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.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I am, unfortunately, going to echo a lot of other reviewers. The cozy classification and comparison to Legends & Lattes is a bit of a disservice to this book. The stakes are a little too high to be considered cozy, and yet I was still bored at times.

Ultimately, it’s still an enjoyable fantasy read, but with the correct expectations.

I like this book but didn't love it. I feel like it was trying to be a cozy fantasy but also high stakes fantasy. I feel like at some points I was like wait how did we get here. I loved the characters but I feel like maybe I was just hoping for something different. I am not sure if I will pick up the second book.

This was a really enjoyable read. I like the characters and the setting. Cozy fantasy is my jam and this one delivered. The audio narrator did a good job bringing life to the situations.

3.25⭐️

ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGally for an honest review.


A cute, fun, and cozy type fantasy story. While the couple of the story are opening a store with tea and books, the stakes are a bit too high for it to be a true cozy fantasy. I was very invested in our FMCs and their adventures within their new town and hoping nothing but the best for them the entire time.

Amazing! I loved this and being able to listen to the audio book throughout my day was really fun. I think the narrator has a great voice for this book and I find that the characters are brought to life in a great way

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC for free.
I did enjoy this book very much! I was able to listen to the whole book through. I will say there were times I got very bored with the storyline. It is advertised as a "cozy fantasy". However, I don't think it is cozy. I can't say if it is similar to legends and lattes as I have not read it. I still enjoyed this book but think it is described incorrectly.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the e-arc!
This is one of my absolute favorite sapphic romances! This definitely falls into cozy vibes with the perfect amount of stakes and angst to keep the plot going and keep me entertained. I love that it focuses mainly on the romance and the atmosphere of the world! It is definitely a cozy and beautiful story with a nice plot.
Reyna and Kianthe are amazing! Their romance is so cute and secure. I loved the scenes where we get to see them banter and be silly. But I also loved the scenes where we see them insecure or nervous about their future or relationship. It really shows that the relationship is built on so much trust and that they make the choice to do and be better everyday.

I’ve waited several days since listening to the audio (provided by Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, narrated by Jessica Threet: available 5/7/24) to write my review of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne. I was so excited to receive an advance review copy of this audio because I’ve heard this book compared to Legends and Lattes, and I was in the mood for a similar cozy vibe.

First off, let me say that the narrator is incredible! I think I enjoyed it more as an audio than I would have trying to read a physical copy because of her.

This is a romantic, sapphic fantasy with an already established pair of lovers named Reyna and Kianthe. I like both of the main characters and think that their banter is a lot of fun and sometimes really sweet.

The plot is just OK. I think this is what held up my review for a little while… the story is not really “sticking to my ribs”, so to speak. That is to say, it’s a bit forgettable. I would like for the world building and magic system to be a little more fully developed. Also, characters facing near death perils kind of negates the “cozy” designation. I’m not going to get too hung up on that because fantasy adventure is fun to me, but if you want true cozy, you don’t let -not one, but both!- your main characters almost give up the ghost in the first book in a series.

All in all, I thought it was a pretty fun book, but it’s not going to be a favorite. If I have time, I will try to read the second one later this year, but if I have to pass I won’t feel bad about it.