What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
July 11, 2026
I want to live in this delusional world with a billion dollars and a hot fun uncle who just wants to bone me ugh life is so hard
June 1, 2026
Bumped up to a 3 stars. This one was just okay for me. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and thought the initial set-up had a lot of potential, but I struggled with a few elements of the conflict and romance that kept me from rating it higher.
The romance was insta-lovey in a way that wasn't super believable for me, and I also really, really struggled with Ndidi’s decision to intentionally hide her involvement with the business. I think this specific plot point could have been fleshed out differently to make it believable but it made me incredibly frustrated with her, which is not what I want in a novella.
I also was a little thrown off by the billionaire aspect to this. Our FMC declares she wants no association with the money but then clearly takes advantage of it throughout different aspects of her life... I would have preferred dedication one way or another (and if it was a billionaire not wanting to be a billionaire, maybe don't market it as a billionaire romance?)
That said, this was still a very easy, light read, and I did enjoy the writing!
Thank you to 831 Stories for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The romance was insta-lovey in a way that wasn't super believable for me, and I also really, really struggled with Ndidi’s decision to intentionally hide her involvement with the business. I think this specific plot point could have been fleshed out differently to make it believable but it made me incredibly frustrated with her, which is not what I want in a novella.
I also was a little thrown off by the billionaire aspect to this. Our FMC declares she wants no association with the money but then clearly takes advantage of it throughout different aspects of her life... I would have preferred dedication one way or another (and if it was a billionaire not wanting to be a billionaire, maybe don't market it as a billionaire romance?)
That said, this was still a very easy, light read, and I did enjoy the writing!
Thank you to 831 Stories for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 6, 2026
3.5⭐️ Tiffany Ezuma’s take on the billionaire romance felt fresh and unique with a tiny hint of Philadelphia Story, à la the reporter who falls for the debutant while doing a piece on her. The widow aspect created emotional depth and a sense of maturity that added to it as well. All in all, a bite-sized romance with a lot to offer.
Thank you, 831 Stories, for the advanced copy.
Thank you, 831 Stories, for the advanced copy.
July 14, 2026
swooning as per usual; i hope this one gets a sequel
every 831 story is spiritually associated with a taylor swift song and to me this one is a mashup of slut! & honey
every 831 story is spiritually associated with a taylor swift song and to me this one is a mashup of slut! & honey
Read
May 27, 2026thank you netgalley and 831 stories for the digital arc!
unfortunately this one was very much not for me. major gift is a spin on the billionaire romance. main character ndidi's billionaire tech husband dies unexpectedly, and she is left to deal with his fortune. she decides to launch a charity to make a positive impact of her (decidedly evil) wealth, leading her to journalistic geoffrey. geoffrey is profiling the charity's launch, which means he and ndidi will be spending a lot of time together...romance ensues!
i read in the author's bio that she studied screenwriting, and perhaps this would have worked better as a movie or other visual media. there was just a lack of interiority here that left me feeling disconnected. the characters felt rather flat and one-dimensional, and the story overall just felt kind of dull to me.
moreover, you simply cannot make me care about billionaires. i guess i expected the discussion of wealth here to actually mean something, but it didn't! silly me! despite the fact that ndidi claims to care about dispersing her billions for worthy causes, she is actually still quite content to flaunt her wealth, to the point where she even charters a private jet to chase after geoffrey because (paraphrasing) what's the point of having all this money if you can't spend it?!
there might be a demographic for this one but it certainly does not include me, and for that i am sorry!
unfortunately this one was very much not for me. major gift is a spin on the billionaire romance. main character ndidi's billionaire tech husband dies unexpectedly, and she is left to deal with his fortune. she decides to launch a charity to make a positive impact of her (decidedly evil) wealth, leading her to journalistic geoffrey. geoffrey is profiling the charity's launch, which means he and ndidi will be spending a lot of time together...romance ensues!
i read in the author's bio that she studied screenwriting, and perhaps this would have worked better as a movie or other visual media. there was just a lack of interiority here that left me feeling disconnected. the characters felt rather flat and one-dimensional, and the story overall just felt kind of dull to me.
moreover, you simply cannot make me care about billionaires. i guess i expected the discussion of wealth here to actually mean something, but it didn't! silly me! despite the fact that ndidi claims to care about dispersing her billions for worthy causes, she is actually still quite content to flaunt her wealth, to the point where she even charters a private jet to chase after geoffrey because (paraphrasing) what's the point of having all this money if you can't spend it?!
there might be a demographic for this one but it certainly does not include me, and for that i am sorry!
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!
June 7, 2026
I really loved this fresh take on a billionaire romance— a widow to a tech billionaire is being interviewed by a reporter as she creates a foundation to give away the majority of her wealth. I thought the writing was beautiful, and this story had emotional depth and character growth throughout. Despite being a novella, I felt like I really got to know these characters and I loved the side characters as well. I also loved the discussions around gender, race, class and wealth and felt they were extremely relevant. Really enjoyed this one and recommend— 831 always has such unique stories and they feel so different from what else is out there romance-wise— and I am saying this as someone who mostly reads romance and it feels rare to come across books that feel unique in this space.
May 21, 2026
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t only a love story. It was also about rebuilding a life and learning to take up space in your own story. If you like romance with emotional depth and characters growing as much individually as they are together, this one is worth picking up. This is my second 831 book this month and I’ve found myself paying attention to what they’re doing. They’re publishing books that feel like they’re pushing beyond the traditional publishing lane while also creating space for new female voices and perspectives.
June 3, 2026
interesting plot, strong start, lost me half way through. i know it’s hard to have build up in a novella, but instant love is yucky
July 7, 2026
tech is evil but sometimes people with inheritances are not <33
May 27, 2026
I do love that this is a story about a FMC that is a POC tech billionaire. We need more books like this. This novella was a quick, sweet read with some mild spice. Can't wait to read more from this author.
*Provided an advance copy from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
*Provided an advance copy from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
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.
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 more than just a romance with strong emotional themes woven throughout. You need to stand up for what you believe in and for yourself.
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 more than just a romance with strong emotional themes woven throughout. You need to stand up for what you believe in and for yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley and the 831 Stories Romance for the ARC. I read an uncorrected proof and all opinions are my own.
June 1, 2026
I've made it my mission to read all the novellas that 831 Stories comes out with, and I have yet to be disappointed. This one was delightful! Ndidi's husband died a year ago, and she has decided to give away all their wealth a la Melinda Gates. She starts a foundation to distribute funds, and a journalist who's profiling her and her foundation follows her around. They have immediate chemistry, but they're both wary of exploring it.
I'm always surprised at 831 Stories' ability to tell a full and complete story in a short number of pages - in this case, 192 pages. Ndidi's complicated grief is sketched very well: she mourns her husband but is also grappling with his legacy as a billionaire tech founder and the rockiness of their last few months together. She also doesn't want the journalist Geoffrey digging into her past, for reasons interwoven with her experiences of racism and sexism, her own feelings of inadequacy, ahd her desire not to taint her deceased husband's work. But she's drawn to Geoffrey, which I loved. I appreciated the book's emphasis that there is no timeline on moving on after grief and that many feelings can coexist. Ndidi is scared of erasing her husband and scared of ever being hurt again the way she was when he died, but she also feels something with Ndidi and doesn't want to be afraid forever. I found this love story tender and complicated and interesting. These books always hit the spot!
Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
I'm always surprised at 831 Stories' ability to tell a full and complete story in a short number of pages - in this case, 192 pages. Ndidi's complicated grief is sketched very well: she mourns her husband but is also grappling with his legacy as a billionaire tech founder and the rockiness of their last few months together. She also doesn't want the journalist Geoffrey digging into her past, for reasons interwoven with her experiences of racism and sexism, her own feelings of inadequacy, ahd her desire not to taint her deceased husband's work. But she's drawn to Geoffrey, which I loved. I appreciated the book's emphasis that there is no timeline on moving on after grief and that many feelings can coexist. Ndidi is scared of erasing her husband and scared of ever being hurt again the way she was when he died, but she also feels something with Ndidi and doesn't want to be afraid forever. I found this love story tender and complicated and interesting. These books always hit the spot!
Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 27, 2026
*Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the complimentary ARC of “Major Gift” in exchange for an honest review.*
I’ll be the first to admit that contemporary romance isn’t usually my go-to genre, but I was in desperate need of a palate cleanser after some heavier recent reads. I’d heard good things about 831 Stories and decided to give one of their novellas a shot.
“Major Gift” was a fun time. I especially enjoyed the refreshing spin on the billionaire romance trope (where are all my lady billionaires?!)
While some elements were admittedly predictable, I still had a great time reading and found myself rooting for Ndidi and her hopeful fresh start.
I’ll be the first to admit that contemporary romance isn’t usually my go-to genre, but I was in desperate need of a palate cleanser after some heavier recent reads. I’d heard good things about 831 Stories and decided to give one of their novellas a shot.
“Major Gift” was a fun time. I especially enjoyed the refreshing spin on the billionaire romance trope (where are all my lady billionaires?!)
While some elements were admittedly predictable, I still had a great time reading and found myself rooting for Ndidi and her hopeful fresh start.
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 ⭐️
May 28, 2026
will I ever write an 831 review without mentioning the shortness of their short stories? It’s either it leaves me wanting more—which is such a wonderful sign, chefs kiss, my favorite thing to happen—or can leave me confused because gaps weren’t always filled in the time alloted for the entire story.
Major Gift felt more like the latter. While part of me understood her reasoning for the secret (which was quite obvious right away), the other part of me felt like it was antithetical to everything we built the character to be. We meet her and quickly learn she rolls her eyes at misogynistic and racist comments, she’s thick as thieves with her sister, her parents have placed immense pressure to succeed….and you’re telling me she wouldn’t have claimed that win // shared with loved ones?? I find it hard to believe.
I liked Geoffrey and their dynamic but it didn’t captivate me. I think there was a lot happening in this one! But Geoffrey as the mmc was so warm and loving and dynamic. Big fan of him!!
& loved the billionaire romance being the woman as the billionaire FOR ONCE!! And a philanthropist? So good!!
Major Gift felt more like the latter. While part of me understood her reasoning for the secret (which was quite obvious right away), the other part of me felt like it was antithetical to everything we built the character to be. We meet her and quickly learn she rolls her eyes at misogynistic and racist comments, she’s thick as thieves with her sister, her parents have placed immense pressure to succeed….and you’re telling me she wouldn’t have claimed that win // shared with loved ones?? I find it hard to believe.
I liked Geoffrey and their dynamic but it didn’t captivate me. I think there was a lot happening in this one! But Geoffrey as the mmc was so warm and loving and dynamic. Big fan of him!!
& loved the billionaire romance being the woman as the billionaire FOR ONCE!! And a philanthropist? So good!!
June 5, 2026
Yikes. So much potential, but fell extremely short due to its length. The concept of a tech billionaire widow falling for a journalist covering her foundation launch was great. However cramming several weeks into 200 pages left me feeling like I hardly knew anything about the MCs. There wasn’t much depth, like how you scrape butter out of the container. I wish this author would have taken the extra step to make this a whole ass book. I’m left feeling like this was a high schooler’s hobby piece.
August 8, 2026
4.5 stars! This bite-sized romance had some of my favorite characters I’ve met in the 831 universe. Ndidi and Geoffrey felt perfect, which was exactly what I wanted to read in this story about a billionaire who starts a foundation to give her money away to charity. Between the opulent events and community service scenes, the love story between the two main characters felt warm and safe. The novella touched on grief and confidence and I was rooting for everyone to find comfort and romance throughout. I also thought the side characters were well done—especially Wendy.
May 25, 2026
3.75! I love all 831 books and this one is no exception.
May 29, 2026
2.5 loved the premise but did not love the writing of it sadly
June 9, 2026
intriguing idea, i would read more of this!
June 14, 2026
This was very okay!
June 27, 2026
2 | Just not my favorite 831 Story. Interesting-enough premise of a young widow working to give away her fortune (even though she certainly takes advantage of her wealth and privilege at the same time), but the story, characters and romance all fell flat for me.
June 29, 2026
This was fine, but nothing remarkable. I enjoyed it, but I probably won’t remember it in a few months.
June 5, 2026
Too insta-lovey and hard to believe for me! Also if she was giving away all her money why was she chartering planes lol
June 5, 2026
3.5
Cute and sweet!
Cute and sweet!
June 3, 2026
Lovely novella! Predictable, as it is a romance, but with a really well developed lead + love interest and a fresh premise. I would like to read more from 831 stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews