Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
Romantic Fantasy
July 1, 2025- Random House Worlds
ARC

Review by Angela

Honestly, one look at this cover while scrolling through social media and I was instantly intrigued. I probably would have read it for the cover alone even if the blurb didn’t shout at me that I needed to put it on my TBR. So, bravo to the art department at Random House Worlds.

Quick note- I am not a Critical Role fan and really had no idea how this story fit into that world until I finished reading and got to the author’s acknowledgment page and decided to find out. I urge you to go to your favorite search engine and find out for yourselves. It’s pretty interesting.

Tusk Love introduces Guinevere, a merchant’s daughter on her way to meet her parents when she is attacked by bandits. Her guards slain, and afraid that she will lose the last remaining valuables entrusted to her, she unwittingly unleashes her fire spirit and saves herself, but not before another man appears offering his aid. Oskar is on his way to fulfill his mother’s last wish when he comes across a woman in distress and stops to help. It soon becomes apparent that Guinevere is alarmingly naive, and unused to the dangers on the road. When he finds out where she intends to travel, he hesitantly decides to accompany her to at least the nearest town.

Let me tell you all the ways I adored this book and these characters. Guinevere is sheltered and innocent in the ways of the world, but she’s also kindhearted, gentle, and fair minded. Her thoughts always lean toward giving people the benefit of the doubt even when meeting obviously questionable people. Oskar is a half-orc who hides his own kindness behind a gruff demeanor. What starts out as a quick trip to take Guinevere to the nearest town, soon turns into a long journey to escort her all the way to her final destination. The trip is perilous with bandits along the road and thieves’ intent on stealing what Oskar soon finds out is Guinevere’s dowry. And even though Guinevere knows she is destined to marry a nobleman at the end of her trip, she and Oskar can’t help but fall in love along the way.

This is a classic grumpy/sunshine storyline and was executed so well it reminded me of why I love this trope so much. The banter and obvious chemistry between the two main characters was sublime. I was deeply invested in this couple’s journey and building relationship. Not to mention I just flat out liked both of them. I needed to know what was in that chest that Guinevere insisted was so important. I cheered Guinevere on as she blossomed underneath Oskar’s attention and protection and finally decided to connect with her magic. This story was charming, and romantic, and full of adventure. EXACTLY, what I needed to take my mind of current events. Even the ending and HEA were just about perfect.

I gave this book four stars on Goodreads right after I finished, but the more I think about it while writing this review, the more I think that this should be one of those rare 5 star/A ratings. I enjoyed it that much. Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy romantic fantasy.