STAKING HIS CLAIM (Line of Duty #5) by TESSA BAILEY

G&J: Well what more can we say about Tessa Bailey and her heroes that we haven’t already said? We’ve loved every single story and every single hero. Tessa rocks at writing pure sexy raw indulgence. What this Author crams into a short story is fantastic, it really is. When you need a hit of something hot, passionate, thrilling and drama laden there’s not much better than a shot of Tessa Bailey that’s for sure. Even her heroines are ace; they sparkle and they’re completely lovable. Every story ticks all the right boxes for that much needed quickie we all desire every so often…yes, pun intended!

In this fifth instalment we finally get the story of NYPD sniper Matt Donovan who’s been a bit of an enigma. Matt, Matt, Matt….you had us wanting to throw our knickers at you and jump into a submissive pose. Because bloody hell you command every scene you’re in; the imposing presence, your dirty filthy mouth and your *cough* talents had us squirming whilst reading.

‘Take it slow. Don’t scare her.’

‘His needs had been locked up so tight for so damn long.’

Once again there’s a convincing chemistry between the hero and heroine. The intensity and the sexual tension between Matt and Lucy was smouldering.  We felt it and we believed it. Matt tries to be everything he truly isn’t and he fights tooth and nail not to fall for the delectable Lucy who’s not only his mate’s sister but who’s also innocence personified in Matt’s eyes.

‘Alone was the best place for him.’

Well that, right there is why their attraction was so hot and intense, because it was a case of opposite attracts. Matt has a vulnerability which stems from a previous relationship gone wrong. He was made to feel like a ‘deviant’ by a woman he cared deeply for, leaving emotional scars. So when he falls in lust for the sweet pure Lucy he tries his utmost not to touch her.

‘Forbidden was the only way to describe her. Forbidden to him.’

Where Matt is controlled and in command of his professional life. Lucy is a thrill seeker and a bubble of fun who grabs life by the scruff of the neck. She lives under the cloud of a label which has caused insecurities, however, she knows what she wants in life.

‘He’d mastered her completely…’

Neither is the other’s ‘usual type’ but the attraction is immediate and of high level intensity as each discover things about themselves by the hand and the guidance of the other.

“Jesus. You’re begging me for it aren’t you. Beg harder.”

“More, Matt. Please.”

Yeah Matt, more please, because wow….That. Is. All!!!!