Amaya isn’t proud of what she has to do to keep food on the table, but she does like sex. She took the job as a paid woman when she was thrown out of her guild for an unmarried pregnancy.

Eledi is Amaya’s four year old daughter and she has a very strong mage power for her age. She is a beautiful child and full of energy.

Ruse is a Truxet warrior and his beast spirit is the Sandcat. He is on assignment in the city to investigate the new thing killing the Hawks.

When Ruse sees the little girl out by herself, he is immediately angry that an adult would leave a child unattended. He approaches the little girl and she talks to him and seems unafraid of him. When Amaya sees Eledi talking to a strange man, she goes into protective mode and summons the wind to bring her daughter to her. But Eledi has other plans, and brings the man with her. Amaya knows the man is a Beast but really isn’t afraid of him because she has serviced many of his kind in her work. Eledi is so taken with the man; she wants everyone to be friends. Eledi knows Ruse is different somehow, but trusts him because he has good eyes. As Amaya starts to form feelings for Ruse, she can’t believe that all her dreams are within reach. But to give up everything in the city to live with the Truxet would mean that Eledi doesn’t get a choice in life, and Amaya is conflicted. When Eledi is attacked by the very thing Ruse is investigating, Ruse rushes to save her. In the process Ruse is terribly injured and possibly dying. Strange Beasts rush to help, and Amaya learns there is only one way to save Ruse. Will Amaya be strong enough to do what has to be done to save Ruse’s life?

I am still reeling from reading this book. Mima has written another fantastic book in the world of the Beasts. Within Reach is fast paced, full of action and emotions, not to mention the fabulous hot sex for which Mima is known. While reading Amaya’s dilemma about wanting to do what is right for her daughter, I could understand her emotions and hesitation. Amaya is a strong woman to overcome her obstacles in life and try to make things better for her daughter. She is the kind of heroine it is a pleasure to read about. Ruse is...well Ruse is a beast, and as such just compels feelings of lust. I was a little shocked by the outcome of the battle, but I think it’s also what made this story so heart wrenching. As I read more about the world of the Beasts, I understand more and more about their lifestyles and habits. I am so looking forward to the next book. Go, Mima!