
Member Reviews

Tusk Love was a light-hearted, cosy yet spicy romantasy read. In it we follow Guinevere, a merchant’s daughter travelling the Amber Road to meet with her parents at the Menagerie Coast. When she is attacked by bandits she meets Oskar, who steps in to save her. Oskar is a half-orc and making his own journey but ends up travelling with Guinevere for her protection.
Tusk Love is / has:
- Opposites attract
- One bed (there is a great quote from Oskar on this), one horse and many other tropes
- Forbidden romance – he’s an unemployed blacksmith apprentice, she’s a merchant’s daughter
- Dual POV
I liked the characters. Guinevere has been sheltered, so has a naivety to her and a desire for adventure; her character development was excellent, and she never strayed into being frustrating to read. Oskar was wonderfully grumpy and broody, and I loved watching his protectiveness for Guinevere develop. So, I was eager for their happily ever after as a couple.
At under 288, this is a relatively short read, and this is in part reflected in the fast pace of the story. We cover a lot of ground and happenings along Guinevere and Oskar’s way. However, at times I personally wished more time was focused on some of the events instead of moving quickly to another.
This book is also a collaboration with Critical Role, inspired by the Tusk Love in-game book – consequently this would be great for fans of Critical Role and romantasy readers. However, I do not have great knowledge of Critical Role and found this an enjoyable, fun read.

My first ork smut??? Oopsies!
Thank you Random House / Cornerstone and NetGalley for an early copy of Tusk Love.
I was so excited for this book, I even pre-ordered the special edition because the concept and artwork are stunning. I had really high hopes going in, and maybe I'm missing some of the lore, but I’m left feeling a bit sad. I really wanted to love this. It's somewhere between 3/3.5 stars for me.
The first 50% totally had me, and the last 10% was a fun ride too, but the middle of the book felt too long and dragged out. It felt like a lot was happening… but also not much at all? The plot fell a bit flat, and I really struggled with it.
Gwen is an interesting protagonist — she starts off very naïve (sometimes too naïve, to the point of feeling a bit underage), but she does show some growth. She was clearly spoiled, and I hated her parents, but I really appreciated the way she eventually handled things with them. That arc gave her some much-needed depth, but perhaps a bit less than I would have expected.
That said, her magic? I wanted more! It’s mentioned a few times, but mostly brushed off like something she casually learned from her nan, which felt weirdly underdeveloped considering how important it could have been and how it's shaped major events in the story.
I didn’t fully connect with the main romance, it all felt a bit rushed. But Oskar? Major Shrek energy which I LOVE. Shrek is love, Shrek is life, and so is an emotionally intelligent ork who knows how to apologise. His inner monologues were such a highlight, and the banter was pretty solid throughout.
The cosy vibes were definitely on point with the quiet moments on the road and slow bonding gave me Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill vibes, which I adored. The prose is genuinely well-written, and the world has so much potential, despite the story being cosy and low-risk, especially when they arrive in Nicodranas (what a twist!).
It’s a cute story overall, but just didn’t fully grip me. Still excited to get my fancy edition, but this ended up being more of a mixed bag.

Tusk Love was a fun, low stakes fantasy with a long ass journey (too long, some might say).
As someone who is used to reading more *cough* extreme monster books, this was a cute little read, but nothing life-changing.
If you’re a seasoned monster reader looking for a quick palate cleanser or a newbie looking to dip their toes, then this would hit the spot.
Let’s get into it.
Writing & Plot:
Thea’s writing isn’t an effortless read. It’s third person, which isn’t my preferred choice, and she throws in a lot of words that stray above the average reading comprehension. I don’t mind a book that takes more brain power to digest if the trade-off is worth it. In this case, sometimes it worked, and sometimes it was a bit lethargic.
She also leaned towards high fantasy style world building, which may have suited something like the Hurricane Wars, but was far too stodgy for what was meant to be a cute romance, and it didn't quite mesh for me. I’m aware this idea originally came from a D&D campaign, but as someone unknowing of the lore and the origins of the story, it fell a bit flat in places. It was an awful lot of place names dropped all at once in girthy chunks that had my eyes crossing. There were paragraphs full of descriptions of the new cities and places we encountered and honestly I couldn’t have given less of a shit nearer to the end because we never stayed in any of these places long enough to care.
The pacing was a little bit off for me, too. The journey itself was very drawn out, whereas the ending was very rushed. Some things seemed a bit shoehorned in. Like, she tries to cover everything that could be seen as a plot hole, but some things just didn’t work.
Side Characters:
Each side character had a very distinct personality and was always a fun addition to the plot, but they were only ever around for a couple of pages. Blink and they were gone. I wanted more of them and for them to actually mean something to the story, rather than being passing people who happened to be in the right place at the right time to help and further the plot. Because of this, a lot of heavy lifting was left to our two main characters for any sort of depth and growth.
Main Character: Guinevere
I will be honest and say that our female main character annoyed the ever loving fuck out of me at first. She was as bland and amicable as white bread. Sheltered, naive and ditzy, with a side serving of spoilt, as well as being rather snooty in an uneducated-about-the-world kind of way.
She didn’t seem to have any feelings of her own and mostly just described what was happening around her as if she were just a spectator rather than an active participant in her own life. I wanted to give her a little shake a couple of times.
I found myself yearning for character development; otherwise, it was going to be a DNF for me. Luckily, she had some. By the end, she was still a bit ditzy, but she was also brave and kind and very sweet. She also has some clear trauma and people-pleasing tendencies that she worked her way through, with the help of Oskar, and she absolutely grew on me.
Main Character: Oskar
Oh, we love Oskar. Blue collar vibes, rough as the earth. Gruff but kind. Didn’t think twice about putting himself at risk to save a stranger. Especially a stranger who pisses him off at first, but he can’t help but help her anyway because that’s the kind of guy he is. Obsessed with a certain woman’s boobs (no need for the ass or boobs debate here, it was very clear).
I was surprised, but pleased, to see him actually have some emotions throughout. He cried, or nearly cried, multiple times, which you don’t often see with manly MCs who tend to lean towards emotional constipation, but which I think is important rep for male mental health and positive masculinity.
But honestly, I think he may have been a bit *too* perfect overall, in a way that his phrases would sometimes be a bit generic and cliché, and he seemed to lack a little bit of personality and the necessary uniqueness that makes a character truly memorable. While he was written as being 23, I think he would have suited being late 20’s instead, especially with how mature he was (not to mention a top notch shagger, yet his past relations and experiences are never discussed). I feel like a guy in their early twenties would have been a lot more immature, but I’m guessing the author didn’t want to make it an age gap romance.
Their Relationship:
Their initial dynamic was your classic sunshine gal keeps talking until the grumpy guy caves in. He dislikes her on principle for being upper class, at the same time as being ridiculously attracted to her. She keeps putting her foot in her mouth and saying the wrong thing and trying not to be judgmental about their different upbringings.
The conversation between them at first seemed a little forced for the sake of ironing out a rapport and building some back story. This was made even more evident when the author makes a character say repeatedly, ‘oh god, why am I saying this and asking this?’ when it came to Oskar conversing with Guinevere. It shows how out of character he was acting for the sake of kickstarting a connection between them when, in actual fact, he would have been silent the entire time and not asked her questions.
Apart from the iffy beginning, I enjoyed their dynamic, which leaned towards ye olde style teasing and banter. They were a little bit cliche sometimes, with the whole’ I don’t know what I would have done if you’d died’ and ‘I would never have left you, not if it meant leaving you alone’ schtick. They were also both a bit stupid in that they never seemed to vocalise what they actually wanted, with miscommunication playing a huge part and dragging out their eventual HEA. But overall, I liked them as a couple.
Would I read again? No
Would I recommend it? Yes, depending on the person and what they were looking for
My star rating: ★★★★

4.25 stars
I might need to start watching Critical Role.
When Guinevere’s guards are killed by bandits while her caravan is en route to meet her betrothed, she must travel alongside the aloof half-orc Oskar who saved her during the attack. The journey is long and perilous, but as the flames of their passion grow, they realize they’ll soon have to choose between their expected destinations and their blossoming romance.
As someone who doesn’t know the original Critical Role story, you won’t be confused while reading this interpretation. I’m sure having the backstory is helpful, but it isn’t necessary. However, reading Tusk Love has made me very interested in diving into the Critical Role campaign—so I count that as a win!
This book proves that you can write a fully realized romantasy in under 300 pages. There was never a moment when I felt certain plot points needed to be expanded on or that others should have been shortened for better flow. However, I still wish there had been more. I would have loved to see more places, meet more characters, and watch these characters go through even more trials and tribulations.
The romance between Gwen and Oskar was extremely well done. For such a short book, you’d think it might feel like instant love, but it never did. There was a natural flow as they went from strangers to reluctant companions to lovers. The spicy scenes were HOT and didn’t overwhelm the story. Rather, they complemented the development of their romance and the plot as a whole.
There were times when I felt Thea Guanzon overwrote certain parts of the book. With a few more rounds of editing, I think the story would have been top-notch.
Whether you’re a fan of Critical Role and D&D or not, Tusk Love is the kind of romantasy book anyone can enjoy reading!
Thank you so much to Random House UK and Critical Role for gifting me an early copy of this book ahead of its official release!

2 🌶️
- mini adventure
- forbidden romance
- cozy fantasy
- grumpy/sunshine
- one bed , one horse
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I give this book my honest review!
I chose this book because of "cozy fantasy" tag on it and I can say that this book can categorize into it. We follow the adventure of Gwen and Oskar who accidentally met when Gwen on her journey to her parents and attacked on the street. Oskar is the one who helped her and decided to accompany her in the journey.
The book mostly tell us about their journey and all that happen on this journey, because there are people who want to kidnap Gwen and her trunk. We also following the development of character from Gwen, from timid girl to brave and confidence. And the relationship that develop between Oskar and Gwen is really great. Both of them really care at each other and without realizing heal each other from their pas trauma. Both of them know how this will end but still they honest with what they want. I really love the characters in this book!
10% toward ending we got to see the conflict and everything happen so fast! Not really complaining tho but we learned so much in that 10% remaining.
I really recommend this book to whoever love book about journey and mini adventure!

I enjoyed following Guinevere and Oskar on this dangerous adventure, facing bandits and mercenaries far more often than they’d like, and charming all sorts of people along the way. There’s plenty of different characters introduced throughout, breaking up the long journey with their presence both on the road and in the towns. Guinevere and Oskar are a classic case of opposites attract, paired with grumpy vs sunshine, and considering the forced proximity, they were helpless to resist the romance coming their way. I loved how Oskar became a softer version of himself with Guinevere, but also growly, jealous and protective over this cheery, brave woman, one unused to the world outside her home and fascinated by every inch of it and finally able to live now that she’s out of her parents’ orbit. The tension between Guienevere and Oskar, both before they succumb to their attraction and as they near the inevitable end of their journey, was a great addition to the story. One thing I would have liked to see more of was Guinevere’s magic. Being such a big part of her, and her relationship with her parents, I didn’t feel we got to know much about it and Guinevere didn’t seem to make much progress with developing it either. A little more communication between the two would have also helped give their relationship emotional intimacy alongside the physical - which I have to say was a good bit of spice! All in all, a good dose of fun and adventure that has me looking for my next orc romance!
I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I don’t really know anything about critical role, but the premise of this book sounded like a bit of me.
It’s a fun, short and cozy read. The characters were loveable, but even though it was a short read the pacing did drop a little for me.
Its a cozy fantasy, meets dungeons & dragons with a monster romance.
Thank you NetGalley & Random House for arc in exchange for a review xx

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit i did not know a lot about Critical Role before reading this and had to do some research, regardless i enjoyed it quite a lot.
Guinevere is trying to reach her family and her new bethrothed when she gets attacked by bandits. Oskar happens to be around, saves her and decides to accompany her for reasons that it's better you find out in the book.
Oskar was a grumpy teddy bear while Gwen is an innocent "upper class" and "spoiled" girl, or thats what Oskar thinks at first. Their chemistry was amazing and i enjoyed Gwen's personal journey and how she learned to stand up for her and what she wanted and believed on..
I personally thought it would be more hardcore fantasy and i am glad it wasn't, its a cozy fantasy well balanced with the sweetest romance. It had great fighting scenes and sweet aspects.
Overall, i really enjoyed it and i am on the lookout for what the author does next.

I was clearly seduced by the cover. It’s stunning - moody, romantic, and full of promise. Unfortunately, the story didn’t deliver for me.
The premise started off well, with hints of fantasy, politics, and romance, but it fizzled quickly. The writing didn’t suit my taste, the characters felt flat, and I found the main character’s inner voice more frustrating than endearing. It doesn’t happen often, but I was genuinely annoyed.
The story never really went deep enough, emotionally or plot-wise. We’re told these characters have been through a lot, but it all felt surface-level. I didn’t connect with them, and by the end, I still didn’t feel like I knew them.
The spice scenes were a definite low point - overdone and awkward, I ended up skimming most of them.
This book had potential, but I didn’t enjoy it. Still, credit where it’s due: that cover is a knockout.
2.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tusk Love provides readers with a steamy adventure featuring opposites attract. This was so entertaining with a colourful cast of quirky characters. The dynamic is grumpy x sunshine, providing plenty of funny moments and banter. I found the chemistry between them believable and ultimately fun to read. The forbidden element definitely added to the tension. I loved how the FMC grew throughout the novel and found herself. Previously she was duty bound, on the journey she starts to break free, thinking of her own needs. The ending is great with action, fall out and some pretty romantic moments. Tusk Love has all those cozy fantasy elements, cool world building, some peril, magic and mercenaries. The horse’s even had stand out personalities and were well considered during the adventure. My only slight criticism would be the lack of tusks, being in the title I felt these would have had far more attention. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

4 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book for an honest review. I loved this so much, it was such a good book. I don't think I've read a book like this before in my whole life. I loved the yearning in this book too.

This was soooo much fun!!!
The characters were hilarious and lovable and had a lot of depth to them. I loved Guinevere and Oskar together and they had great character development. They worked so well together even though they came from two different worlds. Also, I love the grumpy x sunshine trope and it was done really well here. And of course the tension between the two was amazing (I need someone to talk to about the river scene pleaseeeeeeeeee, the hair washing?!?!?!?!?! I am unwell).
The pacing of the book wasn't too slow or too fast, it worked perfectly. There was great world-building, which was very comprehensive, but still extensive. I loved the 'quest' side of the book too, it added some suspense.
I've been trying to get more into romantasy books, so I'm a beginner and this was perfect and beginner friendly. I didn't feel overwhelmed at all and enjoyed the story so much.

Thea Guanzon can step over me because I am on my KNEES after finishing Tusk Love!!!
Not only this is a perfect dream for any ttprg lover, but also satisfies the sole fantasy readers, romance lovers.
The characters are amazing, all of them are loveable and dressed with the best qualities. Guinevere is easily relatable: her self-sacrificing, tenderness and kindness stand out, while she hides a secret.
Oskar is just CHEF'S KISS and you have to fight me on this!
Loved the execution of the story, the pacing, the grumpy x sunshine dynamic and Thea's immaculate writing and humour!
Thank you Delrey UK/Critical Role/Inklore for the earc!

Let me just preface this by saying I love any romance book with an orc. Don’t ask me why, I just do and will take an orc over a vampire, werewolf etc any day. So I guess you could safely assume that I loved Tusk Love, and you’d be right.
Oskar is your typical half-orc hero, he’s protective, capable and self sacrificing. All of which comes in very handy when he stumbles across a lone woman being attacked by bandits in the forest. When he steps in to help Guinevere he witnesses a strange magic but doesn’t stop to ask questions when he’s forced to flee with her from a raging forest fire.
With little to her name Guinevere is stuck. Due to rejoin her merchant parents and bring with her the last of their stock, the attack and fire have left her with nothing but a few trinkets. Chivolrous Oskar steps in to offer himself as her escort which after only a slight bit of persuading she accepts.
Their journey proves more difficult than expected, with a strange group of mercenaries persuing them and a more trecherous path than expected Oskar and Guenivere much work together to reach their destination. But of course being made to stay close to one another causes feelings to grow and both begin to question what it is they truly want.

4.75/5 ⭐️ Tusk Love is the perfect book to devour on a rainy afternoon, curled up on the couch with a cup of tea!
I read this in one sitting while feeling sorry for myself for being unwell. It managed to grab my attention straight away, distracting me from my self pity and aches ❤️
Tusk Love is completely different from Hurricane Wars (in case you were looking for a similar vibe) but Thea still manages to pull you into Oskar and Guinevere's sweet and spicy romance 🌶️🌶️🌶️ . Oskar is a broody, grieving half-orc who is not only protective but also emotionally vulnerable straight off the bat which is rare to see in romantasy MMCs. Guinevere is the daughter of social climbers, has her own hidden magic and is incredibly naive to how her world really works. She is adorable, endearing and while she does make bad decisions due to her naivety, she owns them and works to do better.
Warning - there is no epilogue. Thea decided not to give us her version of what the MC's lives end up like, instead we can use our imagination to make it up ourselves 👀

If you’re looking for a cute cozy, heartwarming story, then look no further. This would be perfect for the winter months, wrapped up all cozy under a blanket and reading… perfection.

This was incredible! Set in the world of Critical Role, it follows Guinever, a sheltered merchant's daughter, and Oskar, a brooding half-orc, as they embark on a perilous journey together. Their chemistry is electric, and the slow-burn romance is both heartwarming and steamy. The world building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a beautifully crafted fantasy realm. Guinevere's character development is particularly compelling, as she transforms from a naive young woman into a confident and independent individual. Oskar's protective nature and hidden vulnerabilities add depth to his character, making him a memorable love interest. The book masterfully blends adventure, romance and emotional growth - a joy to read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I had the MOST fun reading this. I've never played DnD but could 100% see it's influence behind the story - it definitely reads like a campaign at times and I loved all the different creatures and species included. The world is rich and developed because of this and I massively appreciated it. This is predominantly a cosy romantasy, heavy on the romance aspect, but the fantasy elements are so well done too. Standard grumpy x sunshine, fun banter and plenty of yearning. Very much recommend this to anyone who wants a fluffy yet spicy read that's easy to get through and may also be the perfect intro to monster romance too!

This was so fun and swoony and hot and I loved the characters! Gwen is super naive I can already hear complaints about her being a bit petulant but rises to the challenges before her and wins grumpy Oskar over as they go. I know D&D players and fans of Critical Role are going to enjoy this so much.

I’m new to this world, although I’ve heard of it I went in blind and now I need more. What a fantastic world, I loved the characters, the romance and spice, the drama, just everything, the writing is wonderful and I’m hoping there’ll be more to come