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May 22, 2026
Layers upon layers
LB Gaines can write the hell out of a romance and YaYa and Zay get theirs. But whew! The action, the plot twists, the suspense in this one are just as good! This is the follow up BPL needed.
I was also glad Channy and YaYa got their moment. I just might forgive Kenya... eventually. 😁
LB Gaines can write the hell out of a romance and YaYa and Zay get theirs. But whew! The action, the plot twists, the suspense in this one are just as good! This is the follow up BPL needed.
I was also glad Channy and YaYa got their moment. I just might forgive Kenya... eventually. 😁
June 5, 2026
ARC Review…
If power had a love language… Kenya “YaYa” and Zayden “Zay” King would be fluent in it. Collateral Love was gritty, emotional, dangerous, and absolutely addictive from beginning to end. L.B. Gaines didn’t just give us a hood love story she gave us strategy, survival, betrayal, and a woman who refused to play the background in a man’s empire.
Kenya was one of my favorite kinds of female leads. She wasn’t loud for attention. She was organized chaos. Quiet calculation. Every move she made had purpose. The math had to math for her. While everybody else was reacting emotionally, Kenya was moving like chess pieces on a board, always thinking ten steps ahead. Even though people may have viewed her as hiding from her past, I saw a woman surviving the only way she knew how.
When she crossed paths with the infamous Zayden King on their college campus, she immediately clocked the flaws in his operation. And instead of standing on the sidelines, she approached him with a proposition that changed everything. Kenya didn’t want to be his woman sitting pretty while he ran the streets , she demanded to be his equal. And whew… watching Zay realize this woman could actually sharpen his empire instead of weaken it? That chemistry was unmatched.
Zayden King was used to control. Used to respect. Used to people falling in line. So having Kenya analyze his moves and basically tell him he was slipping? Dangerous territory. But her vision was too smart to ignore. Together, they became the Kingpin and Queenpin of Crestwood, building an empire off intelligence, loyalty, and calculated risk.
What made this story hit even harder was Kenya’s motivation behind it all. She wasn’t chasing money just to flex. She wanted to help her brother Jared, who was wrongfully convicted and sent to prison. She wanted to make sure her sister Channy had opportunities outside the streets. She wanted to protect her from the life she was living. Which is why she never wanted Channy to meet X. But once Channy met him… yeah, the rest was history. (Bulletproof Love readers already know!)
But baby… when the past came crashing back into Kenya’s life, this story went from dangerous to explosive. Kenya being kidnapped had my nerves BAD. And seeing Zayden willing to burn the world down to get his wife back? That man was in LOVE love. The action, the tension, the fear, the loyalty every page had me locked in.
And don’t even get me started on Sharon. Because whew. Sharon walked around pretending to be this poised, God-fearing woman, but underneath that polished exterior was somebody cold, manipulative, and calculating. Finding out she had an affair, had another child, and allowed her own son to rot in prison for a crime he didn’t commit? Jaw-dropping. I honestly believe Sharon hated Kenya because Kenya was the one person she could never fully control. Kenya moved on instinct, intelligence, and survival and Sharon saw that as a threat.
The twists in this book were INSANE. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another bomb dropped. And now I absolutely know there HAS to be a book 3 because I need answers immediately. What happened to Cameron? What is the full backstory between Sharon and the Professor? Because there are too many secrets still buried.
Collateral Love was intense, emotional, clever, and dangerously good. The love story between Kenya and Zay wasn’t soft and simple it was forged through trauma, loyalty, sacrifice, and survival. They weren’t perfect people, but together they became a force.
If power had a love language… Kenya “YaYa” and Zayden “Zay” King would be fluent in it. Collateral Love was gritty, emotional, dangerous, and absolutely addictive from beginning to end. L.B. Gaines didn’t just give us a hood love story she gave us strategy, survival, betrayal, and a woman who refused to play the background in a man’s empire.
Kenya was one of my favorite kinds of female leads. She wasn’t loud for attention. She was organized chaos. Quiet calculation. Every move she made had purpose. The math had to math for her. While everybody else was reacting emotionally, Kenya was moving like chess pieces on a board, always thinking ten steps ahead. Even though people may have viewed her as hiding from her past, I saw a woman surviving the only way she knew how.
When she crossed paths with the infamous Zayden King on their college campus, she immediately clocked the flaws in his operation. And instead of standing on the sidelines, she approached him with a proposition that changed everything. Kenya didn’t want to be his woman sitting pretty while he ran the streets , she demanded to be his equal. And whew… watching Zay realize this woman could actually sharpen his empire instead of weaken it? That chemistry was unmatched.
Zayden King was used to control. Used to respect. Used to people falling in line. So having Kenya analyze his moves and basically tell him he was slipping? Dangerous territory. But her vision was too smart to ignore. Together, they became the Kingpin and Queenpin of Crestwood, building an empire off intelligence, loyalty, and calculated risk.
What made this story hit even harder was Kenya’s motivation behind it all. She wasn’t chasing money just to flex. She wanted to help her brother Jared, who was wrongfully convicted and sent to prison. She wanted to make sure her sister Channy had opportunities outside the streets. She wanted to protect her from the life she was living. Which is why she never wanted Channy to meet X. But once Channy met him… yeah, the rest was history. (Bulletproof Love readers already know!)
But baby… when the past came crashing back into Kenya’s life, this story went from dangerous to explosive. Kenya being kidnapped had my nerves BAD. And seeing Zayden willing to burn the world down to get his wife back? That man was in LOVE love. The action, the tension, the fear, the loyalty every page had me locked in.
And don’t even get me started on Sharon. Because whew. Sharon walked around pretending to be this poised, God-fearing woman, but underneath that polished exterior was somebody cold, manipulative, and calculating. Finding out she had an affair, had another child, and allowed her own son to rot in prison for a crime he didn’t commit? Jaw-dropping. I honestly believe Sharon hated Kenya because Kenya was the one person she could never fully control. Kenya moved on instinct, intelligence, and survival and Sharon saw that as a threat.
The twists in this book were INSANE. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another bomb dropped. And now I absolutely know there HAS to be a book 3 because I need answers immediately. What happened to Cameron? What is the full backstory between Sharon and the Professor? Because there are too many secrets still buried.
Collateral Love was intense, emotional, clever, and dangerously good. The love story between Kenya and Zay wasn’t soft and simple it was forged through trauma, loyalty, sacrifice, and survival. They weren’t perfect people, but together they became a force.
June 5, 2026
Every time I think I know what L. B. Gaines is about to do, she proves me wrong. Going into this one, I expected a romance. What I got was a high-stakes story filled with power moves, betrayals, secrets, and enough suspense to have me stressed. The biggest surprise for me was Kenya. I already liked her, but getting inside her head completely changed my perspective. She is intelligent, strategic, and always thinking several moves ahead. Watching her navigate everything thrown at her while trying to protect the people she loves had me fully invested from the very beginning.
I also loved seeing the dynamic between Kenya and Zay. The foundation of their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book because there was already so much trust and loyalty between them before either of them fully acknowledged what was developing. The tension, the chemistry, and the way they continuously showed up for one another made it impossible not to root for them. They felt like true partners in every sense of the word, and watching their relationship evolve felt natural instead of rushed.
What really pushed this book to five stars for me was the suspense. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another reveal would come along and completely flip everything upside down. The deeper the story went, the more complicated things became, and I found myself questioning everybody’s motives. The action scenes felt cinematic, the twists kept coming, and the family drama added even more layers to the story. By the end, I was flying through pages because I needed answers. L. B. Gaines continues to trick me into thinking I’m picking up a romance when really I’m signing up for an emotional roller coaster packed with drama, danger, and jaw-dropping reveals.
I also loved seeing the dynamic between Kenya and Zay. The foundation of their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book because there was already so much trust and loyalty between them before either of them fully acknowledged what was developing. The tension, the chemistry, and the way they continuously showed up for one another made it impossible not to root for them. They felt like true partners in every sense of the word, and watching their relationship evolve felt natural instead of rushed.
What really pushed this book to five stars for me was the suspense. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another reveal would come along and completely flip everything upside down. The deeper the story went, the more complicated things became, and I found myself questioning everybody’s motives. The action scenes felt cinematic, the twists kept coming, and the family drama added even more layers to the story. By the end, I was flying through pages because I needed answers. L. B. Gaines continues to trick me into thinking I’m picking up a romance when really I’m signing up for an emotional roller coaster packed with drama, danger, and jaw-dropping reveals.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
**ARC REVIEW** thank you Elle Kay Gee Publications
Book 2 in the Crestwood chronicles series.
This is Kenya & Zayden's story; we met them in book 1 as side characters.
I'm not going to lie, I was side-eyeing Kenya in book 1 because I wasn't sure if she was being a protective big sister or if she had ulterior motives. Kenya definitely shocked me, in a good way and a lot of things make sense.
At the start of this book, we meet Kenya in college studying to be an Engineer. Kenya is a very observant & strategic person and decided to use those skills to take on a side hustle. I how fearless Kenya was, she was not scared to approach Zayden with her business proposition. She has a end goal and she moved towards it without fear. Zayden who is already running his street business, at first was wondering who this woman is trying to tell him what to do.
I loved the way Zayden allowed Kenya to lead and quickly trust her book smarts to benefit both of them. Their love story was unconventional and different but worked for them. Kenya had her walls up and didn't want to mix business with pleasure. He respected her boundaries, but also didn't play about her, touch her and you know what will happen.
If you read book 1, then you know how it ended, book 2 leads back into that situation, and from there the plot thickens. You get to see how everything that Kenya does, is very strategic and also a domino effect. There were some plot twists I definitely didn't see coming, and some people that got what they deserved.
I enjoyed the way LB adds her poetic style of writing and also give the story a softer feel but still very much still action packed and plot driven.
Book 2 in the Crestwood chronicles series.
This is Kenya & Zayden's story; we met them in book 1 as side characters.
I'm not going to lie, I was side-eyeing Kenya in book 1 because I wasn't sure if she was being a protective big sister or if she had ulterior motives. Kenya definitely shocked me, in a good way and a lot of things make sense.
At the start of this book, we meet Kenya in college studying to be an Engineer. Kenya is a very observant & strategic person and decided to use those skills to take on a side hustle. I how fearless Kenya was, she was not scared to approach Zayden with her business proposition. She has a end goal and she moved towards it without fear. Zayden who is already running his street business, at first was wondering who this woman is trying to tell him what to do.
I loved the way Zayden allowed Kenya to lead and quickly trust her book smarts to benefit both of them. Their love story was unconventional and different but worked for them. Kenya had her walls up and didn't want to mix business with pleasure. He respected her boundaries, but also didn't play about her, touch her and you know what will happen.
If you read book 1, then you know how it ended, book 2 leads back into that situation, and from there the plot thickens. You get to see how everything that Kenya does, is very strategic and also a domino effect. There were some plot twists I definitely didn't see coming, and some people that got what they deserved.
I enjoyed the way LB adds her poetic style of writing and also give the story a softer feel but still very much still action packed and plot driven.
July 9, 2026
I was really excited for *Collateral Love* and it definitely delivered. L.B. Gaines picks up right where book one left off, and the story wastes no time pulling you back into the drama and tension surrounding these characters.
One of my favorite parts of this book was getting a deeper look into Kenya and Zayden’s relationship. Their loyalty to each other and their families runs deep, and you can feel how fiercely protective they are of the people they love. Zayden does not play when it comes to Kenya, and Kenya continues to prove why she’s always steps ahead of everyone else. She’s strategic, smart, and knows exactly how to move when things get messy.
This book answered so many lingering questions from book one while also giving us plenty of shocking moments and family secrets along the way. The drama kept me invested, and that ending definitely left me ready for what comes next.
If you enjoy stories filled with loyalty, tension, family drama, and twists that keep you hooked, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
📚 *Collateral Love* releases May 20th.
One of my favorite parts of this book was getting a deeper look into Kenya and Zayden’s relationship. Their loyalty to each other and their families runs deep, and you can feel how fiercely protective they are of the people they love. Zayden does not play when it comes to Kenya, and Kenya continues to prove why she’s always steps ahead of everyone else. She’s strategic, smart, and knows exactly how to move when things get messy.
This book answered so many lingering questions from book one while also giving us plenty of shocking moments and family secrets along the way. The drama kept me invested, and that ending definitely left me ready for what comes next.
If you enjoy stories filled with loyalty, tension, family drama, and twists that keep you hooked, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
📚 *Collateral Love* releases May 20th.
May 20, 2026
Collateral Love is the story of two people who refused to let their past circumstances stop them from conquering their goals.
As the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman,” and Kenya “YaYa” King embodies that completely. Strong, intelligent, and strategic, YaYa is the mastermind behind the empire, making every move with precision.
Her husband, Zayden, is just as powerful in his own right. He carries the weight of both family and business on his shoulders with unmatched strength and determination.
From friends to business partners to husband and wife, Kenya and Zayden’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
After everything they’ve built together, life should finally be peaceful. But peace never lasts forever. The past has a way of resurfacing when it’s least expected. Secrets begin to unravel, loyalties are tested, and survival means activating beast mode.
Get ready to become emotionally invested in the lives of Kenya and Zayden as love, ambition, betrayal, and loyalty collide.
Do I recommend? Yes!
As the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman,” and Kenya “YaYa” King embodies that completely. Strong, intelligent, and strategic, YaYa is the mastermind behind the empire, making every move with precision.
Her husband, Zayden, is just as powerful in his own right. He carries the weight of both family and business on his shoulders with unmatched strength and determination.
From friends to business partners to husband and wife, Kenya and Zayden’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
After everything they’ve built together, life should finally be peaceful. But peace never lasts forever. The past has a way of resurfacing when it’s least expected. Secrets begin to unravel, loyalties are tested, and survival means activating beast mode.
Get ready to become emotionally invested in the lives of Kenya and Zayden as love, ambition, betrayal, and loyalty collide.
Do I recommend? Yes!
May 22, 2026
Action ✔️
Drama ✔️
Suspense ✔️
I absolutely DEVOURED this!! Collateral Love, Book 2 in the Crestwood Chronicles series, picks up exactly where Bulletproof Love left off, so if you haven’t read book one yet… what are you waiting for?
This story dives deep into Kenya and Zayden’s relationship while exposing the origins of the business, the secrets buried beneath it, and the choices that set this entire chain of events into motion. And baby… when I realized who the mastermind behind everything was…..let’s just say I wasn’t expecting it, but I wasn’t mad about it either.
Between the blackmail, buried secrets, and the fallout from sins of the past that won’t stay buried, Collateral Love keeps the pressure high the entire time. And the way the crew went to war for Kenya……..they were NOT playing!
If you love romance mixed with danger, family drama, betrayal, and a family willing to fight for each other no matter the cost, definitely add this to your TBR and cart. You will NOT be disappointed! Pinky promise 😉
Drama ✔️
Suspense ✔️
I absolutely DEVOURED this!! Collateral Love, Book 2 in the Crestwood Chronicles series, picks up exactly where Bulletproof Love left off, so if you haven’t read book one yet… what are you waiting for?
This story dives deep into Kenya and Zayden’s relationship while exposing the origins of the business, the secrets buried beneath it, and the choices that set this entire chain of events into motion. And baby… when I realized who the mastermind behind everything was…..let’s just say I wasn’t expecting it, but I wasn’t mad about it either.
Between the blackmail, buried secrets, and the fallout from sins of the past that won’t stay buried, Collateral Love keeps the pressure high the entire time. And the way the crew went to war for Kenya……..they were NOT playing!
If you love romance mixed with danger, family drama, betrayal, and a family willing to fight for each other no matter the cost, definitely add this to your TBR and cart. You will NOT be disappointed! Pinky promise 😉
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC Review
This book picks up where Bulletproof Love left off at but the Prologue you get to see exactly what happened to Kenya so be prepared. Once that occurs we get to see how her and Zayden came to be so it was nice seeing their story from the beginning. We also got to see a much different side to Kenya in this book. She was a boss woman and I found myself saying okay Kenya a lot while I was reading. I still didn't like what she did to Channy but I understood her reasoning for it all.
I liked how this book went back between the past and the present and how we got to see the connection between all the characters. There was a lot of moving pieces and it kept me on my feet trying to figure out who was really responsible for what happened to Kenya. Once that information was revealed I was shocked to say the least because I would have never guessed who it was and why they did it. I am enjoying this series thus far and I cannot wait for the next book.
This book picks up where Bulletproof Love left off at but the Prologue you get to see exactly what happened to Kenya so be prepared. Once that occurs we get to see how her and Zayden came to be so it was nice seeing their story from the beginning. We also got to see a much different side to Kenya in this book. She was a boss woman and I found myself saying okay Kenya a lot while I was reading. I still didn't like what she did to Channy but I understood her reasoning for it all.
I liked how this book went back between the past and the present and how we got to see the connection between all the characters. There was a lot of moving pieces and it kept me on my feet trying to figure out who was really responsible for what happened to Kenya. Once that information was revealed I was shocked to say the least because I would have never guessed who it was and why they did it. I am enjoying this series thus far and I cannot wait for the next book.
May 21, 2026
Collateral Love is book 2 of the Crestwood Chronicles series and let me just say.......... This is how you do a follow up!!!!!!! My Sister/Cousin put her big toe 🦶🏾 in this one 🤣.
If you haven't read book 1 Bulletproof Love, go ahead and dive in so you can catch up 🏃🏾♀️💨
In this story we are following Yaya and Zay; we get the background of their past, while following them in the present. We were able to get some answers to some burning 🔥 questions from book 1, which gave me heart palpations 💗😬
L.B. Gaines does such an amazing job with character development and making your head spin 😵💫 with these plots with addition of spice...... The best equation for a good ssa book! And a good book is what collateral Love is!!!! I can't wait ⌚for book 3!
Notes:
📝 Ohhh ya ya is dang near a genius 🤓🧠
📝 Zay is the truth this man don't play
📝 Dildo molds, lol
📝 Bonnie and Clyde forever! 🙅🏾♀️
📝 I love how they are building a friendship along with a partnership.
📝 It's some snakes in here 🤨
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC!
If you haven't read book 1 Bulletproof Love, go ahead and dive in so you can catch up 🏃🏾♀️💨
In this story we are following Yaya and Zay; we get the background of their past, while following them in the present. We were able to get some answers to some burning 🔥 questions from book 1, which gave me heart palpations 💗😬
L.B. Gaines does such an amazing job with character development and making your head spin 😵💫 with these plots with addition of spice...... The best equation for a good ssa book! And a good book is what collateral Love is!!!! I can't wait ⌚for book 3!
Notes:
📝 Ohhh ya ya is dang near a genius 🤓🧠
📝 Zay is the truth this man don't play
📝 Dildo molds, lol
📝 Bonnie and Clyde forever! 🙅🏾♀️
📝 I love how they are building a friendship along with a partnership.
📝 It's some snakes in here 🤨
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC!
May 20, 2026
ARC Review
We meet Kenya in bulletproof love, an average college girl who loves her baby bear channel and wants to protect her from anything or anyone harmful. But in collateral love, we truly get introduced to big Kenya.
Kenya is a boss! She’s calculated, the quietest in room but she’s moving the pieces on the board. And sometimes the people around her don’t even know they’re the moving pieces.
We learn about the operation Kenya and zayden are running. They both played vital roles in the operation, we find out she’s the mind behind it all. I love that Zayden wasn’t afraid to let her lead and boss up.
Being a big sister myself, I understand wanting to protect your little sister but Kenya has a control issue and I think that was her downfall when it came to Channy.
I got beef with their trifling mom!
Overall I enjoyed diving into Kenya’s world and I’m itching to know about the next war!
We meet Kenya in bulletproof love, an average college girl who loves her baby bear channel and wants to protect her from anything or anyone harmful. But in collateral love, we truly get introduced to big Kenya.
Kenya is a boss! She’s calculated, the quietest in room but she’s moving the pieces on the board. And sometimes the people around her don’t even know they’re the moving pieces.
We learn about the operation Kenya and zayden are running. They both played vital roles in the operation, we find out she’s the mind behind it all. I love that Zayden wasn’t afraid to let her lead and boss up.
Being a big sister myself, I understand wanting to protect your little sister but Kenya has a control issue and I think that was her downfall when it came to Channy.
I got beef with their trifling mom!
Overall I enjoyed diving into Kenya’s world and I’m itching to know about the next war!
May 26, 2026
Collateral Love
This book turned out to be completely different than what I was expecting. It had a lot of action, suspense, and heat! I like how L.B. took us back in time to show how Kenya and Zayden got together. I was not expecting he to be a Queen pen but I loved that! Kenya was very smart and strategic with her life and everything that they did. I liked how they had built the friendship as partners over twos years before they added the romance just to be able to have that foundation and learn about each other. Now that momma of theirs is so damn raggedy for what she did and set her son up. I would have straight knocked that lady’s head off her shoulders. I felt so bad that Jared was stuck in prison for decades off the fact his stupid momma wanted to hide her infidelity. Now that secret sister needs to be found and handled because she has caused a lot of hurt. I am assuming there will be a book three because of all the loose ends at the end. Great read!
This book turned out to be completely different than what I was expecting. It had a lot of action, suspense, and heat! I like how L.B. took us back in time to show how Kenya and Zayden got together. I was not expecting he to be a Queen pen but I loved that! Kenya was very smart and strategic with her life and everything that they did. I liked how they had built the friendship as partners over twos years before they added the romance just to be able to have that foundation and learn about each other. Now that momma of theirs is so damn raggedy for what she did and set her son up. I would have straight knocked that lady’s head off her shoulders. I felt so bad that Jared was stuck in prison for decades off the fact his stupid momma wanted to hide her infidelity. Now that secret sister needs to be found and handled because she has caused a lot of hurt. I am assuming there will be a book three because of all the loose ends at the end. Great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you thought Bulletproof Love was intense, Collateral Love takes that fire and turns it into a total inferno. This isn't just a sequel; it’s the missing piece of the puzzle that makes the entire King brothers' saga feel complete.
What I loved most is how it skillfully weaves in the backstory. It dives deep into the history we only got a glimpse of before, dragging us back into a murder mystery that refuses to stay buried. Getting the context on Zayden, Xavier, Kenya, and Chanel’s past makes the current stakes feel so much heavier.
The story never slows down, the emotional moments really touch your heart, and those unconfessed sins kept me reading late into the night. If you want a story where the romance is as deep as the danger, this is a must-read. The King brothers are back and the price of their past has never been higher. Don't sleep on this one!
What I loved most is how it skillfully weaves in the backstory. It dives deep into the history we only got a glimpse of before, dragging us back into a murder mystery that refuses to stay buried. Getting the context on Zayden, Xavier, Kenya, and Chanel’s past makes the current stakes feel so much heavier.
The story never slows down, the emotional moments really touch your heart, and those unconfessed sins kept me reading late into the night. If you want a story where the romance is as deep as the danger, this is a must-read. The King brothers are back and the price of their past has never been higher. Don't sleep on this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Book 2 pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let me go. The tension, the emotion, the danger, and the love woven throughout every page made this an unforgettable read. Zayden and Kenya “YaYa” King’s relationship feels raw, intense, and deeply human, built on pain, loyalty, healing, and the kind of love that survives even when the world around them is falling apart.
What really stood out was how layered the story felt. It wasn’t just romance, it was family secrets, betrayal, revenge, trauma, and redemption all colliding at once. The suspense kept me hooked while the emotional moments hit hard. Every revelation raised the stakes higher, and the chemistry between the characters made the story impossible to put down.
My girl L.B. does an incredible job balancing romance with suspense and emotional depth. Crestwood feels alive, dangerous, and filled with ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried.
Book 2 pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let me go. The tension, the emotion, the danger, and the love woven throughout every page made this an unforgettable read. Zayden and Kenya “YaYa” King’s relationship feels raw, intense, and deeply human, built on pain, loyalty, healing, and the kind of love that survives even when the world around them is falling apart.
What really stood out was how layered the story felt. It wasn’t just romance, it was family secrets, betrayal, revenge, trauma, and redemption all colliding at once. The suspense kept me hooked while the emotional moments hit hard. Every revelation raised the stakes higher, and the chemistry between the characters made the story impossible to put down.
My girl L.B. does an incredible job balancing romance with suspense and emotional depth. Crestwood feels alive, dangerous, and filled with ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried.
May 21, 2026
L.B. Gaines did it again! 👏🏾 Heartfelt action, deep meaning, and ALL the feels.
If you read Bulletproof Love, you already know Zayden and Kenya. I’ll be honest—I didn't care for either of them at first. But L.B. has a way of making you love characters so hard you never want the story to end! 😭
Collateral Love picks up right where Bulletproof ends, and the backstory? It will have you in AWE.
👑 Zayden: The Kingpin. All action, no play. He busts heads about his money, but he does NOT play about Kenya.
♟️ Kenya: The Mastermind. Powerful, intelligent, and strategic. She’s moving every piece on the board.
It’s nonstop emotion, passion, betrayal, and loyalty. If you want a story that gives you every single "feel," this is it!
✨ Note: Make sure you read Bulletproof Love first!
📚 Series: The Crestwood Series
🛒 Where: Available on Amazon!
If you read Bulletproof Love, you already know Zayden and Kenya. I’ll be honest—I didn't care for either of them at first. But L.B. has a way of making you love characters so hard you never want the story to end! 😭
Collateral Love picks up right where Bulletproof ends, and the backstory? It will have you in AWE.
👑 Zayden: The Kingpin. All action, no play. He busts heads about his money, but he does NOT play about Kenya.
♟️ Kenya: The Mastermind. Powerful, intelligent, and strategic. She’s moving every piece on the board.
It’s nonstop emotion, passion, betrayal, and loyalty. If you want a story that gives you every single "feel," this is it!
✨ Note: Make sure you read Bulletproof Love first!
📚 Series: The Crestwood Series
🛒 Where: Available on Amazon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for my ARC.
This story has love, pain, strength, action and more.
Kenya had me upset in book 1 but Miss lady redeemed herself. Kenya was one boss a$$ b!+ch! Very smart and well rounded. It was easy to see how Zayden fell for her. They fit each other and built their empire. Getting their back story was needed and i love how the author set those moments up. Kenya was really holding things down for her siblings.
Chanel done grew up. She is not the same little sister anymore. Her and Xavier are doing just fine. Now the plot twist got me. I almost sent the author a voice note, LOL! Very pleased with how the book ended and will be waiting on book 3. Well i hope. Fingers crossed.
This story has love, pain, strength, action and more.
Kenya had me upset in book 1 but Miss lady redeemed herself. Kenya was one boss a$$ b!+ch! Very smart and well rounded. It was easy to see how Zayden fell for her. They fit each other and built their empire. Getting their back story was needed and i love how the author set those moments up. Kenya was really holding things down for her siblings.
Chanel done grew up. She is not the same little sister anymore. Her and Xavier are doing just fine. Now the plot twist got me. I almost sent the author a voice note, LOL! Very pleased with how the book ended and will be waiting on book 3. Well i hope. Fingers crossed.
May 21, 2026
We first met Kenya “YaYa” Davis-King and Zayden King in book one, Bulletproof Love, and baby… I was definitely side-eyeing BOTH of them. But this book? It gave us the origin story we didn’t know we needed. Watching their love blossom while seeing how the past refuses to stay buried had me hooked from beginning to end.
Zayden and Kenya brought passion, loyalty, strategy, and straight power-couple energy. The action mixed with the emotional moments kept the story flowing, and the secrets that came out? Yeah… I was sitting there like, “Did that really just happen?!”
Overall, I loved getting a deeper look into Zay and YaYa’s relationship and seeing what shaped them into the couple they are. Now I’m impatiently waiting to see what chaos, love, and surprises book three is about to bring.
May 22, 2026
Excellent
At first, I couldn't remember reading the first book, but I did. It helped me roll right into the second book. The plot was amazing. There were so many twists and turns. Her mind was off the chain. Then, her sister was able to be a move like her.
I am glad she was able to find out that her mother was behind everything. It is sad how your own mother could put your brother in prison, talk crazy about you, and try to hide things from your little sister.
She was the person in the wrong. I can't wait until she gets her mother.
There is so much to unpack from this book. I will say just read it.
At first, I couldn't remember reading the first book, but I did. It helped me roll right into the second book. The plot was amazing. There were so many twists and turns. Her mind was off the chain. Then, her sister was able to be a move like her.
I am glad she was able to find out that her mother was behind everything. It is sad how your own mother could put your brother in prison, talk crazy about you, and try to hide things from your little sister.
She was the person in the wrong. I can't wait until she gets her mother.
There is so much to unpack from this book. I will say just read it.
May 24, 2026
Always strategic
Yaya and her bestie…I didn’t expect this story. In the first book we see YaYa, but her moves initially don’t seem strategic…wrong! This girl was making moves and alliances while getting a degree. We don’t see how she and Zay go from friends to lovers and build something that goes beyond running corners and reacting impulsively. We now know that the game is chess, not checkers and even with the mistakes made, The Kings and Davis families were formidable and were built for pressure. Sharon don’t deserve anyone’s tears or sympathy because this woman really sold out her child while playing “holier than thou.” Happy Reading Y’all!💋
Yaya and her bestie…I didn’t expect this story. In the first book we see YaYa, but her moves initially don’t seem strategic…wrong! This girl was making moves and alliances while getting a degree. We don’t see how she and Zay go from friends to lovers and build something that goes beyond running corners and reacting impulsively. We now know that the game is chess, not checkers and even with the mistakes made, The Kings and Davis families were formidable and were built for pressure. Sharon don’t deserve anyone’s tears or sympathy because this woman really sold out her child while playing “holier than thou.” Happy Reading Y’all!💋
May 29, 2026
Collateral Love
These cliffhangers......man oh man.
What can I say, the old and the new intertwine beautifully. You had to get the backstory in order to understand what was happening today. I always knew Sharon was no good. The way she talked down to YaYa, yeah her azz was sneaky as hell. The Pastor's wife out in these streets perpetrating a fraud.
YaYa was cold with it. My girl was smarter than smart. She looked at things differently and moved accordingly. She taught Zay to think strategically and not like the streets. They built an empire and now folks are coming for them. I can't wait for the next installment of the Crestwood Chronicles.
These cliffhangers......man oh man.
What can I say, the old and the new intertwine beautifully. You had to get the backstory in order to understand what was happening today. I always knew Sharon was no good. The way she talked down to YaYa, yeah her azz was sneaky as hell. The Pastor's wife out in these streets perpetrating a fraud.
YaYa was cold with it. My girl was smarter than smart. She looked at things differently and moved accordingly. She taught Zay to think strategically and not like the streets. They built an empire and now folks are coming for them. I can't wait for the next installment of the Crestwood Chronicles.
June 5, 2026
And y’all had issues with Yaya in the first book? Not me. I understood her choices then, but learning the sacrifices behind those choices made me ride for her even harder. Yaya is truly Big Mama with brains, beauty, loyalty, and always ten steps ahead.
This book had me hooked from beginning to end with the action, suspense, betrayal, and jaw-dropping secrets. I honestly didn’t see most of it coming. The backstory of Yaya and Zay was beautifully written and showed just how deep the foundation of everything really was.
This is easily my favorite of the series so far. And yes, that cliffhanger was rude! Lol. Books beat movies every time so go read it.
This book had me hooked from beginning to end with the action, suspense, betrayal, and jaw-dropping secrets. I honestly didn’t see most of it coming. The backstory of Yaya and Zay was beautifully written and showed just how deep the foundation of everything really was.
This is easily my favorite of the series so far. And yes, that cliffhanger was rude! Lol. Books beat movies every time so go read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this as an ARC & @lbgainestheauthor came back with a part 2, but this time she deep dove into YAYa & Zays’ story; with a lil flash back and current storyline. I love the Bonnie & Clyde aspect they had but with a calculated & intentional pace; cause one thing and two for sure YaYa is going to alway ensure every move she makes in this game is two steps ahead…… until it’s not. The new player in the game came fast, hard, & definitely unexpectedly….. that ending 👌🏾👌🏾! Can’t wait for book 3…. 3.75/5 ⭐️
May 21, 2026
I Miss This Family Already
I couldn’t ask for a better follow up to Bulletproof Love. I absolutely love reading about a woman who is a BOSS!! I love reading about a love that evolves. I love seeing characters from Book 1 evolved. I love when men are secure enough to let their woman be fully themselves but also have their back when things don’t go according to plan. This book was all that! Great plot, full bodied story that makes you think and feel. So many quotes! This was 5 stars for me!
I couldn’t ask for a better follow up to Bulletproof Love. I absolutely love reading about a woman who is a BOSS!! I love reading about a love that evolves. I love seeing characters from Book 1 evolved. I love when men are secure enough to let their woman be fully themselves but also have their back when things don’t go according to plan. This book was all that! Great plot, full bodied story that makes you think and feel. So many quotes! This was 5 stars for me!
June 17, 2026
Zay and Kenya’s love was quiet and very calculated which was different from what I’m used to reading. They didn’t really have the time to really indulge themselves with what they wanted which required a lot of discipline on both ends until they couldn’t ignore what was meant to be anymore.
Kenya could not turn off her engineer brain at all and that is what got them through a lot of things. I still don’t like what she did to Channy 😒… but I do understand where she was coming from and she let fear take over.
The plot twist was crazyyyy , didn’t see that coming.
Kenya could not turn off her engineer brain at all and that is what got them through a lot of things. I still don’t like what she did to Channy 😒… but I do understand where she was coming from and she let fear take over.
The plot twist was crazyyyy , didn’t see that coming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ Spoiler Free ✨ This is one book I was anticipating to start this month.
We met Zayden King in book 1 but by the end of the book we really get to know the King Brothers fully. The calculated but ruthless kingpin. He is the definition of BDE and touch her and die.
Yaya Davis is the big sister/protector and we get to know what she meant by doing whatever to protect her baby sister. She is fierce, in control, calm, loyal and always the smartest in the room. Above all she is the Queen Pin that holds all the power.
If you enjoy action packed movies that have you anticipating the next scene this is the book for you.
It felt like I was watching a movie unfold as I kept reading.
L.B. definitely knows how to bring out all the emotions while telling a story. You will get some raw moments and I love those scenes because they are so relatable.
I can’t wait for you all to fall in love with the characters like i did.
We met Zayden King in book 1 but by the end of the book we really get to know the King Brothers fully. The calculated but ruthless kingpin. He is the definition of BDE and touch her and die.
Yaya Davis is the big sister/protector and we get to know what she meant by doing whatever to protect her baby sister. She is fierce, in control, calm, loyal and always the smartest in the room. Above all she is the Queen Pin that holds all the power.
If you enjoy action packed movies that have you anticipating the next scene this is the book for you.
It felt like I was watching a movie unfold as I kept reading.
L.B. definitely knows how to bring out all the emotions while telling a story. You will get some raw moments and I love those scenes because they are so relatable.
I can’t wait for you all to fall in love with the characters like i did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Copy
Collateral Love really gave Kenya and Zander the redemption I needed after book 1. I enjoyed getting more of their backstory, especially seeing Kenya’s family dynamics and understanding why she was so protective over her siblings.
The book had a good balance of family drama, action, and suspense. Zander was definitely mid crashout mode over Yaya, and Mrs. Queenpin held her own the entire time. This was an entertaining read that kept my attention.
Collateral Love really gave Kenya and Zander the redemption I needed after book 1. I enjoyed getting more of their backstory, especially seeing Kenya’s family dynamics and understanding why she was so protective over her siblings.
The book had a good balance of family drama, action, and suspense. Zander was definitely mid crashout mode over Yaya, and Mrs. Queenpin held her own the entire time. This was an entertaining read that kept my attention.
June 6, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ I didn’t like this one. It went so far left from book 1 that at every chapter I really wanted to DNF it. There was just too much going on, YaYa a drug kingpin out of left field, the mama having an affair and a secret baby, the death of Charles super anticlimactic, and now Miles and the mama locked in a closet “waiting for death” 🤷🏽♀️ it didn’t feel as authentic as book 1. And bc they didn’t find Cameron or whatever the half sister name is, there is definitely going to be a book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
“The Crestwood urban fun had only just begun 🫣😬with “Bulletproof Love (Crestwood Chronicles) - Book 1 YUP‼️Then continued with “Collateral Love (Crestwood Chronicles)” - Book 2 is/was another dimension 😮💨‼️Similar to the first book, however Zay’s devotion to Kenya was supersonic LTD: love, tenderness, devotion 🤯‼️This series was excellent 🔥🔥🔥‼️…an urban saga: romance, betrayal, revenge, criminal activity, suspense, adventure etc 😮💨🫣😬👀‼️…good til’ the last blood, sweat & tear🤩👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽‼️
May 24, 2026
Seeing how Yaya and Zay came together was cute! See how different she was from Channy was not necessary shocking, but I liked the insight. Their mom was actually a horrible ass person, and I don't feel bad for her at all. Yaya did so much to keep her sister away from things and that backfired so bad, but her Channy still rode for her! And Zayden? He was not playing bout Yaya fr, love that for her. She helped him grow in so many ways and he loved her down I'm not mad at it fr
June 5, 2026
Numbers + Variables + Parables
A good follow up to Bulletproof love and you absolutely have to pay attention when reading cause there’s so many moving parts. If you blink too long you will miss something.
Fair warning we end on another cliffhanger but I’m assuming Jared’s story is up next!
A good follow up to Bulletproof love and you absolutely have to pay attention when reading cause there’s so many moving parts. If you blink too long you will miss something.
Fair warning we end on another cliffhanger but I’m assuming Jared’s story is up next!
June 14, 2026
Zay and Kenya
Wow! What a follow up! I don't what I was expecting, but this exceeded it. Zay and Kenya built from the ground up with her being the brains. I still felt as if Kenya didn't get enough anger from Channy and X but I understood her better. Did this make me like Kenya? No. Was this book good as hell? Yes!! I look forward to part 3 because how you end like that? 😩
Wow! What a follow up! I don't what I was expecting, but this exceeded it. Zay and Kenya built from the ground up with her being the brains. I still felt as if Kenya didn't get enough anger from Channy and X but I understood her better. Did this make me like Kenya? No. Was this book good as hell? Yes!! I look forward to part 3 because how you end like that? 😩
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