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Tusk Love
A merchant’s daughter who yearns for adventure gets more than she bargained for when she falls for a broodingly handsome stranger in this saucy romantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars.
“A true delight of a book! Spicy and heartfelt—this one is a winner all around.”—Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods
As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere’s path has been marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family’s station, and live quietly as a lordling’s obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure.
Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack.
Unlike Guinevere, Oskar’s path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that’s left is a long, lonely walk to a land he’s never seen to find family he’s never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down—even if the spark between them sizzles with promise.
Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they’ll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Thea Guanzon at the behest of Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre, Tusk Love brings the most romantic story on Exandrian bookshelves to life.
“A true delight of a book! Spicy and heartfelt—this one is a winner all around.”—Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods
As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere’s path has been marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family’s station, and live quietly as a lordling’s obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure.
Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack.
Unlike Guinevere, Oskar’s path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that’s left is a long, lonely walk to a land he’s never seen to find family he’s never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down—even if the spark between them sizzles with promise.
Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they’ll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Thea Guanzon at the behest of Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre, Tusk Love brings the most romantic story on Exandrian bookshelves to life.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
About the author
Thea Guanzon
9 books3,734 followersTraveler, fangirl, dungeon master, cat lady, and iced coffeeholic residing in Metro Manila. Somehow also a No. 1 International, New York Times, USA Today, and Indie List bestselling author!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,380 reviews
November 15, 2024
This was such a fun and quick read! I was hooked and finished it in 2 days. This is a great book even for those who know nothing about Critical Role or D&D. its a long running bit thanks to my fav character Jester
~~~~~Pre read~~~~~~~~~~~~
guys YOU DONT UNDERSTAND!! THEY MADE TUSK LOVE INTO A REAL BOOK?! I HAVE NO ONE TO TALK ABOUT THIS
~~~~~Pre read~~~~~~~~~~~~
guys YOU DONT UNDERSTAND!! THEY MADE TUSK LOVE INTO A REAL BOOK?! I HAVE NO ONE TO TALK ABOUT THIS
January 24, 2025
“And, just like that, Guinevere had her answer to the question of whether his tusks would hurt her. They didn't. She knew now how their mouths would fit together: Perfectly.”
i have to start this by saying that i am very much the target audience for this because i have loved critical role for a very long time. (sidenote: i feel like i summoned brennan lee mulligan dming campaign four because it was announced immediately upon me finishing this!) but basically all you really need to know is that this book is one of the character’s favorite books in campaign two, and it is refrenced a lot during that campaign. i think you can totally read, and love, this story without any previous knowledge of jester or critical role, there are just a few easter eggs (like talk of the world of exandria, and it’s two moons, and even a matron of ravens namedrop) that are mention, that just made me kick my feet a little extra. but again, no hindrance or bearing on the actual tale being told.
tusk love is the love story between oskar, a half orc blacksmith apprentice, and guinevere, a human daughter of merchants, whose paths very unexpectedly collide when guinevere’s caravan is attacked by bandits at the very start of this novel. from there, we follow these two traveling together, from town to town, with a mysterious trunk, and some secrets of their own. and so much adventure ensues!
i loved this completely. not only do i love a traveling story, and getting to watch characters interact with all the different townsfolk, but this story had so many inns - i was living my best reading life. and the tropes in this book? omg this book is so aware of itself, and so funny for it. we have grumpy and sunshine, forced proximity, arranged marriage, and only one bed so many times lol.
and i would for sure consider this cozy romantsy, but this story does center on healing, both from grief and from abuse and abandonment. seeing these two characters who have been made to feel unloveable, not only falling in love with one another, but also loving and accepting themselves, oh, it was just so wonderful. this book is filled with discussions on “healthy” healing, and “safe” disagreement, and learning to relearn and unlearn things. i truly kept tearing up while reading this, because it was so beautiful, on top of already being a story that i would love.
the writing was also phenomenal, and so so so sexy, and now i want to read everything from thea guanzon! (matilda merceria found quaking somewhere!) oh, also, guinever is pan or bi - and we always love to see that rep, too! but yeah, for sure a favorite of 2025 and i recommend this with my whole heart. truly, the only negative thing i have to say about this book is that i absolutely never want to read the word “pearl” again.
trigger + content warnings: death, battle, violence, a lot of talk of loss of mother in recent past, grief, fire, blood, drinking, and having not great parents / parental abuse + abandonment
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━♡ buddy read with cory
December 3, 2025
“It is my duty to marry well. Father writes that Lord Wensleydale is not too old and has all his teeth.”Guinevere spent years - no decades - trying to be the perfect daughter. Lessons, rules, manners - she followed them all. And yet, it was never good enough.
Oskar may not have had all the pretty things in life, but he was surrounded by love. But no longer. With his mother freshly buried, Oskar has one more task - to complete her final wish.
But before her could visit his mother's people, he stumbles upon Guinevere in the midst of being robbed by bandits.
One quick rescue later, he's all set to continue on his quest. But then he realizes that Guinevere has ideas of her own.
“By the All-Hammer’s crusty underpants, I really did not sign up for this.”
Guinevere knows that she has a monumental task ahead of her but she cannot let her parents down. She HAS to make it to them, regardless of whether she has her escort.
When Oskar sees Guinevere determined to travel on her own despite being exactly 0% prepared...it makes him feel things that he hasn't felt since the loss of his mother.
And so the two unlikely companions set off - into the great wilderness - together.
Okay. So. This one DEFINITELY ticked the boxes for me.
"For as long as there is breath in my body, you will not face this world alone, Guinevere."
--Adventure? Check!
--Cute characters? Definitely!
--Grumpy Guy + Proper Lady? Present!
--Banter? HECK YES!
And yet...it just didn't mesh in the way that would make me want to read it again.
On paper, the proper merchant's daughter and the vaguely annoyed half-orc pairing sounded great. I typically love dynamics like that. And yet...it didn't hit right for two main reasons:
The Insta-Love
I think one of the big issues I had was that the characters were very tell-heavy and they told us they were falling in love almost right away into the story. There was no will-they-won't-they...the two characters met and *BOOM* doe-eyes.
And that would have been okay if it was a bit subtle but the characters kept telling us about how attracted they were to each other. Over. And Over.
I remember thinking, can we let the characters breath just a minute before they instalove?
I want to see the relationship develop before the characters say that they're falling for each other - or at the very least get to know the characters a bit first. It just felt too quick for me.
The Tropes Were A-Troping
There's playing with tropes...and letting tropes run the book.
The most disappointing thing about this book was whenever I stumbled upon a trope, I could predict what was happening next. For example:
The 'high' class girl meets the 'lower' class boy. You already know
Or when she returns after a long journey and
It's predictable moments like that that felt frustrating to me, since I knew how it was going to play out and I just had to wait until the characters reach the inevitable conclusion.
Ultimately, this one was so full of potential but I just couldn't stop being annoyed at the tropes and the instalove. I did still enjoy parts, but not enough to go for a reread any time soon.
July 9, 2025
💌 Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
🎧 Narrated by Teddy Hamilton & Brittany Pressley
Oskar is going straight in my top 3 fictional bfs. Period. I don’t even need anything else in life—just me, him, and his half-orc grumpy self. 😭🫦
Audio: 5/5
Book: 4.5/5
I’m telling you right now—this was SO good. I wasn’t even familiar with Critical Role or D&D when I dove in (still not, tbh) and it literally did not matter one bit. I gobbled this up like it was my last meal and I’m still full of feelings two weeks later.
They were so freaking adorable I need a whole sequel of them just doing dumb mundane couple stuff. Like Oskar chopping wood shirtless while Gwen braids flowers into his hair??? I’d sell a kidney for that bonus chapter.
It’s got:
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine (done right!!!)
💚 Only one bed and only one horse (the tension?? immaculate)
💚 Half-orc × Merchant’s sheltered daughter
💚 Road trip shenanigans + mini quest + so much pining
💚 He washes her hair. She comforts him. He blushes. I faint.
Oskar is THE blueprint. Big, broody, dangerous-looking half-orc but inside? Literally a soft, gentle man who’d lay down his life for this one girl he’s not supposed to fall for. He only shows that softness for her and his mom—HELLO I’M CRYING.
And Guinevere?? My precious cottagecore girlie. I wanna wrap her in bubble wrap and feed her cookies. She’s naïve but not annoying—just so full of warmth she makes the big scary orc MELT. Ugh. My heart. 🫶
The vibes: Cozy spice, starlit kisses, whispered confessions by the campfire. Forbidden feels. Secret smiles. That good, good yearning.
Downside? The last 20% dragged a tiny bit for me—some parts got repetitive. But honestly? Didn’t even care. Oskar grunted and brooded and fell HARD so I was FED.
If you want monster romance but you’re a newbie? This is your sign. No Critical Role knowledge needed. Just dive in and thank me later.
They’re soulmatery coded. She’s his soft sunshine. He’s her grumpy bear. That’s it. That’s the book.
Someone give me a novella of them grocery shopping. I’m not joking.
4.5 stars from me 💚💚💚
Go read it. Then come scream about Oskar with me.
━━━━━━━━━━━⊱♡⊰━━━━━━━━━━
HELLOOO MONSTER ROMANCE NATION I’M HERE 💚
This is my second monster romance ever and I’m actually vibrating with excitement rn.
💚 Grumpy × Sunshine
🗺️ Only One Bed (& horse??)
💚 Half-orc × Merchant’s daughter
🗺️ Road trip full of tension
💚 Strangers → Lovers
🗺️ Monster meets softness he didn’t know he had
Yeah I’m gonna eat this up.
It’s giving cozy spice + big monster feelings + forbidden kisses under starlit skies energy.
If this doesn’t ruin me in the best way, I’ll be shocked.
Oskar better grunt, brood, and fall HARD.
🎧 Narrated by Teddy Hamilton & Brittany Pressley
Oskar is going straight in my top 3 fictional bfs. Period. I don’t even need anything else in life—just me, him, and his half-orc grumpy self. 😭🫦
Audio: 5/5
Book: 4.5/5
I’m telling you right now—this was SO good. I wasn’t even familiar with Critical Role or D&D when I dove in (still not, tbh) and it literally did not matter one bit. I gobbled this up like it was my last meal and I’m still full of feelings two weeks later.
They were so freaking adorable I need a whole sequel of them just doing dumb mundane couple stuff. Like Oskar chopping wood shirtless while Gwen braids flowers into his hair??? I’d sell a kidney for that bonus chapter.
It’s got:
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine (done right!!!)
💚 Only one bed and only one horse (the tension?? immaculate)
💚 Half-orc × Merchant’s sheltered daughter
💚 Road trip shenanigans + mini quest + so much pining
💚 He washes her hair. She comforts him. He blushes. I faint.
Oskar is THE blueprint. Big, broody, dangerous-looking half-orc but inside? Literally a soft, gentle man who’d lay down his life for this one girl he’s not supposed to fall for. He only shows that softness for her and his mom—HELLO I’M CRYING.
And Guinevere?? My precious cottagecore girlie. I wanna wrap her in bubble wrap and feed her cookies. She’s naïve but not annoying—just so full of warmth she makes the big scary orc MELT. Ugh. My heart. 🫶
The vibes: Cozy spice, starlit kisses, whispered confessions by the campfire. Forbidden feels. Secret smiles. That good, good yearning.
Downside? The last 20% dragged a tiny bit for me—some parts got repetitive. But honestly? Didn’t even care. Oskar grunted and brooded and fell HARD so I was FED.
If you want monster romance but you’re a newbie? This is your sign. No Critical Role knowledge needed. Just dive in and thank me later.
They’re soulmatery coded. She’s his soft sunshine. He’s her grumpy bear. That’s it. That’s the book.
Someone give me a novella of them grocery shopping. I’m not joking.
4.5 stars from me 💚💚💚
Go read it. Then come scream about Oskar with me.
━━━━━━━━━━━⊱♡⊰━━━━━━━━━━
HELLOOO MONSTER ROMANCE NATION I’M HERE 💚
This is my second monster romance ever and I’m actually vibrating with excitement rn.
💚 Grumpy × Sunshine
🗺️ Only One Bed (& horse??)
💚 Half-orc × Merchant’s daughter
🗺️ Road trip full of tension
💚 Strangers → Lovers
🗺️ Monster meets softness he didn’t know he had
Yeah I’m gonna eat this up.
It’s giving cozy spice + big monster feelings + forbidden kisses under starlit skies energy.
If this doesn’t ruin me in the best way, I’ll be shocked.
Oskar better grunt, brood, and fall HARD.
March 11, 2025
Confession: Romantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre, but after hearing so much about this book and falling for its adorable cover, I decided to be adventurous and give it a try—thankfully, one of my best decisions, as I enjoyed it far more than I expected.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its lovable characters, particularly Guinevere—a kind, well-mannered, and self-sacrificing merchant’s daughter who always prioritizes others’ needs while hiding a powerful secret—and Oskar, a gentle, cinnamon-roll half-orc who masks his kindness behind a gruff, intimidating facade. Their fates intertwine when bandits ambush Guinevere’s caravan, triggering her hidden fire-wielding abilities just as Oskar steps in to save her.
Oskar, initially en route to honor his late mother’s wishes in the North, postpones his plans upon realizing that Guinevere—so trusting and pure-hearted—is in grave danger, especially given the valuable dowry she carries. Determined to protect her, he joins her journey to wed an older, wealthy nobleman handpicked by her parents. But as they travel together, the growing attraction between them complicates everything. Oskar longs for a future with her but fears he cannot provide the luxury she’s accustomed to, while Guinevere dreams of a life by his side yet remains bound by duty and afraid of her own burgeoning powers.
However, what if she’s been kept in the dark? What if her parents are hiding secrets that could change the course of her life forever?
Overall: The pacing, character development, world-building, and execution of the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope are all flawless. I devoured this book in one sitting, fell in love with the romantasy genre, and added the author to my auto-read list. You cannot miss this gem—five blazing stars for this adventurous, action-packed, and steamy read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey/Inklore/Random House Worlds for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The book’s greatest strength lies in its lovable characters, particularly Guinevere—a kind, well-mannered, and self-sacrificing merchant’s daughter who always prioritizes others’ needs while hiding a powerful secret—and Oskar, a gentle, cinnamon-roll half-orc who masks his kindness behind a gruff, intimidating facade. Their fates intertwine when bandits ambush Guinevere’s caravan, triggering her hidden fire-wielding abilities just as Oskar steps in to save her.
Oskar, initially en route to honor his late mother’s wishes in the North, postpones his plans upon realizing that Guinevere—so trusting and pure-hearted—is in grave danger, especially given the valuable dowry she carries. Determined to protect her, he joins her journey to wed an older, wealthy nobleman handpicked by her parents. But as they travel together, the growing attraction between them complicates everything. Oskar longs for a future with her but fears he cannot provide the luxury she’s accustomed to, while Guinevere dreams of a life by his side yet remains bound by duty and afraid of her own burgeoning powers.
However, what if she’s been kept in the dark? What if her parents are hiding secrets that could change the course of her life forever?
Overall: The pacing, character development, world-building, and execution of the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope are all flawless. I devoured this book in one sitting, fell in love with the romantasy genre, and added the author to my auto-read list. You cannot miss this gem—five blazing stars for this adventurous, action-packed, and steamy read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey/Inklore/Random House Worlds for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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July 23, 2025
This book is an in-joke for fans of a D&D YouTube channel, which sure is a layered thing for a book to be. I’m not a D&D person but you know what I am? I’m a road trip romance person. I also love a grunty, protective dude and a chipper-but-deadly lady, so this one really hit it out of the park for me (that’s a sports reference, something else I know nothing about). Oskar the half-orc is big hulking broody man, part grouchy aloofness and part delicate-hearted (those are kind of the same, though). Gwen is on her way to do her parents’ bidding and — much to her embarrassment — requires rescuing when her carriage is attacked. Oskar has a sad backstory and Gwen has a little fire demon inside of her, so they make a really terrific pair. This book is cozy as hell — cozy like a mug of hot chocolate on a blustery day; cozy like huddling under a blanket when your favorite show is on and you have a snack. COZY. The fact that I adored it so much when I have zero context for Critical Role is, I suspect, an indication to how well it’s written, and isn’t that also nice? Don’t read this book if you don’t like enjoying things.
March 11, 2025
This was SUCH a fun book!
My ideal cozy fantasy has the following…
1. swoon-y romance
2. medium stakes adventure
3. laugh out loud funnies
4. fairytale vibes
Tusk Love, has all that and more!
It is cozy romantasy at its finest!
I went into this knowing only that Critical Role was something to do with Dungeons & Dragons and nothing more. I can confirm this is a absolute blast to read if you have no experience or knowledge with the topic.
What’s to love…
- (beginner friendly) monster romance
- the TENSION!
- the PINING
- medium-stakes adventure (a mini quest)
- well-executed tropes
- interesting world + magic
- less than 300 pages + easy to binge
Never has a book had so many tropes and yet felt so NOT-trophy! These were executed flawlessly and felt natural and well placed within the story.
Tropes…
- grumpy/sunshine
- forbidden romance (class differences)
- only one bed
- only one horse
- he washes her hair
- she comforts him
- and i’m sure I’m missing some…
What not to love…
- overall this had great pacing and I felt like the story grabbed my attention and held on tight, but the last 20% got a little slow and a bit overly descriptive.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey (Inklore) for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
4.5⭐️ | IG | TikTok |
My ideal cozy fantasy has the following…
1. swoon-y romance
2. medium stakes adventure
3. laugh out loud funnies
4. fairytale vibes
Tusk Love, has all that and more!
It is cozy romantasy at its finest!
I went into this knowing only that Critical Role was something to do with Dungeons & Dragons and nothing more. I can confirm this is a absolute blast to read if you have no experience or knowledge with the topic.
What’s to love…
- (beginner friendly) monster romance
- the TENSION!
- the PINING
- medium-stakes adventure (a mini quest)
- well-executed tropes
- interesting world + magic
- less than 300 pages + easy to binge
Never has a book had so many tropes and yet felt so NOT-trophy! These were executed flawlessly and felt natural and well placed within the story.
Tropes…
- grumpy/sunshine
- forbidden romance (class differences)
- only one bed
- only one horse
- he washes her hair
- she comforts him
- and i’m sure I’m missing some…
What not to love…
- overall this had great pacing and I felt like the story grabbed my attention and held on tight, but the last 20% got a little slow and a bit overly descriptive.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey (Inklore) for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
4.5⭐️ | IG | TikTok |
dnf
July 17, 2025dnf @ 37%
i just couldn’t bring myself to care 😭 i think their tropes are boring and honestly was just such a snore to get through even though i listened to the audiobook
i just couldn’t bring myself to care 😭 i think their tropes are boring and honestly was just such a snore to get through even though i listened to the audiobook
April 4, 2025
Total cover trap — I saw it, clicked it, read the blurb, and next thing I knew, I was 5 chapters in. No regrets so far!
4.5 stars for me ♥︎
One word: adorable!!! I’ll be honest—I picked up Tusk Love because of its cover. It immediately caught my eye, and once I read the synopsis, I was hooked. And let me tell you, this book absolutely delivered in every way. It’s the perfect cozy romantasy—the kind of read that feels like comfort food for your soul.
The characters are what truly make this story shine, especially Oskar and Guinevere. Oskar is a grump, but oh my goodness, you can’t help but fall for him. He’s totally enamored with Guinevere, and his devotion to her is just heart-melting. It’s seriously too cute for words! Then there’s Guinevere—beautiful, but also incredibly kind and good-hearted. She’s a bit naïve, thanks to her sheltered upbringing, but her heart of gold shines through in everything she does. She treats everyone with such warmth and generosity, and it’s impossible not to love her.
Together, Oskar and Guinevere are an absolute match made in heaven. Their dynamic is one of the sweetest I’ve come across in a romantasy novel, and the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope? I devoured it like a pint of ice cream while curled up by the fire. There’s something so satisfying about seeing these two opposites come together in the most heartwarming way.
All in all, Tusk Love was a delightful read, and I adored every moment of it! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a feel-good, enchanting story.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars for me ♥︎
One word: adorable!!! I’ll be honest—I picked up Tusk Love because of its cover. It immediately caught my eye, and once I read the synopsis, I was hooked. And let me tell you, this book absolutely delivered in every way. It’s the perfect cozy romantasy—the kind of read that feels like comfort food for your soul.
The characters are what truly make this story shine, especially Oskar and Guinevere. Oskar is a grump, but oh my goodness, you can’t help but fall for him. He’s totally enamored with Guinevere, and his devotion to her is just heart-melting. It’s seriously too cute for words! Then there’s Guinevere—beautiful, but also incredibly kind and good-hearted. She’s a bit naïve, thanks to her sheltered upbringing, but her heart of gold shines through in everything she does. She treats everyone with such warmth and generosity, and it’s impossible not to love her.
Together, Oskar and Guinevere are an absolute match made in heaven. Their dynamic is one of the sweetest I’ve come across in a romantasy novel, and the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope? I devoured it like a pint of ice cream while curled up by the fire. There’s something so satisfying about seeing these two opposites come together in the most heartwarming way.
All in all, Tusk Love was a delightful read, and I adored every moment of it! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a feel-good, enchanting story.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
There’s just something about a good grumpy/sunshine romance that gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. and this one did not disappoint 🥹. I love when the guy is grumpy with everyone except the girl he falls for (it’s my absolute weakness), and Oskar is the perfect example of that. He’s moody, guarded, and mad at himself for even being attracted to her, which somehow makes it all so much sweeter. 🤭🤭
Guinevere and Oskar’s journey pulled me in from the start. She’s trying to make her way somewhere on her own after everything goes wrong, and when she meets Oskar, he’s very clear that he doesn’t want to help her (he’s got that “keep your distance” energy down to an art 🙄🙄). But of course, he ends up realizing she’ll never make it alone, and he can’t just leave her behind. Watching their slow connection build as they travel together was everything. The banter, the tension, the way they start to care even when they don’t mean to… it’s honestly that slow-burn chemistry that keeps you flipping pages 😍🔥
What I really loved is that this story isn’t just about romance. There’s real danger following Guinevere, a bit of suspense that keeps you hooked 👀, and plenty of adventure along the way. On top of that, Guinevere isn’t just a sheltered merchant’s daughter. There’s something powerful within her that she’s only beginning to understand ⚡️ (yes, there’s a fire 🔥 element involved and it’s so good). It ties beautifully into her strength and how she grows throughout the story.
Guinevere’s growth was one of my favorite parts. She starts off living by everyone else’s expectations, but through Oskar and everything they face, she learns to trust herself and love herself after years of feeling unloved 🥺 It’s one of those relationships where both characters quietly heal each other (UGH my favorite kind 😩🫶🏼).
Thea Guanzon’s writing is lush, romantic, and so easy to get lost in ✨. Tusk Love has heart, adventure, danger, and so many moments that made me smile and swoon. It’s more than a love story!! it’s about freedom, strength, and finding someone who truly sees you 💕🥹
favorite quotes ↓
“Her gaze swung back to Wensleydale, who was kind and handsome and impeccable in both dress and manner. The sort of man that she had always been expected to marry, that she had dreamed of marrying. But he wasn’t Oskar.”
“For as long as there is breath in my body, you will not face this world alone, Guinevere.”
things to know about the book ↓
💚 grumpy x sunshine
🤍 forced proximity
💚 touch her and die energy
🤍 adventure + danger
💚 mutual pining
──────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
oct 7th- I have absolutely no clue what to expect with this, but honestly, my hopes aren’t super high 😬 i’m buddy reading with a friend so there’s that at least
Guinevere and Oskar’s journey pulled me in from the start. She’s trying to make her way somewhere on her own after everything goes wrong, and when she meets Oskar, he’s very clear that he doesn’t want to help her (he’s got that “keep your distance” energy down to an art 🙄🙄). But of course, he ends up realizing she’ll never make it alone, and he can’t just leave her behind. Watching their slow connection build as they travel together was everything. The banter, the tension, the way they start to care even when they don’t mean to… it’s honestly that slow-burn chemistry that keeps you flipping pages 😍🔥
What I really loved is that this story isn’t just about romance. There’s real danger following Guinevere, a bit of suspense that keeps you hooked 👀, and plenty of adventure along the way. On top of that, Guinevere isn’t just a sheltered merchant’s daughter. There’s something powerful within her that she’s only beginning to understand ⚡️ (yes, there’s a fire 🔥 element involved and it’s so good). It ties beautifully into her strength and how she grows throughout the story.
Guinevere’s growth was one of my favorite parts. She starts off living by everyone else’s expectations, but through Oskar and everything they face, she learns to trust herself and love herself after years of feeling unloved 🥺 It’s one of those relationships where both characters quietly heal each other (UGH my favorite kind 😩🫶🏼).
Thea Guanzon’s writing is lush, romantic, and so easy to get lost in ✨. Tusk Love has heart, adventure, danger, and so many moments that made me smile and swoon. It’s more than a love story!! it’s about freedom, strength, and finding someone who truly sees you 💕🥹
favorite quotes ↓
“Her gaze swung back to Wensleydale, who was kind and handsome and impeccable in both dress and manner. The sort of man that she had always been expected to marry, that she had dreamed of marrying. But he wasn’t Oskar.”
“For as long as there is breath in my body, you will not face this world alone, Guinevere.”
things to know about the book ↓
💚 grumpy x sunshine
🤍 forced proximity
💚 touch her and die energy
🤍 adventure + danger
💚 mutual pining
──────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
oct 7th- I have absolutely no clue what to expect with this, but honestly, my hopes aren’t super high 😬 i’m buddy reading with a friend so there’s that at least
July 4, 2025
ೃ⁀➷ 4.5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
This is grumpy x sunshine done RIGHT. No bc the way it was so scrumptious I couldn’t get enoughhh!
I wish this book has a sequel or smth bc wdym I can’t read about them forever????
Guinevere my absolute best girl. I wanna put her in my pocket and travel the world. She’s my care bear. I love her so much 😭🤚 the sweetest most precious lovable woman ever. It’s the way I wanna dote on her forever.
Oskar 🫦🫦🫦 the grump of my dreams. Every time he’d speak I’d just crash out bc like if mean and dangerous why so hot? Ugh and he is THE BIGGEST SOFTY EVER 😫 like deep deep deeeeeep inside that heart is the softest most caring guy ever. And hes onlyyyy ever shown that adoration to two ppl in his life, his mother and HER. Gwen. I’m actually gna start sobbing goodbye.
And when he blushes 😋😋😋 got me biting my finger and twirling my hair giggling like a schoolgirl.
They’re so soulmatery coded. She’s the fluttershy to his discord. The cheer bear to his grumpy bear.
I love them your honour 🤚
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you Del Rey for the advanced proof copy! ♥︎
This is grumpy x sunshine done RIGHT. No bc the way it was so scrumptious I couldn’t get enoughhh!
I wish this book has a sequel or smth bc wdym I can’t read about them forever????
Guinevere my absolute best girl. I wanna put her in my pocket and travel the world. She’s my care bear. I love her so much 😭🤚 the sweetest most precious lovable woman ever. It’s the way I wanna dote on her forever.
Oskar 🫦🫦🫦 the grump of my dreams. Every time he’d speak I’d just crash out bc like if mean and dangerous why so hot? Ugh and he is THE BIGGEST SOFTY EVER 😫 like deep deep deeeeeep inside that heart is the softest most caring guy ever. And hes onlyyyy ever shown that adoration to two ppl in his life, his mother and HER. Gwen. I’m actually gna start sobbing goodbye.
And when he blushes 😋😋😋 got me biting my finger and twirling my hair giggling like a schoolgirl.
They’re so soulmatery coded. She’s the fluttershy to his discord. The cheer bear to his grumpy bear.
I love them your honour 🤚
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you Del Rey for the advanced proof copy! ♥︎
April 12, 2026
3 Stars
I think a whole point should go towards that beautiful cover….
This book contains
*Grumpy sunshine
*He falls first but overall, instalove plus spice
*Road trip vibes with one horse, one bed
*Sheltered, wholesome FMC who’s absolutely clueless with no self preservation skills
*Broody, protective MMC who can’t help but be a hero
*Fire magic, familial secrets, terrible parents
Honestly, this brings nothing new to the genre, but it’s cozy fantasy with some action/adventure, varied characters/creatures, and a solid romance if you’re interested!
I think a whole point should go towards that beautiful cover….
This book contains
*Grumpy sunshine
*He falls first but overall, instalove plus spice
*Road trip vibes with one horse, one bed
*Sheltered, wholesome FMC who’s absolutely clueless with no self preservation skills
*Broody, protective MMC who can’t help but be a hero
*Fire magic, familial secrets, terrible parents
Honestly, this brings nothing new to the genre, but it’s cozy fantasy with some action/adventure, varied characters/creatures, and a solid romance if you’re interested!
Read
November 19, 2025This is one of Book Riot’s Best Books of 2025:
Looks like I'm on board the romantasy train! I'm a big fan of Critical Role, so I had to try this novel that started as an in-universe romance book in their D&D game. Guinevere is a sheltered merchant's daughter with suppressed magical powers. Oskar is her reluctant half-orc protector on the road. Their undeniable chemistry upends all their plans. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only is Tusk Love great for Critical Role fans, but it also stands alone as a steamy read that is somehow simultaneously tongue-in-cheek and heartfelt. It's delightfully slowburn and spicy: they're quick to sleep together and slow to admit their feelings.
- Danika Ellis
Looks like I'm on board the romantasy train! I'm a big fan of Critical Role, so I had to try this novel that started as an in-universe romance book in their D&D game. Guinevere is a sheltered merchant's daughter with suppressed magical powers. Oskar is her reluctant half-orc protector on the road. Their undeniable chemistry upends all their plans. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only is Tusk Love great for Critical Role fans, but it also stands alone as a steamy read that is somehow simultaneously tongue-in-cheek and heartfelt. It's delightfully slowburn and spicy: they're quick to sleep together and slow to admit their feelings.
- Danika Ellis
July 18, 2025
I mean at this point, if Thea Guanzon published her grocery list I’d be first in line to read it
June 26, 2026
feeling stupid for being annoyed this was insta-love when the book wasn’t even 300 pages like diva read the room what do you think is gonna happen
May 22, 2025
3⭐️
༉‧₊˚. pre-read - taking a break from Caraval and starting this Arc🧡
thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for a review :,)
I really wanted to love Tusk Love, but I found myself struggling to get through the first 60% of it. The pacing felt slow, and I had little motivation to pick it up most days. My mind kept wandering as I read, which made it extremely difficult to stay engaged with the story.
One thing I wish had been talked about more was Guinevere’s magic. It felt like such an important part of her character and the world, yet it didn’t get the attention it deserved. Also, since I’m not familiar with Critical Role by Thea Guanzon, the universe this book is based in(?), I may have enjoyed it more if I had read that first.
That being said, the last 15% of the book really pulled through for me. It FINALLY picked up momentum, the emotional stakes felt higher, and I was actually invested. The ending helped redeem a really slow start, and I got the happy ending I wanted
༉‧₊˚. pre-read - taking a break from Caraval and starting this Arc🧡
thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for a review :,)
I really wanted to love Tusk Love, but I found myself struggling to get through the first 60% of it. The pacing felt slow, and I had little motivation to pick it up most days. My mind kept wandering as I read, which made it extremely difficult to stay engaged with the story.
One thing I wish had been talked about more was Guinevere’s magic. It felt like such an important part of her character and the world, yet it didn’t get the attention it deserved. Also, since I’m not familiar with Critical Role by Thea Guanzon, the universe this book is based in(?), I may have enjoyed it more if I had read that first.
That being said, the last 15% of the book really pulled through for me. It FINALLY picked up momentum, the emotional stakes felt higher, and I was actually invested. The ending helped redeem a really slow start, and I got the happy ending I wanted
July 19, 2025
« You - are so much work, sweetheart. So why is it that I’m having the time of my life? »
This was SO SWEET AND FUN 😭 had tears and chills of wholesomeness - this made my heart SO HAPPY 😭
« It was unfair, what happened, but you made it through admirably. None of it was your fault. You’re all right now. You survived. »
Guinevere & Oskar were absolute perfect characters 🥹 the grumpy sunshine and forced proximity was amazing and the love they found along the way ❤️🩹
I will reread this!
« And what was grief, but a memory of love? »
« She said that life could get hard and mean, but I didn’t have to be. »
« Tears could even be a victory in their own way, a sign that you hadn’t let all the daily struggles - the myriad little uncaring cruelties - get the best of you. »
This was SO SWEET AND FUN 😭 had tears and chills of wholesomeness - this made my heart SO HAPPY 😭
« It was unfair, what happened, but you made it through admirably. None of it was your fault. You’re all right now. You survived. »
Guinevere & Oskar were absolute perfect characters 🥹 the grumpy sunshine and forced proximity was amazing and the love they found along the way ❤️🩹
I will reread this!
« And what was grief, but a memory of love? »
« She said that life could get hard and mean, but I didn’t have to be. »
« Tears could even be a victory in their own way, a sign that you hadn’t let all the daily struggles - the myriad little uncaring cruelties - get the best of you. »
July 5, 2025
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Insta-lust, peeps!
Guinevere, the daughter of an ambitious merchant knows she has to marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire and be his obedient wife even if what she wants is a life of adventure and freedom.
However, when her caravan is attacked by bandits, she is left stranded on Amber Road and has to travel with Oskar, a half-orc who saved her during the attack. Grumpy Oskar has a soft side that intrigues Guinevere.
Soon, they have to decide where to go on separate paths or fight for their HEA.
The story comes in Guinevere and Oskar’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
First, let me clarify that I had no idea what Critical Role was supposed to mean. I thought it was some new series or a multi-author series in making a set in the same fantasy world. But… it is a setting from the famous Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) game. If you already know this, good for you. If you are like me, hi-five!
Since the page count was less than 300, I knew the book wouldn’t have a lot of development. Still, I love that cover, so I had to read this.
The beginning is quite good in a way that we start right in the middle of the said bandit attack on the FMC. Starting with action is a great choice, though this won’t work for everyone. Some prefer to have a bit of an intro before launching into fights.
However, we get enough backstory in bits and pieces, which is how I prefer it to pages of info dump. The idea is clear almost right away. The FMC is sheltered, naïve, and pretty much squished under her parents’ thumb. The MMC is poor, hardworking, and Grumpy… yes, with a capital G.
The magic elements were great, and I really wish they were explored in greater detail. For non-DnD peeps like me, a bit more description of the setting and worldbuilding would have helped (a lot). You can go with the flow, though.
Insta-lust starts a bit too instantly, though given the page count, I should have expected it. No probs. This could have worked better if the plot was a little more complex. It’s rather thin and straightforward with no real surprises, so the whole thing loses its charm in the second half. It becomes yet another romantasy with smut.
The ending is as you would expect it from the genre, though it leaves me with some practical questions about livelihood and stuff. Let’s be honest, you can’t survive on air and love for long.
The FMC has violet-colored eyes, and I rather liked the range of comparisons the author came up with to describe her eye color at different times. From lilac to amethyst, we go from flowers to gemstones. (Mind you, this may annoy some readers, but I found it cute.)
To summarize, Tusk Love is a lighthearted romantic fantasy set in the world of DnD. Despite the uneven pacing, I didn’t find it boring at any point. It could have been better, yes. But it wasn’t bad.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Worlds, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TuskLove
One Liner: Insta-lust, peeps!
Guinevere, the daughter of an ambitious merchant knows she has to marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire and be his obedient wife even if what she wants is a life of adventure and freedom.
However, when her caravan is attacked by bandits, she is left stranded on Amber Road and has to travel with Oskar, a half-orc who saved her during the attack. Grumpy Oskar has a soft side that intrigues Guinevere.
Soon, they have to decide where to go on separate paths or fight for their HEA.
The story comes in Guinevere and Oskar’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
First, let me clarify that I had no idea what Critical Role was supposed to mean. I thought it was some new series or a multi-author series in making a set in the same fantasy world. But… it is a setting from the famous Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) game. If you already know this, good for you. If you are like me, hi-five!
Since the page count was less than 300, I knew the book wouldn’t have a lot of development. Still, I love that cover, so I had to read this.
The beginning is quite good in a way that we start right in the middle of the said bandit attack on the FMC. Starting with action is a great choice, though this won’t work for everyone. Some prefer to have a bit of an intro before launching into fights.
However, we get enough backstory in bits and pieces, which is how I prefer it to pages of info dump. The idea is clear almost right away. The FMC is sheltered, naïve, and pretty much squished under her parents’ thumb. The MMC is poor, hardworking, and Grumpy… yes, with a capital G.
The magic elements were great, and I really wish they were explored in greater detail. For non-DnD peeps like me, a bit more description of the setting and worldbuilding would have helped (a lot). You can go with the flow, though.
Insta-lust starts a bit too instantly, though given the page count, I should have expected it. No probs. This could have worked better if the plot was a little more complex. It’s rather thin and straightforward with no real surprises, so the whole thing loses its charm in the second half. It becomes yet another romantasy with smut.
The ending is as you would expect it from the genre, though it leaves me with some practical questions about livelihood and stuff. Let’s be honest, you can’t survive on air and love for long.
The FMC has violet-colored eyes, and I rather liked the range of comparisons the author came up with to describe her eye color at different times. From lilac to amethyst, we go from flowers to gemstones. (Mind you, this may annoy some readers, but I found it cute.)
To summarize, Tusk Love is a lighthearted romantic fantasy set in the world of DnD. Despite the uneven pacing, I didn’t find it boring at any point. It could have been better, yes. But it wasn’t bad.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Worlds, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TuskLove
October 19, 2025
I really loved this story. I need to get the paperback once it comes out. Guinevere and Oskar were literally rapunzel and Flynn, I loved them so much 😭 I lowkey want to get into the critical role universe now omg
5/5 so good
Update 10/26/25 - the way I’m still thinking about this story omg. A reread is imminent.
5/5 so good
Update 10/26/25 - the way I’m still thinking about this story omg. A reread is imminent.
June 30, 2025
4.0 ★— Let me preface this by saying: I’m not into Dungeons & Dragons and was thus unfamiliar with the DnD-based web show Critical Role, which originated the premise of this book. However, that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story at all!
Guinevere, the heroine, was just so sweet! She’s a woman longing for freedom in a world where her future is already set. The story opens with her running into trouble on her journey to meet the fiancé she’s been promised to — and that’s when she crosses paths with the MMC, Oskar, a grumpy half-Orc. From the start, there’s a really cute chemistry between them. As circumstances throw them together, they open up to each other quickly, with an instant understanding (and attraction!) that feels natural and only deepens as the story progresses.
There’s a lot of tension and pining between them, and as someone who hasn’t read many romances with more “monstrous” type of MMCs, I thought this was a great, approachable introduction to the trope.
I also thought that the steamy scenes were well-written. I really appreciated how gentle and considerate the two leads were with each other throughout. That softness made their connection feel even more genuine.
With its shorter length, the book felt like the perfect little escape - a warm story with some fun, smutty scenes, and an interesting fantasy world that’s easy enough to get lost in without having to contend with overly complex world building.
___________________________________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Guinevere, the heroine, was just so sweet! She’s a woman longing for freedom in a world where her future is already set. The story opens with her running into trouble on her journey to meet the fiancé she’s been promised to — and that’s when she crosses paths with the MMC, Oskar, a grumpy half-Orc. From the start, there’s a really cute chemistry between them. As circumstances throw them together, they open up to each other quickly, with an instant understanding (and attraction!) that feels natural and only deepens as the story progresses.
There’s a lot of tension and pining between them, and as someone who hasn’t read many romances with more “monstrous” type of MMCs, I thought this was a great, approachable introduction to the trope.
I also thought that the steamy scenes were well-written. I really appreciated how gentle and considerate the two leads were with each other throughout. That softness made their connection feel even more genuine.
With its shorter length, the book felt like the perfect little escape - a warm story with some fun, smutty scenes, and an interesting fantasy world that’s easy enough to get lost in without having to contend with overly complex world building.
___________________________________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 31, 2025
I’m sorry in advance for being a hater. Tl;dr: not exactly bad, just super, super not for me.
I’ll be the first person to admit I really had no business reading this book. I didn’t read the Hurricane Wars because everything I heard about it indicated it would not be for me, I don’t tend to love either romantasy or cozy fantasy, and I know nothing about Critical Role. But I do like a monster romance from time to time, and I was in the mood for something light and fun, so I hoped this might work for me. It did not.
I’ll start with my most important critique, since this may get long and rant-y: I did not like the characters and their relationship dynamic. Like, at all. And this is subjective! If you love their dynamic, you’ll probably like this book a whole lot more than I did. In a very real sense this is just the Disney movie Tangled (dare I say mashed together with a dash of Shrek) and that is just simply not a dynamic that I tend to enjoy. We’ve got a gruff, worldly, competent man x a spunky but sheltered lady who makes flower crowns and naively befriends criminals. This CAN be an interesting pairing, if it’s thoroughly explored and well considered, but that’s not the case here. It just felt tropey, unoriginal, and pretty infantilizing of Guinevere.
Also, I HATE grumpy men. Free us from the grumpy male love interest. Why are they all grumpy. Let men have other personalities besides grumpy.
The longer, more nitpicky rant: okay, elements of this story are definitely fun. There were moments where I enjoyed myself, almost enough to start thinking that 2 stars is too harsh. The problem is, at the end of the day, I have issues with basically every single facet of this book. The pacing is terrible - it skips somewhat randomly over really important parts with just, like, a brief sentence or paragraph summary, then draaags through some excruciatingly drawn out sequences that I did not care about at all, which means it manages to FEEL long in spite of the fact that it is very short. The “plot” is very thin and predictable and wraps up way too easily, which - fine. It’s a cozy-ish fantasy romance. That’s to be expected. The writing is also… maybe not terrible, but not good. I almost think this book would have been better off keeping to plain, contemporary prose rather than trying to sound high-fantasy.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’ll be the first person to admit I really had no business reading this book. I didn’t read the Hurricane Wars because everything I heard about it indicated it would not be for me, I don’t tend to love either romantasy or cozy fantasy, and I know nothing about Critical Role. But I do like a monster romance from time to time, and I was in the mood for something light and fun, so I hoped this might work for me. It did not.
I’ll start with my most important critique, since this may get long and rant-y: I did not like the characters and their relationship dynamic. Like, at all. And this is subjective! If you love their dynamic, you’ll probably like this book a whole lot more than I did. In a very real sense this is just the Disney movie Tangled (dare I say mashed together with a dash of Shrek) and that is just simply not a dynamic that I tend to enjoy. We’ve got a gruff, worldly, competent man x a spunky but sheltered lady who makes flower crowns and naively befriends criminals. This CAN be an interesting pairing, if it’s thoroughly explored and well considered, but that’s not the case here. It just felt tropey, unoriginal, and pretty infantilizing of Guinevere.
Also, I HATE grumpy men. Free us from the grumpy male love interest. Why are they all grumpy. Let men have other personalities besides grumpy.
The longer, more nitpicky rant: okay, elements of this story are definitely fun. There were moments where I enjoyed myself, almost enough to start thinking that 2 stars is too harsh. The problem is, at the end of the day, I have issues with basically every single facet of this book. The pacing is terrible - it skips somewhat randomly over really important parts with just, like, a brief sentence or paragraph summary, then draaags through some excruciatingly drawn out sequences that I did not care about at all, which means it manages to FEEL long in spite of the fact that it is very short. The “plot” is very thin and predictable and wraps up way too easily, which - fine. It’s a cozy-ish fantasy romance. That’s to be expected. The writing is also… maybe not terrible, but not good. I almost think this book would have been better off keeping to plain, contemporary prose rather than trying to sound high-fantasy.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 14, 2025
This was pure unadulterated fun.
----------
"And what was grief, but a memory of love?"
"For as long as there is breath in my body, you will not face this world alone, Guinevere. Do you understand?”
"Some things were gifts, some things were to be learned, and some things were both."
----------
I'm ready for some *magic*
----------
"And what was grief, but a memory of love?"
"For as long as there is breath in my body, you will not face this world alone, Guinevere. Do you understand?”
"Some things were gifts, some things were to be learned, and some things were both."
----------
I'm ready for some *magic*
August 20, 2025
2.5 stars
I really didn't vibe well with the author's writing style or the pacing of this book. I love a cozy fantasy but I thought this one was written poorly. I know nothing about critical role and I don't think I am the target demographic for this. Regardless, I feel if the author had taken more time to develop the characters/worldbuild I would have had a much better reading experience. I'll likely forget most of this story in less than two months.
2025 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo Categories hit: Road trip
I really didn't vibe well with the author's writing style or the pacing of this book. I love a cozy fantasy but I thought this one was written poorly. I know nothing about critical role and I don't think I am the target demographic for this. Regardless, I feel if the author had taken more time to develop the characters/worldbuild I would have had a much better reading experience. I'll likely forget most of this story in less than two months.
2025 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo Categories hit: Road trip
October 29, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
3.5 stars — i know nothing about critical role so i can make no commentary on the lore/world-building, but i really enjoyed the plot and development of our characters’ relationship (especially the smut whewww omg!!)
i’m pleasantly surprised by this romantasy since i could not stand thea guanzon’s debut — it was such a train-wreck that not even the beauty of my fairyloot edition could save it
i also listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did a fantastic job! i very much prefer a duet narration to a duel narration; it’s so much more fun to hear characters talk to one another!
3.5 stars — i know nothing about critical role so i can make no commentary on the lore/world-building, but i really enjoyed the plot and development of our characters’ relationship (especially the smut whewww omg!!)
i’m pleasantly surprised by this romantasy since i could not stand thea guanzon’s debut — it was such a train-wreck that not even the beauty of my fairyloot edition could save it
i also listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did a fantastic job! i very much prefer a duet narration to a duel narration; it’s so much more fun to hear characters talk to one another!
September 17, 2025
I LOVED THIS!!! It's so cute and funny and sexy - absolutely fantastic fantasy romance. Also I went in with no context from Critical Role and still thoroughly enjoyed it.
A merchants daughter with a secret power is attacked on her way to an arranged marriage. A handsome half-orc saves her and they travel together and fall in love. This was absolutely delightful, entertaining, and had a lot of heart. Highly recommend it! This is one of my favorite romances I've read this year. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
A merchants daughter with a secret power is attacked on her way to an arranged marriage. A handsome half-orc saves her and they travel together and fall in love. This was absolutely delightful, entertaining, and had a lot of heart. Highly recommend it! This is one of my favorite romances I've read this year. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
July 5, 2025
I'm ready to accept that I don't really like romance and that's fine!
I think the best part about Tusk Loveis its place in the metanarrative of Critical Role. Folks, this is an actual romance book, set on the fictional world of Exandria. I feel like if this was what all romantasy was like I would have far less problems with the genre. Except... this is not romantic fantasy, this is fantasy romance.
Thing is, I don't really like romance as a genre, and I think this book kind of sedimented that for me. I don't think I would have ever considered reading this if not for the Critical Role element, and I definitely would not have finished it if not for the fantasy element. But it was fun for what it was!
The main thing that took me out of it was...the tropes were over-troping, so to speak, to a point where I could not even tell if it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek or taken at face value. Much as I enjoyed Oskar, I am self-aware enough to recognise the traits of ye olde man written by a woman. Ooohhh he's so bigly big and manly and gruff, but so sweet and emotionally intelligent, not talkative but knows exactly the right thing to say at the right time, self-serving and self-sufficient but upends his entire life to help a woman he just met out of the goodness of his heart... But also because she's beautiful and unique and smally small, and sheltered and inexperienced but soooo filled with love for life and wanderlust!
Like... Yeah, I get it.
Overall this was a moderately fun romp to read with my brain absolutely shut down, but I wouldn't re-read.
I think the best part about Tusk Loveis its place in the metanarrative of Critical Role. Folks, this is an actual romance book, set on the fictional world of Exandria. I feel like if this was what all romantasy was like I would have far less problems with the genre. Except... this is not romantic fantasy, this is fantasy romance.
Thing is, I don't really like romance as a genre, and I think this book kind of sedimented that for me. I don't think I would have ever considered reading this if not for the Critical Role element, and I definitely would not have finished it if not for the fantasy element. But it was fun for what it was!
The main thing that took me out of it was...the tropes were over-troping, so to speak, to a point where I could not even tell if it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek or taken at face value. Much as I enjoyed Oskar, I am self-aware enough to recognise the traits of ye olde man written by a woman. Ooohhh he's so bigly big and manly and gruff, but so sweet and emotionally intelligent, not talkative but knows exactly the right thing to say at the right time, self-serving and self-sufficient but upends his entire life to help a woman he just met out of the goodness of his heart... But also because she's beautiful and unique and smally small, and sheltered and inexperienced but soooo filled with love for life and wanderlust!
Like... Yeah, I get it.
Overall this was a moderately fun romp to read with my brain absolutely shut down, but I wouldn't re-read.
May 26, 2025
2.5 stars
Oh, Oskar.
If you are at all familiar with the second campaign of Critical Role you know the origin of Tusk Love. In the D&D campaign, naive and romantic Jester finds a romance book that she ends up loving. It starts as a silly throwaway joke, but then the book is referenced throughout the entire campaign by multiple characters as the best love story ever told and quite smutty too. The fact that the Critical Role team actually reached out to Thea Guanzon to write this story is both hilarious and a perfect gift for fans.
The episode where it's first mentioned, Matt, the DM, gives a quick summary. It's a love story about a half-orc and the daughter of a wealthy merchant. They meet and travel the Amber Road. In future episodes other details are mentioned, like how a ship ends up sinking. All of these details are in this book. The team made a great job making Tusk Love follow the canon and also feeling like a book in Exandria. But I also do feel like it restrained a lot of it too.
But what about the book itself? Well, at first I liked it. I knew what I was getting into, so I found the characters charming and the story well paced.
Guinevere's caravan is attacked and the five guards hired to escort her to her parents are killed. Gwen has a secret, she's bonded to an ancient being, a fire elemental. This entity takes control over and kill most of these mercenaries, yet leaves Gwen weakened at the end. Oskar, a former blacksmith, goes out of his way to protect Guinevere and ends up becoming her guard.
At first, it's a charming relationship. Gwen is a proper lady, naive and trusting. Oskar, though grumpy, is a very noble man. They are attracted to each other immediately, and the set up is cute until like a quarter of the way through where the characters were already kissing, I think it was the third day they were travelling together? It's a short book so I understand the romance has to start soonish rather than later, but it was so rushed, that I feel like it messed a little with Gwen's development. Same with Oskar, though he is very closed off, his character only evolves to one of being grumpy, jealous and possessive by the end. Sure there are moments where you can see how sunshine Guinevere would bright Oskar's life, but to be honest I don't see how this couple would work in the end. Which, well, I guess I just didn't buy much of the chemistry.
My biggest complain however was the pacing. These two lovebirds have to travel for days to Nikodranas, where Gwen's parents live and his fiance awaits for her. However, Gwen is being hunted by a band of mercenaries that want to steal her dowry. Thus, the book is just a long journey with a lot of repetitive scenes. Being ambushed, entering a town to spend the night, kisses and smut, being ambushed, spending the night, kisses and repeat. Like I said, it's a relative short book and yet I was over it so fast. There was nothing engaging to me, I didn't enjoy the romance because I didn't see any spark. I didn't like the plot because it was too repetitive and the ending the most predictable thing. There weren't stakes, and some plot points that seem very interesting for developing the characters were pretty much ignored in the end. Gwen's relationship with the elemental, and Oskar's visit to his mother's clan.
I wanted to love this, because I love Critical Role, especially the second campaign and I'm always rooting for Thea. However, this did not work for me. I didn't like the romance, I feel like the characters were shallow to fit romance tropes, and the pacing was slow and repetitive.
Oh, Oskar.
If you are at all familiar with the second campaign of Critical Role you know the origin of Tusk Love. In the D&D campaign, naive and romantic Jester finds a romance book that she ends up loving. It starts as a silly throwaway joke, but then the book is referenced throughout the entire campaign by multiple characters as the best love story ever told and quite smutty too. The fact that the Critical Role team actually reached out to Thea Guanzon to write this story is both hilarious and a perfect gift for fans.
The episode where it's first mentioned, Matt, the DM, gives a quick summary. It's a love story about a half-orc and the daughter of a wealthy merchant. They meet and travel the Amber Road. In future episodes other details are mentioned, like how a ship ends up sinking. All of these details are in this book. The team made a great job making Tusk Love follow the canon and also feeling like a book in Exandria. But I also do feel like it restrained a lot of it too.
But what about the book itself? Well, at first I liked it. I knew what I was getting into, so I found the characters charming and the story well paced.
Guinevere's caravan is attacked and the five guards hired to escort her to her parents are killed. Gwen has a secret, she's bonded to an ancient being, a fire elemental. This entity takes control over and kill most of these mercenaries, yet leaves Gwen weakened at the end. Oskar, a former blacksmith, goes out of his way to protect Guinevere and ends up becoming her guard.
At first, it's a charming relationship. Gwen is a proper lady, naive and trusting. Oskar, though grumpy, is a very noble man. They are attracted to each other immediately, and the set up is cute until like a quarter of the way through where the characters were already kissing, I think it was the third day they were travelling together? It's a short book so I understand the romance has to start soonish rather than later, but it was so rushed, that I feel like it messed a little with Gwen's development. Same with Oskar, though he is very closed off, his character only evolves to one of being grumpy, jealous and possessive by the end. Sure there are moments where you can see how sunshine Guinevere would bright Oskar's life, but to be honest I don't see how this couple would work in the end. Which, well, I guess I just didn't buy much of the chemistry.
My biggest complain however was the pacing. These two lovebirds have to travel for days to Nikodranas, where Gwen's parents live and his fiance awaits for her. However, Gwen is being hunted by a band of mercenaries that want to steal her dowry. Thus, the book is just a long journey with a lot of repetitive scenes. Being ambushed, entering a town to spend the night, kisses and smut, being ambushed, spending the night, kisses and repeat. Like I said, it's a relative short book and yet I was over it so fast. There was nothing engaging to me, I didn't enjoy the romance because I didn't see any spark. I didn't like the plot because it was too repetitive and the ending the most predictable thing. There weren't stakes, and some plot points that seem very interesting for developing the characters were pretty much ignored in the end. Gwen's relationship with the elemental, and Oskar's visit to his mother's clan.
I wanted to love this, because I love Critical Role, especially the second campaign and I'm always rooting for Thea. However, this did not work for me. I didn't like the romance, I feel like the characters were shallow to fit romance tropes, and the pacing was slow and repetitive.
April 7, 2025
This was SO GOOD! I devoured this and loved every minute. It's so romantic and has such a cozy adventure! Plus the breaking down of ones own prejudices was such a powerful and lovely message. I think Thea Guanzon did an amazing job and i'm so grateful to have been able to read an ARC of this!
Thank you so much Del Rey for my ARC, I am so appreciative!
Thank you so much Del Rey for my ARC, I am so appreciative!
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July 15, 2025ohhhh my god, this may have cured my reading slump!
June 7, 2026
what a fun smutty little read!
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