Tea You at the Altar

Tomes & Tea #3

by Rebecca Thorne

The Princess Bride meets Travis Baldree in Tea You at the Altar, the third cosy fantasy in Rebecca Thorne's bestselling Tomes & Tea series. Our sapphic adventurers must navigate the ultimate maelstrom – their own wedding!

Kianthe and Reyna are ready to finally walk down the aisle, and in just seven days their wedding of a wifetime will become a reality. There's still so much to do but, like all best-laid plans, everything seems to be going awry.

Their baby dragons are causing mayhem in the town of Tawney, and Kianthe’s uptight parents have invited themselves to the wedding. Yet, worst of all, Reyna has become embroiled in a secret plot to overthrow Queen Tilaine. The world seems against them – and how are they going to live long enough to say ‘I do’?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy, Queer, Cozy Fantasy, Lesbian, Audiobook

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Rebecca Thorne is a USA Today, Indie, and Sunday Times Bestselling author, specializing in fantasy and sci-fi with romantic subplots.

She is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, lives near Denver, Colorado, and uses her ADHD as a superpower to write multiple books a year. When she’s not writing (or avoiding writing), Rebecca can be found traveling the country as a flight attendant, hiking with her dogs and lovely fiancée, or basking in the sun like a lizard.

Reviews

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Okay this was delightful! Probably my favorite installment in the series so far. Our fearless heroines are back and this time they're planning their wedding...aaand maybe a political coup as well. It's lighthearted and funny with the right amount of politics and plot development. We know the queen is the worst, so I don't feel bad she's getting overthrown. I didn't love book 2 but I'm glad I kept going with the series. The audio narration continues to have this issue where the voices for the two main characters feel mismatched to me, but otherwise it's okay. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Zoë · Rating 2 out of 5]

imagine you’re raised for literally one job and you just decide you don’t want to do it

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s adorable, of course, what else can you expect from cozy fantasy? However, Tea you at the Altar is also engaging, fairly heavy on plot, and has a diverse cast. By far the best of the three books so far. Maybe because I’ve learned to enjoy these characters? But I think it has more to do with the story and plot moving forward in an intriguing way. And hey a strong, swanky, dastardly, makes women swoon, male pirate that shows up with new *ahem* flotation devices (it’s hilarious and definitely hot, or at least to this bisexual lady!)… who doesn’t want that in a secondary character!?! (Seriously I want a whole story on just our main pirate!!)

You will want to read book 1 and 2 first to get the most out of this book 3. And then have the final book of the series, book 4, on deck as the Epilogue of this one is a major cliffhanger. Not overly surprised, it’s a hook for sure. Although it always disappoints me when an author feels the need to add a major cliffhanger to carry the reader to their next book. But I suppose if the best authors of all time can do it then anyone can.

We get all of our favourite characters (even if only briefly) in this one, and a couple new ones that I really enjoyed. James in particular was very likeable for me, and Tessalyn’s obsession with reading and learning is (of course) great. I really don’t want to say much else as I don’t want to give away any key plot points! So avoid the spoilers, and dive back into this series. If you haven’t yet joined the flood of cozy books hitting shelves the last couple of years, do your shelf a favour and start with book 1. And be ready for all the bad puns like the one I snuck in that last sentence! ;)

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Sapphic Romance

☕️ Bookish Thoughts
This series has my heart. It’s the coziest, most whimsy sapphic romance, and Tea You at the Altar might just be my favorite. It will absolutely be a comfort read for me. I already know I’ll be rereading it many times in the future.

Also, the audiobook and narrator were perfection. I definitely recommend immersive reading for this series.

✨ Favorite Quote
“There’s beauty in the menial. Life is nothing but a series of quiet tasks with people we love. Isn’t it?”

💖 Read If You Love
• Sapphic pirates
• Found family
• Baby dragons 😍😍
• Rebellion
• Cozy fantasy

[Steph ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

I think this might have been my favourite of the series so far. I loved being back in Tawney with all the residents and the cosy book/tea shop. I really enjoyed the addition of the new characters as well. And that cliff-hanger has me craving book 4 immediately.

