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A steamy hot boxset of friends to lovers romance, work romance, and frenemies to lovers. 6. Stripping the Sub 7. Tempting the Domme 8. Hardcore Vanilla Stripping the Sub Ellie's been keeping secrets, but Master Michael is determined to strip back her walls and claim her as his own. Tempting the Domme Luke Evans has always liked a bossy woman in the bedroom, but is he ready to actually submit to a Domme? That's if he can even convince Olivia to take a chance on him when she's so determined not to mix business with pleasure. Hardcore Vanilla Frenemies probably sums up Jake and Sharon's relationship best... until an explosive New Years Eve encounter changes everything. Are they on a collision course with disaster or can the scrape together a happily-ever-after?

974 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2020

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About the author

Golden Angel

156 books2,062 followers
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.

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Website: http://www.goldenangelromance.com

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5 stars
208 (77%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
660 reviews15 followers
February 16, 2019
Great characters plus humor, heat and a bit of angst in engaging blends

This is a great collection of the last of the Stronghold series—classic Stronghold books with great characters, and stories that mix humor, heat and a bit of angst in engaging blends. This collection includes two of my favorites books not just from the series, but for all of 2018. Individual reviews for each of the stories in this boxset follow. Overall, 5+ stars

Note I had previously read and reviewed Tempting the Domme and Hardcore Vanilla separately; I’ve excerpted/summarized those original reviews here.

Stripping the Sub, book 6
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Having stumbled onto this series late, this was the last new story in the series for me and it filled in some missing pieces. If you’re new to the series yourself, while each book can be read as a standalone, there is some building upon events in the previous books (in this case, particularly Andrew and Kate’s story, Bound to the Past), so for the best experience, I’d recommend reading the series in order.

With the teases from the previous books, I was eager to get the full story behind Ellie’s issues and equally eager to see Michael get his sub, and this story didn’t disappoint. Michael and Ellie were both great characters, and if some of their play was a little outside of my comfort zone (Michael is a sadist to Ellie’s masochist), they were still perfect for each other and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to their hea. Getting the background behind the idea to start up the new club, Marquis, was a bonus, especially as the author’s new series will be set there.

Of course, we get updates on the rest of the Stronghold group, and getting some of the setup for the final two books in the series was an additional bonus—in fact, I feel a re-read coming on. *grins*

Heat and humor plus some pain as well (Ellie is a masochist after all), and another great story for the series. 5 stars

Tempting the Domme, book 7
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I absolutely love Olivia! A strong female character holding her own with all those Doms, she was a favorite in the earlier books and it was great to see her get her own story. I loved Luke as well. I haven't read many books with a male submissive; I thought the author did a great job here with Luke's character growth over the course of the story as he comes to terms with what being a submissive means as well as dealing with how that conflicts with the role society dictates the man should have in a m/f relationship. With the story set-up, I also enjoyed the development of the relationship between Luke and Olivia as they figure out the balance of power with their roles both in and out of the bedroom, especially as Luke works to win Olivia over in spite of herself.

One of the things I've come to like best about this author's style is the amount of humor mixed into story, a lot of it stemming from the relationships between the group of friends. There were plenty of moments that had me either grinning ear to ear or laughing outright, especially when Olivia was keeping all those big, bad Doms in line. Of course, there's plenty of heat as well, and the author does a great job of keeping everything in balance.

With an engaging story and characters as well as a great mix of both humor and heat, this was a one-sitting read for me and my favorite story in the series. 5+ stars

Holiday Tease, book 7.5
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A short follow-up story about Rick and Maria, who were the couple featured in Taming the Tease, this was originally included in an anthology before getting added to this boxset.

Rick and Maria had kind of a tough year after getting their initial hea, so it was nice to get this lovely add-on for them. Hot and sweet, 5 stars

Hardcore Vanilla, book 8
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,835 reviews52 followers
February 28, 2019
Hot tempting & a great way to finish the series

This series has captured my attention from the very first book. Now in the final boxset we get to see how Michael and Ellie connect, Olivia meet her match, a little play with Rick and Maria and the growth of Sharon and Jake's relationship. Every character in these books is strong in their own way, it is this strength that draws the reader in. Yes, the stories do have BDSM as their foundation, however they are so much more, they are fun, emotional, dramatic and show the love that this group of friends have for each other.

**Stripping The Sub**
This is Michael and Ellie's story, two people who knew each other in high school. Michael is a sadist and Ellie is a masochist, and he is determined to find out why she is reluctant to form a relationship with anyone. Ellie is broken and it is Michael who tries to heal her. The struggles are real and the emotions overwhelming. This truly was a beautiful story.

**Tempting The Domme**
Finally Olivia's story is upon us. This is the one that I have been waiting for since the series began. This book is HOT ... very very HOT!!! Luke is a silent partner in a new club and Olivia its manager. Olivia is in danger from a stalker and Luke tries to protect her. This draws them closer together. While Luke may be a dominant, arrogant boss, once he is behind bedroom door he is completely the opposite - he is a submissive. When these two get together they are scorching.

**Holiday Tease**
This is a quick short involving Rick and Maria. Rick has one desire ... to play with Maria in public. Will she be able to fulfil his desire?

**Hardcore Vanilla**
Sharon and Jake aren't exactly the best of friends, in fact you could say they are loser to enemies. One night is going to change all of that. They are the most unlikely of couples, she's a sub and he's definitely vanilla. I really enjoyed this story, not just because of the scintillating sex, but because Sharon and Jake were such wonderful characters. They brought in the fun to finish off this amazing series.

In order to gain full enjoyment from this series I suggest that all the books be read in order. This is definitely a book and series I recommend should be read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,681 reviews86 followers
March 3, 2020
Have you been following the Stronghold series? If you have and still haven't read the last three books, then this is a great way to catch up on all the deliciousness you've been waiting for. This boxset includes:

Book 6 - Stripping the Sub
I've been following "The Stronghold Doms" series and this one was a dual-edged sword for me. Michael and Ellie's story both broke my heart and melted it. These two have a history going back to high school. But as life happens, people go their own way and circumstances change causing new life experiences; not all of them good. Golden Angel has taken one of those life experiences, brought it and it's consequences into my life. Not just to read but to experience the repercussions. Each person deals with things differently but this author has taken something so vile and turned it into a learning experience. Not only for Ellie and Michael as they try to grow through it but ultimately for this reader. What a beautiful story.

Book 7 - Tempting the Domme
Personally, I fell in love with Olivia's personality ever since reading book one, "The Sassy Submissive." A strong independent Domme who can even take charge and keep a room of dominant men in line, Olivia has a heart of gold and always makes sure those she cares about are taken care of and watched over. So when she meets the silent partner Patrick and Michael have taken on when building the new BDSM club there are more surprises than even Olivia knows what to do with. Golden Angel had written such a beautiful, mysterious, thought-provoking story about Olivia and Luke. I've loved all the Stronghold Dom books, but I have to say, this one is my favorite.

Book 8 - Hardcore Vanilla
This is the last book in the Stronghold Doms series but can be read as a standalone"
Golden Angel has set the bar with this frenemies romance between Sharon and her best friend's older brother Jake. The last two single members of their circle of friends, each wanting the other and too proud /insecure to admit to the other how they feel. The storyline is part of a BDSM themed series, but these two don't fit into the box of what you might stereotypically place them in with more kink than D/s, floggers or clamps. Absolutely a HOT storyline with characters who are without a doubt filled with humor, flaws and sex appeal. What a great book to end a fantastic series.
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews27 followers
February 22, 2019
Stripping the Sub - 5 stars
This is my First book written by Ms. Golden Angel. The Stronghold Doms Series is A Series of standalone books - each book is about a different couple.
First I felt a Little Lost in all those names that were mentioned There. I will be for sure checking but books 1-5 I don't know when but I will!! Nie back to "Stripping The Sub".
Its story of Michael and Elle. They knew each other in High School and reconnected in Stronghold. Many years apart things have changed. Lots of them. Nothing is going to be Easy There, as Elle is guarded for a reason, but Michael is determined to have a full relationship with Her, but will się allow this to happen?
Read this sensual, erotica and D/s book to find out. If you like that stuff you won't be disappointed!

Tempting the Domme - 5 stars
So... this is The First Time I read Domme story. Not Domme in MC Series or anything - Tempting The Domme is A full read with kinky and bossy Domme Olivia and A New guy on The scene - Luke.
Luke is A New sub in The club as A silent member he is Her BOSS! And Olivia is not mixing Her Personal Life with work! That's it.
But what if two strong characters feel The palpable attraction? Will they manage to resist it when The sparks will fly?
All characters from other books appear here so be Ready to jest The whole gang again! Each character is Special here and with each of them, you can grow bond due to it!
Check it out in this Great read.

Holiday Tease - 4 stars
Maria and Rick have a relationship - Love each other very much. She's his sub to The Core and się wants to make him happy and Rick wants to try playing in Public with Her. Will they manage? Ale what gift he Has for Her? It will be steamy sexy and kinky!

Hardcore Vanilla - 5 stars
Huh! I had not expected that - but that's what we Love about stories they are not going in a way we had expected!
Sharon and Jake's story is enemy to Lovers story. Both of them are in The same circle of friends at Stronghold. Sharon is A sub, but Jake is not a dom. But when during New Year's Eve The attraction will be over The top one night will lead to another.
Will they manage to create A relationship? I promise you lots of fun and sexy Times with some drama as well.
I hope New Series will be out soon!
Profile Image for He11zbelles.
1,258 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
This was my favorite out of the (3rd) boxset series. Also sad that it’s the end. But there’s a spin off series and I’m sure some of the old characters will be part of it. Definitely should be read in order to appreciate the relationships. Each book will concentrate on a specific couple but also have the other characters and relationships in the background.
It’s like one long sitcom with all the friends and family intermingling. I love the ridiculousness of the group but also the spice! I like that each Dom/Domme or couple have different kinks.

Here’s a quick review of each book.
Stripping the sub: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Ellie & Mike)
I thought I would love this couple. Definitely loved Michael. Ellie had so much trauma and triggers it made me a little impatient. I understand that trauma will cause someone to be a certain way. I just didn’t like reading about how patient Michael had to be with her, not that Ellie doesn’t deserve love and happiness. I just think it was a bit drawn out. I just couldn’t connect with them. Although I’m not a masochist, I couldn’t help but be intrigued with the scenes even if I was cringing at how painful it could be.

Tempting the Domme ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Olivia & Luke)
Oh I how I love these 2! I couldn’t wait to read about Olivia! I love her so much! She’s such a badass.
I absolutely loved that Luke was an alpha male that wanted and needed to submit to Olivia. They just made me swoon.

Hardcore Vanilla ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Sharon & Jake)
I give Hardcore Vanilla 6 stars! I did not think Sharon & Jake would be my favorite after reading about them in previous books. Oh how I love the shit that came out of Sharon’s mouth, and how Jake was filthy behind closed doors. I think I connected with them the best because their kink wasn’t too kinky but they weren’t vanilla either. Perfect ending to the series.

Now I will finish the Venus Rising boxset. The last book in that series is the Venus wedding. As I started to read it, I realized there was a bunch of characters I didn’t know about. So I had to read the other books which is the Stronghold series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
787 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2024
Unbelievably hot and funny!
Starting with The Venus School (Venus Rising Boxset) and continuing with all the Stronghold books you’ll get to meet all the Stronghold friends and their separate love stories. They are all delightful, romantic, terribly funny and hot, hot, hot! A thorough insight to the different aspects of the BDSM lifestyle, based on trust and caring for each other. I just had to read them all, one after the other, couldn’t put them down and had a super wonderful time doing it. I can’t tell you which one I prefer, so I put this review out on all of them.
Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Tina Miles.
522 reviews12 followers
August 7, 2024
An excellent last book of the series.
I liked all the books although a couple of them were harder for me to identify with. Frankly I identified with Sharon and Jake the most, I guess that makes me hardcore vanilla. Lol. So that was my favourite of all the books.
It was great to get to read everyone’s story. I mean, it seems a bit too good to be true that everyone paired off so nicely but this is fiction after all.
Definitely one of the my favourite BDSM series. Now both Golden Angel and her alter ego, Sinistre Ange, are on my auto buy list.
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews56 followers
February 22, 2019
I love this boxset! More hot, sexy couples of Stronghold! All the different couples we see them come together and all the friends too! Each book has some twist and hotness overload! I would have to say Stripping the Sub is my favorite. We get to see Michael and Ellie past to present and there effect on each other and Ellie coming through her past. Sad to see this series go but loved it! 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Sara.
42 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2022
Love the Stronghold Doms!

