A heartfelt debut that beautifully immerses you in Ghanaian culture and the emotional journey of two college students falling in love.

The descriptive language is rich, and the way the author weaves love and culture together is incredibly well done. I especially loved the nickname Akoma. I think small details like that made the romance feel so tender and real.

I also found myself deeply relating to Aliza and her feelings of not quite belonging, even though we come from very different cultures, her emotional journey resonated with me. That’s a true mark of great writing: creating a character whose experience feels universal.

This was such a sweet, funny, and surprisingly emotional story. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much in such a short time, but I closed the book completely satisfied and already looking forward to what this author writes next.

For clean/closed-door romance readers read my guide/review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7716081877

I really hope there will be another book. I fell in love with Kofi and Aliza’s story. I was left wanting more and enjoyed being in Accra.

ARC Review
Title: Three Months in ACCRA
Stamped: A Love Story Collection (Book 1)
Author: L. B. Gaines


If you're looking for a love story that pulls you in with every page, Three Months in ACCRA is exactly the book you need! Aliza arrives in Ghana for a semester abroad, hoping to connect with her roots—but what she discovers is something far deeper: a man who sees her fully, both the parts she’s embraced and the ones she’s still uncovering. Kofi, a native Ghanaian, is carving out his own path under the weight of family expectations. Though he’s promised to someone else and his family disapproves of this unexpected connection, he finds himself drawn to Aliza—she’s both the escape he longs for and the belonging he’s never quite had.

For three months, it’s pure magic. Laughter, late-night talks, deep conversations, and all the butterflies. But then reality comes knocking. Different worlds, different expectations, and a painful goodbye that neither of them really wanted.

Fast-forward two years and another chance encounter begins their love story picks up right where they left it.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC! This debut novella was so well done. The writing transported me—I truly felt like I was in Ghana. Their personal growth was beautiful to witness. Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. I would absolutely read whatever L.B. Gaines writes next.


📖 Releases July 11 on Amazon


#LBGaines
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This quick novella was a great read for me. Kofi and Liza met when she touched down in Ghana for a semester abroad at the University of Ghana. She met him the night she touched down there. He offered to help her explore his country, and things took off from there. There was one part in the story about their visit to the Elmina Castle that I think a lot of Americans will relate to. I went into this book interested to see how the relationship between the two progressed with characters from different cultures. I knew that the inevitable was going to happen, and I wanted to see how the author addressed it. I think the author did a good job with the topic. My problem with novellas is that I always want more. That’s due to no fault of the author’s; I just wanted to see more of how Kofi wrapped things up in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Love Letter Collector Press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a book that will have you falling in love with every kiss, reassurance and display of fiery desire, Three Months In Accra is that book. Kofi and Aliza are a testament to “when you know, you know”. Aliza’s journey into finding some semblance of her roots led her to a man who wanted to love all of her: the parts embraced and the parts not yet unearthed. Kofi’s journey into finding his place within in his family led him to a woman that felt like freedom AND home. A love story that feels like an ocean breeze on a passion filled summer night.

⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭒ ⭒
3.25

༘࿐✰ Three Months in Accra is a cute, fast-paced novella that took me by surprise in the best way. I usually prefer stories that are more fleshed out and in-depth, so I didn’t expect much going in but this one charmed me almost immediately.

༘࿐✰ The romance, while quick to unfold, was sweet and believable enough that I didn’t mind the pacing. I genuinely liked the connection between the characters, especially how their story didn’t fall into the usual miscommunication trope. Instead, it followed a refreshing “let’s take space and maybe come back together” narrative, which felt realistic and mature.

༘࿐✰ I especially enjoyed experiencing Ghana through the eyes of a tourist. There was a real tenderness in how the country was portrayed from the vibrant life in Accra to the heavier, emotional moments like the scene at Elmina Castle. That part hit in a meaningful way, and I appreciated how the novella balanced light romance with historical and cultural depth.

༘࿐✰ That said, I did have a minor critique about the linguistic accuracy.

Early in the story, the driver mentions, “We speak Twi in Accra,” which felt overly generalized. Accra is incredibly diverse. people from all over Ghana converge there, and you’ll hear more than 15 different languages on any given day.

While I gave it a pass at first (maybe the driver was just referring to himself) the same statement popped up again at Makola, where it was implied that everyone was speaking Twi.

Makola is a deeply local area with lots of Ga speakers, while there are twi speakers… you’re more likely to hear Ga first. It felt a little like a blanket statement that could unintentionally erase other languages


༘࿐✰ Overall, though, I had a really good time with this novella. It was enjoyable, romantic, and culturally grounded a solid read that gave me a lot more than I expected. If you’re looking for a quick story with heart, this is one worth picking up.

Thank you Netgalley and love letter collector press for a copy of this arc all thoughts are mine

I enjoyed this story. The excitement of being in a new place, learning new things, gaining new experiences and meeting your person strictly by chance. To bad that said person is a native of the visiting land, he is promised to someone else, and his family is not in agreeance with this new found love interest of his. In-spite of Akoma and Kofi's connection and whirlwind romance, Akoma has a touch decision to make concerning her relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ebook.

I truly enjoyed this book more than even I thought I would. I had just finished reading the Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone and was in my Ghana era. While I enjoyed the Gold Coast Dilemma, what I was missing was a love connection with someone who had a similar lived experience with their love interest.

Enter Aliza and Kofi. Aliza is a Black American student who is studying for a semester at the University of Accra. On her first night there, she runs into Kofi, a Ghanaian man, and the rest is history... or so you think. After a month of magical love, they are torn apart by responsibilities that Kofi has to take on. Only after a random reunion years later are they given a chance to see if those three months in Accra were a fluke or destiny.

What I got from this story was more than just a love story. I got connection, love, and a welcome home that many Black Americans want but are afraid will be denied to us because we "don't know where we come from." Kofi never once made Aliza feel like she didn't belong and spent all three months showing her her connection to Ghana and to him. The juxtaposition of Ghana and Kofi was really interesting to watch; the more Aliza found her connection to Accra, the more she connected she became to Kofi. It was like he was a tour guide in her present but also to her past, where her ancestors had paved the way for her return.

For a novella, I felt like I learned so much in such a short story. This was a very important story for me, and I loved the care that was taken to show the similarities between the African and Black American cultures instead of the typical differences that so often plague our worlds.

4.5/5
Thank you Net-Gally for the e-ARC. Being a debut novel, I fell in love with the story from the first page. The relationship between Aliza and Kofi was organic and beautiful. Reading this novella, It felt like I was in Ghana myself. I enjoyed seeing the growth of Aliza and how she learned how to stand up for herself and what she believes in. Kofi was such a gentleman. I wish this book was longer!! it left me wanting more. I loved it, would read another one of this author's novels.

A beautiful debut novella about rediscovering yourself while also falling in love. I loved how soft and charming Aliza and Kofi’s love story was. As well as the discussions about cultural and familial expectations and how that pressure can affect someone.

I especially loved the authors vivid descriptions of Ghana and all the places the characters visited. It made me feel like I was right there with them. Overall, a beautiful book and I can’t wait to see what else the author writes!

This is a beautiful debut novella
I enjoyed following Aliza's journey as she completed her study abroad semester and discovered love along the way. I appreciated how Kofi prioritized his desires regarding Aliza. He didn’t let his family’s expectations for his future prevent him from pursuing what he truly wanted in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three Months in Accra by L.B. Gains completely stole my heart.

Aliza goes to Ghana for a semester abroad and meets Kofi, and the chemistry is instant. I loved how real their struggles felt; Aliza’s dealing with grief and constantly feeling like she doesn’t fit in anywhere, while Kofi is carrying the weight of his family’s expectations. Their romance is sweet, messy, and so full of heart.

If you’re into he falls first vibes, a breakup that leads to time apart, and then an epic second chance, this book is for you. Plus, the Ghana setting makes it feel like a mini vacation while you read!

The spice is chef’s kiss...steamy but meaningful. It’s a story about soulmates, second chances, and the universe working overtime to bring two people back together.

Highly recommend!

Three Months in Accra was a quick but lovely read! I really enjoyed going on Aliza's journey as she completed her study abroad semester and found love along the way. L.B. Gaines intertwined so much into the plot of this novella without sacrificing a bit of description. It was very easy to picture the characters and scenery and the plot gave me everything I love in contemporary Black romance. If you're a fan of Natasha Bishop or Christina C. Jones, then Aliza and Kofi's story is probably for you!

This book is not your typical urban romance! The culture, the unequivocal Blackness, and the feeling of Black love wafting off the pages were simply superb—with just the right amount of spice. Very classy & intellectual.

We meet two very complex characters in a setting that is both beautiful and scarred. As Aliza and Kofi get to know each other, they also come to know themselves. Guided by the city of Accra, Ghana, which helps them see what they never thought possible before.

Eager for book 2!

Kofi & Aliza are the epitome of a fairytale romance. Imagine going to study abroad and finding the love of your life?! Three months in Accra was a great read that immersed me in history, culture and a timeless love story all in one. Overall, a great, quick read and if you're looking for something to read this summer...
this.is. it!

A debut novella that was soft, introspective, and had me in my feelings in the best way. It was tender in a grown, slow-burn kinda way. Not just about falling in love with someone, but rediscovering yourself in the process. I loved the cultural immersion, the moments of clarity, and how the FMC embraced a new environment while also finding her spark again.

What really hit me though? The way this story explored legacy and tradition, especially how deep family expectations run in other cultures. The idea that family pride can sometimes limit your own dreams? Yeah… that part stuck with me. It made me think about how honoring your roots is important, but so is planting your own.

“A key?” I asked. He smiled. “To my chest. Just in case you ever forget again where you live.”

I loved this story. Aliza and Kofi were not only beautiful with all the feels but it got deep too. Their connection was right away and felt with every turn of the page. Yes there were some dumps and you’ll get to see why once you read. No matter what the love/chemistry was still there. I got so many highlights that just touched my heart and put a smile on my face. The way L. B. built this story and characters was so well done. The pace didn’t feel rushed at all. I got what i needed. Even though i could always use more of these two. To give us readers so much in a few pages is chefs kiss. I am truly appreciative.

When the author describes the culture in some of the scenes it felt like i was experiencing it in real time. This really makes me want to go to Accra to see the beauty with my own eyes. Around of applause for that. Oh yea, i love when chapters are given titles. Gives the book more body.

Thank you NetGalley, L. B. Gaines, and Love Letter collector press for this opportunity in exchange for my honest review.

Quotes:
-His voice dropped. “You were always going to be mine. Even if I had to hunt you to prove it.”
-“You deserve to be happy. With someone who makes your heart race, and your rules disappear.
-Kofi needed to be the man he was born to be. To rise for his family, to carry their name with pride. And I—well, I wasn’t going to beg for love in a room where I wasn’t even welcome to sit down.
-“Sometimes I think… if I stopped performing, nobody would stay.”
-“You were made for me.” I leaned forward, kissed him deeply, then whispered against his lips, “Then let me show you how I take care of what’s mine.”

𝙴𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Three months in Accra was easily a 5-star read. I knew just based off the dedication, "To the women who left the country and found themselves. To the women who know when to let go and when to believe in love again. And to every girl who ever asked, “Could someone really love me without limits?” Yes. Yes, they can." The dedication alone tells you about this story: star-crossed lovers, self-discovery, and growth. This story definitely hit me in the chest with all the emotions. I love this storyline so much; I can't wait to read the next book.

If I wasn't married, this story alone would make me hop on a plane, travel somewhere far and different, and just experience LIFE and explore LOVE! This book will forever live rent-free in my head.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Three Months in Accra
By L.B. Gaines @lbgainestheauthor

This was such a refreshing love story. The details of the beautiful country and the love scenes with the right amount of spice had me hooked.

The story takes you through the journey of Kofi and Liza as they explore Kofi’s home country and experience their blossoming love for each other.
Things take a turn and heartbreak comes.

Will the love that they built in such short time stand the test of time?

I enjoyed this short story. And would recommend it if you’re looking for a love story with some very good spice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thanks @netgalley for this ARC ebook!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was kind of far outside of my comfort zone especially since the typical romances I tend to read focus within Central America. The setting being Ghana, was so immersive for me. I loved being able to learn about this area and its culture through these pages, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. This book was so sweet, and I loved the connection between the two characters.

Now, on a structural level, this wasn't my favorite to read. For starters, despite it being a novella, the pacing was kind of off for me, as well as some of the page breaks. I definitely think certain aspects could have been fleshed out more, and I feel like this changed the whole atmosphere of some of the scenes and kind of flipped me all the way around in some instances.

This was such a remarkable review for this author and honestly this makes me look forward to reading more books by them in the future.