What do you think?
Rate this book
Cursed Memory: Part 1
Cursed to die. Fighting to survive. Forced to relive the same agonizing fate for all eternity…
I remember the club. The pounding of the beat pulsing in my veins, the way my body moved with the music.
Then — nothing.
My memories are locked away in the dark corners of my mind, replaced by an insatiable hunger nothing can fill.
Until I found him.
I felt his presence before I saw him. My blood calls for this mysterious man whose darkness matches my own. Being near him sets my body on fire, making me ache for every touch… every taste.
It’s as if my soul recognizes him, loosening my trapped memories. Each time a new one breaks free, I wonder if he holds the key to what I’ve lost, what I can’t remember. But everything comes with a price. I’m beginning to fear the cost of remembering all that I’ve done might be more than I can bear. What if the monster of this story… is me?
I remember the club. The pounding of the beat pulsing in my veins, the way my body moved with the music.
Then — nothing.
My memories are locked away in the dark corners of my mind, replaced by an insatiable hunger nothing can fill.
Until I found him.
I felt his presence before I saw him. My blood calls for this mysterious man whose darkness matches my own. Being near him sets my body on fire, making me ache for every touch… every taste.
It’s as if my soul recognizes him, loosening my trapped memories. Each time a new one breaks free, I wonder if he holds the key to what I’ve lost, what I can’t remember. But everything comes with a price. I’m beginning to fear the cost of remembering all that I’ve done might be more than I can bear. What if the monster of this story… is me?
- GenresVampires
65 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2023
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
River Ash
5 books104 followersRiver Ash is a writer of paranormal romance novels. Her stories are filled with passion and fantasy and all have HEAs. Her latest book in the Cursed Bloodline world, "Cursed Memory" is out.
Her love for reading began when she was a young girl sneaking into the school library, and grow into adulthood.
When River's not reading, she is writing passionate fantasy with romance twist. Or else, she can be found solving sudoku puzzles. River loves traveling, is obsessed with energy drinks, and has several relationships with fictional characters.
Rive loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at RiverAshAuthor@gmail.com
Her love for reading began when she was a young girl sneaking into the school library, and grow into adulthood.
When River's not reading, she is writing passionate fantasy with romance twist. Or else, she can be found solving sudoku puzzles. River loves traveling, is obsessed with energy drinks, and has several relationships with fictional characters.
Rive loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at RiverAshAuthor@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 18, 2023
this was okay? I'm kinda confused. super fast paced, but the cursed lovers tropes was kinda interesting? idk I might have to read the next one to see if there's more info on whatever is happening.
March 13, 2023
Loved this fast paced vampire short story.
This book is perfect for any vampire lover. A little spice sprinkled in this short story about cursed lovers.
This book had left me wanting more and I definitely want to read book 2.
This book is perfect for any vampire lover. A little spice sprinkled in this short story about cursed lovers.
This book had left me wanting more and I definitely want to read book 2.
December 30, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review. Complete spoilers in this review.
I was really excited to read this one, but I didn't understand what was going on. The beginning had promise, and then it was too confusing to keep up with.
Stella goes to a bar named WIX, loses her friend, and finds her in a room of vampires, sucking her blood. The next morning, she doesn't remember what happened and goes back to the bar to get answers. William is then introduced by barging into the women's bathroom where a tipsy Stella is. She slowly starts to remember, but William makes her forget after having sex and then she blacks out.
There are other scenes like this where she goes to the bar, even though she was told not to return, and they end up having sex and he erases her memory so she doesn't remember him, their life before, or their life now. These scenes make me feel some type of way, and not in a good way. Stella doesn't remember her time at the bar or with him. She keeps going back, though saying the alcohol will help her remember or loosen her up. I don't really get going back to a bar that you have no memory of the time you were there or what happened. She even says maybe they were drugged and looked up drugs that would have the symptoms she had and still went back multiple times anyway.
The curse they share is touched on slightly, but not enough to really explain what's going on. There wasn't a reason given on why they were cursed, just that they might have found a way to break it. I'm sure there will be more of the curse in the second novella.
By the end of the story, William tries to kill Stella for some reason, and in return, she tries to kill him. She wakes in the hospital and finds she remembers William, who shows up at her door. They go at it again and talk for a few lines before she ends up dying to be reincarnated again.
I think this would have been best as a full novel and not a novella, so there was more time to build on the storyline. Everything felt too rushed. The spicy scenes between them seemed out of place and strange since she wouldn't remember them or him, and she didn't even remember him before! Maybe this book just isn't for me 🤷♀️
I was really excited to read this one, but I didn't understand what was going on. The beginning had promise, and then it was too confusing to keep up with.
Stella goes to a bar named WIX, loses her friend, and finds her in a room of vampires, sucking her blood. The next morning, she doesn't remember what happened and goes back to the bar to get answers. William is then introduced by barging into the women's bathroom where a tipsy Stella is. She slowly starts to remember, but William makes her forget after having sex and then she blacks out.
There are other scenes like this where she goes to the bar, even though she was told not to return, and they end up having sex and he erases her memory so she doesn't remember him, their life before, or their life now. These scenes make me feel some type of way, and not in a good way. Stella doesn't remember her time at the bar or with him. She keeps going back, though saying the alcohol will help her remember or loosen her up. I don't really get going back to a bar that you have no memory of the time you were there or what happened. She even says maybe they were drugged and looked up drugs that would have the symptoms she had and still went back multiple times anyway.
The curse they share is touched on slightly, but not enough to really explain what's going on. There wasn't a reason given on why they were cursed, just that they might have found a way to break it. I'm sure there will be more of the curse in the second novella.
By the end of the story, William tries to kill Stella for some reason, and in return, she tries to kill him. She wakes in the hospital and finds she remembers William, who shows up at her door. They go at it again and talk for a few lines before she ends up dying to be reincarnated again.
I think this would have been best as a full novel and not a novella, so there was more time to build on the storyline. Everything felt too rushed. The spicy scenes between them seemed out of place and strange since she wouldn't remember them or him, and she didn't even remember him before! Maybe this book just isn't for me 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
This was a very quick read. Ends in a cliffhanger and I need part 2. It was just the perfect amount to get you committed to the story.
I want to know more about Stella and Will and their shared history. How did they get cursed?
I loved that Stella’s head and body were competing against each other for doing two different actions.
I liked that we got a little glimpse in Will’s POV. Hoping for more of his POV in part 2.
I want to know more about Stella and Will and their shared history. How did they get cursed?
I loved that Stella’s head and body were competing against each other for doing two different actions.
I liked that we got a little glimpse in Will’s POV. Hoping for more of his POV in part 2.
February 5, 2023
Thrilling mystery book. Stella goes to the WIX club with her friend Lira. After needing to go to the restroom, Stella finds Lira has disappeared. Stella wakes up the next morning not remembering anything that happened the night prior..
A great quick read. I look forward to reading part 2.
A great quick read. I look forward to reading part 2.
January 5, 2023
Stella and her roommate Lira go out to relax to a new club. Lira disappears and she finds her with three men and the next thing you know she’s home. After that night Stella hears a voice in her head and has is starting to remember something. She thinks she’s going crazy. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended. Amazing book. Love Stella and the supporting characters. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
June 30, 2024
It was a good short story. I liked that there was a dual point of view. This book is more of a set up for book two. As the story unfolds you find out what has happened and as the ending approaches it got fast paced and interesting. I think though that the book was quite short and instead of a duology it should have been a longer standalone novel.
It was a 3.5 star review for me and only because I think it should have been longer and that I think book 2 will have everything needed for the duology to be a 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a 3.5 star review for me and only because I think it should have been longer and that I think book 2 will have everything needed for the duology to be a 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2023
I remember the club. The pounding of the beat pulsing in my veins. The way my body moved with the music. Then- Nothing. My memories are locked away in the dark corners of my mind, replaced by an insatiable hunger nothing can fill. Until I found him. I felt his presence before before I saw him. My blood calls for this mysterious man whose darkness matches my own. Being near him sets my body on fire, making me ache for every touch... Every taste. It's as if my soul recognizes him, loosening my trapped memories. Each time a new one breaks free, I wonder if he holds the key to what I've lost, what I can't remember. But everything comes with a price. I'm beginning to fear the cost of remembering all that I've done might be more than I can bear. What if the monster of this story... is me?
So this is a super quick read and is set up so that you aren't fully clear on things until I assume you read part 2. I was kind of confused about what was happening to be honest. Stella is haunted by the voice of a vampire, Will, who is luring her to him, while also warning her away from him. It was a little hard for me to follow because it seems like the concept should be expanded into a full length story and not a short novella. I think it would have been better if some of the chapters had focused on the curse portion of things instead of Stella going to clubs with friends.
Honestly the book's ending was intriguing and ended on a cliffhanger leaving me with a lot of questions. I just felt like the story would have benefited from being a full length story rather than a novella with the style the author adopted of telling the story. I really enjoyed the premise and idea of a curse and wish that had been explained in more detail.
So this is a super quick read and is set up so that you aren't fully clear on things until I assume you read part 2. I was kind of confused about what was happening to be honest. Stella is haunted by the voice of a vampire, Will, who is luring her to him, while also warning her away from him. It was a little hard for me to follow because it seems like the concept should be expanded into a full length story and not a short novella. I think it would have been better if some of the chapters had focused on the curse portion of things instead of Stella going to clubs with friends.
Honestly the book's ending was intriguing and ended on a cliffhanger leaving me with a lot of questions. I just felt like the story would have benefited from being a full length story rather than a novella with the style the author adopted of telling the story. I really enjoyed the premise and idea of a curse and wish that had been explained in more detail.
March 19, 2023
Title: Cursed Memory
Author: River Ash
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Synopses:
Cursed to die. Fighting to survive. Forced to relive the same agonizing fate for all eternity…
I remember the club. The pounding of the beat pulsing in my veins, the way my body moved with the music.
Then — nothing.
My memories are locked away in the dark corners of my mind, replaced by an insatiable hunger nothing can fill.
Until I found him.
I felt his presence before I saw him. My blood calls for this mysterious man whose darkness matches my own. Being near him sets my body on fire, making me ache for every touch… every taste.
It’s as if my soul recognizes him, loosening my trapped memories. Each time a new one breaks free, I wonder if he holds the key to what I’ve lost, what I can’t remember. But everything comes with a price. I’m beginning to fear the cost of remembering all that I’ve done might be more than I can bear. What if the monster of this story… is me?
My Thoughts:
I thought Cursed Memory was a fast paced, interesting part one to something more. I enjoyed that this was a quick but thrilling read. I definitely didn't have an issue getting into the book, but before I knew it, I was at the ending... cliffhanger and desperately wishing I had part two. I definitely think that Stella is an interesting character, I definitely want to know more about her and her story. I feel like Cursed Memory was just a teaser. I believe the author has great potential and I can't wait to see what's in store for part two.
Author: River Ash
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Synopses:
Cursed to die. Fighting to survive. Forced to relive the same agonizing fate for all eternity…
I remember the club. The pounding of the beat pulsing in my veins, the way my body moved with the music.
Then — nothing.
My memories are locked away in the dark corners of my mind, replaced by an insatiable hunger nothing can fill.
Until I found him.
I felt his presence before I saw him. My blood calls for this mysterious man whose darkness matches my own. Being near him sets my body on fire, making me ache for every touch… every taste.
It’s as if my soul recognizes him, loosening my trapped memories. Each time a new one breaks free, I wonder if he holds the key to what I’ve lost, what I can’t remember. But everything comes with a price. I’m beginning to fear the cost of remembering all that I’ve done might be more than I can bear. What if the monster of this story… is me?
My Thoughts:
I thought Cursed Memory was a fast paced, interesting part one to something more. I enjoyed that this was a quick but thrilling read. I definitely didn't have an issue getting into the book, but before I knew it, I was at the ending... cliffhanger and desperately wishing I had part two. I definitely think that Stella is an interesting character, I definitely want to know more about her and her story. I feel like Cursed Memory was just a teaser. I believe the author has great potential and I can't wait to see what's in store for part two.
January 7, 2023
Loved it and want more of it!!! Quick but intriguing read that will have you guessing what's to come. A Must Read!
Ok I absolutely loved the author's take on a cursed mate type of a storyline here with way more twists to unravel. You have dual POV's which I love since it gives both sides of the story.
The story starts off with Stella hearing a voice and splitting headaches as she tries to remember anything previously. Will who can't leave Stella even though he knows he should. It's a love/hate of this fate they have been dealt. It's like falling down the rabbit hole with this one, all you want to do is dive deeper in and find the answers as to what is happening.
I'm excited to see what is going to happen next between Stella and Will as this curse they find themselves in continues to play out once again. I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good fated mates with a twist. It's got suspense built in with a underlying love story you get a glimpse of as each part unfolds. I can't wait for next book now!
Ok I absolutely loved the author's take on a cursed mate type of a storyline here with way more twists to unravel. You have dual POV's which I love since it gives both sides of the story.
The story starts off with Stella hearing a voice and splitting headaches as she tries to remember anything previously. Will who can't leave Stella even though he knows he should. It's a love/hate of this fate they have been dealt. It's like falling down the rabbit hole with this one, all you want to do is dive deeper in and find the answers as to what is happening.
I'm excited to see what is going to happen next between Stella and Will as this curse they find themselves in continues to play out once again. I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good fated mates with a twist. It's got suspense built in with a underlying love story you get a glimpse of as each part unfolds. I can't wait for next book now!
February 27, 2023
I read Cursed Memory as part of a book tour review, where I got an e-book.
My review is my honest opinion.
I enjoy vampire novels and I really wanted to love this novel but for me it just left me confused for 70% of the novel.
I've given this novel a 3 star because although I was confused, it was still an enjoyable read.
What I liked about this novel; the fast pace, the cursed lovers and premise.
I have asked myself this question after reading the novel, did the author want us to be confused? Because if you think about it Stella is cursed but she doesn't know it, so she spends the whole novel confused. So maybe that was the whole point of me being confused. Which is great writing, you don't want to guess what's going to happen.
So overall it's an enjoyable read, it does leave on a cliff hanger so I'm gonna have to read book 2.
If you like cursed lovers, fast pace, vampires then you will enjoy this novel.
My review is my honest opinion.
I enjoy vampire novels and I really wanted to love this novel but for me it just left me confused for 70% of the novel.
I've given this novel a 3 star because although I was confused, it was still an enjoyable read.
What I liked about this novel; the fast pace, the cursed lovers and premise.
I have asked myself this question after reading the novel, did the author want us to be confused? Because if you think about it Stella is cursed but she doesn't know it, so she spends the whole novel confused. So maybe that was the whole point of me being confused. Which is great writing, you don't want to guess what's going to happen.
So overall it's an enjoyable read, it does leave on a cliff hanger so I'm gonna have to read book 2.
If you like cursed lovers, fast pace, vampires then you will enjoy this novel.
January 17, 2023
Love Incarnate
River Ash and Nikita Bloom’s first book in their The Memory duet caught me by surprise at the end. This was a short read, so I was like “SAY WHAT”?! Yes, that’s right, it’s a cliffy. I know it said it was a duet and that should have told my pea brain that there’s a second book. Now that I’ve gotten that shock out of my system, the story itself was very good. The character interaction was written precise and easy to follow. The book has plenty of exciting adventure, mystery, suspense, some steam and certainly a twist that is so riveting I couldn’t put it down until the last page. I’ve never read anything by either of these authors but it won’t be my last time. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
River Ash and Nikita Bloom’s first book in their The Memory duet caught me by surprise at the end. This was a short read, so I was like “SAY WHAT”?! Yes, that’s right, it’s a cliffy. I know it said it was a duet and that should have told my pea brain that there’s a second book. Now that I’ve gotten that shock out of my system, the story itself was very good. The character interaction was written precise and easy to follow. The book has plenty of exciting adventure, mystery, suspense, some steam and certainly a twist that is so riveting I couldn’t put it down until the last page. I’ve never read anything by either of these authors but it won’t be my last time. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
March 3, 2023
Stella is a young woman who during a night on the town realizes that the memories she feels stirring up are making her feel crazy. She needs to keep pushing forward so that she can make a living but her life feels out of her control. She seems drawn to the club where the emotions all began to surface but each time she is saved by Will.
Will is protecting Stella. But his longing for her is clear and their passion, when breakthroughs in their curse happen, is profound. Feeling Stella's pain and frustration come through with the longing from Will, was heart-wrenching. I am looking forward to more from this author as I know this story isn't through.
Will is protecting Stella. But his longing for her is clear and their passion, when breakthroughs in their curse happen, is profound. Feeling Stella's pain and frustration come through with the longing from Will, was heart-wrenching. I am looking forward to more from this author as I know this story isn't through.
January 17, 2023
This was a great vampire novella and first half of the duet. I thoroughly enjoyed getting sucked into this book about Will and Stella. This is shaping up to be a twist on a fated mates theme mixed with cursed love novel. Stella is destined to keep repeating her life which causes problems when her head doesn’t remember her past but her body does. Will is her fated mate and is destined to watch Stella keep repeating her life. I can’t wait to read the conclusion of Will and Stella’s story and learn more about their history.
March 14, 2023
This is a very short part to a bigger story that's broken down into multiple parts. It is very fast paced compared to what I normally read. It took a bit to catch on but once I did I was hooked and look forward to continuing onto part two! Especially with it ending abruptly on a cliffhanger making me want to continue to find out what happens next.
I feel like Lira is wishy washy one day she's a protective friend then in a split second I find her a little selfish. Stella I'm still figuring out. I like her but with it being fast paced it's hard to connect with her. Every time she remembers she's forced to forget but I want more of Will. I want to know more about their history and how they're connected.
I feel like Lira is wishy washy one day she's a protective friend then in a split second I find her a little selfish. Stella I'm still figuring out. I like her but with it being fast paced it's hard to connect with her. Every time she remembers she's forced to forget but I want more of Will. I want to know more about their history and how they're connected.
January 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this Novella I’m so drawn into this story and I NEED to know what happens next.
This relationship between Will and Stella is incredible. I want to hear so much more about their history and the events that lead them to where they are now.
I love that we got both POVs and seeing how they both deal with their conflicted emotions throughout.
It was a quick read and it leaves you desperate for more. Can’t wait for the next book.
This relationship between Will and Stella is incredible. I want to hear so much more about their history and the events that lead them to where they are now.
I love that we got both POVs and seeing how they both deal with their conflicted emotions throughout.
It was a quick read and it leaves you desperate for more. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 19, 2023
I'm giving this 3.5 ⭐️ and rounding up to 4 because that's what I was taught in math class.
Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about this book.
Stella, the FMC, was confused about what was happening in her life, and I spent most of the book feeling that way too.
Part of the book was told from Will's perspective, and I wish we would've gotten more information from him.
I'm curious to see how the curse will be broken and hope for more clarity in book 2.
Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about this book.
Stella, the FMC, was confused about what was happening in her life, and I spent most of the book feeling that way too.
Part of the book was told from Will's perspective, and I wish we would've gotten more information from him.
I'm curious to see how the curse will be broken and hope for more clarity in book 2.
March 12, 2023
Whew, how can this be so short and so powerful? I just had to know what was going to happen next once I started, and I'm so frustrated that it ended in a cliffhanger! The story really does move along quickly, and because it's short you can easily read it in one sitting. Stella and Will are great characters, but I'm dying to know more about them, about their histories. A little mystery, a little suspense, and a lot of spice will have you dying for more!
January 16, 2023
When Stella goes out with her roommate Lira something bizarre happens. Things and are familiar but she doesn’t know why. Not to mention the encounter in when finds Lira with strange men in an unusual act. From she keeps hearing a voice in her had. Will is a mystery but they have a connection. Intriguing story short tease looking forward to book two.
January 17, 2023
Loved this book ! This book was a tasty morsel. The characters and world building were great. A constant going around in circles for the lovely Stella and Will. No matter what ,you can tell their love transcends time. They find one another but it is bittersweet. I can’t wait to see the conclusion of this duet!
March 17, 2023
At the beginning of this book, I was so confused, like so confused, right along with the FMC Stella. It wasn't until I got to the MMC Will's chapters that I started to understand what was going on. I absolutely loved Will's POV. This was a very fast pace and short ready. I'm totally a sucker for a vampire romance book.
January 16, 2023
This is my first River Ash novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2023
As someone who generally sticks to far fantasy, this was outside of my normal reading genre. I really liked the cursed lovers trope, but felt that it was a bit rushed towards the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2023
This one took me maybe an hour to read. It’s the shortest novella I’ve ever read., it’s a total of 61 pages not counting the prologue.
And yet, there’s so much that happens! You learn so much about Stella and Will. And the cliffy leaves you desperate for book two.
And yet, there’s so much that happens! You learn so much about Stella and Will. And the cliffy leaves you desperate for book two.
February 22, 2023
Ooh I liked this one. It's only 74 pages which is sad because was really enjoying it and need more NOW, but it was good. Vampires and witches are my thing! Even though this was short, I can't wait to read more.
July 8, 2023
This was a good book, fast paced and right to the point which I enjoyed. I did get confused at times but caught on pretty fast to what was happening in the story. If you like The Originals show this would perfectly relate to❤️🔥
January 16, 2023
An excellent, quick read that is extremely well written by an amazing author. Be prepared to have a cliffhanger and left wanting more!
May 15, 2023
I loved reading this and the storyline of cursed lovers. Can't wait to read the next one to see what happens next.
February 16, 2023
Wow! This is a quick read but amazing!
Vampires and Witches, Curses and death! Not being able to remember someone you truly love is a fate worse than death. Super excited for Book 2 in the series to see the fate of Stella and Will!
Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger! It has the perfect amount of everything to pull you in and get you invested in the world and the characters within it.
Vampires and Witches, Curses and death! Not being able to remember someone you truly love is a fate worse than death. Super excited for Book 2 in the series to see the fate of Stella and Will!
Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger! It has the perfect amount of everything to pull you in and get you invested in the world and the characters within it.
March 13, 2023
Oh my goodness - how can such a short book pack such an emotional punch?
This 65 page novella feels a bit like a fever dream. I was a little confused the whole time, right alongside the main character, and I was so compelled to continue to flip pages until I understood what the hell was going on. I can not wait to find out more about Stella and Will, and how they came to be in the position they're in.
If you're looking for a quick, emotional read with an interesting take on vampires and magic I highly recommend this one!!
This 65 page novella feels a bit like a fever dream. I was a little confused the whole time, right alongside the main character, and I was so compelled to continue to flip pages until I understood what the hell was going on. I can not wait to find out more about Stella and Will, and how they came to be in the position they're in.
If you're looking for a quick, emotional read with an interesting take on vampires and magic I highly recommend this one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews