Heart's Gambit - by J D Myall (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"A high-stakes fantasy that's impossible to put down... the dangerous romance between Emma and Malcolm kept me on the edge of my seat. Don't miss this beautiful, powerful debut." - Kristen Ciccarelli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter

Now in paperback: A thrilling and romantic debut fantasy where competitors from two prominent, time-traveling Black families must fight in a deadly magical duel--and find themselves falling in love.

The Baldwins and the Davenports have been sworn enemies for centuries. Ever since Venus Davenport and Titus Baldwin, two enslaved kids, fell in love, tried to run away, and got caught by their mistress, Sabine, a powerful witch. Desperate for freedom, they struck a bargain, and she gifted their families the ability to exist outside of time, along with magic to survive and thrive.

Those gifts came at a price.

Once a generation, their families must put forth a competitor for a magical duel to the death to feed Sabine's immortality. This time, Emma Baldwin-a wish spinner-and Malcolm Davenport-a maker of illusions-are chosen.

But when they meet to check out the competition, sparks fly. Soon, the two are exchanging letters, having secret meetings, and fighting off their cursed urges to hurt one another, all while trying not to fall in love. And if they are ever going to have a chance to be together, they only have one choice: to put an end to Sabine's curse, once and for all.

J.D. Myall's Heart's Gambit is an irresistible journey of dazzling magic, unforgettable first love, and daring to dream of something more.

"Heart's Gambit is positively magic. Readers will fall in love across time and place as they follow Emma and Malcolm through the terror, danger, and redemption of the family curse keeping them bound. It felt like the perfect mix of Caraval and The Night Circus, stamped with Myall's personal brand of hope and rage." - Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

Review Quotes

* Reactor, "Most Anticipated Young Adult SFF/H for January & February 2026"
* Girls' Life, "Your Snow Day TBR Starter Pack Just Dropped"
* Hasty Book List, "Romantic Books For Valentine's Day"
* Book Riot, "A Magic Circus, and More New YA Book Releases for February"

"Black teens from rival magical families opt to fight fate instead of each other in debut author Myall's extravagantly imagined series launch... a vibrantly wrought portrayal that celebrates Black culture and community while illustrating the legacy of racism and discrimination in the United States." - Publisher's Weekly

"Fans of the romantasy genre will find plenty to enjoy in this series opener." - Booklist

"This book starts off strong with an original premise, interesting worldbuilding, and poignant moments of insight as it celebrates Black history, excellence, and resilience." - Kirkus Reviews

"Myall's YA debut evokes the essence of Romeo and Juliet with this tale of fated lovers from enemy families." - Swooon

"Dazzling, romantic, and utterly irresistible, this is the 'enemies-to-lovers' epic you've been waiting for!" - Bookstr

"Readers who enjoy character-focused fantasy, doomed romance, and stories about breaking generational curses will likely find this one deeply affecting." - YA Books Central

"Deadly duels and time-travelling enemies make Heart's Gambit a high-stakes fantasy that's impossible to put down. Myall's writing is breathtaking, the world she's created is vivid and unique, and the dangerous romance between Emma and Malcolm kept me on the edge of my seat. Don't miss this beautiful, powerful debut." - Kristen Ciccarelli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter

"Heart's Gambit is positively magic. J.D. Myall has created a completely immersive fantasy world with realer-than-life characters who sparkle on the page. Readers will fall in love across time and place as they follow Emma and Malcolm through the terror, danger, and redemption of the family curse keeping them bound. It felt like the perfect mix of Caraval and The Night Circus, stamped with Myall's personal brand of hope and rage." - Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"Filled with luscious prose, dazzling magic, and stark glimpses of real history, J.D. Myall's Heart's Gambit, hooked me from the beginning and didn't relent with its beautifully tragic and hopeful story full of characters that will make you laugh and cry and cheer (and one that will make you give a sigh in the best way possible). If you like your fantasy romance both spicy and sweet and peppered with magical delights, this is the book for you." - Mindee Arnett, author of Onyx & Ivory

About the Author

J.D. MYALL is the co-chair of Drexel University's MFA Alumni Association and host of the 'Craft Chat Chronicles' podcast, where she interviews authors and publishing professionals. Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer's Digest, and HuffPost. She is also the author of Heart's Gambit. When she's not conjuring magic, murder and mayhem, she mentors writers through workshops.