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Strange Neighbors #2
The Werewolf Upstairs
Petty crime never looked so good...
Alpha werewolf Konrad Wolfensen sees it as his duty to protect the citizens of Boston, even if it means breaking into their businesses just to prove their security systems don't work. But when his unsolicited services land him in trouble with the law, he'll have to turn to his sexy new neighbor for help.
She should know better...
Attorney Roz Wells is bored. She used to have such a knack for attracting the weird and unexpected, but ever since she took a job as a Boston public defender, the quirky quotient in her life has taken a serious hit. Until her sexy werewolf neighbor starts coming around...
Alpha werewolf Konrad Wolfensen sees it as his duty to protect the citizens of Boston, even if it means breaking into their businesses just to prove their security systems don't work. But when his unsolicited services land him in trouble with the law, he'll have to turn to his sexy new neighbor for help.
She should know better...
Attorney Roz Wells is bored. She used to have such a knack for attracting the weird and unexpected, but ever since she took a job as a Boston public defender, the quirky quotient in her life has taken a serious hit. Until her sexy werewolf neighbor starts coming around...
352 pages, ebook
First published January 12, 2011
49 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Chase
55 books458 followersAshlyn Chase has been a registered nurse for 20 years. During those years, she wrote articles for professional journals and a thesis, but eventually, thank goodness, discovered the joy and freedom of writing fiction.
Ashlyn considers herself lucky. Her degree in behavioral sciences is a combination of psychology and sociology, so she has worked with and studied people most of her life. She never has to write out exhaustive character sketches to understand her characters or predict how they will behave. That doesn't mean they don't surprise her. Sometimes they take her on grand unexpected journeys. For her, it gives "character driven novels" a whole new meaning.
Ashlyn has learned to go with the flow. To enjoy the journey is not only one of her writing goals, but also a challenge in life so she tries to follow where the story takes her. As such, she has lived in 17 different places over the years. At last, she's all settled down and comfy in New England.
Is there a grand design or do we decide our own fates? Perhaps if the powers-that-be have a plot, then they also give us the right to revise it. Ashlyn has certainly made detours on her path, but she thinks she's better for it. She's having fun at any rate and hopes that if she enjoys the journey, so will those around her—including her readers.
Ashlyn considers herself lucky. Her degree in behavioral sciences is a combination of psychology and sociology, so she has worked with and studied people most of her life. She never has to write out exhaustive character sketches to understand her characters or predict how they will behave. That doesn't mean they don't surprise her. Sometimes they take her on grand unexpected journeys. For her, it gives "character driven novels" a whole new meaning.
Ashlyn has learned to go with the flow. To enjoy the journey is not only one of her writing goals, but also a challenge in life so she tries to follow where the story takes her. As such, she has lived in 17 different places over the years. At last, she's all settled down and comfy in New England.
Is there a grand design or do we decide our own fates? Perhaps if the powers-that-be have a plot, then they also give us the right to revise it. Ashlyn has certainly made detours on her path, but she thinks she's better for it. She's having fun at any rate and hopes that if she enjoys the journey, so will those around her—including her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
May 2, 2017
This book has all of the ingredients for a fun, flirty paranormal romance. An apartment building full of supernaturals. Plus, look how cute the cover is! But, like many things that are cute on the outside, the inside is ugly and stinky.
Holy shit! What the hell happened here? Actually, I don't think that was ever cute on the outside either.
So, we have a lady named Roz Wells, and I was willing to overlook the pun. Grudgingly, but still. I allowed it. She moves into the building and meets a gorgeous, hunky guy who happens to immediately fall in love with her. Seriously, it happens so fast that you will wonder if you skipped pages or something. I'm talking hours before he is calling her his girlfriend.
Wow, that's really serious. Like, disturbingly..
Still, I might have even been able to deal with the insta-love if the story was fun and the banter good. But, this book had the most awkward, strange dialogue ever. It was one of those things where you are reading and thinking there must be a typo or something because no way does that sentence flow. The dialogue was ridiculously unbelievable.
Example:
Him: "Oh, you're Merry's friend. Are you moving into 1B, her old apartment?"
Her: "Yes, I am."
Him: "I remember meeting you at the burger restaurant a few months ago, and then I saw you again when you were Merry's maid of honor."
Problems I have with this dialogue:
First of all, why would he name the apartment number that she is moving into? It's a given.
Secondly, he calls the place they met "the burger restaurant". A normal human being would just say the name of the place.
Thirdly, he points out that she was the maid of honor in the wedding. No guy would say that. They barely know what a maid of honor is. They would just say they saw her at the wedding. That's normal.
See? I know this seems small, but when every sentence in the dialogue is weird and disjointed, and just doesn't seem real, you can't get lost in a story. The dialogue keeps pulling you back out with its awkwardness. It's like the author wanted to give background information through the dialogue, but people just don't talk that way.
I never do this:
Me: Good morning, my oldest son. How are you feeling today, May 2nd, 2017?
Son: Good morning, mother. I am much better after having that stomach virus that swept through our city last week. Thank you for buying my favorite fruit-flavored rings cereal for breakfast. Now, I need to get into my Honda Accord and drive down to Lone Star College. You know it takes me exactly 25 minutes to get there in the morning.
Me: Yes, son. And, on your way home, could you buy a gun for me to shoot myself in the head after this conversation?
Son: Yes, mother. I will stop by the Walmart on my way home. You remember that the mayor was in Walmart last week when the outbreak of that new deadly strain of gonorrhea was reported on Channel 2 news? I'll go to the Walmart where he did his news conference to deny that he had it. You know it is just three blocks away.
Me: Great, son! While you are driving, maybe you can think about the last few years of your life and list the names and backgrounds of everyone you know to yourself.
Son: Of course I will do that, mother. You know that is my favorite hobby, along with being a part-time beekeeper and killing ants with a magnifying glass.
Okay, I have to stop myself. I could carry on this conversation for way longer than I should. In other words, though, this book sucks.
Holy shit! What the hell happened here? Actually, I don't think that was ever cute on the outside either.
So, we have a lady named Roz Wells, and I was willing to overlook the pun. Grudgingly, but still. I allowed it. She moves into the building and meets a gorgeous, hunky guy who happens to immediately fall in love with her. Seriously, it happens so fast that you will wonder if you skipped pages or something. I'm talking hours before he is calling her his girlfriend.
Wow, that's really serious. Like, disturbingly..
Still, I might have even been able to deal with the insta-love if the story was fun and the banter good. But, this book had the most awkward, strange dialogue ever. It was one of those things where you are reading and thinking there must be a typo or something because no way does that sentence flow. The dialogue was ridiculously unbelievable.
Example:
Him: "Oh, you're Merry's friend. Are you moving into 1B, her old apartment?"
Her: "Yes, I am."
Him: "I remember meeting you at the burger restaurant a few months ago, and then I saw you again when you were Merry's maid of honor."
Problems I have with this dialogue:
First of all, why would he name the apartment number that she is moving into? It's a given.
Secondly, he calls the place they met "the burger restaurant". A normal human being would just say the name of the place.
Thirdly, he points out that she was the maid of honor in the wedding. No guy would say that. They barely know what a maid of honor is. They would just say they saw her at the wedding. That's normal.
See? I know this seems small, but when every sentence in the dialogue is weird and disjointed, and just doesn't seem real, you can't get lost in a story. The dialogue keeps pulling you back out with its awkwardness. It's like the author wanted to give background information through the dialogue, but people just don't talk that way.
I never do this:
Me: Good morning, my oldest son. How are you feeling today, May 2nd, 2017?
Son: Good morning, mother. I am much better after having that stomach virus that swept through our city last week. Thank you for buying my favorite fruit-flavored rings cereal for breakfast. Now, I need to get into my Honda Accord and drive down to Lone Star College. You know it takes me exactly 25 minutes to get there in the morning.
Me: Yes, son. And, on your way home, could you buy a gun for me to shoot myself in the head after this conversation?
Son: Yes, mother. I will stop by the Walmart on my way home. You remember that the mayor was in Walmart last week when the outbreak of that new deadly strain of gonorrhea was reported on Channel 2 news? I'll go to the Walmart where he did his news conference to deny that he had it. You know it is just three blocks away.
Me: Great, son! While you are driving, maybe you can think about the last few years of your life and list the names and backgrounds of everyone you know to yourself.
Son: Of course I will do that, mother. You know that is my favorite hobby, along with being a part-time beekeeper and killing ants with a magnifying glass.
Okay, I have to stop myself. I could carry on this conversation for way longer than I should. In other words, though, this book sucks.
February 26, 2011
Witches and Werewolves, and Romance, "Oh My!"
"The Werewolf Upstairs" is the second installment in the Strange Neighbors series by Ashlyn chase.
This was the first novel I read by Ashlyn Chase and I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
This novel is a stand alone novel, but you still have past characters in the story, just not a big part. So you can read them in order, or not, it's your choice!
Roz Wells was a fun heroine. Yes, she was self conscience with low self esteem, but who isn't sometimes? She was a real woman, funny, smart, and not afraid to love food. Roz moves into her best friends apartment, after her friend moves out to live with her new man.
Roz doesn't realize that this apartment will open her eyes and opinions on more than just her friends, but also her sanity.
Konrad Wolfensen is the man of every womans dreams. He loves her curves, her personality and notices little details. He's 6`4, handsome, and witty. I can't think of anything bad to say about him. Which is odd. I usually find something annoying in a character, but nope.. can't think of anything.
This was definitely a cute read. There were twists, secrets, and a large amount of romance.
This is a book you'd love to read in bed on a stormy winter night!
"The Werewolf Upstairs" is the second installment in the Strange Neighbors series by Ashlyn chase.
This was the first novel I read by Ashlyn Chase and I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
This novel is a stand alone novel, but you still have past characters in the story, just not a big part. So you can read them in order, or not, it's your choice!
Roz Wells was a fun heroine. Yes, she was self conscience with low self esteem, but who isn't sometimes? She was a real woman, funny, smart, and not afraid to love food. Roz moves into her best friends apartment, after her friend moves out to live with her new man.
Roz doesn't realize that this apartment will open her eyes and opinions on more than just her friends, but also her sanity.
Konrad Wolfensen is the man of every womans dreams. He loves her curves, her personality and notices little details. He's 6`4, handsome, and witty. I can't think of anything bad to say about him. Which is odd. I usually find something annoying in a character, but nope.. can't think of anything.
This was definitely a cute read. There were twists, secrets, and a large amount of romance.
This is a book you'd love to read in bed on a stormy winter night!
April 27, 2023
The Werewolf Upstairs is the second book in Ashlyn Chase's Strange Neighbors series and is an awesome addition to the PNR genre.
In this book we get a closer look at Roz Wells (get it? LOL!) Roz is Merry's (Strange Neighbors - see my review HERE) best friend. She has moved into Merry's recently vacated apartment because she's worried that Merry has made a mistake by marrying Jason. What Roz didn't realize was that by moving into the building she was putting herself right smack dab in the middle of all the supernatural stuff that went on in the place. Especially when she gets involved with Konrad - the werewolf upstairs.
What I liked about this book:
~The many pop-culture references. I was singing Love Shack for days.
~The humor in this book was great! Ashlyn not only has a way with words but also knows how to get her readers to laugh
~The cover of this book is fantastic! It embodies the story perfectly. Very rarely do you get a cover that so accurately fits the story. A+ to the cover people!
~Gwyneth's and Morgaine's bickering. Gwyneth is a pip!
~The steamy sex scenes. Talk about hot!!
~I identified with Roz quite easily.
What I didn't like about this book:
~Roz totally threw me for a loop in this. In Strange Neighbors she was really supportive of Merry. In this book it becomes apparent that though Roz is an awesome friend and supports her girl Merry she also suspects that Merry might be cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Roz moved into the apartment not only to be close to her friend but also so she could watch over her like she was a babysitter or something. Not cool IMO considering how Merry was so psyched to be on her own in Strange Neighbors.
Ashlyn Chase is now one of my auto buy authors. I just love her light style. I read as an escape and she definitely provides one. I encourage you to give her a try.
In this book we get a closer look at Roz Wells (get it? LOL!) Roz is Merry's (Strange Neighbors - see my review HERE) best friend. She has moved into Merry's recently vacated apartment because she's worried that Merry has made a mistake by marrying Jason. What Roz didn't realize was that by moving into the building she was putting herself right smack dab in the middle of all the supernatural stuff that went on in the place. Especially when she gets involved with Konrad - the werewolf upstairs.
What I liked about this book:
~The many pop-culture references. I was singing Love Shack for days.
~The humor in this book was great! Ashlyn not only has a way with words but also knows how to get her readers to laugh
~The cover of this book is fantastic! It embodies the story perfectly. Very rarely do you get a cover that so accurately fits the story. A+ to the cover people!
~Gwyneth's and Morgaine's bickering. Gwyneth is a pip!
~The steamy sex scenes. Talk about hot!!
~I identified with Roz quite easily.
What I didn't like about this book:
~Roz totally threw me for a loop in this. In Strange Neighbors she was really supportive of Merry. In this book it becomes apparent that though Roz is an awesome friend and supports her girl Merry she also suspects that Merry might be cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Roz moved into the apartment not only to be close to her friend but also so she could watch over her like she was a babysitter or something. Not cool IMO considering how Merry was so psyched to be on her own in Strange Neighbors.
Ashlyn Chase is now one of my auto buy authors. I just love her light style. I read as an escape and she definitely provides one. I encourage you to give her a try.
January 20, 2011
Ashlyn is back with her second book in her original saucy paranormal romance, Strange Neighbors. This time around Roslyn is moving into Marry’s old apartment 1B and she also discovers things are not always as they seem especially when she meets the werewolf in apartment 2A. Ashlyn keeps things interesting, fresh and full of passion, I really enjoyed this story it has a little mystery, humor, adventure and scorching hot sex scenes. There is so many loveable characters in this apartment building, I hope they all get a HEA.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the tenets living there. I really like the two witches in 3B, they are a barrel of laughs. The ghost Chad that lives in 3A, you can say he adds character to the whole place, although I did enjoy reading Chad this time. Here is a few more, a shape-shifter Nathan that lives in 1A, a vampire Sly in the basement and that’s not all, but you have to read to find out who else lives there . Ashlyn keeps just about everyone interactive, so not only do get a good romance between the H/H you get a whole building of great characters to read about.
Now let me tell you some about the H/H in this book Konrad is a werewolf shifter and Roslyn is an attorney. I enjoyed reading the passion between them and the adventure they have together. These two have a huge adventure awaiting them. First they both need new jobs and you wouldn’t believe what kind of mess they both get into trying to find a new job, one lands in jail again and one faces eviction. How do they get into such a mess? Well you have to read to find out;) I recommend this to light paranormal romance readers that likes adventure, humor with some spicy sex.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the tenets living there. I really like the two witches in 3B, they are a barrel of laughs. The ghost Chad that lives in 3A, you can say he adds character to the whole place, although I did enjoy reading Chad this time. Here is a few more, a shape-shifter Nathan that lives in 1A, a vampire Sly in the basement and that’s not all, but you have to read to find out who else lives there . Ashlyn keeps just about everyone interactive, so not only do get a good romance between the H/H you get a whole building of great characters to read about.
Now let me tell you some about the H/H in this book Konrad is a werewolf shifter and Roslyn is an attorney. I enjoyed reading the passion between them and the adventure they have together. These two have a huge adventure awaiting them. First they both need new jobs and you wouldn’t believe what kind of mess they both get into trying to find a new job, one lands in jail again and one faces eviction. How do they get into such a mess? Well you have to read to find out;) I recommend this to light paranormal romance readers that likes adventure, humor with some spicy sex.
April 2, 2016
Why do I do this to myself?
I didn't like the first one. What made me think I'd like this one?
Sadly, I think this is the one that caught my eye originally, which made me read the first one.
I'm not going to bother with the 3rd one.
My issues with this are great.
I was very meh the entire time, and when I normally plow through books in less than two days, this took me at least a week, because the entire weekend (and I had a 4 day weekend!), I literally couldn't be bothered to pick it up. I should have just quit and DNF it, but I hate doing that.
I found nothing funny.
Roz... was... annoying, but I can't remember all her annoying habits at the moment.
Konrad was just sooo perfect *eye roll*
The plot? stupid as hell.
The sex? meh.
Ya'all is PLURAL, not SINGULAR. That irked me so much. (And it's partially because I know that that idiot of a character is going to have a larger role in the next book, that I'm not going to bother reading it.)
I'm done. Not gonna bother with this author any more.
I didn't like the first one. What made me think I'd like this one?
Sadly, I think this is the one that caught my eye originally, which made me read the first one.
I'm not going to bother with the 3rd one.
My issues with this are great.
I was very meh the entire time, and when I normally plow through books in less than two days, this took me at least a week, because the entire weekend (and I had a 4 day weekend!), I literally couldn't be bothered to pick it up. I should have just quit and DNF it, but I hate doing that.
I found nothing funny.
Roz... was... annoying, but I can't remember all her annoying habits at the moment.
Konrad was just sooo perfect *eye roll*
The plot? stupid as hell.
The sex? meh.
Ya'all is PLURAL, not SINGULAR. That irked me so much. (And it's partially because I know that that idiot of a character is going to have a larger role in the next book, that I'm not going to bother reading it.)
I'm done. Not gonna bother with this author any more.
February 11, 2011
I was excited for this and I was not let down. Ashlyn Chase writes a wonderful fun, light and funny romance and I am learning that this is a type I really enjoy and I really need from time-to-time. And the timing was perfect. I was just getting over bronchitis and being home with sick kids and here was this nice light romance and a perfect pick-me-up.
First there are the characters. I love Ms. Chase's characters. The women are self-assured but really not. Roz has self-image issues about her weight (and what woman doesn't) so it was very easy to relate to Roz. Roz also can't believe that the hunky upstairs neighbor Konrad would be attracted to her and she reacts in all the typical ways. Sarcastic remarks about her weight when he compliments her and other ways that are very typical of a curvy woman. Konrad takes this all in stride and teaches her that he loves the way she looks. Roz also is looking for a career change. She is not satisfied with being a lawyer and wants something new. Konrad, who leads a life of crime is also in the market for a new career and the parts of the book where they go on the career search together are hysterical.
Konrad is a self-assured alpha male but he's a lovable one. He truly appreciates Roz and cares for her without taking over for her. He seems to know exactly what her boundaries are. The only problem for this really hot relationship? Konrad has a secret and it's a biggie and he's really not sure how Roz will handle the fact that he is a werewolf. So he hides it from her, but she knows something is up. And that is the big if in the book, will this secret keep them apart?
The romance in the book is hot with a capital H, so be prepared. I enjoyed Roz and Konrad's banter and the romance. It was a lot of fun to watch. More development of the neighbors occurs in this book as well and I love the neighbors - they always provide great antics but they also care for each other and that is a wonderful thing to read.
A very easy and enjoyable read, from the first page to the last. I can't wait to see who moves in next and what antics the neighbors will be up to next as well. Because with an apartment full of vampires, shape-shifters, witches, a ghost and a few normal humans, you never know what to expect next.
First there are the characters. I love Ms. Chase's characters. The women are self-assured but really not. Roz has self-image issues about her weight (and what woman doesn't) so it was very easy to relate to Roz. Roz also can't believe that the hunky upstairs neighbor Konrad would be attracted to her and she reacts in all the typical ways. Sarcastic remarks about her weight when he compliments her and other ways that are very typical of a curvy woman. Konrad takes this all in stride and teaches her that he loves the way she looks. Roz also is looking for a career change. She is not satisfied with being a lawyer and wants something new. Konrad, who leads a life of crime is also in the market for a new career and the parts of the book where they go on the career search together are hysterical.
Konrad is a self-assured alpha male but he's a lovable one. He truly appreciates Roz and cares for her without taking over for her. He seems to know exactly what her boundaries are. The only problem for this really hot relationship? Konrad has a secret and it's a biggie and he's really not sure how Roz will handle the fact that he is a werewolf. So he hides it from her, but she knows something is up. And that is the big if in the book, will this secret keep them apart?
The romance in the book is hot with a capital H, so be prepared. I enjoyed Roz and Konrad's banter and the romance. It was a lot of fun to watch. More development of the neighbors occurs in this book as well and I love the neighbors - they always provide great antics but they also care for each other and that is a wonderful thing to read.
A very easy and enjoyable read, from the first page to the last. I can't wait to see who moves in next and what antics the neighbors will be up to next as well. Because with an apartment full of vampires, shape-shifters, witches, a ghost and a few normal humans, you never know what to expect next.
February 4, 2011
Yes this is book 2, but all the characters are introduced again so one can jump right in.
Roz is not sure what to believe either since her friend Merry did say she married a shape shifter. But when she does get that this is a not a normal house she takes it with ease. She was a nice woman, but insecure since she was not model thin. Konrad is one sweet wolf, and he tells her that she is perfect like she is. Gotta love that.
This was romance and lust from the first moment. Yes they fell fast, and knew it fast too. They were really comfortable around each other too. So lots of romance and passion.
The drama comes from him being caught for burglary, and then when one of the witches upstairs tries to solve this big case. The funnier parts are when they are dating. They are not happy with the jobs they have so they try new things, not with much success.
I think I preferred book 1, I can't say, I would have to re-read it. But sometimes I just felt something lacking, I think it was in the way they talked, some of those lines could have been better. Something was missing.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
The house is amusing, I will give you that. A bunch of quirky characters, and I found myself wondering about the shifter Nathan, I think he could have a good book. If you enjoyed book 1 then you will surely like this one too.
Roz is not sure what to believe either since her friend Merry did say she married a shape shifter. But when she does get that this is a not a normal house she takes it with ease. She was a nice woman, but insecure since she was not model thin. Konrad is one sweet wolf, and he tells her that she is perfect like she is. Gotta love that.
This was romance and lust from the first moment. Yes they fell fast, and knew it fast too. They were really comfortable around each other too. So lots of romance and passion.
The drama comes from him being caught for burglary, and then when one of the witches upstairs tries to solve this big case. The funnier parts are when they are dating. They are not happy with the jobs they have so they try new things, not with much success.
I think I preferred book 1, I can't say, I would have to re-read it. But sometimes I just felt something lacking, I think it was in the way they talked, some of those lines could have been better. Something was missing.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
The house is amusing, I will give you that. A bunch of quirky characters, and I found myself wondering about the shifter Nathan, I think he could have a good book. If you enjoyed book 1 then you will surely like this one too.
February 3, 2011
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.
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: 3.5 stars: Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
For my full review, please visit my blog: http://twimom227.blogspot.com/2011/02...
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: 3.5 stars: Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
For my full review, please visit my blog: http://twimom227.blogspot.com/2011/02...
didnotfinish
November 15, 2011I can't give this book stars (good or bad) because I couldn't get past the first chapter so it is a DNF.
I can't even give you full reasons I couldn't continue. All I know is that I didn't like any of the characters, at all, so it had no interest for me.
I can't even give you full reasons I couldn't continue. All I know is that I didn't like any of the characters, at all, so it had no interest for me.
January 21, 2024
Cute, fun, easy to read romance with supernatural elements. Attorney Roz moves into an apartment building and finds herself falling in love with werewolf Konrad. Other tenants in the building include a vampire, a couple shapeshifters and a couple of witches. And, a ghost that has remained behind after being murdered in the building years ago. I enjoyed the characters and the dialogue, but wasn't a fan of how quick Roz and Konrad wind up in bed together. I like a little more build up, a little more getting to know each other. But overall, I enjoyed it.
January 25, 2011
I love these covers! I'm not normally a fan of cartoony covers, but these are adorable. I hope they stick with them throughout the series.
Now, on to the story: Roz Wells (say it out loud - you'll get it) is an attorney who's not happy with her chosen profession. She's a public defender but wants to do something different. She's moved into her best friend's recently-vacated apartment, and the first person she meets is uber-hunky Konrad Wolfensen.
Konrad works for a security company in a less-than-typical capacity. After he's arrested for breaking and entering, he decides he wants to do something else with his life.
Together they decide to figure out what they want to do instead of their chosen careers. The mishaps they experience are unbelievable! As they're working their way through career choices, they decide to help another resident of the apartment building. Konrad is falsley accused of a crime and Roz must delve into a past Konrad has tried to forget.
Roz and Konrad are adorable. Konrad is a little boneheaded at times but he's got a good heart :) I really enjoyed reading their adventures - they did stuff I'd actually enjoy doing with my own husband! Ms. Chase writes a great combination of Contemporary and Paranormal romance - upbeat and fun with just the right amount of weird. I am loving getting to know the quirky residents of this apartment building and I can't wait to see who's story is next!
Now, on to the story: Roz Wells (say it out loud - you'll get it) is an attorney who's not happy with her chosen profession. She's a public defender but wants to do something different. She's moved into her best friend's recently-vacated apartment, and the first person she meets is uber-hunky Konrad Wolfensen.
Konrad works for a security company in a less-than-typical capacity. After he's arrested for breaking and entering, he decides he wants to do something else with his life.
Together they decide to figure out what they want to do instead of their chosen careers. The mishaps they experience are unbelievable! As they're working their way through career choices, they decide to help another resident of the apartment building. Konrad is falsley accused of a crime and Roz must delve into a past Konrad has tried to forget.
Roz and Konrad are adorable. Konrad is a little boneheaded at times but he's got a good heart :) I really enjoyed reading their adventures - they did stuff I'd actually enjoy doing with my own husband! Ms. Chase writes a great combination of Contemporary and Paranormal romance - upbeat and fun with just the right amount of weird. I am loving getting to know the quirky residents of this apartment building and I can't wait to see who's story is next!
January 15, 2012
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.
Praise for Strange Neighbors:
"The good-natured fun never stops. Chase brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem." -Publishers Week
So yeah I started reading this and honestly could not put my nook down I was in a trance beyond my mind I wanted and craved more. And thank you for putting a girl who is not the normal skinny in this book, I related even more to that what girl doesn't think that way, I still don't and I've been Married 9yrs. So again Cudos for that Can't wait for the next book with Sly actually I already started it. LOL
Praise for Strange Neighbors:
"The good-natured fun never stops. Chase brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem." -Publishers Week
So yeah I started reading this and honestly could not put my nook down I was in a trance beyond my mind I wanted and craved more. And thank you for putting a girl who is not the normal skinny in this book, I related even more to that what girl doesn't think that way, I still don't and I've been Married 9yrs. So again Cudos for that Can't wait for the next book with Sly actually I already started it. LOL
January 19, 2011
Wish I could give it 3 1/2 stars. Alot better than the first book, in my opinion. But them I am alot more fond of dogs than birds. I also thought most of the story was about the two main characters and not too much about the rest of the residents in the building. That was a much improvement over the first. I will definitly be on the lookout when the next in the series comes out.
could-not-finish
February 23, 2016The ghost who keeps talking but no one hears him (waste of space - but with the huge font maybe they were trying to fill the book out). Who in 2010 calls a private detective a "private dick". This is not 1930. And all this before I even made it to page 20. I give up!
January 21, 2023
kindle 352 pages.
did not finish
i gave up halfway in. just couldn't take any more of the inane giggling, the pushy rude idiotic neighbor whose nephew owns the building, and a devious ghost stealing hair to set an innocent character up for blame for a theft.
when the main character has a 'screaming orgasm', the idiot neighbor comes banging on the door and demands to be allowed in to inspect the apartment to be sure the guy hadn't killed a woman. wouldn't accept the woman calling out from the bedroom that she was fine, oh no, she still insisted she be allowed in the supposed serial killers apartment. and after that i couldn't do it anymore.
there's an eyeroll limit for stupid behavior and i've reached mine.
did not finish
i gave up halfway in. just couldn't take any more of the inane giggling, the pushy rude idiotic neighbor whose nephew owns the building, and a devious ghost stealing hair to set an innocent character up for blame for a theft.
when the main character has a 'screaming orgasm', the idiot neighbor comes banging on the door and demands to be allowed in to inspect the apartment to be sure the guy hadn't killed a woman. wouldn't accept the woman calling out from the bedroom that she was fine, oh no, she still insisted she be allowed in the supposed serial killers apartment. and after that i couldn't do it anymore.
there's an eyeroll limit for stupid behavior and i've reached mine.
July 1, 2011
I had high hopes for this book, one that combines my two favorite elements in romance - the paranormal and humor. It works quite well as far as the paranormal, but it’s the humor that doesn’t keep pace and is lacking a bit. Thus, while I do like the characters and the storyline, I only had a smile or two to give the humorous side of it all and not a full-out chuckle that I pinned my hopes on.
Roz has moved into her best friend’s former apartment, worried about her friend and wanting to be close to her since wedding the love of her life - a man who can shift into a wolf or so says her friend. There she meets a variety of bizarre characters, thought she doesn’t know the half of it. She just thinks a few of them are off the wall, has no idea they possess paranormal powers. Eventually meeting Konrad, Roz becomes a tad smitten right off the bat, taken with his smile, his good looks, and that wonderfully buff bod. She can only hope he’s on the up and up and not like the dregs she always represents in her job as a public defender.
After enjoying time in Konrad’s company, Roz is not sure she should hope for more, but that’s difficult because he’s like a dream come true the way he treats her when he barely knows her. His feelings are the real deal, though; Konrad even goes so far to think Roz might be his mate and he wants to see more of her to find out for sure. In the meantime, however, his “job” goes awry when he’s caught red-handed moving a display case outside a store to push the owner into buying an alarm system - from the company his cousin owns. This should have been his last job, but nothing goes right. Of course, when he meets his attorney the next day, Konrad is as surprised as Roz when they come face to face at the jail.
Roz tries to give Konrad the benefit of the doubt - because who in the world would believe the so-called witness and the police report detailing the man lifting what amounts to tons of weight. Totally impossible. So she vows to get Konrad off and they spend even more time together. Little by little Roz learns about Konrad and all the residents in their building, and she becomes a believer in the supernatural. The book along these lines is just fine. What didn’t work for me is the humor that’s woven in and about these characters as they go through their days. Most of the goings-on are more of a silly nature rather than outright humorous. Maybe I just wasn’t in a silly mood the couple of days it took me to read the book.
An example of that silliness is Konrad and Roz agree to head home to talk over their new-found way of communicating, they banter back and forth for a minute, which leads Konrad to pick Roz up and throw her over his shoulder to carry her home when she playfully accuses him of being a caveman. He decides to act like one. This is the conversation following:
Roz thumped him on the back. “Put me down this minute!”
“Just relax and enjoy the ride.”
“I don’t usually hear that until I make it to the bedroom.”
Konrad laughed but ignored her plea and strode off in the direction of their building as if she weighed no more than a sack of tennis balls. He added to her embarrassment by whistling.
“Oh, very nice. What if I have to fart while I’m up here?”
“Then fart. We’re traveling downwind.”
And it goes on from there in the same vein. I just can’t see a woman - an attorney, no less - saying something like this to a man she’s just met, even if she is attracted to him. Just before this she argues with him about him carrying her because she believes she weighs too much. That I can believe a woman would say. But most women wouldn’t use the word fart and in this way, she’s too busy trying to hold it in if one is imminent. That’s embarrassing to actually let one loose.
There is a side story surrounding a years-old heist at a local museum where the only remaining witness is the resident ghost, and one of the witches Roz has befriended is using her skills as a medium to interview said ghost to solve the crime and collect a huge reward. This part of the story really didn’t do much for me; it feels as though it’s there only to cause havoc in Konrad and Roz’s life later on. There’s also a ghost in the apartment building who ends up going to the museum to talk ghost to ghost when that apparition becomes non-cooperative, and after a while things just seem to get bogged down with so much going.
The dialogue at times reads like info dumps and is stiff and awkward. Roz sounds more like a man than Konrad when she speaks, using “fuck” just as much or more than he does. When Konrad proposes, he messes it up a bit and what he gets for that is a kick in the balls. Huh? The comedy of that scene flew right by me. There’s a couple of inconsistencies here and there, but after some of this other stuff, it didn’t make much difference to me by that point. Most of the secondary characters are okay, quirky in their own way, but I could have done without Dottie, the super of the building. Very annoying woman.
But if you enjoy this type of humor in your books and your movies, you’ll more than likely like this book better than I do. I do still like Roz and Konrad, despite some of the things they say and do that I don’t like. All of these little things minimize other parts of the story - I now don’t remember the few shifting scenes when Konrad is in wolf form, and those are scenes I always enjoy most when reading about shifters. Not knowing if the other related books are written in this same vein, I’m amenable to trying another sometime just to see how it goes.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Roz has moved into her best friend’s former apartment, worried about her friend and wanting to be close to her since wedding the love of her life - a man who can shift into a wolf or so says her friend. There she meets a variety of bizarre characters, thought she doesn’t know the half of it. She just thinks a few of them are off the wall, has no idea they possess paranormal powers. Eventually meeting Konrad, Roz becomes a tad smitten right off the bat, taken with his smile, his good looks, and that wonderfully buff bod. She can only hope he’s on the up and up and not like the dregs she always represents in her job as a public defender.
After enjoying time in Konrad’s company, Roz is not sure she should hope for more, but that’s difficult because he’s like a dream come true the way he treats her when he barely knows her. His feelings are the real deal, though; Konrad even goes so far to think Roz might be his mate and he wants to see more of her to find out for sure. In the meantime, however, his “job” goes awry when he’s caught red-handed moving a display case outside a store to push the owner into buying an alarm system - from the company his cousin owns. This should have been his last job, but nothing goes right. Of course, when he meets his attorney the next day, Konrad is as surprised as Roz when they come face to face at the jail.
Roz tries to give Konrad the benefit of the doubt - because who in the world would believe the so-called witness and the police report detailing the man lifting what amounts to tons of weight. Totally impossible. So she vows to get Konrad off and they spend even more time together. Little by little Roz learns about Konrad and all the residents in their building, and she becomes a believer in the supernatural. The book along these lines is just fine. What didn’t work for me is the humor that’s woven in and about these characters as they go through their days. Most of the goings-on are more of a silly nature rather than outright humorous. Maybe I just wasn’t in a silly mood the couple of days it took me to read the book.
An example of that silliness is Konrad and Roz agree to head home to talk over their new-found way of communicating, they banter back and forth for a minute, which leads Konrad to pick Roz up and throw her over his shoulder to carry her home when she playfully accuses him of being a caveman. He decides to act like one. This is the conversation following:
Roz thumped him on the back. “Put me down this minute!”
“Just relax and enjoy the ride.”
“I don’t usually hear that until I make it to the bedroom.”
Konrad laughed but ignored her plea and strode off in the direction of their building as if she weighed no more than a sack of tennis balls. He added to her embarrassment by whistling.
“Oh, very nice. What if I have to fart while I’m up here?”
“Then fart. We’re traveling downwind.”
And it goes on from there in the same vein. I just can’t see a woman - an attorney, no less - saying something like this to a man she’s just met, even if she is attracted to him. Just before this she argues with him about him carrying her because she believes she weighs too much. That I can believe a woman would say. But most women wouldn’t use the word fart and in this way, she’s too busy trying to hold it in if one is imminent. That’s embarrassing to actually let one loose.
There is a side story surrounding a years-old heist at a local museum where the only remaining witness is the resident ghost, and one of the witches Roz has befriended is using her skills as a medium to interview said ghost to solve the crime and collect a huge reward. This part of the story really didn’t do much for me; it feels as though it’s there only to cause havoc in Konrad and Roz’s life later on. There’s also a ghost in the apartment building who ends up going to the museum to talk ghost to ghost when that apparition becomes non-cooperative, and after a while things just seem to get bogged down with so much going.
The dialogue at times reads like info dumps and is stiff and awkward. Roz sounds more like a man than Konrad when she speaks, using “fuck” just as much or more than he does. When Konrad proposes, he messes it up a bit and what he gets for that is a kick in the balls. Huh? The comedy of that scene flew right by me. There’s a couple of inconsistencies here and there, but after some of this other stuff, it didn’t make much difference to me by that point. Most of the secondary characters are okay, quirky in their own way, but I could have done without Dottie, the super of the building. Very annoying woman.
But if you enjoy this type of humor in your books and your movies, you’ll more than likely like this book better than I do. I do still like Roz and Konrad, despite some of the things they say and do that I don’t like. All of these little things minimize other parts of the story - I now don’t remember the few shifting scenes when Konrad is in wolf form, and those are scenes I always enjoy most when reading about shifters. Not knowing if the other related books are written in this same vein, I’m amenable to trying another sometime just to see how it goes.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
January 6, 2022
The Werewolf Upstairs can be read out of order from the rest of the series (or the author's entire catalog as all her books take place in the same universe) but you'll find this more enjoyable if you read the books in order as you will be less confused about why certain later events aren't a factor in this book. This is another light, sexy book from Chase and primarily follows the perspectives of Roz and Konrad where her more recent book, How To Date A Dragon, follows multiple perspectives making this book more in line with paranormal romance trends of the past and present.
Speaking of time, the thing I found most confusing about this book was the timing of when this book takes place, how old the characters were supposed to be, and just how slowly werewolfs of this world age. One major plot point is that a museum is robbed in the 90's and Konrad is later framed for it. This book was published in 2011 but some of the computer lingo used makes it few like it is set earlier than that (young readers closer to 20 will not understand the learning curve that was the internet back in the early 2000's). It's very hard to tell how long after the robbery this book takes place and if it should be weird that Konrad hasn't aged or that he was qualified to be a dean of a school during the time of the robbery. This may seem like a nitpicky thing, but it's something my brain picked up early in the book and couldn't let go of.
Overall, this book is a fun, sexy read that leans on the alpha male side as werewolf books are oft to do. If Alpha male isn't your thing, then werewolf books are probably not for you. The neighbor antics are Chase's shining quality as a writer and I loved every minute of it.
Speaking of time, the thing I found most confusing about this book was the timing of when this book takes place, how old the characters were supposed to be, and just how slowly werewolfs of this world age. One major plot point is that a museum is robbed in the 90's and Konrad is later framed for it. This book was published in 2011 but some of the computer lingo used makes it few like it is set earlier than that (young readers closer to 20 will not understand the learning curve that was the internet back in the early 2000's). It's very hard to tell how long after the robbery this book takes place and if it should be weird that Konrad hasn't aged or that he was qualified to be a dean of a school during the time of the robbery. This may seem like a nitpicky thing, but it's something my brain picked up early in the book and couldn't let go of.
Overall, this book is a fun, sexy read that leans on the alpha male side as werewolf books are oft to do. If Alpha male isn't your thing, then werewolf books are probably not for you. The neighbor antics are Chase's shining quality as a writer and I loved every minute of it.
November 25, 2024
I am glad I gave this a try; I enjoyed Book Two much more! Roz and Konrad are a likeable pairing that makes sense: he's an intelligent former dean who loves to read, and she's an intelligent attorney. Their idea for finding employment inspiration is creative (and batty!) and prompts suitably Lucy/Ethel-esque shenanigans. One character is departing (yay!), and another, formerly charming, has devolved into a real be-yotch. The job resolution and the HEA worked for me.
December 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
Um, ok, I purchased these three books a few years ago and just now decided to read them. This book was all right I guess. I was tempted to stop reading a few times but ended up skimming through it. I am attached to Ms. Chases's characters but had a difficult time reading this one. Just so you know, I have read and enjoyed her series 'The Boston Dragons', so maybe she hadn't quite gotten into the groove yet with this series.
Um, ok, I purchased these three books a few years ago and just now decided to read them. This book was all right I guess. I was tempted to stop reading a few times but ended up skimming through it. I am attached to Ms. Chases's characters but had a difficult time reading this one. Just so you know, I have read and enjoyed her series 'The Boston Dragons', so maybe she hadn't quite gotten into the groove yet with this series.
October 5, 2020
Humorous read for the most part. I found myself skimming through the sex scenes just because after reading the first two I would rather read about all the characters in the building and their interactions then the sex scenes. I'm still going to continue to read the book in the series and skim through again if needed.
June 22, 2017
Review
Umm this was kinda all over the place. And it honesty felt like chapters were missing. Out of left field in chapter two they were reading each others minds? What? This could have been such a fun read...
Umm this was kinda all over the place. And it honesty felt like chapters were missing. Out of left field in chapter two they were reading each others minds? What? This could have been such a fun read...
May 16, 2023
So I enjoyed this a bit more than the first in the series. More giggles and the bedroom scenes made me blush and skim until they were done.
I am also hopeful we get more interaction with these characters in the next installment.
I am also hopeful we get more interaction with these characters in the next installment.
September 6, 2017
loved the series
December 12, 2017
Loved this book!!
August 28, 2018
A bit too much sex weaved in. The storyline was great as was the previous book. Just too much of a porn novel instead of romance /supernatural/plot. But I still enjoyed the story.
March 30, 2019
A very cute, light romance featuring a sexy werewolf.
August 19, 2019
Quite fun, but I don’t think I’ll bother with anything else from this author.
November 15, 2019
Enjoyable
I love this series just like all of the other books Ms. Chase has written. Humor in a cute story are always fine by me.
I love this series just like all of the other books Ms. Chase has written. Humor in a cute story are always fine by me.
February 3, 2020
WRead in one day. Did better at differentiating POV
December 6, 2023
Great book great series!
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