Review: The Werewolf Upstairs

From Goodreads:

Desperate for change, public defender Roz Wells decides moving into a new apartment is just what she needs to shake things up. But she’ll get more than she bargained for when she starts dating the drop dead gorgeous boy next door, who just happens to be a shape-shifter…and quite possibly a criminal. 

Security salesman Konrad Wolfensen has made a living staging break-ins to spook people into buying his security system, but when he’s accused of a much more serious crime, he’ll have to enlist the help of his sexy new neighbor/girlfriend to keep his cute, slightly wild rear end out of jail.

What I’m talking about:

The Werewolf Upstairs is in a genre of books I like to refer to as Paranormal Chick-Lit. As those of you that follow my reviews know, I don’t read a lot of “light and fluffy” paranormal stories, so I cannot compare this book to others with a similar feel. But what I can tell you is that this story was a fun romp, and I plan to read future books in this series.

Roz moves into her best friend’s (Merry) apartment while Merry is off on her honeymoon. (Merry’s romance was the focus of the first book in the series, Strange Neighbors. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy this book.) Roz quickly finds herself falling for upstairs neighbor Konrad. After just one kiss, the couple are able to communicate telepathically and Konrad realizes that Roz is his pre-destined soulmate. Konrad decides to quit his shady thieving career, while Roz wants a more fulfilling job. Together they set off on a series of “dates” to find a new career.  As each day passes they fall more in love, but with Konrad keeping his true identity from Roz, you know things are going to get messy.

The Werewolf Upstairs is a delightful, easy read. Roz and Konrad are not overly complex characters and there are no major twists and turns to the plot. Other than Konrad’s big secret, the two main characters are refreshingly open and honest in their communication and thoughts. Early on in the story, when Konrad carried an injured Roz over his shoulder, she actually asks him “What if I have to fart while I’m up here.” I just died. How many romance stories have their hero and heroine discussing flatulence? Throughout the story the two are blunt and open with their feelings and circumstances, and while I found it a bit odd at first, I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.

Other than their romance, the story follows an unsolved crime of note from 15 or so years prior to this story. Konrad ends up being put on trial for the crime after being framed by a disgruntled ghost. I found this part of the story a bit unsatisfying, because the purpose of the plot line was not to actually find out who committed the crime, but rather to put Konrad in a difficult situation. And as for the museum ghost – I didn’t understand his motives and felt the character was only there to make life difficult for Konrad.

There were a few other sub-plots that seemed a bit out of place to me. However, I have to remember, that this book isn’t like ones I normally read. In this story, sometimes there are things going on just for the sake of fun or to examine the lives of these strange neighbors. Not every action has to have meaning or lead to a climatic conclusion (I blame this on too many years of watching LOST.)

Overall the story was very entertaining and a great “spring break/beach” book. It was an excellent change from my ordinary reads and I look forward to finding out which neighbors will find true love in Ms. Chase’s future stories.

My Rating: