Paranormal/Futuristic
Beast Within
By Sandi Potterton
Aug 10, 2007 - 10:38:24 PM

Freezha has chosen her shapeshifting combat instructor as her mate. But a recent incident has made her a bit wary about his shapeshifting abilities and his people's customs. She wants to lose her virginity to Vyur, but not in a public mating ceremony and not when he is in a form that could devour her. So she has a plan—now she just needs Vyur to agree.  Vyur's Clan has a secret. Mating with humans affects changes in the women and means accepting all of the Clans customs; it is a matter of life and death. Freezha will have to trust Vyur—and his best friend--if she is to become Vyur's mate. Vyur frees Freezha's sexuality and she thinks she can handle everything he's got—but when your husband isn't human, all may be more than you bargained for!

BEAST WITHIN is an interesting and unusual twist on 'normal' shapeshifter themes. The plot was fascinating and different, but Mima did a great job of making her fantasy world real and believable. The flow of the story is just quick enough to keep you reading without being too fast for comfort. The characters are intriguing, especially the shapeshifters as Mima has created a new 'species' and does a great job of explaining their quirks and customs. The story has both a futuristic and sci-fi feel to it, so should appeal to readers who do not typically read just paranormals. The sex scenes are explicit and include ménage, toys, light bondage and anal sex. The romance is terrific and both partners must learn to deal with differences because of their interspecies relationship.  BEAST WITHIN is touted as book one in a series and I certainly hope Mima continues as I would love to visit this world again!