NetGalley Review: Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Hey all, Sam here.
I had to delete the first two paragraphs of today’s post…because I had drafted it to be published back in June. Yep, that’s right, June. I have been really terrible about blogging about the books I’ve read in the past couple of years. Honestly, I’ve looked back at my year-end lists of all books read in the past couple of years and I wonder if it’s even worth me trying to write up full reviews for most of these books, because I read them so long ago that they would need re-read in order to give a proper and satisfying review. I might be able to give mini-reviews, like two or three sentences focused on my recalled vibes of what I’ve read. I don’t know. We’ll see what happens.
Today’s book review is for a book that was originally an indie published novel. I read it and loved it last year, but I read it again this year in time for the trad pub release…and then just didn’t get my review written until now. It was a whole thing when this book originally came out that some folks had mentioned in their review that they were surprised that the main characters were lesbians and that there should have been some sort of warning for that (even though it is obvious from the book summary), so author Rebecca Thorne basically started advertising this book as “may contain lesbians” and other such phrases, which I think is hilarious and fun…much like this book.
Alright, before I start gushing about all of this too much, let’s jump into the actual review segment. And, you have been warned (haha), this book contains lesbians.
My Thoughts
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In the tradition of Legends & Lattes , comes a cozy fantasy steeped in sapphic romance about one of the Queen’s private guards and a powerful mage who want to open a bookshop and live happily ever after…if only the world would let them.
All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters… all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen’s private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn’t so easy.
But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she’s thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility–all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town nestled in the icy tundra near dragon country, and open the shop of their dreams.
What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm’s biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other… and the world.
Rating: 5 stars
I’ve read this book twice now, but it’s the first time I’m reviewing it…because I just kept procrastinating on writing up the review after reading the indie version of this book last year. But I can say that I was approved for the second (and even the third) book in the series via NetGalley, so it’s about time to get the reviews rolling out. I’ll try and have the review for book two, A Pirate’s Life for Tea soon because I read that last month…and if I can really get on top of things, I’ll read and review Tea You at the Altar before its release date in Spring 2025.
I can fully say now, after having read a number of stories pitched as being cozy reads, that I am very much a fan of cozy fantasy books. And yes, some of them are full slice-of-life low-stakes comfort, while others have a bit of action and tension to them while overall retaining the heart of coziness and comfort. If it has cozy vibes, then I am totally here for it.
Reyna and Kianthe definitely have a little more action in their story than some other cozies I’ve read, but at its heart, in spite of the political maneuvering and the danger of dragon attacks, this is about two women who mostly want a simpler life. They do mostly run away from the dangers of their lives to settle in a small town and open up a little shop with books and tea.
Oh, and there are so many puns. Kianthe is a big fan of puns, and honestly it’s fun and cute. I loved getting to know both of these women, and get to reminisce about how they met and fell in love. And it was equally nice to see them decide to run off towards a new life and new adventure together, and find this small community that starts to feel like a found family and a nice home.
Both times I read this book, I just really enjoyed the experience, and I am happy to have this book in my collection. It definitely made me want to read more Rebecca Thorne, so hopefully I’ll be able to catch up on her backlist soon enough.
All right, that is all from me for today. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I’ll be back soon with more geeky content.
