Occasionally, we encounter worlds so captivating that we yearn to escape our own and enter their enchantment. Regrettably, such a feat is usually unattainable. However, on rare occasions, a fragment of those magical realms escapes the confines of fiction and invades our everyday life, allowing us to savor some of its magic. And it seems that the Critters are currently experiencing just such luck because the in-game romantic novel, Tusk Love, from Critical Role, is now being published in the real world. Yes, the delightful giddiness that Jester Lavorre cherishes so dearly will soon be within your reach as well when Critical Role‘s Tusk Love hits shelves on July 1. To prepare you for your upcoming sweet (and spicy) summer romantic escapade, we at TopMob are excited to share an exclusive snippet from Tusk Love.
From my perspective as a movie enthusiast, this passage from the “Critical Role” novel could be rephrased as:
Enjoy This Riveting Excerpt from Critical Role‘s In-World Book, Tusk Love
He donned a travel-worn, dusty brown tunic, torn trousers, and scuffed footwear. The moonlight flickered through his thick, black hair, some of which was pulled back into a messy bun while the rest cascaded freely. Some loose strands fell from his high forehead to accentuate his defined facial structure, blending roughness with refinement, much like aged oakmoss. Firelight imparted a warm sheen on his prominent eyebrows, eyes as deep and radiant as molten gold, and the tusks flanking his strong jawline. Although not as massive as Lashak’s – not what they would be in a pure-blooded orc – they were distinctly sharp.
The newcomer wore his bow across his shoulders and advanced toward Lashak, wielding two curved swords in his gloved hands. Even though he was dressed simply, there was a quiet confidence emanating from him that eased Guinevere’s fear. This led her to ponder the possibility that she might have found salvation.
Later, Lashak detached the arrow’s tip, ejected the remaining arrow from his grip, and discarded it effortlessly without showing any sign of discomfort. Standing tall at an impressive seven feet, he squared off against his adversary, grabbing his massive greataxe – much larger than all the other man’s swords combined. A shiver ran down Guinevere as she understood with a sinking feeling that her rescue was merely illusory.
“Someone my own size?” Lashak echoed with a sneer. “Would that be you, then, half-breed?”
The outsider gave a disapproving glance, saying, “Such conversation might be tolerated in the small-town setting where you originate, but here within the Dwendalian Empire, we maintain a higher level of refinement.
Guinevere blinked at him. How was he so supremely unrattled? He isn’t even wearing armor.
With a war cry echoing through the atmosphere, Lashak advanced. Unphased, the stranger moved towards him at an equal pace.
Growing up, Guinevere resided in a charming stone residence situated within the Shimmer Ward area of Rexxentrum. Her parents were not titled individuals, yet they went all out to provide their single child with an upbringing befitting a lady of high standing, investing in luxurious garments and securing top-notch tutors – even after funds became scarce. Mindful of the hardships her parents endured for her sake and eager to avoid their disapproval, Guinevere diligently applied herself to her studies, adhered strictly to boundaries set, cultivated friendships exclusively with peers of equal or higher status, and never intentionally breached a single rule. The one exception was her attachment to the trinket fashioned by the recluse of Cyrengreen, which she replaced from rustic twine with a silver chain five years ago, to give it a more stylish touch.
Indeed, she had led a structured and secluded lifestyle. Yet, here she was, kneeling amidst filth, clad in her nightgown and slippers, in a sea of lifeless forms and a blaze she’d ignited, experiencing brutality unfiltered for the very first time during her life’s journey.
At first, she found it hard to understand the chaos of the battle. The two combatants were relentless in their attempts to eliminate each other, a terrifying whirlwind of limbs and weapons against the backdrop of fiery flames that pulsed ever brighter. However, as time went on, the pattern of striking, evading, and countering became clearer to her—it was like a devilishly complex dance. Guinevere eventually realized that while Lashak had a physical advantage, the stranger moved with greater speed and agility.
In our duel, I cleverly outwitted Lashak by anticipating his moves. As he swung his greataxe, I deftly raised my swords overhead to deflect the blow. Instead of leaping right as he expected, I swiftly feinted, giving him a false impression. In reality, I quickly corrected my trajectory and moved behind him instead. The curved edges of my swords traced a path across Lashak’s body, from his shoulder blade to hip, demonstrating my agility and quick thinking in the heat of battle.
The bandit chief crumpled, letting out a mournful howl. A mysterious figure stood over him, casting a chilling shadow under the pale moonlight, brandishing bloodied swords and bearing an unreadable face. His gaze shifted to Guinevere, and they sparkled like liquid gold in the fire’s warm glow.
The fire!
In an instant, she found herself upright, overlooking Lashak’s injured state and the stranger’s victorious demeanor, momentarily forgotten. The wagon’s cover was already in flames, yet without hesitation, she plunged inside. Choking on thick smoke and feeling the intense heat envelop her, she seized the satchel filled with precious goods in one hand and the pearwood trunk handle with the other. Crawling backward due to the heavy load, she exited the burning vehicle on her knees and elbows.
She let out a loud scream when strong hands grabbed her ankles tightly, pulling her forcefully out of the wagon completely.
Immediately after setting her down on firm ground, the stranger instructed her to flee. Swiftly obeying his command, she took a couple of heavy strides, but he swiftly attempted to snatch her bag and box from her grasp moments later.
She held on tighter.
“Leave these,” he instructed tersely.
Too rattled to speak, Guinevere settled for simply shaking her head.
He looked at her like she had two heads.
A blazing limb plummeted, fueling the fire and merging with it. The flames climbed taller. There was no more room for debate. The stranger snatched the trunk from Guinevere’s hand, securing it under his left arm, then he picked her up, bundling the satchel too, and easily hoisted her onto his back.
The events unfolded so quickly that she became utterly stunned, only managing to grip her bag tightly, as if her life hinged on it. She could do no more than gawk at Lashak’s twitching body on the ground, while the stranger dashed through the woods at a breathless speed, disappearing into the distance beyond our campsite, leaving behind nothing but swirling curtains of red and gold smoke.
Originally published in “TUSK LOVE” by Thea Guanzon in the year 2025, under the copyright of Gilmore’s Glorious Goods LLC. This publication is distributed by Random House Worlds, a branch of Random House, which is part of Penguin Random House LLC.
The story doesn’t stop there!! Indeed, it continues, and our exclusive preview from “Tusk Love” is merely a taste of the 288 captivating pages that await you in the complete “Critical Role ” tome. We’re already smitten with Oskar, the half-orc, who despite his stoic exterior, hides a heart of sweetness. A perfect romantic lead, don’t you think? Moreover, we at TopMob have a soft spot for orcs and are overjoyed to see one taking center stage in a romance of his own (well earned!). Of course, no grumpy/sunshine romance is complete without its sunshine. And the sunshine in “Tusk Love” is none other than Guinevere, or “Genevieve,” as Jester Lavorre from “Critical Role” might mistakenly call her. The sparks are already flying, but wait until they ignite – we’ll be the ones feeling the heat!
Regarding Jester Lavorre, the completed hardcover version of “Tusk Love” includes exquisite endpapers and a jacket that can be flipped with artwork created by the Critical Role character herself. This dedication to both fictional and real-world immersion is something we appreciate. Fans familiar with Critical Role will recall that “Tusk Love” made its debut in the eleventh episode of campaign two, titled “Zemnian Nights.” (You can find the full episode here.)
In the quaint bookstore known as Chastity’s Nook, nestled within Zadash, Jester finds herself irresistibly drawn to a particular romance novel. This book seems to make recurring appearances throughout the series and even in the animated “The Legend of Vox Machina”. For Jester, this novel holds a deeply personal significance as she sees the love story it tells mirroring her own feelings for Fjord, a half-orc man whom she develops affection towards.
More About Tusk Love
In simpler terms, “Tusk Love” is a touching tale about a grumpy-sunshine romance between Guinevere, a well-bred merchant’s daughter, and Oskar, a half-orc with a frosty exterior. Despite his seemingly cold demeanor, Oskar is courageous, considerate, and unlike anyone Guinevere has encountered. Meanwhile, though sheltered, Guinevere brings out a tender side in Oskar that he never knew existed. As they journey together, their feelings for each other deepen, and they must decide whether to follow their growing romance or continue on their separate paths.
Absolutely! While the connections in Critical Role make it special, Tusk Love is enjoyable for all and sundry. Who wouldn’t be captivated by a character’s journey of healing through love’s embrace? Hardly anyone springs to mind.
A press statement regarding “Tusk Love” adds, “New York Times bestselling author Thea Guanzon was commissioned by Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre to write it. ‘Tusk Love’ now vividly tells the most enchanting love story found in any book from Exandria.
On the shelves of Exandria and ours, “Tusk Love” will be available starting July 1, 2025. Secure your pre-ordered copy now.
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2025-06-20 19:04