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Monday, May 6, 2024

Book Review: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

By Allyson Bales

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. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

When I saw that this story was being compared to TJ Klune and Legends and Lattes I knew I needed to get my hands on it and I am so glad that I did!

I can’t remember the last time I read a full synopsis of a book and am so happy I went into this one blind.  I have heard from some that it's not as cozy as they anticipated but I felt it was the perfect amount.  There is mystery and a small town and characters you are going to love!

“Run away with me.  You like tea.  I like books.  Care to open a shop and forget the world exists?”

I have dreams about my wife saying this to me regularly.  This is my dream and I lived vicariously through Reyna and Kianthe to my heart's content.   I loved both characters and the way they balanced one another.  I loved that Kianthe is more sarcastic and takes risks and Reyna is more cautious and sweet.  I loved they way the cared for one another.  Trust me when I say that they are really going to make you swoon in the best way!

“I want you to feel loved without earning it.  Because that’s how you make me feel every Stone-damned day.”

More and more I am loving the small town vibes in books.  There are characters in the town of Tawney that surprise you and a community feel that I wish I had in real life!  They are weird and things happen that they all work together to solve and I loved that.  It gave me such a cozy feeling and a big smile on my face.

I also really enjoyed the fantasy and mystery elements and felt it was the perfect blend to make the story engaging and fun.  I absolutely devoured the ending and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

This is the perfect book to cozy up with and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Thanks to Tor for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase Can't Spell Treason Without Tea here.

Also by Rebecca Thorne:
The Day Death Stopped
A Pirate's Life for Tea (Available in October)

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