Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this Audio ARC Copy!

As far as Cozy fantasy books go this is one of my favorite that I have read so far. Cozy Fantasy is not necessarily for me so, so my rating is not as high as I would have liked, but that is really just a me problem and not a book problem at all.

The dynamic between our FMCs was sweet and enjoyable, I loved the book shop, and all the tea. There were also enough stakes to keep me going, and of course dragons.

If you enjoy Cozy Fantasy and books like Legends and Lattes then you will absolutely love this book.

I really wanted to love this book. I love a cozy fantasy, but this one did not hit the mark for me. The story was a bit slow and there was a lot less focus on the cozy bookshop/tea store than I anticipated. I never really felt much connection to any of the characters either. There was a lot of telling of the story instead of building the world so I could see it for myself.

The narrator did a great job and was enjoyable to listen to.

3.25/5 stars

A higher stakes cozy fantasy focusing heavily on romance and some fun adventuring!

I went into this book with the mindset that it was going to be a low stakes fantasy read that had a primary focus around building a bookshop that sells tea - but that was not quite the case. It ended up being a book that featured cozy elements (books, fireplaces, tea, plants, family and friends) BUT was mainly a romance with a higher fantasy plot line. (think adventures, battles, politics)

What I really enjoyed about this book:
- The author wrote an engaging world and I really enjoyed the colder climate that allowed the cozier elements of the story to really stand out.
- I thought the world building was done well as I found myself clearly able to imagine the world around me.

Things that did not quite work for me:
- Throughout the book we go between moments of cute, cozy fantasy to then quickly changing gears into more high fantasy stakes and it took me out of the story at times.
- The characters felt a bit too dramatic. I often found that their heightened emotions did not make sense for what they were experiencing.
- I found myself getting the two main characters mixed up as they had very similar qualities and traits which made it hard to feel connected to the characters and their love.

Overall "You can't spell Treason without Tea" was an enjoyable, easy read that I could see being loved by readers who want to slowly make the transition from higher stakes fantasy to cozy fantasy.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

- shared on my goodreads and also on my instagram stories (can be found in my "books" highlights)

I did not enjoy this book. I wanted to but I did not. I found the leads to be unlikable. I thought the premise had a lot of promise but I did not enjoy the tensions - it felt too contrived

Wow. What a boring book. I know it said cozy fantasy, but it might have been too cozy. Any conflict really only happened 80% of the way through and then it was just taken care off too neatly -- like the author just shrugged her shoulders and said "oh, okay."

I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The worldbuilding in this book was interesting and so were the characters. The story started very slow and the constant use of "my girlfriend" a bit overkill. However, the story did pick up closer to the end and the teaser for the next installment did create an interest to read book two. I listened to the audiobook because that was convenient but if purchased for my library it would be the physical book.

Absolutely loved the book! It’s a cozy sapphic romance that will leave you wanting a freshly brewed cup of tea! As much as I loved it, I would put it at a 4.5/5 stars just because it felt a slightly rushed at the end but overall was a really great read! Also the narrator did an excellent job! :)

This should have been exactly my type of book! Dragons! Bookstores! Tea shops! Queer cozy fantasy! Sadly, though, the writer suffered from a big case of "tell, don't show" with the storytelling.

First, this isn't quite the "cozy fantasy" it's been billed as - it's more just straight up "fantasy." There are way too many high stakes conflicts and events to content with for this to be considered "cozy." The other problem is that the high stakes are... not quite that high. Everything is wrapped up so easily and quickly that nothing ever seems to be a real threat. Problem with the rights for the building? Dealt with easily within a chapter or two. Illness? Another chapter or two. The Queen hunting Reyna down after she runs away? No problem.

And the big overarching problem of the dragons attacking the town? The mystery of why is revealed early on and then just... not dealt with by the end of the book.

The plot was promising, and the magic system was fun, but overall, this was a letdown.

super cozy read! a good book to pick up when all tucked up in bed wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket

thank you netgalley for the arc!

Loved it ! It’s was cozy and yet full of action!
This fantasy will have you feeling so many things. Reminded me a lot of Legends and Lattes.

I absolutely loved this book. Its a whole world we weren't aware of. But the world building is second to the story. The author sprinkles in that part into the story. It's 100% a world you can melt into. 400% recommend.

If you are a fan of cozy fantasy and Legends and Lattes you will love this new series. It was a sweet sapphic low stakes story where no one dies and there’s a happy resolution to every problem that arises. Definitely a reprieve from the gut wrenching fantasy I’m accustomed to. It also boasts a queer normative and alternate gender inclusive society. Oh… and there’s dragons! While I can’t say I’m a huge fan of cozy fantasy it certainly makes for a great palette cleanser and I am intrigued to see what happens in the rest of the series. The next one has pirates!

This book was so heavy on the cozy vibes, it felt like a nice warm hug the whole time.
It took me a little to get engrossed in the book because I’m used to romance stories being focused on the start of the relationship and the conflict that happens there but this book starts after all that and the conflict comes from them trying to start their life together. This story is more about forming a lasting bond with someone and helping each other become the best versions of themselves. The conflict isn’t too harsh because it’s meant to be cozy not stressful, and the author plants a lot of seeds for future storylines which makes me excited to follow the series! I do want to include a warning that this story is not spicy at all, there is a lot of romance but no bedroom scenes. That also took a little getting used to but once I aligned my expectations I didn’t miss it.
It’s truly such a cute book, great if you want a little fantasy without dedicating yourself to a lot of world building. It’s just a cozy/comfy story of two women madly in love and dedicated to making each other’s dreams come true!
I did listen to the audiobook read by Jessica Threet and she did a wonderful job.

Audio 5 stars, storyline 3 stars - 4 stars. Thank You NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Rebecca Thorne.
The Audiobook released on 5/7/2024 and is narrated by Jessica Threet. This book is meant to be listened to, Jessica does a fantastic job. I loved all the character voices and it was easy to listen to. This is a cute cozy story with same sex relationships, Tea/book store, Griffins, Dragons, close knit township, Queens guards, Mages. Sign me up. First off I do wish the last chapter was chapter 1, as it would set up everything a lot more clearer. However with that said the book does seem unfinished which definitely leaves room for a sequel as there is a rumor that still needs to be sought out, the fake but real relationship for the Queens benefit, and the most disappointing cliff hanger the Dragons promise.

The book was recommended to me on TikTok, so I rushed through my phone in the hope of finding it on NetGalley. I was so excited. It evaporated like rain in the summer in Florida. This book gave me anxiety. The emotional roller coaster that the main characters are going through is not cozy at all. It seems that the book doesn't know what it wants to be. But definitely, I won't categorize it as a cozy fantasy. It's nothing but. Of course, there is not much action, but going through yet another existential conversation about the sense of their actions makes my head spin. Too much. If they pointed towards dealing with the trauma of letting go of something toxic but familiar, then I would be all for it. But here, it's just a tool for relationship drama.
I am not saying that overall this book is bad. The writing is good, and the audiobook is good. But it is not for me. I need essence. I need something to hang on to.

Absolute perfection. Aggressively 5 stars. This is the cozy fantasy book of the summer, and I loved every second of it.

The storyline was adorable. I loved the way Thorne seamlessly created a fantastical world, in such a way as to make it seem like the norm. Her characters are multidimensional, have flaws, are so human, while also not being entirely human.

Kianthe and Reyna’s story was beautiful. Full of the growing pains of a newer-ish couple, major life milestones, and unwavering love. Rebecca Thorne, in her fantasy world, tackles love, insecurity, fear, frustration, and passion. Something most readers can relate to. There’s a perfect mix of drama and intrigue, in the story, without getting too heavy.

This book is getting compared to Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes series (which I also loved!), but I don’t think that’s fair to Rebecca Thorne. Her writing style and authorial voice are so different and unique, and I don’t really think you can compare the two, outside of the shared genre. Thorne weaves a beautiful story, and stands on her own, and is going to be a leader in this genre!

In short, go grab a copy AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Throne is a cozy adjacent fantasy novel about a Queen's guard and a powerful mage dream to open a book and tea shop.

If you like the book Legends and Lattes by Trevis Baldree (a great book as well) but wished for something with more action but still cozy, this is the book for you. There are puns, dragons, magic, books, and tea, and it's sapphic!? What more could I ask for?

Personally I really enjoyed the already established relationship but I understand that may not be everyone's thing.

I am looking forward for the next in the series. Thank you Net Galley and Macmillian Audio for an arc of this audiobook.

I freaking loved this one!

I requested this one specifically because it was being compared to Legends & Lattes, which i adored. There's definitely a little more adventure and a lot more killing than in Legends & Lattes but I love that the sapphic romance was more at the center. And it was definitely still a cozy fantasy, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres.

I enjoyed this one so much, I already ordered a copy of the pretty edition with the sprayed edges so I can have it for my phsyical library (Target is having a sale on books). The second book apparently comes out this fall and I will definitely be getting it.

As for the narration, I liked the inflections and emotions the narrator expressed a lot. I would definitely listen to more audiobooks narrated by her. My only nitpick is I think her fake laugh was a bit awkward.

Unfortunately, I've decided to DNF this one. I made it 44% of the way in and I'm just not motivated to continue.

This actually started off incredibly well. I found the writing style to be very enticing and intriguing and I was really interested in the premise. Unfortunately, the book hit a plateau very quickly and there was absolutely no development in terms of the story or our characters. I didn't hate my time while listening, but I frequently found myself drifting off and switching to music which is never a good sign...

I would have been ok with a slow plotline if we had some character development, but that was lacking as well. We were introduced to some very interesting characters with intriguing backstories but nothing came of them. Nothing was done to really bring them to life and we were simply told things about them in a way that added nothing to the overall story.

This absolutely should have been shorter. I don't see any reason this story needed to be more than 200 pages and I really wish it had been a novella because I think I could have loved it. I should have finished this in about 6 days or less but after 5 days, I'm not even at the halfway point, so it's just time to move on.

My one positive note, though, is that the audio book is really well done.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I was truly the coziest fantasy I've ever read! The amount of domestic nesting between this bodyguard and the strongest witch in the land - oh my heart! I also loved the magic system and dragons. The narrator did a wonderful job on differentiating between the characters and her acting made me feel their love and the fear that they would lose each other in this quest that was both soft and cozy and defying an entire kingdom. I can't wait to read more in this world!!!