I feel like I should preface this by saying I’m a huge D&D fan—so with that somewhat critical knowledge (and admitted bias), here’s my review:

First off, can Thea Guanzon do anything wrong? Because, so far, she has repeatedly knocked my socks off with her incredible skill as both a writer and storyteller. I’m continually blown away by her talent and creativity.

This book was no exception.

It’s something that will absolutely warm the hearts of anyone who loves D&D and the fascinating, expansive world it offers.

Honestly, if you love well-written, fun, and fantastical stories—you need to read Tusk Love.

It’s quirky, it’s clever, and it’s perfectly tailored to its target audience.

Bravo, Thea!

First of all thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was good fun, it zipped along at an excellent pace and wasn't lacking in chemistry between the two leads. I think it's so fun critical role arranged for it to be turned into a real book, and I think the author did a great job!

This book was sweet, cozy, and undeniably sexy – I really enjoyed it! What stood out the most to me was Gwen’s character development, which I thought was fantastic. She evolved so much throughout the story, and I found myself loving her just as much as Oskar, the adorable grump, did. Their dynamic was truly wonderful!

While there were a few moments that felt a bit silly, they didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. In fact, they only added to the fun and charm of the book, perfectly complementing the lighthearted vibe. Now that I’ve finished it, I already find myself missing these characters.

This book is absolutely delightful. Sweet, funny, and spicy, Tusk Love is a lovely and fun story that is sure to be a hit with Romantasy readers looking for a light, happy read.

Guinevere is a merchant’s daughter on her way to meet her betrothed like the obedient daughter she has always been. But when she is attacked by bandits, then rescued by a handsome half-orc named Oskar, her perfectly ordered life falls apart. As they journey across the wilds together, sparks fly in more ways than one, and eventually Guinevere will have to decide between her duty and her heart.

This book is so much fun; I literally smiled through 90% of it, and the other 10% I was either laughing or internally cheering on the characters. The banter is 10/10, and the yearning and tension is beautiful with wonderful fireworks throughout the story. It feels hard sometimes for a book to be both spicy, and incredibly sweet; and this story nails it. I had very high hopes going into Tusk Love, and this book was exactly what I was hoping it would be. If you are a fan of fun and spicy fantasy romance, this book absolutely needs to be on your TBR.

I will say that I am not familiar with the world of Critical Role, but that didn’t hinder my understanding of the story; so if you like me don’t know anything about Critical Role, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. I can promise that you will enjoy it.

I would recommend Tusk Love to readers who love fun monster / fantasy romance books, sweet romance, and wonderful characters finding their happily-ever-afters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the arc! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

I wasn't too thrilled with this. It seemed really uneventful and there really wasn't anything to hold your attention.

As a Critical Role fan and a romance reader, I have been endlessly excited for Tusk Love. It gave cosy fantasy romance vibes without being too over-the-top in its lore drops about the world for those unfamiliar with Critical Role.

Gwen and Oskar are such fun characters whose two very different worlds colliding was amusing and almost whimsical in places. While I wouldn't call it a smut heavy rom-com, there were definitely some steamy moments, and while their relationship did feel like it was rushed in some points, it overall felt genuine enough in their personal struggles with their evolving feelings that I enjoyed it unfolding.

I would have love a little more plot as the middle of the book took me a longer than usual time to read through and seemed to drag its feet a little but overall, I enjoyed this read as a light palate cleanser.

Tusk Love
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Campaign 2 of Critical Role for me through the pandemic, and I would always be cry laughing while Jester was reading Tusk Love and sharing the story with her friends. When I saw this arc on NetGalley, I KNEW I had to request it. (A special thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for Accepting my ARC request)

And let me tell you…. I can see why Jester was obsessed with this book.

Thea Guanzon wrote such a lovely novel that really immerses you in the lore of the worlds used in Critical Role. However, if you are not familiar with critical role, it will not matter in the slightest.

Thea constructed such a lovely story about a merchants daughter and her escort as they travel together to her arranged wedding. What they did not anticipate was the fun they’d have along the way. If you like romance novels with a sense of adventure and cool lore, this is the book for you!

A cute, cozy read.

I did enjoy this, but I did feel the romance lacked so spark for me, especially at the beginning.

Writing style, there’s some stylistic choices and repetition that I found a bit grating but didn’t take away from the overall story.

The biggest thing bringing this lower for me is the lack of exploration into Gwen’s magic. The end felt very rushed in this instance for me, and left me a little disappointed.

Still Adoreable and easy to get through! So I am content.

Shout out Random House for the eARC.

Thank you NetGalley & and Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey/Inklore/Random House Worlds for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Publishing Date: 7/1/2025

Tusk Love is exactly what you’d hope for from a book with such a legendary in-universe reputation—it’s romantic, fun, full of familiar fantasy flavor, and surprisingly heartfelt.

The story follows Guinevere, the sheltered daughter of struggling merchants, and Oskar, a gruff half-orc blacksmith’s apprentice with a secret soft side. When Guinevere’s caravan is attacked, Oskar reluctantly rescues her, kicking off a magical road trip filled with peril, emotional growth, and a slow-burn romance that’s equal parts sweet and swoony.

What I loved most is how accessible this book is. Hardcore Dungeons & Dragons fans will appreciate the magical flourishes and genre tropes, but the story is told in a way that even casual fantasy readers or romance lovers new to fantasy can enjoy without missing a beat. The pacing is light and steady, never bogged down by exposition or lore dumps, and the romance takes center stage in a very satisfying way.

I wasn’t immediately sold on Guinevere—she starts off as your classic damsel-in-distress, clinging to her parents’ expectations. But she grows into someone much more compelling. Her evolution from naive and passive to bold and self-assured was one of the highlights for me. Oskar, too, is a gem. I’m not usually one for orc love interests, but his grumpy-exterior/cinnamon-roll-interior dynamic totally won me over. His protective instincts, quiet sacrifices, and emotional vulnerability made him easy to root for.

The tropes—grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity—are used with love and executed well. It’s a cozy, tropey romance wrapped in a fantasy cloak, and it just works. I only wish the story had gone a bit deeper in places—some moments could’ve hit even harder with more emotional exploration or richer worldbuilding.

Highly recommended for fans of romantic fantasy, especially if you enjoy a good grumpy/sunshine pairing, a sprinkle of magic, and the thrill of falling in love on the road.

Thank you Net Gallley, Random House Worlds and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

First of all, wow, I knew this book was going to be good, but I wasn't prepared for how good it is! While I haven't engaged in anything by Critical Role, being a D&D fan I'm familiar with their works. There are a lot of names for different locations and races, but the author does a great job at laying everything out in a way that isn't confusing.

Guinevere and Oskar are both well written characters with great growth. One, learning to exercise her freedom, other, to open up to ones around him. They had great chemistry from the moment they met and I was rooting for them throughout book!

The story itself is well paced. I never felt like things were going too fast or too slow. I have to admit this book was much smuttier than I anticipated, which was a surprise to me! I really can't complain about it though, the scenes were written wonderfully.

Thank you so much to Del Rey and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review!

-

4,5 stars - the sweet and adventurous meeting of two of my favourite things in the entire world, my heart is so full of love and joy and I can’t shut up about it

“There was a whole world out there, and she had only so recently found it. What a waste, to let go so soon.”

I have loved reading love stories for as long as I can remember, and I have been a fan of the world of Critical Role (a Critter, as they say) since May 7th 2018. Those two things have gotten me through a lot of the worst and best moments of my life, so to now get to read a book that combines the two (and written by an author I already knew I would enjoy the writing of)? When I tell you I was shaking with excitement!

And I’m so happy to say the book delivered! The story is a fun and romantic road trip adventure through familiar land, presented and explored through new eyes. Critters and players of Dungeons & Dragons can recognise both magic and story tropes, but it is written in a way where also the casual fantasy fan (or romance reader new to fantasy) can easily keep up. The story is exciting and magical without ever feeling heavy or slow, and the romance and emotional aspects take centre stage through it all.

“Oskar couldn’t believe that he’d gotten into this mess. But he’d be damned if he didn’t see Guinevere through it.”

Guinevere is wonderful, and I saw so much of myself in her. She’s naive, sheltered, has lived a privileged life, cries easily, always tries to see the best in people, and wants to learn more about the world and the people she meets in it.
(I’m also pretty sure she’s bi, so the similarities are really stacking up for me and I love to see it.)
She’s friendly and sweet, with a stubborn streak once she sets her mind to something. Seeing her relax, open up and become comfortable enough to joke around and take charge of her life was heartwarming and fun.
Oskar is swoony, grumpy, protective and has a heart of gold. He’s also capable of realising when he’s in the wrong. Guinevere and Oskar were made for each other, grow through each other, and are one of those couples you know will continue to last long past the end of the story.

“He was freedom and adventure, the open road that would lead her to the ocean.”

I was gasping, laughing, crying, and melting through the whole book. I loved it, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy for my shelf. This story has such a special place in my heart, and I cannot recommend it enough to lovers of romance and fantasy. I anticipate rereading it will feel like coming home, and I can’t wait.

Vibes and (some) tropes:
- Break out the map, we’re going on a road trip
- Grumpy man with a flower crown
- Only one horse
- Romantic romps in autumn landscapes
- Horses with cartoon horse personalities (I love them so much)
- Serious topics, warm and lighthearted vibes
- Finding family on the road
- A man who (mostly) knows how to communicate in a healthy-ish way

This is a cute and cozy fantasy romance! I am a casual Critical Role fan and love that this book has finally come to be. I really enjoyed the premise and D&D campaign feel of this but struggled a bit to connect with the characters. Sometimes I found being in Guinevere's head a little tiring, and while that started to fade as the story progressed, it was still in the back of my mind. Overall, I liked the sweet moments between the two of them and would definitely recommend for fans of cozy fantasy,

I loved this so much. Thea Guanzon is such a fun writer i’m at the point where I will read anything she writes. I don’t know a whole lot about Critical Role but that didn’t change the understanding of the story at all.

I knew this was a standalone going into it but I wish it wasn’t 😭 I’m not ready to say goodbye to these 2 and would love to read more about the adventures they have when they reach their second destination (being vague to avoid spoils)

Thank you so much Penguin Random House for this ARC!!

I would absolutely recommend this read

Fast paced adventure, burning romance, and enough eccentric characters to fuel a gripping D&D campaign! As someone who knew little about the origins or this story, I could not stop reading and was invested in every turn and plotline. I never wanted their journey to end and I can’t wait to share it with my own party!

A perfect romance read for any fantasy reader, with as little or as much knowledge of D&D or Critical Role.

Not often do I find a cozy, romantasy book with spice that is also written well and this one checks all of those boxes. I read this book all while smiling and giggling and kicking my feet. Guinevere and Oskar are the cutest couple. He is grumpy, she is sunshine and they are the perfect match. I really loved seeing Guinevere's character blossom throughout the story and fight for what she really wanted and I admired her courage. I love the way that Oskar worships Guinevere and will do anything to keep her safe and happy even if he doesn't always want to. I really can't say enough good things about this book.

Additionally, the cover of this book is stunning!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Random House Worlds for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really cute! Honestly, I was expecting a trashy romantasy (especially based on how it's talked about in Critical Role), but it’s actually super enjoyable?? Way better than some of the romantasy books out there because it doesn’t take itself too seriously—in fact, it plays with the genre tropes in a fun way (the villain mocking the misogynistic future husband, the classic final villain monologue getting made fun of, etc.). The spicy scenes might be a bit cringe, mostly because Oskar doesn’t really come across as someone who’d use dirty talk based on how he speaks and thinks in his POVs, but hey, who am I to judge? Slay, Gwen, I’m happy for you, girl!

I enjoyed this so much! It's very "cozy romantasy" but basically with one big adventure, a few fights, and magic! I don't often love both the fmc and mmc but they were so darn cute. I don't think I've ever kicked my feet while reading, so that was a first with this book.

Guinevere's self-discovery and embracing her power and independence is my favorite part of this!

There were some terms and jokes that were so funny to me. I also loved the few times when they mentioned getting out of the swamp just because it made me think of Shrek 😆 I have no idea what critical role is and haven't read the other books in the series but I think that gives a lot of credit to Thea Guanzon's writing

I read Tusk love in one sitting!
It was such a fresh, fun and sweet read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The world-building is immersive and the characters are so easy to love.

Perfect if you like:
- cozy romantasy with a perfect blend of magic and heartwarming moments
- grumpy x sunshine dynamic that’s both heartwarming and hilarious
- one bed that leads to some truly tender and funny moments
- one horse, quests, hurt/comfort and so much more!

Lovable characters, hilarious dynamics and vulnerable moments come together to create a brand-new novel full of heart!

It’s an absolute gem of a story that will make you smile and swoon.

I wholeheartedly recommend it!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!!

Almost wrong a book should be this much fun! Snark, sparks, adventure, and determined mercenaries all abound on quite the road trip with a grumpy half orc and the perky, sunshine almost princess he escorts to meet her intended. Vibes of Shrek, but for adults and Shrek is hot, and there is definite spice. Fun from first page to the last, just read it!

This was such a fun and cozy romantasy and I enjoyed every minute. We have the mmc, the brooding stranger accompanying the fmc, a merchant's daughter, to safely go home. I loved the main characters so much; they were so fresh, and the chemistry was there. I love a good opposites attract, and I also like a grumpy mmc. I like that even though it's a monster romance, it was very beginner, especially for me, who hasn't gotten very into hardcore monster romance. Both the plot and the romance were great, but I loved the romance so much. There are steamy scenes, and ugh, it was good and I just wanted the best for both mcs. Overall, a good read, thank you, Random House, for this earc for an honest review.