THE AUSSIE NEXT DOOR (Patterson’s Bluff #1) by STEFANIE LONDON

“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!