Cora Cabot’s life is falling apart. So when her Australian friend announces she’s secured an internship in the States, Cora has a brilliant idea: house swap! Small-town Australia sounds like the perfect getaway. Only, when she gets there, the house isn’t empty. Turns out her friend’s hot Australian brother is staying there, too–and he doesn’t look happy to see her. The last thing Trent Walters … Trent Walters needs is a roommate for the summer. Especially an American who immediately floods the house and single-handedly destroys the family project his sister created for their parents’ anniversary. Now, not only does Cora insist on helping fix the house, he needs her help re-creating the family scrapbook. And glitter is not his forte.
But between late nights cooking, pints at the local pub, and competitive matches of cricket on the beach, Cora starts to break through Trent’s defenses. Too bad Cora made a promise to return to working with her father at the end of the summer–a promise she can’t break–because this holiday is starting to feel like one she never wants to end.
Each book in the Patterson’s Bluff series is STANDALONE:
* The Aussie Next Door
* Her Aussie Holiday
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I loved the 1st book in this series and this one did not disappoint either. Stefanie makes me fall in love with Australia as much as her wonderful characters!
Stefanie London never fails me with one of her stories they are moving, filled with emotion, there are lots of smiles and lots of happy and the best heroes and heroines and I am loving this series I do love a story set near the beach and this one hits the spot, we are back with the Walters family and this time we see Trent win the love of his life with the beautiful American Cora Cabot.
Cora has been having a terrible time with her family, living in New York with famous parents is not all what it should be and she desperately needs a break when her Australian friend Liv needs a place to stay in New York Cora suggests a house swap for a month, this will give her time to work on her book and work on what she really wants, only thing is she had no idea Liv’s brother Trent was also staying at the house and their first meeting which involves lots of water is not what either expected.
Trent comes from a loving family and is known as the town charmer but he keeps a secret close and is always doing things for everyone else he has a heart of gold and is very good looking. He is staying at his sister’s place and doing some renovations while she is away not realising that there is soon to be a visitor, a beautiful visitor, when water causes a problem Cora and Trent have to work closely to replace a present, and this brings them very close and a fun time with glitter.
Both Trent and Cora have issues from their past that they need to let go of if they want to have a future but with the sensual pull between them growing things are moving very quickly Cora is feeling very comfortable in Patterson’s Bluff and very happy with Trent and Trent is finally seeing who he is and what he really wants in life Cora has helped him so much. Their love grows and sparkles in such a beautiful way, it had me smiling and cheering them on. I do highly recommend this one for any romance reader that is looking for a feel good, sexy wonderful romance. Thank you MS London for another fabulous read.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. I LOVED it. I mean I have loved every book that Stefanie has written but this one’s a new favorite. The SWOON.
A fun plot that gives me all the hallmark worthy vibes and a cast that you fall for immediately. I love books that throw people together in unlikely situations and this one totally does that. Cora and Trent were fantastic. They were silly and sexy and the tension as amazing. They had immediate chemistry that jumps off the pages.
Then we had Joe. He was the real star of this book and I want a Joe in my life.
Her Aussie Holiday was a charming fun and heartwarming tale. Trent and Cora’s HEA was wrapped up beautifully under the warm Australian sun. I could practically feel it. And it was blissful. With a cast of lovely characters, it was a joy to read and almost like taking a real Australian vacation.
I loved Her Aussie Holiday and definitely recommend it.
Honestly, I LOVED getting to know our Cora and Trent BOTH…and I couldn’t wait to see if things would get REALLY interesting. There was so much up in the air throughout the book…Cora’s life there versus here…the destroyed anniversary gift…the secret uncovered…Trent’s tendency to help others over himself…and oh the sparks that could fly if given half the chance! From the moment the meet cute happened to the turning of the last epage, I WAS HOOKED.
I simply couldn’t keep my hands off it, even if I wanted to (and why would I?) and the ending, while momentarily making your heart drop, delivered so much more than you could imagine! It truly was a fabulous holiday down under, but while the escape was fantastic, it reminds us of a few things as well. I know, I know…it’s a HOLIDAY and I’m getting all heavy with meaning, but hear me out. It reminds us that we can run from life, but we can’t hide…and it will eventually catch up with us. It’s our choice how and when we confront it, and our right to make it our own. Everyone is entitled to their BEST life, to chase their dreams, to have someone they care for a well as someone who makes them their world as well. Everyone deserves the support of friends, and family…and if that last one isn’t happening with blood relations, so be it; choose your own crew.
HARD recommendation for adult Contemporary Romance fans (due to limited content) because really, you SO need to read this and what better way to kiss summer goodbye than with a virtual vaca?!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
This book is the perfect getaway! A fresh update on a classic “must share space” trope, London gives us the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. I smiled and swooned the whole way through!
Stefanie London has created a small town romance with a wonderful cast of characters that delivers a fun and emotional read! A house-swap with an unexpected roommate fill this story with humor, heat, and heart, all while bringing together two people who desperately need to find what the other has to offer.
I immediately fell in love with Cora. Even though she has escaped to Australia to heal a part of herself that she thinks is broken, it’s easy to see that the only thing broken is her perception of herself. She’s had an awful upbringing and has always just wanted to live up to the expectations that she has created for herself. I loved watching her find herself as she lets herself have fun and explores a relationship with Trent. Trent is a fun-loving guy who everyone misjudges but never does anything to dispel his persona as the town charmer – that is until Cora sees exactly who is behind the easy-going nature that Trent always puts forth. The chemistry was immediate between these two, and I loved how Trent could see how important it was for Cora to be the one who decided how or if their relationship should move past a friendship into some vacation fun. It was clear these two had feelings that went way past the no-strings attached fun they both said they wanted, and even though I was a bit disappointed towards the end how things played out initially – I was hoping for more from Trent – by the end it was clear that the way things played out was exactly how they needed to in order for Trent and Cora to have a happily ever after they deserved.
The supporting cast of characters was wonderful. Trent’s family was awesome and so supportive of him, and their reaction to the secret that was revealed was exactly how I thought they would react – just perfect! Cora’s parents were just awful and it was clear why she had so many issues once her story was told. I was so happy she was able to begin dealing with all the baggage that her parents had created for her! It looks like there are more stories to be told about Trent’s family and perhaps some of his friends, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for Patterson’s Bluff.
Stefanie London has a writing style that is easy to read yet still conveys the emotions of the characters. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and loved how the dialogue stayed true to the characters throughout. This was a fun read that had the characters work hard for their happily ever after and had such a satisfying ending and a wonderful epilogue to tie everything up.
This would make a great summer beach read or just good book to grab when you are looking for humor, heart, and heat!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from the publisher via NetGalley.
Whoever says money can buy you happiness, has never met Cora. Coming from wealth, Cora has lived a VERY public life. She’s ALWAYS done everything her mom has asked her to do and been miserable doing it. Cora is a people pleaser and would love nothing more than to earn her dad’s approval-love. So she submits a manuscript to her dad in hopes that he will finally take her dream of becoming a writer seriously. What she receives, is an email telling her she isn’t made to be a writer. So when her Aussie friend reaches out in need of an apartment for a month, Cora readily agrees to a house swap. In need of escape from her public life, parents, and ex-fiancé Cora hops the next plane to Patterson’s Bluff and to Trent….
Trent Walters, a jack of all trades and older brother to Liv, is the laidback, easy going sibling in the Walter’s family. He is always willing to help his family and puts others before himself—at his expense. When his sister decides to take an internship in Manhattan, he decides to move into her “house” so that he can finish the remodel and surprise her when she returns. What he didn’t expect to find, was a flooded house and Cora…
Between the flood repairs, scrapbook redo, and the cricket team, Trent and Cora begin to bond. The friendship is immediate and the chemistry is off the charts! I laughed, cried, held my breath in anticipation throughout all their interactions. The glitter “party” was adorbs. Joe and his head-banging was HILARIOUS! Cricket lessons on the beach were priceless. This was a story of self discovery, love, and the true meaning of family. I LOVED Trent’s encouragement of Cora’s dreams! I also enjoyed glimpses into the rest of the Walter’s clan. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
This was a very entertaining and engaging story, I had to read it in one sitting because it was just that good!
Another fantastic story by Stefanie London. I loved revisiting Patterson’s Bluff and the Walters family. As per her writing style, the characters Stefanie writes are well developed and completely fleshed out. Trent and Cora are beautiful together. They are both like onions – so many layers to peel away. Their romance was very organic. Again, I was left wanting to know more about several secondary characters – so Miss Stefanie, I truly hope you are writing more in this series!
It also was enjoyable to read the Aussie slang. When Trent mentions what was on the barbecue he names Capsicum. I had no idea what this was and had to look it up. It is pepper by the way. Who knew it was called something completely different it other parts of the world. Again, not only a great read an informative one.
Please write more Patterson Bluff books, cause I want to read them.
A fun and heartwarming story. I loved the characters, the connection and fun banter. I loved the sizzling sparks. It’s an entertaining read and not to be missed.
This was an excellent read! Cora and her unexpected vacation roommate Trent have a very interesting first meet and the hilarity just continues from there. They get along famously working side by side but when her vacation is over will Cora be able to walk away? You want to find out! I highly recommend this one.
The first book was wonderful and this second book did not disappoint. I loved this beautiful and emotional story. These two characters were simply wonderful. I recommend this book, series, and author.
Her Aussie Holiday is the perfect beachy summer read.
Cora is needing a break from the hustle of city life and her parents. She switches houses with her old friend Liv who has a cute beach bungalow that is just what Cora needs to decompress and maybe finally write that novel that is in her head!
Trent is a contractor and Liv’s older brother. He decides now is the perfect time to renovate his sister’s house since she is away. He never expected to find a lovely city gal staying there and now they are sharing the same place. A cute, sexy read with great characters.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Cora Cabot was looking to get away from all the hectic things being home in New York brough along. When an offer to switch houses with her friends comes along, they both jump at the chance. Traveling to Australia is about as far away as she can get from her real life. Will it help her focus and get back into a better frame of mind?
Trent Walters was looking, but not for love or work, just a new place to lay his head. He had plenty to keep his mind and body occupied but needed to get out of his house since his roommate decided to engage in conjugal visits. Living in silence instead of hearing the walls moan would be a good thing. He knew his sister was out of town, so he’d hang his hat there while she was gone for the month. It would give him the chance to do some repairs for her as well, even though she told him to stop while she was gone. It would be a good surprise, though not the only one.
Cora and Trent develop a quick friendship. He is relaxed and charming and helps take her mind off of all her issues back home. She is a dead ringer for his ex, but he is able to look past that. Or can he? Can they be exactly what each other isn’t looking for, but needs nonetheless.
Once again Ms London takes us on a wonderful journey down under. I absolutely loved the picture she paints as we travel through the book. Joe the bird visitor is also comical relief, I would type his breed of bird but you know those pesky algorithms haha. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectations. All opinions expressed are my own.
An utterly delightful meet-cute lays the foundation for love in our second visit to Patterson’s Bluff! With an adorable house-swap foundation Stefanie London entices her reader into Cora and Trent’s story HER AUSSIE HOLIDAY and it’s sure to please. Both characters are attention grabbing and have colorful back stories to hold our attention as their daily snark turns into foreplay that warms up the Australian summer more than ever!
Cora Cabot is adorably sweet and pretty irresistible. She’s a wanna-be novelist who listens too much to those around her instead of to her own heart, but being a people pleaser is all she’s ever known. She may be tempted by all that Australia is bringing to her otherwise boring life, but she knows in a month’s time she’ll be back in New York hard at work for her father.
Trent Walters is a doll. He’s gorgeous, he’s hard-working and he adores his family. What we don’t know is what the secret is that’s controlling the decisions he makes day in and day out. He’s got the world at his fingertips, but chooses to put it on hold time and again.
I highly recommend this story as well as the earlier book in the series to anyone who loves a romance filled with fun characters, sexy connections and so much heart you can’t help but smile throughout. I’m anticipating my return trip already!
Her Aussie Holiday is book two of Stefanie London’s Patterson’s Bluff series. Both books can be read as stand-alone titles. I haven’t read book one (yet!) and never felt lost or out of tune with the story. But, as always, as a series fanatic, I recommend starting from book one if you have the time. The Aussie Next Door (book one) is now on my TBR!
What I liked about the book: It just seemed to flow really well, and was mostly a slow build. I’m not a huge fan of instalove, so this story really held my interest. There’s a difference between instalove and instant attraction and chemistry. The h&h definitely had the latter! And while the book has many lighthearted moments, there was also a good bit of emotional angst when it came to the h&h’s family dynamics.
NICUnurse’s rating: I love flawed characters. Cora and Trent certainly fit that bill which made me enjoy their story all the more. And Cora’s clumsiness certainly gave root to some hilarious scenes. But what made me fall in love with the story was Trent’s support and gentle prodding to push Cora out of her shell. His belief in her was the catalyst needed for her to find out who she was at her core do what needed to be done to grow and heal. For fans of sweet and sexy stories with a slow build, you’re going to enjoy your time in this small Australian town and look forward to returning in the next book!
I give Her Aussie Holiday by Stefanie London 4.5 out of 5 stars!
If you read my review on The Aussie Next Door, you’ll know that I totally feel in love with Patterson’s Bluff and its residents, especially the Walters family. I was so happy to return to this wonderful world with Her Aussie Holiday, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Trent is so much fun. He’s super sweet, playful and very caring of those around him. He may come off like he’s as deep as a puddle in the first book, and even at the beginning of this one, but he’s truly so much more. Cora was someone I could really relate to: a bit unsure of herself, lots of self-doubt about expressing herself, but wanting so much more.
Together these two are simply fun, sexy, playful, and a perfect match.
This book was, in my humble opinion, the perfect pick-me-up book. Lots of fun scenes between the two (OMG! The glitter scene!), as well as with the secondary characters. Not to mention, there is a sassy, back-talking cockatoo to fall in love with. I’m completely ready to pack my bags and head down under and live in this world. A must read for anyone looking for something that will make them laugh, as well as tug at their heartstrings.
Some deeper acceptance issues addressed in an inspiring romance
4.5stars
I expected Her Aussie Holiday to be a light vacation romance but got much more than expected. Young American wannabe author Cora and Aussie builder Trent have some major family acceptance issues to work through that made their story more than a heated attraction turned affair. Each in his or her own way needs some proof of the unconditional love and support of family. Cora keeps offering her father chances to support her dream with disappointing results. Trent is so worried about rejection that he hides secrets from his siblings and keeps putting their needs first while his own dreams are getting dusty on the shelf. I liked the way that Cora and Trent inspired each other to pursue their dreams.
The romance develops at a nice, not too rapid, pace and I felt Cora, Trent, his family and friends were nicely developed, realistic characters who would be great to know in real life. Author Stefanie London created a setting in Patterson’s Bluff that seems pretty idyllic. While some of the heated scenes were a bit too drawn out for me, overall I really liked the book’s themes, setting and characters. And caterpillars are awesome!
Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
What a super enjoyable romance!
Trent and Cora had a chance meeting when Cora swaps her New York home with her friend, Liv in Australia. When Trent knew Liv was going to be gone, he decided to squat in her home, unknowing Cora would be there, to rewrite her novel, and “grow her wings”.
The slow-growing chemistry, the heat, the friendships, and the awkwardness between these characters was all so great! I really liked the storyline and the smile this book put on my face.
I enjoyed the continuous flow of characters from previous books by Author Stefanie London, and love the family characters in Her Aussie Holiday! 4.25 stars!