This book was absolute heaps of cuteness, spiciness and tongue in cheek fun!

I’d never heard of Critical Role until I read this book so I can’t attest to how it fits in to that and sometimes the lore was a little lost on me, but by no means did it hinder the reading experience!

I love a good grumpy x sunshine and this one hit the spot perfectly! I found the dynamic between Oskar and Guinevere so funny and loved watching Oskar soften to Gwen’s ridiculous ways! The spice was also very enjoyable 😏👌🏼

This was a classic fairytale romance that could have easily felt very unoriginal but instead feels super comforting and easy to read.

Tusk Love is a funny and cosy romantasy that I really enjoyed reading. I have to admit that I have no prior knowledge of Critical Role and did look up what it was before reading in case it would impact my appreciation of the book. With that said I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters and you do not need any information about Critical Role although I'm sure fans of Critical Role will have greater satisfaction and appreciation of the characters and lore behind it. The world building is well done and easy to understand. I quickly found myself loving the main characters and was rooting for them through out the book. This is an easy going, fun read that I would recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable, low stakes romantasy.

Tusk Love is a delightful and heartwarming cosy romantasy that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and charm. The characters embody the classic sweet and grumpy dynamic, making their interactions both endearing and engaging. The plot is straightforward and easy to follow, yet manages to maintain a sense of intrigue that kept me invested from start to finish.

While I don’t usually gravitate towards cosy reads, this book feels like an excellent choice for fans of cosy romance who are looking to dip their toes into the realm of fantasy. The worldbuilding is approachable and effortlessly immersive, providing just enough detail to draw readers in without overwhelming them. The dynamics between the characters are particularly enjoyable, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.

Although the story wasn’t quite dark enough to align with my personal preferences, I can absolutely see why it would resonate with others. Its charming simplicity and feel-good nature make it an ideal escape, and I have no doubt it will captivate readers who seek a comforting yet magical love story. Overall, Tusk Love offers an enchanting experience that’s easy to appreciate.

This was so fun!
In this story we follow Guinevere a merchant’s daughter who gets attacked by bandits on her way to meet her betrothed. Oskar had previously left to look for his mother’s clan when he runs into Guinevere and saves her from the attack. The two start their journey together, through different towns and forests, but will love blossom as well?
I have to say that I don’t know anything about the lore behind this book, I just thought that the cover and the premise would be up my alley and I was absolutely right about it. I really like romantasy stories like this one, because they remind me of the cozy ones that I love. I have to say this was way more spicy than I thought it would be. The two MCs’ dynamic was really fun to follow and I really liked both of them individually as well. The plot was quite fun as well and I especially loved the two horses. Overall this was a super fun and easy read, a perfect palate cleanser in between the heavy books I’ve been reading! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot believe just how good this book was, but I can say with absolute certainty that Thea Guanzon has just become one of my auto buy author's - it was that freaking good!!

Honestly, this book was everything that I wanted Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree to be. Where that book fell short this one did not, it was everything I could have ever wanted or expected for a book based in the same world as critical role (I think). It was just the most perfect cozy romance and I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending it to anyone who wants to read cozy, D&D based fantasy romances.

This has got everything going for it to make it a seriously perfect autumn time read. Were talking;
- cozy yet engaging adventure
- interesting world building
- fab dynamic between the main characters
- slow burn romance 👌🏻
- low stakes
- range of magical beings

There are a lot of tropes for this one, but honestly I just think it helped to make this seem easier to read. On one hand this is a fantasy (think of it like a D&D campaign) so there are a lot of details to remember / things that the reader might not be familiar with. All that being said, even though there was a lot of detail, a lot of unique names and a lot happening within the plot, it was still super easy to follow and enjoyable. Everything was explained really well, and the descriptions of the places they were travelling to and living in were just sublime! Seriously everything seemed so alive and vivid on the page, and I think that just made the whole adventure that much more enjoyable.

The romance between Guinevere and Oskar was one that I wasn’t too sure about at the start because she seemed quite niece and snobby whereas he came across as prickly and mean, but oh my god did it freaking grow on me!!!
I think seeing their different sides come across really helped the romance to blossom, and seeing them both develop so much emotionally and personally while they were on this little journey together was just the sweetest thing to see. They really let themselves be their most real selves around each other because they didn’t have to act a certain way or put on a front anymore after everything that they had been through together!

Not only was the romance side of this so so so freaking cute and adorable, quite possibly the sweetest thing I have ever read, but the action / adventure and the plot was so interesting too!
It was a really low stakes one, where we were assured that nothing too bad was going to happen right from the start because both characters can protect each other and themselves, but it was still so much fun.
Guinevere was attacked by bandits when Oskar comes to the rescue, and they make an agreement that he will help escort her to the nearest town so that she can start making her way to her family. This obviously goes wrong and Oskar decides to stay on and help her all the way to a different city so she is safely back with her family, even though he was meant to be going in the opposite direction to meet his mother's clan! Immediately a green flag and the best mmc <3

On this little journey they bond loads, get to know each other and inevitably start to fall in some kind of infatuation/love with each other (even though they don’t want to admit it because they think their journey is going to end soon). There are a bunch of moments where fights take place because more bandits have been sent after Guinevere and a lot more moments between the two of them where there just being the absolute cutest. They have to share a bed more than once at an inn because THEY ONLY HAVE ONE BED AVAILABLE, they sleep out in the stars, join other travellers on the road, and have a whole moment in a lake and underneath a waterfall.

Everything about this was Divine, and I am so glad that they got their happy ending after nearly being torn apart. They make the cutest couple and reading this was just the most enjoyable experience.

This book was everything I wanted from a cosy romantasy. The adventure, the romance, the ambience, it was all perfect. Even though I’m not a fan of insta-love/lust, it really worked in this story and I thought that even though it was quick to happen, the romance developed further really nicely. It’s a very low/mid stakes story with a perfect balance of character and world building, even if you don’t know a lot about CR (I’ve only watched the Vox Machina show) it still is very easy to follow. The end felt a bit rushed, but I was okay with that.
Some tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
One bed
One horse

3.75 - 4 ⭐️
Read if you like: romantasy, half orc x human, adventure, grumpy x sunshine, close proximity, opposites attract, class differences, magic, secrets

This was a cozy grumpy x sunshine romantasy book. And the cover?? I was immediately sold

Guinevere has been raised as a lady, she’s sheltered and has always followed her parent’s rules. She’s left stranded when her guards are attacked in the middle of her journey. Oskar saves her and feels obliged to protect her until she can get to her destination. He’s not afraid to do anything it takes to survive - the two couldn’t have been raised more differently.

Both of the characters were lovely 🥹 I loved Guinevere’s character growth and how grumpy Oskar had such a soft spot for her. He was very protective and I found that their romance was sweet, but lacking chemistry. As they travelled together you could see their priorities shift, they had to decide between their romance or the life that they were supposed to live.

I think the magical elements did get confusing and I feel like her power could’ve been explored more. She didn’t get to practice it but suddenly used it in the climax of the story? I guess I wanted more of the lore behind it all
I also wasn’t that keen on the pacing, some parts were drawn out and others weren’t touched on long enough. The ending wrapped up easily and if you don’t mind a predictable plot, this one’s for you.

There’s family secrets, action, magic, betrayal, terrible parents, and a cozy atmosphere. I’d recommend reading this if you’re new and trying to get into romantasy

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

"Tusk Love" follows Guinevere (a merchants daughter who has little outside world experience but longs for so much more) and Oskar (a commoner half orc on a journey to fulfil the final wish of his dead mother). The two end up travelling the amber road, where sparks fly between them and mysterious bandits are hot on their trail. Just exactly where will this journey take them...

I loved the dynamic and relationship between our two leads. The grumpy x sunshine trope is one I am fond of and it is handled very well here. There is a healthily mix of general fantasy / travelling and romance / spice, so you never feel like you are getting too much of either part. There was even a few fairly funny moments throughout, mostly caused my Guinevere misunderstanding something (my favourite one being about the "fence"). The last 25% of the book goes at a much quicker pace than the rest of the story, which was a little jarring but ended with a satisfying conclusion.

I would recommend if you are looking for a medium stake fantasy with plenty of romance (and spice).

3,5 ⭐

While I loved the concept, I wish there was more time for the relationship development. I felt like it was a bit rushed, even though I love the main characters together. Plot wise was interesting and I would love to read more from this world!

The cover is beautiful, but the story is incandescent! Reading Tusk Love felt like falling in love. I had butterflies in my chest, giggled with glee at just a glance, and fell hard and fast.
Our main characters are Guinevere and Oskar. Gwen is a human with an inner fire spirit that likes to cause destruction whenever she is afraid, and Oskar is a grumpy half orc, hence the tusk mention in the title. Gwen is travelling with guards to meet her parents when the caravan is ambushed by bandits in the forest, causing her inner fire spirit to burst forth and set the surrounding trees, and bandits on fire. Oskar is nearby and hears the commotion. After pulling Guinevere from the flames and ashes he agrees to travel with her to his nearby town to procure some supplies before they part ways, well that was the original plan.
This book is spicy in all caps - SPICY! The book title originated from a broadcasted Dungeons and Dungeons campaign called ‘Critical Role’ and as a long time fan I was hesitant as to whether the real book would be able to do the fictional book justice. I need not have worried. Thea Guanzon’s writing has blown me away and the care she has for the story really shows and is sincerely appreciated.
It is worth mentioning that you don’t need to have played, or even have heard of Dungeon’s and Dragons or Critical Role to enjoy this book. If you like an immersive well-written steamy fantasy story then this will not disappoint!
Thank you to Random House UK and NetGalley for letting me read this incredible book early.

What a romp! This book was everything I hoped it would be as a fan of Thea Guanzon, Critical Role and all things Dungeons and Dragons.

The two main characters are lovable and so cute together. I liked the pacing, side characters and the fairly low stakes plot. It was a cosy vibe. I sort of want a book around each of the side characters now, please?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy.

I failed to get through The Hurricane Wars and was wondering why I requested Tusk Love because of this, but I’m so glad that I did.

This is as such a lovely and cozy tale of adventure. Gwen and Oskar were a dream of a couple and I loved how they complimented each other despite being from two completely different worlds. Gwen was an absolute cutie from the beginning and it was lovely to see her character grow throughout the story.

I would very much like my own Oskar also. He was such a simp for Gwen from the beginning. His protective streak was a mile wide and I was swooning and kicking my feet like a schoolgirl.

There was also a great cast of characters we meet along that way that added more delight to the story.

I love that the ending was open to a possible sequel, which I would devour if it became a reality.

4.25 ⭐️

The perfect cosy fantasy read, with lovable characters, a magical world full of wonderful creatures, and an underlying mystery that’ll keep you hooked from the outset!

The romance is wonderful - it’s forbidden, there’s a one bed trope, grumpy v sunshine and he falls first <3

The medium stakes adventure provides the perfect opportunity for our two main characters to fall for each other and I loved the journey they went on together.

The pacing was great - the book is less than 300 pages so it’s deliciously bingeable! And it’s hilarious - so many times I laughed out loud as I read this one.

Thoroughly enjoyed this - as is expected from Thea Guanzon - and thoroughly recommend!

Anything Thea writes I immediately have to read! I adored this book. It was such a fun and lighthearted read, with characters that you can’t help but love. Such an easy read to get anyone out of a slump - easy 5 stars!

Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon ❤️‍🔥

I have not long finished this book and I can't get it out of my head. This was the ultimate cosy fantasy. I had no idea what Critical Role was but I absolutely loved this as an outsider to Dungeons and Dragons.

I had a bad experience of "monster romance" last year and I went into this quite sceptical but it's done so well. The romance was the standout pull for me with this book. There is so much pining and swooning, I could have kicked my feet at some of the moments. I love when a romance gives you all the feels. It happens rarely as the tropes of romance all blend into one sometimes but this was different. I was invested.

Oskar's devotion to Guinevere needs to be studied and men need to take note!

If romance isn't your thing it also has adventure, magic and a stunning world!

tropes included
------------------------
~grumpy×sunshine
~forbidden romance
~only one bed
~he washes her hair🥹

This book publishes on the 1st July ❤️‍🔥

I highly recommend. 4.75 stars out of 5 🫶

Good gravy this was FILTHY and I LOVED it. I cackled, kicked my feet and almost screamed at times.

As a Critical Role fan this hits something special. I loved the pacing of this, it was fast but not too fast for me.

Thea used accurate references from CRs sessions and mentions of Tusk Love and bought it to life and I am sure any other CR fan will adore this as much as I did.

This was just an absolute joy from start to finish. This is what a light-hearted fantasy romance should be. Fun and fast-paced and sexy and swoony.

I haven't spent much time in the world of Critical Role so I went into this with very little knowledge or understanding of the origins of the work or the world but it didn't matter at all, it was a joyous read regardless and I already know I'll be returning to it when I'm in the mood for something sweet and spicy and charming and adventurous.

I absolutely ADORED this book.

Guinevere, the FMC, has been set upon by bandits and is saved by Oskar, a half Orc. We follow their story as Oskar accompanies Gwen to where her parents are waiting for her. Obviously, a LOT more goes on but for the sake of spoilers I wished to keep it brief. The writing is absolutely top tier and the pacing felt perfect.

I fell in love with both Gwen and Oskar. They felt real and fully fleshed out in a way that is rarely done as well as it has been done here. This story was a perfect blend of Cozy and spicy where I was truly invested throughout and was unable to put the book down until I finished. For those who are not aware, Tusk Love is a Novel that is often mentioned in Critical Roles D&D Campaigns but was never actually written until now. Thea Guanzon has proven to be the absolute Perfect author to write this story and has done a truly amazing job.

I recommend this Novel to anyone who enjoys Cozy Fantasy, with a notable emphasis on Romance whilst still having good plot and pacing. If I could give this more stars, I would.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC. All opinions are my own and I am leaving a review Voluntarily.

I liked this book but didn’t love it which I was majorly disappointed by. I wanted to love it. I felt like the pacing was off but there were moments that made me laugh and kick my feet.

I am Thea Guanzon’s number one fangirl, I fell so quickly for the Hurricane Wars, and when the announcement of Tusk Love started to circulate around the booksphere I knew I would do anything to get an early copy, and thanks to @netgalley, I did!

I want to start at the beginning- right at the beginning even. That cover? Dream. A cartoon clinch-cover featuring a tusked-up man and dreamgirl with ballet ribbons on her shoes! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this is so perfect it hurts.

Tusk Love is a quick, cosy, fantasy standalone. Our hero Guinevere finds herself in a pickle when her travelling party is ahem, interrupted, and she finds herself needing an escort to a seaside realm. Luckily, our grumpy half-orc half-man Oskar happens to be camping in the vicinity. He is of course, annoyed at her lack of survival skills, her his rudeness, but they are reluctant travel companions-turned-allies nonetheless.

Magic, mystery, and making-out ensue. Both of these characters are so perfectly formed, for what is objectively a pretty short story as far as fantasy novels go, the relationship and character arcs evolve in a way that is so natural, and simply delightful to read. The spicy scenes especially had me BLUSHING and kicking my feet. I love how a story that is so sweet, can be so entirely horny at the same time. While we’re on topic, how do you feel about brat tamers? If you’re into it, this one’s for you.

Overall, Tusk Love is a romantic journey through a dreamscape, while also telling a deeper story about overcoming your prejudices and being true to yourself. Five (million) stars.