Alchemy and a Cup of Tea

Tomes & Tea #4

by Rebecca Thorne

USA Today , Sunday Times , and Indie bestselling author Rebecca Thorne brings the Tomes & Tea series to a delightful, cozy close for our beloved lesbian book- and tea- sellers.

Reyna and Kianthe have no trouble commanding the Realm, running a bookshop, or rescuing baby dragons...but can they save their town from the swarming influx of...tourists?!?

On the night of her kidnapping, all Reyna wanted was a relaxing cup of tea. She didn’t expect to be dropped in a hidden prison cell, but what the hells. She’s flexible.

With appropriate fanfare, Kianthe “rescues” her wife...but Reyna’s actually a terrible damsel in distress. Even worse, Reyna's cell was booby trapped with a mysterious alchemy circle. What does a radical alchemist want with the Arcandor’s wife? And why did they think they could get away with this?

While they investigate, another problem surfaces in their hometown. Word of New Leaf Tomes and Tea—and its celebrity owners—has finally spread. Tourists are everywhere, harassing the locals and ruining the charm of Tawney. As their friends struggle with the sudden influx, Kianthe and Reyna have to face a bigger conundrum than rogue the fact that closing their bookshop might be the only way to save their town.

Things can’t just be simple, can they?

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

Audible Audio

First published August 12, 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

[chan ☆]

not sure why i thought this was a series of standalones. oh well. it was on a list for a video i was making and was pleasant.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

☕️ Bookish Thoughts
Reyna and Kianthe forever 🫶🏾
I’m so sad this series is over! 😭
Alchemy and a Cup of Tea was the perfect final chapter. It was just as cozy and whimsical as the others, and the epilogue completely melted my heart.

Getting to spend time with all my favorite characters again felt like a warm hug. I love them so much.

This series will always be my comfort read. And I’ll keep recommending the audiobooks forever! Immersive reading truly makes the experience even better.

✨ Favorite Quote
“My wife, my love.
You love tea, I love books.
Aren’t you glad we opened a shop and pretended the world doesn’t exist?”

_ _ _ _

📖 Final Score: 5 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 5 stars
📅 Pub Date: August 12, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful conclusion to this cozy-adjacent fantasy series! Reyna is adjusting to being an unwilling queen while Kianthe is forced to deal with issues in the magical world. All they want is to settle down in their bookstore/tea shop but everything seems to conspire against them. It's a nice story with an established relationship hitting external road bumps. And we finally discover what happened to those dragon eggs! This mystery has been ongoing since book 1. It's funny and cute with cozy moments, and a bit of action and intrigue as well. I think it will be a hit with fans of the series. The audio narration is pretty good, though (as I've said since the beginning) the choice of voices for the two main characters always kind of throws me. I received an audio review copy via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the series comes to an end, tourists are swarming in Tawney, and the townspeople are getting fed up The tourists are are apparently attracted by the chance to see the Arcandor Kianthe and her wife, Queen Rayna. Kianthe must deal with some rogue mages and they are delighted to find a baby dragon. I enjoyed the world building and the descriptions of the griffon (sic) rides. Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!

All of the adventures Reyna and Kianthe have had throughout this series, finally comes to a head in Alchemy and a Cup of Tea. When Reyna is kidnapped by a group of bandits, Kianthe and Reyna discover an alchemy circle with mysterious symbols. The two must travel to the Magicary to discover why a group of alchemists would try to kidnap their newest queen. As they work to find information on the circle, Reyna and Kianthe soon realize they have other issues on their hands. Tourists have traveled to Tawney in hopes to see the famous couple and their friends are struggling to keep up with the influx of travelers. As frustrations rise, Kianthe and Reyna must decide if their time is up in Tawney and if they should close New Leaf and Tomes forever.

The Tomes & Tea series was my favorite series in 2024, and I am sad to see that Alchemy and a Cup of Tea is the final book in the series. Rebecca Thorne knows how to write the perfect cozy fantasy. From the characters to the world building, every aspect of these books made me fall in love with the series. Alchemy and a Cup of Tea is the perfect ending for Reyna and Kianthe. There were so many questions I had throughout this book, and I didn't want to put it down. My heart broke for Kianthe and Reyna as they try to come to terms with leaving Tawney and the family they had built there. I felt that the conclusion was the perfect ending for my two favorite characters, and I cried to see that the story I had fallen in love with had ended. Although I am sad to see this story end, I am excited to see what Rebecca Thorne will come up with next.

If you are a fan of cozy fantasies full of a variety of characters and fun adventures, I would highly recommend the Tomes and Tea series.

Alchemy and a Cup of Tea comes out on August 12th.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review Alchemy and a Cup of Tea. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Steph ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Was great to be back with Kianthe and Reyna, as well as the people of Tawney and the dragons. I had a good time with this one. Tea You At The Altar is still my favourite of the series. But overall, a 4 star series for me.

[Courtney Lanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS

I loved 90% of this book. I was all set to give it five stars like the others. The expansion of magic and exploring the alchemy aspect was really cool. Seeing how Reyna's and Kianthe's lives have changed since the queensguard became empress was enlightening. It really felt like their relationship grew so much from book #1.

Witnessing the Magicary? Winterhaven? The Stone of Seeing? Gentrification commentary? All top notch.

But the ending is where I grew frustrated.

I feel like Kianthe spent most of the series not wanting kids , so to have her reverse on that in the last few pages was. . . not an aspect I enjoyed.

The epilogue felt so random and tacked on that I didn't know what to do with it. Leaving Dreggs missing or killed off-screen didn't sit right with me. They're one of the most prominent and memorable trans characters in the story. And because this is the last book, we'll never know what happened to them. I can't stand by that at all.

All in all, I'm just not satisfied with Kianthe and Renya suddenly having a kid off-screen. It feels a little too domestic and sitcom-ey to me. I would have much preferred a final quiet chapter of our heroines sitting beneath the tree they planted reflecting on their adventures and hopes for a quiet life ahead. I wouldn't be so agitated with the epilogue if I knew it was leading into book #5.

I don't want to leave the impression I hated this book because, again, I adored the first 90 percent of it. I was as ONBOARD as I have been for the last three books. This has been my favorite fantasy series since I found it, so to have the ending leave such a sour taste in my mouth. . . it hurts more than a normal book would.

I'm sure I'll be in a lonely camp on this, and I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. I'm sure everyone else will love the ending and assume I'm off my rocker. But these are my feelings, and I love these books too much not to feel them so heavily.

It's been a great ride, and I'll absolutely be buying the paperback to complete my collection when it comes out later this year.

Thank you for these amazing stories, Rebecca Thorne. Onward to Guilded Abyss for me.

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final installment was just as fun and cosy as the previous books, making it a wonderful conclusion to the series. I've grown so fond of these characters, and I can definitely see myself rereading the series.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved all the books in the Tomes & Tea series. This was such a satisfying ending to the series. 
I found this to have the highest stakes of all, with real danger for our beloved characters. It definitely stretched their skills and magic. We get a real villain to dislike and the story centers around solving a mystery. 
The dragons are also back! (Even new baby ones!)
I love the cozy nature of Tawney and when the tourists start to overrun the town, something must be done. 
Reyna and Kianthe suffer from the conflict of having to close the shop and move back to the Kingdom. 
I love the narration! These have been a delight to listen to. 

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to a fantastic series! Reyna and Kianthe will forever be relationship goals! I’m sad to say goodbye to this world and these characters.

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite from the series I think. There was a perfect mix of action and cozy vibes. I will admit the dragons did make me love this a lot. It's the same great characters and cute romance. Just a really sweet cozy read!

The audiobook was really good! I love the narrator for this series, both characters are easily distinguishable so you can tell who's POV you're following.

Thank You Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the Audiobook! *all Opinions are my own*

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with a failed kidnapping of the new queen Reyna, and her discovery of an alchemical circle in her supposed cell, this final entry in this series hints that Reyna, Kianthe and their allies will be dealing with a powerful practitioner and learning what happened to the one dragon egg they had not found, which they failed to do in book one.

And something not magical that is really bothering the residents of Tawnee: a constant stream of tourists, with their noise and intrusiveness, they are changing the feel of the once peaceful town. Should the happily married, and famous, warrior and mage consider closing their successful business and leaving, so their friends lives can return to normal?

Did I expect this to wrap up with numerous problems sorted and Reyna and Kianthe, and the dragons and gryphons, happy? Of course! And it did, and the way it did was lovely, and both Reyna and Kianthe are more comfortable with their roles by the end, and looking toward the next chapters of their lives, surrounded by their friends and tea and books, and then we got an epilogue I didn't know I needed, so yay!

Jessica Threet again narrates the novel, and I love the confidence she brings to Reyna -- knives secreted everywhere -- and the irreverence of Kianthe, lover of puns and fiery temper when her loved ones are imperilled.

Though I'm sad to be leaving this world, I plan to revisit this series sometime, and enjoy it all over again.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars...first off thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this audioARC of the book. This is book 4 in the Tomes and Tea series and I loved it! It's always an adventure with Reina and Keinth. This has got dragons, magic, adventures, light on the romance, LGBTQIA+, coziness, friendship and love. I would definitely recommend this series as a whole.

[Ashley Scow · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.75 rounded down) What an odd combination of issues to deal with… saving dragons and scaring off tourists all in the same day. I still wouldn’t qualify this as a cozy fantasy, but it’s entertaining all the same.

[Birte · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I liked this as a conclusion, especially considering the rude end of the previous book. There was a lot of how Reyna and Kianthe are moving forward with how everything developed and how they don't want everything to change and I liked how the author handled that.

Did not really love the epilogue, because it's so typical and cliché.

[labibliofille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a satisfying end to this series! Gosh I loved the Tomes & Tea world so much; I hope there's some kind of spin-off series to come; I love this world!

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* This series has made my heart so full. I loved it so very much and this was a wonderful finale, although bittersweet as I’d happily continue reading it for many more books. I’m really going to miss this little gang.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite couple is baaaack!

Reyna and Kianthe are having no trouble ruling the Queendom, battling evil alchemists, and rescuing adorable baby dragons. However, a recent challenge has emerged, and it might just be their most formidable challenge yet, saving Tawney from an influx of…tourists?

But first, Kianthe must “rescue” her wife, after she’s unexpectedly kidnapped. Of course, a seemingly straightforward rescue mission results in a shocking discovery, an alchemy circle marred Reyna’s cell.

What could a radical group of alchemists possibly want with the Queendom’s newest sovereign? While Reyna and Kianthe set forth to solve this latest problem, they must also figure out how to deal with Tawney’s growing popularity.

Word of New Leaf Tomes and Tea, and its celebrity owners, has finally spread, and tourists are flooding into Tawney. As their friends struggle with the sudden influx, Kianthe and Reyna must now consider the fact that closing their bookshop might be the only way to save their town.

I adore this series. It’s lighthearted, it’s wholesome, and honestly, it’s the perfect break I need between the intensity of the thriller and dark fantasies that have completely taken over my everyday reading journey lately. I always look forward to seeing what Rayna and Kianthe are up to! Even when there’s something more sinister at play, these two handle it with grace and ease, despite feeling a bit of doubt now and then, who doesn’t feel that way when facing challenges head-on? And Alchemy and a Cup of Tea is no exception, this one might be my favourite journey of theirs out of the four books! There was quite a bit going on with the evil alchemists, the baby dragons, and the influx of tourists, but for me, what stood out from the rest of the series is the alchemy storyline. I thought it was interesting and gave the story a slightly darker vibe without overwhelming it with too much darkness. As usual, they each had their own side quests, allowing the reader to connect with each of the characters a bit more, and I love that about this series, mostly because I love these two characters so much and can’t get enough of them. They are a great duo, but they are also strong characters when they are separated.

Another point I want to mention, and don’t worry, no spoilers, but the ending. It brought on some heavy emotions, and I was fearful of a heartbreak. Tawney and the people of this lovely town are exceptional; they have a place in my heart, and to see them upset made me upset too! It was a great ending!

I’m trying to refrain from being too repetitive; a lot of what I love about this series is, for the most part, apparent in each of the books, so I’ve said it all before. But what I will say again and again is that you should read the Tomes and Tea series! It’s excellent, the characters are amazing, the adventures are a lot of fun, and I can’t get enough.

[Michael Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up - and it was still a pure 5 stars until I was 90% through the book.

We’ve finally reached book four and the conclusion of the beloved Tea & Tomes series that picked up the mantle after Travis Baldree’s ‘Legends & Lattes’ and turned it from a fun book into a burgeoning subgenre. One that has become a go-to for many people looking for sanity and simplicity in a world that has lost its mind.

We pick up where book three left us on a cliffhanger - Queen Reyna had just been kidnapped! Naturally this is resolved and we get to move on to the main plot elements of the book - and there are multiple, and that makes hopping from story to story lots of fun because they’re done in the perfect cozy way.

All of this happens while allowing the focus to be on how two of the most powerful people in the entire realm can life a simple life in Tawney. I love how this is handled - because all of it is a love letter to Key and Rey, the setting and to the other characters we’ve grown to love.

Actually - as I said i one of my reading notes, it is more like one of those bundles of love letter discovered in a Hallmark movie.

Not saying there are no stakes - in fact the core mystery and challenge has some significant stakes and perilous moments, and I love how that drama is interspersed and layered right up until it needs to be resolved and there are so many elements at play in those moments that make the conclusion so satisfying.

Random aside - other authors (S Usher Evans) have released separate shirt stories in the world of their novels - I would MUCH preferred that to tacking it on after the wonderful ending of the epilogue! In the ebook it wasn’t well differentiated so at first I thought it was part of the epilogue and it was really jarring! Fortunately I stopped and looked and saw it was a separate story.

I will miss this series, this universe and these characters that I’ve spent the last few years getting to know and love. But since we needed to say farewell, this was a great end to the series. Now we get to look forward to the next entries in the decidedly un-cozy Gilded Abyss series!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bramble, Tor Publishing Group. and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy! You can pick up Alchemy and a Cup of Tea on August 12, 2025.

I just love this series so, so much. Rebecca Thorne has perfected the balance of cozy, sweet, magical, action-packed, romantic books, and this (in my opinion) is her best to date. It felt like we returned to the roots of the original Can't Spell Treason Without Tea but with higher stakes and a deeper emotional connection between Kianthe and Reyna.

I loved seeing into Kianthe's past at the magicary, and how excited (yet nervous) she was to show Reyna around. The tourist problem in Tawney actually had me sweating?? Because I'd have no idea how to solve it and would also resort to closing up my shop, but the way the townsfolk rallied around Kianthe and Reyna reminded me why I fall in love with this charming small town too.

The dragon and alchemy storyline had me HOOKED. I was genuinely concerned for Blue Spruce, and I loved the mystery aspect of who the rogue alchemist was. It felt like we expanded the world and magic system without leaving Tawney behind.

The ending had me in literal tears, and I just love the idea of Kianthe and Reyna continuing to go on adventures for the rest of their lives before returning home to New Leaf.

This series needs to be on everyone's cozy fantasy list rn!! Don't wait to pick it up, especially now that it will be completed!

[Here_Lies_the_Bookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment this landed in my inbox my entire TBR got ignored - and I have no regrets!

With every book in this series I decide it's my favourite one, and at this point I'm not sure if they actually continue to get better or if they're all just better than I remember by the time I get my grubby little hands on the next one.
This book starts exactly where book 3 ended: Reyna has just been kidnapped and is predictably unimpressed by her kidnappers. Things don't calm down from there, the entire book was a chaotic joy to read. There's alchemists, tourists and more dragons than ever (though, sadly, the number of lesbians is no longer increasing). The stakes are even high and while the tone is cosy, the main plot isn't so much. Not that it bothered me at any point.

Completely as expected, this book is a few hundred pages of chaotic queer joy and I'm here for every second of it. Though a Dastardly Pirate Dreggs Spin-off does seem necessary after that ending. I'm just saying...

Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for sharing an eARC of this via Netgalley!

[Lauren Collins-Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the final installment of the Tomes and Tea series! A fun conclusion that did a decent job expanding the world and exploring Alchemy as it compared to elemental magic. I wish the plot had been a little tighter, and there was some confirmation regarding why Reyna’s kidnapping happened rather than just the gang’s speculation taken as fact.

4 stars for the entire series as a whole! Indeed a cozy lesbian fantasy read that was just what I needed this year. Was extra special getting to read the third book as I was preparing for my own wedding of a wife-time. I know the author pumped these out extra quick, so I think if extra time was taken to tighten everything up it would have made it a 5 star reading experience.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww…this was a good end to the series!!

. . . or was it? Something tells me this might not be the end just yet, as there is still a mystery afoot that was introduced in the final moments of this book . . . We shall see! When you’re ready, Rebecca!

The Tomes & Tea books have really grown on me. They’ve endeared themselves to me over time and I’ve looked forward to having one of these books to come to, as I know I’ll have a decent time and a good read. Are they the best? No. I can pick out some faults with the plotting and pacing and sometimes the characters get on my nerves, but in some ways these books feel a bit like family!

I liked how this one focused mainly back on Kianthe and Reyna and their small family unit. I liked seeing them, in some ways, return to their roots, and in other ways find themselves within their duties. And I always love seeing them banter and joke and fight and defend each other.

Loved getting extra dragon lore and I also love Visk and Ponder moments!

Excited to see whether or not this is the end for these characters…


Thank you to Pan Macmillan | Tor for this e-arc!

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worried how this would end because I've loved this series so far, but I'm very pleased with how it turned out! I don't want to spoil too many things, but I loved how the antagonist of this book tied many things up from the beginning, and, while I guessed who it was fairly early, that didn't make the reveal any less dramatic. I'm sad that the series is done, but I love how it was done.

[Mimi Schweid · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Leaving what we know is always a risk. But I think we're a lot braver than we know... And I think most choices turn out okay, eventually." -page 268

Welp, this is officially my favorite book in the series. I still have a strong desire for a Ponder tattoo. This series means so much to me. This book was such a great conclusion to the series. I'm so excited to reread them all going forward.

[Samantha Parker-Zillich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The soundtrack for this book should really be "Alchemy" by Taylor Swift ("Honestly who are we to fight the alchemy") because they are literally fighting the alchemy and also because Reyna and Kianthe have romantic alchemy. Such a fantastic conclusion to this series, looking forward to future stories in this Realm! Also, Rebecca Thorne's dedications are always the best.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad this series is done. Rebecca can’t harm my favourite characters ANY LONGER. They got their ending. They’re happy, I’m happy…and I think Rebecca is happy too.

I do love this series so much. I’m as sad to say goodbye as I am relieved to see how it ends.

[Isabel Lehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad this series is over omg. I cannot recommend this series enough if you are a fan of cozy fantasy, and bonus bc it has lesbians. Absolute 20/10. I am so in love with this world and these characters, and I will miss them.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick cozy read!

[Lex Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My love for Reyna and Kianthe knows no bounds. It's been so delightful following them through their story. This was a wonderful conclusion to a beautiful story.