Invincible (Elite Doms of Washington)

I have spent several days trying to decide how to write this review and none of the ways seem to do this work justice. At the least, it is the best book in the series and one of the best I have read this year. It’s a story of how a strong, powerful man can be hobbled to his past through hate, loneliness, secrets – and a love he cannot let go. It was painful to read at times, but ultimately the experience was transcendent and inspiring. I wouldn’t change a single word.

In the final installment of Elizabeth SaFleur’s Elite series we are given a story of healing from soul shattering events. Of mature characters who have lived their adult lives with the spiritual cancers from secrets within and inner pain that has festered for forty years. How can a love that laid dormant all those years be reignited and bring healing?

I wanted to read Alexander’s story since he was first introduced in Elizabeth SaFleur’s Elite series. Although he was a minor character in each book, his influence on all of the main characters was a major factor. He was an enigma. He was in control, never giving that power to anyone, yet there was always a sense of inner pain and mystery buried behind those steely eyes. Finally, we have his story. Every. Beautiful. Painful. Trancendent. Detail.

For once, I will not include any real spoilers. But I share two quotes which embody the essence of this man. One is the advice his much loved uncle gave him and by which he tried to live his life:

“Don’t beat anyone. Best them.
Keep all your promises.
Surround yourself with friends.
Always help if you could.
Don’t owe anyone anything. “

The second reveals his true character despite the walls he often builds around himself:

“If he thought about it, his life’s work was embodied not by the splendid architecture and award-winning gardens of his estate but by the people who inhabited it and considered it a place of refuge, a safe haven.”

Because that is what Alexander has done. He has built Club Accendos as a refuge for the many people whose lifestyles and needs were considered different, decadent, or even degenerate. People who led otherwise exemplary lives. Who had families, lovers, and friends. Who contributed to society and often held powerful positions therein, but who would be outcast if their BDSM lifestyles became known. These people were Alexander’s family and Accendos, their safehaven.

If you have read any of the Elite series, then you must read this one. It is a stand alone and you do not need to have read any of the other books before reading this one. It truly stands on its own. However, the main characters of the other books are also present here, so reading them is recommended.

Just a word of advice. This is not Fifty Shades, which is a decent book, but not a realistic depiction of BDSM. This is (as are all of the books in the series) a more realistic view of a lifestyle that can be shocking to some. At Accendos, safety, consent, and care are of primary importance.

This review is based upon an ARC and is an honest opinion.

This is the 6th Book in The Elite Doms of Washington Series by Elizabeth SaFleur and she does not disappoint.This is Beautiful Love Story. Alexander Rockingham is the owner of this very Prestigious club called Accendos at age 60 you actually want him to find love. He has some secrets in his past, but so does his former lover Rebecca from 40 yrs ago she ends up showing up Wanting to make amends to Alexander after all these years . You also meet Eric Morrison who now wants to be with both of them, they do a lot of soul searching the three of them became close and the secrets have to be revealed. There is a lot of very Hot sex in this book, You also will see some of the previous characters from her other Elite Doms of Washington. This book is my Favorite of hers because it is about Older people who can Find Love and Happiness still , I did cry a little bit , but I am so Happy that she wrote the story of Alexander Rockingham The Mystery man Of Club Accendos . 5 Stars

I volunteered to be an ARC reader for this book. Wow, Elizabeth SaFleur has out done herself on Invincible!!! She shows us the hurt Alexander went through all those years ago that has made him the man he is today. The surprise in finding his true love of Rebecca, finally in getting to say good bye to his other love Charles, and finding a new love he had recognized in a close friend.

Alexander, Eric and Rebecca. I love this series. It is raw and edgy but filled with love. Alexander is a man with tight control. Almost 40 years later he is being able to fulfill a promise and it is tearing him apart. Eric has loved him from afar for almost a decade and would do anything for him. Rebecca is a love lost to him that has come back in his life. The story unfolds as they try to make their dynamic work together. You will experience erotic scenes and feel their heartbreak as they struggle to make it all work. In the end love conquers everything and they learn to hold on to that which is important.

Master Alexander’s story has been long awaited and in many ways, it did not disappoint. The story opens with a defining and completely heart-breaking loss that colours and directs the next 40 years of Alexander’s life. Ms. SaFleur’s writing is beautiful and the characters come to life under her pen; their pain and loss, fear and hope become so real that I had to put the book down many times to take a break from the intensity of their lives. The epilogue was perfection as was the party on Christmas Eve - such a beautiful glimpse back to characters that I feel I know and love. However, there is one aspect to the story that I could not reconcile and, although I knew it was a part of him, I hoped that finding his own “forever love” would soften him. Alexander is a Dominant and he is powerful but he is also kind and generous and thoughtful and protective. He is also a sadist and that is the part of him that I couldn’t accept. Not my Alexander! Of course, my personal experiences with a lifetime of pain, complete bafflement with those who enjoy it and an absolute distrust of anyone who causes or enjoys inflicting pain colours my reaction to this aspect of the story. Nevertheless, I did not like it those episodes. At all. Despite this caveat, I highly recommend this poignant and beautifully written conclusion to the Elite Doms of Washington series. Thank you Ms. SaFleur.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

The wait for Master Alexander’s story, the finale of the series, has been anticipated by many since the very beginning and it was such a beautiful story of love, loss, grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and release. Alexander has always been a controlled and stoic character who always favoured justice and fairness throughout the series. He kept his past secret but it was evident he carried a sadness with him and that he had suffered greatly. He was no stranger to heartbreak and at times he seemed resolved to be ever alone, never to love again. Finally seeing inside the man to the emotions and experiences that have swirled together to make him the powerful dominant of today was a fitting end to the series. I’ve always longed to see Alexander in action, to see him give himself and to be loved, cherished, the way he deserved. Author Elizabeth SaFleur has done him justice and written a poignantly beautiful story.
Alexander has been a permanent fixture in every book in the Elite Doms series. He is the friend and confidant to many. He is the Grand Arbitur of Club Accendos which is featured in and the center of every book in some way. The club itself provides a sensual experience and Elizabeth SaFleur has managed to master the art of creating realistic images in all her novels. Her techniques of describing the surroundings and the scenes allow me to envision clearly everything that is happening and where it is happening. Her writing also brings out the emotions of the characters and allows the reader to “feel” the story. I can't put into words how her writing weaves its way into my very soul. It is an experience like no other.
The events of Alexander’s past revealed a sad reality, one that is still prevalent in today’s society. Judgment, hate, and condemnation of people instead of love and acceptance makes for a bitter and lonely world; an existence that wastes so much energy. The relationship between Alexander, Charles, Rebecca, and Eric was truly wonderful. The intense emotions that their love exudes brought tears to my eyes. Their caring and selfless hearts were an inspiration. Life is hard enough to get through, why not live it to the fullest sharing your love instead of unleashing your evil.
All of the previous characters from every book have made cameo appearances in Invincible. Seeing them again, getting caught up on their lives today, made this book all the more perfect. These characters are not to be forgotten and they added both nostalgia and another dimension to this book. I will miss them all and should the author find the characters talking to her again one day, I will be happy to get lost in her words and all the Elite Doms.

Alexander waited 40 to finally exact his revenge, he was also reunite with his love. This MMF story is emotionally charged. Secrets are revealed after so many years. Invincible was full of twists and turns and angst. The relationship among Alexander, Rebecca and Eric was palpable and inevitable. The book did leave me with a slight book hangover, the story very intense. This is a stand-alone book in this series.

Review copy was received for a honest opinion.

I don’t ever not know what to say when reviewing a book, but this one is different. Invincible was a story of immense emotion and love. Elizabeth Safleur listened to the voices in her head and delivered a story worthy of Alexander Rockingham himself! Invincible is his story after all! Alexander as a character has been a mystery, well his secrets get chipped away and we uncover the man he is in the most intense way possible. It is a story of healing from the past and accepting love from all stages of life.
I cannot implore everyone enough to read this book. It affected me emotionally in levels I didn’t know I had! You will not be disappointed with it!

There was melancholy, sadness, bitterness, poignancy and a love that spanned forty years as well as a new love in this remarkable story of Alexander. Secrets are exposed and so much of what drives Alexander is revealed. There are some unexpected twists and turns but the constant of love pulls them all through. This is a story full of hot sex but also a deep and abiding love, some, Alexander and Rebecca, for over 40 years, some as in Eric’s case unrequited until now, and some, Rebecca and Eric, very new, but in each case abiding and powerful. This is a story that will tug as your heart strings and bring tears to your eyes but they are not all sad and you will finish the book with a profound sense of completion.

It was an intense read! I was waiting for this book for such a long time. 

Alexander is the heart of Club Accendos. He is the savior, the confidant and the rock of so many people. But he needs someone to care for him. I waited so long to read about him finding love again. And I wasn't disappointed!

Rebecca, Alexander's long lost love, full of memory and secrets, would do anything to get him back. But they will need to reconnect. And then there is Eric. So sweet and smart Eric! The bridge between them. I loved meeting him. He's the perfect match. So selfless and so kind.

As usual Elizabeth SaFleur has outdone herself. I couldn't hope for a better story for Alexander. It's sweet and sexy and OMG the sex scenes! So hot, so intense! BDSM at it's finest. Scorching hot, exciting, arousing and still sweet and elegant. What I wouldn't do to spend some time with the amazing Alexander Rockingham. 

I highly recommend this book and all the series. 

Invincible is the last book in the Elite Doms of Washington series. All can be read as a standalone.