This story was not what I expected.
But that isn't a bad thing.
When I first saw this, I knew I wanted to read it simply because of the word Aussie in the title. Being an Aussie, and it being a book about Australia, it was a given I wanted to read it and I was not disappointed. It was quite a sweet story. Not exactly my g0-to read but and surely enough I thoroughly enjoy it.

It checked a lot of boxes for me
Small town romance, a marriage of convenience and a whole lot of sweetness, but like I said sweet romances are not generally my thing. But this one worked SO well and it held so much more than I expected.

It's about a woman who needs a Visa to stay in Australia, and as you can see it's about her next-door neighbor.

Angie wants and needs to find someone who will help her stay in the only place she has to consider an actual home before, after having a rough start to life, she finds herself in a small town in Australia that she falls in love with and has now thought of it as home so she goes in search of that and seeks help through her landlord Jace.

Jace is the guy next door, the landlord. He has autism. He grew up in a large family but never felt as though he ever really belonged, like he ever really was understood. So he's lived a life of solitude, but that all changes when Angie comes into his life and for the better. Angie is a helper, she's the type of person that would help just about anyone she could and when Jace is dumped by his ex, he's left to think that no one will ever really accept him for who he is. So he swears to himself that he will focus on his career and live life on his own. But that changes when Angie turns to her landlord (Jace) for advice on finding someone to help her stay in the place she now calls home... These two hit off and what starts off as lust for each other turns into much much more.

I knew from the moment these two were in close proximity that they were meant to be. That they were bound for a happily ever after. But they fought those feelings and the chemistry, lust, and sexual tension between the two only heightened.

This story was filled with sweet and sorrow. It had meaning to it... And I felt that meaning, there were moments in the book where I wanted to cry for both of these characters and then there were moments where my heart flutters to life... It was truly breathtaking, sweep you off your feet, all the feels kind of romance and when I say all the feels... I mean ALL THE FEELS!

5 Stars

This is my first book of Stefanie London and I Loved reading it. THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR is full of sexiness, humor, romance, light moments which I crave while reading any book. I Enjoyed reading the Story.

I Would Like it 5 STARS and Highly Recommend it to all Readers.

Stefanie London writes flirty fun stories balanced with sweet and spicy to deliver a captivating story. If you're looking for a contemporary romantic comedy with forbidden love, forced proximity with a bit of spice and a few furry friends ... go check this out.

Jace Walters has always known he's a bit different than his siblings and to live his best life he needs a calm routine, one that brings him joy. When his fiance dumps him shortly before their wedding because she desires his brother, he swears off marriage. Will anyone accept him, the true him?

Angie Donovan left the states and headed to Australia to escape the life she had. Finally enjoying her work and new home she's unable to acquire a visa extension. When it's suggested that she get married she shrugs it off. But, maybe it's because of who made the offer. Will she be able to find someone to save her before she has to leave?

This heartwarming spicy story is tender and insightful. There are so many people who are misunderstood because of their qualities. Stefanie wrote a story that was touching, empowering, and proves that everyone is worthy of love.

I really wanted to like to like this book.

Romance Check
A new author to discover check
An Aussie next door check
A girl named Angie living in Australia now check

I really wanted to love this book, but I didn’t. I hate to say that, but it’s true.
I want to be honest in my reviews, and this one really disappointed me in so many ways.
I couldn’t connect with the characters, and I think because Angie rambled a lot, and I think because Jace was so disconnected with everything I fed off him.
I know that doesn’t make too much sense, but in my head it does.
The storyline sounded amazing, but I don’t think the execution was there.
I made myself read majority of the story and then I skipped through the last half of the book, and read the last chapter, and the epilogue.


My fave quote from the book:
1. Holy freaking physical perfection, Batman. - LOL!!!

A really good book and a unique and interesting story line. The characters really kept this book interesting.

Favorite Quotes:

Jace’s brother was the kind of guy who seemed immune to worrying too much about his relationships— which had less staying power than the latest viral cat video. Along with his famous charm, Trent had the attention span of a goldfish, hence why their eldest brother, Adam, called him the One-Month Wonder.

His elderly neighbor, Mrs. Marsh, had stood on his doorstep, still wearing her nightgown and slippers, her hair wrapped in a silk scarf and Truffle on a leash… Mrs. Marsh said she’d found Truffle humping her beloved beagle, Archer. Or, in her words, bringing “the devil” into her home.

Please never have children, Nick. We’ll find them lined up in the backyard getting their nightly hose-down instead of having a shower.

“I had to make sure you weren’t an ax murderer.” “As opposed to some other type of murderer? Would it be less of an issue if I didn’t use an ax?”


My Review:


This was an enjoyable and amusing story with an interesting premise but also deftly handled some perplexing real-life issues with sensitivity and thoughtful insights in an entertaining and agile manner. Both main characters were endearing and likable while riddled with idiosyncrasies and unique personal challenges that required accommodation and understanding. I adored and admired them both well before reaching that well deserved HEA.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I need a book to grab my attention in the first few chapters and this book just did not do it for me. It moved way too slowly.

This was just okay. The beginning of this book drags really bad. It took putting it down, and coming back to it several times before I was able to get into it. The second half of the book was paced better, but I'm still on the fence about it as a whole. It's mentioned in the blurb that Angie was in the foster care system, but in actuality, what happened to her was a little much for what was supposed to be a light hearted romance. I really didn't feel like I even got the whole story with that situation. Jace was considered high functioning autistic, so I can honestly say I haven't read a hero like him before. Jace and Angie were good together when it finally gets to that point, and the ending was sweet. Although I wasn't a huge fan of this one, I would give this author another read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

I very much like the leaving home and finding herself theme of the book. However it took me longer than usual to Beth thru, and to be honest, have no idea WHY. I wish that I had read it in longer periods of time, because kept having to start over. Maybe it was just bad planning on my part

The wonderfully written storyline and the well created characters kept me totally captivated until the very last page was turned!

I saw the synopsis and thought this was going to be a cute story and I was correct. This was a super sweet story about love. I'm a fan of romance stories that are not the norm when it comes to characters. If you're a fan of Helen Hoang then you will like this story as well.

Jace Walters likes to keep to himself and his routines. His routines are what keep him going. So when his renter, American Angie Donovan moves in things start to change. His mom wants more from Jace and the only way to get through at times is to alter his routine. This time around she strongly encourages Jace to have to dog sit for a few months which cause a complete upheaval of his life and pushing him into Angie's life.

Jace is not great at communication but it's also part of his charm.

"I honestly don't know. The more I talk, the less I understand how communication works. "

Angie sees the best in things and people and truly wants to be loved and wanted. She sees the best in people and falls for them and has no judgement. It was easy for her to fall for Jace. Both of their issues caused some issues but thankfully they were able to find happiness in a new routine.

" . . . Because a person a home is a person who belongs. Who won't be rejected."

I adored this story and Angie and Jace together. It was so sweet and magical.

Adorable, well written characters. Uses all the common Romance novel tropes that most Romance readers will like.

This book was just not for me. The synopsis peaked my interest, but the selfishness of the main character and her insistence on taking advantage of the hero with a spectrum disorder just completely rubbed me the wrong way. As a family member of people on the spectrum, I was offended by the way this story unfolded. It was cute and sweet at times, but I just could not get past this moral flaw to enjoy it.

When I think of contemporary romance, this is the kind of story I think of!

Stefanie London is a new to me author, and what a pleasant surprise with this feel-good story she's written. I love it when I can instantly connect with the characters and the plot and that's exactly what happened when I sat down to read The Aussie Next Door. And yes, I may have stayed up just a tad too late finishing Angie and Jace's story because I simply had to know how it was all going to end.

I enjoyed the fact that both Angie and Jace were totally different, not at all who I would've paired together. But their opposite personalities is what made this so much fun to read. Angie definitely offset Jace yet their chemistry was undeniable.

The Aussie Next Door was a very heartfelt read that just warms you all over. When you're done, you want to go back and re-read it all over again. So happy I stumbled across this author because I can't wait to see what else she's written!

What cute second chance romance. Angie is an American living in Australia feeling like she is at her best, but then she finds out that her Visa isn’t working. Jace is and throughout the book mentions his “high functioning Autism”- for one AMAZING job to the author for incorporating this “personality” in a book.
Jace likes everything in order and consistency and as you see Angie truly appreciates this. Angie is struggling to get her VISA figured out, one option is to find a suitable marriage, but who can she choose from. So Jace her very recluse landlord offers to assist in “watching” some suitable suitors. To watch as Jace sees the options come, he almost wants to stop this because he has feelings for Angie. Over time you see Jace start to grasp that he does want Angie and finally acts on them.
Angie struggles with trust; her trust was broken when she was a child. So for her to act on her feelings and ultimately allow Jace in take a lot. It was fun to see Angie grow with her insecurities and act on the passion she feels for Jace.

Here is more of my review on my YouTube Channel- https://youtu.be/BKkpvN6OjUU

Oh Jace, how I loved you so much. The drawing, the dogs, the surfing, the EVERYTHING! Angie was totally awesome and the storyline was interesting, but Jace is totally the star of this book! I'd highly recommend it!

Such an enjoyable story! Makes me want to move there! Really like the characters and plot. Hope there will be more. Have already sold copies at the store.

Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being you.”

Stefanie London is a new to us author and her latest book, The Aussie Next Door served as the perfect introduction to her writing. Based in Patterson’s Bluff, a small town in Melbourne Australia, this emotional rom-com was packed with humour, heart, and heat, not to mention a hero who soon had us falling head over heels!

‘The possibility of getting two dreams for the price of one swirled in her mind. A family to love and the chance to stay. Forever.’

Angie Donovan is an American escaping her past. For the first time in her life, she feels contentment in her life in the quirky little coastal town of Patterson’s Bluff. Angie has ensconced herself in the town, made friends, and also made a difference to the elderly residents, trying to implement programs to keep them engaged. Angie is a real sweetheart and has taken to life in Patterson’s Bluff like a duck to water.

However, there is one dark spot on Angie’s horizon. Angie’s visa expires in less than two months, and in order to stay in Australia and avoid the horrible life she left behind in the States, Angie needs to get married. But Angie is a romantic. Having been denied love and warmth in her life, Angie wants to marry for love, not convenience, and it’s a big ask in so little time.

“I always felt like a misfit grown up. Like I didn’t belong. I want someone who makes me feel like I do belong, like I’m wanted and cherished.”

There are a few marriage prospects in the small town but none set her heart a flutter like her stoic, and regimented landlord Jace Walters, (the Aussie next door in the story) and through a couple of loveable little four-legged rascals called Tilly and Truffles, Jace and Angie soon get to know each other more intimately and sparks certainly fly.

Jace Walters has had his share of rejection and he’s quite closed off. Diagnosed on the high functioning spectrum, Jace is a stickler for routine and the beautiful Angie causes him confusion. The author did a fabulous job bringing Jace to life, his idiosyncrasies were endearing, and his Autism didn’t define him, it made him interesting and relatable. We loved his quirky ways and felt his frustration.

“I didn’t’ want you to see me as different.”
“But you are different, Jace. We all are.”

Jace and Angie must break down the barriers which accompany them, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness. We relished the small-town Aussie vibe of this story which was loyal to its roots and vernacular. The townsfolk were such fun and we can’t wait to get to know them better in future books.

There were so many elements we enjoyed in this story. The characters, the setting, the romance, the memorable 90’s rom-com’s we love so much, and of course, add dogs into the equation and we’re goners! Those naughty and sweet little canines kept Jace on his toes and brought endless smiles to our faces! All Angie ever wanted was love, comfort and a home. In this sweet and tender love story; travel with her as she searches for her happily ever after.

“Marriage is just a piece of paper, isn’t it” You said it yourself. Love is what matters.”

On a side note, we’re now Googling Doggie Yoga, we’d love to attend with our fur babies!

I received a copy of THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the author and publisher.

FIVE STARS and here’s why:

I loved this story! Not only is this a heartwarming story, but it is grounded in realism, which I appreciate immensely. Angie is an American with her Aussie visa about to expire. She needs a husband STAT! Her landlord and friend is Jace, a cartoonist with an amazing Aussie accent who is also a recluse given he’s on the spectrum and had a bad experience by being jilted at the alter by his long-term girlfriend (the night before). Each character is well written, the dialogue realistic, and the plot LOL.

If you like hella hot guys with a big heart and savvy girls who want to solve their own problems, then this story is for you. Highly recommend.

This was a really cute romance. Angie was a foster child and has never really had a family or home. Jace is on the autism spectrum and likes to be alone. Angie and Jace find that they have more in common than you might think. The clock is ticking as Angie’s visa expires soon. Can they find true love before time runs out?