This box set is two full novels and a novella. It is a continuation of the Domestic Discipline series. Although this series set a standalone set, having read the novels in the Domestic Discipline series would help. This review also includes a summary of each part.
The first novel is Phillip’s Rules is the story of Phillip and Cordelia. Cordelia is a young widow that quickly finds an admirer in Phillip. They quickly marry. Cordelia and her stepdaughter, young adult Gabrielle, move into his home. Cordelia is only a few years older than the young Gabrielle and both are used to having Gabrielle’s father ignore them and pit them against each other. Phillip instantly gets caught up in the drama between Cordelia and Gabrielle. Phillip decides both ladies need some domestic discipline, but for different reasons. Phillip’s stern ruling and discipline causes a stir within the two women. Cordelia learns she needs a firm hand in and outside of the bedroom. Phillip’s discipline only makes Gabrielle long to leave their home more than ever. What will Phillip’s best friend, Felix, have to say about Gabrielle’s schemes to get free of Phillip and Cordelia’s house.
The novella Undisciplined and the novel Gabrielle’s Discipline are about the relationship between Felix and Gabrielle. Undisciplined is a “behind the scenes” look at how the relationship between Felix and Gabrielle developed. Per the author’s note, readers of Phillip’s Rules wanted to know the details of what happened during the exchange between Gabrielle and Felix during Phillip and Cordelia’s wedding and at other points within the first novel. Gabrielle’s Discipline the story of the budding love between Gabrielle and Felix. In addition, the reader gets to see Gabrielle’s point of view of her father’s marriage to Cordelia and Cordelia’s marriage to Phillip. During this story, all of the main characters from the Domestic Discipline series make an appearance.
Overall, I enjoyed the novels and novella. I do think the spanking moments were a bit much and after a bit, I got tired of Gabrielle and Cordelia’s angst. Felix’s mother was a breath of fresh air and I wanted her to be around more often. I did not agree with how Felix handled the issue between Gabrielle and Cordelia on Gabrielle’s behalf. I guess there had to be some other emotional conflict going on in this series. If you are a fan of Golden Angel, then you will enjoy the stories.