Hardcore Vanilla

Stronghold Doms #8

by Golden Angel

Sharon Bianchi knows just how lucky she is. Not everyone's grandmother leaves them a trust fund and virtually no worries. But money doesn't mean Sharon's life has been perfect, and after the childhood she had she's more than grateful to have found friends who love and accept her for who she is and not what she can do for them. Even if she does have to put up with constant side-eye from Lexie's big brother, Jake.

With a little help from his friends, Jake Standish has made a successful return to civilian life after serving in the Army. There's only one issue: his unfortunate attraction to the last single woman in his social circle. Sharon is loud, crass, and completely over-the-top. Everything about her grates on him -- including the way he can't get her out of his head.

One very explosive New Year's Eve will set these two frenemies on fire for each other. Is theirs a collision course with disaster or happily-ever-after?

This is the last book in the Stronghold Doms series but can be read as a standalone.

1. The Sassy Submissive
2. Taming the Tease
2.5 On His Knees
3. Mastering Lexie
3.5 Pieces of Stronghold
4. Breaking the Chain
5. Bound to the Past
6. Stripping the Sub
7. Tempting the Domme
8. Hardcore Vanilla

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Smut, Audiobook, Contemporary

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2018

About the author

Golden Angel is a USA Today best-selling author of heart and bottom warming romance.

She is happily married, old enough to know better but still too young to care, and a big fan of happily-ever-afters, strong heroes and heroines, and sizzling chemistry.

When not in front of her computer writing, she can be found sewing her next project, hanging out with friends, or wandering the grounds of the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Newsletter with free books - https://subscribepage.io/goldenangelr...

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Website: http://www.goldenangelromance.com

Reviews

[Camila (previously the opinionated Catruler) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am feeling a weird mix of melancholic and physically ill, some of which I shall attribute to this series ending and leaving a hole in my heart (and other parts of my body) where my favorite Stronghold Masters (and Mistress (and subs, really)) used to be.


Sad Affleck is me right now

The fact that I didn't know this author existed 2 weeks ago doesn't lessen my burden, and thus the only thing I feel like writing is a wishlist for all the things I need from the Marquis spin-off.

Things That Need To Happen For Camila To Not Feel Sad And Empty Anymore:

1. Kincaid/Zach LURVE story (honestly this was teased enough that if it doesn't happen I'll sue)
2. Olivia and Luke scening at Marquis
3. FREDDY GETTING SOME ALL THE LOVE PLEASE (I'm partial to a Sugar Mama or Daddy that's high profile, like a politician or something, IT IS Marquis after all)
4. Olivia giving her Baby Doms unsolicited love advice
5. Brian/Rae/Dommi (Daddy Dom/baby girls, similar/different struggles a M/F/F would face compared to Jessica/Justin/Chris)
6. Olivia shutting assholes of all genders down as Mistress Manager
7. Nick/Avery endagering the health and safety of the kitchen in the most fun ways
8. Luke giving Nick advice
9. SEXY CLOAK AND DAGGER SCENES AT MARQUIS
10. Rick and Maria having a baby (because tbh they totally deserve it AND YOU KNOW IT GOLDEN ANGEL, I DON'T CARE STRONGHOLD'S OVER)
11. NO MORE MOMMY ISSUES
12. Did I mention I wouldn't mind some more Olivia and Luke?

Those are basically the essentials and really that's it, this year today I just can't.



Also, read Golden Angel because she's awesome and stuff.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love enemies to lovers romances, they have so much chemistry and banter *sigh*

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a fantastic love story that has spanned eight books. Angel has developed characters that meet at Stronghold which is a BDSM club. There were also four venus rising books that encompass these marvelous couples. Hardcore Vanilla is the story of the last unmarried couple in the group. Sharon and Jake strive to reconcile the fact that opposites attract. A copy of this book was provided by the author with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." Look forward to more by Golden Angel!

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

One heck of a kinky, steamy read

Whilst part of a BDSM themed series, as the title suggests , the play in this is more kinky than D/s, floggers and clamps. For me that was one of the biggest positives of the story. I loved that this couple didn't bind themselves to the rules or expectations of others. I thoroughly enjoyed Sharon and Jake's story and loved the message of everyone's kink being unique.

I've dipped in and out of this series, so I didn't know a lot about this couple. However this was easy to read this as a stand alone and it was fairly simple to pick up the context of their situation. I really did feel a connection to both Sharon and Jake and felt they were very believable characters. I loved that they found their perfection in the others imperfection, what you want and what you need are not always the same thing.

The story flowed really smoothly, the pace was perfect and I found myself totally engaged in the story from start to finish. Their relationship felt both very natural and very real, with no silly or forced conflict. They dealt with issues in a mature manner, fitting with the age of the characters.

The book is pretty steamy, yet it didn't feel excessive or overdone. I did snigger at some of the inventive words and phrases the author employed to describe a certain part of the female anatomy. Please don't take this too seriously, it's meant to be light-hearted and silly. If forced to choose the I'd say that 'Furry Furnace' was my favourite one.

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon and Jake give the Stronghold series the end it deserves ánd needed. This group of friends,this chosen family is complete with their story and i’m on the one hand sad to see them go,while on the other glad to see them all get their happy after.

Sharon and Jake are the most unlikely couple to get together,but once they do.....things that seemed important,things that bothered both,seem not so bad anymore. Finally,they really,really get to know eachother and find they like the same things. Finally,Sharon finds the man behind Grumpy Cap,and she likes him só much more. And Jake finally starts to understand Sharon’s actions for what they are,and he really likes her só much more.

I really loved how they were together and seeing the rest of this chosen family again was an added bonus. Thank you Golden Angel,for this very fitting goodbye!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing vanilla about the vibes Sharon and Jake give off. They push each other to the limits of control and patience with abrasive personalities, explosive attraction and sensual delight. What happens when sassy foreplay becomes a matter of the heart? Angel turns the heat on full blast with a headfirst dive into complicated. Hardcore Vanilla is chaos at it's most nuclear. The ride up may be fierce, but the descent is worth the trip.

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first Golden Angel book and now I'm wondering what I have been waiting for all of this time!! It was dirty, kinky and sexy.....just how I like them. I liked that it was different than alot of other BDSM type books that I've read before. It let me see a softer side of it all. I'm looking forward to checking out more books by this author.

[C.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much graphic as the others in this series, but hot nonetheless. Cute couple and story. My favorite of this series thus far.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting entry in the series since while the MFC is a submissive, the MMC is not a dom. The story traces their "enemies-to-lovers," opposites-attract trajectory from dislike to f*ck-buddies to committed relationship. I particularly liked that neither Sharon nor Jake was either all right or all wrong: they both made mistakes and apologized. As a reader, I always understood the motivations and reasoning behind their actions and, because of that, I had empathy for both of them. I also appreciated that the far too-common angst in these generic books was kept to a minimum here: sex is supposed to be fun and Ms. Angel delivered that in spades. Extra points for the fact that Sharon is richer than Jake and Jake isn't bothered by that (so many Doms in this genre have fragile masculine egos).

Because Jake is not really a dom (or, rather, doesn't self-identify as one) and Sharon is only a bedroom submissive, there's little BDSM action other than voyeurism and public play, which turn out to be the "vanilla" Jake's kinks.

It's difficult, though, to read this as a stand-alone, since characters from the rest of the series make significant appearances; I've only read one other book so couldn't keep track of them all (the fact that one member of this BDSM group is Jake's sister made some scenes and references a bit creepy). In addition, Ms. Angel is a very repetitious writer (characters express the same inner thoughts constantly and we get a lot of unnecessary information) so I found myself skimming a lot. Finally, the "it takes a village" approach to the MC's relationship got annoying after a while. Yes, it's always nice to see a committed group of friends, but, quite frankly, they all acted -- and sounded -- like they were passing notes in high school.

3 stars. YMMV.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com

In Short

- I loved getting to know both Sharon and Jake, they are so different from each other. 

