Release Review: Moon Flower: Christina Lee
Christina Lee
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Release Date June 30, 2021
When Galen flees his home and travels to Lunar’s Reach, he does what he needs to survive. But trading his body for food in his belly is always a risky undertaking. After he’s found injured in an alleyway, his new friends take him to Moon Flower apothecary, where the madam in charge offers him the proposition of a lifetime.
Little does he know that the Moon Flower flourishes at night—in more ways than one. Gentlemen gather in secret, yearning for an evening with Galen and the others, where they offer pleasure willingly while exploring their desires.
But Galen’s eye is continually drawn to the most unassuming man in the room—Azriel, the resident healer, who has the most unusual aura Galen has ever seen. There’s an understated melancholy in him that Galen longs to soothe, and the more time they spend together, the more he craves to know Azriel’s touch.
But security is only a threadbare veneer for those like him, and soon danger is upon their doorstep. Galen has only ever needed to protect himself, but now he belongs to an ensemble of unlikely characters who’ve become the family he never had. So he’ll put himself on the line, along with his heart, if it means keeping them safe—especially Azriel, the man who quiets his restless soul.
*Please note: Moon Flower is set in an imaginary world reminiscent of our nineteenth century, with some fantastical elements and without explicit rules. Some liberties were taken for the sake of fiction—and, of course, romance.
*Warning: Discussions and depictions of assault which are physical and sexual in nature, as well as a background characterization that some might find taboo or unconventional.
This is not usually a subject matter that I would be drawn to (taboo, brothel) but I read everything Christina Lee writes and I am glad I gave it a try. It is different and unique, and not overdone.
When Galen finds himself hurt and alone, he is saved and taken into an unexpected place. As he recovers he comes to realize more about how it operates and becomes more involved. It might be a safer alternative to how he was living. Galen has been drifting, lonely, and just trying to survive. He is intuitive and has a special gift.
When Galen finds himself hurt and alone, he is saved and taken into an unexpected place. As he recovers he comes to realize more about how it operates and becomes more involved. It might be a safer alternative to how he was living. Galen has been drifting, lonely, and just trying to survive. He is intuitive and has a special gift.
Though many of the tenants of Moon Flower Apothecary are unique, Azriel stands out to Galen. He is a quiet, caring, healer with his own hard back story. Although it is against the rules to fraternize with the others, these two find themselves inexplicably drawn together.
It is set in its own world in the past, but has a bit of a fantasy element too. The characters and their dynamics make it interesting. I found myself caring about these guys and wanting them to be okay and happy. There is a bit of suspense element and a few antagonists. Some of the subject matter is taboo but I did not have a problem with any of the goings-on because of how it was written. Much of it is not just about the acts, but also connections and needs. But there was one early scene that was a bit rough to read but it was supposed to be.
It is a story about finding a safe place to land in a cruel world whether by a bit of luck or perhaps fate...of found family, empowerment, hope, potential, purpose, and true love. It's captivating, sensual, and romantic. They are all a diverse group of lost and found souls. I loved the tentative and sweet bond and chemistry between Galen and Azriel. There is almost an innocence and wonder about it despite their personal histories and occupation. The twins are so bright, sweet, and connected. And I am intrigued by Bellamy's story.
It is set in its own world in the past, but has a bit of a fantasy element too. The characters and their dynamics make it interesting. I found myself caring about these guys and wanting them to be okay and happy. There is a bit of suspense element and a few antagonists. Some of the subject matter is taboo but I did not have a problem with any of the goings-on because of how it was written. Much of it is not just about the acts, but also connections and needs. But there was one early scene that was a bit rough to read but it was supposed to be.
It is a story about finding a safe place to land in a cruel world whether by a bit of luck or perhaps fate...of found family, empowerment, hope, potential, purpose, and true love. It's captivating, sensual, and romantic. They are all a diverse group of lost and found souls. I loved the tentative and sweet bond and chemistry between Galen and Azriel. There is almost an innocence and wonder about it despite their personal histories and occupation. The twins are so bright, sweet, and connected. And I am intrigued by Bellamy's story.
Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip balm, coffee, and kissing. Because everything is better with kissing.
She writes mostly MM Contemporary as well as Adult and New Adult Romance. She believes in happily-ever-afters for all, so reading and writing romance for everybody under the rainbow helps quench her soul.
If you’d like to keep up with her on a daily basis, join her reader group on Facebook called The Swoon Room. Or join her newsletter to be notified of sales and/or new releases.
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