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California Dreaming #3
When There Was Her
A man whose scars run as deep as the ocean. A ray of sunshine who unexpectedly captures his heart. One decision that could capsize their love.
1982, Oakland, California. Mick Callahan is desperate to escape his stagnant existence. Scarred by his tumultuous childhood, the jaded car mechanic walls himself off from love and settles for the occasional hookup. But he’s completely thrown off his axis when he meets the gorgeous new girl working next door.
Despite his skepticism, he falls hard for the golden-eyed angel who radiates light into his darkness. Yet just as he dares hope they could be more, an emergency forces a split—and his best friend swoops in and steals her affection. Navigating those murky waters unleashes an emotional hurricane, tumbling Mick into the eye of the storm.
When their profound love is threatened, is Mick too broken to fight for what he truly desires?
Recalling the days of muscle car culture and low-tech times, K.C. Lake delivers an intimate story of potent first love and the choices that break us. When There Was Her is the third propulsive book in the California Dreaming contemporary romance series and told in Mick’s solo POV. If you like fast friends to lovers, emotional love triangles, and found family vibes, this steamy, angsty love story delivers all the feels.
1982, Oakland, California. Mick Callahan is desperate to escape his stagnant existence. Scarred by his tumultuous childhood, the jaded car mechanic walls himself off from love and settles for the occasional hookup. But he’s completely thrown off his axis when he meets the gorgeous new girl working next door.
Despite his skepticism, he falls hard for the golden-eyed angel who radiates light into his darkness. Yet just as he dares hope they could be more, an emergency forces a split—and his best friend swoops in and steals her affection. Navigating those murky waters unleashes an emotional hurricane, tumbling Mick into the eye of the storm.
When their profound love is threatened, is Mick too broken to fight for what he truly desires?
Recalling the days of muscle car culture and low-tech times, K.C. Lake delivers an intimate story of potent first love and the choices that break us. When There Was Her is the third propulsive book in the California Dreaming contemporary romance series and told in Mick’s solo POV. If you like fast friends to lovers, emotional love triangles, and found family vibes, this steamy, angsty love story delivers all the feels.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2026
About the author
K.C. Lake
6 books34 followersK.C. Lake writes angsty, realistic love stories packed with heart and heat. California Dreaming is her first romance series. An avid romance reader, her shelves are lined with trophies, and her TBR is out of control (then again, size matters). She lives with her grumpy, touch-her-and-die, non-billionaire husband and dog in the beautiful wilds of Virginia. Connect @kclake_romance.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 23, 2026
4.5 ⭐
I was so excited to return to the world of the California Dreaming series! Especially because this 3rd installment takes us back to the events of books 1 and 2, but this time through Mick’s POV. Mick has had a special place in my heart from the very beginning, so getting inside his head was so exciting.
The California 1980s setting was, once again, such a vibe. The music references, the cars, the hot boys, the cigarettes, the sex, the drugs... it all felt raw, wild, and real. K.C. Lake has a way of completely immersing you in this world, and I loved being back with these characters.
Just like the previous books, this story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry, the yearning, the fear, the heartbreak, the spice... all of those emotions came rushing back. Even though I already knew the story, experiencing it through Mick's eyes made everything feel fresh and different.
K.C.'s writing is both effortless and authentic. It truly felt like I was living among these characters. And while I already loved Mick before, this book added so much more depth to his character. It revealed sides of him that made me understand him even more.
For me, this book made the overall story feel complete. Jacqui and Mick's relationship (and of course, Remy's) has always felt so raw and complicated, so seeing their journey from Mick's perspective added an entirely new layer to it.
That said, while Mick's POV absolutely enriches the story, I still found Jacqui's perspective in books 1 and 2 slightly more enjoyable to read. Still, I'm glad I got to experience this story through Mick's eyes as well.
Overall, I had such a great time reading this book. I loved every minute of it, and it reminded me once again why I'm so attached to this series and its characters. I'll keep saying it: I highly recommend the California Dreaming series!
ℹ️ When There Was Her releases on June 2 and is the third installment in the California Dreaming series.
Thank you, K.C. Lake, for sending me a review copy! I'm so grateful to be part of your ARC team, and I can't wait for book 4.
I was so excited to return to the world of the California Dreaming series! Especially because this 3rd installment takes us back to the events of books 1 and 2, but this time through Mick’s POV. Mick has had a special place in my heart from the very beginning, so getting inside his head was so exciting.
The California 1980s setting was, once again, such a vibe. The music references, the cars, the hot boys, the cigarettes, the sex, the drugs... it all felt raw, wild, and real. K.C. Lake has a way of completely immersing you in this world, and I loved being back with these characters.
Just like the previous books, this story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry, the yearning, the fear, the heartbreak, the spice... all of those emotions came rushing back. Even though I already knew the story, experiencing it through Mick's eyes made everything feel fresh and different.
K.C.'s writing is both effortless and authentic. It truly felt like I was living among these characters. And while I already loved Mick before, this book added so much more depth to his character. It revealed sides of him that made me understand him even more.
For me, this book made the overall story feel complete. Jacqui and Mick's relationship (and of course, Remy's) has always felt so raw and complicated, so seeing their journey from Mick's perspective added an entirely new layer to it.
That said, while Mick's POV absolutely enriches the story, I still found Jacqui's perspective in books 1 and 2 slightly more enjoyable to read. Still, I'm glad I got to experience this story through Mick's eyes as well.
Overall, I had such a great time reading this book. I loved every minute of it, and it reminded me once again why I'm so attached to this series and its characters. I'll keep saying it: I highly recommend the California Dreaming series!
ℹ️ When There Was Her releases on June 2 and is the third installment in the California Dreaming series.
Thank you, K.C. Lake, for sending me a review copy! I'm so grateful to be part of your ARC team, and I can't wait for book 4.
June 8, 2026
Mich is a man whose scars run as deep as the ocean. Jacqui is a ray of sunshine who unexpectedly captures his heart. One decision that could capsize their love.
1982, Oakland, California. Mick Callahan is desperate to escape his stagnant existence. Scarred by his tumultuous childhood, the jaded car mechanic walls himself off from love and settles for the occasional hookup. But he’s completely thrown off his axis when he meets the gorgeous new girl working next door.
Despite his skepticism, he falls hard for the golden-eyed angel who radiates light into his darkness. Yet just as he dares hope they could be more, an emergency forces a split—and his best friend swoops in and steals her affection. Navigating those murky waters unleashes an emotional hurricane, tumbling Mick into the eye of the storm.
When their profound love is threatened, is Mick too broken to fight for what he truly desires?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Betrayal, Menage, Love Triangle, Emotional Friends-to-Lovers, Found Family, Contemporary, Other Man/Woman, Angst, MMCs Scars Run Deep, FMC Unexpectedly Captures His Heart, One Decision Could Capsize Their Love, 1980’s, MMC is Desperate to Escape his Stagnant Existence, Tumultuous Childhood, Jaded Car Mechanic is walled off from Love, Till MMC Meets the Girl Next Door, FMC is his Golden-Eyed Angel, An Emergency Forces a Split, Emotional Hurricane, MMC is too Broken to Fight for his Desires, Recalling days of Muscles Car Culture, Low Tech Times, Potent First Love, Choices that Break Us, Fast Friends, Steamy, Music References, Raw, Wild, Enthralling, Emotional Rollercoaster, Complicated, Enriching, MMC Selfless Actions, Heart Wrenching, The Freedom, Good/Bad Times, You Can Feel the Nostalgia, Emotional Wreckage, The Heartbreak, MMC us Fiercely Loyal to everyone/Family/Friends/Those he Loves, Beautiful, Frustrating, Messy, Emotional, Painful, Deeply Human, Relatable, Heartfelt, Immersive, Authentic, Romantic, Spicy, Emotional Damage, Meaningful and Heartbreaking, Devastating, Love/Loyalty, Emotional Complexity, Emotional Trauma, Second Chance Vibes, Heartbreak Romance, MMC Fights his Own Demons, MMCs Pain feels so Real, Love Triangle feels Messy/Emotional/Painful, Tension, Jealousy, Love is Never Simple, Every Moment Feels Heavier, We Get MMCs Truth, Pain/Longing/Hard Choices, No HEA, Adds so Much Depth to the Series
When There Was Her is the 3rd book in K.C. Lake's California Dreaming Series. Harking back to the era of muscle cars and low-tech, we watch as K.C. Lake tells an intimate story of first love and the choices that break us. “When There Was Her” is told from Mick’s POV alone and still keeps the fast friends-to-lovers, the emotional love triangle, and the found family trope, and like the first 2 books, “When There Was Her” is a spicy, angsty love story that still captures all the feels that you love from this series.
I have been in love with this series ever since I read the first book, and I eagerly anticipate each new book that K.C. Lake offers us; this book was no different from the first 2. “When There Was Her” takes us back to the events of the first 2 books, but this time we see them through Mick’s eyes. I’ve always loved Mick, and getting to know him better and getting right into his head was rather special to me.
Once again, we are back in the 1980s in California: we get all the sentimental music, all those muscle cars, all the hot boys and girls, and, of course,, we still get all the cigarettes, smex, and drugs we got in the first 2 books. K.C. Lake has this way of bringing this era back to life, of making it feel so real, alive, wild, raw, and right here and now. And she has the ability to pull you right into the story, immersing you in this world she has masterfully brought back to life and made relevant once again. And just like the previous books, I adored being back with the characters I have come to love and see as friends, and I very quickly found myself engrossed in a story I know so well.
“When There Was Her” is yet another rollercoaster ride of emotions, and I felt all the chemistry, yearning, heartbreak, love, and fear that Mick, Remy, and Jacqui felt. But, in this installment, I felt everything that Mick felt so viscerally. And because this time we got everything through Mick’s POV, the story felt almost like it was brand new, and overall, it felt fresh and new, and I loved that.
I love how K.C. Lake has the ability to write so effortlessly, and anyone who knows anything about writing knows that writing is anything but. But “When There Was Her” manages to feel authentic and gives us a new perspective on Mick and lets us see a side of him that we have never gotten the chance to see before, and this allows us the opportunity to understand him on a level that we’ve never gotten the chance to see before.
I know that the California Dreaming series isn’t complete yet; there are still 2 more books to come. But “When There Was Her” helps make the series feel more complete than before. Jacqui, Mick, and Remy’s relationships have always felt raw, overly complicated, yet real and authentic, and seeing them through Mick’s eyes added an additional layer to the story we’ve all come to love so much.
I loved the way Mick’s POV enriched the storyline without making it feel repetitive. This was just such an enjoyable read, and Mick’s POV just reminded me why I am so addicted to this entire series, the characters, and the world that we’ve been offered.
Seeing how the choices that Mick made were all made from pure love, loyalty, and the desire to see the ones he loved the most be happy, even if that meant he had to sacrifice his own happiness, just shattered my heart into a million pieces. And in those moments when you thought that fate was going to cut Mick a break and allow him a bit of happiness, you watch as he gets knocked down yet again and happiness is ripped away from him. I cried over and over again for Mick; he was this selfless man who would sacrifice pieces of himself for everyone around him.
Having read the first 2 books, I knew what events were going to happen when; what I didn’t know was what Mick went through, and that was the emotional weight that hit me. Finally getting to hear his thoughts, his longing, his heartbreak, but more than anything, his growth is stunning and everything, and it added so much depth to a story we know so well, and we gain a new understanding of everything Mick was going through in the background. All I can say is this book magnified this story and this story 100x what we already knew.
We’ve all been through that first heart-pounding, butterflies, sudden rush, crazy young love. But I think as we have gotten older and matured, we’ve all learned that true love, the everlasting kind of love, is the love that sneaks up on you slowly, builds up slowly over time, and then finally refuses to let you go. I truly believe in “Letting them go is the ultimate act of love – for both of them and for your own peace of mind.”
“When There Was Her” is out now and is the 3rd installment in the California Dreaming Series. And I am dying to get my hands on book 4 and the 5th book, which is a standalone.
1982, Oakland, California. Mick Callahan is desperate to escape his stagnant existence. Scarred by his tumultuous childhood, the jaded car mechanic walls himself off from love and settles for the occasional hookup. But he’s completely thrown off his axis when he meets the gorgeous new girl working next door.
Despite his skepticism, he falls hard for the golden-eyed angel who radiates light into his darkness. Yet just as he dares hope they could be more, an emergency forces a split—and his best friend swoops in and steals her affection. Navigating those murky waters unleashes an emotional hurricane, tumbling Mick into the eye of the storm.
When their profound love is threatened, is Mick too broken to fight for what he truly desires?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Betrayal, Menage, Love Triangle, Emotional Friends-to-Lovers, Found Family, Contemporary, Other Man/Woman, Angst, MMCs Scars Run Deep, FMC Unexpectedly Captures His Heart, One Decision Could Capsize Their Love, 1980’s, MMC is Desperate to Escape his Stagnant Existence, Tumultuous Childhood, Jaded Car Mechanic is walled off from Love, Till MMC Meets the Girl Next Door, FMC is his Golden-Eyed Angel, An Emergency Forces a Split, Emotional Hurricane, MMC is too Broken to Fight for his Desires, Recalling days of Muscles Car Culture, Low Tech Times, Potent First Love, Choices that Break Us, Fast Friends, Steamy, Music References, Raw, Wild, Enthralling, Emotional Rollercoaster, Complicated, Enriching, MMC Selfless Actions, Heart Wrenching, The Freedom, Good/Bad Times, You Can Feel the Nostalgia, Emotional Wreckage, The Heartbreak, MMC us Fiercely Loyal to everyone/Family/Friends/Those he Loves, Beautiful, Frustrating, Messy, Emotional, Painful, Deeply Human, Relatable, Heartfelt, Immersive, Authentic, Romantic, Spicy, Emotional Damage, Meaningful and Heartbreaking, Devastating, Love/Loyalty, Emotional Complexity, Emotional Trauma, Second Chance Vibes, Heartbreak Romance, MMC Fights his Own Demons, MMCs Pain feels so Real, Love Triangle feels Messy/Emotional/Painful, Tension, Jealousy, Love is Never Simple, Every Moment Feels Heavier, We Get MMCs Truth, Pain/Longing/Hard Choices, No HEA, Adds so Much Depth to the Series
When There Was Her is the 3rd book in K.C. Lake's California Dreaming Series. Harking back to the era of muscle cars and low-tech, we watch as K.C. Lake tells an intimate story of first love and the choices that break us. “When There Was Her” is told from Mick’s POV alone and still keeps the fast friends-to-lovers, the emotional love triangle, and the found family trope, and like the first 2 books, “When There Was Her” is a spicy, angsty love story that still captures all the feels that you love from this series.
I have been in love with this series ever since I read the first book, and I eagerly anticipate each new book that K.C. Lake offers us; this book was no different from the first 2. “When There Was Her” takes us back to the events of the first 2 books, but this time we see them through Mick’s eyes. I’ve always loved Mick, and getting to know him better and getting right into his head was rather special to me.
Once again, we are back in the 1980s in California: we get all the sentimental music, all those muscle cars, all the hot boys and girls, and, of course,, we still get all the cigarettes, smex, and drugs we got in the first 2 books. K.C. Lake has this way of bringing this era back to life, of making it feel so real, alive, wild, raw, and right here and now. And she has the ability to pull you right into the story, immersing you in this world she has masterfully brought back to life and made relevant once again. And just like the previous books, I adored being back with the characters I have come to love and see as friends, and I very quickly found myself engrossed in a story I know so well.
“When There Was Her” is yet another rollercoaster ride of emotions, and I felt all the chemistry, yearning, heartbreak, love, and fear that Mick, Remy, and Jacqui felt. But, in this installment, I felt everything that Mick felt so viscerally. And because this time we got everything through Mick’s POV, the story felt almost like it was brand new, and overall, it felt fresh and new, and I loved that.
I love how K.C. Lake has the ability to write so effortlessly, and anyone who knows anything about writing knows that writing is anything but. But “When There Was Her” manages to feel authentic and gives us a new perspective on Mick and lets us see a side of him that we have never gotten the chance to see before, and this allows us the opportunity to understand him on a level that we’ve never gotten the chance to see before.
I know that the California Dreaming series isn’t complete yet; there are still 2 more books to come. But “When There Was Her” helps make the series feel more complete than before. Jacqui, Mick, and Remy’s relationships have always felt raw, overly complicated, yet real and authentic, and seeing them through Mick’s eyes added an additional layer to the story we’ve all come to love so much.
I loved the way Mick’s POV enriched the storyline without making it feel repetitive. This was just such an enjoyable read, and Mick’s POV just reminded me why I am so addicted to this entire series, the characters, and the world that we’ve been offered.
Seeing how the choices that Mick made were all made from pure love, loyalty, and the desire to see the ones he loved the most be happy, even if that meant he had to sacrifice his own happiness, just shattered my heart into a million pieces. And in those moments when you thought that fate was going to cut Mick a break and allow him a bit of happiness, you watch as he gets knocked down yet again and happiness is ripped away from him. I cried over and over again for Mick; he was this selfless man who would sacrifice pieces of himself for everyone around him.
Having read the first 2 books, I knew what events were going to happen when; what I didn’t know was what Mick went through, and that was the emotional weight that hit me. Finally getting to hear his thoughts, his longing, his heartbreak, but more than anything, his growth is stunning and everything, and it added so much depth to a story we know so well, and we gain a new understanding of everything Mick was going through in the background. All I can say is this book magnified this story and this story 100x what we already knew.
We’ve all been through that first heart-pounding, butterflies, sudden rush, crazy young love. But I think as we have gotten older and matured, we’ve all learned that true love, the everlasting kind of love, is the love that sneaks up on you slowly, builds up slowly over time, and then finally refuses to let you go. I truly believe in “Letting them go is the ultimate act of love – for both of them and for your own peace of mind.”
“When There Was Her” is out now and is the 3rd installment in the California Dreaming Series. And I am dying to get my hands on book 4 and the 5th book, which is a standalone.
June 10, 2026
A MUST READ !!! 5 STARS!!! (I would give more if I could!)
Another incredible book by KC Lake!! This author has the most incredible ability to pull you into her books ! You truly feel the emotions the experiences as part of the story. I couldn't put it down! It took me back to when I was younger. It takes a truly talented author to be able to transport you back like that!
I was so honored to have the opportunity to Arc read this Brilliant series! When I read this book I chose to get fully immersed. This book was Micks POV. I read the other books in tandem with this one to fully feel all the emotions from all parties during the scenes. It was incredible to experience Jax's Pov with Micks at the same time. It really allows you to fully experience the scene. It was so amazing realizing that they were both feeling the same thing or even saying the same things to each other in their heads without saying it aloud. It was so very beautiful. It was a truly passionate fiery, all encompassing kind of love between the two. The first main spicy scene from Mick POV was absolutely steaming :) To hear his thought as he takes her in. He was so enamored and in awe of Jax as much as she was of him.Their chemistry was absolutely electric! Off the charts hot!
Throughout this book you are taken on an in-depth journey on all that is mick. You begin to understand his background. His very tramatic childhood,the relationship with his parents and his siblings. He truly had a difficult upbringing and you discover why his connection and relationship with Remy was so important to him. Remy and his family were his safe haven.Thoroughout the other books I was questioning why he was making the choices he was and after reading this one I can understand his motivation. He was so very loyal to Remy even often to his own detriment. I understand why now. He didn't believe he deserved Jax or a deep kind of love. I just wanted to shake him and say open your eyes you are so worth it!! His dysfunctional upbringing along with his fractured familial relationships really impacted him and his decisions. Creating an individual who didn't believe he was truly deserving of happiness. I love Mick! Mick and his big beautiful heart!:) There was a scene in the book where he realizes that there was no going back. The absolute anguish described I could feel it. Incredible book, brilliant series!! I cannot wait for the next book in his journey! 5 STARS! I would give more if I could! A must read!
Another incredible book by KC Lake!! This author has the most incredible ability to pull you into her books ! You truly feel the emotions the experiences as part of the story. I couldn't put it down! It took me back to when I was younger. It takes a truly talented author to be able to transport you back like that!
I was so honored to have the opportunity to Arc read this Brilliant series! When I read this book I chose to get fully immersed. This book was Micks POV. I read the other books in tandem with this one to fully feel all the emotions from all parties during the scenes. It was incredible to experience Jax's Pov with Micks at the same time. It really allows you to fully experience the scene. It was so amazing realizing that they were both feeling the same thing or even saying the same things to each other in their heads without saying it aloud. It was so very beautiful. It was a truly passionate fiery, all encompassing kind of love between the two. The first main spicy scene from Mick POV was absolutely steaming :) To hear his thought as he takes her in. He was so enamored and in awe of Jax as much as she was of him.Their chemistry was absolutely electric! Off the charts hot!
Throughout this book you are taken on an in-depth journey on all that is mick. You begin to understand his background. His very tramatic childhood,the relationship with his parents and his siblings. He truly had a difficult upbringing and you discover why his connection and relationship with Remy was so important to him. Remy and his family were his safe haven.Thoroughout the other books I was questioning why he was making the choices he was and after reading this one I can understand his motivation. He was so very loyal to Remy even often to his own detriment. I understand why now. He didn't believe he deserved Jax or a deep kind of love. I just wanted to shake him and say open your eyes you are so worth it!! His dysfunctional upbringing along with his fractured familial relationships really impacted him and his decisions. Creating an individual who didn't believe he was truly deserving of happiness. I love Mick! Mick and his big beautiful heart!:) There was a scene in the book where he realizes that there was no going back. The absolute anguish described I could feel it. Incredible book, brilliant series!! I cannot wait for the next book in his journey! 5 STARS! I would give more if I could! A must read!
May 20, 2026
ARC Provided By the Author!
OH MY BEATING HEART 🥰🤩
I am so glad we got to read about Mick, he was and is my favourite! This broke my heart in more ways than one, his selfless actions, his wanting to be there for Remy but leavimg himself alone to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart. He just plods on, not tellimg anybody what happened, nobody to care for him. Certainly not Remy who lives life in the fast lane, dragging everybody into it all, not realisimg he destroyed his best friends future!
His 'Heroin' his soul, crushed him due to his friendship with Remy. Mick NEEDS a hea, whether he finds it , who knows but I hope he gets peace at the end of all this!
In life we sometimes have to let go of things that make or break us, at the minute Mick has done this to be the better person. Maybe fate played a hand too and it truly wasn't meant to be, Remy will always be a part of him and the trio couldn't and wouldn't have worked out.
Heart wrenching to read, the heady days of the 80's, the freedom that kids today don't get. Good times, bad times, but I think as a kid in the 80's we did grow up faster, we let loose, my goodness I wouldn't want my kids to go or see some of the things we did! This book nailed it , I could feel the nostalgia.
You don't need to read books one & two before this but to really FEEL this book, to immerse fully I 100% recommend.
Mick is a beautiful man with a soul that needs to find his 'one'. Everybody around him is getting settled he deserves this too, the ending makes me believe he will get this if he truly lets himself feel.
Not every love is heart pounding, the rush, but isn't that the crazy young love. True love creeps up on you and never lets go. "If you love them, let them go. If it's meant to be it will come back."
As always the writing flowed, no misses, all hits, all the feels for this gem of a series. Eagerly await book four, then a standalone book five!
OH MY BEATING HEART 🥰🤩
I am so glad we got to read about Mick, he was and is my favourite! This broke my heart in more ways than one, his selfless actions, his wanting to be there for Remy but leavimg himself alone to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart. He just plods on, not tellimg anybody what happened, nobody to care for him. Certainly not Remy who lives life in the fast lane, dragging everybody into it all, not realisimg he destroyed his best friends future!
His 'Heroin' his soul, crushed him due to his friendship with Remy. Mick NEEDS a hea, whether he finds it , who knows but I hope he gets peace at the end of all this!
In life we sometimes have to let go of things that make or break us, at the minute Mick has done this to be the better person. Maybe fate played a hand too and it truly wasn't meant to be, Remy will always be a part of him and the trio couldn't and wouldn't have worked out.
Heart wrenching to read, the heady days of the 80's, the freedom that kids today don't get. Good times, bad times, but I think as a kid in the 80's we did grow up faster, we let loose, my goodness I wouldn't want my kids to go or see some of the things we did! This book nailed it , I could feel the nostalgia.
You don't need to read books one & two before this but to really FEEL this book, to immerse fully I 100% recommend.
Mick is a beautiful man with a soul that needs to find his 'one'. Everybody around him is getting settled he deserves this too, the ending makes me believe he will get this if he truly lets himself feel.
Not every love is heart pounding, the rush, but isn't that the crazy young love. True love creeps up on you and never lets go. "If you love them, let them go. If it's meant to be it will come back."
As always the writing flowed, no misses, all hits, all the feels for this gem of a series. Eagerly await book four, then a standalone book five!
May 11, 2026
This one had me ugly crying more than once as Mick’s story crushed my heart again and again. The emotional wreckage was beautifully written, and getting Mick’s POV added so much more depth to the characters’ story. I am not ok and need Mick to get his heart’s desire and HEA.
This one does have a love triangle, but hear me out. It is handled so well, and the relationships just made sense in such an organic fashion that I didn’t even really feel it was a love triangle, so if those aren’t usually for you, don’t let that keep you from this incredible story.
Ok, now that I’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about the MMC, Mick. The level of responsibility and sacrifice his character endures is just heart wrenching. He literally puts everyone else’s needs above his own and not in a ‘woe is me’ way. His past drives his inability to realize that he is lovable just as he is and therefore, he won’t let himself have what he wants most—Jaqui, the sunshine to his darkness. You can’t help but fall for a man who makes it his job to ensure he knows how to give his woman pleasure.
The 80’s drug scene is presented with such accuracy and compassion you know it comes from living during the times, and it vividly shows the level of destruction it wrought on so many lives—not just to those addicted, but to their loved ones.
K.C. Lake writes with such heart that you viscerally feel the torment her characters experience and create a bond with them.
If you want a romance with realistic characters that elicit raw emotions, delivers characters you will be attached to and tells a heart-breakingly beautiful story of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for it, do not hesitate to read the California Dreaming series. It is one of my top all time favorite romance series, and I cannot wait for the final book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 9, 2026
“You’ve done more for me in our time together than I’ve gotten in a lifetime. You took all my broken parts and made me…whole. Complete.”
When There Was Her Book # 3 in the California Dreaming Series.
I was not ready for the emotional story that this lead to be.
You better grab the tissues, I was balling at my deck at work reading this. And the plot twist that I never saw coming for him!!!! Never did I think he would move on after Jax but clearly he sort of does but not fully.
I really truly thought that him and Jax would get there moment, fingers crossed it still happens. But definitely an emotional read for me this year.
Reliving the years with Mick, Jax and Remy but getting Micks point of view I loved the most getting his perspective of how he saw life and getting his true feelings out when he thought he didn’t deserve the love Jax gave/wanted him to have.
But chatting with K.C. Lake I found that she didn’t even know how deep Micks book was going to be and I think that’s the best thing to hear is the author not knowing where the book is heading and it taking them for a tailspin.
This book broke my heart all over again, but not just because of the love story this time. It was the pain of substance abuse of Mick & his friends and the consequences that are all too real. It seems that being a teen & young adult in the 80's you saw so much of the drug abuse and lack of knowledge about how deadly drugs can be. This book shows just how devastating it is to love someone, even a friend so much, and watch them spiral.
I am truly looking forward to book 4 to see where Mick ends up with his life. He truly has been through so much in his life, dealt a hand that he would have rather not and experienced things that no one should, but he came out of it, more weathered but still here.
When There Was Her Book # 3 in the California Dreaming Series.
I was not ready for the emotional story that this lead to be.
You better grab the tissues, I was balling at my deck at work reading this. And the plot twist that I never saw coming for him!!!! Never did I think he would move on after Jax but clearly he sort of does but not fully.
I really truly thought that him and Jax would get there moment, fingers crossed it still happens. But definitely an emotional read for me this year.
Reliving the years with Mick, Jax and Remy but getting Micks point of view I loved the most getting his perspective of how he saw life and getting his true feelings out when he thought he didn’t deserve the love Jax gave/wanted him to have.
But chatting with K.C. Lake I found that she didn’t even know how deep Micks book was going to be and I think that’s the best thing to hear is the author not knowing where the book is heading and it taking them for a tailspin.
This book broke my heart all over again, but not just because of the love story this time. It was the pain of substance abuse of Mick & his friends and the consequences that are all too real. It seems that being a teen & young adult in the 80's you saw so much of the drug abuse and lack of knowledge about how deadly drugs can be. This book shows just how devastating it is to love someone, even a friend so much, and watch them spiral.
I am truly looking forward to book 4 to see where Mick ends up with his life. He truly has been through so much in his life, dealt a hand that he would have rather not and experienced things that no one should, but he came out of it, more weathered but still here.
May 14, 2026
The California Dreaming series by K.C. Lake holds such a special place in my heart. In fact, "When There Was Us" was one of the very first ARC books I ever reviewed when I started my book reviewing journey. So getting the privilege to continue reading and reviewing this series truly means so much to me. Maybe I am a little biased at this point. But honestly? This series deserves every bit of praise. The nostalgic 1980’s California setting, the complicated relationships, the music, the muscle cars, the heartbreak, the steam… it all just hits for me. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
While technically you could read "When There Was Her" on its own, I highly recommend reading the first two books beforehand. This book is told from our MMC Mick's POV. And makes you appreciate Books 1 & 2 even more seeing it through his eyes. Mick Callahan is the ultimate “hot mechanic with a heart” and getting glimpses into his heartbreaking childhood, teenage years, and adulthood gave so much depth and understanding to who he will become. He is fiercely loyal to everyone around him from his friends, to his family, to the people he loves. And watching him constantly put everyone else first was both beautiful and frustrating in the best way. I really felt a kinship to him and this personality trait as I am the same.
For a little context but no spoilers, Books 1 and 2 follow Jacqui, Mick, and Remy as they navigate love, loyalty, addiction, and heartbreak during the 1980’s. "When There Was Her" rewinds the story to let us fully live inside Mick’s head. (Which I find so refreshing and wish more authors would do this. I love hearing different POV's.) His journey is messy, emotional, painful and deeply human. I laughed, I cried, and I completely fell in love with Mick all over again. The storytelling is heartfelt and immersive, pulling you right alongside him through every triumph and loss. And can we talk about the nostalgia for a second? The working men covered in grease, the cigarette smoke, the muscle cars, the soundtrack woven throughout the story, it all feels so authentic to the era. Plus, the way the series handles addiction and the ripple effects it has on people’s lives feels honest and emotional without ever losing hope.
And of course, I have to mention the romance. The spice level is just enough and handled beautifully. K.C. Lake absolutely knows how to write a steamy, sexy love scenes while still keeping the emotional connection front and center.
All in all, if you love emotionally driven romances packed with nostalgia, heartbreak, resilience, unforgettable characters, and all the vibes of 1980’s California, then this series is absolutely one to pick up. I am already beyond excited for Book 4, and I know this series will always remain one of the most meaningful ARC experiences of my reading journey. Thank you to K.C. Lake for the opportunity to read her book early in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
While technically you could read "When There Was Her" on its own, I highly recommend reading the first two books beforehand. This book is told from our MMC Mick's POV. And makes you appreciate Books 1 & 2 even more seeing it through his eyes. Mick Callahan is the ultimate “hot mechanic with a heart” and getting glimpses into his heartbreaking childhood, teenage years, and adulthood gave so much depth and understanding to who he will become. He is fiercely loyal to everyone around him from his friends, to his family, to the people he loves. And watching him constantly put everyone else first was both beautiful and frustrating in the best way. I really felt a kinship to him and this personality trait as I am the same.
For a little context but no spoilers, Books 1 and 2 follow Jacqui, Mick, and Remy as they navigate love, loyalty, addiction, and heartbreak during the 1980’s. "When There Was Her" rewinds the story to let us fully live inside Mick’s head. (Which I find so refreshing and wish more authors would do this. I love hearing different POV's.) His journey is messy, emotional, painful and deeply human. I laughed, I cried, and I completely fell in love with Mick all over again. The storytelling is heartfelt and immersive, pulling you right alongside him through every triumph and loss. And can we talk about the nostalgia for a second? The working men covered in grease, the cigarette smoke, the muscle cars, the soundtrack woven throughout the story, it all feels so authentic to the era. Plus, the way the series handles addiction and the ripple effects it has on people’s lives feels honest and emotional without ever losing hope.
And of course, I have to mention the romance. The spice level is just enough and handled beautifully. K.C. Lake absolutely knows how to write a steamy, sexy love scenes while still keeping the emotional connection front and center.
All in all, if you love emotionally driven romances packed with nostalgia, heartbreak, resilience, unforgettable characters, and all the vibes of 1980’s California, then this series is absolutely one to pick up. I am already beyond excited for Book 4, and I know this series will always remain one of the most meaningful ARC experiences of my reading journey. Thank you to K.C. Lake for the opportunity to read her book early in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
I knew going into When There Was Her that it would probably cause emotional damage. Reading books 1 and 2 from Mick’s POV somehow made everything feel even more heartbreaking but also more meaningful. KC Lake took a story we already knew and completely transformed it by letting us live inside Mick’s head through all of it.
Mick’s perspective was devastating in the best way because every decision he makes comes from love, loyalty and wanting the people around him to be happy and okay, even at his own expense. Every time life seemed like it might finally give him a break, another setback came crashing in. Watching someone so selfless continue to sacrifice pieces of himself for everyone else hurt my heart.
What really got me was that I already knew what was going to happen, yet I still found myself completely consumed by the emotional weight of it all. Seeing Mick’s thought process, his longing, his heartbreak and his growth added so much more depth and understanding to the entire series. It all felt amplified 10x.
This book also portrayed drug use and addiction in the 80s so authentically. KC Lake didn’t glamorize it. Instead, she showed the devastation, pain and ripple effects it had on everyone involved. It felt honest and incredibly impactful.
When There Was Her gave me a complete 360 view of the story and made me appreciate the emotional complexity of this series even more. We may not have gotten Mick’s happily ever after (yet!), but KC Lake said his healing journey is coming in book 4 which I’M READY for, because he deserves it. 💗
Mick’s perspective was devastating in the best way because every decision he makes comes from love, loyalty and wanting the people around him to be happy and okay, even at his own expense. Every time life seemed like it might finally give him a break, another setback came crashing in. Watching someone so selfless continue to sacrifice pieces of himself for everyone else hurt my heart.
What really got me was that I already knew what was going to happen, yet I still found myself completely consumed by the emotional weight of it all. Seeing Mick’s thought process, his longing, his heartbreak and his growth added so much more depth and understanding to the entire series. It all felt amplified 10x.
This book also portrayed drug use and addiction in the 80s so authentically. KC Lake didn’t glamorize it. Instead, she showed the devastation, pain and ripple effects it had on everyone involved. It felt honest and incredibly impactful.
When There Was Her gave me a complete 360 view of the story and made me appreciate the emotional complexity of this series even more. We may not have gotten Mick’s happily ever after (yet!), but KC Lake said his healing journey is coming in book 4 which I’M READY for, because he deserves it. 💗
June 2, 2026
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - June 2, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- friends to lovers
- love triangle
- angst
- emotional trauma
- second chance vibes
- found family
- heartbreak romance
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
When There Was Her is Mick’s side of the story, showing everything he felt, hid, and lost while loving Jacqui. It takes us back into the same timeline but fills in all the missing emotions, and honestly it made everything hurt even more. Seeing everything from his side added so much weight to their story.
Mick was such a broken and layered character. Watching him love Jacqui so deeply while fighting his own demons was heartbreaking. His pain felt so real, and every chapter made me understand him more and feel for him. You could really feel how much he carried alone.
The love triangle in this book was messy, emotional, and painful in the best way. You could feel the tension, the jealousy, and all the love that was never simple. It made every moment feel heavier.
What I loved most was finally getting Mick’s truth. His love was always there, even when he pushed her away. That made this story feel heavier and even more emotional. It gave so much meaning to his choices.
This book is full of pain, longing, and hard choices. It does not give a full happy ending, but it adds so much depth to their story and makes you feel everything. Emotional, painful, and worth reading.
Thank you author for the ARC!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - June 2, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- friends to lovers
- love triangle
- angst
- emotional trauma
- second chance vibes
- found family
- heartbreak romance
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
When There Was Her is Mick’s side of the story, showing everything he felt, hid, and lost while loving Jacqui. It takes us back into the same timeline but fills in all the missing emotions, and honestly it made everything hurt even more. Seeing everything from his side added so much weight to their story.
Mick was such a broken and layered character. Watching him love Jacqui so deeply while fighting his own demons was heartbreaking. His pain felt so real, and every chapter made me understand him more and feel for him. You could really feel how much he carried alone.
The love triangle in this book was messy, emotional, and painful in the best way. You could feel the tension, the jealousy, and all the love that was never simple. It made every moment feel heavier.
What I loved most was finally getting Mick’s truth. His love was always there, even when he pushed her away. That made this story feel heavier and even more emotional. It gave so much meaning to his choices.
This book is full of pain, longing, and hard choices. It does not give a full happy ending, but it adds so much depth to their story and makes you feel everything. Emotional, painful, and worth reading.
Thank you author for the ARC!
May 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. Mick has been my favorite character from the start, and finally getting his story completely broke my heart. The way he silently carries so much pain while still trying to protect the people he loves made me emotional the entire time. He’s the kind of character that stays with you long after you finish the book.
What hit me the most was how realistic the friendships and emotions felt. Sometimes the people we love the most end up hurting us without even realizing it, and this story captured that perfectly. Mick deserved so much more, and all I wanted was for someone to finally choose him the way he always chooses everyone else.
The 80s nostalgia was written so well that it felt like stepping into another world — messy, wild, emotional, and full of freedom. The author did an amazing job balancing heartbreak, nostalgia, friendship, and love without making anything feel forced.
Not every love story is loud and dramatic. Sometimes real love is quiet, patient, and healing, and I feel like this book showed that beautifully. The ending gave me hope for Mick, and honestly, nobody deserves peace and happiness more than he does.
The writing flowed effortlessly, and every chapter pulled me in deeper emotionally. This series just keeps getting better and better! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. Mick has been my favorite character from the start, and finally getting his story completely broke my heart. The way he silently carries so much pain while still trying to protect the people he loves made me emotional the entire time. He’s the kind of character that stays with you long after you finish the book.
What hit me the most was how realistic the friendships and emotions felt. Sometimes the people we love the most end up hurting us without even realizing it, and this story captured that perfectly. Mick deserved so much more, and all I wanted was for someone to finally choose him the way he always chooses everyone else.
The 80s nostalgia was written so well that it felt like stepping into another world — messy, wild, emotional, and full of freedom. The author did an amazing job balancing heartbreak, nostalgia, friendship, and love without making anything feel forced.
Not every love story is loud and dramatic. Sometimes real love is quiet, patient, and healing, and I feel like this book showed that beautifully. The ending gave me hope for Mick, and honestly, nobody deserves peace and happiness more than he does.
The writing flowed effortlessly, and every chapter pulled me in deeper emotionally. This series just keeps getting better and better! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
August 7, 2026
This is the 3rd book in the California Dreaming Series. In this book, the story is told from Mick Callahan’s POV. This book can be read as a stand-alone book, but I highly suggest reading the first 2 books in the series.
*Check trigger warnings as this story does deal with some heavy topics.
The 80’s setting & references were spot on - the music, cars, smoking, sex, drugs…it was realistic and took me back to when I was growing up during that time.
Oh Mick…I loved you in “When There Was Us” and getting inside his head in this book was amazing, yet heartbreaking. “I did not expect the avalanche of self-loathing that wraps me in its familiar embrace, snuffing out the glimmer of hope it tenuously held that Mick Callahan is worthy to someone. Anyone”
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I felt all of the yearning, angst, love & heartbreak that Mick felt. It provides understanding to what happens between him and Jack in “When There Was Us”.
“Jacqui is a poem memorialized in my heart and bones with verses that make my blood sing.”
“You are the planet I orbit. The moon that shifts my tides. The beat to my goddamned heart.”
“Jacqueline Hall wasn’t just the stars aligned - she was a full moon and a fucking eclipse.”
KC Lake - chef’s kiss! Thank you for the ARC!
*Check trigger warnings as this story does deal with some heavy topics.
The 80’s setting & references were spot on - the music, cars, smoking, sex, drugs…it was realistic and took me back to when I was growing up during that time.
Oh Mick…I loved you in “When There Was Us” and getting inside his head in this book was amazing, yet heartbreaking. “I did not expect the avalanche of self-loathing that wraps me in its familiar embrace, snuffing out the glimmer of hope it tenuously held that Mick Callahan is worthy to someone. Anyone”
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I felt all of the yearning, angst, love & heartbreak that Mick felt. It provides understanding to what happens between him and Jack in “When There Was Us”.
“Jacqui is a poem memorialized in my heart and bones with verses that make my blood sing.”
“You are the planet I orbit. The moon that shifts my tides. The beat to my goddamned heart.”
“Jacqueline Hall wasn’t just the stars aligned - she was a full moon and a fucking eclipse.”
KC Lake - chef’s kiss! Thank you for the ARC!
June 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🌊 Love triangle
🌊 friends to lovers
🌊 childhood trauma
🌊 abuse
🌊 addiction
This is the third book in the California Dreaming series. This book is from Mick’s POV. We get to experience everything Mick was going through in the first book with Jax and Remy. We also get to look back into his childhood and finally understand why he is the way he is. Mick had a very traumatic childhood with his abusive father which was touched on in the first book, but you really get to see in this book what he went through and why he feels like he’s not worthy of love.
My heart broke for him so many times throughout this book, but I think the worst was when he realized that he has lost her forever when he saw the ring on her finger. He had some hope when he saw her that he could win her back, but that ring washed all that hope away and he knew that she would never be his.
Again just like the last 2 book I was ugly crying the whole time. Mick is a good man he put everyone before his own happiness. He gave up the love of his life to make sure his best friend got sober. He took care of his father when he got sick even though he hated him. He put everyone first because he never thought he deserved to be happy. Jax was the only in the fought for his happiness and he let her go. 😭😭
I love is world the K.C. Has created for everyone to escape to and there characters for people to fall in love with. I cannot wait for the next book! 🩷
🌶️🌶️
🌊 Love triangle
🌊 friends to lovers
🌊 childhood trauma
🌊 abuse
🌊 addiction
This is the third book in the California Dreaming series. This book is from Mick’s POV. We get to experience everything Mick was going through in the first book with Jax and Remy. We also get to look back into his childhood and finally understand why he is the way he is. Mick had a very traumatic childhood with his abusive father which was touched on in the first book, but you really get to see in this book what he went through and why he feels like he’s not worthy of love.
My heart broke for him so many times throughout this book, but I think the worst was when he realized that he has lost her forever when he saw the ring on her finger. He had some hope when he saw her that he could win her back, but that ring washed all that hope away and he knew that she would never be his.
Again just like the last 2 book I was ugly crying the whole time. Mick is a good man he put everyone before his own happiness. He gave up the love of his life to make sure his best friend got sober. He took care of his father when he got sick even though he hated him. He put everyone first because he never thought he deserved to be happy. Jax was the only in the fought for his happiness and he let her go. 😭😭
I love is world the K.C. Has created for everyone to escape to and there characters for people to fall in love with. I cannot wait for the next book! 🩷
May 5, 2026
I've been a devoted admirer of Mick ever since the initial publication of the first book, When There Was Us. He embodies the ideal person everyone desires: the ultimate best friend, the son deeply cherished by every mother despite his own shortcomings, and the heart belonging exclusively to Jax. The book When There Was Her reveals so much more about Mick that we've longed to see. Describing his journey from youth to the man he became is challenging, but it's all worth it. His history illuminates his character. I admit I felt a bit annoyed by his choice to help Remy so much more than he deserved, yet I understand; he is a loyal friend and a truly selfless partner, even though I wished he were just a bit selfish when it came to his relationship with Jax. The conclusion was shocking; I certainly wasn't anticipating it. K.C., what are you doing to me??? I won't reveal plot details, but if you haven't started the California Dreaming series, you absolutely must check them out. The 1980s represented a distinct lifestyle that some might not grasp, but it was an era many enjoyed experiencing, particularly with muscle cars, and hot babes.
June 4, 2026
If I could give this book (and the series) a 10 ⭐️ review, I would. K.C. Captivated me with the 80’s theme of the first book in the series and has kept me hooked even to book 3. I took my time reading this book, because I knew I’d have to wait for the 4th installment of this amazing series.
The characters are so well written and with this being Mick’s POV, some authors would just rehash the first book, adding some flourishes, but not K.C., she handed us a gutwrenching, realistic view into not only what makes Mick tick, but he undying need for Jacqui, the love of his life and exactly why he sacrificed her for the life she deserved. The book has flashbacks into Mick’s home life, relationship with his parents and how his gang of rag-tag best friends came to be.
This book broke my heart all over again, but not just because of the love story this time. It was the pain of substance abuse of Mick & his friends and the consequences that are all too real. I was a teen & young adult in the 80’s and saw so much of the drug abuse and lack of knowledge about how deadly drugs can be. This book shows just how devastating it is to love someone, even a friend so much, and watch them spiral.
The characters are so well written and with this being Mick’s POV, some authors would just rehash the first book, adding some flourishes, but not K.C., she handed us a gutwrenching, realistic view into not only what makes Mick tick, but he undying need for Jacqui, the love of his life and exactly why he sacrificed her for the life she deserved. The book has flashbacks into Mick’s home life, relationship with his parents and how his gang of rag-tag best friends came to be.
This book broke my heart all over again, but not just because of the love story this time. It was the pain of substance abuse of Mick & his friends and the consequences that are all too real. I was a teen & young adult in the 80’s and saw so much of the drug abuse and lack of knowledge about how deadly drugs can be. This book shows just how devastating it is to love someone, even a friend so much, and watch them spiral.
May 7, 2026
When There Was Her is the third book in the California Dreaming series. You don't have to read the others to read this one. But I highly recommend you do, because they are all so good.
This book is told from Mick's point of view. Mick, the extremely attractive, likable MMC from the books one and two, who puts the needs of others ahead of himself to the point that it is heartbreaking at times. We get glimpses of his life from his childhood through adulthood. We get an understanding of why he made the choices he did, especially in regard to Jax. We watch him navigate family, friendships, love and loss.
When There Was Her will bring you back in time to California in the 1980's. Hot guys, muscle cars and so many emotions. I laughed, screamed, cried and was even shocked by an ending I didn't see coming.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride in the best possible way. And now I anxiously away the next book in the series.
This book is told from Mick's point of view. Mick, the extremely attractive, likable MMC from the books one and two, who puts the needs of others ahead of himself to the point that it is heartbreaking at times. We get glimpses of his life from his childhood through adulthood. We get an understanding of why he made the choices he did, especially in regard to Jax. We watch him navigate family, friendships, love and loss.
When There Was Her will bring you back in time to California in the 1980's. Hot guys, muscle cars and so many emotions. I laughed, screamed, cried and was even shocked by an ending I didn't see coming.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride in the best possible way. And now I anxiously away the next book in the series.
May 11, 2026
Thank you K.C. For this ARC. ❤️ I loved this 3rd installment in the California Dreaming series. You don’t have to read the other two books first but it is highly recommended to get the most enjoyment!
‘When There was Her’ is told in Mick’s POV. He is the hot mechanic MMC that falls fast for Jax. Seeing his side of the story from glimpses of his heartbreaking childhood to teen and adult was so eye opening. It gave so much understanding to his character development. He is such a loyal friend and son, it was hard to see some of his choices and him putting everyone he cares about first.
This story had so many emotions! It was fun and steamy to see the romance of Mick and Jax play out. Their chemistry, tension and angst was something on another level. They truly had such a passion for each other it was electric. I was laughing, swooning, tearing up and then even shocked by that ending! I absolutely can’t wait to see what is next and get more of Mick!
‘When There was Her’ is told in Mick’s POV. He is the hot mechanic MMC that falls fast for Jax. Seeing his side of the story from glimpses of his heartbreaking childhood to teen and adult was so eye opening. It gave so much understanding to his character development. He is such a loyal friend and son, it was hard to see some of his choices and him putting everyone he cares about first.
This story had so many emotions! It was fun and steamy to see the romance of Mick and Jax play out. Their chemistry, tension and angst was something on another level. They truly had such a passion for each other it was electric. I was laughing, swooning, tearing up and then even shocked by that ending! I absolutely can’t wait to see what is next and get more of Mick!
June 15, 2026
Oh gosh I gave this book a 5 star because it reminded me of a time back when getting into a car and going with someone you just met to a party was something I did. I was 21 in 1982 so this is how we lived. Nothing like today where the world is a different kind of dangerous.
The music from the 70’s and 80’s is some of the best music ever and even today I hear a song and have a memory to go with it. So if you grew up in the 80’s you will love this book.
Now for the characters I loved them and hated some of them so much I wanted to throw my kindle ! I know I’m going to go back and read book 1 again and book 2 because I just skimmed them to get an idea but now I know I’m going to read them both . I hope at the end of this the characters are with who they’re supposed to be with and all is as it should be. I can’t wait for the next book .
The music from the 70’s and 80’s is some of the best music ever and even today I hear a song and have a memory to go with it. So if you grew up in the 80’s you will love this book.
Now for the characters I loved them and hated some of them so much I wanted to throw my kindle ! I know I’m going to go back and read book 1 again and book 2 because I just skimmed them to get an idea but now I know I’m going to read them both . I hope at the end of this the characters are with who they’re supposed to be with and all is as it should be. I can’t wait for the next book .
June 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Emotional Friends-to-Lovers
🖤 Love Triangle
💜Found Family
Before you begin this book please read and understand that YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS, so please read the trigger warnings!!!!
I was so excited to revisit the world of California Dreaming taking place in the early 80’s now seeing things from Micks POV. I was so emotional reading this, I knew most of what would happen but still felt the tension and love and heartbreak as if it was the first time. Reliving this was just as amazing this time around as it was the first time, in a way it felt like a new story. Mick will always hold a special place in my heart.
As much as I enjoyed the first 2 books this one hits a little different and might be more heartbreaking than the Jacqui’s version of things.
Thank you for the opportunity for this ARC. These are my honest thoughts.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Emotional Friends-to-Lovers
🖤 Love Triangle
💜Found Family
Before you begin this book please read and understand that YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS, so please read the trigger warnings!!!!
I was so excited to revisit the world of California Dreaming taking place in the early 80’s now seeing things from Micks POV. I was so emotional reading this, I knew most of what would happen but still felt the tension and love and heartbreak as if it was the first time. Reliving this was just as amazing this time around as it was the first time, in a way it felt like a new story. Mick will always hold a special place in my heart.
As much as I enjoyed the first 2 books this one hits a little different and might be more heartbreaking than the Jacqui’s version of things.
Thank you for the opportunity for this ARC. These are my honest thoughts.
May 16, 2026
"When There Was Her," delves into the complexities of life in the 80’s. Your struggles from growing up, relationships, loss, drugs/drug abuse. This is more than just a continuation of the series; it is a profound exploration of Mick's life. We witness the struggles, heartbreaks, and moments of joy that have shaped him into the person he is. Here you gain a deeper understanding of Mick's motivations, fears, and desires. While Mick's journey is challenging, it is also a testament to resilience and hope. The heartfelt storytelling takes you through it all with Mick, to cheer for his triumphs, and to mourn his losses. It offers a deeper connection to Mick Callahan, making his story all the more compelling and unforgettable.
September 13, 2026
I couldn't have scoured and devoured this book fast enough! The first two books set up "Mick's point of view" perfectly. Even if you had not read the first two books in awhile, "When There Was Her" pulls you in immediately and you are back with your friends. KC Lake skillfully gives us a raw, honest and very different viewpoint of the same events, making the story seem fresh, while still familiar. At the end, I felt a satisfaction I hadn't expected now that Mick's perspective was explored. It is a fast and deliciously detailed story of friendship and profound love, and choices you make in the name of loyalty. Brava for book 3!! Separately, I appreciated the warning for traumatic and difficult themes, something authors should do more often.
June 1, 2026
First off, THANK YOU K.C. Lake for my ARC copy of When There Was Her!
I was waiting for this and it did not disappoint! I loved Mick in the first book, he frustrated me in the second book, and in this book, I love him, I understand him, and my heart and soul ache for him.
I am obsessed with this world and have been since the beginning. I love these characters and as I have said in previous reviews, they always feel like coming home. I feel like each and every one of them is a part of me now!
I felt all the emotions once again and loved every minute of it!
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4!
Thank you for writing hands down one of my favorite series 🖤
I was waiting for this and it did not disappoint! I loved Mick in the first book, he frustrated me in the second book, and in this book, I love him, I understand him, and my heart and soul ache for him.
I am obsessed with this world and have been since the beginning. I love these characters and as I have said in previous reviews, they always feel like coming home. I feel like each and every one of them is a part of me now!
I felt all the emotions once again and loved every minute of it!
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4!
Thank you for writing hands down one of my favorite series 🖤
May 23, 2026
Mick Callahan- oh, how I love this man! I have NEEDED his POV since I read the first two books in the California Dreaming series! I can’t even find the words to express how this book made feel. The writing is impeccable. The story is captivating. The characters are real and raw and I have formed an attachment to them that will never go away. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt story about love and sacrifice. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will even be mad at times. You are in for an emotional ride, but it’s oh so fun!! Just perfection!
This is the third book in the California Dreaming series. I recommend reading the first two books prior to reading this one. The entire series is phenomenal and I can’t wait for the next one!
This is the third book in the California Dreaming series. I recommend reading the first two books prior to reading this one. The entire series is phenomenal and I can’t wait for the next one!
July 4, 2026
If ugly crying for this man was an option he definitely got me crying. Michs scars run deep and Jacqui is a ray of sunshine who unexpectedly captures his heart. This book is full of emotions and hard choices. You might not get the happy ending, but this book add so much depth and makes you feel everything that makes their story so much better. Emotional, painful, and worth reading. I loved every moment of this book
August 13, 2026
I knew before I started this that I was in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride and K.C. Lake did not disappoint! Reliving this story through Mick's eyes offered a whole new layer to this wonderful storyline! And to learn of Mick's past helped to understand his character so much more! Do not hesitate to pick up this read! Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy!!
May 9, 2026
I could write a whole big review about how great this book and series is. But I don’t think I’ll have enough space to write all the things I’d love to say. The author has done an outstanding job with book 3. She really gives you another point of view which totally alters your feelings about Mick. I would recommend this book and the others a hundred times over. If you ain’t reading it you’re missing out!!
June 16, 2026
My heart beats for Mick and Jax—two beautifully broken individuals who are ideal mates—forging the kind of love that can heal them both if only they have the chance. This book is absorbing, swoony, and utterly devastating in all the best ways. And anyone who's experienced that all-encompassing early love in life is going to relate.
June 1, 2026
Mick Callahan will see you now. 🌊☀️🔥💗💨
And in return, you will see him. ❤️💔
This third book in the continuing love story that is the California Dreaming series took me on a journey I never expected. I thought I was writing a novella about my boy Mick. But nope...he had other plans, plans that made this a whole-ass book, one that is essential to readers understanding him better and the man he is before we see his HEA unfold in book four.
Grab the tissues and get ready for a ride with this swoony, selfless, beautifully broken man.
Then get ready for what's coming, because the book four finale to this love story promises to be epic!
And in return, you will see him. ❤️💔
This third book in the continuing love story that is the California Dreaming series took me on a journey I never expected. I thought I was writing a novella about my boy Mick. But nope...he had other plans, plans that made this a whole-ass book, one that is essential to readers understanding him better and the man he is before we see his HEA unfold in book four.
Grab the tissues and get ready for a ride with this swoony, selfless, beautifully broken man.
Then get ready for what's coming, because the book four finale to this love story promises to be epic!
Read
May 17, 2026This is the 3rd in a 4 book epic love story series by author K.C. Lake.
Books 1 & 2 of the California Love series follow Jacqui, Mick & Remy as they navigate a life of love, loyalty, drug addiction and heartbreak during the 1980’s. Book 3 then goes back to the start telling the tale from Mick’s POV this time.
Emotional and captivating, K.C has written the development of the characters beautifully, and the angst between the 3 friends within this love triangle made it hard to put down. I loved the nostalgia of being in the 80’s, this is the decade I was born, and appreciated the vibes this book confidently created.
This book is perfect for fans of found family; love triangle; hurt/healing; spice and emotional turmoil!
Have some tissues ready, you’ll need them! And make sure you read the warnings at the beginning of the book regarding content and the fact that this book will not have a HEA as it is not the finale of the story yet!
Books 1 & 2 of the California Love series follow Jacqui, Mick & Remy as they navigate a life of love, loyalty, drug addiction and heartbreak during the 1980’s. Book 3 then goes back to the start telling the tale from Mick’s POV this time.
Emotional and captivating, K.C has written the development of the characters beautifully, and the angst between the 3 friends within this love triangle made it hard to put down. I loved the nostalgia of being in the 80’s, this is the decade I was born, and appreciated the vibes this book confidently created.
This book is perfect for fans of found family; love triangle; hurt/healing; spice and emotional turmoil!
Have some tissues ready, you’ll need them! And make sure you read the warnings at the beginning of the book regarding content and the fact that this book will not have a HEA as it is not the finale of the story yet!
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