My review of Tusk Love

Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon is a huggable and spicy romantasy that will entertain you to no end, as you fall in love along with Guinevere and Oskar. Read my 4-star review:

Out: July 1st, 2025

Guinevere, daughter of an ambitious merchant, whose predetermined path is to marry well, wishes for adventure. She is more than meets the eye, Teinedh being her dangerous secret. When her caravan is attacked by bandits, she is saved by half-orc Oskar. Oskar has recently lost his mother and is on the way to an unknown land to be with the family he has never met. They end up traveling together and as the feelings between them grow, the spark ever so brighter, they realize they must decide between each other or what has been chosen for them.

From the first page, it jumps right into the action which is so well-detailed, giving us a 380 picture of what is going on. Companionable, easy to get into and attention-seizing, it is often lyrical in its emotional expression, making you feel as if you've experienced what the protagonists have. Wordings that conjure impressively creative images color the descriptions. The narrative has laser focus on what it wants to say and does it handsomely. The intrigue is palpable, with the danger following them. Secrets & mysteries unfurl in a gradual 'drop a clue here and there" manner. The mythology and worldbuilding, which are both enticing and accented with whimsical details, are shared beautifully in the storyline.

The distinctly voiced POVs make you feel like you're in the story but also confidants of the respective speaker. Their musings, their gestures exhibit fierceness or softness or both. There is a wonderful humor accompanying the story, making me laugh quite often. Their butting of heads and fraying of nerves (more Oskar's, Guinevere is mostly bewildered by him) cast a chuckle-worthy glow.

Their antithesis complements the plot — Lady and the Half-Orc, Grumpy and Hesitant Sunshine. Guinevere's naivete of the world outside her somewhat pampered existence rings endearing, though it does land them in some sticky situations. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much as they fell in love — as they become comfortable with each other and themselves, always evolving. And my heart jolted due to their circumstance.

There are a lot of the usual romance staples and a few might present a little too convenient or not really sensible at that part of the story, but they are staples for a reason. The book actually pokes fun at some of them. Also, there was a goldmine in the form of Teinidh and Guinevere's magic that was unfortunately underused. But you cannot deny how entertaining it is.

This story is about giving yourself the chance to be your true and complete self, accepting all the parts of your individuality. It is a charming road movie of a book, properly adventurous, with characters you will adore. A huggable, spicy romantasy with a love that transcends worlds.