Teverild is a man who refuses to allow anyone to call him an elf, despite his pointy ears. Having left his tribe behind centuries ago, Teverild is now a successful photographer. Although his phone contains the numbers of powerful people within the Council of Sorcery and Shifters, and they endeavor to include him in family and other important events, he rebuffs friendship. The concept of mates eludes him, and he doesn’t want that connection either.
As a sentinel, Skeleton Lord Cassius Daray strives for perfection. His purpose is to aid his people, and he works diligently to further the goals of the Sentinel Brotherhood. At home, Cassius enjoys being with his family and throws himself into his hobbies, but there is something missing. What Cassius wants most is to find a mate.
With a penchant for trouble, Teverild winds up on the wrong side of the law. His penance is to teach a group of sentinels the basics of his craft. Teverild wants to get the class over with, but his life changes forever when he meets Cassius. Drawn together immediately, they must overcome their ghosts if they want to forge a future and build a love that will sustain them both.
Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.
I just love the D'Vaire series by Jessamyn Kingley. I truly hope she keeps pumping these books out until there is 100s of books because unlike some really long series, each of these books is new and interesting. They are very romance focused, yet we still get an engaging plot that moves forward. I was really excited about Teverild's book because though he's made a few appearances, all we really knew about him was that he shunned much of elf culture despite being one himself. Most elves wear elven clothing which covers much of their body and only reveal themselves to their mate. Teverild was often seen in ripped jeans and a tank top showing off his tattooed arms. Despite this however, Teverild still held on to his aversion to touching anyone out side of his mate. Not that he thought he would ever get one.
“I decided a long time ago that I couldn’t be loved, so I wouldn’t try to love anyone else...”
I loved how excited Cass was to have a mate. As soon as he set eyes on Teverild, the elf became his focus and he was devoted to being the best mate. It hurt my heart that Teverild took so long to get on board but once we learn about his history it is hard to blame him. Fate sure knew what she was doing pairing Teverild with a sentinel, a race whom was incapable of looking beyond their mate and are known as incorruptible and honor bound men. I think that fact may be what allowed Teverild to slowly open his heart to Cass.
Both men have lived and seen the horrors others are capable of. They bond over their shared heartbreaking pasts. Teverild is also quite the dominant in the bedroom for being an elf and so much smaller in size than Cass. Their chemistry in the sheets is definitely on point.
We meet a few more additions to the series and I look forward to learning more about them in the future.
This is the twenty-second book in the series and should be read after the previous twenty-one.
Ever read a book in one sitting because you just can’t put it down? Yes, Brazenly Daray. I just blatantly and completely ignored my list of things to do and instead got lost in the engrossing world of D’Vaire.
Cassius and Teverild are deliciously matched. They could not be anymore perfect for each other. Kingley, yet again delivers with her unfailingly, superb story-telling. These hilarious and interesting characters, who take crazy several notches up, is clearly evident in Brazenly Daray. I don't think I've ever laughed that hard whilst reading a book! The unique world building and multidimensional characters are just the tip of what makes her books absolutely morish in the best ways.
No one writes with such first-rate wit (her humorous lines are exceptional). The action-packed scenes she writes are thrilling. Jessamyn Kingley's stories will always have a place in my reader's heart.
This addition to the D’Vaire series was not my favorite. The book seemed disjointed and forced. While I love all the Darays, this book and its two characters didn’t seem as compelling. The plot seemed to jump and belong to two separate books almost like the author couldn’t decide what to do with it. Since the plot arcs throughout the novels if you are going to read volume 23 then you will need to read this one, just be advised it’s a little slow and not as good as the others.
There is always mystery, angst, a little mayhem, happy times, and some naughty bits. I laughed quite a few times while reading this story. Finally snarky photographer meets his mate. The mayhem and giggles just grow from there. He learns how not be alone and what love feels like. He gets closure from his past and abuses done to him and gets a great life after all. I can't wait for the next one.
I love that each couple is their own and not all of them are the same with different names and races. Some books follow the formula of the MCs getting to know each other then something's separates them then they get back together and have their mate bond. This book and the previous one didn't follow this rule and it made it more interesting because it was unpredictable.
This book was such a breath of fresh air for the series. I love the Daray clan and love their interactions with each other. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Teverild at beginning of the book but he quickly grew on me and fit right in with the rest of the family. I cannot wait for the rest of the Darays to get their mates. All in all, a wonderful book.
More of a bridge book. The main relationship “drama” happens over the first half. With the second half taking more of its focus to introduce new characters and highlight a few plot points that are probably going to be coming back soon.
Teverild never wanted to be with anyone, but Cassius was his mate. For a loner, he had so much to learn about family and giving his heart. Another wonderful addition to the series! Highly recommended.
This one was a lot of fun and well worth the time. The tone varied through so much happening and there was never a chance to get bored with the goings on…and we have another reaper!
Teverild is a clanless Elf. His mate is Skeletal Lord Cassius Daray. This is one of the more light hearted D'Vaire books, the story of a man with no ties connecting with the boisterous and crazy Daray household. Another winner.