Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

I'm definitely having a good time with cozy fantasies this year, so I couldn't resist when the author offered arcs of this book. But I couldn't read before it's release, so it was nice finding it on KU and getting to it when I was in the right mood for it.

The author's first thanks in her acknowledgements is to Travis Baldree for writing Legends & Lattes and inspiring her to write this book, and it definitely shows. The similarities in the vibes are very strong but the author still manages to give the feel of a very different world, slightly darker in tone, lots of tasty tea - but ofcourse the delicious baked goods still remain and I totally couldn't have done without them. This story is also slightly more tense, and we get a possible mystery involving dragon eggs which makes for far reaching consequences, which I'm sure will come to fruition in the rest of the series.

Reyne is a Queen's guard who is fed up of her life of sacrificing herself for the sake of a cruel ruler and wants out with her lover. Kianthe is the most powerful Mage across the realm but also hates that no one sees the person behind the title and would love to settle down with Reyne and start a bookshop. I like how the book starts with an established relationship, but one which was forbidden and then we see how they adjust to proximity when they manage to run away. They both have a lot of anxieties due to their upbringings and positions but they work through their issues with proper communication, and I adored that aspect of the story. I also liked that one is an avid reader and the other loves baking and teas, so we get a bookshop and cafe. It was nice seeing the place come alive and I so wanted to be there.

The people of Tawney maybe apprehensive initially but bonds are built slowly and it was nice to see a helpful community, which comes together despite their differences. Matild and Tarly were amazing right from the beginning, offering their help. It was hilarious seeing Wylan and Feo bicker and our main couple envision a rivals to lovers relationship for them. I hope that definitely works out.

Overall, this was a fun read. I didn't know going into it that it was going to be a series but I'm definitely excited to continue. The author does a great job balancing the cozy fantasy elements with more tense and darker moments, and I can't wait to see more of it. It also ends on a little epilogue which promises new as well as our main characters, and surely more shenanigans.

When I say this is probably one of my all time favourite books, I am not lying. It's filled with magic and dragons and books and tea!!!! I wasn't sure if I would like the genre of cosy fantasy but this book proved that I absolutely do and need to read more.

I found myself relating to both Reyna and Kianthe which is rare when two characters are both the complete opposite but so intertwined. They were written so well and it made me very invested in their futures. I found myself falling in love with them and for anyone who has already read this you know how absolutely perfect their relationship dynamic is. And their communication skills??? (minus the whole shoulder thing) is everything you could want in a relationship. When I grow up, I want nothing more than to have this exact relationship where they can help each other to grow and be the people they truly are. I won't settle for anything less than an ex-guard with deep insecurities or an elemental mage with so much anxiety and self doubt - bonus points if you'll open a tea and bookshop :)

Now magic was a big part of this book and it is very uniquely done. I love the idea of the ley lines being a huge part of their magic as well as dragon magic and alchemy magic. I definitely want to see more of it in the next book. I will never say no to more dragons! I will also never say no to the numerous amount of puns in the book (I'm looking at you Kianthe) and I expect nothing less than for it to continue in book 2. I've seen reviews where people say that there are too many high stakes for this to be a cosy fantasy but personally I think it has just the right amount to keep the reader engaged (it certainly did with me) - if you have too much mundanity I would have just gotten bored. It was as perfect as Reyna's steeped teas and Kianthe's ever-plant xD

Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. If you love sapphic stories, magic, dragons, tea, and books, look no further because this is the book for you!

This was a warm hug with a little bit of tension and I loved it.
I originally read the self published version and I have to say I enjoyed it more than I did before. The narration was excellent

I enjoyed the world so much. And the characters. Though I struggled to see the connected between the two love interests (though one of the last scenes showed this) I still enjoyed them. And a bookshop? What is not to like.

However the antagonist felt a bit shoved down my throat. Same with the resolution. Personally I wished a bit more thought had gone into it as it seemed it relied too much on the antagonist believing what I could see was a foolish lie. But this could leave it open for another book so I'm not too bothered.

And dragons. DRAGONS. I loved this part of the story the most (well second to the training a bandit)

This was such an enjoyable story and is perfect if you're looking for something lighter or are struggling in life.

Reyna and Kianthe dream of the day they can run away together. To leave behind the politics of kingdoms and enjoy each other's company in a quaint little shop. One with a warm welcoming atmosphere where friends can share a cup of tea and purchase books. When Reyna’s life is put on the line for a Queen who could care less about her, she realizes it’s time to go. To seek out that dream of a peaceful life with her girlfriend by her side.

The shop Reyna and Kianthe dream of sounds like the perfect place for anyone who enjoys books and tea. Readers will be able to live vicariously through the two characters as they seize the chance to chase their dreams. Building the shop from the ground up and transforming a building no one thought could be more than a thieves' den. And by doing so they also make themselves part of the community of Tawney. Creating a network of friends and acquaintances who become family.

Reyna and Kianthe are an adorable couple and balance each other so well. While their internal struggles may cause mishaps along the way, they’re dedicated to each other. They own up to their mistakes and encourage open communication. Are they perfect? No, absolutely not. But the way they recognize when something goes wrong and work together to figure things out is wonderful.

Not only are the characters a delight to read but there is an underlying mystery that will be carried throughout the series. One involving dragons and their ever present threat to the town of Tawney. Add to this the sense of time ticking down for Reyna. After all, it's only a matter of time before the Queen finds her. And balanced between it all are the precious moments among the two main characters and their found family.

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is for fans of Legends and Lattes. It is another wonderful serving of cozy fantasy. If you have ever dreamed of owning a bookstore that serves tea, this is the book for you.