My heart is feeling a little crushed as I know this is the end of this series. Getting to know all of the characters in the Stronghold series has been a wonderful adventure. The depths to which their friendships go is something we should all wish for in our own lives. I have loved seeing each of them find their HEA. Thank you Golden Angel for an adventure
430 reviews
February 1, 2026
So much fun

Okay, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard reading BDSM books before. A couple of the characters in this 3 book series had tears rolling down my face. If you decide to read these books (and that's a huge YES from me) start at the beginning. You can read each individually and still enjoy the story, but read in order and you get such a more comprehensive look at the characters and the storyline. Read these books, you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Queen Talk Talk.
1,371 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2019
Editing quality finally matches writing quality.

Tempting the Domme was my personal favorite. Golden Angel did not just change the pronouns or regurgitate a generic FemDomme. Olivia and Luke reach acceptance and love together. The other books in this set got better and better; to the point I don't mind the end of the series.
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,346 reviews35 followers
February 19, 2019
A great collection of BDSM themed books. The stories in this set are the final books in the stronghold series. A wonderful closure for this series that I really enjoyed reading.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly Jean.
487 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2022
Books 6 and 7 were my favorites out of the three books in this box set. Number 8, Hardcore Vanilla, missed some of the key components of the series for my tastes. But, all together an excellent addition to the Stronghold series.
Profile Image for Melody.
428 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2023
The whole series was amazing! Every book was hot and made me fall for these characters I never wanted it to end, i was o pleasantly surprised with a holiday book and the new spin off series so I immediately bought them all and pre-ordered one not out yet.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,999 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2023
So good

These are the last three books in an awesome BDSM series, except for a final book about several characters. These three are each about a different couple and each has its own happy ending. I just love these characters and interactions.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,021 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2021
Enjoyed

I enjoyed all the storylines in the book. Hardcore Vanilla I think was my favorite. I cannot wait to read the wedding book and Kincaid and Zach.
2,277 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2022
Wow, these stories were amazing. This whole series was amazing. It pulled me in as if you were family. It was sad to leave the series. A definite one click series for me.
Profile Image for Kat Crumb.
820 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2023
Really good

That was a really good a good series. I'm thinking it covered all the bases. I really got attached to all the players and I hated to see the series end
32 reviews
January 3, 2024
I loved every single story and ALL the characters from this whole entire series!
5 reviews
April 14, 2024
so sad… to see it end

I have fallen in love with the Stronghokd gang and I cannot wait to keep reading more stories from Golden Angel
Profile Image for Katie Perez.
13 reviews
July 9, 2024
This Series…

I’ve finished it. I loved it. Some books more than others, but overall this was such a great series to read.
14 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2023
Closing time is a box set that includes the last three stories in the Stronghold Dom's series. These stories are HOT, explicitly so! All the Stronghold stories are amazing as they follow couples finding their happily ever after throughout an entire group. What sets these last three couple apart is the type of romance they have besides the steamy sex. Box sets are nice because of the slight discount compared to buying all the books individually.

Stripping the Sub focuses on overcoming past trauma to be free to love and be loved. The sex is between a newly forming sado-masochistic pairing that knew each other years prior so some of the play may be heavier than every reader is comfortable with. The connection the two share is swoon worthy.

Tempting the Domme is a female dominant and male submissive, which has a small representation in reading materials. The perspective is wonderfully illustrated and shows the balance act for both people in finding out and giving each other what they need most. Adding a layer of complication to the budding relationship is their professional relationship being opposite what their personal one would be. Workplace romance doesn't get hotter than this!

Hardcore Vanilla is absolutely amazing! The two characters ride the line wanting more than a basic vanilla relationship but not heavy BDSM rules, implements, or protocol. The face that they are frenemies just ramps up the heat to eleven when they finally crash together.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews