Holiday Ties

Elite Doms of Washington

by Elizabeth SaFleur

She’s no damsel in distress. But he’s her knight… and he intends to prove it to her.

Gold digger. Trophy wife. And now, divorcee. Instead of being known as D.C.’s best fundraiser, Yvette Sava is now the ex-wife of D.C.’s most prominent attorney. Whispers, rumors, and prying paparazzi have driven her into near-seclusion. Her only holiday date? A bottle of Dom Perignon.

When a patch of ice sends her sprawling, a dark-haired man with steel-gray eyes and warm, powerful hands scoops her up, and her body responds automatically in a way she hasn’t felt in months. He’s mesmerizing. He’s commanding. He’s chivalrous. And he’s all wrong for her.

Ryan Knightbridge hasn’t been able to get Yvette out of his mind since he first laid eyes on her at a masquerade ball, dressed in a curve-hugging gown that broadcast her desires straight to his inner Dom. He’s watched, helpless, as the press has raked her over the coals. But now he has a chance. One weekend to prove to her she’s worthy of love… and that she can trust him with her submission.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Stories

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2014

About the author

Award-winning author of steamy romcom, erotic romance and steamy contemporary, Elizabeth SaFleur promises all the "feels" in her stories. And, hot heroes, HEAs and (many) spicy, sexy times.

~~Laugh out loud in her Meet Cute Series.
~~Experience luxurious, glamorous escapes in her Elite Doms of Washington series
~~Join her burlesque & gangster book world in the Shakedown series
~~Meet the heroines who take charge in the Justice Series, her Femme Domme romance books

News From Elizabeth (newsletter: http://eepurl.com/WK5EH
Elizabeth’s Playroom: http://tinyurl.com/ElizabethPlayroom
TikTok: https://bit.ly/ESaFleurTikTok
Bookbub: http://tinyurl.com/ElizabethBookBub
Facebook page: http://bit.ly/30pJVI2
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2KLWSX5

Reviews

[S.N. McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot British Dom!

If the accent doesn’t have you at the hook, then the ramped up sex on page 2 might do it! This story goes from taking the reader hook, line and sinker into extremes of hot passion. The stakes are way high with little time to sit on laurels which makes this story awesome!!

Great for slave role-play with a bit of the historical going on! This is a hot read filling in the itch for anyone who likes a Dom with a good balance of love and forcefulness to make the fantasy just right! Submit to this great story and read it!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday Ties by Elizabeth SaFleur is a quick tease to some exciting hot scene. This can burn up your kindle or book with its hotness.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written, capturing both my interest and painting vivid images of a couple at the start of their dom/sub relationship. If you have read any of my reviews, you know I love a story that draws you in and doesn’t seem like the author is going through a checklist of sexual activities. This book not only drew me in emotionally, but I felt like I was there with our heroine, down on my knees, hands tied behind my back and waiting for the moment of conquest. The author does a masterful job of using touch, dialog and orgasm denial to build sexual tension and release. At one point I thought my nipples hurt when clamps were applied…LOL. If you like a good dom/sub story, I think you will enjoy Holiday Submission.

I normally enjoy reading books with a non-con or dub-con theme because those books have an element of conflict that surpasses loving couples doing consensual things. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I love my boundaries to be pushed in real life and with the books I read. (Enough about me.) While this book wasn’t non-con, there was still so much excitement generated as the couple discovers each other’s limits and desires. In short,it just worked and did I mention the sex was hot? So girls, if you like reading about a true sexy dom, but don’t want to wake up with a sore, striped bottom that is hard to explain, then this story is recommended for you. 4 very strong stars.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good short quick read. Caro Anderson is looking for a Dom not just any Dom she longs for a stern master to love. A friend suggest that she gives the hot British Dom a chance she agrees. Rhys Devlin believes he's finally found a submissive who desires the same sexual needs that he does they agree to spend the weekend together. Rhys is captivated by the beautiful Caro and desires to make her fully his, to force her to utter her safe words "Kiss Me". Caro has been hurt and she has yet to find a man to truly give her trust to. This was a really good short quick read with no errors in spelling or grammar. I would have liked more back story on both MC's. This was my first time reading this author and I am hoping that this is a book one of a series. The sex scenes were hot. If you are looking for a short quick BDSM read this is your book.

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little short.

Yvette is suffering from depression after her prominent attorney husband, divorces him. She meets Ryan, a hot twenty-five-year-old dominant, who wants her more than anything. And she is hesitant?

Advice to Yvette, young, hot man who wants to rock your world, shows up by your side, you let him in. Thankfully she did.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for a review.

With that being said, I did enjoy reading this book. Sweet submission comes to mind. Caro wants a weekend with a Dom that will push her to her limits. Rhet is just that Dom. He is determined to get her to use her safe word, "kiss me." She hasn't kissed a man in years and puts this as a hard limit for her. The man she kisses must earn her submission and trust. She has been hurt in the past and is harboring that experience and not living.

Rhet gives her her fantasy of a sub in the 1700's. He is then referred to "my lord" by Caro. He takes this to heart. The cottage uses candles and wood heat, he travels in a carriage to another dom's house while she is dressed in period clothes. He is making her every fantasy come true. However, he wants his fantasy, Her! He is determined to have her and for more than just the weekend.

After getting Caro to use her safe word, they spend their last night wound in each others arms. But when Rhet wakes up Caro is gone. She left with only a note.

Both are miserable for the next week. Caro is determined to finish her decorating job and return to the U.S. Rhet still wants her. When she finishes the house she is working on, she finally learns who it belongs to, Rhet and he isn't going to let her go. He wants her to stay in the U.K. with him and he wants to make it permanent with a wedding ring!

Even though Rhet pushes Caro to her limits, he doesn't break her trust. Instead, he earns her sweet submission. This is not a hard D/s story but a relaxing read with a happy ever after!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***

I want to start by saying, THIS BOOK GRABBED ME IMMEDIATELY!!!!! That doesn't happen every day and especially with me. I was quickly seduced by the story.

I do not normally read novella's but I made an exception here and I am so glad I did. I normally feel that a full size novel is sometimes too short and I want to read more because it is sooooo good. That is why a novella just leaves me wanting so much more. But this? Yes it left me wanting, but just to find someone just as amazing as this lead male to make ME submit!!!

Here is a lovely young woman who needs no strings attached, amazing, erotic and mind blowing sex. Not always easy to find but through a friend she finds just that. She has the chance to negotiate with her potential "master" prior to the meeting they set up. They are both very specific with their wants and desires. So why is it then that immediately upon starting this amazing weekend, do those strict, no-strings-attached ideas start to falter? Is it the mind blowing sex? Is it the humiliation? That is where you need to read and find out!

Holiday Submission is a great quick read that I cannot recommend enough. Go get your copy now!!!

[JESSICA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. This book was a real page turner and I couldn't put it down. This is my first read, were the female is older than the male. And let me tell you, there was nothing young about, Mr. Ryan Knightbridge....

- Mr. Ryan Knightbridge: (25) - Hot damn! He just drips sexy confident alpha dominance (with a side of sweet gentleman) *Sigh* He has had his eye on, Yvette, ever since the black and white masquerade ball. And now that she is single, he is going to make her his!

- Ms. Yvette Sava: (32) - is a Washington divorced socialite, who is also very submissive but keeps it on the down low but Mr. Knightsbridge sees right through her act.

This was a really a beautiful, sensual and steamy D/s book. I will definitely be reading more from, Elizabeth SaFleur. Damn, woman, you can write! I felt like I was a dirty "Peeping Tom" watching them. Lol.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great hot little read 3.5 stars.

Before I start my review I'll just let you know that this book is currently free on Smashwords.com.
Yvette Sava is at the end of a terrible year, her divorce was high profile and she's taken to hiding herself away but then a slip on the ice lands her in the arms of Ryan Knightsbridge. A strong powerful dom who recognises a submissive when he sees one, but this isn't the first meeting of these two and this time Ryan isn't taking no for an answer.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a great hot little read just a shame it's so short I wanted more, more of their pasts and well just more.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this storyline. The characters were well developed and interesting. I would like to see this as a full novel with extended storyline. This is well written and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read and 1st one I've read by this author. I enjoyed this and will look for more of her books in the future. Loved the premise behind the story

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I let this book stay on my to-read list for far too long. So I finally read it and I'm glad I did. Why did I wait so long? Silly me, I thought a freebie wouldn't hold my interest and it is a relatively short book so how good could it be? Well, I have to say that I shouldn't have waited so long and I wholeheartedly agree with the book's high ratings. For me it was between 4-5 stars.

The book is short, but it is not short on quality or sexual heat. It is about an older woman (not that old!) and younger man. They meet and then the chemistry begins. There is a playfulness to their relationship that is endearing. I also found that the entire book felt real, meaning this is how "normal" relationships begin with doubts, desires, exploration, laughter, and heat, lots of heat.

The sex in this book is beautifully described. For me sex in books can come across "porn like" or where the reader is so removed that you can't feel the tingle. This book hit a blissful midpoint between the two extremes. I would call this book sophisticated, sexy, romantic and believable. The book is bdsm-lite, but I think it has appeal for those readers who like it soft & sexy and those who like it on the rougher side. You can't beat free and I would strongly recommend it for a quick read. I will be checking out some of this author's other books...so the freebie worked...it sucked me in like a 6th year college student trying to pass the allure of a late night party. :D

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

I loved Yvette's story. 'Holiday Ties' is another great read by the talented Miss Elizabeth SaFleur. I immediately liked Yvette from the moment she was introduced in 'Lovely'. Ryan is young, but wise beyond his years when it comes to Yvette and being a Dom. I loved the hot and steamy scenes. I liked how he brought out a different side to the ever sophisticated sub. I can't wait to read more in this series. A great add to your tbr list. Definitely recommended.

[Mariama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The BDSM sex was really hot. The book was fun and easy to read. I really wish there was more. i would love to see what happens next.

[Life Without Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, hot quick read. I loved Yvette!!! What a great heroine. And the dynamic between her and Ryan is off the charts! Looking forward to reading Lovely. Definitely recommend.

[AG Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this novella. I never connected to either character, nor did I feel any connection between them. Yvette was unlikable here, and she did not fit with the character sketch we got of her in previous books. There is no depth or explanation to either the characters or the romance. I don't recommend this one even if you have been following the series. The writing, the characters, and even the editing are subpar to the other books and should be skipped altogether.

[Elisabeth Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yvette is a newly divorced Washington socialite. Ryan is a junior legislative staffer. A chance meeting during a snow storm tumbles them into bed together. Yvette shows some resistance to a new romance. She's concerned about her reputation. He wins her over somehow. And that's about it.

I don't write a lot of 2-star reviews. Usually when I do, it's because there was something difficult or offensive about the book and some kind of redeeming feature in the form of a character or writing style that I liked. There was nothing offensive or difficult about this book. In fact, overall I'd call it "MEH" with a side of "not likely" and some "editing and continuity error" sauce.

Now, this is a novella so I don't expect the same level of character development or plot as in a full-length novel. However, here the character motivations are murky, the sex tepid, and the BDSM scenes cliched. The only thing saving this from being a total loss is that the set-up was kind of interesting. I love older woman-younger man romances and there's a seven-year age gap here. However, aside from some angsting about it by the heroine, it doesn't really factor in and Ryan never acts like a 25-year-old guy, a minus in my book.

In the absence of a real plot or significant character development, the characters tromp around all over downtown DC in the aftermath of the storm, which I thought was ambitious given the level of mess snow in DC creates. Some hotel by the White House to Eastern Market to the National Mall, back to the hotel? That's a 6-ish mile walk in the snow and cold. Why? In an erotic romance novella, shouldn't they be expending their energy and pages having hot sex? And if I never seen another silk tie in a BDSM novel, it will be too soon.

Holiday Ties is free right now on Amazon so if you're like I was and just wanted to grab something short and sexy to read while walking the dog, I guess there's no real loss? But even so, I'd probably choose something else.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Marilyn Lakewood and I love the way she writes her scenes. They are so real to life and make me feel like I am a part of the action as it occurs. This is not about the holiday per se but takes place during the Christmas season and adds to the fantasy that is being played out. I was into the story from the first page and stayed glued until the last page.

Caro Anderson has come to England for a short term design job but her friend knows of a service that puts together Doms and subs. Caro has been looking for the Dom who can take her to extremes but who can be trusted as well. She has had some less than good experiences since she started her search but continues to hope that her perfect dominant exists out there. Rhys Devlin has been looking for a submissive with the same appetite he has. He wants to have more than the body of a woman, he also would want her heart. Rhys thinks he may have found his perfect match if only he can get her to safeword before their weekend together comes to a close.

I did not really learn anything deep about either of the characters but I still felt like they were people I would be willing to get to know better. I do have a total fascination for BDSM and the stories, especially good ones, always make me even more interested. I wanted more, the ending was so abrupt and I wanted it to continue for a little longer. That for me is the sign of a good book, when you don't want it to end because you want to follow the characters further. This has some serious bondage with whips and other tools which might be offensive to some. If you have no problem with hot sex and a dominant male then this is for you. I loved it!

[Roxs Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

* * * * * 5 glistening dripping wet stars from me. * * * * *
Come on in and step back in time to 18th century England. Curl up by the blazing fire in a quaint little English cottage in the middle of a winter wonderland. Your weekend fantasy awaits; your noble British Dom arrives.
Marilyn Lakewood has done a splendid job of pushing the BDSM elements. While this book is definitely one of the harder erotica I've read, it was tantalizing at every step. The scenes that she has set are not for the weak of heart and Caro Anderson is out to prove just that - she is not going to cave and give her heart to just anyone. Rhys Devlin hopes he has finally met his submissive match, the woman that will meet all of his extreme sexual desires. Will one weekend of dark fantasies be enough? Has he planned properly to win her over and let the weekend continue for a lifetime? Holiday Submission is BDSM from start to finish and will have you breathing heavy and wanting through each delicious page. Expect to learn a few things along the way! Perhaps an extra pair of knickers at the ready wouldn't be a bad idea either :) Would definitely be open to a sequel or another book in this genre from Ms. Lakewood.

[Reed James · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a year since Yvette's divorce and she hasn't been living. She has withdrawn into her shell. A chance encounter with a younger man she had met at a party in the midst of her divorce. She finds herself drawn out of her shell by the handsome man's attention and though her fears want to hold her back, she finds herself letting this dominating man take her in hand.

She promises to give him a weekend, surrendering to all his desires. Ryan delights in her submissiveness, she is everything he wants in a woman. Now he just has to convince Yvette that he wants more than a fun weekend. Can he overcome her fears? Can Yvette trust herself to another man again? Find out in Holiday Ties.

Elizabeth pens a romantic, BDSM short. There is plenty of hot sex as Ryan dominates the willing and very submissive Yvette with some great scenes, including a very steamy shower scene. Elizabeth knows how to write hot eroticism and sweet romance, weaving them together.

I was given a free copy by the author for an honest review.

[Ria Restrepo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Ties is an extremely hot, very enjoyable erotic romance novella with BDSM themes. What sets this one apart from many dominant/submissive stories -- besides great writing -- is that the dominant in this case is younger than his would be submissive. It creates an interesting dynamic and a different type of conflict for the characters.

Yvette Sava is trying to pull her life together after a messy and scandalous divorce. She's determined to suppress her submissive nature, so she's never a doormat again. However, one snowy evening in the nation's capital, she quite literally slips and Ryan is there to catch her in more ways than one. Yvette can't deny her strong attraction to Ryan and their scorching chemistry. He convinces her to give him the weekend to prove he can be the dominant she needs. But does he have more than a weekend in mind?

Holiday Ties shows that when a submissive finds the right dominant, willingly surrendering control can be quite liberating and very, very hot. I look forward to more from Elizabeth SaFleur and the Elite Doms of Washington.

[Rachel Lune · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great Sunday morning treat for me to read. 3/4 Stars, but probably would have been more if it was a full length story.

There's a great story building here and it was a great way to get you hooked. I know I will be putting Lovely on my TBR list for January.


Yvette is an intriguing character to me. I have lots of questions about her past, her marriage and what she was doing at the party where Ryan first propositioned her? And what about Ryan... So confident and sure, yet so young!! It certainly wants me to read more about the Elite Doms of Washington.

So, a great tease of a book and highly enjoyable, certainly leaving you wanting more!!

[Roxs Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author that I've come across and the 2nd novella of hers that I've read. It was a sweet love story with all the allure and excitement of the terribly hot alpha male going after what he wants and not taking no for an answer. The lengths Ryan goes to in showing Yvette that they are right together melts your heart. Winter wonderlands and snowball fights do it to me every time. The best part -- it's free right now and will lead you on to her other works - Lovely and Untouchable. So load up your e-reader and cozy up for hot romance.Holiday Ties

[Lisa Laplume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books in this genre and how refreshing to read a book where the writer can actually WRITE!!! I have no idea on the two star review what possible could have been offensive or difficult to read. You know what you are getting yourself into reading this genre. That being said, this author puts a different spin on things and kept me engaged the whole story. I couldn't wait to see what happens and holy hotness is right. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming in the future. What a great new find and I highly recommend reading it!!!!

[✦⟣Kelly⟢✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yvette is a divorced socialite.Her entire life is built about what others think about her. Ironically she judges Ryan. Who is twenty-five to her thirty-one? She thinks he is too young, and she points it out repeatedly. It's clear that she is a bitter divorcee. She is not a submissive in any sense of the word, she toys with it for sexual gratification. Play acting in the heat of the moment. Ryan tries to hard to dominate her, and just doesn't quite pull it off. Maybe because it suffers from novella-itis. But all in all it was a cute shorty.

[Arriesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little novella about Yvette and Ryan. The only thing for me is the whole older woman and younger guy thing.... Yvette is 27 and Ryan 25..... I have to giggle a little, these kids are still in there 20's.

But I do love Yvettes character and I am sooooo channeling her today in my white dress shirt and pearls after reading Holiday Ties.

Loved it 💕 Perfect little novella to read in bed on a lazy Sunday morning

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_LNOORgnRA/

[Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story of finding true submission. This steamy story maybe BDSM based however the message is true of any relationship. In order for a relationship to work, you need to be able to let down your emotional shields and trust your partner.

Holiday Submission is a quick, steamy story with an important message.

[S.N. McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hot little read was fantastic!! Holy hot-stuff! Bite those pearls baby!! Talk about elite doms--Ryan is one hell of a fire-ball and thankfully can handle Yvette's hot-tempered strong willed but vulnerable heart. It made for a great read and I can't wait for more!

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book. Even though it was short, it still packed a punch and managed to read like a longer book. The chemistry between the players was red hot and the Dominant/Submissive budding relationship was fantastic. Really good writing

[psclnka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for the next book in series

I liked the book, loved the characters and looking forward to the next book in the series. Can't wait till January.