If you’re looking for something like Legends and Lattes this is it! A cozy and sapphic fantasy about queen’s guard Reyna and mage of ages, Kianthe, as they run away together to open a tea and bookshop. I think almost every reader I know dreams about leaving their day jobs to open a cozy bookshop. I wouldn’t say this is as low stakes as Legends and Lattes, and some of the conflicts are unresolved but I think this is to set up for more books in the series. I did get very invested in all of the characters, and even the side characters. They were all well thought out and very likeable. The narrator does a great job distinguishing the two FMCS and uses various accents throughout. The audiobook includes what I think a hint at the next book in the epilogue and a prequel chapter which I really enjoyed. Overall this is a fun read, I just wish some more of the conflicts were resolved. Thanks to NetGalley, Rebecca Thorne and Macmillan Audio for this ALC.

There were so many things I loved about “Can’t Spell Treason without Tea”. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere that the author created. It is one of the most whimsical books I have ever read. The combination of an alluring fantasy world with a book and tea loving couple who open their own small business was lovely. “Can’t Spell Treason without Tea” has the setting of a cozy fantasy, but without the low-stakes. It doesn’t make you feel cozy. There are multiple overarching conflicts that make you feel anything but cozy. I enjoyed the plot of this story, but that is something that should be noted for any future readers.

One of the things that I love the most about this book is the characters. I loved their banter and wittiness. However, I felt the two main characters were written in the same color. It was difficult to distinguish which character was which at times during the audiobook. The two main characters are voiced with different accents, but I still had trouble understanding which character was talking. It was if any line said by one of the main characters could have been said by the other. They characters in general did not feel unique from another, outside of dialogue either.

Overall, “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea” was a cute read with an adorable setting. I had fun reading it, but I doubt I will ever pick it up again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was more of sapphic fantasy than cozy fantasy imo. I liked the premise but occasionally found myself bored. I’m definitely glad I listened to it over reading. I really enjoyed the narrator. I feel like some books I just prefer audio and this is one of them…..if that makes any sense.

I did like the overall story and genuinely liked Reyna and Kianthe as characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is a story about two female lovers, one a member of the royal guard to an unkind queen, and the other a famous, powerful elemental mage. The two, Reyna and Kianthe, decide to abandon Reyna's post in hopes of finding a simpler life. The two women come upon the town of Tawney, where they decide to plant their roots and open a book & tea shop. The two befriend the town's locals. The town, however, has a history of dragon attacks and the women must assist with the situation.

This book was very cozy - for the first half. It seemed to lose its cozy purpose upon introduction of the dragons and the queen hunting for the traitor. I loved listening to Reyna and Kianthe's efforts with finding the perfect place to open their shop and the means of getting products. I generally liked the conversations between the two women, though times I felt like the conversation was dragging for far too long. I also didn't experience enough differences between the two characters other than physicality and careers. I had a difficult time remembering which character was who due to the lack of difference.

Overall, I think if you enjoy Travis Baldtree, this may be the read for you.

My first dnf book. Dnf @ 11%. Normally I can keep going until the end of a book.

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea was not my cup of tea!

This is a story about Reyna and Kianthe who wants to run away and open a bookstore that serves tea. Reyna is one of the Queen’s private guards and Kianthe is a powerful mage. I did catch myself laughing or smiling at times. However, it was not what I’d hope it would be.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Rebecca Thorne for the complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I went into this book blind with no knowledge about it and I just loved it! Who doesn’t dream of quitting their day job and opening a tea/book shop! It was such a wonderful read the action scenes were great, with plenty of suspense, the romantic scenes were sweet and loving. I will be buying this book immediately when it comes out.

I was really looking forward to this title but I must admit, I did not love the style of writing. The storyline was engaging enough but the conversations between the characters did not grab my attention and although I stayed through to the end of the book, I lost interest at the midway point.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

I had heard a lot about this book through TikTok and I'm happy I waited for the audiobook before I picked it up.

The story is great. I like the fact that we catch Reyna and Kianthe when they decide to leave, when they relationship is already a strong thing and moving further along. It gives us a good view of how far they've come and further they are willing to go as long as they are together.

I didn't expect that much plot, considering it's a cozy fantasy, but there were a lot of things happening, but the relationship is always at the center of it all, and it was a good reprieve from end-of-the-world stakes that I usually read in fantasy. The book was a very good journey.

I don't have much to say about the narration, expect that I wish Netgalley offered some speed between 1,75 and 2, because one was too slow but the other was too fast for me. The naration was really great and made the story lively and enjoyable. My only complaint is that the laughs we hear through the book lacked some diversity, but I can understand why it would be complicated to laugh outright whenever Kianthe guffawed at one of her jokes.

Overall, a very good moment for me !

This cozy fantasy follows the story of Reyna and Kianthe as they leave behind their positions of power to live life together – and open a book & tea shop.
If you enjoy stories that have low stakes, and focus on the satisfaction slower life can give, you will love this. It is perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes, and for me had just the right amount of stakes to keep me reading!

This was a fantastic, cozy, romantic fantasy. I loved the easy worldbuilding, the sweet but strong characters, and, of course, lots of books and tea.

While listening to this book, I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing something. It reads like a sequel. The relationship between Reyna and Kianthe is already established by the time the book starts which is fine when done properly. However, this just really missed the mark. The chemistry between our two MCs was lackluster at best. This one just didn’t do it for me.

Reyna and Kianthe have small town dreams, a book and tea shop. The problem is they live big big lives. See Reyna is a queen's guard and Kianthe just happens to be one of the most powerful mages ever. But despite all that, the two settle in a town that seems to be overpopulated with dragons. Oh dear!

I don't read cozy fantasy, but this didn't really feel like a cozy fantasy to me. It felt very much fantasy. I'm not really sure who slapped the cozy label and cover on it, but it feels out of place with the story. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. I had a hard time believing that these two were adults as they acted and talked like teenagers for most of the book. Their relationship was a bit cringey at times, and I wasn't all invested in it because there was no fear that they'd ever NOT end up together. The (basically fantasy) story was interesting though, and that's why I kept reading. In the end I'm still not completely in love with this book and that's a disappointment to me since I wanted to love it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Jessica Threet was a great narrator. She really brought the story to life (and the reason I kept reading).

So this is a cozy fantasy about a sapphic couple who literally run away and start a bookshop with a tea bar in it together. About a quarter of the way through the book, I got really nervous that it was going to be a carbon copy of one of Travis Baldree's books, complete with finding contractors to carry out the needed renovations of the site they found. Happily, the book went in a different direction and included lots more plot and action, like fire-breathing dragons, spies from an evil queen, and baby griffons.

There's no relationship angst that can't be solved by a good conversation, no magical battle that can't be won, no neighborly conflict that can't be resolved with a good deed - and you know what? That's exactly why you read a cozy fantasy.

I consumed this book through a combo of reading and listening. The narration was well done, but I didn't think it added any extra oomph, if you're trying to decide between the two.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

*Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

This is just the cozy fantasy I needed! From the small town feel to the sapphic romance, I was over the moon. But best of all, there's still plenty of action in the plot to keep you interested. The narration was great, especially how they flawlessly switched between accents for Reyna and Kianthe. It made distinguishing their chapters even easier and made sense for the story. The storyline was awesome and the cast of characters were all so lovable. Really just a solid cozy fantasy - I understand why this got picked up from indie publishing.

I can't wait for A Pirate's Life for Tea!!

How come no one told me this book was a f*cking adorable romance? The characters felt like real people. Like people I would hang out with. What a great cozy fantasy.

Allow me to say: awwww :)

Cozy fantasy is fine line between hit and miss for me. I find it really easy for something low-trigger to to slide into boring. This is definitely an easy slice of life story, fairly low stakes, but it still has enough tension to keep the plot moving. It’s very cute, the characters definitely drive the story by being well built and relatable. I’ll definitely be recommending this, it’s absolutely perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes!

Very well done audiobook too! Great distinction between voices.

Author and Title: Can't Spell Treason without Tea By Rebecca Thorne

Summary: Reyna and Kianthe have a simple dream: to establish a cozy bookshop where patrons can savor tea in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Unfortunately, attaining their dreams will be difficult as Reyna serves as one of the Queen's private guards, and Kianthe holds the title of the most powerful mage known. After Reyna is taken hostage, she reconsiders the risks of serving a monarch whose priorities seem self-centered, and Kianthe yearns for freedom from the duty of her magical responsibilities. Reyna and Kianthe leave and open their bookshop in a town in dragon country. These two women embark on self-discovery and profound connection, discovering their impact on the world and their love of each other.

Verdict: I was surprised to find out who I loved more, Reyna or Kianthe. I can't remember when I read a book where two characters were genuinely in love with each other. They displayed honest caring for one another. They were in tune with each other's emotions and supported one another decisions. Kianthe is intelligent and has quick-witted banter, but she is also brave. Reyna, a great warrior, had a very gentle side and was nurturing. The pacing of the story could have been more consistent. I was vested in two-thirds of the first part of the book. Then, things began to lose me. I don't want to spoil any events in the book, but something meaningful to the storyline was mentioned and brushed off, leaving me disappointed. I was very interested in what happened with one of the characters. After that then, the climax of the story fell flat, and nothing happened. I understand that this will be a trilogy (I think), so maybe the next book will address these issues. I want to see what happens to Kianthe and Reyna and how things play out.

This is my honest review based on an ARC copy of the audiobook from Netgalley and MacMillian. Thank you for the opportunity.

I really enjoy cozy fantasy these days and this book is a perfect example of why. The setting is adorable and feels like coming home. The warm easy writing style and beautiful descriptions also makes everything feel so real.
I did feel this plot had quite a bit more going on than most other cozy fantasy books and I quite enjoyed that. The book was still beautiful and cozy but it had some really good action as well. I also enjoyed the little bits of politics in this as well.
Overall this was an amazing book. I would definitely recommend it to all my cozy fantasy loving friends.

This was SO cute!! I loved that it followed an already established couple that was in a healthy relationship. The fantasy setting was everything that I could have wanted and the tea/book shop was so cozy! I also felt that the politics and world building were easy to understand. I do wish that we would have had more scenes set at their shop, but overall I loved it! I also highly recommend the audiobook!

Let me start with the positive (singular). The narrative Jessica Threet was fantastic. She did a good job with the pacing, enunciation, and character differentiation. That being said, this was a DNF at 53% for me. I am incredibly grateful to have read a review that mentioned that the main mystery in this book does not even come to a resolution, but rather is going to be the content on book two. Thank you for saving me 6 hours of my sanity and allowing me to finally put this book down!

I never imagined that I could be simultaneously bored and full of cringe as often as I found myself during this book. It seemed as if every scene - including the dragon fight! - was just a mixture of unnecessary and inappropriate PDA with Kianthe solving their problems instantly through magic. If you think that a deep, passionate make out session is the correct response to dragons raining fire down on all your new friends, maybe this book is for you! I’m not a fan of loose magic systems, and this “tome” might be the worst offender I’ve ever read. It felt like one minute Kianthe was exhausted from moving some dirt with magic, and the next she was sucking the air and flame right from the lungs of dragons in mid-flight.

Another large issue was the inconsistencies. At first they started out small, like the leader of Tawney having the same smile as his father despite only being described as scowling in the interaction. The author also kept telling us how deeply in love Kianthe and Reyna were, and now perfect their communication skills were; yet the two of them are constantly having misunderstandings and cringy amounts of insecurity. The biggest inconsistency of all might be the claim that this is a cozy fantasy. It tries to be both high and low stakes and fails at both. The bookshop scenes are almost an afterthought, and the fantasy world building is very bland and generic. I really loved Legends & Lattes but this novel was lacking the same charm, chemistry between characters, and overall concept of hard work being rewarded (instead of all the gruff townsfolk immediately going out of their way helping, having no suspicion, and some magic rock randomly selecting Reyna to have enough power to magically solve any other issue that came up).

This book was very boring and sadly just really wasn’t my cup of tea (can’t leave a review for this one without my own had pun).

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.