This was such a sweet book! Maddie and Hassan felt like resonance mates from the very beginning and when it finally happened it was sooo worth it.

The cutest slow burn enemies to lovers.

And of course, the aliens don’t disappoint. 👀

Barbarians taming, ice planet barbarians book 8 by Ruby Dixon, in the eighth book Hassen is still lonely he has been exiled for taking Lily hoping they would resonate and now that she is with Rocken and has resonated with him he truly feels ashamed and even more lonely. while exiled he sees Lily‘s sister Maddie out in the snow throwing arrows, a talent she clearly doesn’t have. After saving her from a snow cat she lets him know she still isn’t happy with him after he kidnapped her sister but when she tells him to F off and he says he excepts her request and pulls her close to his muscular chest she goes from angry to confused when he agrees to teach her how to hunt they plan to meet at the supply cave the next morning. It is that night when Maddie decides to quench her boredom with a little adult time with Hassen but it’s after her time and the supply cave when the lines are clearly blurred that makes Hassen want Maddie even more than he wanted any other female. Unfortunately Maddie wants her independence or at least she does until the cave they call home is ruined by an earthquake and Hassen runs in to save Stacy‘s mate Persi. The quake is devastating and it leaves the whole tribe homeless. Will Maddie be able to tell her big strong alien that she really does want to be his pleasure mate and if so does this mean they will resonate? I’m sure any fan of Ruby Dixon already knows the answer to those questions but let me just say I can’t believe at the end of the last book I totally didn’t like Hassen and now I am over the moon for him! Not to mention I absolutely love these books when a story is built on the rinse lather and repeat recipe the author Has to be truly talented to keep your attention and Ruby Dixon definitely does that with barBarians Taming if you love sweet romance between humans and aliens LOL moments and a great storyline you’ll definitely love this book. Despite it is the eighth book in the series you can still definitely read it as a standalone Reading them all just gives you a fuller picture something oh I am in the process of doing now. I have four books left and don’t know what I will do when I am done… I guess look for another Siri‘s thankfully Ruby Dixon has a new one coming out lol! I want to thank Berkeley publishing for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

This story follows Hassen who is exiled after stealing Maddie’s sister and Maddie who is doesn’t fit right in with the group. I have to say that I enjoyed this new approach to the story. This is a friends-with-benefits type of story without the mating thing happening in the beginning. I enjoyed the storyline and seeing two people lonely finding a way to each other. There were so many learning moments for both of these characters and I was here for it. There are new conflicts and a plot twist toward the end and I’m excited to see how it goes in the future books.

Maddie is the FMC who is plus-sized and doesn’t fit well in the group. I loved how brave she was and found a way to make her happy no matter how hard it was. Then we have Hassan who’s exiled but learned his lesson. There are many side characters in this book throughout the story and new babies coming into the world. For the romance. I have to say that they aren’t my favorite couple out there. I hated how long the friends-with-benefits and the cold shoulders throughout the book.

The ending was well done and I love how this world is about to change. I’m excited to see how Dixon takes on this story so I can’t wait for book 9.

*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

This is Maddie and Hassan's story. It has enemies to friends with benefits, to lovers, with a plus size heroine. It delivers as IPB stories usually do!! I continue to enjoy this series and I'm determined to keep reading through all of these books.

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

There are a million reasons why Hassen and Maddie shouldn't work, but despite it all, they find themselves unable to resist each other...

As a newcomer to the alien tribe, I've struggled to find my place. It might be because I'm a tad headstrong at times. And yes, I might have thrown a few things at people's heads. But I had a good reason to pitch a fit - my shy sister was stolen away right under my nose. Of course, now she's back and mated. Everyone's happy...except me.

I need...affection. Attention.

Okay, I'm lonely. Really lonely.

Strangely enough, the only person that I think understands what I'm going through is the same blue-skinned brute that stole my sister. It's wrong to hook up with him, even as a mindless fling.

Except...I'm not so good with the whole "rules" thing. And he's not so great with the "fling" thing. But maybe there's a chance for us."

Admit it, you're just as besotted as me with the Ice Planet Barbarians!

This is not my typical read but these books are like potato chips! I read this one and could not stop! I thought the plot was sometimes a little too out there, since it seems like kidnapping is the solution for a lot of problems for the author but it was so outrageous that it made me laugh and kept me endlessly entertained. While this will not win any literature awards I would recommend given how entertaining it was.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Ruby Dixon for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

Per my usual with this series I loved this one! And it had a surprising amount of action in it!! Okay so Liz and Raahosh are admittedly my favorite IPB couple and these two give such similar vibes to me. Not in the exact way they come together but their dynamic and how much I loved their relationship.

Also first of all this re-release cover- Maddie is plus sized and it is a pretty big part of her inner monologue (in positive, negative, and neutral ways) so I love to see her looking accurate AND so good on the cover! Absolute heart eyes.

In the author's note Ruby mentions how people had some doubt about these two matching up, ya know the whole Raahosh kidnapping Maddie's sister prior, big oops. But I really had no issues the way this is laid out especially getting Raahosh's POV. All of those residual feelings are dealt with and talked about also with Maddie's sister and the way Rahoosh's exile goes you definitely feel a bit badly for him.

I don't want to spoil anything so just saying the bit of adventure that comes in this was actually kind of intense but of course this series is still comfy and I loved the bit of twist.

Thank you to Berkley for the free book!!

Ice Planet Barbarians: the series where you come for the weird fated mates based on a symbiote and you stay for the plethora virgin heroes.

So what happens in this one? Well, the MMC Hassen kidnapped the sister of the FMC, Maddie. But we can all forgive him because he was just lonely and dumb. Now he knows he should have taken --- no, Hassen, COURTED --- the other sister instead.

OK a few other things to note: Maddie is a fat FMC. We think Dixon is trying to be an ally here, but we were turned off by a lot of the fatphobic language Maddie uses about herself. Seen in the most charitable light, Maddie has internalized fatphobia and she's dealing with that on a planet of about, ohhhh, 40 souls or so. Keep this in mind if you have a tough time reading books with these themes.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the Berkley special edition.

Another solid IPB book!

Ruby Dixon did a great job keeping Barbarian's Taming from feeling repetitive of previous books. We don't have an immediate resonance, instead Maddie hates Hassen when the book begins. Slowly, she realizes they have a lot in common and the relationship goes from there.
The climax of the external action was great and I'm looking forward to where the series goes from here. Lots of fun!

Thanks NetGalley!

📖 Barbarians Taming
- By Ruby Dixon

▪️My REVIEW RATING:
4⭐️ 4🌶️

“Is it wrong to want to tap the ass of a man that kidnapped my sister? Probably. Am I thinking about it anyhow? Oh, yeah.”

▪️ Get your copy today from @storyonthesquare where @author.ruby.dixon will be sending extra goodies like bookmarks, stickers, and signed book plates!!

💭My THOUGHTS:

I’m in love with these special edition covers by @kellywagnerdesign!! It’s absolutely stunning.

Plus size FMC Maddie is sassy, fierce and fearless! I absolutely love her vibes and was able to relate to her in so many ways. Maddie is feeling lost and lonely after being one of the few remaining woman on the ice planet who haven’t resonated.

Alien Hassen, like Maddie, understands the importance in family. Hassen is currently exiled for a crime but is doing his best to make it up to his tribe. I felt so badly for Hassen and wanted to much for him to have his happily ever after.

I love everything about this story. The ending…. Wow, I need more! So apparently big blue aliens with ribbed 🍆 peens are my jam now…

If you enjoy:
🧊Alien Romance
🛷Enemies to Lovers
🧊Strong FMC
🛷Protective MMC
🧊Redemption story

▪️Thank you @netgalley and @berkleyromance for offering an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you TikTok to reintroducing Ruby Dixon to the world. This series, while it may not be for everyone.. is for me! I was hooked from book one and continue to purchase the new covers.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are honest and my own.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Rep: curvy/plus-sized FMC, sign language, deaf sister

TW: internalized fatphobia, FMC sometimes speaks down on her size/how her eating habits can be a burden — it’s important to note that no other character comments or perpetuates these ideas. There were also some ableist remarks, in regards to deafness and general survivalist rhetoric.

I was pretty excited to dive straight into Maddie’s story after reading about her sister Lila, in Barbarian’s Touch. If you have made it this far into the Ice Planet Barbarians (IPB) world you probably have the general idea and outline of the story down. However, these last few installments have been adding additional depth and worldbuilding, creating the expectation that Dixon is about to throw even more surprises our way. Okay, so back to the relationship, Maddie and her lover present the first semi-true friends with benefits dynamic we have seen from a main book couple so far. The only reason I’m saying it is a semi relationship, is because our alien friend absolutely knows that he wants her and is just waiting for her to acknowledge her feelings. This was such a fun couple to root for because I personally enjoy both of them and was pleased to see them find their footing and get their happily ever after.

Maddie provides a valuable, and realistic perspective because she truly does not enjoy being on Not-Hoth and has no qualm hiding it. Sure her anger (I mean her sister was kidnapped), lack of enthusiasm (she was stolen from her home planet with no way of returning), and combative attitude has made her a bit of an outcast, but most of us would be devastated if everything we knew and almost everyone we loved was ripped away from us. I am super happy for all of the well adjusted women and how they have chosen to cope with their trauma, but failing to acknowledge that not everyone is open to a whole planetary re-write would have been a huge oversight. We also explore themes of loneliness from both of our leads. Which added a layer to the tribal dynamic and how life on this alien planet can be tumultuous within, and not only without, like needing a khui to survive or trying to keep from freezing to death.

I’ve mentioned this in previous reviews, but Dixon’s approach to several sensitive topics are simply not handled with enough care. Ableist comments are thrown around, like Lila’s deafness being a hindrance to her survival, in such a dangerous landscape. Does her deafness present unique, and new challenges? Absolutely, but it would’ve been better to see how Lila leaned into this, how she faced these challenges, instead of flippant comments about her abilities. Authors can use ableist language to make a point, to present internalized ableism,, or to demonstrate bigotry, etc, however, we need to see both signs of the coin and how it is challenged. There was not enough balance for me, so not only was it disappointing it also left me wanting. I also wanted to note, I mentioned some internalized fatphobia faced by Maddie. This was not made as a content warning to showcase that Maddie is “bad” or “wrong” for her thoughts. However, I do want other readers to know when a potentially sensitive or triggering topic arises, so they can mentally prepare themselves or decide not to read the book at this time. I do want to reiterate that none of Maddie’s self-deprecating thoughts are supported by anyone else; it is fully her defense mechanism or general insecurity arising.

There are some really interesting events that take place during this book, so fans of IPB buckle up and get ready!

HEA, he falls first, enemies to friends/lovers, secret romance, grumpy sunshine - she’s the grump, siblings ex (kind of?)

I so loved Maddie and Hassan’s story. Both characters are so misunderstood by those around them but are able to find peace in each other.

Maddie is our last unmated human female and is utterly uninterested in our blue men and their cooties (haha.) Hassan kidnapped her sister, so why is he the one she’s thinking would be down for some fun?

Both Maddie and Hassan have so much character growth through the novel. Maddie is so passionate and defends those she loves, she really helps Hassan open up and stand up for himself after everything he did wrong. Hassan helps Maddie gain so much self confidence, as that was really the one thing she was lacking. Maddie was so busy standing up for those around her, why about herself and her feelings?


Highly, highly recommend! And if this is your first time seeing anything about the Ice Planet Barbarians series, start back at book 1, Ice Planet Barbarians!

5 ⭐️
3 🌶

I swear, these stories just keep getting better and better! In the previous book, our experiences on Not-Hoth expanded with vivid description and exciting events. I loved the addition of Lilah and Maddie, and Lilah's story with Rokan became my favorite of the series so far.

Until we I got to Maddie and Hassen in Barbarian's Taming. Y'ALL. 🔥

Now, I'm not saying I like any of the first 7 books any less, obviously. I'm obsessed with this entire series. But what I AM saying is that the stories and the world just keep expanding, keep their momentum, and keep taking us to new heights. The events of Barbarian's Taming, along with Maddie and Hassen's perspectives, are perfect for the next step in our big blue alien escapades. I love that Ruby keeps things exciting (outside of the fantastic spice), keeps us invested in the entire alien community, keeps making us laugh (seriously, these characters are FUNNY), and keeps our hearts aching with love for every member of the tribe.

I connected with Maddie immediately. As a protective, sometimes abrasive, and loner-type gal myself, I felt her emotions down to my very soul. And while Hassen made mistakes in the past, I love his heart and his dedication to his people. And I love how seen and heard he and Maddie are with one another.

Also, the bond between Maddie and Lilah is a fantastic and relatable representation of sisterhood (even when abducted and taken to an alien planet where you have to accept a parasite in order to survive).

All this to say... I loved Barbarian's Taming. Clearly.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ruby Dixon for an ARC of Barbarian's Taming and the opportunity to leave my honest, voluntary review!**

The Ice Planet books are my home away from home 💙 my absolute comfort reads of all time, and this was no exception. Ruby has these characters and this world absolutely perfected. While the formula stays somewhat predictable, the characters are all rich and vibrant and all my besties tbh.
Thank you to Ruby, Berkley, and NetGalley for this arc of the special edition!

This is my 3rd? 4th? Read of this book, because the spice is top tier and I always stan a redemption arc and this book has 2. Hassen is such a selfish lonely jerk and so is Maddie. Their eventual hook-up is hot AF, filled with initial miscommunications and subsequent YES PLEASE moments. They are perfect for each other.

**4.5 rounded up**

I didn’t think I would like this one at all, because I didn’t care for Maddie or Hassen in Lila’s book. HOWEVER, I actually loved this one so much! It wasn’t perfect, but it was as close as you can get to perfect!

On a plot level, this book had so much important info! This book was a really important point into the entirety of the series. Something major happens to the tribe, but I’m not gonna say much more because of spoilers.

Maddie is a plus-size queen!! I love the diversity in her body type compared to the other humans. Her attitude grew on me. She really was just lonely. She lost the only family she had, and was put second in her sister’s life. This whole situation was alot to handle. I’m glad she found Hassen.

Hassen wasn’t my favorite before reading. Now, he has definitely grown on me. Poor guy was desperate to find love. Maddie and him went from enemies, to friends-with-benefits, to lovers. Hassen loved every curve of her body, no matter her weight. I loved this one!

I’m so excited this is getting a beautiful new cover.

✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ It's Just Sex
✔️ Black Cat FMC
✔️ Fated Mates

Ok, I was initially skeptical for a book where Hassen was the MMC after him kidnapping Lilah in the prior book. That said, only a strong character like Maddie (and a gifted writer like Ruby) made it possible to redeem him.

I loved that Maddie was the main pursuer, too. She is maybe my favorite character in the universe; someone who feels very alone and decides to take steps not to be. Sure part of that is to seduce Hassen but the other part is to learn how to survive and be part of a community. Her accepting her new life in the back half of this book was the most compelling part (maybe just a tad behind the spicy parts haha).

Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕

I will never stop reading Ruby Dixon’s books. Ice Planet Barbarians is my favorite guilty pleasure series, and this one was no exception. I can’t recommend this series enough, if you want spicy and cozy. These aliens have me giggling and kicking my feet, and blushing. So funny, so sweet. 5 ⭐️

Hassen and Maddie are possibly my favorite IPB couple so far in the series. This special edition version of them is lovely and I can’t wait to have it!