Staking Her Claim... — Natasha Thomas

~ Staking Her Claim ~ Book 1 in the Patricks' Brothers series Growing up with seven brothers, Alysia Patricks' has always been considered ‘one of the boys,' which was fine with her. That was until she met, Robert Leighton; a gorgeous, yet emotionally scarred boy who managed to steal her heart without uttering a single word. Devoting herself to helping Robert heal from whatever torment still plagued him was easier said than done, because behind the scenes every hurt she conquered, another three would take its place. Not to mention her overwhelming and deepening attraction to him made it hard to focus on being his friend. There were two things Robert knew for certain. One, his life was spiralling dangerously out of control, and two, Alysia was too good, too pure, and too important to let his demons darken her world. For those reasons alone it was blindingly clear that Robert would have to let Alysia go, and that it would have to be soon. She was getting too close to breaking down his walls, and Robert wasn't even close to being ready to share his lifetime of pain. Fifteen long years later, by a twist of fate, Alysia comes to his rescue, and for the first time in years, Robert feels like he can finally breathe again. But as secrets are unveiled, tempers flare, and passions ignite Robert finds it impossible to ignore the horrific memories of his childhood threatening to surface at every turn. However, what Robert doesn't know is that the decision to stay and fight or cut and run has already been made for him, because as far as Alysia is concerned, she isn't willing to lose Robert again. She is staking her claim, which means his time spent hiding is fast running out.