Choosing Home by Katie Beck

Hello dear readers,

I was recently given the incredible opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of Choosing Home by Katie Beck. Despite being fairly new to the bookstagram community, Katie took a chance on me—and I loved every second of it. I’m so, so grateful. Thank you again, Katie. And since TODAY is release day, I wanted to share my official thoughts on this lovely book.

Now, onto the synopsis:

"Jolie

I’ve always had a hard time finding my place. After leaving home at 18 and driving across the country, I’ve been wandering ever since—until I landed in the quirky, small town of Haven Bay.

Now I have a thriving yoga studio, amazing friends, and a place to call home.

The only downside? The pain-in-the-ass police captain whose mission in life seems to be ruining my fun.

When my best friend asks for help with her wedding prep, I do what any good maid of honor would do: bury my prized Mustang in a snowdrift on the side of the road.

How could it get any worse?

Luke

Jolie St. James is trouble with a capital T. Since the moment she sped into town in her baby blue Mustang five years ago, she’s been a thorn in my side.

From her wildly inappropriate yoga classes to her reckless decision-making, she’s one bad choice away from a jail cell.

She’s also the only woman to spark my interest in… well, longer than I care to admit.

What starts out as a favor for my brother’s future wife turns into a weekend I’ll never forget—with the one woman I swore I wouldn’t fall for."

My Thoughts:

Though Choosing Home is the second book in the Haven Bay series, it absolutely works as a standalone. I never felt lost or left out of the story, which I always appreciate when jumping into a series mid-way.

To be totally honest, this was my first strictly romance read. I’ve always been more of a fantasy girl—but this story hooked me, hard. I still find myself thinking about Jolie and Luke, and all the wild, heartfelt, steamy moments they went through (that mirror scene—if you know, you know).

The dynamic between Jolie and Luke was electric. Jolie is an absolute star—her humor, sass, and strength lit up every page. And Luke? He’s the classic grumpy-to-sweetheart love interest with a soft spot a mile wide for the people he cares about. Their chemistry was undeniable.

Katie Beck absolutely nailed the character development—I genuinely feel like I know these people. I loved the town of Haven Bay, its tight-knit community, and all the quirky side characters (except one, and you know who you are). Jolie’s journey felt like a whirlwind, yet she remained so grounded and resilient throughout. Honestly, I want to be her.

I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed this book—and how grateful I am for the opportunity to read it. It was an honor to be part of this, and I already can’t wait to get my hands on the next book by Katie Beck.

With love and excitement, I’m giving this a glowing 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for introducing me to a new genre in such a wonderful way. I’m officially hooked.

Sending all my love,

Vic