Rebecca Thorne

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

Reyna and Kianthe dream of the day they can run away together. To leave behind the politics of kingdoms and enjoy each other's company in a quaint little shop. One with a warm welcoming atmosphere where friends can share a cup of tea and purchase books. When Reyna’s life is put on the line for a Queen who could care less about her, she realizes it’s time to go. To seek out that dream of a peaceful life with her girlfriend by her side.

The shop Reyna and Kianthe dream of sounds like the perfect place for anyone who enjoys books and tea. Readers will be able to live vicariously through the two characters as they seize the chance to chase their dreams. Building the shop from the ground up and transforming a building no one thought could be more than a thieves' den. And by doing so they also make themselves part of the community of Tawney. Creating a network of friends and acquaintances who become family.

Reyna and Kianthe are an adorable couple and balance each other so well. While their internal struggles may cause mishaps along the way, they’re dedicated to each other. They own up to their mistakes and encourage open communication. Are they perfect? No, absolutely not. But the way they recognize when something goes wrong and work together to figure things out is wonderful.

Not only are the characters a delight to read but there is an underlying mystery that will be carried throughout the series. One involving dragons and their ever present threat to the town of Tawney. Add to this the sense of time ticking down for Reyna. After all, it's only a matter of time before the Queen finds her. And balanced between it all are the precious moments among the two main characters and their found family.

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is for fans of Legends and Lattes. It is another wonderful serving of cozy fantasy. If you have ever dreamed of owning a bookstore that serves tea, this is the book for you.… (altro)

Great Title! Like the theme, the characters, the cozy bookstore fantasy of it all, but I also felt a little frustrated with the storytelling. I wanted a cleverer solution to the problems Reyna and Kianthe are experiencing, and while I enjoyed the couples counseling that is present throughout, it just needed a little more... something to pull it together. Unhelpful, I know, but overall I enjoyed it -- loved the plants/tea/books/bakery/ great community. I am... not sure what to make of the everlasting plants -- if she can create immortal plants that don't need sustenance, could she make immortal humans, too?

My one minor pet peeve as a printing nerd -- the author did not bother to learn how books were printed -- it was the same process for about 500 years (1450-1950) — c’mon now, that’s just disappointing. Wooden type only works for very large letters (think posters). You want to print books? You pretty much have to use cast metal type. It’s kind of the point of the printing revolution. Argh. If you're not going to bother to find out how something is made in reality/history, call it magic and leave it there.… (altro)