cover image The Werewolf Upstairs

The Werewolf Upstairs

Ashlyn Chase, Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4022-3662-4

In this stand-alone sequel to 2010's Strange Neighbors, disillusioned attorney Roz Wells moves into her new Boston digs, an apartment building full of witches, shape-shifters, and a nosy ghost. Roz and sexy werewolf Konrad Wolfensen instantly hit it off and embark upon sexual adventures and cute-couple antics. A skimpy side mystery about a long-ago museum robbery is the only discernible plot device, giving Konrad a sudden need for his new girl's lawyerly abilities. For the most part the tale genially and somewhat aimlessly bounces along as it examines Roz and Konrad's search for meaningful career paths and ever more mutual pleasure. Stilted, often unnecessary dialogue ("I can't believe you saved that child without getting killed.... You were so brave and so selfless") and entire superfluous scenes pepper the pages as the story meanders toward a predictably sweet ending. (Feb.)