This was my first time reading anything by Stefanie London and I have to say that I am in love with her writing. When the opportunity came up to read an early copy of this book I took it. I was not disappointed.

Angie and Jace's story is not your typical boy meets girl and they fall in love. Both of these characters come from different worlds but both struggle. Angie doesn't want to go back to the U.S. she is loving life in Australia. Jace is set in his routine and does not ever stray from it. They are brought together through Angie's journey to Australia and their attraction though not obvious to each other is obvious to everyone in their small town.

I loved Ms. London's writing and how she takes us on this journey with Angie and Jace. Such a perfect summer read. I can not wait to dive in to more of Ms. London's books. Absolutely a must read! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

I have to say, this one was a big disappointment for me. First of all, the blurb doesn't fully explain the premise of the book. A rather big part of Jace's arc is left out, and it's quite crucial to the story. So imagine my shock when I learned what's going on with Jace.

And that's another problem I had with this story. Jace's being on the autism spectrum is portrayed in the most stereotypical and clinical way. It's as if London read a descriptions of a few characteristics, and then spat them out to be more "believable". The language used is not one that would be accepted by reputable organisations (Autism Speaks can go f*ck right off).

It would have been beneficial if the author had run this past someone with more knowledge of the subject, or a sensitivity reader at the very least. I have read other books this year which have handled the subject with more depth and care than was done here, so there is no excuse on London's part.

I really wanted to like this book. Sadly, I did not. However, it will not stop me from continuing to read the author's future books. The characters, dialogue, and prose are all exceptionally enjoyable. This was most likely a one-off.

When Jace Walters is forced into dog sitting a family friend’s two adorable dogs, his life is turned upside down. Ms. London's start to The Aussie Next Door is adorable and engaging. I loved the small town setting and the strong sense of family and community. The slower pace seemed to fit the story, and there is just enough humor to add a sense of charm and appeal to the characters and plot.

The author treated Jace, an on-the-spectrum character, respectfully; she clearly made an effort to present his struggles without making the character pitiful. The character’s self doubts (especially relative to his siblings) and his avoidance of social gatherings and people is clearly evident.

I liked Angie’s bubbly personality and involvement in her adopted country. Her past is tragic because readers are told it is. Her backstory was not explored enough to make her a sympathetic character to me. In fact both main characters’ issues are developed just enough for them to be relationship hurdles and to depict two awkward adults whose insecurities and social struggles limit their ability to fit in. Exploring Angie and Jace’s backstory further would have given The Aussie Next Door more depth.

I loved the Walters clan. They’re a big, warm family. I felt drawn to each of these secondary characters.

When Jace's ex comes back in town, and I anticipated some juicy conflict and plot tension. However, their eventual meet up provides the epiphany that allows Jace to pursue Angie and help her stay in the country. While my anticipated drama would have been meatier, the reappearance of the ex-fiance did provide a nice catalyst for change.

Angie’s pursuit of immigration fraud put me off from the start. It is not a premise that I find acceptable, and that definitely colored my perception of the story and characters. I picked up the book because I’ve read and enjoyed some of Ms. London’s previous books, and if I had paid more attention to the description, I would have passed on this story. While the book and writing are not without merit, I can’t enthusiastically recommend the story because of the premise.

Title: The Aussie Next Door
Author: Stefanie London
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Aussie Next Door" by Stefanie London

My Rationalization:

I truly enjoyed this sweet charming well-written romance of 'The Aussie Next Door' that featured Jace and Angie. With Jace Walters suffering from 'the Autism spectrum' and Angie Donovan who had suffered from child abuse in foster homes we find that these two will really have to work to fit in the 'outside world' in order to find comfort that each other greatly needed as each of them had been greatly hurt in the past.

What will happen when Angle flees the states for a home in Patterson's Bluff, Australia, and her visa extension is denied? What will she have presented to her in order to stay in Patterson's Bluff? What will happen when these two Jace and Angie realize they have feelings for one another? To get the answers and so much more you will have to pick up the good read to see how the author takes you there. I will say I loved how this author handled both of the main character's problems all with 'a gentle touch being well addressed in a respectful way.'

I really enjoyed Jace's family and Eugenie's dogs Tilly and Truffles that really added to this story. I also enjoyed seeing how this author was able to give the readers quite a story of even though they had their insecurities it didn't stand in their way of finding love for each other.

If you are looking for a 'fun, humor, sexy, sweet, sorrow, entertaining and heartwarming story' with some real-life issues you have come to the right place for "The Aussie Next Door" will give it all to you and more.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and a voluntarily leaving a review.

The blurb for The Aussie Next Door caught my attention immediately, and I just had to read this book. The premise was good and the storyline somewhat unique. However, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Angie was likeable but came with the baggage you would expect of a foster kid who has been bounced around from home to home. Jace is an unusual hero with unexpected baggage of his own. I just didn’t feel his character was realistic and believable.

The plot was slow and dragged in places. It had a lot of potential and some good dialogue. Overall, the book and its unusual storyline was okay but not as great as it could have been.

What a refreshing and noteworthy contemporary romance between a woman escaping her highly-publicized abuse in the American foster system and a high-functioning autistic man preferring peace and quiet over chaos. Throw in a highly sexed Chihuahua named Truffle, and an old and loving German Shepherd named Tilly, and the courtship and entertainment begin.

Jace and Angie both have genuine issues dealing with trust and apprehension while their attraction gets stronger. Seeing these two grow as individuals and a couple is delightful and touching.

An extremely uplifting love story that gives one hope and courage to be different. Recommend highly!

Thank you to Ms. London, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book without expectation of a positive review.

4 1/2 STARS!

THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR kicks off the brand new Patterson's Bluff series by Stefanie London with a delightful opposites attract twist between a comic strip creator and a tourist who enjoys brightening people's lives.

Angie is a complex character. She has a past that she doesn't advertise and all that she wants is to stay in this delightful location that feels like home for maybe the first time ever ... but she's having visa problems. She sets out to fall in love and step into that happily ever after that every girl dreams of (in two months time of course!) ... if only the quirky neighbor wasn't catching her eye time and time again.

Jace is a heartwarming character. He's unique and had this reader wrapped around his finger very quickly. I enjoyed watching him learn to let his guard down a little as Angie and her spunkiness became a part of his life.

I highly recommend you take a trip to Patterson's Bluff if you enjoy a small town vibe with a side of sass, an adorable cast and a boatload of heart! Looking forward to more to come in the series.

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London is book One in the Patterson's Bluff Series. This is the story of Jace Walters and Angie Donovan.
Angie grew up in one foster home after another foster home. So she learned quickly to not get attached to anything or anyone pretty fast. Then she traveled to Patterson's Bluff a small community in Australia that she fell in love with and had the first feeling of having a home. But her Visa is denied for extension in Australia so she thinks maybe a marriage of convince would fix her problem. Jace has had the opposites type life. Jace came from a very large family of seven who where very close but he always didn't feel like he belonged. Jace has been diagnosed with a high functioning end of the Autism spectrum. Jace was once engaged to be married but the women couldn't put up with his odd behavior and they broke up. Thinking that he wouldn't be able to find any women to look past his issues he focuses on being a comic strip artist. Jace and Angie becomes friends of sort and he sees her trying to implement her plan for a husband and ends up helping her. Angie also ends up helping him when he is roped into looking after some dogs and along the way their friendship starts to feel like something more.
Easy enjoyable read.

Charming, Sweet, and Hopeful!

The Aussie Next Door is a heartwarming, humorous story that introduces us to Angie, a single, American, young woman who needs to get married but wants to fall in love; and Jace, a reclusive, handsome, cartoonist who prefers routines, order, and living alone.

The writing is light and authentic. The characters are genuine, intriguing, and supportive. And the plot is an appealing mix of friendship, family, compromise, independence, witty dialogue, awkward moments, tricky situations, swoon-worthy romance, and the intricacies of high-functioning autism.

Overall, The Aussie Next Door is a timely, fresh, uplifting tale by London that is a wonderful start to the Patterson's Bluff series and an enticing introduction to the Walters family.

When Angie visa extension request gets denied, she comes up with a plan to fall in love and get married to stay back in Australia.
Jace loves his routine, and doesn’t like to change it for anyone. As if taking care of two dogs was not enough to create a havoc with his routine, he has offered his help to Angie to help her find a guy she can marry even though that’s the last thing he wants to do.
I enjoyed reading this book. Both the main characters had insecurities and they just pulled at my heart strings, endearing them that much more to me. Even though their romance was sweet their chemistry was sizzling. A heartwarming read that has left me wanting more from the Pattersons Bluff.

The Aussie Next Door was a very enjoyable book!

I loved the way the author, Stefanie London, wrote Jace’s character as a high-functioning autistic man. It gave a different insight into a dating relationship. I know a few people who could be Jace’s character to a T, so I felt the story as I read it. The part about his ex-fiance was heartbreaking, but the way it developed with the story was perfect.

Angie’s character, however, I kind of had a love-hate relationship with. Her backstory was a bit different, and not really complete. I don’t know…I just couldn’t see that actually happening, I guess?? I am just not sure why I couldn’t really appreciate her character very much. I just couldn’t. The “needing to get married to stay in the country” storyline is not my favorite, but I liked how the author wrapped it all up together.

Overall, I really, really like this book, and would totally recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series! 4 stars!

3.75/5 stars

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am glad that I took the chance. This was a wonderful and fun read that will have you feeling all the emotions with each page flip. The characters of Jace and Angie were so realistic. The chemistry between the characters was great. They each had their own issues and struggles to work through but they were able to so they can get the HEA that they deserved.

Slow burn, friends to lovers small town romance

Stefanie London’s The Aussie Next Door is the first book in the Patterson’s Bluff series.
Jace, has a hard time fitting in with his large lively Australian family. He much rather have solitude. Angie, visiting from the states, seems to be his opposite test somehow they fit. I liked how the author had a hero and heroine that each needed to work through past and present issues. The book definitely sets the stage for future books with this likable family.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

It was a sweet a cute story with a strong hint of slow burn romance. Even if I appreciated a hero a bit different and the sassy heroine, I felt like the very slow pace and taking some time to feel the characters’ connection was a bit dragged out and it was just a long first part, when you had the characters’ thoughts but not really feeling that little something yet.
I haven’t been convinced by the story firsthand, in spite of the charming characters and town. I could feel the appeal of the Aussie but it was the moment when Angie decided to find the right guy that things were getting interesting. A little time went time and it was difficult for me to really appreciate it.

Jace was a mystery to me, a bit recluse but not shy, just ending his privacy and routines at home. When her tenant was the solar opposite, all charming, sexy and so easygoing, he knew that she was a tempting trouble next door. I appreciated this character, who had some struggles younger and finding his own way to finally let his creativity shown. Outgoing and caring about this family, who wasn’t on the same page that his sexy neighbor.

Angie seemed to have a bubbly and easygoing personality, always smiling, being a cheerleader and finding new things to do. Quiet didn’t fit her at all, she was noise when Jace was quiet but finding on the way progressively falling for the Aussie next door, who intrigued her more than anyone. I liked how she could put him out of his comfort zone, being a breath of fresh air. She was definitely more than she met the eyes and I’d like to hear more about her past, it was just not developed enough to me.

I really enjoyed it more from the second half of the book and then it was just too fast. I just wanted more sparks because the author knew how to push the button on hot mode, bringing the steamy to another level for sure! The story was funny and touching but it didn’t catch my attention immediately.

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London

An adorable contemporary romance set in Australia. First of the Patterson’s Bluff series.
An American trying to stay beyond her visa limit falls for her landlord. Can she find someone to love her with only a couple months to spare when her crush makes all other men in town boring?

Jase is set in his habits. He surfs in the morning, has plain porridge for breakfast then works at home drawing his famous comic strip. He’s been diagnosed as highly functioning on the autism scale. He’s enamored with his tenant and can’t seem to ignore her. So much so that maybe he can change some of his habits just for her.

A lovely romance with rom-com notes (literally in old VHS movies that are discussed or watched) and sparks of learning for the people in the retirement community and well as lessons learned by the couple.
Touching and satisfying.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Angie has been in the spotlight for years, but not for anything positive. It's all about the about the gossip of her horrible childhood. Jace is difficult but not in a bad way. He needs order and a schedule to be happy. Angie rents a small apartment from Jace. She left Los Angeles for Australia, hoping to find a home. She has left getting her immigration papers in at the last minute. She has two months to find a solution or be deported. It appears that marriage is the only thing that can save her. She doesn't want to marry for anything but love. She and Jace have a mutual attraction, but is it love? Jace doesn't want to get married after a horrible experience. I loved this story of two people who both have problems that they think hold them back. It tells of overcoming. I do recommend this sweet book. I received this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for a honest review.

Sweet, but sexy too! Jace and Angie both had their emotional baggage, and it made their communication difficult. But the lightbulb moments were wonderful when they were able to break through the barriers. It will be interesting to see what happens in this small Australian town next.

**I received a copy of this book for review from Entangled Publishing. All thoughts are my own**

This book follows Angie, an American with a dark past who has been living in Australia for a couple months. Due to her life in the foster system, she has struggled to find somewhere to call home. Patterson's Bluff has become that home for her.

Jace likes to keep to himself and after being left by his ex-fiancee because of his need for routine and time alone because of his autism, he finds it hard to trust anyone. But when he finds out that his tenant is being forced to leave Australia, Jace finds himself spending more time with Angie.

This romance was so fun and swoon-worthy. These two characters were made for each other and that's able to be seen from the beginning.

My only issue was the bit near the end that was the main "conflict." I don't want to get too much into it for spoilers, but it felt kind of rushed and wasn't fleshed out as much as I would have liked. Not that it was a bad conflict, I just would have liked for more of a portion of the story to focus on it developing and being solved.

That being said, I still really loved this story and recommend it. It was interesting to see rep for an autistic love interest. And it wasn't pushed aside after being mentioned. It was a main focus of the story and I loved it! I feel like it was handled well, overall.

A wonderfully sweet book! No often do you have an authentic couple who works out their own insecurities to come to a hea! I especially loved the dogs in this book! Great read!!!

It's taken me several weeks to figure out what I want' to say about The Aussie Next Door, and even now, I'm still not sure that I have the best words. The Austim Spectrum diagnosis that gives hero Jace Walters his unique traits makes this a very special book to me for personal reasons. It's challenging to be totally happy with the story - while I feel that some of it matched well with reality, in many places it felt like things were just pulled from a list of the traits that go with high functioning autism.
I know that fiction stories don't have to have a moral, this book definitely reminded me that sometimes we need to take a step back from how we view our past and recognise that we either may be seeing it differently to what we should or not allowing the past to continue influencing our actions now.
I enjoyed the Aussie-isms that were sprinkled throughout the book, but with the title being The Aussie Next Door - how could we not have Aussie-isms.