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Love at First Orc #3
Tinsel & Tusks
I’m snowed in during the holiday season with a gorgeous but grumpy orc businessman. Can I make his heart jingle all the way?
When the blizzard of the century hits my small New England town, I'm stuck spending Christmas in my tiny home with only Milo, my mischievous pup. My kitchen’s full of cookie dough in need of baking, and my holiday cheer is melting faster than the mini marshmallows in my mug of hot cocoa. Until Milo leads me on an icy slide down the driveway and straight into the arms of Vestalon—a gorgeous orc businessman who crashed his truck into a tree.
I offer him shelter from the storm, and soon, we're snowbound together. As the fire crackles, Milo plays matchmaker, ensuring heated moments with Vestalon beneath the mistletoe and an unexpected surprise in the shower.
But when the snowflakes settle and the storm subsides, will Vestalon return to his bustling city job, or will he choose to stay in this winter wonderland with me and Milo?
Tinsel & Tusks is set in the Love At First Orc Series and told in dual point of view. Expect to be snowed in with a billionaire orc businessman who’s creative with his . . . (cough), size difference, only one bed/forced proximity, a matchmaking pup, a shy, curvy woman in need of love, fated mates in heat, and plenty of holiday fun. HEA guaranteed.
Love at First Orc
Orc Charming
(A prequel story)
Orc-us Pocus
Orc-ishly Ever After
Tinsel & Tusks
Gaming the Orc
Orc-wardly Yours
Single Orc Dad
(Also part of the Sweet Monster Treats shared world)
When the blizzard of the century hits my small New England town, I'm stuck spending Christmas in my tiny home with only Milo, my mischievous pup. My kitchen’s full of cookie dough in need of baking, and my holiday cheer is melting faster than the mini marshmallows in my mug of hot cocoa. Until Milo leads me on an icy slide down the driveway and straight into the arms of Vestalon—a gorgeous orc businessman who crashed his truck into a tree.
I offer him shelter from the storm, and soon, we're snowbound together. As the fire crackles, Milo plays matchmaker, ensuring heated moments with Vestalon beneath the mistletoe and an unexpected surprise in the shower.
But when the snowflakes settle and the storm subsides, will Vestalon return to his bustling city job, or will he choose to stay in this winter wonderland with me and Milo?
Tinsel & Tusks is set in the Love At First Orc Series and told in dual point of view. Expect to be snowed in with a billionaire orc businessman who’s creative with his . . . (cough), size difference, only one bed/forced proximity, a matchmaking pup, a shy, curvy woman in need of love, fated mates in heat, and plenty of holiday fun. HEA guaranteed.
Love at First Orc
Orc Charming
(A prequel story)
Orc-us Pocus
Orc-ishly Ever After
Tinsel & Tusks
Gaming the Orc
Orc-wardly Yours
Single Orc Dad
(Also part of the Sweet Monster Treats shared world)
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2023
About the author
Ava Ross
197 books823 followersAVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 21, 2023
Cheesy clichés non-stop. Simply overkill.
December 10, 2023
"Tinsels and Tusk" by Ava Ross is a delightful blend of fantasy and romance, offering a unique and enchanting story. Ross crafts a vivid world where tinsels and tusks come together, creating an imaginative backdrop for the narrative. The characters are charming and well-developed, making it easy for readers to connect with their journey. The incorporation of fantasy elements adds a touch of magic to the romance, making the story stand out. While the book follows some romance conventions, Ross brings freshness to the genre with her creative world-building and engaging storytelling. "Tinsels and Tusk" earns a solid four stars for its enchanting premise, endearing characters, and the whimsical romance that unfolds within its pages.
January 8, 2024
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded to 4/5)
Spice level: 🔥🔥
Trope:
monster romance
holiday short romance
Plot: Emma helps Vestalon from the snow storm, when he loses control of his truck, and strikes a tree near her house. Vestalon realizes quickly that Emma is his fated mate, and Emma warms up to the idea while he's trapped in her house for a couple days during a snow storm.
Thoughts: Very short story, like 105 pages and you can tell. I feel like it could've been stretched to 200 pages to develop their feelings for each other, and could've developed more detail in the spicey scenes. I've read Ava Ross before, and I know she writes spicy scenes really well.
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: none
HEA: yesssssssss
Spice level: 🔥🔥
Trope:
monster romance
holiday short romance
Plot: Emma helps Vestalon from the snow storm, when he loses control of his truck, and strikes a tree near her house. Vestalon realizes quickly that Emma is his fated mate, and Emma warms up to the idea while he's trapped in her house for a couple days during a snow storm.
Thoughts: Very short story, like 105 pages and you can tell. I feel like it could've been stretched to 200 pages to develop their feelings for each other, and could've developed more detail in the spicey scenes. I've read Ava Ross before, and I know she writes spicy scenes really well.
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: none
HEA: yesssssssss
December 4, 2023
Cheesy little fated mate story
This was was very focused on Emma taking back her power and embracing what she loved. She had been left by her cheating spouse the year before, and was surprised when an orc insisted they were fated mates. I would have liked them to work for the relationship a bit more on page, but it fit with the universe.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: cheating (off page, not between or by MCs), car accident (off page)
This was was very focused on Emma taking back her power and embracing what she loved. She had been left by her cheating spouse the year before, and was surprised when an orc insisted they were fated mates. I would have liked them to work for the relationship a bit more on page, but it fit with the universe.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: cheating (off page, not between or by MCs), car accident (off page)
December 10, 2023
It’s very cringe
November 17, 2023
❄️ “The storm outside might end, but the one that’s brewing between us is just beginning.”
~~~
I loved Emma so much! She’s kind, sweet and compassionate. Even more, I loved how much that this sassy librarian loved her cozy life and that she tried to find joy in everything she did. But, being divorced for more than a year, Emma is still hesitant to open her heart to a new relationship. Until a huge green orc crashes (literally) into her life.
Vestalon is Thraal’s half-brother and a very successful businessman. He might appear a bit grumpy and serious at first sight, but there is more to Vestalon than meets the eye. Because he is also kind, respectful and irresistibly charming. I couldn’t help but adore everything about this smoking-hot orc!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Emma and Vestalon! From the moment they met, their attraction was instantaneous and sparks flew right from the start. And I adored their chemistry, banters and teasing. Even more, I adored Vestalon, after discovering Emma is his fated mate and she triggers his mating heat, for giving her the time to get to know him and choose whether to be with him or not. And the more time they spent together cozied up during a blizzard, the more Emma saw what a wonderful male Vestalon truly is. And, of course, there was also Milo - the furry little matchmaker who helped them see they were meant to be. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were so hot! Vestalon and Emma were so perfect for each other and deserved to find happiness and true love together.
Overall, Tinsel & Tusks is another wonderfully cozy, sweet, fun and naughty addition to the series and I absolutely loved every page of it!
~~~
I loved Emma so much! She’s kind, sweet and compassionate. Even more, I loved how much that this sassy librarian loved her cozy life and that she tried to find joy in everything she did. But, being divorced for more than a year, Emma is still hesitant to open her heart to a new relationship. Until a huge green orc crashes (literally) into her life.
Vestalon is Thraal’s half-brother and a very successful businessman. He might appear a bit grumpy and serious at first sight, but there is more to Vestalon than meets the eye. Because he is also kind, respectful and irresistibly charming. I couldn’t help but adore everything about this smoking-hot orc!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Emma and Vestalon! From the moment they met, their attraction was instantaneous and sparks flew right from the start. And I adored their chemistry, banters and teasing. Even more, I adored Vestalon, after discovering Emma is his fated mate and she triggers his mating heat, for giving her the time to get to know him and choose whether to be with him or not. And the more time they spent together cozied up during a blizzard, the more Emma saw what a wonderful male Vestalon truly is. And, of course, there was also Milo - the furry little matchmaker who helped them see they were meant to be. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were so hot! Vestalon and Emma were so perfect for each other and deserved to find happiness and true love together.
Overall, Tinsel & Tusks is another wonderfully cozy, sweet, fun and naughty addition to the series and I absolutely loved every page of it!
November 21, 2023
A short but very sweet story that gripped my attention and my heart. Emma lives with her puppy Milo, the matchmaker, in her small comfy home in the country. She dumped her cheating ex a year ago and is enjoying her holiday break. Wearing her fox PJs including a tail, she takes Milo out for a walk. Milo pulls her to the end of her driveway.
Vestalon is an Orc and currently his truck is wrapped around a tree at the end of her driveway and he's been knocked out in the crash. He's on his way home from his grandma's house and slid on the bad roads.
Emma opens his door, he starts to wake, tumbles out and falls on her into a snowbank. This story gets better and better.
Ava's characters are so richly described in this short tale and her locations make you feel like you are right there. She adds plot twists, heart twists, angst, spice and a wonderful puppy sidekick. I really loved reading this story.
Vestalon is an Orc and currently his truck is wrapped around a tree at the end of her driveway and he's been knocked out in the crash. He's on his way home from his grandma's house and slid on the bad roads.
Emma opens his door, he starts to wake, tumbles out and falls on her into a snowbank. This story gets better and better.
Ava's characters are so richly described in this short tale and her locations make you feel like you are right there. She adds plot twists, heart twists, angst, spice and a wonderful puppy sidekick. I really loved reading this story.
December 9, 2023
One of the things that I loved the most about this was that Emma was happy with her life, such as it was, for now. Too many times I have read about how the heroine is struggling alone for money, or literally just been dumped, or some other tragedy has befallen them right before they meet their match. It was really refreshing that Emma had split with her cheating ex however she was making the most of her time alone and with her dog, Milo. The last thing she anticipated was finding an Orc, Vestalon, who appears to have tried to assassinate a tree at the bottom of her driveway with his truck! I have loved every Ava Ross book I have ever read and I think that it's because there is always that little strain of reality and wishful thinking interwoven in them. There is steam, humour, not always an easy ride, likeable characters (even if I can’t find an Orc for the life of me) and you know that there will be that happy ending.
January 29, 2024
“I’ll apologize to the tree once the storm’s over.”
Emma is surprised to find a truck crashed into a tree at the end of her driveway, an unconscious Orc behind the wheel.
Vestalon got turned around driving home in a snow storm, and crashed in to Emma's life.
This done in one Kindle unlimited story is a reminder to enjoy life, to do more than just work, to appreciate good jobs and co-workers, and perhaps most of all to cherish those who can turn a simple verbal exchange in to something sparkling, witty, and delightful.
With threads about trust, and holding people responsible for their own actions, and failings, not holding against them the sins of others of their gender, etc, this is a fun page-turner.
Emma is surprised to find a truck crashed into a tree at the end of her driveway, an unconscious Orc behind the wheel.
Vestalon got turned around driving home in a snow storm, and crashed in to Emma's life.
This done in one Kindle unlimited story is a reminder to enjoy life, to do more than just work, to appreciate good jobs and co-workers, and perhaps most of all to cherish those who can turn a simple verbal exchange in to something sparkling, witty, and delightful.
With threads about trust, and holding people responsible for their own actions, and failings, not holding against them the sins of others of their gender, etc, this is a fun page-turner.
May 17, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Paranormal, Insta-love
Love at First Orc book 3
Trigger/Content warnings
Divorce
Mentions Toxic ex
Vestalon (mmc, orc)
Emma (mfc, human)
Emma is preparing to spend the Christmas holiday alone with her pup. One day, the pup demands to go outside, leading her on a chase to the end of her driveway. Vestalon had wrecked his truck and needed saving. It takes a couple of minutes and an unasked for kiss for him to realize the Emma is his mate. Will she accept a mating with an orc?
Where did he disappear to?
This book was a little confusing. He's the ½ brother of Thraal, but I don't remember him being mentioned. Perhaps I'm confusing Thraal and Jarum. I read these all back to back, so maybe my brain just didn't brain.
Standalone, interconnected characters
Paranormal, Insta-love
Love at First Orc book 3
Trigger/Content warnings
Divorce
Mentions Toxic ex
Vestalon (mmc, orc)
Emma (mfc, human)
Emma is preparing to spend the Christmas holiday alone with her pup. One day, the pup demands to go outside, leading her on a chase to the end of her driveway. Vestalon had wrecked his truck and needed saving. It takes a couple of minutes and an unasked for kiss for him to realize the Emma is his mate. Will she accept a mating with an orc?
Where did he disappear to?
This book was a little confusing. He's the ½ brother of Thraal, but I don't remember him being mentioned. Perhaps I'm confusing Thraal and Jarum. I read these all back to back, so maybe my brain just didn't brain.
November 25, 2023
Totally addictive and easy to fall into! Emma and Vestalon were thrown together by a storm and a dog. From the first page, I loved Emma's vibe! She was enjoying her life with her dog, finding happiness in her own world. Vestalon crashed into their world and immediately knew what Emma was to him., but she took some convincing. I loved how smoothly the story progresses as well as how the banter between these two completely different people are in sync with eachother. It's just magical! The connections with the other stories in this world connect us to that thread, but you could easily read this one outside of that arena and still be in love with these two beings, and Milo too!
November 17, 2023
This was a winter romance. Emma is living in a small town when her pup Milo needs the bathroom one snowy night. While out they find a truck that was in an accident at the end of her driveway. There they find Vestalon. He hit his head and Emma checks him out. They end up back in her house waiting out the snowstorm. It’s a major one. While there Vestalon finds that Emma is his fated mate. He starts going into mating heat. When the Storm finally ends things are changed and some things have happened. It takes a week to find out what happened and if it will destroy what they started.
November 13, 2023
Vestalon and Emma.
What a sweet orc Christmas tale! This is such a hot insta-love-insta-mate story. I loved Vestalon and Emma. I felt all the feels from happiness to a bit of sadness but don't worry, this is Ava Ross and she always gives us an HEA! I've said before but it bares repeating..Ava is a Master at character creation, world building and especially story telling. What she writes feels so real. When I read this book I could go to my happy place for a couple of hours. I felt like I was listening to a pair of friends telling how they met. So good.
What a sweet orc Christmas tale! This is such a hot insta-love-insta-mate story. I loved Vestalon and Emma. I felt all the feels from happiness to a bit of sadness but don't worry, this is Ava Ross and she always gives us an HEA! I've said before but it bares repeating..Ava is a Master at character creation, world building and especially story telling. What she writes feels so real. When I read this book I could go to my happy place for a couple of hours. I felt like I was listening to a pair of friends telling how they met. So good.
November 17, 2023
Tinsel and Tusk by Ava Ross is the third book in the Love at First Orc series. It’s a quick fun romance with a HEA. Emma is tucked away in her cabin while a blizzard pummels the area. Vestalon is an Orc just trying to get home when the storm strands him nearby. AND Milo is the pup who brings them together. This is a wonderful snowy day read, filled with humor, snark, and of course, steamy romance.
November 26, 2023
Holiday Heat
Emma is enjoying the warmth of her home and the company of her dog, Milo, during a snowstorm. When Milo needs his walk, he ends up leading her to a truck wrapped around a tree with a rather attractive Orc unconscious inside.
When Vestalon comes to, he’s very pleasantly surprised by the lush beauty who’s come to his rescue. And even more surprising is how she awakens his mating heat!
Emma is enjoying the warmth of her home and the company of her dog, Milo, during a snowstorm. When Milo needs his walk, he ends up leading her to a truck wrapped around a tree with a rather attractive Orc unconscious inside.
When Vestalon comes to, he’s very pleasantly surprised by the lush beauty who’s come to his rescue. And even more surprising is how she awakens his mating heat!
November 26, 2023
Tinsel and TUSK is the 3rd book in the Love At First Orc Series. Emma finds herself snowed in with Vestalon, an orc business man who crashed his truck into a tree outside her house. This was an entertaining quick Christmas holiday story. Small town fated mates romance, forced proximity, one bed, an interesting appendage, and one mischievous matchmaking Milo the dog.
I highly recommend this book and series. Can't wait to read the next book.
I highly recommend this book and series. Can't wait to read the next book.
November 28, 2023
This was another entertaining addition to this series and I loved how this one came together. Between fate and Milo the puppy, Emma and Vestalon really had no way to avoid the love bug. With forced proximity helping Vestalon out with giving him time to woo Emme, his fated mate, you know you're going to have a spicy read ;P However, you also get fab humour, world building and pacing. Good fun!
December 16, 2023
This was a one sitting read for me, I loved it so much. We’ve got a world where orcs have revealed themselves to the world, snowed in, fated mates, a FMC getting her confidence back after her divorce, and an adorable matchmaking puppy bringing our couple together. This is the first book I’ve read by Ava Ross and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in this series soon!
Did I mention room we have some fun monster peen? Looking forward to reading more!
Did I mention room we have some fun monster peen? Looking forward to reading more!
January 1, 2024
Good
An orcish short, this features a stranded Orc businessmale and a holiday loving human female who rescues him.
It’s a quick read, short and sweet, with some sexy times, and a mischievous dog causing trouble.
Like the other books in the series, this is a fun read, and a good, cosy tale to read when you want escapism, but time is short. This is an enjoyable read for monster romance lovers.
An orcish short, this features a stranded Orc businessmale and a holiday loving human female who rescues him.
It’s a quick read, short and sweet, with some sexy times, and a mischievous dog causing trouble.
Like the other books in the series, this is a fun read, and a good, cosy tale to read when you want escapism, but time is short. This is an enjoyable read for monster romance lovers.
July 7, 2024
Holiday Orc shenanigans
This was a very cute 😍 holiday tale set in the Love ar First Orc series.
Emma's holiday spirit was so infectious it had me already skipping my favorite season, fall, and moving straight to Jingle Bells and Christmas. Vestalon, as well as little Milo's cute character, were simply adorable. Even Vestalon's grannie could do with a nice silver fox novella 😆
This was a very cute 😍 holiday tale set in the Love ar First Orc series.
Emma's holiday spirit was so infectious it had me already skipping my favorite season, fall, and moving straight to Jingle Bells and Christmas. Vestalon, as well as little Milo's cute character, were simply adorable. Even Vestalon's grannie could do with a nice silver fox novella 😆
November 13, 2023
Another sweet holiday read by Ava Ross. If you need a feel good book, this one is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Ross continues to write characters that make their way into your heart. Vestalon is a romantic alpha whose mating heat is triggered by Emma. Absolutely a wonderful holiday read!❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 16, 2023
Oh my gosh, how cute is this story? Emma, Vestalon and Milo's story is the perfect read for the holiday season.. There's nothing like a roaring fire 🔥, snow outside , hot chocolate, and the romance of a lifetime to cozy up to on the inside. I'm beginning to think we all need some Orc in our lives and a little doggy too 😁.
An hit Ava 💜
An hit Ava 💜
November 22, 2023
These orcs make the perfect mate and there is no doubt that they will win their mate over, eventually. 🥰
Our MMC had a lot of convincing to do and he did it eloquently. 😆 Add in a matchmaking dog rooting for our Orc, Emma has no fighting chance.
Loved this couple and I loved to read about them again.
Our MMC had a lot of convincing to do and he did it eloquently. 😆 Add in a matchmaking dog rooting for our Orc, Emma has no fighting chance.
Loved this couple and I loved to read about them again.
December 15, 2023
Cheesy holiday romance with insta love, cozy monsters, and forced proximity this is the book for you! This series is low drama and always makes me feel better after reading, guaranteed happily ever after and a good time! This one felt very holiday hallmark in all the best ways, if you’re ready any of her other books and enjoyed them, you’ll want to read this one too.
December 23, 2023
Such a cute story😋
Just the right length. Not too long, and it had a sweet couple. She was gun shy because of her two-timing ex husband, and he never really considered settling down, till they met. She tries to convince herself, that she's fine alone, and she doesn't need a man to complete her life. He gets one look at her, and he knows she's his fated mate. Wonderful HEA.
Just the right length. Not too long, and it had a sweet couple. She was gun shy because of her two-timing ex husband, and he never really considered settling down, till they met. She tries to convince herself, that she's fine alone, and she doesn't need a man to complete her life. He gets one look at her, and he knows she's his fated mate. Wonderful HEA.
February 5, 2024
Tinsel &Tusks: A Monster Holiday Tale (Love At First Orc Book 3)
Such a cute/meet with him falling on top of her. Once she got him up and safely in her house the sparks begin to fly! It takes a while to convince her she's his mate, but he succeeds. He gets his car towed, but a call stymies his plan to return to her. After a few days, he returns and they get their HEA.
Such a cute/meet with him falling on top of her. Once she got him up and safely in her house the sparks begin to fly! It takes a while to convince her she's his mate, but he succeeds. He gets his car towed, but a call stymies his plan to return to her. After a few days, he returns and they get their HEA.
April 14, 2024
Tinsel & Tusks
Vestalon and Emma are brought together when he impales his truck around the tree at the bottom of her property at the beginning of a snowstorm. Emma rescues the Orc and takes him back to her home. Divorced for over a year she is a bit anti men. Christmas is looming and she enjoys the holidays. Vestalon is a bit battered and bruised but recovering.
Vestalon and Emma are brought together when he impales his truck around the tree at the bottom of her property at the beginning of a snowstorm. Emma rescues the Orc and takes him back to her home. Divorced for over a year she is a bit anti men. Christmas is looming and she enjoys the holidays. Vestalon is a bit battered and bruised but recovering.
May 8, 2025
I did like this book and it was a quick read. However, the reason I gave it 2/5 stars was because Emma annoyed me at times due to making comments about her body but yet saying she wanted to enjoy herself and like wtf. And how she would sometimes compare Vestalon and her ex. And the miscommunication or whatever ugh that got on my nerves!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
Good
A Librarian let's an Orc who crashed his truck into a tree during a blizzard stay at her house until the storm passes. He says she's his mate. She's divorced and not too sure about that. I enjoyed it.
A Librarian let's an Orc who crashed his truck into a tree during a blizzard stay at her house until the storm passes. He says she's his mate. She's divorced and not too sure about that. I enjoyed it.
December 8, 2023
Sweet Christmas read
This was the sappy, steamy and sweet Christmas read I was looking for! It was an insta lust and fated mates trope and I ate it up! The storyline was heartfelt too and I'm glad this fmc got her hea.
This was the sappy, steamy and sweet Christmas read I was looking for! It was an insta lust and fated mates trope and I ate it up! The storyline was heartfelt too and I'm glad this fmc got her hea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews