[Review] Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon

Omgz, I loved this cover. I couldn't resist!

As far as the book, this is a weird one for me to review, because despite some tropes and cliches that I generally don't like, I really did like this book. It's a light and easy read. The two main characters are both kind and considerate to each other. There's some light adventure and some surprisingly insightful moments.

Now, I will note that I generally don't like grumpy/sunshine books, because the men tend to be toxic or borderline toxic. And yuck, let's not bolster the idea that it's okay for men to be toxic. And the whole damsel-in-distress thing is overdone and perpetuates the idea that women are weak and need men to save them. BUT this book somehow pulled it off in a way that didn't feel particularly damning to either gender. The characters were both very lovable, albeit in entirely different ways.

The plot was a bit thin, and the intimacy felt rushed—it happened too soon and too frequently, and it was always over in a blink. Still, I enjoyed the various challenges that the characters faced. And, particularly towards the end, there were some good life lessons. Superficially, this is a book about...lust. But really the subtext is much deeper. This is a book about personal growth, following your heart, and letting go of toxic relationships, no matter how much it hurts.

Yeah, I kinda loved this one. Fast and freeing. Sweet and cozy. I would definitely read more if this book becomes a series.

Note: I received this book as an ARC. It is scheduled to be released July 1, 2025.

5 stars