California Love Songs

The Davenports #4

by Bella Andre, Nicky Arden

A Top 100 Amazon Bestselling Series!“The Davenports are a wonderful family and I can’t wait to read all their happily ever afters! The writing, story and characters are all amazing. A Must Read!” 5 stars

Rock star Damien Davenport has it all: brilliant talent, effortless charisma, and a life in the limelight. But while Damien has reached success beyond his wildest dreams—with fifteen years of sold-out shows around the world and songs that millions of fans are crazy for—everything that used to thrill him suddenly feels like it’s lost its glow. Right now, all he wants is to spend time with his family in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and to hang out with old friends who want nothing more from him than to have a laugh and hit some waves on their surfboards…especially his high school best friend, Crystal Lopez.

During the years when Damien was touring, Crystal turned her talent for organizing events into a successful party planning business, from A-List weddings to lavish beachfront parties. When Damien plays a multimillion-dollar gig at Pebble Beach—organized by Crystal—and she sees her superstar friend blowing the audience’s mind with his incredible songs, she finally has to admit to herself that she’s never recovered from her high school crush. Of course, she would never, ever let on that she wishes he was more than just a friend. Because even if the man who could have any woman in the world actually wanted her, she can’t imagine fitting into Damien’s rock star world.

But Crystal isn’t the only one who has been secretly wishing they could be something more. Way more. And when the sizzling attraction between them becomes utterly undeniable—and breathlessly delicious—after fifteen years of close friendship, can the world-traveling rock star and the home-town girl make true love last?

THE DAVENPORTS
California Dreaming
California Waves
California Sunsets
California Love Songs
*** More Davenports are coming soon! ***

CALIFORNIA LOVE SONGS is part of New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Bella Andre and Nicky Arden's emotional and sexy contemporary romance series about the Davenport family, set in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. While it can easily be read as a stand-alone story, you'll likely enjoy reading the other books too.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2025

About the author

Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.

Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.

Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..

* * * * * * *

For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book as it's one of my favorite series. In this book, we have a cute love story between a rockstar and party planning coordinator. Both have known each other since their school days, but nothing has really happened to when until now.

The best word to describe this book is sweet. Damien Davenport was always so gentle and kind. It was very easy to love him. This book gave me the warm, fuzzy feelings of young love except this felt more genuine and heartwarming.

This book was a very quick read for me. Andre's writing is easy and free-flowing, so I was able to enjoy it in one sitting. If you enjoy sweet, romantic love stories, then you don't want to miss out on this one.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock Star Damien Davenport says he is home for a while, but his family and friends are not sure. Crystal Lopez has been best friends with Damien’s sister since they were in high school. She and Damien have also become best friends over the years. Crystal enjoys owning her own party planning business, and has planned some high profile events. She has had a secret crush on Damien since she was 15, but he has never shown a romantic interest in her. Of course the Davenport siblings can see the sparks even when the two of them don’t. Reading about their story is heartwarming. Their mutual respect and long friendship are a perfect foundation to build a relationship. Cheers to Bella and Nicky for their collaboration on this wonderfully written story.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…the missing note. The soul in his music.”

Another great book by these talented authors. I was so excited to find out more about the famous but private Damien Davenport and these authors did not disappoint. Damien and Crystal’s journey was fun, swooning-worthy and heartwarming; a truly beautiful second chance story. I wish we could have seen a little more of Damien and Crystal together after the declaration, but hopefully we get to see more of their HEA in the next book.

I have enjoyed every bit of information about this amazing Davenport family and those they love. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this family and it is always fun to catch up with past characters! Crystal and Damien Davenport’s sister always studied at the kitchen table of the Davenport family when they were is high school. Damien was two years older than Crystal and she had always had a crush on him. Crystal always thought Damien and his band made great music. I loved how when they were still in high school Crystal even got them some paid gigs. Their band took off and Damien became a famous rock band singer. I felt bad that Crystal had to give up her scholarships and dream of being a doctor so she could help her mother with bills since their father left them years ago and never tried to get in touch again. I was proud of her becoming a famous party planner for many rich and important people. Crystal and Damien stayed best friends throughout Damien’s stardom.

I was glad to see Damien come back to Carmel to stay for a while. Of course his family and Crystal kept waiting for him to leave again. The authors did a wonderful job of showing Crystal and Damien that their friendship could become more. Damien had a lot to prove as he never stayed in one place. The two were so good for each other. It is always funny that the loved ones around a couple can see love where the couple can’t. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of reasons to love California Love Songs. The story takes place in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a majestic, beautiful town. The Davenport family is very close and always supportive. Love found in other books in the series continue to blossom. Love that began in high school will explode into a love that cannot be contained.

Damien Davenport has been a rockstar since high school when Crystal has been his biggest fan and supporter. She knew what he needed and stayed silent as he always walked away with another. To him, she was his best friend. To her, he was the one that got away.

Damien is home and wanting to stay. He wants to enjoy his home. He wants to spend time with his family. He aspires to do more. And he wants Crystal by his side. He has his work cut out for him.

Bringing a gal to his house to mentor won't look good. His past history of always leaving isn't helping. Actions speak louder than words. Reading about his determination was super swoony. Watching him screw up had me giggling. I could feel is family rolling their eyes. I did as well. How long before Crystal gives him a chance? Will he convince her that she is his future. The journey of discovery was an adventure I won't soon forget.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one, I liked this one, but it also drove me nuts. What drove me nuts was how Damien was content for so many years to have Crystal just as a friend, while he did what he wanted. First in high school where music was his dream, then later when he became a big music star. At times it felt like he kept in contact with Crystal just enough to keep her on the string, always the back up plan, there until he was ready for her. Now he needs a break from his big life, wants to maybe change lanes musically and either finally sees Crystal for what she always was or is ready for what other in his family is finding and doesn't want to be left out. It made me feel like Crystal could do better than Damien, despite her having a crush on him for 15 years.

It really pissed me off when Damien almost missed the party, the one thing he promised his siblings he would be at. Crystal nailed it when she thought how she was important too, that there should have been some way for him to push back the meeting and not hurt Opal's chances and still show she was important to him.

I did really like how Damien was with Opal, giving her a chance, helping her out and protecting her too.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the strong family connection found in Bella Andre stories. The Davenports, like the Sullivans, have family members who have achieved celebrity status in their chosen field. California Love Songs features Damien Davenport who has been traveling the world for the past fifteen years as an international rock star. In spite of the fame, Damien longs for the comforts of home and family in Carmel. His little sister's best friend, Crystal, has been his friend since they were kids. In spite of giving up her dream to become a doctor, Crystal has built a successful event planning business, often catering to high end clientele.
There's definite chemistry between these friends, but with his career choice, Damien could up and leave for months at a time, which is one reason Crystal has held back her feelings. She also doesn't want to risk losing the familial relationship with all the Davenports if she and Damien dated and then broke up. Leading a rock star life, Damien often questions whether those around him are true friends or people who just want to capitalize on his status, which is why he values the friendship he's had with Crystal.
These two spend a good portion of the book circling each other out of fear of what could happen. I still love them as a couple!

[Gwen Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hits just the right note
“California Love Songs” by Bella Andre and Nicky Arden provided me another great reason to love the Davenport family of Carmel by the Sea.
Damien Davenport is the rock star brother. Performing since high school, his life is on the road and far from his hometown. Wherever he finds himself, however, he keeps in touch with his best friend since high school, Crystal Lopez.
In “California Love Songs,” their longtime relationship moves to the next level. If you love the friends-to-lovers trope, you’ll enjoy this fourth book of the Davenport series. I’ve read the first three books and thank the author for the chance to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed watching Damien and Crystal move their relationship forward, even if some steps were slow to come. After all, Damien might know exactly what he wants, but Crystal is equally sure that he will leave again when the urge to perform hits. After all, that’s Damien’s track record.
I also enjoyed catching up with the other Davenports as their HEAs continue to play out.
Those looking for an easy read with just enough angst to push the romance forward, “California Love Songs” is perfect.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of favorite things about a Bella Andre book are the strong family connections and support. No matter how famous or infamous the players are, being loved, supported and accepted by their family trumps all else. Damien Davenport has it all; fame, fortune and a globetrotting career yet he feels the most grounded and at ease when he's at home with his best friend and family. Lately, he's been pondering changes and Crystal Lopez is at the center of those. She's always been his biggest supporter and cheerleader but has he ever looked deeper into his feelings for her? Crystal's life hasn't been quite what she envisioned but she's become a highly successful and much sought-after event planner. In her heart of hearts she's always secretly wanted something more with Damien but has never pursued it. Maybe now's their time but a brewing scandal could derail careers and friendships. The Davenports circle the wagons and defend their own with satisfying results including a blossoming relationship that will stand the test of time.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

California Love Songs by Bella Andre and Nicky Arden
The Davenports Book Four
Damien Davenport was famous, very famous. For the past fifteen years, he’d been touring and knocking hit after hit out. Now that he was home in Carmel, he wanted to stay a while. Spend time with his family, with his good friend Crystal. It wasn’t until he danced with Crystal at a party that he realized she might be more than just a friend.
Crystal Lopez had been in love with Damien for fifteen years. Yet, she was always a friend, not the girl he left with. Things felt different after the party, but she would lose too much if she ever let her feelings out. Erin, his sister, was her best friend. His family was like her second family. So no, she had to keep her feelings locked down.
An exciting, page-turning story as emotions soar and real life hangs on the edge, waiting to interrupt their lives. I’ve enjoyed this series of the Davenport family in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
**Sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the family aspect of this book. Especially the Davenport breakfast where each partner was brought into the family fold.

I felt a little sad for Crystal. She loved Damien for YEARS before he got a clue, not to mention her feelings of anxiety that Damien was going to leave her. Damien was also feeling his fair share of insecurity by stepping out of his comfort zone and also possibly jeopardizing his friendship with Crystal by wanting more. I enjoy a good friends to lovers story.

AI think I would have liked it more if Damien and Crystal had become a couple earlier in the book. The romantic tension went on a little too long for me. The anticipation of them becoming a couple came very close to frustration. I still felt this was an entertaining read. I would definitely recommend this book. Starting with book 1gives you a good foundation, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal Lopez and Damien Davenport have been great friends since high school. Damien went on to become a world famous rock star, touring the world and Crystal had to give up her dreams of becoming a doctor and instead worked hard and became the owner of a very successful event planning business.
Crystal has had a crush on Damien since they were teenagers but Damien never saw her than more than just a friend. Fast forward and Damien has decided to come home to Carmel for more than just a short visit – he needs/wants an extended break from touring and misses his family and friends. Very few people, Crystal included, doubt this will long-term, despite him insisting it is.
The two of them begin to spend more time together and Damien starts to see Crystal in a different light – his eyes are opened to the wonderfully beautiful woman she is and isn’t sure how to change the dynamic of their relationship. A first kiss goes really wrong and it takes a lot of time and work for him to get them back on track.
It’s a wonderful visit back with all the Davenports and a fun journey as Crystal and Damien finally figure things out and find their HEA. And the updates from the other family members just adds to the depth and enjoyment of this fabulous story.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Crystal was his younger sister's best friend, Damien had known her forever. She was always around and even got him his first paid gig. Now a rock star who has been traveling for over a decade, he always kept in touch with her, usually via phone or text when he just needed to feel grounded.

Damien always made Crystal's heart beat a little faster and she followed his career as it blossomed and soared. He was her first crush and she never really has gotten over it. Now an in demand party planner to the rich and famous in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Crystal is shocked when Damien decides to stay in his hometown for a while.

Proximity makes Damien and Crystal look at each other in a different, more romantic way. They realize that their long time friendship has turned into something more. Can they make their relationship work?

Another wonderful book.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance, and as only Bella Andre and Nicky Arden can write, this was a wonderful story with one of my favorite families, The Davenports. This is the 4th book in this series, but a good standalone with connected characters. Damien Davenport is the second youngest of 6 kids, with most of the family living in Carmel By The Sea where they grew up. Crystal is his sister’s best friend who grew up near them. She had a crush on Damien by the time she was 15, but Damien was destined to be a rock star and Crystal championed his dream. Some 15 years later, Crystal has become a party planner always in demand when Damien comes home telling his family he is tired of traveling and wants to stay home. And this is where Damien and Crystal, always best friends find more. A wonderful plot, a couple you can’t help but love and a family you will want to be a part of.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

California Love Songs (The Davenports, Book 4) by Bella Andre and Nicky Arden is another hit set against the beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The authors’ complimentary writing styles makes the story flow effortlessly.
Finally, rock star Damien Davenport is slowing down and realizing his longtime best friend, Crystal Lopez, may be more than just a friend. Crystal—successful event planner to the stars and secretly in love with Damien for 15 years—faces her own heart’s truth. Trust doesn’t come easily for her, so Damien must prove his love through actions, not just words.
The characters are richly developed, and the romance is heartfelt with just the right amount of spice (3.5). A perfect beach read—4 stars!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beautiful town of Carmel and the Davenport family, I experienced a beautiful story about Damien and Crystal. A solid friendship from kids to a supportive, and loving one as adults. As Crystal watched Damien reach his stardom, she gave up her dream to support her family. When Damion returned for an extended stay in Carmel, their relationship changed, became more intimate and both had some decisions to make. Although Crystal had a thriving business, could she revisit her dream of becoming a doctor? All the answers are in this new beautifully written book with the best characters that keep things interesting. Don’t miss this one or the whole fabulous series. ❤️❤️❤️

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien and Crystal

These two long-time best friends have seemingly been opposites, her a homebody and him a world traveler. Damien wants to make some big life changes and wants her to be involved but her past has her questioning everything. As they work through their issues, they both realize how time and experience have changed each of them, helping them to overcome their concerns. I love these two together and am glad they received their story. As usual, the Davenport family is a kick to have around and it was fun seeing their growth as well. I'm looking forward to Nick's story next. Highly recommended.

[Schellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock Right Back Home!

I have wondered for a very long time, when Damien would finally SEE Crystal! As Margaret would say, it just takes men longer to realize what’s right in front of them! I loved this story, watching Damien fall more & more in love each day. Finding things that meant something to her. I enjoy how they encourage & believe in each other. It was really lovely to witness through this story. This family is so extra & I live it! They are BIG & boisterous & always have each other’s backs! The spicy level was low but no less amazing! Now I have to wait for Nick, the quiet one! Enjoy!

[Colleen P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Bella Andre years ago. She never disappoints. I love reading friends to lovers. Damian is a huge rockstar and he’s been on tour for years. Crystal has crushed on her best friend since they were teens and the person who first believed in him in high school. Now he’s home for a while and he’s seeing Crystal in a whole new light. It’s fun to see them falling for each other. Neither will admit their feelings to each other because they are afraid of ruining their friendship. All the characters are well written so you feel like you know them. A good book to climb into bed and relax with.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

California Love Songs is book 4 in the Davenports series by Bella Andre and Nicky Arden. 4.5 stars

Up next is Damien and Crystal’s story, friends since high school, he’s now a famous rock star and she’s a famous party planner for the rich. They have remained friends even though she has always had a crush on him since forever…but he always leaves…except now he wants to be home and spend time with family and friends. Will these two discover there is more to their friendship…read on to see what happens…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melissa’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien is a very popular country singer with one focus but being on the road he needs a person, his person is Crystal Lopez. He’s has known Crystal since high school when she helped organize their first gig. Over 15 years she has been his person, on the other end of the phone when he travels and she has always been his connection to home. Now that he plans to stay home will he see that Crystal mean more to him. Crystal has loved Damien since high school and now he’s come home, will he see how much she loves him? But he brought home her?

[Cinthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien He has known Cristal since they were teenagers, full of dreams, his were fulfilled in a successful Rock Star career, hers were changed because of her family, but she is a successful woman.

When Damien decides to spend more time in Carmel, his hometown, where his family is, it is with Cristal, who has always been his closest friend, that he spends the most time. And discovers the true love that his siblings discovered and that Cristal always dreamed of having with Damien.
Another delightful, light, and fun book by these two authors.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between Damien and Crystal is insane. I had to know if the two of them would get out of their own way....I guess you will have to read it to find out! I enjoyed catching up with the rest of the Davenports, getting a glimpse into the rock -n- roll world, into the event planning industry and what true love looks like. This family just draws you in! I am excited to see what is in it for Nick too.

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damian and Crystal have been friends since high school. And since almost that time, Crystal has been in love with Damian. Damian has so far been clueless, but is finally realizing how much she means to him.
This was a very cute read. I loved crystal and Damian’s journey from friends to each other’s HEA. I also enjoyed catching up with the characters from previous books. Davenports are a close knit bunch and it’s always fun watching the family dynamics between them all.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful romance between a rock star and his best friend Crystal. Since she was 15 she’s been helping Damien set himself up on the world stage as the best rock star alive. Now that he’s back home he sees her very differently. They’re both afraid of messing up their friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance, enlightenment and joy the book brought forward. I look forward to reading more books by Ms Andre.

[Angie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien and Crystal have been friends since high school. Damien is home to make a change in his style of music. As he and Crystal reconnect there is a shift in his feelings for her. Does she feel the same.
Crystal is reading to act on her feelings but understands that Damien is only home for a while but is he?
So fund read fun reading how these two figured out they are so perfect for each other!

[Terri Tutor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. I’ve been waiting for Damien’s story. I enjoyed Crystal’s outlook regarding her friendship with Damien and her fears of any change. It did seem that Damien took a long time to come to terms with his changing feelings for Crystal. I did understand Crystal’s fear of ruining her relationship with all of the Davenports. As always, Ms Andre and Ms Arden write an easy read with great families and their tight bond.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to go back to Carmel and read about these two and the rest of the family. Bella Andres book always have that strong family connection that brings you back every time. You will fall in love with Damien and Crystal and their story of how true love always wins out. A rockstar that is always on the go and his little sister’s best friend. The chemistry is through the roof with these two.. you won’t regret diving into this book and experiencing all the family fun.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a day. Loved how Crystal has always had a crush on Damien. He’s a bit clueless but finds himself finally realizing how much she means to him. They are great together and I loved updates on characters. This is a great series. I really loved their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a little hard to walk away when you've already lost your heart. California Love Songs is poetry in motion. Andre and Arden orchestrate the sweetest of heartaches. From missed chances of the past to present uncertainty, Damian and Crystal share a haunting dance with destiny. An emotional ballad of soul that lingers on the senses and dances through the heart.