Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

Quit at 5%

It's nice. I guess it's cozy? I don't know - I guess I just wanted the story beyond the snuggle. Nothing really wrong with it but not my jam, I don't think.

I'm using the genre tag cosy fantasy as its how the book is marked and it certainly has the feel of it. Similar to United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart 1964 Jacobellis v. Ohio when asked to describe his threshold test for obscenity "I know it when I see it".

"Undying loyalty to a sociopathic queen can get pretty old. For Reyna, a palace guard, the final straw comes when a potential assassin holds a knife to her throat and she finds that Queen Tilaine doesn’t care whether she lives or dies. Decades of fealty collapse in an instant, and truthfully ...Reyna doesn’t care either. She’s finally free to escape the palace grounds and never look back, to travel to the ends of the earth and open a tea shop/bookstore. Reyna and her girlfriend, Kianthe, have dreamed of combining their favorite pastimes into a solid income and living a life free from royal obligation and bloodshed. But Reyna isn’t the only half of the couple who will need to escape Tilaine—Kianthe is the Arcandor, the Mage of Ages. Kianthe wants no part of the Queendom, nor any role in the Magicary; she’d rather act on her own to decide what duty she owes the world’s magic. Reyna and Kianthe flee the Queendom in the night and arrive just south of dragon country in a backwoods town named Tawney, meeting charming locals and uncovering an abandoned barn perfect for their tea- and bookshop. As Reyna and Kianthe embrace their independence, they tackle threats of dragons, Queen Tilaine’s spies, and commands from the ancient Stone of Seeing, all while openly and patiently navigating their newly public relationship. Thorne’s novel encompasses all the wonders of fantasy—pet griffons, vengeful dragons, and a bloodthirsty monarch—while capturing the heartwarming moments of a blossoming romance. Side characters, including a nonbinary diarn crushing on a young lord, add to the whimsy as Thorne deftly weaves a closed-door, cozy romantasy.

A sweet fantasy brews little conflict". _Kirus reviews

and if you think that pun above is out of place I can assure you that they are exactly as many puns in this story as you would expect given the word play in the title. I am looking forward to reading more of this world.

I was also enchanted to see in the acknowledgements the honest, grateful thanks Rebecca Thorne expressed to Travis Baldree for this inspiration that this story draws on for his 'Legends & Lattes' and 'Bookshops & Bonesdust' novels and if you enjoyed these then I think you will enjoy reading Rebecca Thorne's Tomes & Tea Cosy fantasies of which this is the first.

Very cozy book, the tea- and bookshop sounds really nice. I like that the characters are quite capable, it always feels more relaxing to read about someone who knows what they're doing. I also really liked the side characters, all the people in the village were very likable and I'm curious to see more of them in the rest of the series. Although of course Visk is the best side character.

The one thing that I'd like to see improve in the rest of the series would be that the dialogue feels a bit clunky at times and that there's a lot of telling instead of/plus showing, especially in regards to how Kianthe and Reyna relate to each other.

Awww I really loved this! It lived up to its cozy description. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Una hermosa historia sobre una de las mejores guardias de la reina y la hechicera más poderosa del reino que deciden escapar juntas a un pueblito en medio de la nada para abrir una librería que también venda té, combinando sus pasiones. Los personajes son adorables, el romance es muy romántico, pero al mismo tiempo hay acción, tensión, y charlas muy realistas como para poder categorizarlo 100% como “cozy”. Igual me pareció muy disfrutable y lo recomiendo si quieren leer algo romántico sin sexo.

 As an American, annoying monarchs with tea-related antics is appealing to me!

🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅🦅🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅🦅🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅🦅

This was a cute, easy read. Adorable couple (they COMMUNICATE like ADULTS) — Kianthe is a bad-pun machine and Reyna is a doting, overprotective saint. The griffons are cute, the dragons are awesome, and the townsfolk (and most of the people in the story—with notable exceptions) are wonderful.

They do have some exhausting, repetitive arguments as they figure out how to live together and attempt to let go of their past. And this book is not 100% cozy—it does have some PG to PG-13 action sequences in it.

Tarly and Matild are my long-term life/relationship goals.

Definitely want to read more from this series! 

’Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea’ by Rebecca Thorne was an enjoyable, if low stakes read. I enjoyed the sapphic romance and setting, though I disagree that this is cosy fantasy. It had cosy elements to be sure, but the wider plot overhauls them in a broader sense. Listening to the audiobook was a pleasant experience and helped me keep track of which characters were which. Seeing that the sequel involves sea-faring, it means that I will probably continue the series at some point.

4.5

An advance copy was provided by NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are my own.

When Reyna and Kianthe decide to open a book and tea shop together, they settle on Tawney, a border town in north. Missing dragon eggs, feuding local politicians, Kianthe's responsibilities as the leader of the mages, and a queen who isn't ready to let Reyna go from her service all complicate their plan for a simple life. 

This book was charming and everything I want from a cozy fantasy romance. It isn't a “meet cute, love at first sight” kind of romance. It's more “We've been dating in secret when our complicated jobs allow us to be together; we're already in love; now let's try living together full time” kind of romance. Reyna and Kianthe come up against the typical “joining our lives together and considering how my choices will impact my partner” issues. With magic. And dragons. And gryphons. And an evil? queen. 

The narrator did a great job bringing the story alive and the characters distinct.

Can't wait for the next installment. 

A very cosy and wholesome fantasy book about two lovers who escape together to start a new life as a book and tea shop owners.

I really enjoyed ready Can't Spell Treason Without Tea. It was nicely paced, probably on the slower side for some readers, but considering it's genre, I didn't care too much. There were sprinkles of fantasy and high stake plots which kept me interested, as well as genuine thought and interaction with the characters whether they were main or side (Gossley is precious). Before I realised, I had got to the epilogue and was looking forward to the second book.

The only downside I have is that I would have liked to explore the tyrannical queen of the Queendom more. She had a lot of potential plot points that could have been explored, but nothing happened with them, which was unfortunate. Plus, her naivety which lead to the resolution of a very large issue was kind of too simple.

Nevertheless, thoroughly enjoyed this book as a whole and I eagerly await the sequel, A Pirate's Life for Tea!

“Can't Spell Treason Without Tea” by Rebecca Thorne is a delightful story that takes readers on a charming adventure through a world filled with love, magic, and mystery.

Thorne's writing brings readers into the lives of Reyna, a determined Queen's guard weary of serving a harsh ruler, and Kianthe, a powerful mage yearning for a simpler life with Reyna. Their forbidden love grew as they dreamt of escaping their oppressive circumstances to open a quaint book and tea shop. After their escape, they both navigate challenges from their past and present, and their relationship develops, offering a sweet f/f romance.

While the pacing is uneven at times, Thorne's storytelling skills keep readers engaged. The charming town of Tawney and its quirky residents create a cosy atmosphere that draws readers into the magical world of the story.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is a good blend of romance, magic, and mystery. Thorne weaves together elements of cosy fantasy with moments of tension, ensuring an enjoyable read from beginning to end.

For fans of Legends & Lattes looking for an f/f romance in a charming fantasy setting, this book is for you.

4/5 stars

Reyna and Kianthe dream of the day they can run away together. To leave behind the politics of kingdoms and enjoy each other's company in a quaint little shop. One with a warm welcoming atmosphere where friends can share a cup of tea and purchase books. When Reyna’s life is put on the line for a Queen who could care less about her, she realizes it’s time to go. To seek out that dream of a peaceful life with her girlfriend by her side.

The shop Reyna and Kianthe dream of sounds like the perfect place for anyone who enjoys books and tea. Readers will be able to live vicariously through the two characters as they seize the chance to chase their dreams. Building the shop from the ground up and transforming a building no one thought could be more than a thieves' den. And by doing so they also make themselves part of the community of Tawney. Creating a network of friends and acquaintances who become family.

Reyna and Kianthe are an adorable couple and balance each other so well. While their internal struggles may cause mishaps along the way, they’re dedicated to each other. They own up to their mistakes and encourage open communication. Are they perfect? No, absolutely not. But the way they recognize when something goes wrong and work together to figure things out is wonderful.

Not only are the characters a delight to read but there is an underlying mystery that will be carried throughout the series. One involving dragons and their ever present threat to the town of Tawney. Add to this the sense of time ticking down for Reyna. After all, it's only a matter of time before the Queen finds her. And balanced between it all are the precious moments among the two main characters and their found family.

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is for fans of Legends and Lattes. It is another wonderful serving of cozy fantasy. If you have ever dreamed of owning a bookstore that serves tea, this is the book for you.

This one was cute. And I definitely spent the whole time picturing the griffon as Toothless

This was a warm hug with a little bit of tension and I loved it.
I originally read the self published version and I have to say I enjoyed it more than I did before. The narration was excellent

I enjoyed the world so much. And the characters. Though I struggled to see the connected between the two love interests (though one of the last scenes showed this) I still enjoyed them. And a bookshop? What is not to like.

However the antagonist felt a bit shoved down my throat. Same with the resolution. Personally I wished a bit more thought had gone into it as it seemed it relied too much on the antagonist believing what I could see was a foolish lie. But this could leave it open for another book so I'm not too bothered.

And dragons. DRAGONS. I loved this part of the story the most (well second to the training a bandit)

This was such an enjoyable story and is perfect if you're looking for something lighter or are struggling in life.

When I say this is probably one of my all time favourite books, I am not lying. It's filled with magic and dragons and books and tea!!!! I wasn't sure if I would like the genre of cosy fantasy but this book proved that I absolutely do and need to read more.

I found myself relating to both Reyna and Kianthe which is rare when two characters are both the complete opposite but so intertwined. They were written so well and it made me very invested in their futures. I found myself falling in love with them and for anyone who has already read this you know how absolutely perfect their relationship dynamic is. And their communication skills??? (minus the whole shoulder thing) is everything you could want in a relationship. When I grow up, I want nothing more than to have this exact relationship where they can help each other to grow and be the people they truly are. I won't settle for anything less than an ex-guard with deep insecurities or an elemental mage with so much anxiety and self doubt - bonus points if you'll open a tea and bookshop :)

Now magic was a big part of this book and it is very uniquely done. I love the idea of the ley lines being a huge part of their magic as well as dragon magic and alchemy magic. I definitely want to see more of it in the next book. I will never say no to more dragons! I will also never say no to the numerous amount of puns in the book (I'm looking at you Kianthe) and I expect nothing less than for it to continue in book 2. I've seen reviews where people say that there are too many high stakes for this to be a cosy fantasy but personally I think it has just the right amount to keep the reader engaged (it certainly did with me) - if you have too much mundanity I would have just gotten bored. It was as perfect as Reyna's steeped teas and Kianthe's ever-plant xD

Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. If you love sapphic stories, magic, dragons, tea, and books, look no further because this is the book for you!

I'm definitely having a good time with cozy fantasies this year, so I couldn't resist when the author offered arcs of this book. But I couldn't read before it's release, so it was nice finding it on KU and getting to it when I was in the right mood for it.

The author's first thanks in her acknowledgements is to Travis Baldree for writing Legends & Lattes and inspiring her to write this book, and it definitely shows. The similarities in the vibes are very strong but the author still manages to give the feel of a very different world, slightly darker in tone, lots of tasty tea - but ofcourse the delicious baked goods still remain and I totally couldn't have done without them. This story is also slightly more tense, and we get a possible mystery involving dragon eggs which makes for far reaching consequences, which I'm sure will come to fruition in the rest of the series.

Reyne is a Queen's guard who is fed up of her life of sacrificing herself for the sake of a cruel ruler and wants out with her lover. Kianthe is the most powerful Mage across the realm but also hates that no one sees the person behind the title and would love to settle down with Reyne and start a bookshop. I like how the book starts with an established relationship, but one which was forbidden and then we see how they adjust to proximity when they manage to run away. They both have a lot of anxieties due to their upbringings and positions but they work through their issues with proper communication, and I adored that aspect of the story. I also liked that one is an avid reader and the other loves baking and teas, so we get a bookshop and cafe. It was nice seeing the place come alive and I so wanted to be there.

The people of Tawney maybe apprehensive initially but bonds are built slowly and it was nice to see a helpful community, which comes together despite their differences. Matild and Tarly were amazing right from the beginning, offering their help. It was hilarious seeing Wylan and Feo bicker and our main couple envision a rivals to lovers relationship for them. I hope that definitely works out.

Overall, this was a fun read. I didn't know going into it that it was going to be a series but I'm definitely excited to continue. The author does a great job balancing the cozy fantasy elements with more tense and darker moments, and I can't wait to see more of it. It also ends on a little epilogue which promises new as well as our main characters, and surely more shenanigans.