The Aussie Next Door

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London is a sweet romance set in a small town Australia. Angie Donovan has escaped her past in America and found a fresh start in a new place that feels exactly like she believes home should be. Renting a small apartment from one of the hottest guys she's ever laid eyes on doesn't hurt. Even if he is a bit quirky and distant. Jace, on the other hand, doesn't quite know what to make of his tenant. Her smiles, her non-stop chatter, her outgoing energy. It's a lot for someone as introverted as he is but she is a bright spot in his life that he soon learns he can't live without. Less a tale of how an American can stay in Australia and more a tale of how two people, vastly different, and each with their own issues, can learn to overcome their pasts and move forward. Sweet and sexy in all the right places, well-paced, and well-written, this was a great romance. Enjoy!

Angie Donovan has always dreamed of a day where she’d have a family to call her own. After bouncing from one foster home to the next, Angie finds herself in the spotlight. Needing to escape her life in America, Angie flees to a quaint little town in Australia. Angie becomes involved in small town life, finally finding peace. Until her quiet life is suddenly falling apart with the news that her visa is expiring. With only two months remaining on her visa, Angie vows to find her HEA as that is the only way she can remain in Australia. Growing up in a family of seven, Jace Walters wanted nothing except peace and quiet. As a high-functioning autistic adult, Jace thrives on structure and routine. Wanting to shake up his life a bit, Jace’s mom tricks him into dog sitting two dogs for a few months. The dogs, combined with his chatty, beautiful next door neighbor, has his life is suddenly out of control. When he discovers Angie’s plan of love and marriage in the next two months, he takes on the role of her wingman. After having his former fiancé leave him due to his quirks, Jace knows he could never be the man Angie needs. But, he’d rather have her in his life as a friend than not have her in his life at all. I absolutely LOVED Jace and Angie! I was sooo “team Jace”. Everything came easily for his siblings. I wanted it ALL for Jace, not Trent. I know there are good, decent foster families out there. The abuse children endure so their “parents” can claim a check is horrific! This story is realistic, thought provoking, and inspiring. It’s heart wrenching to think a child has never felt love. I’m extremely happy Angie found her HEA, her home. I also enjoyed the reference to Calvin and Hobbes, my all-time favorite comic growing up. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Different spin on this storyline with a 90-Day Fiancé-type twist! Angie had an extremely difficult childhood, and because of those experiences, had a tough time in adulthood trying to establish some anonymity and decides to move to Australia. While there she stumbles upon a small town and falls in love with the country and the people. But when her visa is up and is denied an extension, she desperately does anything she can in order to stay and not go back to the memories of her past. Jace had the perfect childhood, but being diagnosed with autism made him feel like he didn’t belong and something was missing. When he finds out that his renter Angie has two months to marry or leave the country, he logically offers himself through his way of thinking. While both of them are attracted to each other, neither know much about the other and it’s like the relationship is set up to crash. As time runs out, Angie realizes that she has to face her past head on rather than hide behind Jace’s offer, even though real feelings have formed. Overall I enjoyed this storyline, although parts of it were drawn out and a little over-staged (premise of a 90-Day Fiancé-type twist). I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

The Aussie Next Door is about two people who struggle to fit in with the outside world find comfort in each other. For the first time they find someone who can accept them for who they are if they don't let their own securities get in the way. Jace has high functioning Autism. He functions better with a routine and occasionally needs alone time to recharge. He's from a big, loving family that can be too loud at times and he feels like he is constantly compared to his brothers. When his one and only relationship fails, he doesn't believe he will find someone who will adjust to his quirks. Angie grew up in foster care, moving from family to family and sorely mistreated. She still struggles with a need to please people due to her abandonment issues. When lawyers exposed her troubles in the states in the foster care system, she moves to Australia to get away from her problems. I felt for both Jase and Angie's characters. I liked both of them and wished their insecurities didn't stand so much in the way of finding love. I was a bit surprised to find that this was a heavier story than I was expecting, but it was also very heartwarming. These two were very easy to root for love to conquer all. The small towns setting and the side characters brought a lot to the story. I could see hints of possible couples for future books in this series. I even loved the two dogs!

This is the first book by Stefanie that I’ve read and I enjoyed very much! Being set in Australia was different for me and I enjoyed a change of scenery. Angie is an American who left to get away from her past. She ended up in a small town in Australia. She worked really hard to always put a smile on her face and to help others. But inside she was afraid. Afraid she wasn’t worthy or could be loved. Jace keeps to himself. He has to have a routine to even function; or so he thought. Jace has Autism and likes order and quiet. But between two adorable dogs and a beautiful woman that all started to change. Angie needed to stay in the country and Jace didn’t want her to leave. So they came up with a plan. But between both of their fears they almost blew it! Angie realized that she is worth it and can be loved. And Jace realized he didn’t want to be alone and would be ok with out order every once in awhile. The dogs in this book made me smile a lot! This is a great book that I definitely recommend.

I absolutely loved this book. Refreshing yet held me captive. It had the humor, drama and romance but also kept the story incredibly real. Can Jace learn to live outside his routine? Will Angie find her happy place? The backdrop was set. The writing was on point and the pacing of the book was excellent. There’s nothing like a feel good book with a beautiful epilogue! A truly fabulous read!

Fun, entertaining read. Two emotionally challenged persons, find their way through past heartbreaks, deceit, transgressions, a quagmire of trust issues, along with a head os steam. . Sweet couple with puppy sidekicks and lots of family fun. Don’t miss this one.