Literally everyone and their mother read this title and texted me about it, hahahaha. Lesbians? Books? Tea? That’s the good stuff.

Reyna is one of the best knights in the queendom. Kianthe is the most powerful mage. They have better things to do than selling their labor. After saving the queen from one last assassin, Reyna and Kianthe run off to a small border town and do not leave behind forwarding addresses. Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea starts with our couple already in love, and the narrative focuses on making that relationship thrive. Our lovers set up the book/coffeeshop of their dreams in a quaint, wintery town, make friends, and solve a draconic mystery.

Thorne’s book is the first I’ve read that billed itself as a cozy romance, and, to the tell the truth, I’m charmed. Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea delivered in ways I’d not thought possible outside of fanfiction. Kianthe and Reyna’s relationship is the beating heart of the novel. Thorne lovingly describes their ups and downs and how every day they choose each other. They heal from the harsh mindset of destiny and work = worth. Elements outside of them and their arcs are more wibbly. The world-building is uneven, begging questions and worrying conclusions (is the queendom going to be okay without Kianthe to ward off natural disasters?). Another character is named “Feo,” which I understand is a nickname in Russian, but also means “ugly” in Spanish. Honestly though, I didn’t care about these details because Reyna and Kianthe just found the perfect houseplant, the new tea is delicious, and the next book is already loaded up on Kindle.

If you like knight/mage lesbian love stories, pour some cocoa, nestle under a blanket, and crack open Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea.