The title and the cover made this out to appear as the next big thing in the cozy fantasy genre, but I think it’s misleading. The stakes are fairly high!

One of my main complaints with this story is that there was a fairly major plot point that took up a lot of space in terms of conflict, dialogue, and action, but we get zero resolution by the ending. I understand, it’s a device to lead into a second book (and it’s not like this one ends on a cliffhanger), but it was frustrating to have other, last-minute conflicts take over.

One other frustration I had was with the audiobook itself because I couldn’t tell the difference in the two main characters for over 20% of the book. I don’t think it was a problem with the narrator (she was great), but the translation of a written book into audio made it difficult to tell who was who even with different accents. I gaslit myself for a while thinking it was a “me” problem, but I’ve listened to Mask of Mirrors (which has a bajillion characters doing multiple accents, all by the same narrator) and didn’t have this issue.

I don’t think this is cozy fantasy, I had a difficult time with the writing, and there are a lot of weird anachronisms throughout the story that really threw me off. That being said, if you want to like cozy fantasy but need higher stakes, then this might be your jam. It just wasn’t for me.

Thanks for the ARC, but did not love it. Didn't really feel like cozy fantasy...more fantasy. I did like the characters, but found the plot a bit oversold.

An utterly delightful tale! Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is quintessential cozy fantasy. I'm pleased to see traditional publishing pick up another indie title that was instrumental in creating the genre--especially a sapphic one. This was very sweet and fun!

Wonderfully cozy and heartfelt. There were some higher stakes but the relationship between Reyna and Kianthe were perfect. The speak with and of each other with such love and respect. Them building their new life together, creating the ultimate cozy space of books and tea are true life goals.

I really think cozy just isn't for me.
This felt like I was re-reading Legends and Lattes but with Tea this time instead of Coffee.
And I love healthy communication, but this just felt like they were explaining WHY their communication was so healthy the whole time. You don't have to keep telling me, just have them communicate.
I did really enjoy the narrator though. I would listen to other books she had read!

This book is incredibly fun, cozy and entertaining. It was easy to picture and the narration was nice to have in the background while multitasking.
I think it could have been a very well done high fantasy if enough details were added to it and more of the plot line was explored, but as a "cozy fantasy" it was easy to keep track without having to focus too much on it.

i believe this could be the perfect middle point for people who is looking for a cozy fantasy without it being too slow or boring.

Thank you Rebecca Thorne and Net Galley for the ARC of this Audiobook.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea - 4⭐ -No Spoilers!⁠
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Happy pub day, @rebeccathornewrites ! I was privileged to read this epitome-of-cozy piece through NetGalley and I'm so grateful. Can't Spell Treason Without Tea was a sweet sapphic romance/fantasy that any cozy-lover should not miss! ⁠
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I absolutely loved Reyna and her growth throughout the story from someone who was subservient to someone who really owns their own space. I thought the side characters from Tawney were so cute and funny, I just wanted to live at their little book/coffee shop. It felt like playing the coziest game of DnD every written. ⁠
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I will say that I don't think promos for this book are doing it any favors. I was expecting something with more action, but this was full-on romance (which is excellent for me LOL I wanted MORE!). I was also a little annoyed at some plot repetition. However, these things will not detract from me recommending this to my other cozy-reader friends.

DNF

There is just something about this book I did not like and I was not interested in listening to more to change my mind.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this book.

If you read Legends & Lattes and thought "I want higher stakes, more dragons, and more magic but those same super cozy vibes" - you can find it all here.

This book is exactly what it sets out to be, and exactly what you'd expect. Cozy fantasy with light romance, dragons an griffins, and a tea and bookstore. If you want something light to read for spring, something to cleanse your palette after more emotional or angsty books, then I highly recommend this.

The audiobook was exceptionally done, and if you have the choice between mediums I would recommend the audiobook. It as like being read a nighttime story. However, it might be TOO relaxing for some, as it was so relaxed and cozy that I would forget I was reading it and would pick up other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A cute and cozy fantasy following Reyna and Kianthe and there dream of opening a bookstore together. A fun beginning to a series that has more fantasy elements than cozy. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the magic system and the relationship between the main characters.

I knew I needed this book when I saw the title and I was right. It was a fun fast pace but also a cozy read. Great plot and the characters were very relatable.

Unfortunately this one wasn't for me.

The marketing material compared this to Legends and Lattes which was a 5 star read for me. I expected a cozy, sapphic story with found family, tea and witty conversations, but that didn't live up to the expectations. I didn't feel any romance or passion between our two FMCs, Reyna and Kianthe. There are dragons and illnesses and an unlikeable queen, which keeps the story from being a truly cozy one, in the vein of Legends and Lattes.

Thank you to Netgallery and Macmillan Audio for an early release audio book copy of Can’t Spell Tea Without Treason written by Rebecca Thorne and narrated by Jessica Threet. This audio book will be available on May seventh of 2024.

I ended up buying the ebook of Can’t Spell Tea Without Treason to follow along with the audio because with just the audio book alone I was really struggling to follow along with it (this is a me problem it has nothing to do with the narration at all!!)

I liked the book, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect/like our character with the already pre established relationship but I really liked Kianthe and Reyna, I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship, interactions, and banter throughout the book. It was refreshing to be able to read a more positive relationship with characters that could communicate properly with their partner. I loved the magical aspects with Kianthe’s elemental magic and the addition for mythical creatures like visk the griffon.

I liked the idea of these two finally thinking more about themselves and their relationship, the idea of opening up a bookstore/tea shop was a interesting idea and while this book does deliver on some fluffy scenes and we do get a bit of action I was a little let down because of the books pacing. It’s very slow, I kept finding myself easily getting distracted while reading this even though I was enjoying it, I was wanting a bit more even when the story had moments where it picked up it doesn’t last long at all. The book was building up these big exciting moments but unfortunately we won’t get to know how they are solved until the next book.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot, characters, and relationships but the pacing is really slow and the build up of action moments are unfortunate not going to be solved until the next book. This book is more of a build up with action more then anything. The narration I enjoyed Jessica Threet did a really good job at giving each of these characters a voice, it really helped bring them to life and make them more vivid.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an early audiobook copy!

I have been eagerly awaiting this book since I heard about its re-release earlier this year! It was just as good as I'd hoped it would be! Can't Spell Treason Without Tea follows Reyna and Kianthe as they decide to change their lives and open a bookstore/tea shop! This book took cozy fantasy staples and added more humor and depth than some of the typical standards. It was delightful and cozy while not being overly soft and plotless! I recommend picking this one up!

The cover for this book instantly drew me in, but that's as far as the joy went. I struggled to have interest in the characters or the plot. I DNFd around 15% in after trying both eBook and audiobook versions to see if my opinion changed. Nothing specifically is "wrong" with the book, outside of my having no vested interest in what was going on.

If you're looking for something like Legends & Lattes but with more political intrigue, this is the perfect book for you! This cozy fantasy is about two female characters who fall in love, leave their kingdom behind, and open a cozy teashop in a far away village. Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adore this book! Anyone who loved legends and lattes or bookshops and bonedust will find a new home with this cozy fantasy. The narrator is wonderful and gives extra life to the story. Could not be better

Reyna is one of the closest bodyguards of the queen, Kianthe is the most powerful mage. They are in love but life and work keep them apart. After a near death experience, Reyna decides to commit treason and flee the palace to spend the rest of her life with Kianthe. Kianthe has begged Reyna to run away with her and open a bookshop that serves tea so now that Reyna has taken this leap of faith to leave the queen’s side, the two have decided to move forward with this seemingly unattainable dream. In the small quiet town of Tawny the ladies have set up shop and thought things were going their way. Life certainly doesn’t stop though and as each of their pasts start to catch up to them, it puts their relationship to the test.

Cute. That’s the short review. Truly I wished this book was more cozy and less romance. I knew there was love and romance in the book but I feel it is misrepresented as a “cozy fantasy steeped in love”. It was a romance book set in a fantasy world with cozy moments. That’s not to say the book isn’t good, it’s just not my cup of tea (ah, ah?! Get it??). Anyway, I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters and the relationships built between all of them. The cozy parts were my favorite. Overall, I would give this 3/5 stars. I may read the second book in the series but will go into it with different expectations. The narrator was great! I appreciate her inflection and voices. It was a breeze to listen to and made the story easier to get through as I felt the lag in the story.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It is so cozy and so cute and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!! I love the relationship between the main characters and I like that we get a flashback to how they met too! I highly recommend this one if you like cozy, sapphic, fantasy stories where they quit their adventurous lives (partially) and open a cafe and bookshop/library!! It is the perfect blend of fantasy, cozy, and romance!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC! ♥

This is a cozy fantasy with a few stakes and I loved it! Instead of focusing on the political machinations of various characters, we focus on the tea shop/ book store that Reyna and Kianthe are starting. So when the stakes are raised, we care about their little shop, the friends they have made, and the town they are working for. It was a great mix of political fantasy and cozy fantasy.
Also dragons, gryphons, and secret histories! This book has everything I could want.