Married once to a Baron who needed a young bride to bear him an heir, Cordelia Astley found herself in an untenable situation after his death until Philip Stanley, the Marquess of Dunbury, asked her to be his bride. She knows he didn’t marry her for love, but he was her white knight and, once they’re married, she finds herself falling in love with him. It would be a fairy tale ending if it wasn’t … wasn’t for her stepdaughter Gabrielle.
Having observed his cousins Hugh and Eleanor find happiness in their respective marriages, Philip doesn’t see why his marriage should be any different. Especially since he managed to find a giving, submissive, delightful woman that drew him like no woman had ever done before. Everything would be perfect, except that she allows her stepdaughter to denigrate her and manipulate her. His method of correction for both Cordelia and Gabrielle isn’t what either lady expected, but Cordelia finds confidence in his support and care of her… if only she would put him first instead of Gabrielle, Philip’s life would be everything he’d hoped.
A character driven, steamy domestic discipline romance of desire, passion and love, Philip’s Rules is the first of a new series spin-off of the Domestic Discipline Quartet (you do not need to read the quartet to read this book).
Philip’s Rules is an 80,000 word standalone novel set in Victorian times with a HEA and contains a very serious Head of Household, corrective discipline, and steamy love scenes.
1. Philip’s Rules
1.5 Undisciplined
2. Gabrielle’s Discipline
3. Lydia’s Penance
4. Benedict’s Commands
5. Arabella’s Taming (Coming 2018)
more
Beautifully and perfectly done!! I was so overwhelmed with emotions while reading this book that I want to read it again!
I suppose twisted is subjective, as is steamy; however, I can’t help but believe everyone must have a secret desire to have at least one portion of Philip in their lives. There is such a thing as almost too much masculinity, but there is also way too much of a thing as too much complacency (I was married to that). In Philip’s case, YUM! The former is very prevalent. Very much preferred — but — you decide.
PHILIP’S RULES (Book 1)
Every generation thinks they invented sex, and mine is no different. But, after reading Philip’s Rules, I think the Victorian’s must have. After all, Queen Victoria has 9 children! So much naughtiness! I learned oh so many new words. And debutante balls for 500, sit-down dinners for 50 .. yikes! I’ve never been a Victorian Era reader – too boring. But boring and Golden Angel just don’t belong in the same sentence. Over the knee spankings galore, ribbons used to tie things up other than boxes, and little two person soirees in dark closets (in other people’s houses, no less!) run amok. And ladies couldn’t dance the waltz with just anyone; all that closeness avails the men to look at the women’s decolletage, oh my!
Great fun! Thank you, Golden Angel, for a fantastically fun weekend of reading Philip’s Rules, and broadening my horizons.
Overall, it wasn’t awful, but I had serious concerns that a significant portion of what was described in the book reflected spousal abuse. That alone makes this a do not recommend.
If you love historical romance with heat then you need to read this book.
Philip has found his way to a happy marriage (without a mistress as was the custom at the time) after observing and talking with some of his friends and family and enacting a few rules at home. Keep in mind back then the men were in charge.
I like it steamy, if you don’t this isn’t for you. However for the mature reader it is an exciting story. Cordelia is in need of a husband who will take her and her step daughter in hand. After a bad marriage, she doesn’t know how to act with her new husband. The step daughter is willful and sneaky, leading to lots of hi jinks. A very good story with lots of love and caring.
I was so excited to receive this book for free during a special promotion and Golden Angel did not disappoint!
The author has a wonderful way of weaving a tale around strong characters with their own little faults. Cordelia marries Philip out of necessity, she is a widow with a step-daughter who happens to be very close to her own age.
This story is full of scintillating passion, with a bit of domestic discipline (yes, spanking), and HOT sex scenes.
I only made it to page 7 very boring.
I loved this story! The fact that Philip follows through with his threats, and Cordelia takes them in the most positive ways was a nice twist to the usual story! I’m also intrigued by what will come of Felix and Gabrielle!
Very lovely story, thanks for sharing your imagination with us!
I don’t read a lot of historical anymore but Golden Angel seems to be changing that. She has a way of incorporating the old with what we need right now. This is hot and steamy but also shows the growth for Cordelia in standing up for herself and what she wants.
I did not like this book. I thought it was sadistic. Sorry I read it.
02/06/2021 I would actually rate “Philip’s Rules” (nook) as 4-1/2 stars. I enjoyed Cordelia’s transition from a shy and insecure woman to a much stronger individual. Her second husband, Philip, is a kind man who loves her. He encourages her and helps build her self-confidence.
Totally not the historical romance I am used to. Should be in the erotica section. Hard to enjoy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is a must read, Golden angel is a awesome author everything she writes is gold .I greatly admire her work.
This story has a good flow, love and dominance between Philip and Cordelia is well depicted. Cordelia is too meek and willing to suffer for a better life and love. Philip is beyond dominating and takes it to the max. Thankfully he has some compassion, a generous wallet and loving spirit. I wished the author had flipped the script and let Cordelia give him a “love plug”. Love should not tolerate pain yet this author takes the reader down the pain lane. Not my kind of enjoyable reading, for other readers watch your ” rear”.
Not my cup of tea! I am not into S & M, and did not enjoy this book by any means! I skipped parts and therefore feel I missed parts of the plot!
Rotten first few pages, so didn’t bother to read further.
Love steamy historical romances. Don’t mind kinky sec scenes but the use of birching and anal sex as punishment was disturbing. Plus it was considered signs of love and devotion. What?!?!
A good book