Member Reviews
Wondering how the Ice Planet can remain so, with the level of steam coming from this spice...asking for a friend...
One thing about me, is that I love a second chance romance. And Ruby did it right with this one. Each IPB book is such a fun rollercoaster, but this one actually made me so sad. The longing is felt deep in the pit of your stomach and I never thought these would make me cry but here we are. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Dang - the spoiler was listed WAY too quickly after the word "spoiler." Be careful with the intro if you don't want the story spoiled. I read the bonus novella first and would recommend that reading order. It provides a good setup for the story and reminds us of the higher stakes for the community on the ice planet following the earthquake. I would not recommend reading this title as a standalone.
Pashov & Stacy's amnesia/marriage in trouble story freshens up the Ice Planet Barbarians series. "Barbarian's Heart" has a more serious and subdued tone than earlier titles in the series. There is not a lot of action, so the sweet love story is the highlight.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.
I really liked this one! Stacy is dealing with the fallout of the cave-in by being a single mom. Her mate, Pashov, has no memories of her or their kit. Or of any of the humans. As they travel to find a new home, she struggles with the journey and the loss of how things used to be.
Pashov was injured when the cave collapsed around their tribe. He has no memories from the last few years, so he does not remember his mate, their kit, or anything about the humans. He isn't the same man as before, but he's trying to be, for his mate.
As Pashov struggles to remember and Stacy struggles with her memories, they must find a common ground and be able to move on and join their tribe in their new home that Hassen and Maddie discovered.
This one broke my heart. Stacy made me want to throttle her at times and Pashov was just so sweet. A second chance romance done right but man Stacy got on my nerves.
If you thought The Vow would be ten times better if it took place on an icy alien planet, and Channing Tatum was 7 feet tall with horns and a saucy little tail, you're going to love Stacey and Pashov.
The tropes here are centered firmly on amnesia, making it a fun little jaunt into a second chance romance as Stacey and Pashov work to reconnect — Pashov, as a stranger, and Stacey, as someone grieving the partner they thought they had and coping with the new, painful reality of having to rebuild the foundation of their relationship brick by brick.
While I don't typically love second chance romance, and found this one a little bit more grating than usual due to Stacey's character, this was still an enjoyable read for me. The subject matter here is tricky, and tackling a frightened character coping with unexpected grief and shock is never going to be anybody's favorite character, but it still felt realistic enough to want to see it through.
I love the ice planet series wholeheartedly — it's my comfort series, and any opportunity to reread these books is one i'll take every time. So if you, too, are looking for something low stakes, quick, fun, with enough cool worldbuilding and an emotional throughline that will tug on your heartstrings, pick these books up! While Stacey and Pashov's story isn't my most favorite of the full series, it's still one that packs enough of a punch to sate any need ranging from hot aliens to cathartic cry.
Thank you so much to Berkley for the opportunity to read an early copy of the new published version! I can't wait to have this pastel cover in all its glory on my 'break alien smut glass in case of comfort emergency' shelf.
I really enjoyed the Ice Planet Barbarians Special Editions series so far. It had that story that I enjoyed then enjoyed the bonus novella. The characters were everything that I was looking for and the world was everything that I wanted. I enjoyed how good Ruby Dixon writes these types of book and am excited for more.
I've said it once and I'll say it a million times, Ruby Dixon doesn't miss!!!!
I read the Ice Planet Barbarian's series for the first time a couple years ago and devoured them all in a few months (and there are like 30 books people!!) Now I'm going back and each time they are republished with these ADORABLE covers I'm rereading and I am so not disappointed.
This story was one of my favorites from the beginning as it was so much different than the other couples we had seen so far. They already had their happily ever after... or so they thought! I think this book went deeper than the instalove this series is known for and I love it for that- testing to see if that instalove sticks after trauma and time.
Okay and apart from this just being amazing, it's got Ruby's signature alien spicy scenes we all can't get enough of! Amazing, wonderful, fantastic.
Barbarian’s Heart features Stacey (human) and Pashov (alien). Their story starts immediately after an earthquake, which is is covered in a novella/short story collection. Pashov was injured in the earthquake and he wakes with no memory of Stacey, their resonance or their child.
This book is really delightful. The marriage in trouble trope is done so cleverly, I really enjoyed it. Stacey is so in love with Pashov and wants him to be healthy and whole again, but is also hesitant about pushing him into a relationship that he doesn’t remember. Pashov, for his part, is just so into Stacey, even without memories.
I truly love this series, it’s always enjoyable. This one does need the explanation of the earthquake to understand the beginning of the story, which didn’t bother me since I’ve read the whole series, but I imagine could be frustrating for someone who picks this one up solo.
Overall, cozy and heart warming. Stacey and Pashov belong together forever, with or without memories.
I have always loved Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet Barbarian series, and I am so happy they are finally getting their roses. This series I would consider a cozy science fiction romance; there isn't much drama or action, and the romance tends to be the main focus. Stacy and Pashov are one of my favorite couples, and I think Stacy shows amazing growth as the story goes on. This is a fun, sweet (and spicy) read that I will recommend to my fellow romance readers!
While I absolutely love this series overall, this one was a bit of a letdown to me. It wasn't bad, it just didn't draw me in nearly as much as others have. The MMC and FMC were both a bit flat. I wish we could've had more development and engagement between the two of them. I didn't feel like we got to the heart of their relationship, like we have the others. Overall though, it was a cute addition to the series.
This book is really good! Stacey and Pashov's story is very heartwarming. They both go through a lot and have to find a new way forward together. My heart is just so happy that they are both trying to make it work despite everything. I always look forward to these short and sweet romance stories. They are a great quick read with an engaging story that easily pulls you in. If you like alien romance then this book is for you. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.
Oh did this make my little monster heart so happy. I absolutely loved this book and it honestly is probably my favorite out of the Ice Planet Barbarian series so far.
Stacey and Pashov are a story that holds a special place in my heart with one of my favorite tropes: amnesia. He loses his memory of his mate and child and has to relearn how to be who he needs them to be. He always wanted a mate, just like every other male in their tribe, and now he has no idea who she is. I loved Stacey's strength in trying to figure out how to survive without him and being okay with him never remembering her or their son. This is a beautiful, sci-fi second chance romance that shows true love knows no bounds.
This is such a fun read.
It's so emotional and engaging to read. I loved watching our two find each other again after hardships.
Barbarian's Heart was a good read. There were times when I was frustrated with Stacy. Her actions and thoughts when it came to Pashov and his loss of memories seemed selfish. Pashov tried his best and I enjoyed his character a lot. He was very understanding and wanted what was best for Stacy after he realized he should be taking care of her and their baby. He may have forgotten them and what he should be doing as a mate, but he took care of his responsibilities after he was told. I also enjoyed his family, especially his mom and sister. Pashov and Stacy characters were good, and I loved them even more when they were together. I enjoyed their story. Their ending was a sweet one and I'm look forward to more books in this series.
3.5 Stars
Barbarian's Heart is a heartwarming and emotional exploration of love, loss, and the power of connection. This slower-paced entry in the Ice Planet Barbarians series focuses on the deeply personal journey of Pashov and Stacy as they navigate the challenges of amnesia and rebuild their bond. While the steamy element may be less prominent than in other books, the emotional depth and character development make it a truly captivating read. I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't my favorite in the series. Still super compelling and highly bingeable!
4⭐️
"And as long as we’re together, every day is a new opportunity to love and be happy. Sometimes, that’s all you need."
I always love coming back to the world of Ice Planet Barbarian's! In this novel we have Stacey and Pashov, who were one of the first couples to get together when the ladies landed on Not-Hoth
When the planet shook and the clan's cave collapsed, Pashov was hurt and ended up with amnesia. He doesn't remember his mate Stacey, or his son Pacy. So this is an alien amnesia, second-chance type romance book and it was SO cute.
Stacey is upset when Pashov wakes up- she's never been without him on this alien planet, and he has no idea who she is. She feels like she's lost her best friend, her mate, her partner- two years of their lives together lost. Pashov is confused, unsure of how to act around her. It's like he's woken up and found all out of of his dreams came true- but he doesn't remember them.
The complications between these two are mostly due to lack of communication- they don't know how to act around each other. They have to learn how to be together, how to come back and rebuild their relationship. Pashov, like any good alien mate, goes out of his way to take care of Stacey. Stacey of course knows Pashov and what he likes- she uses these things to bring them back together, to make new memories.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the early copy for my honest review.
OMG this while series was a different experience for me! But this one actually wasn’t my cup of tea because second chances were not my usual tropes and Stacy got on my nerves more than once. Did I have fun and enjoyed it though? Yeah hell yes and j will for sure continue this series.
I am always a Ruby Dixon fan! I absolutely fell in love with this story! It’s definitely different than some of the other ones, because there is an aspect of amnesia in this book! The main female character is the one that is chasing the male character in this case, and really trying to convince the other that they are mates. This definitely puts a twist on things, but I absolutely loved it and will continue the series!!!! But it definitely still tugs on your heartstrings, and Ruby Dixon never disappoints me!