February 26, 2026
💘 February Wrap-Up Newsletter💘



Did February feel soft and sweet… or like it flew by in a blink? Either way, I’m so grateful you’re here with me.

This month felt special and tender. It was a full circle month for me because a release I’ve been holding close to my heart is finally out in the world, and the love you’ve shown me continues to remind me why I do this.

Bulletproof Love

It’s here. 🖤

Bulletproof Love officially released this month, and I am still sitting in awe.This is the first book in the Crestwood Chronicles, and Xavier… whew. My lover boy. He’s tender but gritty, soft but steady. Xavier is the kind of man who loves with his whole chest. Watching y’all fall for him the way I did has been everything. Seeing y’all embrace him and the world of Crestwood has been the sweetest gift.

If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, you can order directly from my website:Every direct order comes signed and packaged with love from me to you.Thank you for embracing this new era with me.


Bulletproof Love


Audiobook Spotlight


Let’s talk about Three Months in Accra.This audiobook has had me in a chokehold for three months straight. There’s something about the way the narrator Harper Wilde breathes life into the story, her cadence, her warmth, the emotional texture in every chapter, that makes it feel less like a book and more like an experience.


Every time I press play, it feels like I’m being transported and stepping right into the heart of Accra. The sounds, the culture, the tenderness woven into the narrative… it all settles into the soul in the sweetest, most grounding way.

Three Months in ACCRA Audiobook

Looking Back


Between writing, releasing, reconnecting, and planning what’s next, I found myself deeply grateful for the community.February set the tone beautifully, and March is already shaping up to be just as exciting. With Bulletproof Love now out in the world and new stories beginning to take shape, I’m feeling inspired, grounded, and ready for everything that’s coming next.


And if you joined me for the Virtual Valentine’s Day event on February 21st, thank you. Sharing space with you always reminds me of why I love doing this. If you missed it, you can catch up on all the details here:


Substack Post

What I’ve Been Reading

February’s reading list was rich, emotional, and deeply engaging.

 I read:

  1. 12:01 by Bella Jay
  2. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
  3. Sula by Toni Morrison

If you’ve read any of these, come talk to me about them. I always love hearing your take.

Looking Ahead

March is already calling to me in the sweetest way. With Bulletproof Love finally out in the world, I’ve spent the last few days letting myself breathe, recharge, and take in everything this release has meant. But if you know me, you know the gears never stop turning for long.

Behind the scenes, I’m already diving back into the next wave of stories, outlining, drafting, and building out worlds that feel bigger and richer every day. There’s something about this season that feels like forward motion: new characters whispering, new plotlines unfolding, new possibilities opening up in ways I didn’t expect.

So as we step into a new month, here’s what I can promise: more updates, more peeks behind the curtain, more words, and more moments we get to share together. I’m excited, I’m grateful, and I’m ready for whatever March brings.

We’re just getting started.

If you want early sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes notes, make sure you’re following me on Substack. 

Follow on Substack

And if you’re part of my paid Substack, you already know we’re six chapters deep into our exclusive story, Becoming Sefi. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to continue building this world with you.


Becoming Sefi- Substack

Events / Where to Find Me


Closing Message

As always, thank you for being here with me. Thank you for reading, supporting, sharing, reviewing, and celebrating each new milestone. Your love carried me through this month in ways I won’t forget.

I can’t wait to bring you more stories, more characters to fall for, and more moments to hold close.

Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other. I’ll see you in March. 🤎

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With Love,
L.B. Gaines