Thank you to Book Break for sending me an ARC of this book.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy going read in a fantasy world

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reyna and Kianthe are planning a wedding and a coup against the evil queen. What could go wrong? Bring in adorable baby dragons and other magical creatures and pirates and this is a cozy fantasy which readers of the series should enjoy. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

truly this series gets better w each book

**thank you to Tor/Bramble for the gifted copy**

[Tyler Hancsak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m disappointed I didn’t enjoy this book more. I truly loved the first two books, but this book felt rather tough to sit with. I loved all the characters, the cozy vibes, and the ending. However, most of the book felt like a lot of dialogue with not much happening.

Was the messaging sweet and happy? Yes. But it didn’t need to be 250 pages of it. I needed more to happen without so much discussion; I honestly felt like the book felt as if it was just dialogue. There was a lot of back and forth conversation. The last 50 pages returned the vibe of the first two books, so that I am happy with.

I still cannot wait for the final book and I will still recommend this series to everyone, but I just wish it had more plot and less character development.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* This series perfectly blends the warmth and comfort of a hug on a bad day, with the adventure and excitement of a bedtime story. I love this world and its character so very much and this instalment was just as wonderful as its predecessors.

what to expect:

• cosy vibes all round
• sapphic relationship
• dragons
• wedding drama
• light political intrigue
• tea and scones

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kianthe and Reyna are back in their newest adventure and this time they are getting ready to walk down the aisle. Between dealing with baby dragons, pirates and Kianthe's parents attending the wedding, the two must also work together with their friends both new and old to overthrow Queen Tilaine. Will their plan work in order to say, "I do"?

The Tomes & Tea series has quickly become one of my favorite cozy fantasy series. The characters are fantastic, and I am always captivated by Reyna and Kianthe's adventures. I originally thought that this was the final book in the series, but the cliffhanger that had me jumping out of my seat proved me wrong. I will be anxiously waiting for the final book in this series to listen to the epic conclusion.

Tea You at the Alter is out March 4th.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review Tea You at the Alter. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Samantha Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was cute. I felt like this book was a bit slower in pace compared to the last two which is why I rated it lower. I did enjoy a lot of the elements they added as well as how the book ended. I still recommend this series and am excited for the next book to come out.

[Erin Talamantes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
That ending?! Ugh I love this series and I need the next one asap.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. I love this couple so much!! They are one of my favorite book couples!! The romance is swoon worthy. The side characters are so lovable and we always meet a few more each book. I am anxiously awaiting the next book!! This series is amazing if you haven’t tried it go read these books!!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne is the third installment in the story of my favorite couple, Kianthe and Reyna—and this time, they’re getting married! With only a week leading up to their wedding, things are busy, and baby dragons are playing in Tawney. As always the puns continue, as Reyna brews a cup of mint tea, she is asked, “Is it mint tea or minty?”

Honestly, this was probably my favorite book in the series so far. I love watching all the characters evolve and how real Reyna and Kianthe feel. Their relationship doesn’t feel storybook fake; it’s genuine and relatable. They communicate openly, sometimes faltering, which only deepens their connection. They are building a community, and that community truly supports one another.

There were secrets and life changes throughout the book, and I loved every single one of them. The cliffhanger at the ending makes it hard to know I’ll have to wait to see what happens!! I also have to say how much I love listening to Jessica Threet narrate these books. Her voices for each character are amazing, and I cherish every minute I get to spend with them.

I just want to thank NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the Tea You at the Alter ARC.

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when every book in a series is consistently good. This third installment was again a super fun, quick read. There's a lot going on and the stakes are high, but everything is told in a relaxing way, with lots of humour to counteract any tension. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so I'm very curious to continue!

[Andria Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent installment of the series with baby dragons and a wedding! 5 ⭐

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The thing about a cosy fantasy story with incredibly high stakes is that the tone and content are in a huge dissonance with each other. I am sure some author out there would be capable of threading both with the finest of needles but Thorne is not that author. I did enjoy myself once again but this was also far messier than the previous book, maybe even messier than the first one (it's been some time since then so I can't recall). I'm afraid if treason and overthrowing a ruler are involved, my suspension of disbelief shrinks rapidly and doesn't simply accept a slew of conveniences as a solution. I will read the last book too and I did have some fun but man. I had really hoped the thicker plot would make me enjoy this book way more but I'm afraid it did the opposite. Plus, I think I'm at a point where I'm somewhat over Kianthe's whole pun thing, it's gotten a bit unbearable, honestly.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

This was so much fun and also super sweet at the same time. It was a wonderful balance of love (EEP THEY ARE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING) and political intrigue (overthrowing a queen?!). The banter was well done and I thought the pacing worked throughout.

The ending in the epilogue made me drop my mouth open and can confirm there is a fourth and final book and I am already looking forward to it.

Also I love Pillbug so much.

[Mimi Schweid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobs because I have to wait for Alchemy and a Cup of Tea to see where this goes.

In all honesty, this book was so much fun. I'm already looking forward to rereading this book again. I loved the rewarding nature of this book and all the characters dynamics!

[Birte · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite in the series so far. I loved the shenanigangs of the cast and also the decisions that were made in regards to a certain plot point. Really curious how the next book will handle the fallout of all that.

[Casey Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore these books! Feel-good, cozy fantasy, with likeable characters. I have rated every book 5 stars so far! For some reason I thought this was the final book, but turns out it's going to be a quartet! That's exciting. Will come back for the full review.

[Erica Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.

[Annine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this more boring than the first two. I also think Kianthe and Reyna both have sort of annoying personalities (as well as most of the side characters), and it was more noticeable in this one as there was more focus on them this time around

[Athena Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

I love this series! There's nothing better than diving into this cozy lesbian tea story amidst the chaos and stress of real life. I love the characters, their communication skills, their vast diffenrence in personality, their bond and found family, and I do love that we have time to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.

Kianthe, our ferocious Mage and Pun Maker, certainly lives up to her name. Dealing with the dragons was nothing in front of dealing with her estranged parents who seem to disapprove of Reyna. I love how righteous Kianthe is, and how quick she is to defend Reyna but also listen to her when Reyna says "drop it".

Reyna deals a lot with her self-esteem and her feelings of "being a nobody who's married to her Arcandor". She takes care of Ponder and the baby dragons look up to her as if she holds the stars, and honestly, I love this for her! Reyna deserves everything! She inspires loyalty and exudes leadership without even trying. She's always composed and is 10 steps ahead of everyone.

The bond of Kianthe and Reyna is one of my most precious romance pairs ever. I love how well they communicate, how they listen to each other, how they put themselves in each other's shoes, how they understand each other; their relationship is so beautiful, and I sincerely hope that we see more such pairs in books, see pairs that talk to each other and solve their problems together.

And we get a new m/m romance pair!!!!!!!! They're so cute!! Of course, Feo and Wylan are certainly not like that, and there's nothing between them. The fact that they have their own conversations using their eyes only and a telepathy they don't possess and the fact that they spend their time with each other prove that they are not like that LMAO I love them, and I hoped we would see them much more in this installment. Alas, we met another m/m pair. I sincerely hope that we'll see more Feo and Wylan in the next and last installment, and dare I hope, a spin-off based on them?

I enjoyed every installment in this series, but in this one, there is a plot element that for the life of me, I didn't understand. And in these cases where I don't get a plot device, it bug me; hence the 4 stars.

However, I love the worldbuilding, the main characters but also the cast ensemble that is so wholesome and fully fleshed out. This is the perfect cozy fantasy for me.

And we can finally say goodbye to freaking Tillaine! Hooray!

A wonderful installment in a truly beautiful series!

- lots of tea
- sapphic main couple
- 2 side m/m couples (because yes, Feo and Wylan, there is something between you lmao)
- dragons and gryphons
- found family
- some pirates, too!

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this has been my favorite of the series so far. It was fun, cozy and humorous.
Reyna and Kianthe are getting married! Along with the usual wedding chaos, there are baby dragons, Kianthe's parents are arriving (who Rayna had to talk Kianthe in to even inviting) and there is a plot to overthrow the queen brewing. This book had the coziest vibes, but there was SO much happening.
We get introduced to several new characters. Some old friends of both Kianthe and Reyna as well as a potential candidate to be the new queen. We still get tons of Kianthe and Reyna though. Their bond and relationship is so sweet and loyal. They really do all the can to make the other the best person they can be.
The book itself took me a minute to get into (similar to the second one if I remember correctly). Once I was in though, I was in. I really enjoyed how several of the characters cooked up their plot to overthrow the queen. It was intricate and made sense. While there was action, there were a lot of cozier parts. I loved the characters getting to know one another better and just the chill vibes of some of the parts. One of my favorite parts was when some of the characters had a game night and played this elaborate game of almost Monopoly, but there were stock markets involved and people actually set up their own businesses. It was so funny.
I believe the audiobook is done by the same person who did the other 2. She did a great job. A lot of the characters had different accents, and she did them all so well. They weren't at all garish or overdone.
The epilogue has me so excited to read the next (and final) book. It ended on SUCH a cliffhanger.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Eric Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Tomes and Tea series following the adventures of Reyna and Kianthe. I previously reviewed the first two books in this series on this page. To appreciate and understand this book, you will need to have read the first two books in this series.

Tea You at the Altar lets the reader interact with the great cast of supporting characters that were introduced in the first novel in this series, who were not mentioned as much in the second book. Additionally, the characters who were introduced in the second book also play a crucial role in this novel. The reader is also introduced to new characters, and it’s fun to see how this ever-growing cast interacts with the two main characters, Reyna and Kianthe, and each other.

For me, I felt like this book got back to the overall cozy feel of the first installment without as much action as the second. But I still really enjoyed this novel with the political intrigue and scheming and the few action sequences that were present.

If you read the first two books in this series, or you’re a big fan of cozy fantasy, I would definitely recommend you read this book. Side note, if anyone creates the game Cocoa and Capitalism described in this book, I think it would be a blast to play 😂.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

As expected, I had such a great time with this book. I absolutely love this world and these characters and every time I get to read a new story about them, it feels like a big warm hug.

The stakes were a bit higher in this book, but the beauty of these cosy fantasy books is that you know you'll get adventure and then a happy ending. Saying that, this cliffhanger did have me shook and I am even more excited for the final installment of this series.

I enjoyed that this book went back to just two POVs. Getting more POVs in the second book was fun, but I love Reyna and Kianthe, so going back to just them was perfect - especially as the book was about their wedding and other big plans.

Honestly, this book is great cosy fun and I'm sad that only one more book is coming for this series. If you want something cute, reasonably low stakes but with hilarious and super queer characters, you can't go wrong with Tomes and Tea.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Tea You at the Altar is my least favorite of the series so far, which is honestly devastating. I still enjoyed it but there were sooo many completely relatable interpersonal conflicts that I struggled to find it cozy (even if it was probably the most cozy plot-wise). It was also missing the hilarious innuendo I enjoyed from the previous book. I love that the whole cast came together for this story and the last 20ish percent was perfection.

FF, warrior x mage (established couple), cozy vibes, casually diverse world, small town, wedding preparations

Their support filled Reyna like warm tea on an icy day. She smiled at each of them, and the love she felt for these people—and everyone outside the manor, celebrating in their names—was indescribable.
Gratitude.
Immense gratitude was the only word she could summon.
“You believe strength is pushing others down so you can stand higher.” Reyna bent to Tilaine’s level for the very last time. “I believe strength is the support of those closest to me. Without them, I am nothing.”

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been excited about this book since I finished book 2!!

It was just as sweet, cozy and enjoyable as the rest of the series!!

There's a lot less action in this one and more mundane life which was nice, we got to see everyone interacting more and getting to know all the characters. With that being said there was still a good action based conflict which I really enjoyed! (trying to keep it vague to avoid oopsie spoilers since its book 3) As well as a cliff hanger that will have you begging for book 4.

These books just can't help but make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and they're great! A must read series for any cozy fantasy fan.

the audiobook was great, the narrator did a great job but I do think it could have potentially benefited from 2 different narrators since it could get confusing on whose POV we were at on occasion.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook!