Today’s review is about TUSK LOVE by Thea Guanzon. Though part of Critical Role, it reads as a standalone. It’s also not necessary to be familiar with Critical Role to jump right into this fun romantasy.
Author: Thea Guanzon
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Publish Date: July 1, 2025
Print Length: 288
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Tusk Love Synopsis
Synopsis
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.
This gorgeous hardcover edition features beautiful designed endpapers and a reversible jacket with in-world fan art by Jester Lavorre.
As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere’s path has been predetermined: 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.
Tusk Love Review
I received a free, digital, advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is my own and reflects my honest opinion about this book.
Guinevere is on her way to her parents with her marriage dowry. But bandits easily dispose of what few guards her caravan has and she unleashes magic out of fear to save herself. Half-orc Oskar happens to be nearby and saves her from the lead bandit. Alone and lost, Guinevere implores Oskar to travel with her to meet up with her parents. TUSK LOVE follows these two traveling companions as they drop their preconceptions about each other and find a growing attraction between them.
This standalone novel is one hundred percent a romantasy. It’s not mismarketed as a romantasy that is really more like a fantasy with some romance. So, if romantasy is what you’re looking for, then buckle up, because the reading is good. TUSK LOVE is part of the Critical Role world, which is a group of voice actors who play Dungeons & Dragons in a web series. As someone who knew nothing about Critical Role prior to reading this book, I can tell you it’s not necessary to be familiar with all of the various storylines of the series to enjoy the tale. However, if there are various Easter eggs throughout the story, then those went right over my head for obvious reasons. If it has spoilers for other Critical Role stories, I can’t attest to that either.
Regardless, Guanzon pens an engaging story about Guinevere’s and Oskar’s journey together. Guinevere comes from a middle or upper-middle class background and is oblivious to how the world really works. However, she’s not unfeeling and deals with self doubt thanks to some less-than-stellar parents. Oskar is lower class, just lost his mother, and has no exciting future to look forward to. They’re an unlikely pair, but Guinevere’s natural curiosity and naivete allow her to see the good in everyone. So she starts to win Oskar over, begrudgingly at first.
Even though it’s just under 300 pages, this romantasy feels perfectly paced. There isn’t a ton of worldbuilding, but with the focus on the relationship, that’s not entirely necessary. The journey trope doesn’t feel like a slog. And they encounter just enough surprises to keep things lively and moving. The shorter length doesn’t detract from the character development and connection. Guinevere and Oskar learn about each other through dialogue, both serious and comical, that feels natural and easy.
It was lovely to see Guinevere realize she doesn’t have the best parents and to then learn to love herself. And Oskar is right there helping her realize this and building up her confidence. The only thing I wish there was more of is the magic system. Specifically, I would have liked to read more inner struggle about Guinevere learning to control her element.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed TUSK LOVE. It’s a slice-of-life romantasy set during a literal and metaphorical journey of self-discovery. The characters both experience growth in this light-hearted adventure that turns them into more well-rounded people.
Rating: 4.5
Content warnings: sexual content, violence, death
Reading format: Kindle e-book
If you enjoyed this book, you may also enjoy ROLL FOR ROMANCE by Lenora Woods and DUNGEONS AND DRAMA and DATING AND DRAGONS by Kristy Boyce.
I’m glad that you enjoyed this one so much. I don’t normally go for pure romantasy but I do enjoy Thea Guanzon’s writing so I am tempted by this one
It was also one of those books I just needed, as evidenced by how quickly I read it (2 days!!!). Guanzon’s writing is less flowery, so to speak, than in her ongoing series, but it’s still lovely.
Omg, I’m obsessed. This sounds *amazing* and if I wasn’t already itching to get my hands on a copy, your review would make me want to read this immediately. I’m glad that you don’t have to be familiar with Critical Role to read this because I’ve only heard the name before but have no clue about it. Will definitely be picking this up asap! 😍 Great review!
I think you’ll really enjoy this one! It was fun, mostly lighthearted, and I’d read another one if it was available! I mean, I think there are other Critical Role books out there, but I love Thea Guanzon’s writing.
This does sound good, and that’s quite a high rating for romantasy, so I’ll have to consider it!
It just worked somehow! And I think it helps when the marketing is accurate…because in this case it actually is a romantasy.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I do think the characters sound like they could form a fantastic bond over the course of the novel. Although I haven’t even heard of Critical Role before 😅 at least I know it worked for you with no prior knowledge either though.
Yep, you can definitely go in without knowledge of Critical Role and still have a good time with this book!
Ooo, glad to see you liked it! I still can’t believe this actually got written lol. (It was a long running in-world joke on Critical Role that this smutty book seemed to be everywhere). I’ll have to check it out sometime!
Yes, it was a fun read!! Not groundbreaking, but very enjoyable. You should definitely check it out!
I keep seeing this book everywhere and the cover is adorable! I’m glad it worked for you. I’m having a bit issue with romantasy lately but this one sounds so good, I can’t resist adding it to my TBR 🙂