This was my favorite from the series by far…I’m obsessed with the characters and the romantic build up was everything! The plot and romantic relationship progress was perfect

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Cw: brief recollection of kidnapping, sexual assault (past, brief mention, side character), forced abortion (past, brief mention, side character), silence, murder, discussions of infertility

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f alien romance
-opposites attract
-fated mates
-roadtrip elements
-he falls first and hard
-simp

Another exciting installment in this series. Kira believing herself destined to be alone and Aehako who just falls first and hard for her sad eyes. The best courting dildo gift ever with plenty of angst. My heartbroken for them as they had to fight the fact that they it didn't seem like they were fated mates and I loved how they chose each other any way. Love always wins on the IPB planet. I really enjoyed their epilogues which felt really authentic to their relationship and characters.

Steam: 3.5

The third installment of the Ice Planet Barbarians novels goes into deeper depth with the world building, but we weren't thrilled with some of the choices. First, what we liked:

1. It was nice to see a pairing that wasn't forced by the fated mates/khui
2. Kira's anxieties and worries felt authentic, especially when compared to some of the other books' idealization of finding your perfect blue mate and forgetting the rest of the world
3. The deeper understanding of what exactly "resonance" is and how it's related to fertility

We were not in love with how these tropes played out [SPOILERS!]:

1. Turns out that Kira and Aehako ARE fated mates after all...
2. ... because the khui fixed her fertility issues!

It was also tough to read about the other (sa-khui) woman who kept coming on to Aehako. Apparently she was already "mated," but then lost her baby. On the one hand, this is a new, more nuanced understanding of how "fated mates" works in the IPB world: apparently it's just for baby-making, and then you can go your separate ways. But on the other hand, we see a "native woman" being rejected for young, (white) human women and treated as the villain of the story (and this is a story where there are actual villainous, murderous aliens).

The IPB world continues to get more of an expansive treatment, which is fun, and hopefully future entries in the series will utilize it for more inclusive storylines.

Note that this review is based on a complimentary copy of the new Berkley special edition of the novel.

I devoured this book as it was so good! I think that Kira and Aehako are my new favourite Ice Planet Barbarian couple. This series is very addicting and I can't wait to dive into the next installment - especially since Harlow's well-being was left in a cliff hanger in Barbarian Lover. I enjoy how the Ice Planet Barbarian books have interconnected story lines and are full of action, romance, sci fi elements, and spice. I would highly recommend this book to fantasy, sci fi, and/ or romance readers such as fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, King of Battle and Blood, and The Bridge Kingdom.

Having heard and seen how popular this book series is, I decided to give it a try. I knew they were a bit out there, I mean... giant blue aliens sort of gave me the heads up, I just think these are not my taste. I was disappointed by the writing. I had hoped seeing how popular they were that the writing would draw me in more, be better developed, but I couldn't get into it. It felt too put-upon.

In the end, not for me.

I love when my ass is proven completely wrong about a book. I truly started this series thinking it wasn't going to work out and the deeper I go INTO the series, the more I seem to like it.

Barbarian Lover brings us back to our main cast, this time following Kira and her journey to finding her mate. Aehako has been watching the girl with the sad eyes since they walked off that ship and does not understand how to make the look in her eyes go away. After accepting the khui, Kira has been waiting to resonate like the rest of the girls but so far, she has found no one. It doesn't matter that Aehako has also caught her eye just as much as she's caught his - what's the point if they are to mate with someone else later on anyways?

When the translator that the little green men implanted alerts her that she is being tracked and they are returning to pick up their lost cargo, Kira knows she can't put anyone at risk. She makes a mission to find the ship Vektal came in on and Aehako accompanies her, refusing to let her out of his sight. With everything going on, Kira has a lot on her shoulders that she is powering through alone. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let herself be happy, even if she might cause herself the biggest heartache in the long run.

Now, this one wasn't my favourite of them all. But I did enjoy it. Aehako just wanted to make his sad girl smile and honestly, how could you not love that? He was attentive and sweet and Kira was not infuriating at all. These characters are always enjoyable and although the stories are short, I am always thoroughly entertained by them. NOW I AWAIT BOOK FOUR!

Another great read from the Ice Planet. It's a great quick romp through Not Hoth and we meet more of the residents. The writing is easy to read and follow and I love that we got to see even more of the planet. Would recommend for all the sci fi readers who like a little spice in their other worlds!

3.5 Stars

CW: numerous discussions and mentions of infertility, death, fighting, OW/previous lover drama, death of child (past, secondary character)

I’ve been curious about somber Kira’s story since first meeting her and was excited to find out she’d been paired with happy go lucky Aehako. This was a steamy forced proximity, reverse grumpy/sad + sunshine romance, but there are numerous discussions and mentions of infertility throughout the book, so please check content warnings prior to starting.

I really loved how all in Aehako was and how hard he tried to always bring a smile to Kira’s face. He was such a goofy and lovable character and never wavered in his devotion to Kira, despite Asha’s attempts to rekindle things. His courting gift (and how he used it) was definitely a spicy treat! It wasn’t a huge surprise that the khui was able to change things for Kira, but I actually would have preferred that things remain as a choice between the two of them. Her depressing inner monologue also wore on me, so I was glad Aehako was there to bring some much needed humor.

The special edition of Barbarian Lover includes an index of the different IPB characters, a new bonus epilogue showing a little bit into the future for the happy couple, as well as a short novella about their honeymoon (if you can call it that). I didn’t feel that the epilogue or novella added much to their story, but it was nice to see Kira and Aehako happy. I’m really curious to see what the future holds for surly Haeden and what happened to Harlow.

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

To be honest I never thought I would be reading romance novels about big blue aliens, but here we are at book 3 in the series and I have really enjoyed them. I liked both Kira and Aehako and thought that the way their relationship developed was really good. I love that in this series women are treasured and valued by the aliens, they respect them and it isn’t one of those situations in which they are assaulted. Although there are moments in the story were the main character Kira recalls what happened when they were first abducted.

Now that we are at book 3 I personally felt that some of the story got a bit repetitive with each book being about a different character, but overall we know they will all be matched up with one of the aliens and have their “happily ever after”. Don’t get me wrong I read romance because I love my HEA tropes and that brings me joy, the part I mean is each character being paired off and essentially mated. Aside from that being predictable, I did really enjoy this story and while I don’t think it’s for everyone I would recommend it.

It's not that this book is good, its so bad its camp tbh. Ebook only purchase reccomended, I have no idea how well this will circulate as a physical item

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Ruby Dixon for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! These books are honestly my guilty pleasures and I’ve enjoyed all three so far! This one follows Kira and Aehako and I feel like the plot definitely improved in this one. There was more stuff going on and I really enjoyed that. The relationship between the two main characters was sweet and funny and I loved Kira’s growth throughout. Also, I can’t wait to see the new cover of this one, because I’m sure it’ll be gorgeous like the last two. Overall, if you enjoyed the first two books, you’ll like this one. This special edition also features some extra scenes that are super fun!

Reread! Originally read March 2020

I swear Aehako is probably the most earnest and funny and loyal of all the barbarians. I adore him so much! And I really enjoyed how Kira was pretty badass towards the end. As each book continues, the overall plot of the series gets a bit more complex AND I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE RUBY. I cannot get enough of these books and they are so good, not only from a romance perspective, but from a storytelling perspective.

5 ⭐ Did I really just give an alien erotica story 5-stars? Yes. Yes, I did. 🙈

Summary:

Kira is one of twelve human women abducted and stranded on an ice planet. But, it's not so bad. The native alien men may be tall, blue, and horned but they treasure women; and one alien, in particular, has made it clear he wants Kira. Aehako is sexy, flirtatious, and kind - exactly how she wants to take to the furs. However, this can't happen.

Kira is keeping secrets, which causes her to live in a state of constant fear. The first is that she cannot have children, so her khui will never resonate. The human women are new to this world and Kira is afraid that without the ability to bear children, the tribe might abandon her. The second, and most dangerous secret of all, is that the aliens who abducted the human women are back, and thanks to the translator in Kira's ear, they can track her. Kira fears her presence endangers everyone and must decide if she should leave to save everyone.


My Thoughts:

Kira and Aehako are officially my favorite IPB couple! ♥️ Their story is charming, heart-warming, sweet, and funny! It's just everything!!! I love their relationship and how they communicate.

I'm obsessed with Aehako! He's just a sweet himbo and absolutely adores Kira for who she is, even before resonance. And the courting present he gives Kira had me ROLLING!!!! I freaking couldn't handle it! 😂

I love Kira's story/journey. She goes from being timid and afraid to a total baddie who opens her heart to love in the face of uncertainty. Go, baby girl!!!

And all the additional bonus content just makes everything so much better. It was nice seeing how Kira and Aekako adjust to life together.

I am loving the re-release of the Ice Planet series. The bonus material is amazing and the story is still fantastic. I have loved going back and reading these books again.

We're back with the Ice Planet Barbarians!

4.5 stars

This time the story follows Kira and Aehako. Aehako is probably the nicest barbarian we've met, always joking and flirting. Kira is a bit shy.
The plot follows the two of them while Kira attempts to remove the translator the original aliens implanted in her brain. Their love story is very sweet, as they do not have the immediate resonance that the first two couples had and we get to watch them slowly develop feelings for each other.
These books are so fun. They are major page turners and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC to review!

This is a Ruby Dixon book, you know exactly what you’re getting into, but it’s still amazing these are getting published traditionally

Easily my favorite in the series (so far)! 'Barbarian Lover' is like the pervious two installments in that it's still whacky and fun but it sets up conflict in further installments. Aehako is particularly sweet, the way he loves and supports Kira throughout is really wonderful. I also appreciate how Kira is allowed to be miserable, given everything that's happened in such a short period of time. The author gives her time and space to feel her emotions in this installment, instead of us moving on with the romantic plots like nothing's wrong.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Digital ARC received from NetGalley.

I loved the first book in the series, but the second book and first novella showed they were pretty cookie cutter. I wasn't going to go out of my way for further books in the series but when this one pretty much fell in my lap, well...

I enjoyed this well enough. It's very similar to the first two (good news if they were your jam!). It's a very fast read, great for travelling or beach reading, or that first spring afternoon in the sun.

I had some hopes this book would have a little variety. The human main character reveals early in the book that she's infertile due to a childhood illness. It's sweet that her Not-Hoth Hero loves her anyway.

Sorry to be a little spoilery, but if your idea of a HEA is dependent on more than babies, this may be a little unsatisfying. As a survivor of miscarriage and infant loss, HEA always = babies leaves me with a sour taste. I might read more in this series if they come my way, but I won't seek them out.

First off I love this series. The girls and the barbarians I love all of it I love not half I love everything about it. This book was really exciting and I think it’s a really good follow up after Barbarian Alien. So this one was a lot going on— it had a whole situation with the evil aliens coming back to get their “cargo” from their shipwreck in the first book and I thought it was so exciting. I love all the love scenes I love Aehako! He is amazing! I can’t wait until this book comes out in the new cover print and I’m so excited to get the rest of the books in the new covers—I have already preplanned my shelf space for these books when they arrive!

This book is forever iconic for the handcarved dildo as mating gift 💀💀It is also a nice cap off to the original trilogy and sets up such delicious conflict for the next one. Aehako is also one of my favorite heroes in the series. A IPB classic all around!