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Crescent Moon Phayed #1
Apothecary Tea
You've heard this before, but trust me when I say you've never met a man like me.
There are very few of my kind left, but I refuse to completely succumb to what I am.
When I spot her at the Apothecary Tea House, I'm captivated. There's a sensual charge between us, an irresistible, electric pull.
She feels it too. The way she sees through me, like she understands me already, like we know each other …
When tragedy suddenly strikes her life, she needs me to alleviate her painful emotions as much as I need to consume them.
And there are other needs pounding through us both, stealing our breath every moment we share together.
The sustenance I can take from her is like my perfect drug, and my craving is strong.
Too strong.
She's delicious. Exquisite.
But she's so vulnerable now, and I feel for her.
I feel a lot.
Can I do this? Can I be the man she needs and help her when she needs me most?
Or will the temptation be too much to resist taking more, and more, until she’s as cursed as I am?
There are very few of my kind left, but I refuse to completely succumb to what I am.
When I spot her at the Apothecary Tea House, I'm captivated. There's a sensual charge between us, an irresistible, electric pull.
She feels it too. The way she sees through me, like she understands me already, like we know each other …
When tragedy suddenly strikes her life, she needs me to alleviate her painful emotions as much as I need to consume them.
And there are other needs pounding through us both, stealing our breath every moment we share together.
The sustenance I can take from her is like my perfect drug, and my craving is strong.
Too strong.
She's delicious. Exquisite.
But she's so vulnerable now, and I feel for her.
I feel a lot.
Can I do this? Can I be the man she needs and help her when she needs me most?
Or will the temptation be too much to resist taking more, and more, until she’s as cursed as I am?
664 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2020
112 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Autumn M. Key
8 books188 followersI grew up in the deep south where we don't talk about any of the things I write about, which is what makes it so much fun! Since I was a kid I have been writing something - books, poems, journals - always something. It wasn't until a few years ago that I embraced the story that was burning in my heart and invading my dreams. It turned into my debut novel, Apothecary Tea.
I am living my own happily ever after which is why I love to write about love and romance. I'm married and madly in love with my soul mate. We have one beautiful daughter who is the light of my life. We also have four pet rabbits. I've realized my dream of living by the sea, and when I'm not writing, I'm usually drawing, painting, reading, sea shell hunting or cross-stitching. Honestly though, if I'm not working I'm writing!
I am living my own happily ever after which is why I love to write about love and romance. I'm married and madly in love with my soul mate. We have one beautiful daughter who is the light of my life. We also have four pet rabbits. I've realized my dream of living by the sea, and when I'm not writing, I'm usually drawing, painting, reading, sea shell hunting or cross-stitching. Honestly though, if I'm not working I'm writing!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 4, 2020
Enchanting debut!
Enchanting debut!
This paranormal romance is full of wonder and intrigue and I was pulled in immediately by Drake, the main character. He's not like any other man and his secret is slowly and tantalizingly revealed throughout the story. He exudes so much sensuality and mystery, that even in the beginning, I couldn't stop reading because I just had to know more about him, and what made him what he is. His love for Ember, the heroine is intense and limitless as he leads you through this story that his wholly original. I promise, you've never read a story like this one. It's the kind of story that when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it and couldn't stop until I was finished.
Ms. Key transported me to this world of wonder with her vivid descriptions and complex characters that I yearned to know more about.
Every book to come in this series will be an automatic read for me and I can't wait!
Enchanting debut!
This paranormal romance is full of wonder and intrigue and I was pulled in immediately by Drake, the main character. He's not like any other man and his secret is slowly and tantalizingly revealed throughout the story. He exudes so much sensuality and mystery, that even in the beginning, I couldn't stop reading because I just had to know more about him, and what made him what he is. His love for Ember, the heroine is intense and limitless as he leads you through this story that his wholly original. I promise, you've never read a story like this one. It's the kind of story that when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it and couldn't stop until I was finished.
Ms. Key transported me to this world of wonder with her vivid descriptions and complex characters that I yearned to know more about.
Every book to come in this series will be an automatic read for me and I can't wait!
May 10, 2020
Extraordinary story!!
I loved this book from start to finish! The storyline is amazing and the characters felt so real that I could feel their pain, their joy and their sorrow. Well done Ms. Key!!
I loved this book from start to finish! The storyline is amazing and the characters felt so real that I could feel their pain, their joy and their sorrow. Well done Ms. Key!!
June 11, 2020
Totally in love
An incredible debut novel from someone who writes like shes been writing books for years. Totally fallen in love with Ember and Drake and cant wait to read about parker in the next!!!! Type quicker Autumn!! 😂
An incredible debut novel from someone who writes like shes been writing books for years. Totally fallen in love with Ember and Drake and cant wait to read about parker in the next!!!! Type quicker Autumn!! 😂
Want to read
February 4, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/4/2022)! 🎁
June 17, 2021
What a fantastical debut novel for Autumn Key. I stumbled upon this book after it was recommended to me by a close friend and I’m so glad she did! I wasn’t prepared.
This book isn’t your typical PNR - all the elements are there and definitely important, but also not the main focus of the story and I loved it. The plot was well done. The writing is out of this world. I could literally close my eyes and imagine every single detail as it was spun brilliantly across the page.
Drake and Ember were destined to be together. It was intricately woven into every meeting they’d ever had. This story is about heartbreaking grief and the love that followed. I cried because it was so emotional at times and I wanted to grab Ember and give her the biggest hug. A couple of times I really wanted to throat punch Drake, but he made up for it in the end. Everyone needs a Drake. I’m very much #teamdrake now.
I have never read anything quite like this book and it was delightfully refreshing! I don’t have enough good things to say about AT. It’s a rather long read, upwards of 600 pages but I promise it’s worth it. And the steam…. Phew, it gets steamy up in here y’all so prepare thyself.
Starting Wicked Spirits soon and I cannot wait to be just as spellbound!
This book isn’t your typical PNR - all the elements are there and definitely important, but also not the main focus of the story and I loved it. The plot was well done. The writing is out of this world. I could literally close my eyes and imagine every single detail as it was spun brilliantly across the page.
Drake and Ember were destined to be together. It was intricately woven into every meeting they’d ever had. This story is about heartbreaking grief and the love that followed. I cried because it was so emotional at times and I wanted to grab Ember and give her the biggest hug. A couple of times I really wanted to throat punch Drake, but he made up for it in the end. Everyone needs a Drake. I’m very much #teamdrake now.
I have never read anything quite like this book and it was delightfully refreshing! I don’t have enough good things to say about AT. It’s a rather long read, upwards of 600 pages but I promise it’s worth it. And the steam…. Phew, it gets steamy up in here y’all so prepare thyself.
Starting Wicked Spirits soon and I cannot wait to be just as spellbound!
May 22, 2020
Autumn Key has mesmerized me!
Oh my God. Autumn Key has blown me away! Her characters and story telling had me engrossed from the get go. I was up, down and sideways while reading this book. I was so absorbed I had to physically walk away at times to breathe and process my feelings while reading. It has the paranormal. It has characters you feel for and some you just want to smack around for their cruelty. It has the intense love and steamy love scenes. I mean smoking hot!!! I love romance and I have read a great many. What I loved so much about Apothecary Tea was the story was not rushed. Autumn takes the time build her characters up and give more depth to her story. This being her first book, I feel honored to be able to enjoy the beginning of her career as a writer. As soon as I finished I was left wanting more and hoping for patience to await her next book. If you like the paranormal, intense love and even more intense love scenes, Apothecary Tea is for you. Read it!!!
Oh my God. Autumn Key has blown me away! Her characters and story telling had me engrossed from the get go. I was up, down and sideways while reading this book. I was so absorbed I had to physically walk away at times to breathe and process my feelings while reading. It has the paranormal. It has characters you feel for and some you just want to smack around for their cruelty. It has the intense love and steamy love scenes. I mean smoking hot!!! I love romance and I have read a great many. What I loved so much about Apothecary Tea was the story was not rushed. Autumn takes the time build her characters up and give more depth to her story. This being her first book, I feel honored to be able to enjoy the beginning of her career as a writer. As soon as I finished I was left wanting more and hoping for patience to await her next book. If you like the paranormal, intense love and even more intense love scenes, Apothecary Tea is for you. Read it!!!
January 26, 2021
Needed more cream and sugar
Private publishing has been a wonderful thing as it has allowed us to hear many voices that we would not have previously heard. Sometimes those voices are like hearing someone singing in the shower, maybe lacking some polish. I felt this book had lots of potential with a compelling story line. Unfortunately, it lacked the professional editing to make a story great. It was about 250 pages too long because it repeated the same dialogue and scenes over and over and over again. Tidbits borrowed from someone else’s story (don’t bite your lip Anastasia/Ember) were included even though they had no real relevance to this story. Good professional editing would prevent any writer from making these mistakes. Focusing on the back stories of two central characters may have helped as well. The whole read was like a 650 page agonizingly depressing therapy session. The sex was thrilling but it became pathetic. That can’t be all there is. Wish there could be a do over.
Private publishing has been a wonderful thing as it has allowed us to hear many voices that we would not have previously heard. Sometimes those voices are like hearing someone singing in the shower, maybe lacking some polish. I felt this book had lots of potential with a compelling story line. Unfortunately, it lacked the professional editing to make a story great. It was about 250 pages too long because it repeated the same dialogue and scenes over and over and over again. Tidbits borrowed from someone else’s story (don’t bite your lip Anastasia/Ember) were included even though they had no real relevance to this story. Good professional editing would prevent any writer from making these mistakes. Focusing on the back stories of two central characters may have helped as well. The whole read was like a 650 page agonizingly depressing therapy session. The sex was thrilling but it became pathetic. That can’t be all there is. Wish there could be a do over.
June 10, 2020
I’m not sure where to start. I’ve never read any sort of paranormal before AT. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Wow! Knowing some of the background that lead to AT makes it even more special. Autumn Key’s breakthrough novel is beyond anything I ever expected. As a new author, I wasn’t prepared for the intensity of the story. And the quality of her writing! Once I started it, I had trouble putting it down. But, life got in the way, and I had to put it down for a period. I saw and read one negative review where the reviewer admitted she didn’t read the entire book. I’m not sure how one can review a book they haven’t read. All I can say is, it’s her loss. It love Drake and Ember’s story. And I’m not saying that because I know the author. I truly love this story!
June 2, 2020
Where to even begin with this one! It’s paranormal and the first adult paranormal romance I’ve ever read! Drake lured in me in (he was easy to follow) and his love for Ember kept me riveted!
Embers sadness made me ache. I was angry at her family the entire book! Especially her mother! Thankfully she had Drake to give her the love she needed while she gave him that love back and everything else he needed.
This is a heavy read... the emotion, the angst, the sex! I devoured it all! Autumn’s imagery is beautiful!
One of my favorite scenes was a memory, Drakes memory of meeting Ember for the first time. When she was six years old. He loved her then and had no idea what the future held!
This is Autumn Key’s first book. I cannot wait to see what she does next!
Embers sadness made me ache. I was angry at her family the entire book! Especially her mother! Thankfully she had Drake to give her the love she needed while she gave him that love back and everything else he needed.
This is a heavy read... the emotion, the angst, the sex! I devoured it all! Autumn’s imagery is beautiful!
One of my favorite scenes was a memory, Drakes memory of meeting Ember for the first time. When she was six years old. He loved her then and had no idea what the future held!
This is Autumn Key’s first book. I cannot wait to see what she does next!
September 13, 2021
Wow!
I am awful with proper reviews, but I had to make sure I gave this book all the love! So much passion, love, and a twist that brought everything together!!!! I cannot wait to read more by Autumn!
I am awful with proper reviews, but I had to make sure I gave this book all the love! So much passion, love, and a twist that brought everything together!!!! I cannot wait to read more by Autumn!
January 30, 2022
delightfully different
So different. Love the characters. Paranormal is a favorite genre of mine and she combines it with romance so well. Extra steamy. 🔥🔥🔥
So different. Love the characters. Paranormal is a favorite genre of mine and she combines it with romance so well. Extra steamy. 🔥🔥🔥
January 12, 2022
This story is unlike anything I have read before. It is paranormal but contemporary at the same time. It is also steamy, mind boggling, and worth every second I spent devouring the pages of this book. Drake is SWOONY and Ember develops her strength as the story progresses. I would 1000% recommend starting this series. WOW!
June 14, 2021
𝒢𝑒𝓃𝓇𝑒 | 𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈: PNR
𝒮𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈: Crescent Moon Phayed, Book 1
𝒮𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝐿𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓁: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Wow, where do I even begin?
Honestly, this probably would have been a 5 star read had this book been cut in half. Over 600 pages long and it felt like it. The story itself was SO good but waaaaay too long. For me, that drastically took away from the story. Also, the ending was a bit too abrupt and after such a long story, that was disappointing.
But y’all, this story was beautiful. It was a story about heart wrenching grief and destined love. It was filled with sorrow and intense passion. Fate connected Drake and Ember and you could see and feel it. The descriptions were unbelievable and the relationship threads were tangible. The PNR elements were important but not the focus. It was unique and strange. I wanted to know more. I’ve never read anything quite like this.
I’m torn. The writing is impeccable for a debut novel from a debut author. The plot was so damn good. I was hooked on Drake and Ember’s story. But this is literally the first time I’ve ever read a book and wanted it to be shorter. The scenes felt repetitive and it 100% took away from the story. I just can’t get past that.
February 8, 2021
I'd prefer to give this 3½ stars, but I'm rounding up, not down.
The Good: It's beautifully well written, absolutely gorgeous prose. Also, I gave this a go because I like paranormal romance sometimes, and this seemed something new in the genre - it was definitely worth the read.
The Bad: This was just a bit too long, to the point where I wondered if maybe she was being paid by the page. Additionally, I didn't like Drake to being with; it wasn't until a few chapters in that I warmed to him. Initially, he just seemed creepy and weird. Ember - I'm sorry, I just found her really annoying and whiney. Grief not withstanding, she made my eyes roll several times. I just couldn't warm to her at all. Having said that, they were the right characters for the story, and these are just my personal tastes. Seriously, though, Ember was ugh!
Definitely promising, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to read another book by this author.
The Good: It's beautifully well written, absolutely gorgeous prose. Also, I gave this a go because I like paranormal romance sometimes, and this seemed something new in the genre - it was definitely worth the read.
The Bad: This was just a bit too long, to the point where I wondered if maybe she was being paid by the page. Additionally, I didn't like Drake to being with; it wasn't until a few chapters in that I warmed to him. Initially, he just seemed creepy and weird. Ember - I'm sorry, I just found her really annoying and whiney. Grief not withstanding, she made my eyes roll several times. I just couldn't warm to her at all. Having said that, they were the right characters for the story, and these are just my personal tastes. Seriously, though, Ember was ugh!
Definitely promising, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to read another book by this author.
February 14, 2021
A beautiful story. Drake and Ember's connection makes every page shine, and the detail and thoughtfulness in the prose is exquisitely done.
Plus, the Phayed are an interesting concept, and I really look forward to finding out more about them - what precisely they are, their origins, etc.
It's hard to bring something brand new to the table in PNR, but Autumn has done it. Really enjoyable and beautifully crafted.
Plus, the Phayed are an interesting concept, and I really look forward to finding out more about them - what precisely they are, their origins, etc.
It's hard to bring something brand new to the table in PNR, but Autumn has done it. Really enjoyable and beautifully crafted.
July 27, 2020
To long!
I really liked this story in the beginning but it just started getting repeative and so long. Couldn't get pass chapter 12.
I really liked this story in the beginning but it just started getting repeative and so long. Couldn't get pass chapter 12.
June 25, 2021
It is a really good book and It is really interesting.
July 11, 2021
Autumn knocked it out the park with her debut book. Although it's a long read, it was a good mix of sweet, steamy, and gut wrenching. It will take your soul for a ride!
February 9, 2023
I love me a paranormal soulmate story so I’m giving this five stars. My customary quibbling below.
August 30, Ember writes in her journal that she became aware of Drake at the tea shop. He leaves before she has a chance to introduce herself.
August 30, Drake’s journal indicates that he had felt a presence while in the tea shop that made him uncomfortable so left ASAP. Now here’s where things get iffy: “I’ve had writer’s block since that day, until...yesterday. Until Ember came into my life and the words rushed and burned through me with such force that I had to get them out on paper."
This would lead one to believe that he had met Ember on August 29 (yesterday) Obviously this journal entry should have been noted as being written at a later date.
I’m curious about Gethanne. It seems obvious that she turned Drake against his will. Even so, it seems odd that they never had any further contact with one another.
Don McLean - get out of my head!
Why did Ember tell Drake she had an IUD? I wondered at the time since she wasn’t having sex with anyone. Was she lying since she knew she was infertile and didn’t want to ‘fess up?
Future dilemma: If I understand correctly, when Drake turns Ember into a Phayed, both of them will be emotionally bereft which will necessitate feeding from others. She could no longer be his sole source which seemed to be a big deal for them.
August 30, Ember writes in her journal that she became aware of Drake at the tea shop. He leaves before she has a chance to introduce herself.
August 30, Drake’s journal indicates that he had felt a presence while in the tea shop that made him uncomfortable so left ASAP. Now here’s where things get iffy: “I’ve had writer’s block since that day, until...yesterday. Until Ember came into my life and the words rushed and burned through me with such force that I had to get them out on paper."
This would lead one to believe that he had met Ember on August 29 (yesterday) Obviously this journal entry should have been noted as being written at a later date.
I’m curious about Gethanne. It seems obvious that she turned Drake against his will. Even so, it seems odd that they never had any further contact with one another.
Don McLean - get out of my head!
Why did Ember tell Drake she had an IUD? I wondered at the time since she wasn’t having sex with anyone. Was she lying since she knew she was infertile and didn’t want to ‘fess up?
Future dilemma: If I understand correctly, when Drake turns Ember into a Phayed, both of them will be emotionally bereft which will necessitate feeding from others. She could no longer be his sole source which seemed to be a big deal for them.
February 15, 2025
Apothecary Tea is a phenomenal book that once I started I just couldn't put down. In the first few chapters I thought ooh this is a Paranormal 50 Shades but it is so much more .
It's beautifully written, rich in description and so emotional. The story is impactful as it deals with grief, discovery and love.
Ember is raised to be the good girl, her future husband chosen by her parents, but she longs for more. Meeting Drake is a defining moment but it all isn't as it seems.
Drake is aloof, he doesn't let people close as he when he has previously revealed his secret he was shunned. He is a Phayed and feeds off emotions and memories . Ember calls to him in a way no one has before.
Their relationship is intense from the beginning, and oh so steamy.This in essence is a love story, a coming of age, choosing happiness over duty and an obsession between the two.
For a debut novel, it is so well crafted it is amazing. I finished reading on Wednesday but emotionally I haven't quite managed to detach myself.
Now to go on to read Parkers story as he was a wonderful side character that I wanted to know more.
It's beautifully written, rich in description and so emotional. The story is impactful as it deals with grief, discovery and love.
Ember is raised to be the good girl, her future husband chosen by her parents, but she longs for more. Meeting Drake is a defining moment but it all isn't as it seems.
Drake is aloof, he doesn't let people close as he when he has previously revealed his secret he was shunned. He is a Phayed and feeds off emotions and memories . Ember calls to him in a way no one has before.
Their relationship is intense from the beginning, and oh so steamy.This in essence is a love story, a coming of age, choosing happiness over duty and an obsession between the two.
For a debut novel, it is so well crafted it is amazing. I finished reading on Wednesday but emotionally I haven't quite managed to detach myself.
Now to go on to read Parkers story as he was a wonderful side character that I wanted to know more.
Read
February 2, 2022Found this author by accident when looking at sample of another book. What a happy accident that was! Loved this book. Drake is creative, private, brooding. And gorgeous. He meets Ember at the absolute lowest point in her life. Their story unfolds and the hurts each carry pull them together. But fate plays a large role too. Starry Night by Van Gogh will forever make me think of Drake and Ember. There is steamy sex between these two and it is one of the ways we learn about their pasts. Drake is a Phayed, an immortal being. Ember is a repressed art student yearning to break free.
The writing is beautiful, lyrical and has great flow. The characters are well drawn and grow over the course of the book. This book is big, but once you’ve read it, read it again. It is worth the time invested.
The writing is beautiful, lyrical and has great flow. The characters are well drawn and grow over the course of the book. This book is big, but once you’ve read it, read it again. It is worth the time invested.
Read
May 29, 2022Love, love love the book. The story is full of angst, heartbreak, grief and last but not least...love!
If you want to get lost into a book, this is definitely one of them. The whole phayed series is amazing. Autumn's imagination is genius! So grab a cup of coffee, tissues and find a quiet place and ENJOY.
If you want to get lost into a book, this is definitely one of them. The whole phayed series is amazing. Autumn's imagination is genius! So grab a cup of coffee, tissues and find a quiet place and ENJOY.
July 27, 2022
This is not only a heart wrenching tale of love and belonging, but it is also so unbelievably well written for this genre that it was difficult to stop devouring each and every word and chapter. The characters seem so real and their feelings so authentic that it takes your breath away! Well done, Ms. Key! Very well done indeed!
February 2, 2021
This is my first read by this author. The characters are interesting but it is just... moving...too...sloooooooow. 180 pages in, 28% and nothing is happening. I may circle back but right now, I can’t do another 400+ pages of slow.
May 4, 2023
This was my first paranormal book and I absolutely loved it! This one was long but I flew through it so fast. The story was very well written and the spice was so swoon worth. Definitely going on my favorite reads list!
May 7, 2023
This is a author is new to me. I feel good things could from them. World building good. Our MCs are a little too close to Bella/Anastasia and the length was daunting.. A lot of repetitive dialogue. I would recommend this novel if you want a deep dive, remember it's long.
December 21, 2021
It started out so good, but the crying and constant sex just got boring after the first 100 times.
May 7, 2022
Awesome debut novel
This book captivated me from beginning to end. I didn't want the story to end. I would recommend this book to all.
This book captivated me from beginning to end. I didn't want the story to end. I would recommend this book to all.
Read
July 30, 2022Dnf after 15%-20%
April 4, 2023
This book had so much potential, but it's between all the added sex scenes and whining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews