What do you think?
Rate this book
Bulletproof Love
298 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2026
24 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book cracked me open in ways I expected… and in ways I didn’t. Bulletproof Love pulled every emotion to the surface. Laughter, tears, anger, heartbreak, and that quiet heaviness that lingers long after the last page.
Chanel and Xavier are the kind of love story you don’t see coming. Unexpected, imperfect, and absolutely right. Their connection spans twenty years, shaped by time, loss, and the moments that change everything. Their love is raw, unfiltered, and painfully real.
L.B. Gaines doesn’t romanticize life when it gets hard. She shows us love in the aftermath. What it looks like when plans fall apart, when nothing looks the way it was supposed to, and when choosing each other still matters. Every emotion felt earned. Every page hit.
This story stayed with me. I loved it deeply, and I’m already waiting for what comes next. 🖤
February 16, 2026
thanks to ellekaygee pub for allowing me to read this ARC.
LB Gaines is truly one of my auto read authors, so when I saw that she was writing her first urban romance I couldn't wait to read it. She really does write love stories that feels 90s r&b packed with yearning and intention.
This story follows Xavier & Chanel, Chanel was finishing high school when her and her older sister sneak off to a house party put on by the king brothers. Xavier the younger of the King Brothers, was a young king pin running the streets along side his brother. They form an instant connection, but with Chanel getting ready to go off to college to chase her dreams of becoming a lawyer, they committed to getting to know each other over the summer. Things were going great, until Xavier finds himself in a situation where he has to spend time in jail. Can their budding love survive the time apart, or was this just a chapter they are forced to close?
The way LB Gaines was able to draw me Into the emotional thoughts that Xavier was going through behind bars, I didn't think I could feel for a man in the pen the way I felt reading his POV. She was able to add a gentleness and softness to an urban romance that I haven't read before. This story took me through all the feels, I was a able to connect with Chanel, who falls hard and fast, and wants to give up your dreams to chase after a boy especially when your family forbids it.
this story was packed with emotions, secrets, plot twists, and a love story that makes you believe that true love, soul mates exists. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, and while it ended on a cliffhanger, I can't wait for book 2.
LB Gaines is truly one of my auto read authors, so when I saw that she was writing her first urban romance I couldn't wait to read it. She really does write love stories that feels 90s r&b packed with yearning and intention.
This story follows Xavier & Chanel, Chanel was finishing high school when her and her older sister sneak off to a house party put on by the king brothers. Xavier the younger of the King Brothers, was a young king pin running the streets along side his brother. They form an instant connection, but with Chanel getting ready to go off to college to chase her dreams of becoming a lawyer, they committed to getting to know each other over the summer. Things were going great, until Xavier finds himself in a situation where he has to spend time in jail. Can their budding love survive the time apart, or was this just a chapter they are forced to close?
The way LB Gaines was able to draw me Into the emotional thoughts that Xavier was going through behind bars, I didn't think I could feel for a man in the pen the way I felt reading his POV. She was able to add a gentleness and softness to an urban romance that I haven't read before. This story took me through all the feels, I was a able to connect with Chanel, who falls hard and fast, and wants to give up your dreams to chase after a boy especially when your family forbids it.
this story was packed with emotions, secrets, plot twists, and a love story that makes you believe that true love, soul mates exists. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, and while it ended on a cliffhanger, I can't wait for book 2.
February 8, 2026
Dang L.B. that’s how you leave us. Just right on the edge but i respect it. Gives me more of your work to look forward to.
L.B. is going to a beautiful story with some of the best quotes. She paints the picture of her characters and whatever they may be going through so well. Xavier and Chanel are no different. A story of true love from different sides of the track. No matter how much time has passed what is meant will always be. Xavier’s struggles and just wanting to survive. His mind, skills and writing are so beautiful. Chanel fighting for her own life trying not to get swallowed up and making it through. I do wish we actually went through some of what happened to her and just her life in general like we did with Xavier.
Chanel’s sister did get on my nerves. She acted like all of this was just a moment thing to only end up where she i was and with whom. Yes I’m happy when people change their life around but what she did had me side eyeing yet understanding. Some what (When you read the book you’ll get it). Anyways, the turn of events definitely had me like “wait a damn minute!” Things started popping off. Natalie, smh.
Favorite character: Xavier. His development was amazing. The things he accomplished, helped with and how he loved him some Chanel.
L.B. is going to a beautiful story with some of the best quotes. She paints the picture of her characters and whatever they may be going through so well. Xavier and Chanel are no different. A story of true love from different sides of the track. No matter how much time has passed what is meant will always be. Xavier’s struggles and just wanting to survive. His mind, skills and writing are so beautiful. Chanel fighting for her own life trying not to get swallowed up and making it through. I do wish we actually went through some of what happened to her and just her life in general like we did with Xavier.
Chanel’s sister did get on my nerves. She acted like all of this was just a moment thing to only end up where she i was and with whom. Yes I’m happy when people change their life around but what she did had me side eyeing yet understanding. Some what (When you read the book you’ll get it). Anyways, the turn of events definitely had me like “wait a damn minute!” Things started popping off. Natalie, smh.
Favorite character: Xavier. His development was amazing. The things he accomplished, helped with and how he loved him some Chanel.
February 9, 2026
5 stars hands down!
LB Gaines know how to write a good ass story and capture you from the beginning. This is her first urban romance and she did a bomb job. She didn’t disappoint at all. This story was filled with passion, love, secrets, a plot twist that will have you wanting more!
Chanel & Xavier was a true love story that will have you rooting for them to the very last page.
The letters he wrote were so beautiful and emotional. I loved that part of the book so much.
Now these siblings of each main character were easy to dislike but after reading the book and letting it settle. I came to respect their character and decisions a little more.
This was a good story and I can’t wait for more.
Thank you Ellekaygee for the arc.
LB Gaines know how to write a good ass story and capture you from the beginning. This is her first urban romance and she did a bomb job. She didn’t disappoint at all. This story was filled with passion, love, secrets, a plot twist that will have you wanting more!
Chanel & Xavier was a true love story that will have you rooting for them to the very last page.
The letters he wrote were so beautiful and emotional. I loved that part of the book so much.
Now these siblings of each main character were easy to dislike but after reading the book and letting it settle. I came to respect their character and decisions a little more.
This was a good story and I can’t wait for more.
Thank you Ellekaygee for the arc.
February 15, 2026
Picture it: You’re graduating from high school, and your life already feels planned out: college, career, success. No distractions. No detours.
Then your sister comes home from college, and the two of you step out to what’s supposed to be just another party. Music playing. Warm air. A night like any other.
Until you see him and what starts as a simple introduction turns into late-night conversations and a connection that feels too real to ignore. The kind of love that catches you off guard. The kind that feels like it was meant to happen.
But life rarely goes according to plan. Unforeseen circumstances and the weight of other people’s opinions tear you apart, leaving you no choice but to move on. You accomplish everything you set out to achieve: the degree, the career, the success, yet something is still missing.
Years later, you decide it’s time to return home and start fresh. And just when you least expect it, your first love walks back into your life.
Now everything rushes in at once. You’re older. Wiser. More guarded. But the question remains: can love that once slipped away find its way back?
This is the story of Chanel “Channy” Davis and Xavier, a journey filled with passion, obstacles, betrayal, and the noise of everyone else’s opinions. But isn’t that what makes life and love worth fighting for?
Prepare for an emotional ride that will leave you craving redemption, healing, and second chances.
Do I recommend? Yes!
Then your sister comes home from college, and the two of you step out to what’s supposed to be just another party. Music playing. Warm air. A night like any other.
Until you see him and what starts as a simple introduction turns into late-night conversations and a connection that feels too real to ignore. The kind of love that catches you off guard. The kind that feels like it was meant to happen.
But life rarely goes according to plan. Unforeseen circumstances and the weight of other people’s opinions tear you apart, leaving you no choice but to move on. You accomplish everything you set out to achieve: the degree, the career, the success, yet something is still missing.
Years later, you decide it’s time to return home and start fresh. And just when you least expect it, your first love walks back into your life.
Now everything rushes in at once. You’re older. Wiser. More guarded. But the question remains: can love that once slipped away find its way back?
This is the story of Chanel “Channy” Davis and Xavier, a journey filled with passion, obstacles, betrayal, and the noise of everyone else’s opinions. But isn’t that what makes life and love worth fighting for?
Prepare for an emotional ride that will leave you craving redemption, healing, and second chances.
Do I recommend? Yes!
February 10, 2026
ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Bulletproof Love
✍🏽Author: L.B. Gaines
📕 Format: 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🕑Quick Take:
Coming from different sides of the tracks, Channy was the good girl, while X was the street king. Their budding love was tender and sweet. One night led them to go their separate ways, and now, twenty years later, will their love have a chance to survive?
