Riley's Curse

A Moon's Glow #0.5

by Christina Smith

See how a life can change after just one bite.

Because of one fateful night, Nathaniel Riley loses his girl, his family, and life as he knows it. His world has been turned upside down. One day, a normal teen living in the 1890's, the next a mythical creature he didn't know existed. How can he live with himself with deadly urges he can't control?

He's a monster with a conscience who wants to make up for all the pain he's caused, but how can he do that when a fellow monster wants to take everything in his life away from him.

Nathaniel Riley has lived for a long time. Before he met Megan, he had a family, another girl he loved and a world in which he was happy. Find out how it all changed in just one moment.

Genres: Werewolves, Fantasy, Ebooks, Supernatural, Short Stories, Shapeshifters, Paranormal

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2012

About the author

I grew up in Kingston Ontario, Canada, and after getting married, moved to a small rural town in the country. I live here with my husband Brad, two kids Josh and Megan, and our dog Bailey. Even though our house is peaceful, surrounded by nature and the occasional deer, I'm still a city girl at heart. I miss civilization, and visits with my mother and two sisters.

My Young Adult Fantasy books include:

Fated Dreams # 1 in the Affinity series
Delusions # 2 in the Affinity series

Riley's Curse, A Moon's Glow, Prequel, Novella
Riley's Secret, A Moon's Glow Novel #1
Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2
Riley's Redemption, A Moon's Glow Novel #3

Skeleton Park

My adult contemporary Romance Books include:

Lost Inside, A Shimmer Lake Novel #1
Finding Abigail, A Shimmer Lake Novel #2

Reviews

[Ashley Stoyanoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley’s Curse by Christina Smith is a quick and entreating set up to what I’m sure will be a fantastic series.

The main character, Nathaniel, starts out in this story as a young man whose only real concern in life is to find that perfect gift for his girl. Little does he know, his life is about to be ripped apart. When plagued with the werewolf curse, he struggles to keep a tight grip on his humanity and fight the monster he has become.

One of the things I love about Smith’s writing is her delightful use of words to create a brilliant depiction of every scene. By masterfully weaving setting, character, and action together, she gives us a story that we can fully emerge and lose ourselves in.

In my opinion, Smith's biggest accomplishment with this story was the ending. I don’t want to give it away, but WOW! What an ending! I was so utterly disappointed when I turned the last page. I wanted more, and I couldn’t believe it was over. I am dying to see where this story will go.

I look forward to the next segment in this series, and I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Christina (Ensconced in Lit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley's Curse by Christina Smith is the prequel to The Moon's Glow trilogy. We see into Nate's world at the very beginning of the series.

I really enjoyed the author's take on Nate's early life, his relationship with Lucy, and his becoming a werewolf. I thought she got details of the olden times almost perfect, and I could really sense that we were in an older time period. I really enjoyed some new characters that graced the scene, especially Sadie. Details that we don't know about such as how Riley's House got started, how Nate and Joe first met, and how Nate came back to Megan's town are revealed in this novella.

I don't typically like novellas, but this one was just the right beginning to set the stage for A Moon's glow trilogy.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this novella awhile ago, number one because it was free and number two it is about werewolves. I hadn't had a chance to read it until my goodreads group Reading For Fun had feature Book one Riley's Secret as our book of the month for October. This gave me the perfect opportunity to delve into this short story and I'm glad I did. I found it to be a quick and easy read and I was hooked from the first sentence. I loved all the background that this book was made up of. If I had read the full length novel first this would have been all the info I would be craving. I also loved the historical setting and how the author was able to describe it.
I really enjoyed the characters. They all grew on me although some not for long. I don't like the bad guy because I feel like as far as we know the only reason he is out for blood is because he is an ass. He has no actual reason. I also enjoyed Nathaniel's parents. Mostly because how often do you see people's parents who know about them being a supernatural creature and who would also support them if they did find out.
All in all, this was a great prequel filled with actions and romance. It also has a great story line and gave us backstory on the characters. I will definitely be carrying on with this series. I would recommend this story to werewolf lovers.

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I must say that if I weren’t already a werewolf addict this novella would push me over the top. I can only describe it as “The complete guide to becoming a Werewolf: the exciting edition.” Smith combines vivid descriptions with lots of action and real life drama to set up her series in a brilliant, well written way.

The character development in this story goes far beyond what you find in most novellas. You really get to know the characters that will carry on throughout the series. The main character in this story also feels real emotions: loneliness, joy, guilt, remorse, sadness are all present and real within these pages. My heart goes out to him time and time again while he fights through the trials that his life puts before him. I also commend Smith on her use of period correct dialogue throughout the novella.

I have a feeling that this novella gives the reader everything that they need to know for the rest of the series while keeping the reader’s interest through every word. Oh, and can you say “Holy Cliff-hanger. “

[DeAnna Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick but charming read. The writing was done beautifully and I loved the character of Nathaniel. He had a heart of gold, which seems rare in our heroes these days. I found myself hooked from the very beginning and didn't stop until I was finished. A great read. Looking forward to the next book.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Christina told me that her new novella was out i had to get it, and im glad i did i loved it. This is the start of im sure to be a must read series.

It starts with Nathaniel and what is supposed to be nice walk with the girl he is in love with, but then this walk turns to his worst nightmare, that leaves him with the werewolf curse.

Christina lets you love and hate characters, i have to say my favourite character in this novella was Nathaniel and Sadie, from the start she captured me, i would want someone like that in my life, i was so sad to read what happens to her :( but the story goes on through the years and new characters come into it.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Christina keeps you captured at the end of your seat, just when every thing seems like it is going well for Nathaniel and his life something unexpected happens. I wanted more and more.

I cannot wait to read the next in the series as i know i will love it. I love anything that Christina writes and this was no diffrent. If you want a Werewolf story with a diffrence this is your book to start if off. So read it.

[Tee Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a neat twist, getting to see how the hero became the smoldering hot werewolf before the heroine meets him! Some areas were a little slow for my tastes, but this gives a great background for the start of this series with Riley's Secret. We get to see him just before his life is forever changed by the bite of a werewolf, and the aftermath of what happens to his and his family's life. I really felt for Nathaniel and his family, because really it was forcing them to all to change their lives so that he could exist. He was alone, and had to suffer through such loneliness and sadness for quite some time. When a plan was finally devised for him to have some semblance of a life, I loved that he finally would be around other people again. He was so closed off for so long; as time went on and his family grew old and he saw new generations, I loved the twist that allowed him to be around family without being exposed. I had to smirk when he refers to his great-great-great relatives as he works with them!!

Overall, this was a very nice lead-in to the series and I look forward to seeing how Nathaniel will handle modern day life as a werewolf!!

[Marni · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who knows me, you know that werewolves just aren't my thing. I am a fan of the unusual, but the mythological beast by night, human by day can bring the slow yawn of boredom to an upbeat day. I applaud Christina Smith for smacking down that yawn and shoving it from the furthest recess of my mind, for bringing back the power of the werewolf, for bringing this genre back to life for me.

As the title states, this novella is about the curse that is brought unto Nathaniel Riley in the worst way. His life suspended, his love lost, his family unable to stay intact for fear the truth would be uncovered. Unlike most books, this prequel brings the reader right along with Nathaniel through the years. We hurt with him, we discover with him, we feel his pain, we feel his families pain, we understand his fear, we find ourselves one with Nathaniel.

As I finished the prequel, I went straight into the first full length book of the Moon's Glow series, Riley's Secret . Stay tuned, once I'm done with that one, I will be back with another review, and I'm hoping that the story is as good as it's beginning.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book free a little bit ago...pick it up its always free and it is a fun quick and interesting read!!
Since the first book in the series is book of the month for one of my goodreads groups (reading for fun go check it out) I thought I should start with this one. I liked Nate and I liked his growth and acceptance but I also liked that he found a way to stay himself and keep up what his parents had taught him. There were a few differences to the werewolves but I love them and I have read so many I am really not surprised anymore but that is not to say that I didn't like it cause I did and I can not wait to move on to the next book and get a better look into him and into the girl he had met.

[Kathy Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to love werewolves. I really enjoyed this prequel story about Riley and how he was turned and lived. On to book 1.

[Dvora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome!!! I love prequels. It made me fall for the MC even more!!

[HEA is Everything · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor nate

[Mandy ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I became the Riley family secret.
-  Nate Riley.

We all say we don't judge books by there covers or categorize them before even opening the pages, but that's bull.....!




we all do it and I'm totally guiltily of doing it with Riley's Curse. In my head it was under a mainstream young adult romance with a paranormal twist, but what I found  was more of a paranormal coming of age story, with a fresh take on "werewolves" .



I was leaving the only place I felt at home, everything and everyone I ever knew, to make a new life. I didn't know how to be a werewolf and I couldn't help feeling as I made my way alone through the deserted roads, that my life was over.
- Nate Riley.

Christina has done a really great job setting the scene  for Riley's Secret.

 It cant have been easy writing through a males point of view, especially a teenaged males point of view but she really pulled it off, even if at times the narration seemed flat.



I once loved the forest at night. The romance of the unknown was exciting.
-Nate Riley.

I loved seeing Nate grow,  evolve and go through what most people would associate with becoming a werewolf, he felt real human emotions, regret, loss, self pity, anger & loneliness my only complaint would be that sometimes I felt that the story Was rushed particularly at  key moments.

Even though I tried to keep people at a distance, I couldn't with Sadie. In the last few hours, Sadie Clark had managed to slither her way into my heart. I would look after her, and help her in any way I could.
- Nate Riley 

Riley's Curse isn't a full novel it's a novella that gives some back ground info on Nathaniel Riley, so in that respect it very much delivers what it promised and now I'm all clued up on the werewolf cutie Nate I'm off to read Riley's Secret!

Would I recommend it? 
Yes (but if I had the choice again I would read Riley's secret first)

Would I re-read it? 
Probably not.

Am I Excited about the Second Book? 
Very Much So.


Read this Review & others on my website Vist Lace Vintage Book Reviews

[Cheryl Landmark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

With some help from a good editor, this novella would probably have earned another star from me. There were quite a few misplaced or missing commas and apostrophes, and misspelled words such as "barley" for barely. I found some of the dialogue a bit stilted and clunky as well. And, there were places where the plot dragged a bit.

Despite these editorial and grammatical issues, the book, for the most part, was very entertaining. And, I absolutely love, love the cover! (Have I ever mentioned I have a passion for wolves, dogs and anything canine-ish?)

As for the story itself, it was a refreshingly different take on the werewolf theme because we saw how the making of one could dramatically impact the changed person as well as his or her family. I admired Nathaniel's strength and determination not to become a monster even though he was not entirely successful in his vow not to kill humans. Nathaniel's family handled the strange, disturbing situation very well. Sadie was a great character, too, but we unfortunately didn't get to see a lot of her. Rowan was indeed a monster and I hope he gets his comeuppance in the future.

I would be very interested in reading the first full-length novel in this series by Ms. Smith.

[Bella Doerres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moon’ Glow Prequel
Riley’s Curse
By Christina Smith


Riley loves his family, loves the girl of his dreams and hopes to marry her.
In one night when taking a walk during the full moon she is ripped from his life and brutally killed by a werewolf. He is to be the next victim but a simple mistake saves his life and he is cursed as much as the wolf that turned him. Riley however is different than she was. He refuses to accept being a cold-blooded killer he believes that he can make a difference. He has to confess to his father what has happened and fearing for the safety of his family he is sent away to learn to control his curse. Through the help of a father’s love Riley is able to continue life and continue to be part of the family he loves only on the outside being a part but separate. This story is so well written and held me from the first page. I have to encourage you to get it and read it. The story brings you in and you become a part. I found myself pulled into this story and hated to have to put it down. I couldn’t wait to see what Christina Smith would do next to her character and how the story would unfold. A definite must read.
Bella Doerres M.Ed. 01/02/2013

[Trissa White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to think. I've been getting stuck in these stories that drag along with just enough redeeming qualities to keep me going. This .05 in The Moons Glow series could be a great foundation for a fun series OR could be a glimpse of why I shouldn't bother with the first book. I like the story but don't enjoy the writing. I wish I had the eloquence to explain why. It seems to lack maturity and depth. This novel covers about 100 years. I felt like some areas could have been trimmed down and other very important areas were so simply and quickly handled that it was almost ridiculous. If I thought of it as a back story to the series I enjoyed it more. It's a very clean read.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good, I enjoyed the characters and the storyline moved quickly. I usually like to buy the actual books over reading it on an ereader, but the prequel was free on kindle, so I decided to try it out before actually making a purchase incase I didn't like it, and I'm so far happy with it. Finished this one, and am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series as well as the other books that she has written. There were 2 errors in the book, small ones (i.e. at one point, she is meaning to end a sentence but has both a comma and a period there), but they didn't really bother me and I was able to overlook them. Not too bad!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting new story about werewolves that never age after they are turned. It is the story of Nathaniel after he is bitten one night and his girlfriend Lucy is killed by a werewolf. It tells his life from 1894 to present day. There are a few tragedies that happen in this book, but they didn't affect me much. I had a hard time connecting to the characters. Maybe the next book will tell more, because it ended with a little surprise.

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't actually read the series yet, just this book so fans of the series might enjoy this more than I did.

I liked that the author accounted for how Nate gets by and I liked the closeness of his family. I thought Nate was okay as a character but too ignorant for my liking.

The plot moves at a good pace, though there are some slow bits. First person, present-tense POV was okay but not that insightful.

[nala ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the series where I review books I read a long time ago

I know now that it is a novella, but I'd downloaded it on my kindle on a whim one day since it had been free and read it the next, without knowing that it was one. It was a super quick read, and although I didn't hate it, I don't think I'll be continuing the series. I just didn't quite resonate with the main character

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely different

Not bad for a prequel. It was a little slow in some parts but I really like readying from a male's point of view. Having the background of Nate should make this a very interesting series. I am looking forward to see where the story goes.

[kendell perdue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It was cool to see how it all started but I am glad.I read the first book before this one but it sad to.know what all he went through it make u even more happen for to find is love and she knows what he is and still loves him

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read

[Laura Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this before the other two books and I'm glad I did cause it answered a lot questions I would of have after I read the other books I recommend

[onceuponatimeareview · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great opener. I can't wait to read the series. It got me in as soon as i read page run. I love.

[Jessica Martell · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I couldn't put it down! A great quick read. Now on to read Riley's Secret.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

5 stars for a clean read...just lacked some depth in areas.

But good clean read