Book 4 of the Tomes and Teas series doesn't disappoint! Reina and Keinth are settled happily into wedded bliss, but things just can't be simple, can they? A lovely finale to the series!

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.

I have such fond memories of reading CSTWT back when it was self published and it's crazy to think that now I'm here, having just finished the last book in this series as it's traditionally published. It's bittersweet to say goodbye to all of my friends.

I found myself tearing up at multiple moments of this audiobook, which was embarrassing, because I was listening to it at work. Especially when they were thinking they'd have to shut down the shop- that got me in my heart. Reyna my beloved DONT CRY!!!! I just love her.

I think the only thing I'd say about this book is that everything was just... kind of dour. The situation was looking down from page 1 til like 85% into the book with very little silver lining or light at the end of the tunnel. It ended wonderfully and happily and I really enjoyed the Serena epilogue (spin off, perchance?), but I wanted some more happiness and coziness in between tense moments! And I wanted more out of how the visitors were going to settle into the village and how they handled it in the end. It felt like a much more serious entry in the series than the past 3 books, which wasn't all bad, it just doesn't quite fit as comfortably in with the others. Still, I really enjoyed it, and I cannot WAIT for Rebecca's next books!

P.S. Maybe a This Gilded Abyss sequel soon???? eyes emoji

First.... I want to say that I did this all wrong 🤣 this series HAS been on my TBR but I haven't gotten to it yet. Also I uh.......didn't realize it had so many volumes already 😅 So this is book four......so I have now started this series VERY out of order lol 🤣 No matter, this is not the first, nor I'm sure it will be the last time I'll accidentally read a series out of order. (that all being said I was truly NOT confused at all jumping into the series at book 4 🤔 so props to the author big time on that)

ANYWAY.......this book was AMAZING 😍😍😍😍!!!!

It just blew away all my expectations of a cozy fantasy read 💗 I've been a BIG fan of cozy fantasy ever since I picked up a few books in this genre last year. I just really enjoy the way cozy fantasy focuses on character driven stories and beautiful settings.....the low stakes feel of the conflicts is so effortless...I just have never read a cozy fantasy I didn't enjoy.

Now THIS book, this book takes ALL the best of cozy fantasy but dials up the conflict just a bit more. I think this book is honestly an amazing in-between for people who want the vibes of cozy fantasy but get bored sometimes with the relaxed/calm pacing. This book had amazing pacing, just so exciting. I loved the way the story all came together with the big villain reveal at the end.

I will definitely be going out of my way to acquire books 1-3 of this series ASAP!!! I'm just so very excited to read more adventures with our 2 FMCs 💗

I received the audiobook version of this story from NetGalley in return for a full and honest review. The audiobook was fantastic 😍 just so enjoyable to listen to.

I think this book would be perfect for anyone wanting to try out cozy fantasy, also for anyone who wants to read a sapphic love story 😊

My review was posted of Goodreads and Fable.

So sad that this series is ending! Tomes and Tea has been such a fantastic series to follow, and I wish we could stay with these characters forever. Sapphic, cozy, and magical, this series evokes the feeling of enchantment, whimsy, and wonder. All the different fantasy elements like pirates and alchemists bring a classic 'fantasy book' feel, but with the addition of a diverse queer charcters, adorable anaimal compainsions, and a ton of bad puns, the story still feels light and fun. As a huge lover of fantasy but not necessarily all the darker themes, this is the perfect blend for when I want something more cozy and engaging. I have been following this series since the first book release, and I highly recommend the audiobooks because the narrator is phenomenal.
Diving into the actual review, I think this book did a great job closing out the series, even though I did feel like this book was a bit rushed. There was just so much introduced throughout the series that in order to close the series, there was a TON of stuff to address. So while I think the book did a good job touching on everything and overall it was very satisfying, it felt like we were going from one point to another very fast. I think there was just so much stuff in this series and it could have benefited from either a longer book, a spin-off, or ending some plots earlier to help account for the layout. The connections for the conclusion were done very well, and I could follow quite easily, but again, the main character for that felt last-minute or rushed. I would have liked to explore it more as I felt we didn't get to see enough of their motives or how the magic worked.
Even though this book was more plot than romance, I still loved getting to see Kianthe and Reyna again. I do wish there were more romance vibes, but I get why this one had to focus more on the plot. But I do want more romance and cuteness. This book took a step away from what I was expecting (not in a bad way, just different). Reyna as queen was amazing, and the cute winter holiday town was so random and fun to read about. Some elements of this book felt a bit like dart dartboard and see what sticks, but it was pretty fun. Looking back at the plot/story, things were a bit random, but while reading, I didn't care. It was fun, cozy, and entertaining

I find myself struggling because while I don't care too much about the aforementioned issues, I do feel like this book could have been a bit smoother in flow and format, but I love this series so much and did enjoy the book. I wouldn't even say I'm disappointed, cause I am not, but I think this book just didn't fit with the rest of the series. Maybe because it was the last but it just didn't bring the same vibes of romance, action, and cozy adventure experienced in the previous books. May update as I process on this.
Thank you for the audiobook arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

I think this final book was the perfect wrap up for the series. I liked this book the most. It had the perfect amount of action and love. I think the way this series was wrapped up was perfect.

Cozy vibes, magical slow burn, and a tea shop I wish I could actually visit

Alchemy and a Cup of Tea by Rebecca Thorne is like curling up with a warm blanket and your favorite mug—comforting, a little whimsical, and full of charm. The story has this really gentle magic to it, both literally and emotionally, and I found myself smiling more than once while listening. The narration by Jessica Threet also really helped bring it all to life—soft, expressive, and cozy, just like the book itself.

Pros:
• The vibes are immaculate. A magical tea shop, a slow-burn romance, and a sense of community made this feel like a warm hug.
• The main characters have great chemistry, and the emotional depth sneaks up on you in the best way.
• The worldbuilding is subtle but effective—never overwhelming, but it makes you wish you could live there.
• Jessica Threet’s narration is a perfect fit—she really nails the tone and pacing.

Cons:
• The pacing is very slow, which mostly works, but there were a few points where I wished things would move along just a little faster.
• Some of the side characters felt a bit underdeveloped, especially considering how rich the setting is.
• Not a ton of high-stakes plot, which is fine if you’re here for the vibes, but maybe not if you’re looking for action or tension.

Overall, this book isn’t trying to be flashy or fast-paced—it’s soft, steady, and emotionally satisfying. If you’re in the mood for something cozy with a touch of magic (and you’re okay with a slower journey), it’s absolutely worth the listen and a read!!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Tor & NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Jessica Threet has just become an auto listen narrator after listening to this. Her narration and passion for these characters really came through her performance and really contributed to my enjoyment of the book. I did not realize this was part of a series and had no issue with the story and I really look forward to listening to the rest of the series in the future. Alchemy and a Cup of Tea is perfect for all cozy fantasy fans who are looking for a book that's low stakes and heart warming.

An amazing addition to this series I was hooked form the very beginning. I’m obsessed with the characters and can’t get enough! Cant wait to read more and force anyone who will listen to pick up this series!

I really enjoyed this book. It is fun and entertaining. I love how the characters developed in this book and the more detailed explanation of the magic. This book is full of adventure and humor. This is a fantastic cozy fantasy.

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. These audiobooks will be cozy comfort reads I return to again and again!

This has become my favorite cozy fantasy series! I loved every minute of this latest book in the series. This is book number four. I would recommend reading this series in order. The characters and settings were perfection! If you love magic, dragons, griffins, tea, and books then this is the series for you!

I've been a fan of this series since reading the indie ARC of the first book, and this is such a fitting end to the quartet!

It starts off with Reyna being kidnapped by bandits and discovering an alchemical circle that could have strange implications. Cue Reyna and Kianthe investigating once again. Don't worry, there's plenty of time spent with griffons and dragons.

While this one has slightly higher stakes that make this book veer a little out of the cozy realm (since alchemy in this world requires blood sacrifice), the first half of this book retains much of the lighthearted coziness of the previous installments. I had a great time, and the narrator is absolutely fantastic at bringing the characters to life. The third book is my favorite of the series, but the whole series is one of my all-time favorites!

Also...THAT EPILOGUE!!!

Also also, there's a really cute short story at the end featuring Bobbie and Serina.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!

I am so sad this series is over but it was such a fun adventure!!!

This one was probably my least favorite unfortunately of all 4 but I loved the way it ended and the dragons/griffins and the side characters all came together nicely to finish this grand finale. The characters have found out who they are, their home, and what's most important to them. I love that they were able to keep their teahouse. I felt like everything kinda wrapped up a little too nicely, but I also know that it's a cozy fantasy and so it's part of the genre. I love the big part the griffins played.

Once again, Jessica Threet does an amazing job with her narration; giving so much life to these characters. Her inflection and her emotion shines through so well and helps project each and every scene.

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC/early audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I don't want this series to be done! I enjoyed this final book that follows our main characters into this next chapter in their life. It was sweet and cozy while finishing up all the storylines that came before it. It is a must read and the author's best work so far!

I liked this one similar to the others until near the end. I do find these being higher stakes takes them away from the cozy feeling. Plus now with both of the fmcs in high positions, it feels even less cozy. However, I am invested in where their story goes. I did think the writer is improving overall as they write these.

The major issue is near the end when one of the FMCs says “Pregnancy, ew” — WHY IS THIS NECESSARY?? Like they aren’t really deciding to have a family or not but, why even bother mentioning it? It seems a bit much and feels like pregnancy is negatively characterized (and this is coming from someone who did not like being pregnant the two times I was). It just seems like an odd comment that doesn’t need to be said out loud and it stuck out to me, ruining my overall enjoyment.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

Alchemy and A Cup of Tea by Rebecca Thorne
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
.5🌶

This fourth book in the Tomes and Tea series is just as amazing as the first three. In this book, we find  Kianthe and Reyna navigating life as the Arcandor and the newly appointed sovereign of the Queendom. While they have overcome many trials and had many adventures together, they never expected to have to over come an influx of tourists in their quiet border town of Tawney. If that wasn't enough, Reyna finds herself kidnapped and rescued with great fanfare by her awesome wife! During the rescue, however, they find a sinister alchemy circle in Reyna's cell. This leads them on an investigation that has them questioning who they can trust and who wants to shake up the structure of the magical world.

I was fully enraptured by this book, just like it's 3 predecessors. I love the supporting characters just as much as our 2 main characters and was kept guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this to everyone looking for a cozy adventure read!

Thank you to Netgalley for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

A satisfying end to the series.
Rebecca Thorne never disappoints. I love these characters. This series is perfect for people that want to test if they like cozy fantasy.

Toeing the line between cozy and regular fantasy this book felt like an adventure and a warm blanket all at once.

I loved that the main characters are already married and so in love at the start of this book. They are realistic in their love in a way fiction characters rarely are.

I didn't realize this book would have a winter holiday element and was pleasantly surprised. I would seriously recomend this as an addition to you holiday "hallmark" vibes stack.

I read this book as a standalone and I do think it worked as such.

Genre: Cozy Fantasy with stakes a bit higher than normal Cozy
Age: Adult
Topics: Power Couple, Queen and Alchemist
Spice: Not much, but descriptions of attraction
Themes: Magic, Career vs Relationship
Obtained from: Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ALC.
Song recommendation for the vibes: Like Wine by Eva Pagan

3.5 rounded up
I enjoyed this one a lot more than book three, but I think I've run out of interest in the world. Kianthe has changed from the first book. She's less cute and flighty and fun, and more annoying and rude and kind of mean now. I don't know, there's a weird scene where she hands her garbage to a man who is essentially a co-worker for no reason. It's played off as quirky fun, but it felt gross and left a bad vibe over the rest of the story for me. It's also really not a cozy vibe this time around. Alchemy in this world involves blood sacrifices, and that gets pretty dark in this story. Human sacrifice, even if aborted, is NOT cozy.