One thing that Tessa knows how to do, besides write scorching hot scenes, is create a captivating storyline with engaging characters. Staking His Claim is no different. Matt and Lucy's story is a bit more carnal and not as emotionally in-depth as the others, in my opinion, but I still loved every minute of it. 
 I will say that Matt is the darkest of all the men I've met so far from Tessa, but still, not as dark as other men in romance I've met. He's pretty tame, in my opinion. He's still a pretty stand-up guy, a little closed off and aloof, but fiercely protective and genuine. His history fits with his personality now, but I kind of wished that was explored and resolved a bit more than what was given. It felt a bit too easy for Lucy to break through his hard exterior, especially when he's been closed off for so long. Either way, he's also right up there with the best of them, that dirty-talker! Tessa sure knows how to walk the line of sexy dirty-talking. Yum! 
 Lucy was a decent female lead and, yet again, although not my favorite Bailey girl, I think she complimented Matt well. I felt like Matt and his problems stole the show and while Lucy had her moments, I didn't get much development and such from her. The romance was great, as always, Tessa delivered a stand-out performance there, but the rest of it was just good. That is probably me being too critical, but it's hard for me not to be when the other 4 books in the series has been fantastic from start to finish. 
 Regardless of my nit-picking, Staking His Claim was still pretty awesome and Queen Tessa did a great job with their story. Oh, and I loved seeing Brent and Hayden throughout the book as well. It always warms my heart to see other characters I've come to love and see how they're doing. I'm so sad to see this series end. Please, Tessa! Please say you'll write some kind of bonus scene that includes all of your boys! Bring them all together for one mind-blowing read!