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Elemental Witch Trials #18.5
Yardley: An Unconventional Love Story
When Yardley, a demon guardian of the void, is illicitly summoned to protect a desperate mage, he quickly discovers more than the ordered existence he treasures is at risk. Forces in charge of balance are hunting and killing humans for the crime of possessing magic no mortal should wield. Until he can decide if she is a thief or the only hope to stop a corruption bent on destroying the magical equilibrium holding the worlds together, he must keep her alive at all costs.
80 pages, ebook
Published June 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Lucretia Stanhope
84 books115 followersLucretia Stanhope is a relentlessly optimistic crone who refuses to let her growing collection of rare illnesses steal her sparkle. She prefers to think of herself as medically fascinating as opposed to disabled. Seriously, half of these diseases sound less realistic than her most fanciful novels.
Powered by the support of an amazing husband and family, when she isn’t cuddling with her rescue chi-mixes, Thor and Moxie, she spends her days in creative pursuits that range from drawing and painting to crochet and writing.
This is the landing page for all the pen names that include solo and collaborative novels. Please note genres and content advisories as these novels range from YA friendly, to adult only romances and graphic horror, with a touch of everything in between.
Powered by the support of an amazing husband and family, when she isn’t cuddling with her rescue chi-mixes, Thor and Moxie, she spends her days in creative pursuits that range from drawing and painting to crochet and writing.
This is the landing page for all the pen names that include solo and collaborative novels. Please note genres and content advisories as these novels range from YA friendly, to adult only romances and graphic horror, with a touch of everything in between.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 28, 2020
Story: 1 star
Narration: 3 star
The cover was what drew me into requesting a code for this story. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t really pull me in. It wasn’t until I finished and scanned through other reviews that I realized this was a novella to a series. Maybe it would have helped me better understand the story had I read or listened to the other books? I don’t know. Needless to say, the beginning went over my head and I had a hard time focusing because it seemed like it was mainly descriptions of imaginary things, so I had no clue what was really going on.
This was like a different version of Beauty and the Beast but, unlike the movie, I felt the love aspect was kind of forced on the characters. It didn’t come across as natural at all. It’s like one second they’re acquaintances, you could say; she was on a mission and he followed along. But then suddenly Fanny is changing Yardley so that he can mate and be with Alma and he doesn’t seem to even know what’s going on. He’s questioning if he even has feelings for her (regarding loving Alma) when they haven’t been together that long. What? A few days…. It was strange. The fact there was no real backstory to Yardley didn't help.
Why was she always referring to him as “My guardian” and said in such a way? Even after her spell was supposedly no longer compelling him to do her bidding, her emphasis of “My guardian” stayed the same.
There were some questionable phrases, as well as mistakes where the incorrect word was used. For example, “Fanny altered his species.” His species? No, she didn’t. She just altered him, not all of his kind. Or “I will tell her when I send her. The deals are between her with me.” Or “The flood of awful soaking into his feet pads.” Huh?
The narrator did an all right job. I had to speed up the narration, which I never have to do. Otherwise, there were many times throughout the story when the narrator read the story as though she weren’t really sure what she was reading, like slow with random pauses between syllables and words. The cover was what drew me into requesting a code for this story. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t really pull me in. It wasn’t until I finished and scanned through other reviews that I realized this was a novella to a series. Maybe it would have helped me better understand the story had I read or listened to the other books? I don’t know. Needless to say, the beginning went over my head and I had a hard time focusing because it seemed like it was mainly descriptions of imaginary things, so I had no clue what was really going on.
This was like a different version of Beauty and the Beast but, unlike the movie, I felt the love aspect was kind of forced on the characters. It didn’t come across as natural at all. It’s like one second they’re acquaintances, you could say; she was on a mission and he followed along. But then suddenly Fanny is changing Yardley so that he can mate and be with Alma and he doesn’t seem to even know what’s going on. He’s questioning if he even has feelings for her (regarding loving Alma) when they haven’t been together that long. What? A few days…. It was strange. The fact there was no real backstory to Yardley didn't help.
Why was she always referring to him as “My guardian” and said in such a way? Even after her spell was supposedly no longer compelling him to do her bidding, her emphasis of “My guardian” stayed the same.
There were some questionable phrases, as well as mistakes where the incorrect word was used. For example, “Fanny altered his species.” His species? No, she didn’t. She just altered him, not all of his kind. Or “I will tell her when I send her. The deals are between her with me.” Or “The flood of awful soaking into his feet pads.” Huh?
The narrator did an all right job. I had to speed up the narration, which I never have to do. Otherwise, there were many times throughout the story when the narrator read the story as though she weren’t really sure what she was reading, like slow with random pauses between syllables and words. Thankfully, she provided a variety of character voices.
Questions/Comments:
My biggest question: How was Alma in love with Yardley, so eager to mate with him and bear his children when they’d been together for such a short period of time.
How long had her spell worked on him? When Yardley realized that she no longer compelled him, there was this sudden shift, an unbelievable shift, that had him questioning if he loved Alma when there had been no romantic inclinations from either party besides her randomly kissing him and then them randomly having sex (I can't remember if that took place for he started thinking about her in that way or after), how he was willing to change himself for her, and basically become a different person/creature, and do what she wanted him to do. They were both so eager to get her pregnant with his child and he referred to her as a perfect mate, even though he had to change into a human to be with her. I just couldn’t get into it. This is definitely what you would refer to as insta-love with no real love connection between the characters. It didn’t work for me.
Speaking of sex. Did they have sex? I honestly wasn’t sure. They kiss and then they finish whatever activity they’d just been doing like two minutes prior. That had to have been the weirdest, vaguest sex scene (if that’s what it was) that I’ve ever encountered.
Regarding Alma’s attraction to Yardley, it was strange how they both referred to him being a demon in such a way as though he could change into other creatures or a person. There was a part when "Yardley knew Alma wanted to see his demon." Not see him. As though he and his demon were two different entities. He wasn’t a werewolf who shifted from one form to another. He was a demon. Period.
So Alma got pregnant after having sex with Yardley one time. Did I miss something about her using a spell to raise her chances of getting pregnant that fast?
Then at the end, it isn’t until after their child turns four-years-old that Alma realizes the negative connotation of Yardley being a demon. How was that possible? What were they doing prior to her realization? Had he been in human form during those four years? I still didn't understand why she didn't want him to tell their child he was a demon, not even when the child got older. Couldn't they have raised the child in a more demon-friendly location?
I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Questions/Comments:
My biggest question: How was Alma in love with Yardley, so eager to mate with him and bear his children when they’d been together for such a short period of time.
How long had her spell worked on him? When Yardley realized that she no longer compelled him, there was this sudden shift, an unbelievable shift, that had him questioning if he loved Alma when there had been no romantic inclinations from either party besides her randomly kissing him and then them randomly having sex (I can't remember if that took place for he started thinking about her in that way or after), how he was willing to change himself for her, and basically become a different person/creature, and do what she wanted him to do. They were both so eager to get her pregnant with his child and he referred to her as a perfect mate, even though he had to change into a human to be with her. I just couldn’t get into it. This is definitely what you would refer to as insta-love with no real love connection between the characters. It didn’t work for me.
Speaking of sex. Did they have sex? I honestly wasn’t sure. They kiss and then they finish whatever activity they’d just been doing like two minutes prior. That had to have been the weirdest, vaguest sex scene (if that’s what it was) that I’ve ever encountered.
Regarding Alma’s attraction to Yardley, it was strange how they both referred to him being a demon in such a way as though he could change into other creatures or a person. There was a part when "Yardley knew Alma wanted to see his demon." Not see him. As though he and his demon were two different entities. He wasn’t a werewolf who shifted from one form to another. He was a demon. Period.
So Alma got pregnant after having sex with Yardley one time. Did I miss something about her using a spell to raise her chances of getting pregnant that fast?
Then at the end, it isn’t until after their child turns four-years-old that Alma realizes the negative connotation of Yardley being a demon. How was that possible? What were they doing prior to her realization? Had he been in human form during those four years? I still didn't understand why she didn't want him to tell their child he was a demon, not even when the child got older. Couldn't they have raised the child in a more demon-friendly location?
I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: 3 star
The cover was what drew me into requesting a code for this story. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t really pull me in. It wasn’t until I finished and scanned through other reviews that I realized this was a novella to a series. Maybe it would have helped me better understand the story had I read or listened to the other books? I don’t know. Needless to say, the beginning went over my head and I had a hard time focusing because it seemed like it was mainly descriptions of imaginary things, so I had no clue what was really going on.
This was like a different version of Beauty and the Beast but, unlike the movie, I felt the love aspect was kind of forced on the characters. It didn’t come across as natural at all. It’s like one second they’re acquaintances, you could say; she was on a mission and he followed along. But then suddenly Fanny is changing Yardley so that he can mate and be with Alma and he doesn’t seem to even know what’s going on. He’s questioning if he even has feelings for her (regarding loving Alma) when they haven’t been together that long. What? A few days…. It was strange. The fact there was no real backstory to Yardley didn't help.
Why was she always referring to him as “My guardian” and said in such a way? Even after her spell was supposedly no longer compelling him to do her bidding, her emphasis of “My guardian” stayed the same.
There were some questionable phrases, as well as mistakes where the incorrect word was used. For example, “Fanny altered his species.” His species? No, she didn’t. She just altered him, not all of his kind. Or “I will tell her when I send her. The deals are between her with me.” Or “The flood of awful soaking into his feet pads.” Huh?
The narrator did an all right job. I had to speed up the narration, which I never have to do. Otherwise, there were many times throughout the story when the narrator read the story as though she weren’t really sure what she was reading, like slow with random pauses between syllables and words. The cover was what drew me into requesting a code for this story. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t really pull me in. It wasn’t until I finished and scanned through other reviews that I realized this was a novella to a series. Maybe it would have helped me better understand the story had I read or listened to the other books? I don’t know. Needless to say, the beginning went over my head and I had a hard time focusing because it seemed like it was mainly descriptions of imaginary things, so I had no clue what was really going on.
This was like a different version of Beauty and the Beast but, unlike the movie, I felt the love aspect was kind of forced on the characters. It didn’t come across as natural at all. It’s like one second they’re acquaintances, you could say; she was on a mission and he followed along. But then suddenly Fanny is changing Yardley so that he can mate and be with Alma and he doesn’t seem to even know what’s going on. He’s questioning if he even has feelings for her (regarding loving Alma) when they haven’t been together that long. What? A few days…. It was strange. The fact there was no real backstory to Yardley didn't help.
Why was she always referring to him as “My guardian” and said in such a way? Even after her spell was supposedly no longer compelling him to do her bidding, her emphasis of “My guardian” stayed the same.
There were some questionable phrases, as well as mistakes where the incorrect word was used. For example, “Fanny altered his species.” His species? No, she didn’t. She just altered him, not all of his kind. Or “I will tell her when I send her. The deals are between her with me.” Or “The flood of awful soaking into his feet pads.” Huh?
The narrator did an all right job. I had to speed up the narration, which I never have to do. Otherwise, there were many times throughout the story when the narrator read the story as though she weren’t really sure what she was reading, like slow with random pauses between syllables and words. Thankfully, she provided a variety of character voices.
Questions/Comments:
My biggest question: How was Alma in love with Yardley, so eager to mate with him and bear his children when they’d been together for such a short period of time.
How long had her spell worked on him? When Yardley realized that she no longer compelled him, there was this sudden shift, an unbelievable shift, that had him questioning if he loved Alma when there had been no romantic inclinations from either party besides her randomly kissing him and then them randomly having sex (I can't remember if that took place for he started thinking about her in that way or after), how he was willing to change himself for her, and basically become a different person/creature, and do what she wanted him to do. They were both so eager to get her pregnant with his child and he referred to her as a perfect mate, even though he had to change into a human to be with her. I just couldn’t get into it. This is definitely what you would refer to as insta-love with no real love connection between the characters. It didn’t work for me.
Speaking of sex. Did they have sex? I honestly wasn’t sure. They kiss and then they finish whatever activity they’d just been doing like two minutes prior. That had to have been the weirdest, vaguest sex scene (if that’s what it was) that I’ve ever encountered.
Regarding Alma’s attraction to Yardley, it was strange how they both referred to him being a demon in such a way as though he could change into other creatures or a person. There was a part when "Yardley knew Alma wanted to see his demon." Not see him. As though he and his demon were two different entities. He wasn’t a werewolf who shifted from one form to another. He was a demon. Period.
So Alma got pregnant after having sex with Yardley one time. Did I miss something about her using a spell to raise her chances of getting pregnant that fast?
Then at the end, it isn’t until after their child turns four-years-old that Alma realizes the negative connotation of Yardley being a demon. How was that possible? What were they doing prior to her realization? Had he been in human form during those four years? I still didn't understand why she didn't want him to tell their child he was a demon, not even when the child got older. Couldn't they have raised the child in a more demon-friendly location?
I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Questions/Comments:
My biggest question: How was Alma in love with Yardley, so eager to mate with him and bear his children when they’d been together for such a short period of time.
How long had her spell worked on him? When Yardley realized that she no longer compelled him, there was this sudden shift, an unbelievable shift, that had him questioning if he loved Alma when there had been no romantic inclinations from either party besides her randomly kissing him and then them randomly having sex (I can't remember if that took place for he started thinking about her in that way or after), how he was willing to change himself for her, and basically become a different person/creature, and do what she wanted him to do. They were both so eager to get her pregnant with his child and he referred to her as a perfect mate, even though he had to change into a human to be with her. I just couldn’t get into it. This is definitely what you would refer to as insta-love with no real love connection between the characters. It didn’t work for me.
Speaking of sex. Did they have sex? I honestly wasn’t sure. They kiss and then they finish whatever activity they’d just been doing like two minutes prior. That had to have been the weirdest, vaguest sex scene (if that’s what it was) that I’ve ever encountered.
Regarding Alma’s attraction to Yardley, it was strange how they both referred to him being a demon in such a way as though he could change into other creatures or a person. There was a part when "Yardley knew Alma wanted to see his demon." Not see him. As though he and his demon were two different entities. He wasn’t a werewolf who shifted from one form to another. He was a demon. Period.
So Alma got pregnant after having sex with Yardley one time. Did I miss something about her using a spell to raise her chances of getting pregnant that fast?
Then at the end, it isn’t until after their child turns four-years-old that Alma realizes the negative connotation of Yardley being a demon. How was that possible? What were they doing prior to her realization? Had he been in human form during those four years? I still didn't understand why she didn't want him to tell their child he was a demon, not even when the child got older. Couldn't they have raised the child in a more demon-friendly location?
I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2019
“Yardley” was a wonderful supernatural novella! Having started with a dark, haunted place - the void, Yardley’s home basically - it soon becomes a story that is impossible to put down, full of intrigue, and truly unforgettable characters. Yardley, a demon, is summoned by a female mage, Alma, who is on the run from the people who are clearly set on taking her magic and killing her afterward. Compelled to protect Alma, Yardley finds himself in quite a conflict between his code of conduct and the desire to get to the bottom of things with Alma. Traveling between different worlds while being hunted by the watchers, they encounter witches, a familiar, and even the voodoo priestess who may be an ally or an enemy, depending on what suits her best. The tension grows with every page and the relationship between the two soon transforms into something quite different…
If you love paranormal stories with a fast-moving plot and some great world-building, this one is definitely for you! Highly recommended!
If you love paranormal stories with a fast-moving plot and some great world-building, this one is definitely for you! Highly recommended!
June 17, 2019
Yardley is a guardian demon. His job is to protect the veil from intruders and other beings who look to disrupt the proper order of the realms. But when he hears a summons from a female human mage, he's drawn to it like a bug to light. What he discovers on the other side could destroy the realms of magic and possibly the reason for his existence.
This is a tight and well-constructed novella with rich world-building. Though the demon of Yardley comes across as being tough and ruthless, he clearly has more layers than even he realizes. My only nitpick is that the ending felt a little rushed and I had a hard time believing a certain person would do what she did at the end without it having a greater affect on her emotionally. (Sorry, I don't want to give it away.) Nevertheless, it is an interesting world Ms. Stanhope has constructed and I look forward to reading more.
Keep up the great work!
This is a tight and well-constructed novella with rich world-building. Though the demon of Yardley comes across as being tough and ruthless, he clearly has more layers than even he realizes. My only nitpick is that the ending felt a little rushed and I had a hard time believing a certain person would do what she did at the end without it having a greater affect on her emotionally. (Sorry, I don't want to give it away.) Nevertheless, it is an interesting world Ms. Stanhope has constructed and I look forward to reading more.
Keep up the great work!
July 2, 2019
I've always been a fan of Sebastian and Yardley, so I was excited to read this book. It focuses on their younger days, before Gwen and the start of the elemental witches. It was fun to see a huge guardian demon trying to figure out human love. It was actually pretty sweet. It was pretty cool to see the unfurling of how elemental witches and Gwen's line came to be. I hope there are more prequels with Sebastian and Fannie (If you can't tell by my reviews by now, I'm a huge Sebastian fan). I hope some of what happens in this book gets revealed to Gwen later in the series so she can fight Matvei (If you also can't tell, we should totally all just stab Matvei)
July 11, 2019
Going to be honest here....
I'm not a fan of this type of hard fantasy tales, but this book was very well written nonetheless.
It's fast paced, imaginative, has great world building, and the main character's arc is solid, even tho he starts off as just "badass demon guy". I like the way his attitude towards the main female character changes as the story progresses. The dialogue is also written in a very "fast paced" style, and it's sometimes hard to know who's talking if you don't read carefully, but that's just me nitpicking.
Solid story, great prose and an interesting fantasy world..... overall, bery good work
I'm not a fan of this type of hard fantasy tales, but this book was very well written nonetheless.
It's fast paced, imaginative, has great world building, and the main character's arc is solid, even tho he starts off as just "badass demon guy". I like the way his attitude towards the main female character changes as the story progresses. The dialogue is also written in a very "fast paced" style, and it's sometimes hard to know who's talking if you don't read carefully, but that's just me nitpicking.
Solid story, great prose and an interesting fantasy world..... overall, bery good work
June 12, 2019
Yardley, the ultimate demon bad boy. Only he's not really bad. I think I love him now as much as I do Sebastian, the witch's familiar. The mystery about the two of them and the bond they share is revealed. A touching story. I'm so glad I got to know more about Yardley in this novella. You can read it at any point during the series. Or wait until you discover more what "masters" are if you don't want to have some of the secrets revealed before then. A great read. I'll never look at Yardley the same again. He's my new hero.
June 25, 2019
I always love the background stories and Yardley is not only that - it will also completely change your idea of what a demon is supposed to be or do. If you are not familiar with the Elemental Witch Trials series, this novella is a really great place to start. It has lots of magic, darkness, realm jumping & just the right amount of romance to help the plot and help you bond with the characters. Also for anyone who loves witches and familiars: you must not miss this one! Looking forward to the next in the series!
June 30, 2019
Even demons have feelings.
The action hits you right from the start.
Yardley is a Guardian demon that protects his realm, the Void. He is summoned by a human mage named Alma and their adventure is enjoyable to read.
I found him extremely likable right from the beginning, even before he meets Alma.
I really like the world and the magic structure the author came up with.
All in all, I found Yardley charming and heroic. I love this author and her books, I’ve read many and look forward to more.
The action hits you right from the start.
Yardley is a Guardian demon that protects his realm, the Void. He is summoned by a human mage named Alma and their adventure is enjoyable to read.
I found him extremely likable right from the beginning, even before he meets Alma.
I really like the world and the magic structure the author came up with.
All in all, I found Yardley charming and heroic. I love this author and her books, I’ve read many and look forward to more.
January 11, 2020
A FANTASY THAT WILL CARRY YOU ALONG INTO AN EXCITING JOURNEY! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
Here's a very interesting story for all those who adore magic and adventure!😍All lovers of books 📚that have characters who are strange and evil, or are they? If witches get you feeling all shook up, then what do you think as monsters captivate you? SO BUY THIS BOOK !😍
Here's a very interesting story for all those who adore magic and adventure!😍All lovers of books 📚that have characters who are strange and evil, or are they? If witches get you feeling all shook up, then what do you think as monsters captivate you? SO BUY THIS BOOK !😍
June 14, 2019
I've wondered how Yardley, a demon, befriended Sebastian. Now I know. The small clues about the masters and Gwen's family are intriguing. Anyone who's read even part of the series, will enjoy this.
September 5, 2021
This was an ok story.I thought it very repetitive.Toni Aden was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews