I chose to read The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase because I do like a lighter read now and then; something laced with humor, a few unusual characters and a fun story. It provides a nice change from the gritty urban fantasy worlds and the emotionally charged romances I like to read.
Roz Wells, an attorney, moves into her friends recently vacated apartment in what is apparently one of the strangest buildings in the city. She meets her neighbor Konrad Wolfensen who happens to be a werewolf, and is immediately attracted to him. Konrad is a security specialist who stages break-ins to convince people they need to buy his security systems. He is also attracted to Roz although she does not feel she’s worthy of his attention since she’s overweight, etc.
When Konrad is arrested during a ‘robbery’ Roz is called upon for legal services. They become better acquainted and next thing you know they are kissing, sharing telepathy, having sex and Konrad is fighting his urge to mark Roz as his mate. This all happens within the first forty pages of the book.
I’m not opposed to the fated mate troupe or instantaneous undeniable attraction. I’ve certainly read my share of these scenarios and enjoyed them. However in order for me to get on board, there has to be something about the hero and heroine beyond the surface that interests me. I have to suspect that there is more than meets the eye and sense the chemistry between the characters to understand what draws them together. Konrad and Roz are virtually strangers to each other yet Roz confides in him regarding a very personal matter but instead of picking up chemistry I was left wondering why she was sharing with someone she hardly knows especially when she’s already insecure as it is. Their jump from acquaintances to lovers was too quick and it seemed forced in order to establish a romantic connection so the characters could get on with their adventures and hijinks.
Reading beyond the first forty there was plenty of humor and quirky secondary characters: witches, ghosts, and a nosy landlady, however, there is a fine line between quirky and silly and unfortunately the characters in this story crossed the line a few too many times for me. What I suspect should have been fun and sexy came off as silly and clearly, it was not my brand of humor. Even trying to overlook the attempted humor, the characters were not interesting enough for me to want to continue.
I am not a reader that insists that a book enthrall me within the first few chapters or else I’ll put it on the DNF shelf. I like to give a book a fair shot since sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s the book. I’ll usually read at least a third of the story and if I’m still not feeling it I might set it aside and come back later just to give it another chance. I gave The Werewolf Upstairs several chances, reading nearly half the book before I had to finally admit, it just wasn’t for me.
The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase
February 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Paranormal Romance
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About Sophia (FV)
I had problems with her last one-Strange Neighbors. Decided not to even try this one. Nice honest review FV.
Sorry you couldn’t get into this book. But what else can you do but DNF a book that you’ve tried to get into again and again?
Humor is a very fine line to walk (for me) in books. I love to laugh so I continue to try lighter books, but too often they’re silly instead of funny and that’s just not my thing.
Hopefully the next one works better for you.
I had been eyeing this book over at Amazon, but wasn’t really sure about the plot. Thanks for this review! It sounds like I might not enjoy it either, which is good to know before I waste my money on it!
@tori aka ggs_closet: Thanks Tori.
@Catherine: This was my first time reading this author. I just don’t think this series is for me.
@Ashley: I might be in the minority on this one. I noticed several positive reviews on GoodReads.
I too could not finish this one. The H/H totally connected too fast and I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. Thanks for your thoughts!
The first one was a DNF for me as well, glad I’m not alone on that…Good honest review FV.
Oh well eh? What can you do? At least you gave it a really good try. Nice review Sophia!
Oh no! Now I got scared *bites lip* I am gonna start this one now, ok deep breath, and I am going in
@blodeuedd: Let me know what you think.
I almost got this one-glad I skipped it! The premise sounded so good-it’s disappointing when it doesn’t work out. Thanks for your honest review.
Man I’m sorry you were looking forward to this read and then it fell so short that you didn’t even finish it! Thanks for the heads up though.
Thanks for your review.
I just finished my review of the story. I ended up enjoying it. I think a big reason I liked it was that I needed a change from what I had been reading – something nice and light. I enjoyed the banter and humor. At times it was a challenge for me to remember that sometimes a plot line is supposed to be read just for the enjoyment and not because it leads to a greater purpose. There were definite flaws for me, but since it was a “chic-lit” fun read, I looked over them.
Oh, and I want to know… did anyone else think the wolf had stinky feet because of the swirls on the cover?
@twimom227: LMAO!! No I didn’t’ even think about the swirls around the feet but now that you mention it LOLOLOLOL
трэба праверыць:)