For this book to just be under 120 pages chef’s kiss. This packs a surprising emotional punch. It’s a vivid, heartfelt story that blends romance with culture in a way that feels real and grounded. If you’re into quick reads that celebrate African roots and Black love, this one’s definitely worth picking up

Wow! For a book under a hundred pages, I am blown away.

This is a second chance romance set in Accra, Ghana. As a regular traveler to Ghana, I love the research that went into bringing this story to life.

And the spice of the romance! 🥵🌶️🔥 I especially appreciate how well the condom scene was done, since it bothers me as a reader when writers leave out the protection part.

This story covers loyalty, obligation, betrayal, hope, dreams, love, heartbreak, identity and ancestral healing.

One of my favorite reads of 2025!

WHEW! It took a while to write this review, because just thinking about this book still gives me all the feels.

Three Months in Accra is a breathtaking debut novella that captures the power of chance encounters, cultural discovery, and young love that lingers long after it ends. L.B. Gaines has crafted a beautifully immersive romance set against the vivid backdrop of Ghana's capital, and in less than 120 pages, she delivers a story that is both emotionally resonant and deeply authentic.

The story follows Aliza Monroe, a history student from the U.S. who lands in Accra for a semester abroad. On her very first night, she meets Kofi—a grounded, magnetic student and cultural ambassador at her host university. Their instant connection blooms quickly amid laughter, cultural immersion, and shared dreams under Ghana's golden skies. But as summer winds down, they face the realities of distance, familial expectations, and the tug of duty, all pressures that threaten to pull them apart. Years later, fate reunites them back in the U.S., older and wiser, but with the question lingering...can what began in three months survive a lifetime apart?

What makes this novella so special is the emotional depth packed into its compact form. Despite its brevity, Gaines creates characters who feel fully realized and a romance that is tender, passionate, and real. The chemistry between Aliza and Kofi is palpable, yet never rushed. It grows naturally, shaped by cultural contrasts, personal growth, and the ache of knowing time is limited. Their story feels both intimate and universal, a reminder of the way love can transform us even when circumstances get in the way.

Accra itself is more than a backdrop; it comes alive as a character in its own right. From bustling markets to quiet moments under the baobab trees, the setting pulses with energy and beauty, grounding the love story in a world that feels textured and real. Aliza’s journey is as much about discovering herself as it is about falling in love, and Kofi’s grounded sense of duty makes him an equally compelling counterpart.

The ending is bittersweet yet deeply satisfying, landing with emotional truth and leaving readers with a sense of longing that lingers long after the final page. Three Months in Accra is a true gem, perfectly paced, richly atmospheric, and emotionally powerful. It’s a tender ode to summer love, cultural identity, and the choices that define us. Whether you’re drawn to destination romances, stories of self-discovery, or authentic Black love, this novella is an absolute must-read. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. I'm literally obsessed. I am shocked that this is a debut novel. Gaines is now an auto buy for me, because THIS is how you write a love story.

Thank you NetGalley and Love Letter Collector Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was so so good! I hadnt heard of this author before but I will def be checking out the next book i the series (because this is going to be a series right?_

Throughout their time together, the narrative tracks Aliza and Kofi as they negotiate love and cultural divides. The difficulties of long-distance relationships, cultural identity, and commitment are among the topics covered in the book.

This is a luscious novella for all of the senses. I loved pausing to play the songs and artists referenced.

I picked up Three Months in Accra thinking I’d get a sweet story—and I did—I absolutely loved watching Aliza and Kofi meet and fall for each other. Their chemistry felt effortless, and the emotional depth had me hooked.

Some of my favorite things:
✅ A vivid, sensory-rich journey through Ghana that made me fall in love with the country, too
✅ A MMC who’s grounded, thoughtful, and swoon-worthy
✅ A FMC who embraces a new culture with heart and openness

My not so favorite thing?
➖ The third act felt a little rushed—I would’ve happily stayed in their world for a few more chapters.

Still, I’m really happy with how things wrapped up. Three Months in Accra is a warm, romantic, emotionally satisfying read that I’d absolutely recommend to fans of second chances and destination love stories.

#ThreeMonthsinAccra
#NetGalley

Reading Three Months in Accra felt like stepping into a whole vibe.
Many thanks to NetGalley and LB Gaines for the opportunity to receive and read this advance copy for my honest review.
The culture, the unapologetic celebration of Black identity, and the pulse of Black love it all came alive and kept me hooked from start to finish. Aliza’s study abroad trip was more than just travel it was growth, romance, and a little drama in the best way. L.B. Gaines packed so much into this quick read without ever making it feel rushed. I could see the scenes so clearly in my head, like I was right there with the characters. If you're into stories that celebrate love, self-discovery, and rich storytelling, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three Months in Accra is a beautifully immersive story that transported me straight to the heart of Ghana. From the vibrant city streets to the quieter, reflective moments, this book captures what it means to rediscover yourself in a place so rich in culture, history, and emotion.

The characters were layered and real — flawed, yet deeply relatable. I especially loved how the author explored identity, healing, and connection in a way that didn’t feel forced. The pacing was perfect, and the emotional growth throughout the book felt authentic and earned.

This wasn’t just a travel story — it was a journey of the soul. By the end, I found myself reflecting on my own sense of purpose and what “home” really means. If you’re looking for something that blends soul-searching, cultural richness, and heartfelt storytelling, this one is a must-read.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Love Letter Collector Press | Rhythm & Prose for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review*

Why all the books I adore are always novellas? I could literally cry right now. It was such an enjoyable read that even though it was sort, it never felt rushed. I loved every bit of it and if I could read it again, as if for the first time, I would have.

Aliza is ready for her three month adventure in Ghana. This is a chance to explore history, culture, and soak up so much of the world around her. But she never expected Kofi- the magnetic student who instantly captures her attention, followed swiftly by her heart. While they fall fast, the circumstances of reality hits hard and with a bitter taste. Can young love survive an entire ocean?

A novella sized love story that I could have easily read for another hundred and fifty pages! It never felt rushed, but I wouldn’t mind the extra details, the conversations between friends, perhaps another POV. The author did an excellent job inviting the reader’s senses into the setting, and each chapter contained pieces of Ghana that felt so real and refreshing. The ending was a little sudden, but also felt well-deserved.

Thank you so much NetGalley and the author for a chance to read and review this book!

This was a warm, culturally rich novella that pleasantly surprised me. Made me nervous at points, but then it closed out beautifully.

The inclusion of a glossary made the reading experience smoother as a non-Ghanaian reader—more culturally specific books should include this. Ghanaian culture is beautifully woven throughout, from the food to the setting, and the FMC’s study of the African diaspora added emotional weight and relevance, especially as a Black American reader. The commentary on tourists in memorial spaces was also a thoughtful and necessary addition.

The romance, while enjoyable, relied on an insta-love setup. We’re told a connection has developed off-page. I would’ve loved to see that relationship build in real time to deepen the emotional payoff.

A few typos stood out (happy to share page numbers if needed), and flipping back to the glossary in the eBook format occasionally disrupted the flow—considering inline definitions could help.

Overall, it became so enjoyable that I’d love to see this expanded into a full novel.

This was such a great book and honestly a great palate cleanser for a contemporary romance. The way this author wrote about the importance of the culture and respecting it was great! Him giving up everything to go find what he was missing chefs kiss. Also the fact that he stayed celibate for the time they were apart *swoon*

Three Months in Accra pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. This one is for the lovers 💕Aliza and Kofi’s connection was instant, electric, and magnetic-you could feel it in every scene. Their chemistry wasn’t just romantic, it was warm, deep, and soulful. I found myself highlighting so many lines that made me smile or hit me right in the heart.
L.B. Gaines crafted this story and these characters with so much care I’d happily read more of these two. It’s not easy to pack that much heart, depth, and connection into a short novel, but Gaines does it beautifully.
The cultural detail was another highlight. The way certain scenes were written made it feel like I was right there in Accra, seeing the sights, feeling the energy. It genuinely made me want to visit. And small touch, but I love when chapters have titles—it added a little extra texture and intentionality to the reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley, for the eARC and the opportunity to review this wonderful read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it to a friend. This second chance romance was so warming and needed. The pace of the book was good.

I’m so happy this book is out into the world. This is a beautiful love story and letter to our diaspora. I love that she uses her friend’s passing to be a better version of herself and I love how he doesn’t allow his upbringing or material things to define him.
This story is a reminder that growth can be fragile and that home will always be at the root of who you are. I loved everything about this story. I love her passion for our people and our homeland and the need to reconnect in order to see progression in our community here in America. I also love the loyalty to the soil that he has and the understanding though we are different, we are one. I believe these are the kind of mentalities that we need to reinforce in our people if growth and togetherness and defeating the oppressor is the end goal. This love story was really beautiful. I love how the two of them found each other. I love how the two of them connected with one another. I love how the two of them grew so deep in their connection with each other so much so that in different ways, the two of them put the other before themselves. This is a really cozy steamy and enriching love story that I’ll recommend to anyone looking for a good slow burn in the Summer.

This book was super cute. I enjoyed the story being set in Accra which was a great element to the story. Kofi and Aliza's story was a beautiful journey of self discovery and finding love when you least expect it.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!

I was vibing with them for about 60% or so, then I started questioning Kofi’s motives. However, he mostly redeemed himself. If I hadn't realized how much I hate the miscommunication trope, this showed me halfway through. Maybe, had this been a full novel, I wouldn’t have minded, but some parts went by too quickly.

Overall, I enjoyed their chemistry and banter, but the pace of the relationship was too much for me. I feel like it went from realistic to insta-love, they do get their hea though.

Omg thank you so much to Netgalley and Love Letter Collector Press for this short and sweet novella! Apparently, this is L.B Gaines' DEBUT?? OMG - what a beautiful story to start a writing career with!

One sentence summary - Aliza arrives to Accra, Ghana, where she has a chance encounter with Kofi and her entire world shifts.

Kofi is steadfast, while Aliza is anxiously put together. Listen, we love a man who commits to what he wants and goes after it intentionally. You can totally read this novella in one sitting, and I fully encourage you to! I loved the rich history that was interwoven throughout the story as well as the romance and care that both Kofi and Aliza show towards each other. Not only does Aliza find her voice and is a strong FMC, but we also get the distinct pleasure of watching her grow.

I'm already missing the characters. I would recommend this book for folks who love destination romances, Black folks who care about connecting with the motherland, Girlies who are anxiously put together, students who are looking to study aboard and change their lives, and women who love a steadfast and intentional MMC.

I loved this short romance! It was just the right length and the description of Accra scenery paired with the female leads exploration of her new surroundings was perfect. I loved the clash between the cultures and definitely how the story ended! Would recommend!