I honestly don’t know how to write a review for this 💀 I’ve only read three of IPB but this is by far my favorite. I’ve been having the worst reading slump in history but Barbarian Mine saved me. I was laughing at Rukh for calling Harlow and his own son ugly lmaooo! But seriously, this was so sweet and lovely. These blue aliens are here to remind you that your true love might just be waiting in another planet. So don’t give up yet! 🙅🏽‍♀️

I enjoyed the bonus chapters too. Knowing how Rukh and Harlow lived in a cave- hunting, making blankets, preserving meat, it was fun to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon (in special edition with bonus chapters) will be available on September 13th!

I'm not proud to be reading these, but I respect Dixon for consistently changing her approach in the same limited circumstances,

I remember reading Barbarian Mine years ago, and I was curious to read this new edition when I heard the story had been expanded upon. It’s a steamy sci-fi romance with total Tarzan vibes.

The story follows Harlow, as she is kidnapped by and falls for Rukh. Rukh is a barbarian and has never lived with a tribe. He doesn’t know the language, doesn’t bathe or wear clothes, and he’s never had a partner. He’s been alone for a long time, and he and Harlow struggle to communicate. However, he knows that his connection to Harlow is strong. Harlow knows she has resonated with Rukh, but with a language barrier and the way their relationship started, she is skeptical. I like how they slowly learn to communicate and begin to fall in love.

Rukh and Harlow both have interesting back stories, and their journey together is quite an adventure! A lot of the story takes place in the remote areas of non-Hoth, and you get to see new terrain, caves, and creatures. It’s immersive and vividly described, and it sounds like a really tough place to live. Harlow is way more resilient than me! She really does what she can to make the best of it, and I love how she uses the skills she’s learned to make life more comfortable. Luckily, between Rukh and Harlow’s skills and knowledge, they make a quaint place to live and love.

Something I like about this series is how all of the characters have formed this unique found family. They support each other and go through a lot of new and unusual experiences together. So, when, a year after their fateful first meeting, Harlow has pregnancy complications (Yup, preggo!! Rukh is going to be such a good dad!), the tribe does all they can to support her and Rukh. Rukh, who has always seen others as the enemy, learns so much about who they really are and his unique connection to them.

This was a fun read and one I’d recommend to readers who enjoy steamy sci-fi alien romances. However, I would suggest checking the content warnings, as there are a few aspects that could prove triggering. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This is the story of an alien named Raahosh, who ends up resonating with a woman named Harlow. He doesn't fully understand what it means, because he has been isolated from his people since birth. This one has more of the caveman element than most of the barbarian stories, but he is a cinnamon roll, and just wants to take care of Harlow.
The way that this story ties into the others is beautiful, and I really enjoyed my time with it.

Another amazing installment from Ruby Dixon‘s Ice Planet Barbarian universe! What so many characters and great plot lines, this book is unique than any other in this series so far. in books one through three were used to seeing the mateted pairs bond together either by love or by resonance, Rukh and Harlow are unique since Rukh is a true barbarian in his own right; uncivilized with no help on mating, resonance or even language. We have our female Harlow who is new to the planet having to teach her mate so many things as they bond and grow together. Their relationship is so organic and natural and pulls at your alien heartstrings. Thank you to the publishers at Berkeley publishing and Penguin Random House for sending me an advance copy with an amazing brand new cover of what is easily becoming my favorite series.

"The fourth novel in the international publishing phenomenon the Ice Planet Barbarians series, now in a special print edition with bonus materials and an exclusive epilogue!

Harlow receives the shock of her life when she wakes up to see Rukh, a stranger who has clearly been on his own his whole life, but she soon learns that there is much more to this gruff, barbaric alien than the savage he appears to be.

The ice planet has given me a second lease on life, so I'm thrilled to be here. Sure, there are no cheeseburgers, but I'm healthy and ready to be a productive member of the small tribe. What I didn't anticipate? That there'd be a savage stranger waiting nearby, watching me. And when he takes me captive, the unthinkable happens...I resonate to him.

Resonance means mating, and children...but I don't know if this guy's ever been around anyone before. Rukh is utterly wild. He's completely uncivilized, can't speak more than a few words and doesn't know what clothes are. A human - a human woman - is mystifying to him. He's truly a barbarian in all ways, and like Tarzan in the stories, he's kidnapped me and claimed me for his own.

Being with him means I'm going to have to teach him to speak, how to kiss, and how to be human. Or even alien. It should be a terrifying prospect...so why is it that I crave his touch and hunger for more?"

How can you not want to buy all the books in this series with these covers!?!

Although I found Harlow to be one of the least annoying FMCs so far and the whole Tarzan and Jane vibes to be adorable, this one didn't quite do it for me like the first three in the IPB series. I loved Harlow and Rukh together, she was so sweet and patient with him, it warmed my heart. However, I think it lost me on the time jump. I wish we'd gotten to see a little more relationship development. All of a sudden they're communicating better and such, but I would've loved to see scenes like Harlow teaching Rukh how to say "I love you". It kept reminding me of the vibes of book 2, I'm not really sure why, but it felt a little repetitive to me. Lastly, it was extremely predictable. I saw the "twist" coming from a mile away. I really wanted to love the storyline because I love Harlow and Rukh as a couple, but ultimately this one fell a little flat for me.

Thank you Ruby Dixon and Berkley Publishing Group for this advanced e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re new, this series covers the partnering of the surviving human women who crash landed on a frozen planet with the plentiful sa-khui men, large horned blue ice planet living barbarians.

I really enjoyed the original edition of this book but the additional portions of this special edition allows for even more thoughtful exploration of two of my favorite characters from this series, Rukh and Harlow.

This series is overwhelmingly very straight and heterosexual, I am curious if queerness ever has a place in this world.

Overall, well done Ruby for giving readers what they want.

Another great installment in this series. I've greatly enjoyed reading these books again, with all the bonus content in the new published version. I love the little reminder of what has happened previously before the book gets started, and the list of characters at the back was great! There are so many characters that I sometimes get them mixed up so it was a super helpful addition!

I request every single Berkley romance title that comes up on Netgalley. I then get rejected for every single Berkley romance title. EXCEPT THIS ONE APPARENTLY.

My curiosity about this series is a living thing. I am so desperate to find out how these stories will progress, but with this being my fourth book in the series, I now see a pattern emerging.

1. I read two books.
2. The first I enjoy immensely.
3. The second, not so much.
4. My curiosity is sated for a year.

This book fits nicely into that trend. This was Harlow's and Rukh's story, and while I did enjoy it, it wasn't as good as the last one.

Harlow was basically kidnapped in the last book, and we find out in this that it was by Rukh. People are not kidding when they say this is a Tarzan type situation. Rukh has been living basically feral and completely alone for years. He can barely remember his own language, has no idea how basic things work, is fearful of the others of his kind, and does not understand what resonance is. Because naturally he and Harlow resonated to each other. She knows what it means, though, and she stays with him, travelling out to the coast.

But it gets kind of awkward because up until this point, all the blue men have been pretty ... adept between the furs. Rukh doesn't even know what his dick does? Harlow has to literally teach him *everything*, and it's not as endearing as others might lead you to believe. Also, no offence, would not let the random scary man who just kidnapped me and cannot understand any word other than "no" get all up in there after one night. Just saying. But at least he knows "no" and consent. That was an excellent touch.

This book is different because it features a time jump of one year, and we finally get the question answered of what a human-alien baby looks like. I didn't really jive with the pregnancy stuff, even though, yes, it is kind of the whole purpose of the these books lol The others were over a shorter timeframe and didn't much deal with the consequences, and if I'm going to read these books, that felt more my speed.

See you next year when I get back on my Ice Planet Barbarians bullshit.

What can I say? I keep coming back to this series no matter what, even when I have ~50 others I should be reading. I just plow through them, like a barbarian??

I was super pumped to receive an ARC of this book because ever since lockdowns started I've been reading Ruby's books. The concept behind the entire world and series the author has built is quite brilliant and has the possibility to be great. This book follows Harlow, who was actually one of my favourite girls after starting the series. We see her and Rukh grow onto one another and with each other. Obviously it's a rocky start but both characters are stubborn and it makes them falling in love so much sweeter as a reader. If you haven't already picked up at least one of the books from the series, I definitely recommend checking them out!

I liked this book. I really like this series I like that even though there’s a lot of books in the series the author somehow twists it so it’s not always the same story being told over and over again. I like that in this book the characters literally have to find out how to communicate with one another without using the computer database to help them just instantly learn the language. The main character is basically Savage to this new “not Hoth” worlds and she has found someone who is even more savage than her because he’s been broken apart from the tribe his whole life that he’s trying to find his way on the planet just as much as she is. I loved their story and I loved that they ended up reconnecting with the tribe even though it was like a year later, I think it was great but it all came together in the end.

I don't know what Ruby Dixon is sprinkling in these books, but it's nothing short of drugs. TikTok convinced me to try this series out and now I can't stop! The latest addition to the big blue alien romances center around Harlow and Rukh. While Harlow's introduction to Rukh is a bit rough (he hits her over the head while she's out trying to find materials), they come a long way in learning to understand each other and care for each other.

If you loved the other Ice Planet Barbarian books, you'll definitely enjoy this one!

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

CW: abducted by aliens (past), cancer survivor, death of parent (past), grief, pregnancy (symptoms and complications)

The fourth book in the series there is a helpful what you missed section at the beginning so it can be read entirely as a standalone

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

-m/f sci fi romance
-fated mates
-sex education
-light kidnapping

Another fun edition and I'm really enjoying having all of the couple's stories all together. Harlow and Rukh were such a great match for each other. While confused after living alone for years, Rukh is all on board with Harlow and whatever that means. Despite verbal barriers, these two were really sweet as they got to know each other and communicated.

A bit softer than some of the other books, both Rukh and Harlow fell hard and were concerned about making the other happy. I enjoyed getting to see their HEA as they both made sacrifices to be otgeheter. And a great update with the other couples.


Steam: 3.5

Are you kidding me with these cute af covers??? I'm so glad that Ruby was able to give this series a second life with their new found popularity because they really deserve all the hype!

Barbarian Mine is the fourth book in the 'Ice Planet Barbarians' Series. This installment was really reminiscent of the first book with the language barrier and one part of the partnership having to hold almost a teaching position to the other- although we saw it reversed here which was a fun change. I loved that we got a new setting and we got to see the couple adapt together in such a unique way and with the new edition we got an extra glimpse into their time together at the beach which was one of my only complaints originally- and I love that RD made good on that!!

These editions and these couples are one of a kind and I am just obsessed. Such a quick and fun read.

Barbarian Mine is the fourth book in the ice planet barbarians series by Ruby Dixon. Ruhk and Harlowe are One of my favorite couples of the series. This story included adventure, love and fierce protection of their mate. I loved how we got a new place on the planet in this book. something besides just snow and caves. I highly recommend this book and series!

How can you not love Rukh and Harlow? This one really brought me back to the first book with the language barrier and more one-on-one time between our couple. I mean, the kidnapping was a bit suspect and the fact that the tribe really made him prove himself to get Harlow back was spot on. I swear I cannot get enough of these books. GIMME ALL OF THE BLUE ALIEN PEEN PLEASE.

4.5 ⭐ Tarzan and Jane but make it Ice Planet Barbarians


Summary:

Harlow is one of twelve human women abducted and stranded on an ice planet. In Barbarian Lover, Harlow goes to the Eldership with a small group to determine if her khui has healed her terminal cancer. But when the Little Green Men return, steal Kira and injure two of the sa-khui men, Harlow goes out searching for materials to make a travois to take the injured back to the tribe. But while out in the snow, she is hit over the head and wakes up in an unfamiliar cave, resonating with a filthy-looking blue alien.

Rukh is the definition of wild. He doesn't know how to speak, he's covered in layers of dirt, and (bonus) he's totally naked. Rukh has been alone since his father's death, who warned him to stay away from 'the bad ones' aka the sa-khui tribe. Therefore, he has not interacted with anyone since he was a child and is totally naive and skittish.

Feeling like she can't return to the tribe (for reasons you'll find out about), Harlow makes an effort to befriend Rukh and teaches him many things like how to make fire, how to shower, how to speak, and, of course, how to please a woman. They fulfill resonance and start a life together alone, but with each other.

One year later, Liz and a small group discover their cave and are shocked to find Harlow alive and pregnant with an unknown sa-khui male.


My Thoughts:

This story is so sweet, my tooth aches! Harlow is an absolute angel, and Rukh is so endearingly innocent. There were so many comical and loveable moments. I genuinely love this IPB couple and am thrilled they got their HEA. ❤️

I've read most of the IPB stories now, and I liked that Rukh's story is different from the other aliens on Not-Hoth. Because Rukh was alone for so many years, he has the naivety and innocence of a child, whereas the other big blue guys are already part of the tribe and know what's up.

I'm also just obsessed with Rukh and Harlow as a couple. They are the alien version of Tarzan and Jane. It was sweet and comical watching Harlow try to explain basic things like making fire, bathing, and sex to a 7ft tall, wild alien.

The story mostly centers around Harlow and Rukh's relationship. Both Harlow and Rukh have interesting backstories that are intruiging. A few angst-filled moments keep the story moving forward, but Harlow and Rukh overcome these struggles together.


Overall, if you enjoy pure, affectionate, adoring love stories, I think you'll fall head over heels for this couple.

Meh. Even with these literally falling into my lap, they aren’t really worth my time any longer. This installment in the series does finally move forward in time a bit. The early chapters overlap with all the previous books, but then the story jumps ahead a few weeks, then a year. The relationship progression isn’t significantly different from other books in the series. If book 1 was your jam, good news. Readers who like a little variety won’t find it here.

A problem specific to this book: the series is set up with chapters alternating narration between the two main characters. But the alien hottie in this book is a Mogli-type character, alone since his father died when he was about 7. He has no language, which is at least a novel way of keeping the communication tension in play. I couldn’t buy his narrated chapters, though. What would the internal monologue be for someone without any language? Not everyone even has internal monologue— mine is spotty— so this seemed poorly thought out.

eARC from NetGalley.