an effortless chemistry and ability to communicate like adults, even if they hurt each other. Full RTC
March 2, 2026
As Florence + the Machine said
“I thought I was too old for this”
“I thought I was too old for this”
Read
March 2, 2026The ending was not a trad ending in that it doesn’t resolve. Fast and engaging read
March 8, 2026
Not to be a narc but the premise didn’t convince me (journalist + subject) but other than that their relationship and other plotting was straightforward romance and in that sense I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked the plot and believe that Ndidi's story is really important, but the romance didn't hit as much for me as I would have liked.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews