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?

Loved this book. It is a sweet nontypical romance. In the real world anything can happen. I loved reading about an autistic person and how they thrive as an adult. This book gives one hope for love and happily ever after.

*I received this book free from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley.*

Jace is a different kind of leading man than I'm used to. He speaks his mind with lack of a filter, he doesn't handle change well, and likes to be alone. Then Angie moves into his small rental house (behind his own) and his mother basically guilt trips into having house guests. Poor Jace just doesn't know how to handle all the change.

Angie's visa is set to expire and she'd do anything to not have to go back to America. Even when someone puts the crazy idea of marriage into her head she goes for it, but on her own terms. She can't just marry anyone...she needs love. And she's hoping to find it quickly, or at least get the man she wants, aka her landlord Jace, to notice her. However, until then he decides to help her with her shenanigans.

He's been it for her since the moment she met him. Although he has a past that has made him reluctant to ever get involved with anyone else again. I mean who wants a man with that many routines...beside Angie that is.

The Aussie Next Door brings two wounded hearts together. Sometimes just because someone else doesn't like everything about you, doesn't mean someone else won't.

I enjoyed the development of the characters and the storyline. It wrapped me up in the world of Jace and Angie and those crazy dogs. I look forward to what will happen next in Patterson's Bluff.

This is a sweet and heartwarming read. Angie, an American whose Visa is almost expired and Jace , a reclusive, cartoonist who likes order & living alone. With real characters and a plot mixed with family, friends, witty dialogue and romance this is a feel good read.

This is the first book in series & I cannot wait to read more about the family & friends introduced in this book.

Stephanie London is a brand new to me author. I loved the premise of this book, but it was not what I was expecting. It was so much better and deep that I could have imagined.

I expected a marriage of convenience where the character fall in love. What I got was an amazing story about two people with hurdles to overcome
About themselves.

Jace is on the autism spectrum. This is the first story I’ve read about a main character on the spectrum. He was written amazingly and really showed people that while he has his quirks, and they make him who he is. I loved him. Angie has a past that feels defines her and has a positive attitude. Together these characters will really touch your heart.

I loved this story. This sweet beach town is so cute and friendly. Jace’s family is amazing and even the animals stole the spotlight some. .

This book was just so good. I just couldn't get enough of it. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

Jace is a highly function autistic, artist. He has his routines and his schedules but between his mother and his unpredictable tenant, his life is about to change. I love how his mother foists two dogs on him and the chaos it brings.

Angie escaped to this small town to get away from the press and scandal back in the U.S. but her request to extend her visa has been denied and now she must find love and marry within the month or return to the United States.

While I found it hard to believe she had to leave the country to escape the press, I found Angie quite likeable, even with her sad history, she was very positive, upbeat woman who seems to have rose colored glasses.

Maybe I've read too many dark stories lately but Angie seems to only have one foot in reality. While this is a lovely romance, with cute animal moments, the pacing was a bit slow for me. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.

DNF
I wouldn't have requested this I had known had at least one sex scene...stopped at that scene. I will not leave any reviews on any platform.

“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!

*Actual rating: 4.5 stars

The moment I read the synopsis, I knew I needed this book in my life. It sounded like the absolute cutest romance and I’m always a sucker for the marriage of convenience trope. Especially when it’s clear that the two characters are perfect for each other.

Angie Donovan had a terrible upbringing. She bounced from foster home to foster home and became a househole name in America for a traumatizing experience during her childhood. Finally having of enough of not being able to espace everyone knowing her story, she moves to Australia, where it only takes her moments to fall in love with Patterson’s Bluff.

Unfortunately, her two-year visa is coming to an end and her request for an extension has been denied. Because of the time she has left in the country before her visa expires, she’s all out of options. Well, almost. She has one last restort she can turn to, and that is to find the perfect Australian man who she can marry.

Enter the sweethearts of all sweethearts, Jace Walters, her next door neighbour and landlord. He lives alone and is quite the hermit. He has high-fuctioning autism and loves his routine. It keeps him grounded. But that dang American girl next door keeps distracting him.

It’s clear from the start that both Angie and Jace are into each other. But Angie thinks Jace doesn’t like her and Jace doesn’t want a distraction in the form of the force of nature that is Angie. Too bad for them, life has other plans.

Their romance was one of the most adorable and wholesome ones I’ve read about in a while. They way these two cared for each other was goals. They both accepted each other for the things they felt judged for and embraced one another for who they were at their best moments and their worst. They had me smiling throughout most of the novel.

The writing was also very well done. Stefanie London wrote a great plot line, capitivating characters, and a romance that will make you “awwww” out loud.

Overall, this was a lovely contemporary romance novel and I highly suggest that you pick it up. It’s worth your time.

4 stars

Adorable story about a flibbertigibbet American finding her mate in a steady Aussie.

Angie Donovan became the poster child for neglect and everything wrong with the foster care system and she's searched long and hard for a place to escape her infamy and find a real home. Fleeing the American media coverage, she moves to Australia and rents a place from the delicious but reclusive Jace.

Jace, who is on the autism spectrum, craves order and routine but the universe has other plans for him. What with being forced to dog sit for two rambunctious dogs and the ever constant interruptions from his distractingly lovely neighbor, his peace and quiet are holding on by a thread.

With Angie's abandonment issues and Jace with his quirks both struggle with believing they're worthy of love but soon realize there is a lid for every pot. Delightful story!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Loved this sweet romance. Jace is a different kind of hero - on the autism spectrum he thrives on his routine. Angie is chaos to that, but he can’t help falling for her. She is desperate to stay in Australia and not be forced to return to America and her last desperate shot is to marry someone.

I love that this book is set in Australia. I love Jace’s family and his interaction with the two dogs he is forced to dog sit. Overall, this town and all the characters will draw you in and make it hard to put this book down. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

4 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

I have not had the pleasure of reading a book by Stefanie London before now and I have to say I am disappointed in myself. Stefanie is a talented author that drew me in with her words in The Aussie Next Door. I cannot wait to dig into another book by her.

In The Aussie Next Door, we meet Jace who is at the high end of the autism spectrum. That does not stop him from living his life. Well mostly. Jace is a very kind person that thrives on his routine for a sense of normalcy. However, the routine he craves will be out the window with the new task of dog sitting for two solid months.

Next, we meet Angie. She is a citizen of the United States trying to become a citizen of Australia. Angie is the total opposite of Jace. She is a complete extrovert. When her final attempt to stay in the country fails, all that is left to do is to either go home or find a husband. In two months.

I found, The Aussie Next Door, very intriguing to say the least. Marriage of Convenience is my all-time favorite trope to read about so once I read the blurb, I was all in. The Aussie Next Door, contains just the right amount of wit, humor, charm, and romance. I also loved that it was not an ‘insta love’ type of book. They each had their own personal things to overcome to reach that place that was just right for them.

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***

This is my first time reading work from this author and I really enjoyed it. After reading the blurb I knew I needed to get my hands on this book. This was a heart-warming story about an American woman who needs to get married.


Angie is need of a marriage of convenience and she wants it to be someone she can one day have a relationship with. She wasn’t expecting her landlord Jace to offer to marry her. Neither of them thought it could turn into anything more but the more time they spent together things started to change. Will they give into their feelings for each other or let the past dictate their future?

I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more work from this author.

What a sweet story! Don't get me wrong, this one had some definite hot scenes too. I loved the relationship building and telling each other their vulnerabilities more. My heart went out to Angie for her wanting to find love and family so bad, but always feeling out of reach. It also went out to Jace for his feeling of inadequacy and not being able to fully express himself. My heart broke with their fight and made me want them to just really communicate. However, this only made their lightbulb moments that much sweeter.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

This was a nice cute read. There were parts that dragged here and there but all in all a good read.

This was such a beautiful emotional ride with Angie and Jace.
Our lovely American Angie has moved to Australia to start fresh and begin a new life . Full of enthusiasm and dreams she finds a beautiful apartment near the coast. Jace is just trying to keep to himself and create but his new tenant knocks him off kilter and makes him want things that he thought impossible for himself. When they finally become friends the interactions and the cautious nature of each of them is so beautiful. Watching their relationship unfold was sweet and sexy but be ready for all the feels some tears as you begin to delve deeper into each one of their pasts . Such a wonderful journey with them and I absolutely loved their supporting cast !!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

FULL DISCLOSURE: I cried a lot while reading this story. Most of you won’t (maybe). On the surface, this is a sweet romantic comedy. But if you’re me and have lived my life especially of late, you’d see way more. You’d see the story of a high functioning autistic man who doesn’t quite fit society’s norms trying to love, live and grow while protecting himself from what can sometimes be an uneducated and unsympathetic world. You’d see a woman who’s finally found her place in the world grasping at any lifeline to maintain herself in that place. You’d see two people, who on paper would not match, but if you look beyond the surface, they just might :)

This journey was a sweet and humorous romantic read full of hope and heart. I was thoroughly entertained and engaged thru every scene. I’ve loved this author’s voice for a while but this book was next level good. I probably felt more than the average reader because I know autism and Stefanie London got it right. I cannot tell you how many stories I have read that do not get it right and it is #eyetwitching. This was glorious. Go forth and enjoy!