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Katie, Budapest and the Bear
Katie Beaumont is stuck.
Her glamorous advertising job in London is anything but fulfilling, her boyfriend is cheating with the buck-toothed blonde from the chemist, and she’s lost sight of the dreams she once had. So when a work trip takes her to Budapest, she’s hoping for a change of scenery - not the chaos that follows.
After a narrow escape from her boss’s unwanted advances, Katie finds herself alone in a city she barely knows - until she meets James, a street performer whose life is far more complicated than it seems. He’s not just juggling fire; he’s risking everything to smuggle Hero, a dancing bear, across the border to freedom.
Drawn into an unexpected journey of daring choices and unlikely friendships, Katie must decide: return to the life she knows or take a leap into the unknown. As she navigates a world of underground performers, hidden struggles, and a cause she never imagined herself fighting for, she starts to wonder—was she ever truly happy in the life she left behind?
A heartwarming and offbeat tale of adventure, resilience, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places.
Her glamorous advertising job in London is anything but fulfilling, her boyfriend is cheating with the buck-toothed blonde from the chemist, and she’s lost sight of the dreams she once had. So when a work trip takes her to Budapest, she’s hoping for a change of scenery - not the chaos that follows.
After a narrow escape from her boss’s unwanted advances, Katie finds herself alone in a city she barely knows - until she meets James, a street performer whose life is far more complicated than it seems. He’s not just juggling fire; he’s risking everything to smuggle Hero, a dancing bear, across the border to freedom.
Drawn into an unexpected journey of daring choices and unlikely friendships, Katie must decide: return to the life she knows or take a leap into the unknown. As she navigates a world of underground performers, hidden struggles, and a cause she never imagined herself fighting for, she starts to wonder—was she ever truly happy in the life she left behind?
A heartwarming and offbeat tale of adventure, resilience, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Davies
3 books3 followersJ.C. Davies is an author and photographer based in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales. When he’s not crafting stories, he’s out braving the elements with Oscar, his loyal Goldendoodle, or negotiating peace treaties with Pumpkin, his temperamental cat. He loves writing strong, independent female characters – likely because he lives with one.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 12, 2025
I adored the book! I was incredibly grateful to receive a link to the ARC and upon seeing small snippets of the book I thought I'd find it interesting. What I didn't expect was so love this book as much as I did! It was so well written and such an enjoyable read
May 28, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you for the copy of the ARC, I was charmed by your version of Budapest. As a Hungarian person (not living in Budapest), the only unrealistic thing was that up until the end of the book, Katie hasn't tried lángos or pálinka.
"'... one day, I'll probably find time to do the things I actually want to do.'
(...)
'What do you want to do?'
'I've never really thought about it.'
This is another novel that I wish I could send back in time to a past version of myself, two-thee years ago maybe - but then again, I wasn't ready for a change, yet.
Katie's life at the beginning of the story is safe. She has connections to others that she maintains, because that's what we do and she is a goody-two-shoes (nothing wrong with that, in my opinion). Yet, she has dreams that seem outside of the normal dreams one in a modern society should have: Wanting to dance in the rain Scandelous!/i> Having wild nights with strangers she will never see again? My my!
Her sentence about these dreams turns out to be a self fulfilling prophecy and she does have a night to remember (with an extra, furry friend she never knew she needed).
I had a night, similiar to Katie's, where everything was severed and enough was enough. For me it was a combination of only eating twice a day + copious amounts of white wine + a soft question of 'So how was living in London? You mentioned it once and we haven't talked since, but I always wanted to ask'. Sometimes it really is the kind-of-stranger that you let in your life for a few hours, that picks you up at a place and puts you down at the same exact one, but the you in question is irrevocably changed.
I don't know if I would ever descibe myself as a hurricane, yet Daria is me, in a different font. I am a lower energy force of nature. The cliff that may crumble and change with time, but is there to protect the land from the waves and invaders alike.
Katie, Budapest and the Bear is a fun story on the surfice, exactly the kind what you would read on a beach somewhere, while sunning yourself. As you go deeper into it, however, you'll be enchanted by a city you probably hasn't visited before and be welcomed into Katie's found family. In the end, what you take away from her story is only up to you.
Thank you for the copy of the ARC, I was charmed by your version of Budapest. As a Hungarian person (not living in Budapest), the only unrealistic thing was that up until the end of the book, Katie hasn't tried lángos or pálinka.
"'... one day, I'll probably find time to do the things I actually want to do.'
(...)
'What do you want to do?'
'I've never really thought about it.'
This is another novel that I wish I could send back in time to a past version of myself, two-thee years ago maybe - but then again, I wasn't ready for a change, yet.
Katie's life at the beginning of the story is safe. She has connections to others that she maintains, because that's what we do and she is a goody-two-shoes (nothing wrong with that, in my opinion). Yet, she has dreams that seem outside of the normal dreams one in a modern society should have: Wanting to dance in the rain Scandelous!/i> Having wild nights with strangers she will never see again? My my!
Her sentence about these dreams turns out to be a self fulfilling prophecy and she does have a night to remember (with an extra, furry friend she never knew she needed).
I had a night, similiar to Katie's, where everything was severed and enough was enough. For me it was a combination of only eating twice a day + copious amounts of white wine + a soft question of 'So how was living in London? You mentioned it once and we haven't talked since, but I always wanted to ask'. Sometimes it really is the kind-of-stranger that you let in your life for a few hours, that picks you up at a place and puts you down at the same exact one, but the you in question is irrevocably changed.
I don't know if I would ever descibe myself as a hurricane, yet Daria is me, in a different font. I am a lower energy force of nature. The cliff that may crumble and change with time, but is there to protect the land from the waves and invaders alike.
Katie, Budapest and the Bear is a fun story on the surfice, exactly the kind what you would read on a beach somewhere, while sunning yourself. As you go deeper into it, however, you'll be enchanted by a city you probably hasn't visited before and be welcomed into Katie's found family. In the end, what you take away from her story is only up to you.
June 3, 2025
A gorgeous story about following your heart.
If you have ever dreamed about uprooting your entire life on a whim, quitting your job, dumping your cheating boyfriend and moving to a new country just because it feels right, then this book is for you!
When a work trip to Budapest makes Londoner Katie realise she is uncomfortable in literally every aspect of her life, she makes a decision - she’s not going back.
What happens next is nothing she ever expected but everything she needed to restore belief in herself and discover a purpose in her life. She meets a wonderful new friend and a fun new guy and rediscovers a life worth living.
A truly feel-good read that I couldn’t put down! ❤️
If you have ever dreamed about uprooting your entire life on a whim, quitting your job, dumping your cheating boyfriend and moving to a new country just because it feels right, then this book is for you!
When a work trip to Budapest makes Londoner Katie realise she is uncomfortable in literally every aspect of her life, she makes a decision - she’s not going back.
What happens next is nothing she ever expected but everything she needed to restore belief in herself and discover a purpose in her life. She meets a wonderful new friend and a fun new guy and rediscovers a life worth living.
A truly feel-good read that I couldn’t put down! ❤️
May 24, 2025
The book is extremely well written with lots of different twists and turns. Katie goes through a whirlwind of a journey with lots to learn. The scenery sounds beautiful, as if you are in the bustling streets of Budapest. A very big suprise in stall that you don't really expect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
ARC Review
Katie, Budapest and the Bear by J.C. Davies
Katie is living in London and working as a designer at an advertising agency. When her boss sets out to land a big deal in Budapest, Katie's talent quickly catches the attention of their potential clients—and ultimately helps close the deal. But that same night, a disturbing incident involving her boss shakes her to the core.
Alone and unsettled, Katie wanders the streets of Budapest and crosses paths with a mysterious street performer named James. The next morning, on her way to the airport, she makes a spontaneous decision that will change her life forever: she chooses to stay in Budapest and rediscover what truly makes her happy.
Through new friendships that feel like family, bold choices, and even helping a bear in need, Katie finds herself on a completely new life path. But as her old life in London calls back to her, she must decide—will she return, or continue forging ahead in this new chapter?
This is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read in a long time. It beautifully explores the difference between the life we think we’re supposed to live and the one that brings us joy. Katie's journey—her doubts, risks, and eventual happiness—felt so real and moving. The friendships she formed were heartwarming, and I devoured the book in a single day. I even teared up at one point!
My favorite part? The way complete strangers believed in her more than anyone had before. The ending was truly wonderful.
I highly recommend this to every reader out there.
5/5 stars.
Katie, Budapest and the Bear by J.C. Davies
Katie is living in London and working as a designer at an advertising agency. When her boss sets out to land a big deal in Budapest, Katie's talent quickly catches the attention of their potential clients—and ultimately helps close the deal. But that same night, a disturbing incident involving her boss shakes her to the core.
Alone and unsettled, Katie wanders the streets of Budapest and crosses paths with a mysterious street performer named James. The next morning, on her way to the airport, she makes a spontaneous decision that will change her life forever: she chooses to stay in Budapest and rediscover what truly makes her happy.
Through new friendships that feel like family, bold choices, and even helping a bear in need, Katie finds herself on a completely new life path. But as her old life in London calls back to her, she must decide—will she return, or continue forging ahead in this new chapter?
This is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read in a long time. It beautifully explores the difference between the life we think we’re supposed to live and the one that brings us joy. Katie's journey—her doubts, risks, and eventual happiness—felt so real and moving. The friendships she formed were heartwarming, and I devoured the book in a single day. I even teared up at one point!
My favorite part? The way complete strangers believed in her more than anyone had before. The ending was truly wonderful.
I highly recommend this to every reader out there.
5/5 stars.
June 6, 2025
This was an ARC sent by the Author for me. So, thanks for trusting me with your work.
I liked the general story. Katie wanting to break out of her unhappy life, taking the chance after a traumatic incident that would rattle every woman.
Even though the characters appear to be tossed together, they work well.
I loved the Bear, Hero and his story arc. But I wished the tie-in to the story was more involved, for a lack of better words.
The ending was very cute, but I would have wished the way there would have been picked up more. Also, while I loved Daria and Iren, the conflict with Daria’s Dad (for both women) was missing a real explanation which put me off.
I really enjoyed the writing and it was easy to read, chapters were not too long and the setting in Budapest was nice.
I liked the general story. Katie wanting to break out of her unhappy life, taking the chance after a traumatic incident that would rattle every woman.
Even though the characters appear to be tossed together, they work well.
I loved the Bear, Hero and his story arc. But I wished the tie-in to the story was more involved, for a lack of better words.
The ending was very cute, but I would have wished the way there would have been picked up more. Also, while I loved Daria and Iren, the conflict with Daria’s Dad (for both women) was missing a real explanation which put me off.
I really enjoyed the writing and it was easy to read, chapters were not too long and the setting in Budapest was nice.
May 17, 2025
This book was great, love the freedom and willpower the main had and the romance subplot was engaging. I adored it, soo greatful to be an ARC reader for this book, I found this book on tiktok and came in with an open mind and it met most if not all of my expectations for any book. Totally recommend if this type of book is your thing.
May 29, 2025
I was lucky enough to be able to read this before release.
I absolutely adored this book, so many good feel vibes.
I want to know what happens next for Katie and friends.
Would highly recommend this book.
I absolutely adored this book, so many good feel vibes.
I want to know what happens next for Katie and friends.
Would highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews