CHARMING THE BEAST is Book three in Cynthia Eden's Purgatory series. Even though I'm a big fan of Cynthia Eden, I haven't read the previous two books in this series. However, I was still able to enjoy CHARMING THE BEAST and follow the story without being confused. Of course now that I've read it, I will hunt down those other two books -- especially since they're about some of the same characters I found so interesting in this story.

In addition to the sexy romance in CHARMING THE BEAST, there are two other major themes -- family, and a young woman's journey of self-discovery. When the story opens, Connor and Chloe seem to have a somewhat antagonistic relationship. That's expected since Connor is effectively Chloe's jailor from her perspective. I like the story being told from both points-of-view. Cynthia Eden creates some flawed, complex, and very interesting characters. I like that Connor and Chloe can relate to each other - both having suffered with very terrible fathers. The varied members of the FBI's Para Unit act almost as a surrogate family. However, as the leader of the Para Unit, Eric Pate is more of a puppeteer than benevolent father figure. The supporting characters in CHARMING THE BEAST are all extremely fascinating and I look forward to reading more about them in the future.

As with other books by Cynthia Eden, the relationship between Connor and Chloe is full of sexual tension and extremely steamy encounters. I enjoyed the evolution that their relationship undergoes. It's difficult for Connor when Chloe brings all of his possessive and protective urges to the forefront. Chloe resists being controlled or managed like she was by her father for so many years. It's a struggle for Connor to walk the thin line between protecting and stifling.

CHARMING THE BEAST is a riveting and erotic paranormal romance. The action kept me guessing but it never outweighs the romance. The bad guy is easy to hate, but Cynthia Eden gives him a back story so that he is not just a stock villain. I look forward to the next book by Cynthia Eden.