What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal Elite #2
Ahsan
Sheikh Ahsan Afshar is a rogue of the highest order, prone to scandal, seduction and womanizing. He's a devilish yet complicated creature with an over-sized ego and more arrogance than he knows what to do with. When fate brings him face to face with Miss Sessily Pavel, he finds himself issuing a challenge that brings her into his home—and into his life.
Sessily Pavel has a secret. A secret involving Sheikh Ahsan Afshar. One so explosive it could endanger her life. Challenged to a race, she enters Ahsan's world, only to discover he's not the man she thought he was. Fighting off red-hot chemistry and undeniable attraction, she sets herself on task—one that threatens to unravel her secrets and expose her for the liar she is. The only question is whether he'll ever forgive her, and whether she can forgive herself.
Book 2 of the Royal Elite series.
Sessily Pavel has a secret. A secret involving Sheikh Ahsan Afshar. One so explosive it could endanger her life. Challenged to a race, she enters Ahsan's world, only to discover he's not the man she thought he was. Fighting off red-hot chemistry and undeniable attraction, she sets herself on task—one that threatens to unravel her secrets and expose her for the liar she is. The only question is whether he'll ever forgive her, and whether she can forgive herself.
Book 2 of the Royal Elite series.
ebook
Published January 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Bourdon
78 books767 followersBorn and raised in Corona California, Danielle now resides in Texas with her husband and two sons. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, penning works in a number of genres. To date, she has published 49 novels and nine short stories. Her interests vary wildly: reading, traveling, photography, graphic art and baking, among others.
Visit her website for updates and contests: www.daniellebourdon.com
Contact her via email at: author@daniellebourdon.com
Follow on:
TikTok.com@AuthorDanielleBourdon
facebook.com/authordaniellebourdon
Visit her website for updates and contests: www.daniellebourdon.com
Contact her via email at: author@daniellebourdon.com
Follow on:
TikTok.com@AuthorDanielleBourdon
facebook.com/authordaniellebourdon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 15, 2016
Haven't read a good desert sheikh romance in a while so I was happy to see this one waiting for me. New to me author and series. This is book two, but it functions just fine as a standalone. I'm reading this one as part of The Red Hot Lovers Box Set.
The story opens with Sheikh Ahsan Afshar joining his friends at a Gala held in Dubai. He is distracted by a stunning vision in white, but he tries to play it low key since it is generally known that he never lets a woman turn his head. But this one...
Sessily Pavel feels all twisted up inside. She is at the Gala for one reason only: Sheikh Ahsan Afshar. Ahsan's brother is holding her sister hostage and forcing her to spy on Ahsan and perhaps something more deadly if Ahsan's intent is to usurp his brother as the crown prince. Ahsan is known to be hard to get close to and her assignment is to not only get close, but get invited into his household as a spy. This turns out to be the easy part. Ahsan surprises her with his gallantry, courteous hospitality and quiet life away from public view. He is making it hard for her to hold onto the hate that will make her lies and spying palpable. Then she sees the women and suspects Ahsan is in the human trafficking business with his hateful brother.
Ahsan doesn't get Sessily. He is drawn to her and is impressed that she doesn't fawn on him and want something from him like most women, but it is obvious that she is keeping secrets and something is bringing the fear to her eyes. But even as he tries to figure out Sessily, the political situation heats up and threatens to pull him in a direction he doesn't want to go.
All right, this one isn't deep, but was engaging. I enjoyed the playful, flirting banter between Ahsan and Sessily. The intrigue was a nice surprise and added enough to keep it interesting. I liked that the narration was shared by both Ahsan and Sessily so I could get what both were thinking. The romance develops with a little extra tension because of Sessily's secrets and the misunderstanding about Ahsan and the captured women. There was a fairy tale quality to the story and I enjoyed that tone.
Normally, I don't care for stories that have the 'big misunderstanding' element because usually it's obviously just a device to amp up the angst. In this case, the author used it well. The issue made sense in keeping with Sessily's experiences and the fact that she doesn't have much time to get to know Ahsan. The reader knows the truth and it's hard to see her suspect the very guy who can help her and yet it's not a big stretch to see that she's not being stupid to be cautious and trust no one particularly the bad guy's brother. So, all that to say, the conflict worked well for this story.
Now her second misunderstanding, that was just her willing to think the worst and her insecurities, but fortunately it didn't carry on forever.
The romance was sweet with a bit of spice and happened at a rapid clip, but that is par for the course. I liked this pair together and would have liked a bit more at the end of them together, but wasn't too disappointed.
All in all, this was a quick, moderately satisfying read. I want to get the rest of the stories about Ahsan's friends. This is for those who enjoy light, quick, fairytale like contemporary romances.
The story opens with Sheikh Ahsan Afshar joining his friends at a Gala held in Dubai. He is distracted by a stunning vision in white, but he tries to play it low key since it is generally known that he never lets a woman turn his head. But this one...
Sessily Pavel feels all twisted up inside. She is at the Gala for one reason only: Sheikh Ahsan Afshar. Ahsan's brother is holding her sister hostage and forcing her to spy on Ahsan and perhaps something more deadly if Ahsan's intent is to usurp his brother as the crown prince. Ahsan is known to be hard to get close to and her assignment is to not only get close, but get invited into his household as a spy. This turns out to be the easy part. Ahsan surprises her with his gallantry, courteous hospitality and quiet life away from public view. He is making it hard for her to hold onto the hate that will make her lies and spying palpable. Then she sees the women and suspects Ahsan is in the human trafficking business with his hateful brother.
Ahsan doesn't get Sessily. He is drawn to her and is impressed that she doesn't fawn on him and want something from him like most women, but it is obvious that she is keeping secrets and something is bringing the fear to her eyes. But even as he tries to figure out Sessily, the political situation heats up and threatens to pull him in a direction he doesn't want to go.
All right, this one isn't deep, but was engaging. I enjoyed the playful, flirting banter between Ahsan and Sessily. The intrigue was a nice surprise and added enough to keep it interesting. I liked that the narration was shared by both Ahsan and Sessily so I could get what both were thinking. The romance develops with a little extra tension because of Sessily's secrets and the misunderstanding about Ahsan and the captured women. There was a fairy tale quality to the story and I enjoyed that tone.
Normally, I don't care for stories that have the 'big misunderstanding' element because usually it's obviously just a device to amp up the angst. In this case, the author used it well. The issue made sense in keeping with Sessily's experiences and the fact that she doesn't have much time to get to know Ahsan. The reader knows the truth and it's hard to see her suspect the very guy who can help her and yet it's not a big stretch to see that she's not being stupid to be cautious and trust no one particularly the bad guy's brother. So, all that to say, the conflict worked well for this story.
Now her second misunderstanding, that was just her willing to think the worst and her insecurities, but fortunately it didn't carry on forever.
The romance was sweet with a bit of spice and happened at a rapid clip, but that is par for the course. I liked this pair together and would have liked a bit more at the end of them together, but wasn't too disappointed.
All in all, this was a quick, moderately satisfying read. I want to get the rest of the stories about Ahsan's friends. This is for those who enjoy light, quick, fairytale like contemporary romances.
September 3, 2016
Loved this book! This series is a spin off from the Latvala Royals Series and I loved all of the books in that one too. Ahsan is a very intriguing character and I loved how the book told his story. Sessily and her story pulls at your heart strings. It was also nice to catch up with Sander for a little bit at the beginning of the book.
If you love alpha male royalty along with some suspense, then you will love this story. I am so glad that Danielle Bourdon decided to continue with these characters by giving them their own series. This is a five-star book. It can be read as a stand-alone but you should get Book #1 if you haven’t read it. Mattias is as interesting as Ahsan!
If you love alpha male royalty along with some suspense, then you will love this story. I am so glad that Danielle Bourdon decided to continue with these characters by giving them their own series. This is a five-star book. It can be read as a stand-alone but you should get Book #1 if you haven’t read it. Mattias is as interesting as Ahsan!
December 28, 2023
Love!!
Love this whole series!!! Wish someone would consider making the Royals series to include th books on the elite too into a movie or miniseries!
Love this whole series!!! Wish someone would consider making the Royals series to include th books on the elite too into a movie or miniseries!
November 6, 2014
Ein Palast in der Wüste
Sheik Ahsan Afshar ist das schwarze Schaf der Familie. Als Sohn des Emirs sollte er die Traditionen bewahren. Sein westlich geprägtes Jet-Set Leben gefällt dem Vater überhaupt nicht. Zum Glück hat er 18 Kinder, davon neun Söhne. Die Thronfolge sollte also gesichert sein. Doch ausgerechnet der Kronprinz Bashir hat nicht gerade die Eigenschaften, die sich ein Vater wünschen würde, zwar hält er sich an die Traditionen, doch wird immer deutlicher, dass er in dunkle Machenschaften verstrickt ist. Ahsan versucht des Bruders üble Pläne zu durchkreuzen. Aber mehr noch genießt er das Leben eines Playboys. Bis er eines Abends auf einer Gala-Veranstaltung die junge Sessily Pavel entdeckt und sich ihres spröden Charmes nicht erwehren kann.
Anhand des Covers könnte man vor der Lektüre eine gewisse Erwartung an die Handlung hegen, die jedoch nur bedingt erfüllt wird. Zwar prickelt es tüchtig zwischen dem Über-Mann Ahsan und Sessily, der atemberaubenden Schönheit. Doch hat die Autorin eher so etwas wie einen Polit-Thriller mit einer kleinen Liebesgeschichte geschrieben, wobei ihr der Thriller besser gelungen ist. Man möchte beim Lesen meinen, Ahsans Ansichten könnte sich so mancher zum Beispiel nehmen. Da gönnt man ihm hin und wieder ein Glas Cognac zur Entspannung. Immerhin ist es sein Traum, die Eine zu finden und seinem Bruder das Handwerk zu legen. Sessily trägt ein Geheimnis mit sich herum, dass sie hindert sich Ahsan anzuvertrauen. Und so ist ihr Eintritt in Ahsans Welt der Superreichen weder aus ganz freien Stücken noch unter ganz ehrlichen Umständen. Und so verfolgen beide ihre geheimen Ziele und können doch die Anziehung nicht verleugnen.
Der durchaus ernste Hintergrund dieser Geschichte lässt wünschen, es würde mehr Erzählungen dieser Art geben. Doch leider ist die Love-Story dagegen etwas lau geraten, so dass man eigentlich lieber einen echten Thriller mit der Thematik gelesen hätte.
Sheik Ahsan Afshar ist das schwarze Schaf der Familie. Als Sohn des Emirs sollte er die Traditionen bewahren. Sein westlich geprägtes Jet-Set Leben gefällt dem Vater überhaupt nicht. Zum Glück hat er 18 Kinder, davon neun Söhne. Die Thronfolge sollte also gesichert sein. Doch ausgerechnet der Kronprinz Bashir hat nicht gerade die Eigenschaften, die sich ein Vater wünschen würde, zwar hält er sich an die Traditionen, doch wird immer deutlicher, dass er in dunkle Machenschaften verstrickt ist. Ahsan versucht des Bruders üble Pläne zu durchkreuzen. Aber mehr noch genießt er das Leben eines Playboys. Bis er eines Abends auf einer Gala-Veranstaltung die junge Sessily Pavel entdeckt und sich ihres spröden Charmes nicht erwehren kann.
Anhand des Covers könnte man vor der Lektüre eine gewisse Erwartung an die Handlung hegen, die jedoch nur bedingt erfüllt wird. Zwar prickelt es tüchtig zwischen dem Über-Mann Ahsan und Sessily, der atemberaubenden Schönheit. Doch hat die Autorin eher so etwas wie einen Polit-Thriller mit einer kleinen Liebesgeschichte geschrieben, wobei ihr der Thriller besser gelungen ist. Man möchte beim Lesen meinen, Ahsans Ansichten könnte sich so mancher zum Beispiel nehmen. Da gönnt man ihm hin und wieder ein Glas Cognac zur Entspannung. Immerhin ist es sein Traum, die Eine zu finden und seinem Bruder das Handwerk zu legen. Sessily trägt ein Geheimnis mit sich herum, dass sie hindert sich Ahsan anzuvertrauen. Und so ist ihr Eintritt in Ahsans Welt der Superreichen weder aus ganz freien Stücken noch unter ganz ehrlichen Umständen. Und so verfolgen beide ihre geheimen Ziele und können doch die Anziehung nicht verleugnen.
Der durchaus ernste Hintergrund dieser Geschichte lässt wünschen, es würde mehr Erzählungen dieser Art geben. Doch leider ist die Love-Story dagegen etwas lau geraten, so dass man eigentlich lieber einen echten Thriller mit der Thematik gelesen hätte.
April 25, 2015
I'm going to say a 3.5 leaning towards a 4 for Ashan.
I thought that the story was well written and I liked the intrigue... it did take up a fair bit of the book and it sorta took away from the relationship development a bit. I would have liked to see Sessily be a little more "involved" in the drama rather than becoming a useless bystander in the events. I would have liked it more if she could have been a little more "engaged" with Ahsan.
That is my biggest complaint with this story. I liked it enough to care about the fact that Sessily wasn't QUITE enough for me.
Ahsan fitted the bill of gorgeous, rich and intelligent, with a noble spirit but I just didn't get a strong FEEL for Sessily. She wasn't weak or useless, I just felt like I was missing something from her. She was just not enough for me and I really wanted her to be.
Because she was a little one dimensional I found the chemistry between the two a little lacking and it took FOREVER for them to get there!!!!!!!! When they met at the ball Sessily had an ulterior motive for going back to Ahsan's place but I thought he agreed to the race so he could get into her pants ;)
He seemed quite preoccupied with other things instead and there was hardly any build up at all other than a bit of witty banter between the two. Then, BOOM! After LOTS of pages they make it to bed. Once.
I wanted more because all in all, this one had potential. It just didn't quite get there for me. 3.5 stars.
I thought that the story was well written and I liked the intrigue... it did take up a fair bit of the book and it sorta took away from the relationship development a bit. I would have liked to see Sessily be a little more "involved" in the drama rather than becoming a useless bystander in the events. I would have liked it more if she could have been a little more "engaged" with Ahsan.
That is my biggest complaint with this story. I liked it enough to care about the fact that Sessily wasn't QUITE enough for me.
Ahsan fitted the bill of gorgeous, rich and intelligent, with a noble spirit but I just didn't get a strong FEEL for Sessily. She wasn't weak or useless, I just felt like I was missing something from her. She was just not enough for me and I really wanted her to be.
Because she was a little one dimensional I found the chemistry between the two a little lacking and it took FOREVER for them to get there!!!!!!!! When they met at the ball Sessily had an ulterior motive for going back to Ahsan's place but I thought he agreed to the race so he could get into her pants ;)
He seemed quite preoccupied with other things instead and there was hardly any build up at all other than a bit of witty banter between the two. Then, BOOM! After LOTS of pages they make it to bed. Once.
I wanted more because all in all, this one had potential. It just didn't quite get there for me. 3.5 stars.
August 26, 2014
3.5. I loved the original Latvala Royals series, but this spin off is falling a bit short for me. Both Mattias and Ashan's books felt off. Maybe too heavy on the suspense and too light on the romance. I felt in both of the first two books that I wanted more of the romance story to play out. Maybe it would have been nice if previous characters (Mattias and Alannah) made an appearance in this book to further their story. I think the problem was the original series was five books on the same characters, so each book didn't have to advance the relationship very far. But this series, each book has a new couple, but the relationship barely gets anywhere, but there aren't four more books to finish the story for each couple. The suspense part was good, I really enjoyed reading both these books, just wish I got a little more of a HEA.
August 5, 2016
3.5 Stars.
So glad that this book draws on the components that I loved in the Latvala Royals series (the companion series that preceded the Royal Elite series). Although Ahsan was not a character I was expecting to like given how much the reader hears about his propensity for womanizing in the previous books, I was charmed by him as quickly as Sessily. He is intelligent and witty--two traits that reminded me of Mattias--but with a stronger, more capable heroine. The relationship between the two main characters felt much more realistic and the politics swirling in the background made the steaks much higher. I can't wait to see if Chayton and Leander's books continue in the same vein.
So glad that this book draws on the components that I loved in the Latvala Royals series (the companion series that preceded the Royal Elite series). Although Ahsan was not a character I was expecting to like given how much the reader hears about his propensity for womanizing in the previous books, I was charmed by him as quickly as Sessily. He is intelligent and witty--two traits that reminded me of Mattias--but with a stronger, more capable heroine. The relationship between the two main characters felt much more realistic and the politics swirling in the background made the steaks much higher. I can't wait to see if Chayton and Leander's books continue in the same vein.
August 3, 2015
Hands down this was my favorite of the Elite series. Ashan's brother makes an appearance in The King Take a Bride. Instantly you don't like the brother and honestly I had no idea that Bashir and Ashan were brothers until this book. The two are complete opposites in every way. Where Bashir is a horrible excuse for a man, Ashan is everything that is right.
I don't have anything but good things to say about this book and if ever there were a squeal series about a couple like Chey and Sander I would vote for Ashan and Sessily (love the name by the way).
I don't have anything but good things to say about this book and if ever there were a squeal series about a couple like Chey and Sander I would vote for Ashan and Sessily (love the name by the way).
July 11, 2014
This series gets better and better with each new book I read. I'm so glad I found this author's books. I enjoyed reading this book so very much and fell in love with Ashan and Sessily. Ashan is everything you could want in a Man, Alpha, Hot. Sexy, & he does things his way. And I loved the chemistry between those two. If you haven't read the Royals Series are any of the Elite Series you are definitely missing out.
May 22, 2014
I loved the Latvala series so I was very disappointed with the Royal Elite Series - Mattias and Chayton - whose stories felt too rushed and underdeveloped in comparison.
I felt that Ahsan's story bought in all of the original elements and depth of plot and character that the Latvala series had, but within the one novel.
Both leads were well developed as characters and had clear motivations, emotions and actions.
Definitely the best of the Royal Elite series so far.
I felt that Ahsan's story bought in all of the original elements and depth of plot and character that the Latvala series had, but within the one novel.
Both leads were well developed as characters and had clear motivations, emotions and actions.
Definitely the best of the Royal Elite series so far.
August 31, 2014
Nice fairy tale! Ahsan and Sessily might just work out with a little time and honesty!! At first I couldn't stand the air Ahsan breathed. His arrogance was stifling! I wanted to kick every one of those women pinning over him that didn't even know him...As if!!! His friend fall a bit in the jerk category as well...birds of a feather and all that...
February 4, 2015
All about the story
I really liked the story line was in this book. What I struggled with was the development of the romance to that of a level of love. It seemed like neither character knew much about each other to say they were in love. So the story was good but the romance...not so much.
I really liked the story line was in this book. What I struggled with was the development of the romance to that of a level of love. It seemed like neither character knew much about each other to say they were in love. So the story was good but the romance...not so much.
May 30, 2017
Love this series. Ahsan is a sexy character. Even though this series is typical over indulged royals it is fun to think they may be adventurous. Unrealistic unless you are thinking Prince Harry. Hahaha
March 11, 2014
Loved it can't wait for the next one good read thx
August 19, 2015
i just got done read this book again and I still love Ahsan great story and great series cant wait to read this rest and im glad we got to see some Sander and Mattias in the story
May 19, 2015
I loved Danielle's books but stopped reading half way through. I just couldn't get a feel for it so gave up and it's but me off reading the others in this series
March 27, 2015
GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!
March 31, 2016
Loved it. Great writing as always.
September 15, 2017
I would have liked more romance, but what was there was good.
July 29, 2019
Loved it!
I love reading about all the other characters. Knowing the whole story is great! I can't wait to keep reading!
I love reading about all the other characters. Knowing the whole story is great! I can't wait to keep reading!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews