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.