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. 😁
**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.
This book wastes *zero* time and jumps right in where *Bulletproof Love* left us hanging — but whew, that prologue? Yeah… brace yourself because the truth about Kenya is A LOT. Once the initial shock wears off, we get the full backstory of how Kenya and Zayden came to be, and honestly, I loved getting to watch their relationship unfold from the very beginning.
And can we talk about Kenya for a second? Sis was in full boss mode this entire book. Every few chapters I was literally like, “Okayyy Kenya, I see you!” We got a completely different side of her, and it made her character even more interesting. Now, do I still agree with what she did to Channy? Absolutely not. But after learning everything, I could at least understand why she moved the way she did.
One thing this book did really well was bouncing between the past and present without making it confusing. It actually made the story even more addictive because all the pieces slowly started connecting together. Every character seemed tied to something bigger, and I stayed suspicious of EVERYBODY trying to figure out who was really behind what happened to Kenya.
And when the truth finally came out?! Jaw on the floor. I never would’ve guessed who was responsible or the reason behind it. The author definitely got me with that twist. This series has me completely hooked at this point, and now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book.
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 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.
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 😉
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
“Collateral Love” love takes us on a wild ride from the first page. Yaya has been strategic about every move from the beginning.. protecting & providing for her family at any cost!
Everything you think you know about her is a lie. At her core she’s really just a girl that had to become a boss. Because if she didn’t do it, who would? Yaya is really that girl and I can’t wait for yall to get to know her.
Falling in love was never apart of their arrangement yet it became the aftermath. Their love wasn’t soft or romantic but it was theirs. What happens when ghosts from the past come to collect?
LB was in her Power & the Wire bag when she wrote this. It’s unlike anything else in her catalog. Just be prepared for bombshells & bodies to drop, family secrets, betrayal, and revenge. It’s a wild ride for sure and Zay will move heaven and earth to recover the queen.
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.
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.
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.
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 ⭐️
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!
✨ 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.
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.
ARC Review 4.5 🌟 . Zayden did not come to play about Kenya . He didnt even play about her in the beginning . They were on my shit list in the first book but I forgave them . That plot twist though definitely wasnt expecting that !
This book was soooooo good. I thought I was watching a movie. I can not wait for the next episode and yes I said episode. Kenya girlllll. That’s all I’m going to say.
Such a wonderful story and boy were there twists and turns and I loved the communication between Zay and Yaya. I love the friends to lovers relationship. Yaya was quick on her feet focused. Zay was giving BDE and was coming behind Yaya since day one! I cannot wait for the finale!!