- I am very relieved there is more to the series. 

- I enjoyed having it from both of their POVs.


In Long
I started this totally in the dark because I haven't read any of the other Stronghold Doms series. I then finished this book craving to read more and relieved that there is.


Even though this was the first I have read of this series (and the last book in the series!)i straight away I enjoyed the dynamics of the friendships with this group of people. There are so many different personalities which come together, it is really immersing to watch.

Sharon is definitely one of the most intriguing characters and I am so glad this book focuses on her, you can never stop learning more about a person like her. Be careful not to make assumptions because I guarantee you will be wrong ! 

Jake is like Sharon in the way that he isn't all that straight forward either, his character definitely comes across one way but gradually, as a reader, we get to see different sides to him. Both Sharon and Jake grew so much in this book.

I haven't read a book before where it flips between characters POV so often but I actually really loved this and it meant I could see all situations from both sides. 

Hardcore Vanilla doesn't just offer strong characters but fireworks, fireworks which are bound to happen with two characters like Sharon and Jake. The thing I loved most is I loved them both, I didn't feel like I really sided with either of them. I just loved seeing them interact and found myself laughing and smirking at a few scenes. 

The storyline is perfectly paced, I never easily put the book down, enjoying it too much.

Final Thoughts
Hardcore Vanilla is a fun, fiery, charming read. I really enjoyed both Sharon and Jake and together they are so entertaining, offering not just sexy, sizzling scenes but funny ones too. 

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

No more Stronghold Doms, which makes me sad, but not as sad as it could be since Golden Angel said that there's going to be a spinoff series, and I can't wait for that. There are stories that I'm dying to read, and I'm already kind of invested in. Yay for Baby Doms!

Sharon and Jake are the only two single people in their group of friends. That's OK, they don't really like each other all that much anyway, so it works out well enough. On New Year's Eve which is also the grand opening of Marquis, there is a huge party. Jake and Sharon spend a lot of time together dancing and getting drunk. At midnight, they are the closest people to each other, so they share a kiss. And maybe a few more. They decide that they like the kisses so much that they are going to go to Jake's house and have some fun.

That works really well for the night, even though Jake isn't sure that he won't regret it in the morning and Sharon keeps saying that this is a huge mistake. Sharon sneaks out early in the morning to avoid the morning after awkwardness and is glad that she doesn't have to see him for a few days. Except, of course, that's never how things work out. There is awkwardness and judgementalness because Sharon is being Sharon.

I really like Sharon. I totally get her because I'm a lot like her, except for the wanting to be the center of attention thing. And I've been judged for being loud and being myself. People always wanted me to be something other than what I was. Jake is a good man, but I think that he is overly critical of Sharon sometimes. He only looks through one very particular lens, so he doesn't see her as other people see her and it makes it so easy for him to judge her.

[Jacque RidesAndReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story to end the series. Stronghold Doms brought a lot of insight to the BDSM scene and the different types of kink. While some of them are not my type of kink it didn't take away from any of the stories.

I love all the happy endings in this series, no pun intended. The way the author gets the reader invested in the main characters is awesome. I felt like I knew each character and my feelings moved in parallel with the story. My heart went out to Sharon when she had to deal with her parents. It would suck not to have unconditional loving parents like Jake. It was funny how one of their 'kinks' ended up disappearing from a large event and trying not to be noticed. It was even funnier that they were asked to wait to disappear because someone was going to have a special announcement.

After reading this series and probably because the author shares the name of one of her characters as well as having a baby, I think that the story with Angel and Adam is closely related to the authors life. Right now I feel a little lost. I don't know what to do with my time. I've been reading the Venus and Stronghold series for the past couple of weeks and now I am done. I feel like I have lost something. Kind of lame to feel these things from books but that just tells you how good I thought they were.

I was so happy to read that there is another series coming out in 2019 called Masters of Marquis. I normally come into a series late so I can go from book to book and not have to wait. With Masters of Marquis I will have to wait and it is going to suck but not in a good way. :-(

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor, heart and heat—a great finale

Book 8 in Stronghold Doms, I was late finding this series and still haven't quite caught up on all the previous books (though I've read most). While I think this could be enjoyed as a standalone, with the large cast of characters carrying over from book to book, you'll get more enjoyment if you've read at least a couple of the earlier books.

Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and while Sharon and Jake aren't actually enemies, their relationship is antagonistic, so watching as it develops into something more was all the more enjoyable for me. These are both nicely crafted characters with well thought out motivations and they really balanced each other out. I loved that they weren't perfect; I loved even more that they were both mature enough to admit when they made mistakes. And boy did all that antagonism morph into fan yourself levels of heat, whew!

One of my favorite things about this author is the way she mixes plenty of humor into the heat, along with just a touch of angst to keep things interesting, and this story is no exception. There were some touching moments as Sharon and Jake realized the other wasn't quite the person they had assumed. And, as usual, I adored the banter with all the secondary characters—the grilling both Sharon and Jake get from their friends on their relationship was epic!

Tempting the Domme was one of my favorite reads for the year, and this may be even better. With humor, heart and heat, this was a great finale for the series. 5+ stars

B2B Kelly

[Within The Pages Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake & Sharon’s chemistry is smoking hot. Their love- hate= love relationship was so entertaining to read. I love that the two of them discovered that they are the perfect level of kink for one another, not ever having fit in quite enough with anyone else.
​There are times when I wanted to strangle Sharon for her stubbornness, but getting to see behind the scenes, inside her family and why she felt the way she did changed my perspective. Jake ‘s short temperedness coupled with her snark often leaves them missing the spark between them- (that’s exactly what they feel and why they are fighting it so hard! It scares them both)
The author writes in such a way that it comes across as a great conversation between close friends, and I love it. There are moments of levity and humor that are unique to their writing style that I find myself looking forward to reading new books just to experience more!
​The interweaving of such a large group of characters is not an easy feat to accomplish. It is done so well that no one character feels unimportant or like they are just a space filler. Each character is given a depth of personality that you start to anticipate how they may react to a given situation as you read. It is like getting to see a moment in time from every conceivable angle, and not just the main characters point of view.
I absolutely loved this series and I was sad to see it coming to an end! I had hoped there would be more! I need more of these wonderful characters… Patrick and Lexi’s story, Kincaid and Zach…. ( Hint, hint)

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how I have missed Golden Angel all this time, but I am certainly glad I gave this one a listen. It is book 8 in the series, and though I haven't listened to the others, it was perfect as a standalone. Sharon and Jake are the last of their friends who have not found their significant others. They have a bickering relationship, not really liking each other. Will "friends with benefits" work out for them? There is strong attraction and the chemistry off the charts! But this enemies to lovers story isn't your everyday trope follower. It has some meat to it. Sharon's background would give the impression that since she is from a wealthy family, she would have the happy life. She is loud and at times obnoxious. Jake comes from the family everyone wants to hang out with, and is a little more conservative. These opposites find out that not only do they attract, but there is a common thread that could hold them together. I loved the title, the ensemble of friends and the whole storyline of this book. It's hot, sexy and entertaining from start to finish. Can't wait for the others to be released!

Narrating a story like this needs someone that can bring emotional value to the story as well as perform a steamy scene. Victoria Mei is perfect for roles like this. She can bring out all the feelings, from frustration and turmoil to hope and love with the inflections in her voice. I loved her performance of Sharon and Jake!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor, Relationships and Sizzle!!

This is an absolutely brilliant story!!

Jake and Sharon are the only two “unattached” people left in their group of friends. When they end up together on New Year’s Eve they are both surprised at the fireworks which result.

“I thought we were working our attraction out of our systems.” She said, a little breathlessly. “Mine’s not worked out yet,” he murmured, his blue eyes meeting hers with a hot intense look that made her insides twist and clench.

Sharon comes from a straight-laced well-off family who she has as little to do with as possible. Jake has a warm, loving family and frequently looks down his nose at the antics of Sharon. They decide they can “stand one another” enough to be buddies, but no relationship and no telling their friends.

Sharon purposefully acts bratty around Jake to spark his temper. He goes from being “Captain Grumpy” to being “Captain Caveman” though Jake is NOT a Dom and Sharon is a submissive.

The reader is drawn into the background and families of Jake and Sharon also getting updates on their group of friends from previous books in the series. Hilarious and, sensual story with well-placed magic, a Spanish Inquisition; a phenomenal story to end this wonderful series.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the line between vanilla and kinky? When do cross over from plain, but delicious vanilla, to a banana split with rocky road, hot fudge, caramel, sprinkles and a butt load of cherries? Is it when you like to slap a tush during sex? When it turns you on to watch others get down and dirty? When you are a member of a kinky club? When you like to control or be controlled during rough sex?

Jake, aka Captain Caveman aka Captain Grumpy, doesn’t know the answer to any of these questions, but what he does know is that Sharon, a friend of his friends, drives him nuts... and drives him wild. She is infuriating, attention seeking, crude- totally opposite of the kind of woman he goes for. But she is also completely HOT and he is annoyingly attracted to her. Sharon doesn’t agree with Jake about much, but she is also frustratingly attracted to Jake. And she knows that the attraction they have for each other is just courting trouble.

This book is hilarious (Golden Angel style). It is hot and sexy (don’t worry where it falls on the ice cream/kink spectrum-you won’t be disappointed). And the story is chock full of all the angsty feels too. I just loved this book! Thanks to GA for such an awesome series a hint at an awesome spin-off.

[Soscha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardcore Vanilla is the 8th and final installment in Golden Angel’s Stronghold Doms series. Your dom, however, is not a dom. Or doesn’t think of himself as such. But he’s still alpha and still what we ladies like.
This is the only book in the series I’ve read, and while “Hardcore Vanilla” works just fine as a standalone I always feel I’m missing out on some of the enjoyment of series books. Old friends and now-happy couples just don’t have the same feeling when they’re not old friends to you. But I never felt lost or confused by the large cast of minor characters, so you shouldn’t either if you’d like to jump into Stronghold with this entry.
Hotness rating…it’s pretty hot. These two characters can’t keep their hands off each other and oh yes, the author presents that well. I would still mark this pretty high on the sweetness scale, too. My personal tastes run a bit more to the face-slapping, angsty stuff but “Hardcore Vanilla” touches different, deeper emotions. The book made me sad, almost, in wondering why I’ve never been able to find such a real-life relationship of my own. And have Sharon’s money. Jake’s dick and Sharon’s money---hook me up, Jesus, and I’ll start going back to Mass.

Star rating: *****

[Kay Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to begin by saying this is a relatively new author to me. I think I've read two other books by this author (one by the author alone, and one in collaboration with Lee Savino) but I haven't had chance to explore the rest of this series. However, that will be rectified.
I read Hardcore Vanilla as a standalone, and although some of the other pairings took a bit of catching up with, it is easy enough to read as a standalone. I'm going to read the rest of the series as I love BDSM books and the Stronghold Doms series has now intrigued me to the point of reading the whole thing.
Sharon and Jake are...delicious. I have to admit I wasn't sure about a book in a BDSM series that was more on the vanilla side of things, but Golden Angel has done a fabulous job of keeping the vanilla lines running parallel with the BDSM side of things - the end scene is a doozy, kudos!!
This is a humourous book, the characters are the type that you want to kidnap or be kidnapped by, and spend hours just spending time with them. The storyline was quick, witty, and there's a real sense of family woven through the whole thing.
An absolute pleasure to read!

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of me is very, very sad to see this series end. I know that Golden will continue a spin-off series, thank God, but I'm already missing this one.
I loved this series, and especially this book. Sharon is the brat of the group. She gives as good as she gets, sometimes better, and she doesn't back down. Jake is the "Vanilla" member of the gang. He likes to hangout at Stronghold, but he isn't into all the BDSM thing. He doesn't consider himself a Dom. Sharon and Jake get along like oil and water, until New Year's Eve. Then everything changes. I'm not going to give away any details of the plot, but I will say that I laughed, cried, reveled in the heat between them, and sighed out-loud at the ending. There are tons of humorous moments blended in with all the sexiness, something I love about this author, and everything about it was perfect. The characters are amazing, the pace is perfect, there is just enough kink to grab your attention, and even a few surprises. Like I said, I'm sad to see this series come to an end, but I'm excited to see where Golden's imagination takes me next. I highly recommend this one!

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Sharon Bianchi and Jake Standish. Both of them know that they aren't what the other is looking for. However one New Years Eve changes things. One kiss is what it took for the two to realize their maybe something more here. However in the light of day they both wonder can they fulfill the others needs. Sharon wants a dom and Jake doesn't seem like he is one. However she did have quite a bit of fun that night. Jake thinks that Sharon is more work than he wants to take on. However they both wonder was that just a one drunkin night thing between them or the start of something that will give them both a HEA?

This is a super hot book. This is the 8th book in this series it can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order so there are no spoilers in this one for you. This book has its ups and downs that I really want to tell you about. However I don't want to ruin anything for any other readers. I will say this book will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Bluebyyou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, bad romance.

The storytelling was engaging, the female lead was endlessly entertaining, the male lead was fun when he didn't have a stick up his ass, the featured kink (voyeurism/exhibitionism) was presented as a fascinating spectrum and the smut was pretty good.

However, the couple was not a good match. The only thing they had going for them was hot sex because that was the only time the male lead lost the stick up his ass and truly appreciated the female lead for who she was.

The rest of the time he was narrow-minded, uptight and very judgemental over superficial stuff and did not like or grow to like a lot of the female lead's primary character traits. (The only reason he was willing to put up with them at all was because his family and their friends, unlike him, liked her for her, including those traits, so he wasn't embarrassed by her around them.)

And he never acknowledged to the female lead that she was right about her family, let alone told her that he would support her undercutting their toxicity however she saw fit... so that would be another on-going issue.

But I would still recommend it for what was good.

[Gab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Story of the last two unattached people of the Stronghold friends.
Sharon, loud, crass, confrontational, and Jake, quiet, usually laid back, but constantly disapproving of the obnoxious female. When they are not bickering, they try very hard to ignore each other.
But very slowly, as they learn more about each others background, they begin to understand their actions and reactions.
And that is when things begin to change.
In stages. And the telling becomes more scrumptious with each stage.
With sometimes hilarious language the author describes their interactions. Especially the euphemisms for certain body parts had me chuckling along. But to categorize their relationship as vanilla is as far from the truth as you can get. They might be situated at the light side of the kink-spectrum, but believe you me, vanilla they are not.
By the end the whole Stronghold family comes together in a farewell to this series, but also to celebrate the opening of the new club and many more stories of new Doms and subs.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. Loved this story about Sharon and Jake. They are acquaintances, they share mutual friends and they love to annoy each other. Being last two single the group they're always paired up. When the story starts at New Year's Eve Sharon and Jake share a kiss that becomes very hot in heated quickly, leading them both back to his apartment, his bed and a crazy night of possible regret. The two of them realize that they have great chemistry together and decide to become Buddies. They're trying to keep it on the down low. When Sharon needs a date for her cousin's wedding she thinks of asking her ex to go, but Jake stops up and says he will get one's dead. At this point they realize that they've been more than just buddies and try the relationship as a whole. Everyone teases Jake that he should be a dumb and Sharon be his sub, but Jake feels he's more just an Alpha. great read love the characters and storyline. Lots and lots and lots of chemistry between these two.

[❤Sharonica-Logic❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always did love Captain Caveman!💖

I love this group of people so much!

The Stronghold Series is one of my all time favorites. The love began with the Venus series, where we first met Jessica, Chris, and Justin. After which we were taken to Stronghold where we met the Doms, Dommes, and Subs who quickly became fast book friends.

**sigh... So many laughs, tears, trials and happily ever afters. 🌈

In this last book Sharon, a sub, and Jake, who is strictly vanilla, have one of their typical tiffs. Jake always thinks Sharon is showing out and trying to be the center of attention, and Sharon thinks Jake is being a judgemental jerk. After copious amounts of alcohol the two engage in something all together different, than their usual snarky arguments.

Thus begins a tumultuous "arrangement" to satisfy lustful needs without worry of relationship entanglements . Lots of gratuitous sex and still plenty of snark.

HEA guaranteed! 100% awesome!

Now, on to " Masters of Marquis "💋

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Stronghold Doms series and it can be read as a standalone. That works okay, but when the cast of characters from the previous books make their appearances, it would have been nice to understand their backstories. Nevertheless, it was not a major detraction from the story.

For a book with "Doms" in the series title and with a BDSM club as the setting, there was not much BDSM going on. However, what was going on was a lot of self-discovery, honest conversations and a developing romance. Oh yeah, and lots of hot steamy sex.

The author is a master at storytelling and character development, both of which shine in this book. I found it to be highly entertaining and it kept my interest right up to the end. I have read other books by the author in the past (but not of this series) and look forward to more in the future.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Sharon are the only single members of their group. It is midnight New Year's Eve, and they decide to kiss which then leads to a night at Jake's place which is to be a one and done. It does not end up that way. Both are attracted and keep coming back. They try to keep it a secret, but the group is questioning them about it. When Sharon needs a date for a cousin's wedding, things come to a head. Will this wedding make or break them? Can they survive the wedding together?

I enjoyed this book. It was hot and graphic which I liked. Jake may have believed himself vanilla, but he was into kink which Patrick helpfully points out to him. I liked when Olivia and Michael show Jake different ways to look at Sharon's behavior which cause Jake to stop and question his take on her behavior. They have their fights which cause problems, but I liked that both were able to apologize and move on.

I found this story the most light-hearted of all because of what Jake discovers about Sharon and about himself. It was fun.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ Singles no longer ~

This is an opposites attract/frenemies to lovers story, with great development of both Jake and Sharon’s characters. I enjoyed their negotiating and the slow-burn of them moving from hooking up with each other to moving onto a more meaningful relationship. In fact, they complement each other perfectly. It is their misconceptions which throw them off. Then Jake and Sharon realize they are much more compatible than they thought, as they eventually share more details of themselves. Their friend group is a riot, loving and supportive, and I look forward to reading their stories as well.

I have to admit that I did not even know of this series, but I am happy to hear that a Masters of Marquis series will be in the works soon, so we will probably get glimpses of some familiar characters.

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read any of the Stronghold Series, so I thought it might be fun to read the last one first. It was! This fantastically well-written standalone made me want to read the entire series.

At the beginning, the sexual interplay between Sharon, a submissive, and Jake, not a Dominant, was outrageous and intense and fun. And, WOW, it certainly was Steamy HOT! At first, they seemed to hate each other, until they didn’t. As they became more involved, the sex got dramatically better. It was sensuously decadent and shockingly risqué. I can’t believe how Sharon’s open and honest enjoyment of sex encouraged Jake to slowly, yet emphatically, spice up his vanilla tastes.

For me, this story was an incredible ride into sensual and erotic fantasies and experiences. I loved the characters and the situations and the outrageously titillating sex!

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review
Hardcore Vanilla is the 8th and final installment in Golden Angel’s Stronghold Doms series but it’s my first in the series .
Love how Golden Angel took a couple added some spice and blended the couple together when the hero was denying a label but he sure acted like a DOM .
Hero is Jake. Heroine is Sharon
Sharon gets mixed messages from Jake . Sharon knows she’s into the DOM lifestyle, what she doesn’t understand is why Jake has to always throw Jabs at her , small little jabs like he's judging her .
Meanwhile Jake is denying he’s a DOM but put him and Sharon together and he acts like a big time Alpha make .
The scenes are spicy all around . The chemistry between the two are hot and off the charts

Victoria Mel was excellent. She has a deep $exy voice . It’s smooth and strong