✨ Tropes:
- Good Girl x Bad Boy
- Forbidden Love
- Second Chance
- Urban Romance
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings)
- Street/Gun Violence
- Drug Activity
- Strained Family Relationship
💭Final Thoughts:
L.B. Gaines does it again! Channy and X captured the classic good girl x bad boy dynamic in this urban romance. The story was the perfect mix of tender, gentle love and gritty street life. I really admire L.B.’s poetic, sensual, and gritty writing style, which pulls you in at just the right moments. The unexpected twists and the cliffhanger kept me completely hooked and wanting more!
Thank you so much to L.B. Gaines for the advanced reader copy!
📚 Book Title: Bulletproof Love
✍🏽Author: L.B. Gaines
📕 Format: 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🕑Quick Take:
Coming from different sides of the tracks, Channy was the good girl, while X was the street king. Their budding love was tender and sweet. One night led them to go their separate ways, and now, twenty years later, will their love have a chance to survive?
✨ Tropes:
- Good Girl x Bad Boy
- Forbidden Love
- Second Chance
- Urban Romance
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings)
- Street/Gun Violence
- Drug Activity
- Strained Family Relationship
💭Final Thoughts:
L.B. Gaines does it again! Channy and X captured the classic good girl x bad boy dynamic in this urban romance. The story was the perfect mix of tender, gentle love and gritty street life. I really admire L.B.’s poetic, sensual, and gritty writing style, which pulls you in at just the right moments. The unexpected twists and the cliffhanger kept me completely hooked and wanting more!
Thank you so much to L.B. Gaines for the advanced reader copy!
February 12, 2026
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
Bulletproof Love by @lbgaines out this FRIDAY 2/13
This book was captivating from the very first chapter. Channy and X cross paths at a party, and although Channy knows that pursuing anything with him could derail her carefully laid plans, she gives him 69 days for a whirlwind romance. She never intended to fall in love.
Then, in one night—a haze of bullets—everything ends it.
Gaines takes readers on a wild emotional ride. The story is drama-filled and fast-paced, yet it beautifully portrays a love that is soft, tender, and pure. The characters are layered and multifaceted, with clear growth and development throughout the novel. Still, it feels like they can never quite get it right.
She carefully drops breadcrumbs, masterfully setting the stage for the rest of the series—so be prepared to crash out just a little bit. This story explores love, grief, redemption, and even revenge, all wrapped in a compelling and well-crafted plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so grateful for the opportunity to read it as an ARC.
Bulletproof Love by @lbgaines out this FRIDAY 2/13
This book was captivating from the very first chapter. Channy and X cross paths at a party, and although Channy knows that pursuing anything with him could derail her carefully laid plans, she gives him 69 days for a whirlwind romance. She never intended to fall in love.
Then, in one night—a haze of bullets—everything ends it.
Gaines takes readers on a wild emotional ride. The story is drama-filled and fast-paced, yet it beautifully portrays a love that is soft, tender, and pure. The characters are layered and multifaceted, with clear growth and development throughout the novel. Still, it feels like they can never quite get it right.
She carefully drops breadcrumbs, masterfully setting the stage for the rest of the series—so be prepared to crash out just a little bit. This story explores love, grief, redemption, and even revenge, all wrapped in a compelling and well-crafted plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so grateful for the opportunity to read it as an ARC.
February 13, 2026
📚 ARC REVIEW 📚
Big shout out to LB Gaines for doing her thing yet again! Her writing style is a whole mood—it keeps me completely locked in and entertained from the first page to the last and honestly, I love that for me. 💅🏾🔥
In Bulletproof Love, we meet Xavier and Chanel. Watching these two come together from completely different worlds was a journey. This story is a reminder that sometimes, the best chemistry happens when you mix the hard with the soft. 🧱☁️ It’s that perfect balance of grit and vulnerability that makes you cheer for them to win love.
What Stood Out 📝📼 and What I Loved 😍
The early 2000s vibes were on point! It felt like a trip down memory lane that added so much flavor to the setting. 💿🎧
I absolutely loved the diary-like entries. It made the storytelling feel intimate and realistic, like I was getting a look into their deepest thoughts. 📓🖋️
I can't wait to dive into book 2 ✌🏾
Big shout out to LB Gaines for doing her thing yet again! Her writing style is a whole mood—it keeps me completely locked in and entertained from the first page to the last and honestly, I love that for me. 💅🏾🔥
In Bulletproof Love, we meet Xavier and Chanel. Watching these two come together from completely different worlds was a journey. This story is a reminder that sometimes, the best chemistry happens when you mix the hard with the soft. 🧱☁️ It’s that perfect balance of grit and vulnerability that makes you cheer for them to win love.
What Stood Out 📝📼 and What I Loved 😍
The early 2000s vibes were on point! It felt like a trip down memory lane that added so much flavor to the setting. 💿🎧
I absolutely loved the diary-like entries. It made the storytelling feel intimate and realistic, like I was getting a look into their deepest thoughts. 📓🖋️
I can't wait to dive into book 2 ✌🏾
February 17, 2026
i was ready to jump off that cliff hanger honey the book was THAT good!!!
omg!!! this book was sooo good i sacrificed my sleep on a school night to read it!! let me tell you the plot was plotting! i usually don’t like when a good book ends on a cliff hanger without the sequel being out but for this one i am WILLING to wait (but please don’t take too long Ms. Gaines🥹🙏🏾). okay so boom we got the past and the present on Channel “Channy” and Xavier’s love story. good girl meets hood dude and falls in love over the course of the summer type love. except it’s everything BUT cliche. i was not cringing at all while reading. the spicy scenes were hitting, the storyline was amazing, it kept me on my toes and wanting more! i’m not going to spoil the plot but i will say it is a WORTHY read fs. get the book!!!!!
omg!!! this book was sooo good i sacrificed my sleep on a school night to read it!! let me tell you the plot was plotting! i usually don’t like when a good book ends on a cliff hanger without the sequel being out but for this one i am WILLING to wait (but please don’t take too long Ms. Gaines🥹🙏🏾). okay so boom we got the past and the present on Channel “Channy” and Xavier’s love story. good girl meets hood dude and falls in love over the course of the summer type love. except it’s everything BUT cliche. i was not cringing at all while reading. the spicy scenes were hitting, the storyline was amazing, it kept me on my toes and wanting more! i’m not going to spoil the plot but i will say it is a WORTHY read fs. get the book!!!!!
February 13, 2026
Five stars… EASY! LB Gaines knows how to pen a good story, and her first full-length urban romance proves just how well she understands every assignment.
Chanel is preparing to leave Crestwood to pursue her dreams of becoming a lawyer, while Xavier is already deep in the streets, trying to balance loyalty, ambition, and the pull he feels toward her. What begins as young love full of promise and chemistry is tested when real life intervenes and choices demand payment.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth, especially Xavier’s chapters behind bars. LB (yeah I gave you a nickname lol) gave his POV a raw tenderness that made it impossible not to root for his redemption. His daily letters to “Channy” were especially beautiful and vulnerable. Chanel’s journey hit just as hard as she wrestles with losing the man she loves deeply, honoring her dreams, and standing firm against family expectations.
Add in secrets, twists, and a finale that keeps the tension high, and this story delivers on every level.
Bulletproof Love is the definition of ride-or-die romance, and that cliffhanger had me staring at the last page like… now why would you do that? Book two, please.....immediately!
Chanel is preparing to leave Crestwood to pursue her dreams of becoming a lawyer, while Xavier is already deep in the streets, trying to balance loyalty, ambition, and the pull he feels toward her. What begins as young love full of promise and chemistry is tested when real life intervenes and choices demand payment.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional depth, especially Xavier’s chapters behind bars. LB (yeah I gave you a nickname lol) gave his POV a raw tenderness that made it impossible not to root for his redemption. His daily letters to “Channy” were especially beautiful and vulnerable. Chanel’s journey hit just as hard as she wrestles with losing the man she loves deeply, honoring her dreams, and standing firm against family expectations.
Add in secrets, twists, and a finale that keeps the tension high, and this story delivers on every level.
Bulletproof Love is the definition of ride-or-die romance, and that cliffhanger had me staring at the last page like… now why would you do that? Book two, please.....immediately!
February 18, 2026
Bulletproof Love (Crestwood Chronicles Book 1)
L. B. Gaines, if you don't put pen to paper...I know something. Listen, this book is so damn good. I mean I should be sleeping because I have to work in the morning. But nooooo! I'm up reading.
At one point I was crying, the next I was saying "what the hell", whew Chile this book is good. X is a changed man, a published Author. Chanel is a prosecutor extraordinare, and Zay and YaYa are married with twins. Also Crown Logistics is booming. Then here comes a hating ass Natalie with her foolishness. A woman scorned.
Yes L.B. , I need the next installment quick, fast, and in a hurry. This book deserves 10 stars... it's that good!
L. B. Gaines, if you don't put pen to paper...I know something. Listen, this book is so damn good. I mean I should be sleeping because I have to work in the morning. But nooooo! I'm up reading.
At one point I was crying, the next I was saying "what the hell", whew Chile this book is good. X is a changed man, a published Author. Chanel is a prosecutor extraordinare, and Zay and YaYa are married with twins. Also Crown Logistics is booming. Then here comes a hating ass Natalie with her foolishness. A woman scorned.
