I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review

The Beast Within by Rachel M. Raithby was the first book in the Woodland Creek series I picked up. Becca Kian is on the run after killing a man and escaping her drug lord boyfriend. Aster Tavros is a shifter in hiding and struggles daily to keep his beast in check. When the two collide on the road, Becca awakens something in Aster he himself runs from.

So I'm not sure how I felt about this particular book. Becca is a strong character and can definitely hold her own. She's seen monsters in her past and recognizes them in others, so Aster doesn't scare her in the slightest. In fact she feels safe with him, after only knowing him a few days. But she has this constant fear of being found by her ex. She wants to run, but then she's happy for the first time in a really long time. I kinda struggled with her. I wanted her to trust Aster and come clean, tell the truth and see what happened. I rooted for her and even weeped for her at times.

Aster is...just wow! He's a minotaur, which this is the first book I've ever read with a minotaur shifter. He's honestly one scary dude. Yet his human side is the complete opposite. He's kind, caring, and protective, even if he has a bit of a temper. Like Becca, he's also running. He's running from relationships after he's seen them fail time and again when the partner realizes what he truly is. BUT when Becca crashes into his life, he ignores all those run-for-the-hills feelings he usually has in an effort to get to know her. Can you tell I like him?! He wants to show her his true self, his beast, but he is afraid which is a bit endearing if you ask me.

Plot wise, there really wasn't one. You have some significant insta-love with Aster and Becca. There's also the threat of Becca's ex coming for them. But really there was no driving plot for this story which is why I don't really know how I feel about it. There is some excellent romance, bordering on the erotic side (fair warning), and there is the constant suspense of will Aster show Becca his beast side, but nothing to drive the story.

Overall I thought The Beast Within was just okay. I really liked the characters and the setting, a secluded cabin in the woods (can it get any more romantic?!), but the plot was lacking. If you enjoy paranormal romance, than you'll probably enjoy this novella. Warning though there are some erotic scenes and a pretty graphic gory scene towards the end so consider yourself warned if you pick up the book!