Member Reviews
I've had quite a funny journey with these books (I went from really not feeling them to feeling truly attached to this duo), but I'm glad I've gone on it. This was a cute, fun little romantic fantasy adventure. Being back with Reyna and Kianthe as they plan their wedding, it really hit me how excited I was for the two of them. I'm not a big romantic fantasy guy, but I'm going to be following Rebecca Thorne's future work, because these books have been a delight.
Also, the cover art for this installment of Tomes and Tea? Absolutely breathtaking.
In another solid addition to the series, both a wedding and coup are sceduled for the same day. We get to see again all the friends we have met so far as they all take part in the plans. I was really surprised at the turns the book took and felt like cheering in the climactic scene. My only complaint would be that this book has much more theological musings than the previous two and drew me out of the story, but that was not enough to keep me from an overall feeling of enjoyment. This cozy fantasy series has been a joy to read this year, and I eagerly await the fourth installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy!!! Ok, so it just keeps getting better. I see you Rebecca Thorne. I see your game and I will absolutely be playing it. Thank you! And that cliffhanger is just downright rude.
Tea You at the Altar
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Number: 77
Favorite Quote:
“You’re welcome, little queen.”
Time to complete: 1 day
First of all, thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the ARC. I love this series with my whole heart so when I got the email I had been accepted for this ARC, I dropped everything to start it.
The *Tomes and Tea* series has quickly become one of my favorites. From the very beginning, readers are drawn into the evolving relationship between Reyna and Kianthe, as they navigate both political challenges and personal struggles. I originally picked up this series hoping to find something that would evoke the same feelings as my beloved *The House Witch* did when I first read it. I'm happy to say, it absolutely delivered!
After devouring the first two books, returning to this world felt like slipping into a favorite, well-worn shirt. All I wanted to do was curl up on the couch with a warm mug of tea and lose myself in the story.
What I especially appreciate about this series is its perfect balance of coziness and depth. While it offers comfort, it also fearlessly tackles difficult topics, such as the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of anxiety.
The opening dedication really stands out to me as someone who has found that person:
“To anyone who thinks a relationship like Kianthe and Reyna's isn't ”realistic," but secretly wants it so badly it hurts... I know the feeling. And I can assure you, somewhere in the world, there is a pretty person who will bake you cookies and buy you swords and fight your dragons. Never give up.”
Cocoa and Capitalism absolutely killed me. I think my husband and his family would love this game.
Every installation of the series brings these wonderful characters to more light. It never feels overdone or drawn out. It's so well paced and the resolution to this one was wonderful. I can't wait for the final installment!
This third instalment of the Tomes & Tea series doesn’t disappoint, blending everything we love about pirates, romance, and just a pinch of magical mayhem. The writing is sharp, witty, and emotional; packed with the perfect mix of banter, tension, and that undeniable connection between the characters. It’s a wild ride, but one you’ll be glad you took, with twists, heart, and plenty of the lovable chaos we’ve come to expect from this dynamic duo. Their wedding is anything but ordinary, and that’s exactly why I love it. If you’ve followed this series, you’ll devour every moment of it and leave wishing you could join in on the mayhem.
"Tea You at the Alter" offered what I believed to be a fantastic conclusion to the Tomes and Tea series by Rebecca Thorne. It followed the nuptials of Reyna and Kianthe in the quaint town of Tawny but with an added taste of treason thrown into the mix.
This third book added new characters and continued to develop the ones we have already gotten to know and love. Thorne did a wonderful job showing the difficulties queer people face in our reality while situating them firmly in a fantasy world. The representation of different sexualities was thoughtful and well done throughout the story. I would have loved to see a more developed trans character, but did appreciate the seamless inclusion of non-binary characters using they/them pronouns.
Cozy fantasies have become all the more popular in the past few years, not the least because of this series. Thorne has mastered the perfect balance of high stakes and fun, relaxed plot. We had moments of panic followed by a scene showing the relaxing power of the right cup of tea. Reyna and Kianthe have a relationship to be envious of. They know exactly what type of support their partner needs at any given moment throughout multiple stressful situations converging on the happiest day of their lives.
I cannot wait to see what Reyna and Kianthe will go in the next book from Thorne.
4.75/5 genuinely my favorite so far in the series and I loved seeing Reyna get what she absolutely deserved. that cliffhanger has me not breathing until the next installment!!!
Another excellent addition to the Tomes & Tea series and the cozy fantasy genre! I’ve really loved this series from the beginning and adore Kianthe and Reyna even more with every book.
This book picks up just a bit after where book two left off and focuses on the wedding that the whole town of Tawney is involved in and oh- also a secret plot to overthrow the Queen. Packed with fun, games and of course, puns! While I found this book to be a bit slower paced than the other two, this was still wonderful and I can’t wait for the fourth and final installment.
A book about discovering your altar ego.
In this third book of Reyna and Kianthe’s adventures, they have seven days to plan both a wedding and a coup, and it’s not exactly clear which of those will be the hardest part!
I very much enjoyed the two previous books in this cozy sapphic fantasy series by Rebecca Thorne, “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea”, and “A Pirate’s Life for Tea”. Reyna is a former guard to a the ruthless Queen Tilaine, and Kianthe is the all-powerful Mage of Ages. They have settled down together in the town of Tawney, where they run a small unassuming tea shop away from the pressures of the world.
Of course, life is never that simple, and over the years they have searched for missing dragon eggs, raised a baby griffin, sailed with pirates, and generally tackled injustice wherever they found it. Perhaps, most importantly, they have encouraged all the people around them to become the best versions of themselves. Now they have a whole supportive community, which is very useful when you have a lot to do, and not a lot of time to do it.
Most of the characters from the other books are here, and we are introduced to more including Tessalyn the long lost heir to the throne, her expertly-named protector James, and Kianthe’s rather disapproving parents.
This series began as a reaction to the popularity of “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree, but it has continued to grow away from that initial inspiration and certainly has found its own voice. The warm and loving tone was exactly what I needed, as well as the positive vibes and mutual understanding of the two main protagonists. This is my favourite book of the three so far, and I’m told by the author that the fourth and final book is even better, so I have a lot to look forward to. An extended excerpt of that one is included as a bonus chapter at the end.
Go read the whole series!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Tor, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Rebecca Thorne does it again with another amazing and cozy addition to Key and Rain's story! The action was packed and the tea was hot, but I still left feeling like I had received a warm hug....well....mostly - I need book 4, that cliffhanger will be the death of me!
I seriously can't say enough about how much I love these characters and the unique and fun adventures they end up going on. This series has it all - pirates, romance, dragons, griffons, magic, alchemy, royals, espionage, swordplay, near-death experiences, tea, BOOKS!....it's the perfect combination of all things fantasy and escapism.
If you're a fan of fantasy, especially cozy fantasy, pick up this series now. It's worth the time!!
What a fun addition to this series!!! Planning a wedding, serving tea, managing baby dragons. What could possibly go wrong? Oh.....almost everything? Ok.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
This would probably have worked better for me as a novella. It felt like more of the same, but in a repetitive way, and the characters just kind of stacked up from the previous titles. I missed the smaller setting of the first book. Still a sweet story!