Author: J. D. Myall

"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

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


Publisher: Macmillan Publishers (MPS)
Published: 02/03/2026
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.06oz
Size: 9.25h x 6.12w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250365408

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 11/03/2025

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.