My Orc Has Big Tusks: A cozy/steamy monster romance

by Ava Ross

One small-town vet. One soft-hearted orc. Could he be her forever home?

When I answered an emergency call in the middle of a storm, I expected to treat an injured bird, not fall for the seven-foot-tall orc who owns the Creature Rescue League. Brovish is all gentle hands and worried frowns, the kind of guy who names every animal and writes about them in a worn notebook like they're family. He's also jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and I'm not supposed to notice that about my new boss. But when a tiny orange emberkit chooses me as her person and driftwhisps start decorating my hair, I realize this wild, messy, wonderful place might be exactly where I'm meant to be. If I'm brave enough to stay.

For two years, I've poured everything into the Creature Rescue League, creating a safe haven for creatures no one else knows how to help. Then Laina walks through my door in the middle of a rainstorm, fixes a bird's broken wing like she's been treating orc kingdom animals her whole life, and talks to every creature like they matter. My pet emberkit abandoned my shoulder for hers within minutes. The driftwhisps won't leave her alone. Even our grumpy snugglethorn adores her. I'm trying to stay professional, but when she smiles at me like she only sees me, I know I'm in trouble. Now I just have to convince her that this place—and I—are worth leaving her old life behind.

My Orc Has Big Tusks is Book 1 in the Creature Rescue League Series. Expect a cozy Earth-based world, slow-burn spice, quirky side characters and whimsical creatures, a swoony orc hero, and a HEA.

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2026

About the author

AVA 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.

Reviews

[Lisa Ann D.]

❣︎ When he pulled back, his eyes had darkened. “I need to prepare you first.” “I’m ready. I won’t break.” “I won’t risk you.” I could see the conflict in his face, his need warring with caution. ❣︎

𝙼𝙸𝙽𝙸 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆
My Orc Has Big Tusks: A cozy/ steamy monster romance
by Ava Ross @avarosswrites
283 pages
Published August 1, 2026
𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶: ★★★★★ 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦
❣︎
Simply perfect. Laina & Brovish are 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴!
These creatures… the coziest vibes… the energy of the whole story. I loved this one & could never not recommend this! It has been added to one of my top orc romances of all time!!


Orc Kingdom Pets
Only One Cave
The Creatures Choose Her
Curvy FMC
He's her Boss
Size Difference
Coziest vibes
Slow Burn
Found Family
Small Town Romance

••• The creatures choosing her was absolutely one of my favorites parts! And damn I love Sofia so much. •••


“I claim you, Laina Mercer, as my kavresh. My heart-chosen.”
❣︎

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀.
❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗙𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
✨🌈✨

[RB]

It's been a very long time since I gave a book a 5 star review. And I haven't been an Ava Ross fan. But wow.

This is one of the sweetest, most charming stories I've ever read. No checklists or templates here. (Well, maybe a little.) No real tropes, either. OK, the MMC is definitely a cinnamon roll type. This book reminds me of stories written pre-2000 for sure, before ever a thought of stringing tropes together and declaring that a publishable book.

This story is about Laina, a vet who is continuing her deceased father's practice but feels frozen with no discernible future other than her work. She gets a chance call from a nearby rescue that takes in Orcish creatures from "the kingdom" below.

It's clear that the human and magical world has been cohabitating for some time, and things seemed settled in that universe regard. There's not much world building here as everything appears to be in a calm state.

This story is really a romance between two cultures, a lot of fascinating animals, and two people. It's also about a woman trying to reconcile grief, a damaged relationship with her mother, and basically which way to go. She's lonely and clings to her past relationship with her father. But during this first visit to the rescue, she knows this is her new path.

The story that spools out is warm and lovely. It's a slow burn but in the best way. The animals are mostly emotive and connect to the people around them. Their characters are also fascinating.

The MMC is a big green dude working his way into a new life aboveground from "the kingdom," which is what they call the Orc world. He loves the rescue that he and other friends have built, slowly introducing animals to this new world while integrating themselves. He's immediately drawn to Laina. Their romantic dance towards each other is fresh and interesting. Sure, it's similar to other contemporary romances, but lacks the stupid tropes that frustrate me. No miscommunications. No TSTL behaviors. Just two quiet, lonely people who feel that instant jolt but don't immediately jump into things.

If you're looking for tropes, or action, or big Orc alpha behavior, or super spice, this may not be for you. There is spice and I liked it, it just doesn't flow at the usual rate. They are definitely attracted and act on that at various points, but at a slower pace. Because the story is well written, I didn't feel a drag.

I did think the dialogue was a little too much at times, but not enough to make me skip ahead. That's my only real feedback. We'll, that and the truly stupid title.

There's a real magical feel to this, but it fits in realistically with the romance and real world. This is a lovely, emotional read and I'm looking forward to the next one. This is the first time in a loong time that I pre-ordered a book!

[Nevena]

💚 “Home isn’t where I’m from. It’s who I’m with.”
~~~
Laina is absolutely lovely! She’s kind, caring and incredibly compassionate. And as a veterinarian, she’s not only very good at what she does, but she deeply cares about her patients. Laina is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!

Brovish is one of the founders of the Creature Rescue League. He’s big and strong, but there’s more to him than his burly facade. Because Brovish is also caring, sweet, gentle, thoughtful, patient and protective. This amazing orc is one absolutely remarkable male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Laina and Brovish! In the middle of a storm, Laina receives an emergency call from the Creature Rescue League, and this call was about to change her life.

I adored Laina and Brovish together! Their chemistry was amazing from the start, and I loved every moment they spent together. And they worked so well together, caring for all the animals in the sanctuary. Even more, I loved how supportive and understanding they were of each other and how they openly communicated about everything. And when they finally gave into the undeniable attraction, the passionate moments they shared were so hot. Laina and Brovish were truly a perfect match and more than deserved to find happiness and love together.

In addition, the storyline was spectacular! I loved all the orcs in the Creature Rescue League and cannot wait to learn more about each of them. And I was so excited we got to meet so many animals from the Orc Kingdom - I loved them all so much, but Sophia was definitely the star of the sanctuary!

Overall, My Orc Has Big Tusks is a sweet, fun and emotional story and a fantastic start of the series.

I loved every page of it and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Lisa Bing]

This was a wonderful series opener and I have to say I absolutely loved the creatures ;D Veterinarian, Laina, gets a call to help at the Creature Rescue League, where she really finds her place. Orc, Brovish, is co-owner and these two have an immediate and hot chemistry. Thankfully, Laina gets along with the staff so well that they offer her a job... Expect to be fully engaged when you dive into this sweet and steamy read, but be aware there will be family drama to keep things hopping ;) I loved it and can't wait for the next book. Good fun!

[Cristy]

Well this is certainly an eye opener for a brand new series and I can tell it's going to be amazing.
Creature Rescue League is just what you expect it to be, but dang, these incredible creatures are hypnotic, alluring and I definitely want some. The way Ava describes their colors, their emotions and how they adapt and cling to people is truly remarkable.

The instant connection with all the characters is addictive, but the icing on the cake is truly how absorbed you become in this slow burn love story. 💜

[Jen Reading]

Sweet, cozy, and completely charming!

I was completely enchanted by this story — it has such a warm, cozy feel to it, the kind of book you want to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. Laina and Brovish are so likable; they're genuinely good-hearted, and I loved watching their bond grow. Brovish's care for the animals, along with his sweet, insightful notebook entries, made him totally swoonworthy. The orc kingdom animals were so fun and whimsical, adding so much charm and personality to the world-building. I'm already looking forward to more from this series!

[Chris]

My Orc Has Big Tusks by Ava Ross is the first in a new series, The Creature Rescue League. It’s a sweet, steamy orc romance with a HEA. Small town vet, Laina and co-owner of the Creature Rescue League, Brovish have undeniable chemistry right from the start. It’s a quick, lovely read, filled with humor and heart and so many wonderful new creatures. I’d seriously love a companion field guide for this one!

[Joanne]

Nice Feel Good Story

A group of orcs own and run an animal rescue for creatures from the orc kingdom to be put up for adoption the human realm. When they need a vet they were given Laina's number who comes and is fascinated by these new creatures and also attracted to one of the orcs. The story wasn't rushed, creatures were well described and it really pulls you in. Definitely a must read!

[Holly Stevens]

My Orc Has Big Tusks by Ava Ross is a sweet, slow burn romance, part of The Creature Rescue League. Vet Laina is called to the orc Creature Rescue League one evening and meets Brovish, one of the rescuers and is basically hired as their resident vet. Brovish knows she's his one and only as she attracts the underworld creatures like Snow White. They work together to help one creature give birth to twins, a sign of great favor. It's no wonder the two fall in love!

[JoAn]

This was more than a romance as readers are introduced to whole new species of creatures that have only been seen underground in the orc realms. Brovish may be a 7 foot orc but he was adorable throughout the story trying to relate to Laina within "human social norms". Laina's maturity and growth throughout the story along with the introduction of these wonderful new creatures and the rescue operation made this a book that was hard for me to put down.

[Gloria]

Vet Laina is called to make an emergency visit to the Creature Rescue League. There she meets many fascinating orc animals and also a very sexy Orc. She gets along so well with the animals and the staff that they offer her a job. Being at a crossroad in her life she accepts. Everything is going great until her estranged Mother decides to visit. Sweet steamy Orc romance.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha]

Brovish an Laina
I liked this book, this new rescue home for orc creatures is the begining of an amazing series. All these amazing creatures that make you want to have tem all. Laina is the new vet and She fits perfectly here. She has so many issues with her Mother but Brovish is the Orc to help her get there. I can't wait to read more about this guys.

[Victoria]

I like the characters, the story with the creatures, and so on. But I think this book needs to be polished a little. Because the characters' development (in their personal lives , decisions, and love) was unnatural. I was close to not finish this book. But I wat see the romance of the rest of the orcs in Creature Rescue Legue.

[Klutzy Traveler]

Refreshingly Sweet

This book was such an unexpected delight! As someone who believes in animal rescue and humane education, this hit my sweet spot. I loved all of it, and the creatures were so much fun! I am starting the second book as soon as I finish this review. I can’t wait to see what fun is ahead!

[Suze]

My Orc Has Big Tusks - Ava Ross

I absolutely adored this book. I loved Brovish and the sanctuary. The work building was great and I loved all the small details about all of the different species, especially Sofia
Laina as an FMC being a vet was like catnip for the little girl in me and I loved the found family at the rescue league
Jumping straight into the next book

[Trixie]

This book had me hooked, staying up late into the early hours because I just couldn't put it down or leave the MCs. It’s filled with so much wisdom from the orcs, words that truly can’t do it justice. I absolutely loved the story and will happily be adding it to my list of favorites!

[Michele]

A fantastic start to a new series. Love the interactions between the guys as they run their league and adapt to living on the surface. The creatures have their own personalities and add so much to the story. Great read, little angst. Lots of smolder!!

[Kat Mccollum]

Big hearts

I love these orcs with big hearts. There is no big suspense filled mystery in this book. It is heartwarming and sweet. Love the creatures in the rescue. I want an emberkit for myself.

[Marianne]

A really lovely orc romance.. I loved it, and its adorable characters. And the animals are cute, smart, and so fun.

[Anuschka-Marie']

I found this such a sweet story. Absolutely loved it. The interactions between Brovish and Latina was so cute. My favorite was Sofia and the driftwhisps.

I can't wait for the next book!