Heart’s Gambit

“A high-stakes fantasy thats impossible to put down… the dangerous romance between Emma and Malcolm kept me on the edge of my seat. Dont miss this beautiful, powerful debut.” – Kristen Ciccarelli, #1New York Timesbestselling author ofHeartless Hunter

A thrilling and romantic debut fantasy where competitors from two prominent, time-traveling Black families must fight in a deadly magical dueland 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 Baldwina wish spinnerand Malcolm Davenporta maker of illusionsare 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 Sabines curse, once and for all.

J.D. Myall’sHeart’s Gambitis an irresistible journey of dazzling magic, unforgettable first love, and daring to dream of something more.

“Heart’s Gambitis 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 ofCaravalandThe Night Circus, stamped with Myall’s personal brand of hope and rage.” – Nisha J. Tuli,USA Today bestselling author ofTrial of the Sun Queen

J.D. Myall isthe 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, Writers Digest,andHuffPost. She is also the author ofHeart’s Gambit. When shes not conjuring magic, murder and mayhem, she mentors writers through workshops.

• Publisher: Wednesday Books
• Publish Date: February 03, 2026
• Pages: 336
• Language: English
• Type: Hardcover
• EAN/UPC: 9781250365408
• Dimensions: 234.9 X 6.1 X 25.4 inches | 1.0 pounds
• BISAC Categories: Teens & YAFantasy, Teens & YAPopular Fiction, Teens & YAScience Fiction