Reviews

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London

joshgauthier's review against another edition

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4.0

Funny and super sweet while also delivering an engaging plot and two complex, relatable leads you just want to cheer for.

Plus dogs.

waterfairy's review against another edition

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2.0

The first half was good. I was very invested and hooked. But somewhere around the 65% mark, it sort of started going downhill. I liked the ending though.

becky_m8's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

callidoralblack's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

momalwaysreads's review

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4.0

Angie is a chatty American woman who is always upbeat and a little bit quirky. Jace is her reserved but gorgeous Australian landlord and neighbor. When Angie finds out her Visa application to stay in the country has been denied, she is determined to find a way to stay in town and avoid the embarrassment and traumatic memories that await her back in the States. When she realizes that marrying a native is probably her only chance to stay, she begins the search for love, hopeful that she will find it with Jace. But after battling emotions leftover from his own past and his doubts about his future, can he open himself up to love again?

I really enjoyed this book! It was my first romance with a main character on the Autism Spectrum, and it was very interesting to see things from Jace's perspective and how he struggled with even minor decisions. I love that more authors, including Stefanie, are writing about real issues and opening the eyes of the world through fiction.

I'm a character driven reader and generally love books with a lot of character development. I thought Jace and Angie were very well developed and followed a natural arc, both individually and together. I also love romance with a happily ever after and plenty of witty banter with a relationship progression that we can experience with them, rather than always insta-love (though that also has it's place, sure). There was plenty of relationship progression in this book as well, so here again, I loved it!

But, The Aussie Next Door is more than just a love story... it's about overcoming perception and trauma and becoming the person others already see in you. Both Jace and Angie overcame their own personal traumas to be there for each other, even when they weren't really sure what that meant.

Of course, it's also got the sweet but steamy romance aspect.

I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts an opinions are completely my own.

faunasam2018's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

illusie's review

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3.0

This was a cute romatic story. I especially loved how the dogs, they added something fun to the book. What annoyed me that not all of the choices the characters made seemed to fit with their personality. Somethings went too quickly and easy, especially considering that Jace got autism.

aliciasplendeur's review

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4.0

This was such a sweet story! I enjoyed it so much that I finished it almost in one sitting.
An American woman living in Australia who has to find a way to stay in the country before her visa expires.
Jace is her handsome landlord, who enjoys his solitude but he keeps finding distractions everywhere.
They have both been burned/hurt in the past and are trying to find a way to not let it hold them back.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TheAussieNextDoor #NetGalley

allysunsun's review against another edition

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4.0

A very well written romance! Jace is very orderly and used to routine, as he is on the high functioning end of the Autism spectrum. His tenant Angie, and American escaping a messy past, is basically his opposite. Angie is on a mission to find love so she can stay in this gorgeous coastal town. As her mission becomes more serious and Jace is roped into it, they start to asses their feelings for each other. A fun read with some steamier scenes!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book for an honest review! :)

kle105's review

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4.0

This was such a cute story. I love the backdrop of the small Australia town. Angie has fallen in love with the town, after leaving the US, after she can't shake the news headlines from her childhood. After she learns that her visa is not going to be extended she comes up with a plan to marry someone to stay. Her landlord Jace, also her neighbor learns of her plan and can't help but get involved.

Jace loves his solitude and routines, however with Angie living next door she messes with that solitude. He has always felt like the outcast as part of a family of seven, his high functioning autism leaves him feeling misunderstood. His inability to understand certain situations or meanings, leaves him feeling like he will always be alone. However, seeing Angie date other men leaves him feeling out of sorts, he wants her to stay but he isn't marriage material.

Add in Jace getting roped into babysitting two pups, Angie's need to fill awkward silences with chatter, Jace's need for routine and inner dialogue, and Angie's dating stories this book was just the whole package.