Yes L.B. , I need the next installment quick, fast, and in a hurry. This book deserves 10 stars... it's that good!
February 16, 2026
Second Chance Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A second chance romance that will put you through every emotion. It’s a story where opposites attract and two people from different worlds fall in love.
This book is not just a feel good one but gives you raw emotions and dives into real life topics.
I can’t wait for everyone to read this book and fall in love with X and Chanel like I did. This is the first book of the series and I’m anxiously waiting for an update with the second book.
Bulletproof love will be releasing soon ✨
Get your kindles ready for a book that is so worth the wait. 💚💚💚💫
#lbgaines #bulletprooflove #newbookrelease #urbanromance #blackromancebooks @lbgainestheauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A second chance romance that will put you through every emotion. It’s a story where opposites attract and two people from different worlds fall in love.
This book is not just a feel good one but gives you raw emotions and dives into real life topics.
I can’t wait for everyone to read this book and fall in love with X and Chanel like I did. This is the first book of the series and I’m anxiously waiting for an update with the second book.
Bulletproof love will be releasing soon ✨
Get your kindles ready for a book that is so worth the wait. 💚💚💚💫
#lbgaines #bulletprooflove #newbookrelease #urbanromance #blackromancebooks @lbgainestheauthor
February 17, 2026
Channy and Xavier get all the stars. Yes, be prepared for a cliffhanger, but I know waiting on book two is going to be so worth it, and the action is going to be hitting. Gaines doesn’t let the sweet love linger to long because we have to remember just who tf X. King really is. What I didn't expect is the snaking and the setups. The King Brothers are finally in a place where things are great, and the past comes in with the smoke and anybody can get it. This next book is going to be hell. I feel it in my bones and I'm ready. Y'all, Xavier - that's one poetic, patient, smart man. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
February 15, 2026
ARC Review
We all know an X. The man caught up in circumstance but has a heart of gold. I wanted X to win so bad! Channy had the story of so many young women. Torn between following the plans and expectations laid out by people that love them and wanting to live life for themselves. This book gave me all the feels. Everyone remembers their first love or that summer fling. Especially when you know you shouldn’t be together.
We all know an X. The man caught up in circumstance but has a heart of gold. I wanted X to win so bad! Channy had the story of so many young women. Torn between following the plans and expectations laid out by people that love them and wanting to live life for themselves. This book gave me all the feels. Everyone remembers their first love or that summer fling. Especially when you know you shouldn’t be together.
February 17, 2026
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was my first time reading L.B. Gaines and when I say she didn't disappoint she eat with this Story. It held my interest from the beginning to the end. I need more like yesterday. These King brothers know they want them Davis sisters. I loved everything about Xavier and Chanel story except one part ( don't want to give to much away). I can't wait for book two. L.B. Gaines definitely gained a fan.
This was my first time reading L.B. Gaines and when I say she didn't disappoint she eat with this Story. It held my interest from the beginning to the end. I need more like yesterday. These King brothers know they want them Davis sisters. I loved everything about Xavier and Chanel story except one part ( don't want to give to much away). I can't wait for book two. L.B. Gaines definitely gained a fan.
February 15, 2026
If you’re looking for a "happily ever after" that’s handed over on a silver platter, keep moving. Bulletproof Love is a story that earns every single heartbeat. L.B. Gaines has delivered a gritty, soul-aching second-chance romance that perfectly balances the harsh reality of the streets with a love story that feels inevitable and indestructible.
February 16, 2026
One summer!
One Love
One mistake
Two broken hearts
Twenty years has passed! Can they rekindle what they had? Will life continue to get in the way? Or is this love really bulletproof. Thank you @ellekaygeepub and @lbgainestheauthor for the ARC!
One Love
One mistake
Two broken hearts
Twenty years has passed! Can they rekindle what they had? Will life continue to get in the way? Or is this love really bulletproof. Thank you @ellekaygeepub and @lbgainestheauthor for the ARC!
February 15, 2026
Just blown away lol definitely exceeded my expectations in a good way. X and Channy I love them so much and it’s crazy to me that it’s not over yet. But I am so ready for it!! Big up L 🫶🏾
February 17, 2026
chef’s kiss
I was in a reading slump but this book pull me out, I will be waiting on the 2nd installment patiently 🥰
I was in a reading slump but this book pull me out, I will be waiting on the 2nd installment patiently 🥰
February 17, 2026
I love a great second chance romance. So much was stacked against Chaney and Xavier from the very beginning. Did their love persevere? You'll have to read it to find out.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews