Tusk Love: Critical Role’s Legendary In-Game Romance Novel Is Now a Real Steamy Fantasy Book
If you’re a fan of Critical Role or just love a good fantasy romance, here’s something you can’t miss! The infamous in-universe novel Tusk Love—the most talked-about bodice-ripper from the world of Exandria—has finally become a real book you can read at home. Let’s dive into how this smutty D&D joke turned into a steamy, action-packed adventure you can hold in your hands.
- How a fictional romance novel from Critical Role became a real-world book
- Who brought Tusk Love to life and why
- What makes the story stand out for both D&D and romantasy fans
- Key changes and new lore added by the author
- Where you can grab your own copy
The Journey from Critical Role Joke to Real Novel
It all started in the second campaign of Critical Role, when Jester Lavorre (played by Laura Bailey) picked up a copy of Tusk Love—a spicy romance about half-orc Oskar and human Guinevere. What began as a running gag soon became a fan obsession. As Dani Carr, Critical Role’s Lore Keeper, put it: “Everybody wanted to turn this book into a real book. It was not a matter of if, but when, so it was really about finding the right collaborator.”
Finding the Perfect Author
The team wanted someone who truly understood both fantasy and romance, so Penguin Random House suggested Thea Guanzon, a passionate Critter and author of the The Hurricane Wars series. Guanzon loves the romantasy genre because, as she says, “It provides you a means of escape, disappearing into a different world with a completely different set of rules. But at the same time, it allows you to really track the experience of falling in love, which is a very human thing, and relatable for all of us.” The result? Tusk Love officially hit shelves on July 1st.
From Canon Gags to Real Plot
Guanzon started by listing every quirky detail Laura Bailey invented on the show—like Oskar and Guinevere meeting on the Amber Road, a canoe scene, and that unforgettable wildflower ending. She wove these into a full story, adding her own twists: Oskar is now a blacksmith’s apprentice grieving his mother, while Guinevere has a secret magical past—she was born in a wildfire and can summon flame when threatened. This new lore adds depth, magic, and a classic theme of self-acceptance.
Why Fire? Why Not!
“Fire is the element of change,” Guanzon explains. “It’s very destructive, which gave her a reason to be afraid of her own powers. But fire can also give light in darkness. It can provide warmth when you’re cold. So she had to learn that there were positive aspects of her magic as well, and that was how she learned to stop being scared of her own true self. Also, fire is the element of passion, so I really liked playing with that concept during the spicy stuff.”
Easter Eggs, Action, and Romance
Fans will find plenty of Easter eggs referencing the Critical Role universe. Even if you’ve never watched an episode, the book stands alone as a wild ride through fantasy lands, complete with mercenary ambushes, magical illusions, and, of course, some seriously steamy scenes. Guanzon says, “I had to let go of my tendency to be kind of a neat freak. Every time I wrote them getting down and dirty in the forest, I was like, ‘But they haven’t bathed! The first [sex] scene, they take a bath before doing it because Guinevere was still in her prim-and-proper-lady phase. But toward the end, they’re just doing it in the woods, and she doesn’t care. That’s how she embraces her wildness.”
For Critters and Romantasy Fans Alike
If you’re a die-hard Critter, you’ll love spotting all the hidden references. If you’re new to both D&D and romance fantasy, this book might surprise you with its blend of heartfelt moments and high fantasy drama. As Dani Carr hopes, “I’m really hopeful Critters who haven’t had the chance to dip their toes into the romantasy genre, or even think ‘That sounds silly!’ will read this and [realize] this genre is really fun, and can be really deep, and have a lot of really interesting themes and character interactions.”
Where to Get Tusk Love
Tusk Love is out now in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook. You can grab your copy from Penguin Random House or most major retailers. Ready to see what all the fuss is about?
