Often, when one reads an explicit anthology, the works within have one of two options: steamy sex scenes or good writing with interesting characters and a plot. Upon the first explosive scene of Chanku Spirit by Kate Douglas, I feared that plot and characters would be of little import. Instead, all three works were well-written, with characters a reader would enjoy reading about and plot development that served as far more than interesting venues for sex. Not only were the intimate scenes intricate, they served for a higher purpose within each story.

Chanku Spirit tells the tale of shapeshifters on a journey for truth about their origins and a compulsion they cannot resist; what begins as a spiritual quest quickly becomes a race for the life of one of their companions. Douglas has written other Chanku stories and this one is an excellent representation that makes one want to read more about these sensual shapeshifters.

Running Wild presents the dilemma one female werewolf, Deanna, has when she wonders if a stressful situation has encouraged her to desire the only male werewolf in the vicinity, or if fate has placed her in the path of her mate.

Finally, Heart of the Wildcat demonstrates a similar situation with an entirely different spin, as Kathryn Dayton discovers what it means to be a female shifter in a race of mostly males.