Thorne, R: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea A Cosy Fantasy Steeped In Love

This year, I got into the cozy fantasy subgenre, starting with Legends and Lattes and now moving on to Rebecca Thorne’s series. Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is a delightful addition to this genre, offering all the cozy vibes I love but with a bit more action than I expected. ☕ ‍❤️‍ ⚔ I love cozy fantasies for their idyllic settings and characters looking to escape the chaos and enjoy a peaceful life in a quiet, low-key place. This book captures that vibe perfectly, letting you experience Reyna and Kianthe’s simpler ambitions (and love story), even as unexpected conflicts arise. Surprisingly, this cozy fantasy had a bit more action than I anticipated, with a main story arc that continues into the next book in the series. ⚔ While I didn’t expect this, it kept me on my toes and made me even more curious about how the mysteries and conflicts will evolve in the next chapter of Reyna and Kianthe’s story. And I just have to say – I loved their companions and friends! (There’s a griffon! ☺) The writing was smooth and easy to read, and the characters were all charming. The relationships, both the love story between the main protagonists ‍❤️‍ and the side characters’ interactions, added to the comforting yet thrilling storyline. But I did have a small issue with the pacing, particularly toward the end. The resolution felt a bit rushed, with events coming at you one after another. Overall if you’re a fan of cozy fantasies and don’t mind a touch more action in the mix, Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is a book I highly recommend.

I've read lots of fantasy but had never read anything 'cosy' before, so I wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I really do! And I already reread it. It's sweet and cozy but mixed with action. I think the characters are well written, and the sapphic main relationship felt charming & cute. I like that they have great communication. The book has magic, dragons and a happy ending. I'd say it's a great light-hearted fantasy that feels like a nice cup of tea. I also read the 2nd book, which I loved, too, and just ordered books 3 and 4.

This book was sweet and fun with many loveable characters and a cool world that we get to know more and more as the story develops. I wouldn't say it's strictly cosy fantasy, as some dangers loom and there are fights and quests and sticky situations, but it's definitely sweet and you don't have your typical heroines. I really liked all of the characters, the variety of them, their characteristics and how they interacted. The two protagonists had a lovely relationship with a healthy communication and I loved that we see them further along in their relationship and not how they fall in love. That provided opportunities for growth and deeper conversations which was sweet The world was also interesting, even though most of the plot happens in a small town, with the typical small town charm and characters, which was fun. I thought the magic system was interesting even though it didn't play a major role and I find it funny that their deity is a stone I also loved the supernatural creatures that appeared, I really want a baby griffin now! One thing that didn't work for me 100% was the pacing. I liked that it had fluffy moments and action scenes, it just was a little lengthy and tended to drag inbetween, but it wasn't a huge issue. I listened to this book as an audiobook and unfortunately I didn't really like the narrator. Her way of speaking seemed stilted and she made awkward pauses between words so that no real flow could set in. At a speed of 1.25 it was tolerable, but I wouldn't recommend listening to this audiobook. When I continue the series I will probably read it myself Thanks to Macmillan Audiobooks and Netgalley for the ARC!