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Tales from the Tavern #1
Tusks, Tails and Teacakes
One part Legends and Lattes, one part Hallmark rom-com, and a generous sprinkle of cottagecore coziness.
Welcome to The Tusk & Tail Tavern where the fire is always crackling, the meat pies are rich and savory, the air is filled with laughter and bard-song, and friends are like family. At least, it used to be…
Half-elf Lira is eager to return to The Tusk & Tail Tavern, where she and her companions set off on their adventures many years ago. But the rundown tavern is no longer the bustling hub where dwarf mercenaries and halfling farmers shared pints over a friendly game of dice. More crucially, what Lira came back for—what she buried in the tavern’s basement—is now bricked over.
What better way to stay close to her hidden treasure—and figure out a way to retrieve it—than to offer to restore the tavern? After all, her grandmother taught her to bake, and she still remembers the recipes—for the most part.
She doesn’t count on having to partner with a dwarf warrior named Sassy or have a surprisingly clever raccoon take up residence in her kitchen. And she’s grateful for the shy orc soldier who offers to fix her stove and everything else that keeps breaking in the tavern, but why does he seem afraid to talk to her?
As she and her rag-tag group breathe life back into The Tusk & Tail Tavern, Lira remembers the joy in an evening by the fire, the value of a true friend, and what it’s like to fight as hard for the quiet moments in life as the ones marked by glory and treasure.
But leaving your past in the past isn’t always so easy. Danger has a way of finding Lira no matter how far she runs, but now she has more to protect than herself. And if she wants to leave her days of deception behind her, she’ll have to reveal the truth to those she’s grown to love.
Tusks, Tails & Teacakes is a wholesome, low-stakes, slice-of-life cozy fantasy chock full of mythical creatures and magic. It features no fights to the death or worlds to be saved, no epic journeys or warring armies. Only gentle intrigue, the power of unexpected friendship, and the hope that you can make the world a better place one buttery teacake and warm cup of chai at a time.
Welcome to The Tusk & Tail Tavern where the fire is always crackling, the meat pies are rich and savory, the air is filled with laughter and bard-song, and friends are like family. At least, it used to be…
Half-elf Lira is eager to return to The Tusk & Tail Tavern, where she and her companions set off on their adventures many years ago. But the rundown tavern is no longer the bustling hub where dwarf mercenaries and halfling farmers shared pints over a friendly game of dice. More crucially, what Lira came back for—what she buried in the tavern’s basement—is now bricked over.
What better way to stay close to her hidden treasure—and figure out a way to retrieve it—than to offer to restore the tavern? After all, her grandmother taught her to bake, and she still remembers the recipes—for the most part.
She doesn’t count on having to partner with a dwarf warrior named Sassy or have a surprisingly clever raccoon take up residence in her kitchen. And she’s grateful for the shy orc soldier who offers to fix her stove and everything else that keeps breaking in the tavern, but why does he seem afraid to talk to her?
As she and her rag-tag group breathe life back into The Tusk & Tail Tavern, Lira remembers the joy in an evening by the fire, the value of a true friend, and what it’s like to fight as hard for the quiet moments in life as the ones marked by glory and treasure.
But leaving your past in the past isn’t always so easy. Danger has a way of finding Lira no matter how far she runs, but now she has more to protect than herself. And if she wants to leave her days of deception behind her, she’ll have to reveal the truth to those she’s grown to love.
Tusks, Tails & Teacakes is a wholesome, low-stakes, slice-of-life cozy fantasy chock full of mythical creatures and magic. It features no fights to the death or worlds to be saved, no epic journeys or warring armies. Only gentle intrigue, the power of unexpected friendship, and the hope that you can make the world a better place one buttery teacake and warm cup of chai at a time.
308 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2025
394 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
March 31, 2025
I am thrilled to be a part of the cozy crew, receiving an ARC. This is a lovely low stakes cozy fantasy! Lira is a half-elf, half-human. She comes back to the town she was raised in, in an attempt to retrieve something important she hid in the cellar wall of the local tavern The Tusk & Tail. She meets Sass, a spunky dwarf, during a failed attempt to retrieve this item. They both convince the owner to hire them as security so they can stick around and figure out how to successfully accomplish their mission—neither really knowing what the other’s is. While there, they start to fix up the decrepit Tavern, the once heart of the town. Lira runs into people from her past and old memories surface. Lira learns about her family and some kept secrets, specifically about her Gran who has passed and she was really close with. There also may be a hot Orc in town and a few sparks fly. Lira learns more about who she is and comes into herself, with the aid of her found family of varied fantastical creatures!
This is a feel-good and lovely story! Set in a world with so many creatures and species! We even have—wait for it—literal bookworms!!! Magic is a part of this world as well, but is dying out. We have a homecoming, found family, mythical creatures, a tavern makeover, tons of baking and chai lattes, no spice romantic interest, in a cozy fantasy world. If this sounds like your cup of tea, “Tusks, Tails & Teacakes” by T.L. Stone is available April 4, 2025 on Kindle and in paperback! Very in line with Travis Baldree. This is book one in what is going to be a duology.
This is a feel-good and lovely story! Set in a world with so many creatures and species! We even have—wait for it—literal bookworms!!! Magic is a part of this world as well, but is dying out. We have a homecoming, found family, mythical creatures, a tavern makeover, tons of baking and chai lattes, no spice romantic interest, in a cozy fantasy world. If this sounds like your cup of tea, “Tusks, Tails & Teacakes” by T.L. Stone is available April 4, 2025 on Kindle and in paperback! Very in line with Travis Baldree. This is book one in what is going to be a duology.
March 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
this was a perfect change of pace from my normal high-stakes fantasy reads; the vibes were the coziest, the moments were heartfelt, and the mystery was still very mysterious. for this read, a warm drink and yummy snacks are absolutely mandatory! 🥰
i absolutely fell in love with these characters, this charming village, and the entire concept of the story! Lira, former rouge turned baker, returns to her hometown, where she unexpectedly finds her community made of unique (and funny) characters. with its abundance of heartfelt, wholesome moments, balanced by low-tension, several blooming romances and intriguing hidden secrets, this book will forever stand out to me.
i’m so grateful to T. L. for having me on her Cozy Crew and for an advanced copy of this story! mark your calendars for April 4 because this is a cozy fantasy you don’t want to miss 💞
this was a perfect change of pace from my normal high-stakes fantasy reads; the vibes were the coziest, the moments were heartfelt, and the mystery was still very mysterious. for this read, a warm drink and yummy snacks are absolutely mandatory! 🥰
i absolutely fell in love with these characters, this charming village, and the entire concept of the story! Lira, former rouge turned baker, returns to her hometown, where she unexpectedly finds her community made of unique (and funny) characters. with its abundance of heartfelt, wholesome moments, balanced by low-tension, several blooming romances and intriguing hidden secrets, this book will forever stand out to me.
i’m so grateful to T. L. for having me on her Cozy Crew and for an advanced copy of this story! mark your calendars for April 4 because this is a cozy fantasy you don’t want to miss 💞
April 4, 2025
Tusks, Tails and Teacakes is the CUTEST COSIEST read I’ve ever had the good fortune to read and I’m so thankful to TL Stone for the ARC. A cosy fantasy is slightly outside of my comfort zone, and if it is yours too, Tusks is the perfect introduction to low stakes (but high tension) wholesome fantasy, with an FMC who feels like a close friend, a sidekick bestie who provides the best comic relief and an MMC who literally bought a whole stove for the woman he likes. I’m obsessed, what a gorgeous treat of a book.
August 21, 2025
Lovely cosy fantasy, not overly heavy on the romance - and not at all spicy - but still very sweet.
If you enjoyed Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes, S.L. Rowland's Cursed Cocktails, or any of the A Fellowship of... books from the Andenashire series by J. Penner then this is [very likely] also for you.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series coming out in a couple of days. In times like these I desperately need more cosy fantasy with cinnamonscone roll orcs.
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Transparency info: Read via Kindle Unlimited.
If you enjoyed Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes, S.L. Rowland's Cursed Cocktails, or any of the A Fellowship of... books from the Andenashire series by J. Penner then this is [very likely] also for you.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series coming out in a couple of days. In times like these I desperately need more cosy fantasy with cinnamon
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Transparency info: Read via Kindle Unlimited.
April 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Tusks, Tails and Teacakes follows Lia, a half-elf rogue, who returns to her home village to retrieve something she’d hidden away in the local bustling tavern—The Tusk & Tail—for safekeeping before leaving the village years before. Lia’s plan of retrieval doesn’t go to plan however: her hidden item isn’t as easily accessible as she’d left it, and with business no longer booming for the now-decrepit tavern, Lia doesn’t have the cover she needs in order to complete her retrieval. In a turn of events, Lia meets Sass, a quick-witted comedic dwarf, and the pair team up to bring the tavern back to its former glory in order to complete Lia’s mission.
This is a cozy, feel-good, low stakes fantasy, a perfect breath of fresh air between heavy reads; and a read best enjoyed cozied up with a blanket, a hot drink and some nice baked goods (no seriously, at several points whilst reading this I was very hungry!). Tusks, Tails and Teacakes has it all: a diverse, interesting and loveable group of characters with the best found family vibes, a charming setting in the village of Wayside, an intriguing plot and amidst it all, a heartwarming love story. I loved everything about this, though of course my favourite parts would have to be Crumpet and the LITERAL bookwyrms! 🥺♥️
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam and T.L. Stone for the digital arc, and special thanks to T.L. for having me be part of the cozy crew! ☕I can’t wait for the next instalment of this duology!
My bookstagram
Tusks, Tails and Teacakes follows Lia, a half-elf rogue, who returns to her home village to retrieve something she’d hidden away in the local bustling tavern—The Tusk & Tail—for safekeeping before leaving the village years before. Lia’s plan of retrieval doesn’t go to plan however: her hidden item isn’t as easily accessible as she’d left it, and with business no longer booming for the now-decrepit tavern, Lia doesn’t have the cover she needs in order to complete her retrieval. In a turn of events, Lia meets Sass, a quick-witted comedic dwarf, and the pair team up to bring the tavern back to its former glory in order to complete Lia’s mission.
This is a cozy, feel-good, low stakes fantasy, a perfect breath of fresh air between heavy reads; and a read best enjoyed cozied up with a blanket, a hot drink and some nice baked goods (no seriously, at several points whilst reading this I was very hungry!). Tusks, Tails and Teacakes has it all: a diverse, interesting and loveable group of characters with the best found family vibes, a charming setting in the village of Wayside, an intriguing plot and amidst it all, a heartwarming love story. I loved everything about this, though of course my favourite parts would have to be Crumpet and the LITERAL bookwyrms! 🥺♥️
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam and T.L. Stone for the digital arc, and special thanks to T.L. for having me be part of the cozy crew! ☕I can’t wait for the next instalment of this duology!
My bookstagram
March 30, 2025
Let's talk about "Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes" by T. L. Stone.
I absolutely love a good cozy fantasy read, and I was wonderfully excited to be able to read T. L. Stone's debut novel about Lira, a rogue half human/half elf who has come home to her old hometown of Wayside in search of a book she had left in hiding. A book - unbeknownst to her - that would open up a whole new set of circumstances that Lire wasn't prepared for. Lira only wanted to come back to grab the book (and the small bit of money) and be on her way, but when a literal stone wall and a thieving dwarf gets in her way, Lira has to change her plans and plan to stay put - but what to do?
To keep her secret, and her new friend's own attempt at thievery, Lira takes on bringing back to life the tavern that houses where her book is hidden. Tapping back into memories of growing up with her grandmother and baking, she sets to keep herself busy while trying to find a way to unearth the book of recipes that used to be her Gran's.
With a wonderful cast of characters, a tavern in need of some love, a re-found love of baking, a new budding romance, and a mystery to be solved, T. L. Stone takes us on a story where it's okay to come home, even if you didn't know that home was what you needed in the first place.
✨ Found family
✨ Cozy small town
✨ Baking/Recipes
✨ Neurodivergent representation
✨ LGBTQ representation
✨ Magical creatures
✨ Magic wielding
Thank you to Nerd Fam and T. L. Stone for the opportunity to read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🫑
Series: Book 1 of ?
I absolutely love a good cozy fantasy read, and I was wonderfully excited to be able to read T. L. Stone's debut novel about Lira, a rogue half human/half elf who has come home to her old hometown of Wayside in search of a book she had left in hiding. A book - unbeknownst to her - that would open up a whole new set of circumstances that Lire wasn't prepared for. Lira only wanted to come back to grab the book (and the small bit of money) and be on her way, but when a literal stone wall and a thieving dwarf gets in her way, Lira has to change her plans and plan to stay put - but what to do?
To keep her secret, and her new friend's own attempt at thievery, Lira takes on bringing back to life the tavern that houses where her book is hidden. Tapping back into memories of growing up with her grandmother and baking, she sets to keep herself busy while trying to find a way to unearth the book of recipes that used to be her Gran's.
With a wonderful cast of characters, a tavern in need of some love, a re-found love of baking, a new budding romance, and a mystery to be solved, T. L. Stone takes us on a story where it's okay to come home, even if you didn't know that home was what you needed in the first place.
✨ Found family
✨ Cozy small town
✨ Baking/Recipes
✨ Neurodivergent representation
✨ LGBTQ representation
✨ Magical creatures
✨ Magic wielding
Thank you to Nerd Fam and T. L. Stone for the opportunity to read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🫑
Series: Book 1 of ?
April 7, 2025
Just like a cup of chai, this book was so cozy and warm.
I really enjoyed Lira. I love a rogue. Video Games, D&D, you name it. I’m a rogue. She was perfect. Her journey throughout the book was a meaningful one. One that I think is so relatable. It was a lot of finding yourself. Tending to old wounds and grief. Discovering new dreams. Creating a home.
I am a sucker for found family, and this one was precious. Lira got a fresh start, and that means building a new community. I could feel how her reconnecting with old friends brought light to the town around her. And how finding new friends brought light and purpose to Lira.
Every character was an absolute delight. Kind, supportive, incredible neighbors. Also um… What’s a girl gotta do to get her own Crumpet??
I definitely have a craving for scones after this one! Don't be surprised if you catch me baking. I've got ideas!
This truly felt like a big fantasy hug. This felt like the perfect balance to how chaotic my life has been lately.
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to NerdFam and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Lira. I love a rogue. Video Games, D&D, you name it. I’m a rogue. She was perfect. Her journey throughout the book was a meaningful one. One that I think is so relatable. It was a lot of finding yourself. Tending to old wounds and grief. Discovering new dreams. Creating a home.
I am a sucker for found family, and this one was precious. Lira got a fresh start, and that means building a new community. I could feel how her reconnecting with old friends brought light to the town around her. And how finding new friends brought light and purpose to Lira.
Every character was an absolute delight. Kind, supportive, incredible neighbors. Also um… What’s a girl gotta do to get her own Crumpet??
I definitely have a craving for scones after this one! Don't be surprised if you catch me baking. I've got ideas!
This truly felt like a big fantasy hug. This felt like the perfect balance to how chaotic my life has been lately.
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to NerdFam and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2025
After a mission gone wrong, half elf Lira hands up her lock picks and returns to her hometown to retrieve treasure she buried.
Instead, she starts restoring a run down tavern and starts settling back into her hometown
Tusks, Tails & Teacakes was my first cozy fantasy read and needless to say, I’m now in my cozy fantasy era!! The low stakes fantasy with cozy vibes and baked goods was just what I needed.
Korl is a quiet orc who’d rather tinker with things than swing his sword. I appreciated his quiet demeanor and the way he spoke more with actions than words
Lira is a retired rogue who thinks quick on her feet and knows how to read people, two things she uses to her advantage when restoring the tusk & tail tavern. I loved seeing her find a new community and found family, while also keeping her old one.
I adore crumpet!!! I’m a sucker for cute magical features in books.
The cozy vibes are perfect. I loved curling up with this book cozy in bed at night. And all the details about baking was making me hungry!
Instead, she starts restoring a run down tavern and starts settling back into her hometown
Tusks, Tails & Teacakes was my first cozy fantasy read and needless to say, I’m now in my cozy fantasy era!! The low stakes fantasy with cozy vibes and baked goods was just what I needed.
Korl is a quiet orc who’d rather tinker with things than swing his sword. I appreciated his quiet demeanor and the way he spoke more with actions than words
Lira is a retired rogue who thinks quick on her feet and knows how to read people, two things she uses to her advantage when restoring the tusk & tail tavern. I loved seeing her find a new community and found family, while also keeping her old one.
I adore crumpet!!! I’m a sucker for cute magical features in books.
The cozy vibes are perfect. I loved curling up with this book cozy in bed at night. And all the details about baking was making me hungry!
April 8, 2025
Tusks, tails & teacakes by @tlstoneauthor
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A scoop of high fantasy, a spoonful of Hallmark rom-com, and a generous sprinkle of cottagecore coziness.
Welcome to The Tusk & Tail Tavern where the fire is always crackling, the meat pies are rich and savory, the air is filled with laughter and bard-song, and friends are like family. At least, it used to be…
Tropes:
Mythical creatures
Cozy fantasy
Coming home
Unearthing family secrets
Recipes and baking
Found family
Slow burn romance
Book Overview:
Half-elf Lira is eager to return to The Tusk & Tail Tavern, where she and her companions set off on their adventures many years ago. But the rundown tavern is no longer the bustling hub where dwarf mercenaries and halfling farmers shared pints over a friendly game of dice. More crucially, what Lira came back for—what she buried in the tavern’s basement—is now bricked over.
What better way to stay close to her hidden treasure—and figure out a way to retrieve it—than to offer to restore the tavern? After all, her grandmother taught her to bake, and she still remembers the recipes—for the most part.
She doesn’t count on having to partner with a dwarf warrior named Sassy or have a surprisingly clever, winged ermine take up residence in her kitchen. And she’s grateful for the shy orc soldier who offers to fix her stove and everything else that keeps breaking in the tavern, but why does he seem afraid to talk to her?
As she and her rag-tag group breathe life back into The Tusk & Tail Tavern, Lira remembers the joy in an evening by the fire, the value of a true friend, and what it’s like to fight as hard for the quiet moments in life as the ones marked by glory and treasure.
But leaving your past in the past isn’t always so easy. Danger has a way of finding Lira no matter how far she runs, but now she has more to protect than herself. And if she wants to leave her days of deception behind her, she’ll have to reveal the truth to those she’s grown to love.
#bookstagram #booktok #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindle #books #audible #kindleunlimited
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A scoop of high fantasy, a spoonful of Hallmark rom-com, and a generous sprinkle of cottagecore coziness.
Welcome to The Tusk & Tail Tavern where the fire is always crackling, the meat pies are rich and savory, the air is filled with laughter and bard-song, and friends are like family. At least, it used to be…
Tropes:
Mythical creatures
Cozy fantasy
Coming home
Unearthing family secrets
Recipes and baking
Found family
Slow burn romance
Book Overview:
Half-elf Lira is eager to return to The Tusk & Tail Tavern, where she and her companions set off on their adventures many years ago. But the rundown tavern is no longer the bustling hub where dwarf mercenaries and halfling farmers shared pints over a friendly game of dice. More crucially, what Lira came back for—what she buried in the tavern’s basement—is now bricked over.
What better way to stay close to her hidden treasure—and figure out a way to retrieve it—than to offer to restore the tavern? After all, her grandmother taught her to bake, and she still remembers the recipes—for the most part.
She doesn’t count on having to partner with a dwarf warrior named Sassy or have a surprisingly clever, winged ermine take up residence in her kitchen. And she’s grateful for the shy orc soldier who offers to fix her stove and everything else that keeps breaking in the tavern, but why does he seem afraid to talk to her?
As she and her rag-tag group breathe life back into The Tusk & Tail Tavern, Lira remembers the joy in an evening by the fire, the value of a true friend, and what it’s like to fight as hard for the quiet moments in life as the ones marked by glory and treasure.
But leaving your past in the past isn’t always so easy. Danger has a way of finding Lira no matter how far she runs, but now she has more to protect than herself. And if she wants to leave her days of deception behind her, she’ll have to reveal the truth to those she’s grown to love.
#bookstagram #booktok #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindle #books #audible #kindleunlimited
April 3, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author, T.L. Stone, and I am so grateful!
I absolutely loved this book. It’s D&D meets cozy fantasy, with plenty of low-stakes drama and intrigue.
This book plods along at a ready pace, without rushing or being too slow. It’s the perfect cozy fantasy balance. If you’re looking for a palette-cleansing, relaxed read, this is definitely the book for you. Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes provides an escape from the real world, incorporating the lore of D&D. You’ll find Tieflings, Orcs, Rogues, Halflings, Mages and more!
Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes is marketed as a low-stakes book, but don’t let that make you think it isn’t exciting, captivating, and fun. Let me tell you that I did NOT see that plot twist coming. I knew there was a twist coming, but in all of my guesses, I did not have the actual twist on my bingo card. Stone does a great job of creating a sense of “what is going to happen?” without all the anxiety of a high-stakes-world-saving-epic-fantasy.
I loved the MMC, who wasn’t the traditional swashbuckling hero, or overly romantically verbose suitor. He was awkward, adorable, caring, and his love language was absolutely acts of service, and just HOW CUTE. He, however, is not a pushover, and he is just so lovely.
Lira was a wonderful main character. She grew, subtly and not overly dramatically, and really found her place and her new family.
I can’t wait to learn more in book two! I want to know more about Sass (and Val!)! Also, I want my own Crumpet. IYKYK.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s D&D meets cozy fantasy, with plenty of low-stakes drama and intrigue.
This book plods along at a ready pace, without rushing or being too slow. It’s the perfect cozy fantasy balance. If you’re looking for a palette-cleansing, relaxed read, this is definitely the book for you. Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes provides an escape from the real world, incorporating the lore of D&D. You’ll find Tieflings, Orcs, Rogues, Halflings, Mages and more!
Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes is marketed as a low-stakes book, but don’t let that make you think it isn’t exciting, captivating, and fun. Let me tell you that I did NOT see that plot twist coming. I knew there was a twist coming, but in all of my guesses, I did not have the actual twist on my bingo card. Stone does a great job of creating a sense of “what is going to happen?” without all the anxiety of a high-stakes-world-saving-epic-fantasy.
I loved the MMC, who wasn’t the traditional swashbuckling hero, or overly romantically verbose suitor. He was awkward, adorable, caring, and his love language was absolutely acts of service, and just HOW CUTE. He, however, is not a pushover, and he is just so lovely.
Lira was a wonderful main character. She grew, subtly and not overly dramatically, and really found her place and her new family.
I can’t wait to learn more in book two! I want to know more about Sass (and Val!)! Also, I want my own Crumpet. IYKYK.
August 25, 2025
Hey book dragons!
Tusks, Tails & Teacakes is a cozy romance/fantasy book that takes place in the small town of Wayside. We follow and ex-rouge by the name of Lira as she strives to get the one item that is the most important to her, her grans recipe book. But along the way, Lira finds more than she expected when returning home.
Over all this book was pretty good, it was actually my first cozy fantasy, typically I am reading more romantasy or straight fantasy. But this was a good sub-genre for me to try out. I found the story engaging, and it kept me interested in what was going to happen. I will say I do wish the love story was a bit more fleshed out, but again, I am used to 3+ book series where we can see that development happen over a longer space of time.
With that said, I am giving this book 3/5 stars. It was good, I enjoyed Lira's story and plan on checking out book 2.
Thanks!
E.
Tusks, Tails & Teacakes is a cozy romance/fantasy book that takes place in the small town of Wayside. We follow and ex-rouge by the name of Lira as she strives to get the one item that is the most important to her, her grans recipe book. But along the way, Lira finds more than she expected when returning home.
Over all this book was pretty good, it was actually my first cozy fantasy, typically I am reading more romantasy or straight fantasy. But this was a good sub-genre for me to try out. I found the story engaging, and it kept me interested in what was going to happen. I will say I do wish the love story was a bit more fleshed out, but again, I am used to 3+ book series where we can see that development happen over a longer space of time.
With that said, I am giving this book 3/5 stars. It was good, I enjoyed Lira's story and plan on checking out book 2.
Thanks!
E.
April 9, 2025
I’m VERY quickly falling in love with cozy fantasy books! This story read like a happy, fluffy dnd campaign. Lira is so easy to relate to. I loved the side characters so much! Even the tertiary ones like Pip and Tin. I’m super excited for book two so I can learn more about Sass!
I liked how the story is written from one POV and we learned everything with her. I will say, I did NOT see the twist coming. I had a few theories about who dunnit but I was so wrong! Thank you, T. L. Stone for the opportunity to read this before release!
I liked how the story is written from one POV and we learned everything with her. I will say, I did NOT see the twist coming. I had a few theories about who dunnit but I was so wrong! Thank you, T. L. Stone for the opportunity to read this before release!
March 31, 2025
okay now THIS is cozy fantasy y’all… My SIL and I read a very similar vibed (mainstream) book last year and I respectfully gave it 3 stars. But THIS was an easy 5 stars. I immediately ordered it for my SIL & will be doing my best to respectfully get her yo read it ASAP.
Thank you @thenerdfam and @tlstoneauthor for allowing me to receive this as ARC
*chef’s kiss*
Thank you @thenerdfam and @tlstoneauthor for allowing me to receive this as ARC
*chef’s kiss*
April 8, 2025
If you’re looking for a sweet read with an easy world to get lost in, this book is perfect! The author admits having taken inspiration from Travis Baldree, and this book is perfect for fans of his.
I do wish the romance would have been shown a bit more as it seemed a little rushed in at the last few chapters.
———-
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC!
I do wish the romance would have been shown a bit more as it seemed a little rushed in at the last few chapters.
———-
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
3.5 Stars.
I loved the story, it was super sweet and there were so many good parts and good writing. I always love a story that contains lots of baking!
I adored the enchanted animals that had more depth than some of the characters. Coming home and finding out that not everything is as you remember it and also that the past contains more secrets than you suspected as a child.
There is found family in the rediscovering of old friends, former crew mates and new found ones.
What always bugs me are inconsistencies and there were quite a few in the end.
I did not love the ending, because in my opinion it seemed rushed and there were so many jewels that were left by the roadside and I wished the author had picked up instead.
There were several parts where I had wished for more depth in the characters and in the story and I did not feel a spark in the love story, it felt a bit wooden to me.
All in all it was a fun, cozy read and I am looking forward what else the author creates.
I definitely recommend it to people who liked Legends and Lattes and Can't Spell Treason Without Tea.
I loved the story, it was super sweet and there were so many good parts and good writing. I always love a story that contains lots of baking!
I adored the enchanted animals that had more depth than some of the characters. Coming home and finding out that not everything is as you remember it and also that the past contains more secrets than you suspected as a child.
There is found family in the rediscovering of old friends, former crew mates and new found ones.
What always bugs me are inconsistencies and there were quite a few in the end.
I did not love the ending, because in my opinion it seemed rushed and there were so many jewels that were left by the roadside and I wished the author had picked up instead.
There were several parts where I had wished for more depth in the characters and in the story and I did not feel a spark in the love story, it felt a bit wooden to me.
All in all it was a fun, cozy read and I am looking forward what else the author creates.
I definitely recommend it to people who liked Legends and Lattes and Can't Spell Treason Without Tea.
October 9, 2025
Story: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Characters: 3/5 ⭐️
Setting: 4/5 ⭐️
Audio Performance: N/A🎙️
Spice level: 0/5 🌶️
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Characters: 3/5 ⭐️
Setting: 4/5 ⭐️
Audio Performance: N/A🎙️
Spice level: 0/5 🌶️
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
November 16, 2025
A cute low-stakes slice-of-life fantasy story, for anyone who loved Legends & Lattes. It's cute, has baked goods and newly found family.
December 14, 2025
last one till I’m home for the holidays !
October 18, 2025
If you loved Legends and Lattes, check this one out…. cause it’s pretty much a direct copy 😂 Not quite as good, but cute and cozy. An easy, warm read. And sometimes we need those.
November 24, 2025
A couple things dragged this book down:
1.) It's a minor nitpick, but I'm fairly sure T.L. Stone doesn't know what a bookworm is (other than a voracious reader). They're a librarian's worst nightmare, not their best friend!
2.) The characters say "you can't outlaw people" several times throughout the book. Oh, how I wish that were true!
3.) Why did the love interest get no character development? I think it would have been far more interesting for our lead to fall for her dwarf friend. They had chemistry! Then he proposes to her at the end of the book? The foundation for their marriage is him fixing a stove for her, buying her a new stove, then failing to rescue her from the villain? Oh, and him not understanding why she would want to sit on the roof. Sounds like that's going to go well...
4.) The twist villain was obvious, and how they beat him just wasn't very surprising or interesting. The whole climax just didn't do it for me.
Overall, the book was entertaining, but I can't say it's worth a read unless you're waiting for another book and you want to read something cozy (which is what I was doing).
1.) It's a minor nitpick, but I'm fairly sure T.L. Stone doesn't know what a bookworm is (other than a voracious reader). They're a librarian's worst nightmare, not their best friend!
2.) The characters say "you can't outlaw people" several times throughout the book. Oh, how I wish that were true!
3.) Why did the love interest get no character development? I think it would have been far more interesting for our lead to fall for her dwarf friend. They had chemistry! Then he proposes to her at the end of the book? The foundation for their marriage is him fixing a stove for her, buying her a new stove, then failing to rescue her from the villain? Oh, and him not understanding why she would want to sit on the roof. Sounds like that's going to go well...
4.) The twist villain was obvious, and how they beat him just wasn't very surprising or interesting. The whole climax just didn't do it for me.
Overall, the book was entertaining, but I can't say it's worth a read unless you're waiting for another book and you want to read something cozy (which is what I was doing).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
Returning to a tavern she once hid an important link to her past inside of, Lira sneaks in at night to retrieve the items she hid. Unfortunately, a wall has been erected over her hiding place. When she’s almost caught breaking into the tavern, Lira turns the bust into an opportunity. Instead, she starts working at the tavern while secretly devising a new plan to retrieve her items. But there’s a new tax collector, a wyvern, who can sense there’s a secret hidden in the tavern.
Differing from similar cozy fantasies where the main characters are setting up shop, Lira doesn’t set out to create her own coffee shop or tea shop. It starts out being a means to an end. The work building and character depth are both well-done. I wish I had my own bookwyrm! There’s more tension in this novel versus a few other books in a similar category as Lira secret’s could endanger herself and others in town, unresolved issues about the last quest with her crew continue to simmer, and the greedy wyvern not giving up his quest to find what’s hidden in the tavern.
Lira observes the changes of a town she left years ago compared to the present when she returns years later. Often, the past looks much sunnier, but through her journey and meeting up with old friends, she finds new light in her present circumstances. It’s a sweet story about found family, being an agent of positive change (even if somewhat reluctantly), and embracing the difficult moments of the past instead of trying to push them away all in an entertaining fantasy setting.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this novel. This has not influence or biased my review in any way
Differing from similar cozy fantasies where the main characters are setting up shop, Lira doesn’t set out to create her own coffee shop or tea shop. It starts out being a means to an end. The work building and character depth are both well-done. I wish I had my own bookwyrm! There’s more tension in this novel versus a few other books in a similar category as Lira secret’s could endanger herself and others in town, unresolved issues about the last quest with her crew continue to simmer, and the greedy wyvern not giving up his quest to find what’s hidden in the tavern.
Lira observes the changes of a town she left years ago compared to the present when she returns years later. Often, the past looks much sunnier, but through her journey and meeting up with old friends, she finds new light in her present circumstances. It’s a sweet story about found family, being an agent of positive change (even if somewhat reluctantly), and embracing the difficult moments of the past instead of trying to push them away all in an entertaining fantasy setting.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this novel. This has not influence or biased my review in any way
May 17, 2025
What a fantastic, low-stakes, cozy read. This d&d universe book made me want to get a good pastry and wrap myself up in a blanket (which I did). The story is heartwarming with a found family trope and has just enough mystery to keep you saying ‘just one more chapter’.
Do yourself a favour, the next rainy day you have curl up with a scone and read this book.
Do yourself a favour, the next rainy day you have curl up with a scone and read this book.
September 5, 2025
✨ Cozy Fantasy
🎧 Short Audiobook
🏡 Cottagecore
🌶️ No Spice
⬇️ Low Stakes
This book is THE PERFECT palate cleanser for any heavier reads you’re in-between! It has the slightest bit of adventure at the first and end of the book… otherwise, it’s almost like playing The Sims. Low-stakes, cleaning up a tavern in a small community (one side quest). Simple and easygoing! 5/5 ⭐️
🎧 Short Audiobook
🏡 Cottagecore
🌶️ No Spice
⬇️ Low Stakes
This book is THE PERFECT palate cleanser for any heavier reads you’re in-between! It has the slightest bit of adventure at the first and end of the book… otherwise, it’s almost like playing The Sims. Low-stakes, cleaning up a tavern in a small community (one side quest). Simple and easygoing! 5/5 ⭐️
May 27, 2025
This was an okay story. That's all I can really say. Nothing stuck out to me.
(It was TOO similar to Legends & Lattes for my tastes. I expected TTT to invoke the same feelings as LL; not nearly copy the idea with new characters and a different location.)
(It was TOO similar to Legends & Lattes for my tastes. I expected TTT to invoke the same feelings as LL; not nearly copy the idea with new characters and a different location.)
September 7, 2025
A cozy fantasy slice of life novel with a hint of mystery and romance.
Lira is a half-elf who is ready to put the life of adventuring behind her. After the death of one of her crew members, she decides to return home and retrieve her gran's cookbook that she stashed in the local tavern, The Tusk & Tail, years ago. Only problem is, her hiding place has been bricked in and she has no way of retrieving it quietly. When the tavern owner catches her in the act of exiting the tavern, Lira finds herself volunteering to help renovate the tavern alongside a spunky dwarf by the name of Sass. Desperate to retrieve her loot, Lira starts baking her gran's sweets and comes to realize that she loves the lifestyle. Lira never would have guessed that returning to her hometown could lead to her finding the happiness she has long desired.
This one was such a fun cozy fantasy read! It has a ton of similarities to the famous "Legends & Lattes," but I personally found this one to be so much better. I love the platonic connection between Lira and Sass as well as the fantastical vibes that played with unique concepts such as winged stoats. It's nothing crazy, but I personally found this story to exhibit so much more creativity than "Legends & Lattes."
The main conflict in this book stems from the fact that Lira needs to break down a wall to achieve her gran's recipe book without being detected. There is a bit of a mystery aspect, too, due to the fact that someone turns up dead and no one knows what happened to them. This is by no means a murder mystery novel, but this incident adds a bit of intrigue. Lira also constantly feels like she is being watched which can be chalked up to her roguish nature, but it does add an air of suspense to this book.
I appreciate how subtle the romance is in this one. It takes Lira quite a bit to trust others, so it is sweet to see her slowly learn to let her guard down. The love interest, Coral (I believe), is also awesome. He is sweet, endearing, and so darn awkward. Oh, and did I mention that he's an orc? These two are really adorable together, and I appreciate the slowburn nature of their relationship. They also knew each other as kids, which is something that I can certainly get behind.
As with most cozy fantasy books, the cozy town and the colorful cast of characters was my favorite part of this book. The Tusk & Tail has such a cozy vibe after Lira and Sass fix it up. Watching all the townspeople come together in the tavern was such a joy and it made me smile to get to know everyone's friendly faces. Sass was personally my favorite. She is a dwarf who doesn't back down and isn't afraid to work for what she wants. The narrator also had such a fun voice for her, which didn't hurt either. Crumpet the flutter stoat was also another highlight. I'm not usually the biggest fan of silent animal companions but a stoat that loves baking had me hooked!
Overall, "Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes" was a fun cozy adventure that made for a relaxing reading experience. It has a touch of romance and a hint of mystery, which kept me intrigued the whole way through. I'm really excited to read the second book in this series. It follows Sass, who is one of my favorite characters from this novel, so I'm intrigued to learn more about her in the second book.
Audiobook Note: The audio narration in this book is peak! Jodie Bentley did such a stellar job of bringing these characters to life. Her accents were so fun, especially her voices for Sass and Iris. Her masculine voices were also done masterfully, which is something that I've struggled with in the last couple of audiobooks I've listened to. The voice she did for the grouchy wyvern was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. I am so glad that I listened to this one on audiobook because it enhanced the story so much! I am seriously considering waiting for book two to release in audio format because this one was just that good.
Lira is a half-elf who is ready to put the life of adventuring behind her. After the death of one of her crew members, she decides to return home and retrieve her gran's cookbook that she stashed in the local tavern, The Tusk & Tail, years ago. Only problem is, her hiding place has been bricked in and she has no way of retrieving it quietly. When the tavern owner catches her in the act of exiting the tavern, Lira finds herself volunteering to help renovate the tavern alongside a spunky dwarf by the name of Sass. Desperate to retrieve her loot, Lira starts baking her gran's sweets and comes to realize that she loves the lifestyle. Lira never would have guessed that returning to her hometown could lead to her finding the happiness she has long desired.
This one was such a fun cozy fantasy read! It has a ton of similarities to the famous "Legends & Lattes," but I personally found this one to be so much better. I love the platonic connection between Lira and Sass as well as the fantastical vibes that played with unique concepts such as winged stoats. It's nothing crazy, but I personally found this story to exhibit so much more creativity than "Legends & Lattes."
The main conflict in this book stems from the fact that Lira needs to break down a wall to achieve her gran's recipe book without being detected. There is a bit of a mystery aspect, too, due to the fact that someone turns up dead and no one knows what happened to them. This is by no means a murder mystery novel, but this incident adds a bit of intrigue. Lira also constantly feels like she is being watched which can be chalked up to her roguish nature, but it does add an air of suspense to this book.
I appreciate how subtle the romance is in this one. It takes Lira quite a bit to trust others, so it is sweet to see her slowly learn to let her guard down. The love interest, Coral (I believe), is also awesome. He is sweet, endearing, and so darn awkward. Oh, and did I mention that he's an orc? These two are really adorable together, and I appreciate the slowburn nature of their relationship. They also knew each other as kids, which is something that I can certainly get behind.
As with most cozy fantasy books, the cozy town and the colorful cast of characters was my favorite part of this book. The Tusk & Tail has such a cozy vibe after Lira and Sass fix it up. Watching all the townspeople come together in the tavern was such a joy and it made me smile to get to know everyone's friendly faces. Sass was personally my favorite. She is a dwarf who doesn't back down and isn't afraid to work for what she wants. The narrator also had such a fun voice for her, which didn't hurt either. Crumpet the flutter stoat was also another highlight. I'm not usually the biggest fan of silent animal companions but a stoat that loves baking had me hooked!
Overall, "Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes" was a fun cozy adventure that made for a relaxing reading experience. It has a touch of romance and a hint of mystery, which kept me intrigued the whole way through. I'm really excited to read the second book in this series. It follows Sass, who is one of my favorite characters from this novel, so I'm intrigued to learn more about her in the second book.
Audiobook Note: The audio narration in this book is peak! Jodie Bentley did such a stellar job of bringing these characters to life. Her accents were so fun, especially her voices for Sass and Iris. Her masculine voices were also done masterfully, which is something that I've struggled with in the last couple of audiobooks I've listened to. The voice she did for the grouchy wyvern was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. I am so glad that I listened to this one on audiobook because it enhanced the story so much! I am seriously considering waiting for book two to release in audio format because this one was just that good.
April 15, 2025
𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 |✨
🍻𝘛𝘶𝘴𝘬𝘴, 𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴, ＆ 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘛. 𝘓. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦
╰┈❥𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
❥𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙴𝚂 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚃𝙰𝚅𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
❥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚂𝙻𝙸𝙲𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙻𝙸𝙵𝙴 𝙲𝙾𝚉𝚈 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈
❥𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙲𝙷 𝟸𝟸𝙽𝙳 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻
❥𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟹𝟶𝟾 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
➜𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭🧐
Thank you so much to TL Stone & The Nerd Fam for my #gifted eARC of 𝘛𝘶𝘴𝘬𝘴, 𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴, ＆ 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
This book was a PERFECT cozy fantasy read! I really enjoyed it! This book centers around Lira, a rogue who has returned home to retrieve her Gran’s recipe book after a mission goes wrong. There’s romance and a strong female friendship, lots of sweets and baking and cozy vibes, magic and mythical creatures, and so much more!
When Lira returns to the Tusk and Tail tavern, she meets Sass, a dwarf, and the two become friends after they both catch the other getting into things they shouldn’t really be getting into! They offer to fix up the tavern and return it to its former glory, and the friendship they strike up is just amazing. I loved seeing their relationship bloom, and loved seeing them start to trust each other. Their friendship was perfect and exactly what they needed. I also really loved the slow burn romance between Lira and Korl🥰 Korl is a sweet cinnamon roll Ogre who is a guard but longs to be a tinkerer. I loved all the little ways he showed Lira he cared!
I loved that even though this was a cozy fantasy, there was still an underlying issue that the characters were going through. It was low stakes, but a perfect amount of mystery to keep me invested in the story! I loved everything surrounding the mystery behind Lira’s grandmother and finding out more about her. Seeing Lira come to terms with all she learned about her Gran was inspiring🥰
The side characters were amazing - Val, Pip, Tin, Iris, Cali, Vaskel! They were all so amazing and I just loved them!
This was such a wonderful read and I definitely recommend it for anyone who loves a cozy fantasy! This one definitely was more on a focus on female friendship, growth, and acceptance, with a sprinkle of romance but all of it wrapped together into a truly beautiful story! I can’t wait for Book 2!
➜𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚:
🍻Found Family
🧁Sweets, Chai, & Cozy Vibes
🩷Slow Burn No Spice Romance
👯♀️Female Friendship
🍻Tavern Makeover
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
🍻𝘛𝘶𝘴𝘬𝘴, 𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴, ＆ 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘛. 𝘓. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦
╰┈❥𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
❥𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙴𝚂 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚃𝙰𝚅𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
❥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚂𝙻𝙸𝙲𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙻𝙸𝙵𝙴 𝙲𝙾𝚉𝚈 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈
❥𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙲𝙷 𝟸𝟸𝙽𝙳 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻
❥𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟹𝟶𝟾 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
➜𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭🧐
Thank you so much to TL Stone & The Nerd Fam for my #gifted eARC of 𝘛𝘶𝘴𝘬𝘴, 𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴, ＆ 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
This book was a PERFECT cozy fantasy read! I really enjoyed it! This book centers around Lira, a rogue who has returned home to retrieve her Gran’s recipe book after a mission goes wrong. There’s romance and a strong female friendship, lots of sweets and baking and cozy vibes, magic and mythical creatures, and so much more!
When Lira returns to the Tusk and Tail tavern, she meets Sass, a dwarf, and the two become friends after they both catch the other getting into things they shouldn’t really be getting into! They offer to fix up the tavern and return it to its former glory, and the friendship they strike up is just amazing. I loved seeing their relationship bloom, and loved seeing them start to trust each other. Their friendship was perfect and exactly what they needed. I also really loved the slow burn romance between Lira and Korl🥰 Korl is a sweet cinnamon roll Ogre who is a guard but longs to be a tinkerer. I loved all the little ways he showed Lira he cared!
I loved that even though this was a cozy fantasy, there was still an underlying issue that the characters were going through. It was low stakes, but a perfect amount of mystery to keep me invested in the story! I loved everything surrounding the mystery behind Lira’s grandmother and finding out more about her. Seeing Lira come to terms with all she learned about her Gran was inspiring🥰
The side characters were amazing - Val, Pip, Tin, Iris, Cali, Vaskel! They were all so amazing and I just loved them!
This was such a wonderful read and I definitely recommend it for anyone who loves a cozy fantasy! This one definitely was more on a focus on female friendship, growth, and acceptance, with a sprinkle of romance but all of it wrapped together into a truly beautiful story! I can’t wait for Book 2!
➜𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚:
🍻Found Family
🧁Sweets, Chai, & Cozy Vibes
🩷Slow Burn No Spice Romance
👯♀️Female Friendship
🍻Tavern Makeover
─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───
April 4, 2025
🎉 Happy Release Day to Tusks, Tails & Teacakes by T.L. Stone! 🎉
This cozy fantasy gem is officially out in the world today—April 4!
A huge thank you to T.L. Stone and The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read an early copy of this heartfelt debut. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, and wow… I’m so glad I did.
We follow Lira, a half-elf rogue who’s spent years traveling with her crew—until a tragic loss sends her back to her sleepy hometown of Wayside to retrieve a beloved family heirloom. What starts as a quiet return turns into a full-on adventure involving a rundown tavern, a thieving dwarf named Sass, a charming orc named Korl (who definitely stole my heart), and a found family she never expected.
Set in a world full of magical creatures, quiet taverns, secret recipes, and the warmth of fresh-baked goods, this book is everything I want in a cozy fantasy. It’s giving Dungeons & Dragons meets Gilmore Girls and The Spellshop vibes with a bit more cinnamon sugar.
✨ What you'll find inside:
A cozy small-town tavern in need of love
A coming-home story packed with heart
Slow-burn romance (no spice, all sweetness)
Found family
LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent rep
Baking and actual recipes (yes, I made the cinnamon scones and yes, they were amazing)
A winged weasel named Crumpet who deserves fan art immediately (as a ferret parent this is a NEED)
The relationships were a standout for me—Lira’s bond with her grandmother made me ache with nostalgia, and the way friendships and love slowly unfolded felt so real and tender. T.L. Stone clearly poured so much love into every detail: the map, the cozy ambiance, the food, and the meaningful connections between characters.
This is a book that heals. It’s soft and comforting but still full of enough mystery, magic, and emotional depth to keep you hooked.
📚 If you like:
Cozy fantasy with heart
Character-driven storytelling
Baked goods and tea
Mythical creatures with personality
Low stakes with emotional depth
… you need this book on your shelf.
Grab your tea, find a cozy nook, and let Wayside welcome you home.
This cozy fantasy gem is officially out in the world today—April 4!
A huge thank you to T.L. Stone and The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read an early copy of this heartfelt debut. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, and wow… I’m so glad I did.
We follow Lira, a half-elf rogue who’s spent years traveling with her crew—until a tragic loss sends her back to her sleepy hometown of Wayside to retrieve a beloved family heirloom. What starts as a quiet return turns into a full-on adventure involving a rundown tavern, a thieving dwarf named Sass, a charming orc named Korl (who definitely stole my heart), and a found family she never expected.
Set in a world full of magical creatures, quiet taverns, secret recipes, and the warmth of fresh-baked goods, this book is everything I want in a cozy fantasy. It’s giving Dungeons & Dragons meets Gilmore Girls and The Spellshop vibes with a bit more cinnamon sugar.
✨ What you'll find inside:
A cozy small-town tavern in need of love
A coming-home story packed with heart
Slow-burn romance (no spice, all sweetness)
Found family
LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent rep
Baking and actual recipes (yes, I made the cinnamon scones and yes, they were amazing)
A winged weasel named Crumpet who deserves fan art immediately (as a ferret parent this is a NEED)
The relationships were a standout for me—Lira’s bond with her grandmother made me ache with nostalgia, and the way friendships and love slowly unfolded felt so real and tender. T.L. Stone clearly poured so much love into every detail: the map, the cozy ambiance, the food, and the meaningful connections between characters.
This is a book that heals. It’s soft and comforting but still full of enough mystery, magic, and emotional depth to keep you hooked.
📚 If you like:
Cozy fantasy with heart
Character-driven storytelling
Baked goods and tea
Mythical creatures with personality
Low stakes with emotional depth
… you need this book on your shelf.
Grab your tea, find a cozy nook, and let Wayside welcome you home.
April 2, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book for review purposes, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Rouge Lira has been travelling with her gang acoss The Known Lands for years, however after a tragic loss befalls their group, Lira decides its time to go back home to Wayside to retreive her most prized possesion and move on from her life in the shadows. Upon returning home however- she finds that it wont be quite as simple as she thought.
Teaming up with new friends and old Lira will have to face her past and her present in ways she never expected. Winning over friends and allies one pastry at a time, while learning new things about her history and herself.
In this cozy-ish fantasy-with a great mix of action, friendship, budding romance, baking, and self-discovery-author T. L. Stone has managed to bring a Gilmore Girls meets Lord of the Rings universe to life.
I absolutely loved the baking aspect of this book and I am a sucker for books that include recipes (like this one). I made the cinnamon scones and they were perfect! Rustic and really set the tone for the book. You can really feel the love that the author put into every aspect of this project, from the map, to the recipes, and the well fleshed-out relationships between characters, you can tell how much care went into this.
I’m already excited for the second book in the series and this one isnt even released yet!
This book also contains LGBTQ+ characts and queer represention, as well as a very charming neurodivergent orc, found family and loss, all of which wa done very tastfully.
There are slow-burn romance elements but no spice making this a great pick for any teens looking for cozy fantasy!
Overall I really did enjoy this story, I loved that there was a bit more intrigue and action than most cozy fantasy books, while still nailing the calm, cozy, Shire-esque vibes. Magical creatures, taverns, and tea... what more could you asks for??
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rouge Lira has been travelling with her gang acoss The Known Lands for years, however after a tragic loss befalls their group, Lira decides its time to go back home to Wayside to retreive her most prized possesion and move on from her life in the shadows. Upon returning home however- she finds that it wont be quite as simple as she thought.
Teaming up with new friends and old Lira will have to face her past and her present in ways she never expected. Winning over friends and allies one pastry at a time, while learning new things about her history and herself.
In this cozy-ish fantasy-with a great mix of action, friendship, budding romance, baking, and self-discovery-author T. L. Stone has managed to bring a Gilmore Girls meets Lord of the Rings universe to life.
I absolutely loved the baking aspect of this book and I am a sucker for books that include recipes (like this one). I made the cinnamon scones and they were perfect! Rustic and really set the tone for the book. You can really feel the love that the author put into every aspect of this project, from the map, to the recipes, and the well fleshed-out relationships between characters, you can tell how much care went into this.
I’m already excited for the second book in the series and this one isnt even released yet!
This book also contains LGBTQ+ characts and queer represention, as well as a very charming neurodivergent orc, found family and loss, all of which wa done very tastfully.
There are slow-burn romance elements but no spice making this a great pick for any teens looking for cozy fantasy!
Overall I really did enjoy this story, I loved that there was a bit more intrigue and action than most cozy fantasy books, while still nailing the calm, cozy, Shire-esque vibes. Magical creatures, taverns, and tea... what more could you asks for??
4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 4, 2025
🌿✨ ARC Review: Tusks, Tails & Teacakes by T.L. Stone ✨🌿
I love getting lost in dense fantasy and swoony romance, but between those epic reads, I crave a palate cleanser—something soft, warm, and cozy. Contemporary romance or cozy fantasy usually hits the spot, and Tusks, Tails & Teacakes absolutely nailed it. This is the perfect book to enjoy with a cup of coffee and a baked good. I mean it—perfect. 🍰☕️
We follow Lira — a former rogue and half-elf — who returns to her quaint hometown of Wayside in search of a hidden book from her past. What she doesn’t expect? A tavern in need of love, a thieving dwarf, found family, secret recipes, and a whole lot of heart.
One of the most touching parts of this story for me was Lira’s connection to her grandmother. As someone who was incredibly close to my own grandma, those moments hit deep. The baking, the memories, the quiet strength of that bond—it was beautiful and bittersweet. I miss my grandma so much, and reading this made me feel both comforted and achingly nostalgic in the best way. 💛
T.L. Stone has built a world where magical creatures roam, baking heals old wounds, and everyone belongs — exactly as they are. There’s LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent rep, slow-burn romance, and a magical mystery that kept me turning the pages (between bites of cinnamon scones, of course).
✨ Cozy small town
✨ Found family
✨ Magical creatures
✨ Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+ rep
✨ Baking + recipes (!!)
✨ Tender, heartfelt vibes
I laughed, I smiled, I may have shed a tear or two, and I absolutely fell in love with Wayside and its people. Can I please get a Crumpet? The tiny masked cutie!!!!
Huge thanks to T.L. Stone for having me on the Cozy Crew and letting me dive into this delightful debut early. Tusks, Tails & Teacakes hits shelves April 4 — don’t miss this cozy fantasy gem that’s sure to warm your heart and spark your appetite 💞
I love getting lost in dense fantasy and swoony romance, but between those epic reads, I crave a palate cleanser—something soft, warm, and cozy. Contemporary romance or cozy fantasy usually hits the spot, and Tusks, Tails & Teacakes absolutely nailed it. This is the perfect book to enjoy with a cup of coffee and a baked good. I mean it—perfect. 🍰☕️
We follow Lira — a former rogue and half-elf — who returns to her quaint hometown of Wayside in search of a hidden book from her past. What she doesn’t expect? A tavern in need of love, a thieving dwarf, found family, secret recipes, and a whole lot of heart.
One of the most touching parts of this story for me was Lira’s connection to her grandmother. As someone who was incredibly close to my own grandma, those moments hit deep. The baking, the memories, the quiet strength of that bond—it was beautiful and bittersweet. I miss my grandma so much, and reading this made me feel both comforted and achingly nostalgic in the best way. 💛
T.L. Stone has built a world where magical creatures roam, baking heals old wounds, and everyone belongs — exactly as they are. There’s LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent rep, slow-burn romance, and a magical mystery that kept me turning the pages (between bites of cinnamon scones, of course).
✨ Cozy small town
✨ Found family
✨ Magical creatures
✨ Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+ rep
✨ Baking + recipes (!!)
✨ Tender, heartfelt vibes
I laughed, I smiled, I may have shed a tear or two, and I absolutely fell in love with Wayside and its people. Can I please get a Crumpet? The tiny masked cutie!!!!
Huge thanks to T.L. Stone for having me on the Cozy Crew and letting me dive into this delightful debut early. Tusks, Tails & Teacakes hits shelves April 4 — don’t miss this cozy fantasy gem that’s sure to warm your heart and spark your appetite 💞
April 7, 2025
“My mum used to say that home isn’t where your axe hangs, but where your heart feels light enough to set it down.”
I was so excited to receive an eARC of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes! I love nothing more than a cozy fantasy, the lower the stakes, the higher my enjoyment. Sometimes, I don’t need the world to be saved, just a small problem (okay, maybe a little dangerous) that can be fixed with a steaming cup of chai and a delicious scone.
After a setback during a mission, Lira decides to leave her life of rogue adventures behind. . Returning to Wayside, her hometown, to the Tusk & Tail seems like a good start, after all, she did bury something in the cellar for safekeeping that she needs to retrieve. But, the Tusk & Tail is not what it was. It’s cold, run down, and no longer serving hearty meals to the town patrons. After finding out it will be a bit more difficult to retrieve her package, she decides to cover up her agenda by having a go at restoring the old tavern. Alongside a sassy (IYKYK) dwarf, a put-out tavern keeper, an orc, a fluttering creature and some amazing townsfolk, Lira sets out to do more than just unearth her treasure - and maybe, just maybe, have the best adventure yet - stay & put down some roots.
This was the coziest of reads, with adorable characters, with a sprinkle of slow-burn, milky chai and of course, delicious baked goods. Don’t forget a sprinkle of danger - because someone’s trying to get to Lira’s buried treasure too!
Thank you to NerdFam & Author T.L. Stone for gifting me with this eARC to review - a fabulous cozy read that I will definitely be recommending to every fan of a low-stakes, cozy, comfort read.
Favourite Quotes:
“My mum used to say that home isn’t where your axe hangs, but where your heart feels light enough to set it down.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing an adventurer can do is plant roots instead of pulling up stakes”
I was so excited to receive an eARC of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes! I love nothing more than a cozy fantasy, the lower the stakes, the higher my enjoyment. Sometimes, I don’t need the world to be saved, just a small problem (okay, maybe a little dangerous) that can be fixed with a steaming cup of chai and a delicious scone.
After a setback during a mission, Lira decides to leave her life of rogue adventures behind. . Returning to Wayside, her hometown, to the Tusk & Tail seems like a good start, after all, she did bury something in the cellar for safekeeping that she needs to retrieve. But, the Tusk & Tail is not what it was. It’s cold, run down, and no longer serving hearty meals to the town patrons. After finding out it will be a bit more difficult to retrieve her package, she decides to cover up her agenda by having a go at restoring the old tavern. Alongside a sassy (IYKYK) dwarf, a put-out tavern keeper, an orc, a fluttering creature and some amazing townsfolk, Lira sets out to do more than just unearth her treasure - and maybe, just maybe, have the best adventure yet - stay & put down some roots.
This was the coziest of reads, with adorable characters, with a sprinkle of slow-burn, milky chai and of course, delicious baked goods. Don’t forget a sprinkle of danger - because someone’s trying to get to Lira’s buried treasure too!
Thank you to NerdFam & Author T.L. Stone for gifting me with this eARC to review - a fabulous cozy read that I will definitely be recommending to every fan of a low-stakes, cozy, comfort read.
Favourite Quotes:
“My mum used to say that home isn’t where your axe hangs, but where your heart feels light enough to set it down.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing an adventurer can do is plant roots instead of pulling up stakes”
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