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Ice Planet Barbarians #10
Barbarian's Hope
Seasons ago, I resonated to the quietest of tribesmates, a male content to love me from afar while I was the center of attention. We could have been happy. Despite our differences, I loved him and he loved me.
But then a terrible thing happened…and my world was never the same again.
Now resonance is giving us a second chance, but…I’m afraid. What if what I have with my mate is too broken to be fixed? What if there’s no hope left for us at all?
But then a terrible thing happened…and my world was never the same again.
Now resonance is giving us a second chance, but…I’m afraid. What if what I have with my mate is too broken to be fixed? What if there’s no hope left for us at all?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2016
1914 people are currently reading
13537 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Dixon
161 books19.8k followersRuby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,102 reviews
May 28, 2017
A second chance for love for sa-khui couple Asha & Hemalo
Before I started this book, I did not like Asha. She was constantly trying to steal Aehako from Kira. She was a bitch to everyone and never helped in the first books. In the later books, she only likes babysitting. And in this book, we learn why.
So, after I finished this book, I felt sorry for Asha, I understood her behavior, but I still did not like her. Her relationship with Hemalo is just lukewarm and unenthusiastic.
Apparently, he is the only one who can tolerate Asha when she throws a fit and that makes him a good mate for her. Yawn…
And some of the things that Asha or Hemalo are thinking sound a bit xenophobic and racist:
“They keep human customs and talk of human things, and sometimes it makes me feel very isolated in my own tribe. I am not the stranger, and yet…I no longer fit in with my own people.”
“Let them be pleased with their pale, strange mates and their flat faces. I have the most beautiful female in the tribe”
“I try not to resent the humans, though sometimes it is hard.”
Anyway, I wish Asha and Hemalo all the best.
But I think what I loved from this book was actually the additional story of Claire, Ereven and Bek.
I loved
…the way Claire tries to make things right without hurting anybody’s feelings,
…Ereven’s lack of jealously and suspicions
…Bek’s efforts to show what a wonderful sa-khui he is and how much he wants to redeem himself
“I am happy for you and Ereven,” Bek says quietly. “I may not always show it, but all I have ever wanted is your happiness. You are a good person and you deserve happiness.”
Finally, what happened to the good old smut in this book? Where was it?
Before I started this book, I did not like Asha. She was constantly trying to steal Aehako from Kira. She was a bitch to everyone and never helped in the first books. In the later books, she only likes babysitting. And in this book, we learn why.
So, after I finished this book, I felt sorry for Asha, I understood her behavior, but I still did not like her. Her relationship with Hemalo is just lukewarm and unenthusiastic.
Apparently, he is the only one who can tolerate Asha when she throws a fit and that makes him a good mate for her. Yawn…
And some of the things that Asha or Hemalo are thinking sound a bit xenophobic and racist:
“They keep human customs and talk of human things, and sometimes it makes me feel very isolated in my own tribe. I am not the stranger, and yet…I no longer fit in with my own people.”
“Let them be pleased with their pale, strange mates and their flat faces. I have the most beautiful female in the tribe”
“I try not to resent the humans, though sometimes it is hard.”
Anyway, I wish Asha and Hemalo all the best.
But I think what I loved from this book was actually the additional story of Claire, Ereven and Bek.
I loved
…the way Claire tries to make things right without hurting anybody’s feelings,
…Ereven’s lack of jealously and suspicions
…Bek’s efforts to show what a wonderful sa-khui he is and how much he wants to redeem himself
“I am happy for you and Ereven,” Bek says quietly. “I may not always show it, but all I have ever wanted is your happiness. You are a good person and you deserve happiness.”
Finally, what happened to the good old smut in this book? Where was it?
August 6, 2022
4 Asha & Hemalo Stars
May have spoilers
I'm going to be honest I had no interest in Asha or Hemalo going into this book. Hemalo was always in the background in the other books. Asha acted like a bitch to everyone and tried to cheat on her mate with others. I didn't like her at all going into this book. So I was surprised that I enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong I didn't love it but it was an ok read that let me live in the IPB world a bit more. I liked the Claire, Bek and Ereven parts of the story. I thought Bek did a good job of redeeming himself from the jerk he was to Claire when they were pleasure mates. Their little side plot helped save this book for me.
Hemalo was a bit sad in my opinion. He loved Asha, and she never really noticed him until they resonated and she had too. Then their baby died and she treated him like dvisti dung. Still he loved her and took her abuse. He had the patience of a saint. I will say that I soften a tad bit towards Asha. I still didn't care much for her, but I could understand where she was coming from. I felt bad for her and Hemalo's loss and pain. I just thought she was too disdainful, self-centered, and to Hemalo a down right bitch. However she grew a lot as a person in this book. I liked that she started to open up. That she started treating Hemalo better, but not enough to redeem her completely in my eyes. On to the next book
May have spoilers
I'm going to be honest I had no interest in Asha or Hemalo going into this book. Hemalo was always in the background in the other books. Asha acted like a bitch to everyone and tried to cheat on her mate with others. I didn't like her at all going into this book. So I was surprised that I enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong I didn't love it but it was an ok read that let me live in the IPB world a bit more. I liked the Claire, Bek and Ereven parts of the story. I thought Bek did a good job of redeeming himself from the jerk he was to Claire when they were pleasure mates. Their little side plot helped save this book for me.
Hemalo was a bit sad in my opinion. He loved Asha, and she never really noticed him until they resonated and she had too. Then their baby died and she treated him like dvisti dung. Still he loved her and took her abuse. He had the patience of a saint. I will say that I soften a tad bit towards Asha. I still didn't care much for her, but I could understand where she was coming from. I felt bad for her and Hemalo's loss and pain. I just thought she was too disdainful, self-centered, and to Hemalo a down right bitch. However she grew a lot as a person in this book. I liked that she started to open up. That she started treating Hemalo better, but not enough to redeem her completely in my eyes. On to the next book
February 9, 2017
Okay, I read this early in my recent time of what will forever be known as "Internetpocalypse 2017" at my house. We actually lived like these barbarians by having no internet for over 5 days! I know, I'm somewhat of a brave hero for quietly enduring this disaster of epic proportions. I barely complained at all - less than several times a minute.. hour.. day. And, now it's cold outside. I feel like Not Hoth has been brought to Texas. I'm going to complain even more less about this.
All that to say that I barely remember this book. It was okay, but the female was whiny. Unlike me. She should have taken my example and suffered in silence.
All that to say that I barely remember this book. It was okay, but the female was whiny. Unlike me. She should have taken my example and suffered in silence.
March 14, 2024
Probably the most heartbreaking story in the series so far. It’s heavy with grief as the couple have lost a baby and it tore them apart.
“Sometimes I worry I do not know how to be happy.”
There was a lot of anger and sadness and hurt woven into this story. I felt so bad for them both. They wanted to be together but just didn’t know how to get things back on track again. Especially for our heroine who really wanted to be a mother.
I mean, there’s a HEA at the end so things work out but the journey was somewhat of a rough one. A realistic one.
Also, this is our first alien couple, no humans involved which I liked.
“Sometimes I worry I do not know how to be happy.”
There was a lot of anger and sadness and hurt woven into this story. I felt so bad for them both. They wanted to be together but just didn’t know how to get things back on track again. Especially for our heroine who really wanted to be a mother.
I mean, there’s a HEA at the end so things work out but the journey was somewhat of a rough one. A realistic one.
Also, this is our first alien couple, no humans involved which I liked.
August 21, 2022
Not one of the best, but still good!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😤😠😳😚
The heroine: Asha - Asha was one of the few alien female’s on the Ice Planet and had resonated with the quiet and gentle Hemalo. The two were in love and had a daughter. The kit was born small and weak and died. This broke apart Asha and Hemalo and Asha eventually moved in with Farley and her pet Metlak. Asha had to listen to all the other women who recently had babies and that made things even harder for her.
The Hero: Hemalo - one of the most experienced leather workers who was in charge of roofing all the homes in the new village called Roanoke after the volcano and earthquakes destroyed the caves. He is a genuinely good guy though he is a quiet one.
The Story: Asha said that he mate abandoned her after their baby died. Though I found that hard to believe from the start. She said he gave up on her while she was working through her grief. Though we see from Hemalo that he left her to make things easier for her. It must have been hard for her with so many other women that are either pregnant or had little ones, one of which had twins, so Asha ruminated on the why me aspect. Since her arms were empty while others were overflowing.
Like other reviewers, I wasn’t too excited about this book, because losing a baby is so utterly depressing and people don’t ever get over something like that. Also I am not fond of second chance romance. I have trouble believing a couple who couldn’t make it work once can really get over issues they couldn’t get over before. Though also because I like the beginning of a romantic relationship, not after there are already old and boring issues.
Like the other books, this one was told in multiple points of view via dual narration. Which isn’t my favorite since it is the female narrators doing the chapters in Asha’s POV and the male doing Hemalo’s chapters. I like when the female does all the female voices and the male does all the male voices. Though at least there were two narrators and Hollie Jackson and Mason Lloyd always do a great job. This one confused me at times because there were chapters in Claire’s POV as well as Asha’s and since there was only one female narrator, I found it hard to determine who was talking.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😤😠😳😚
The heroine: Asha - Asha was one of the few alien female’s on the Ice Planet and had resonated with the quiet and gentle Hemalo. The two were in love and had a daughter. The kit was born small and weak and died. This broke apart Asha and Hemalo and Asha eventually moved in with Farley and her pet Metlak. Asha had to listen to all the other women who recently had babies and that made things even harder for her.
The Hero: Hemalo - one of the most experienced leather workers who was in charge of roofing all the homes in the new village called Roanoke after the volcano and earthquakes destroyed the caves. He is a genuinely good guy though he is a quiet one.
The Story: Asha said that he mate abandoned her after their baby died. Though I found that hard to believe from the start. She said he gave up on her while she was working through her grief. Though we see from Hemalo that he left her to make things easier for her. It must have been hard for her with so many other women that are either pregnant or had little ones, one of which had twins, so Asha ruminated on the why me aspect. Since her arms were empty while others were overflowing.
Like other reviewers, I wasn’t too excited about this book, because losing a baby is so utterly depressing and people don’t ever get over something like that. Also I am not fond of second chance romance. I have trouble believing a couple who couldn’t make it work once can really get over issues they couldn’t get over before. Though also because I like the beginning of a romantic relationship, not after there are already old and boring issues.
Like the other books, this one was told in multiple points of view via dual narration. Which isn’t my favorite since it is the female narrators doing the chapters in Asha’s POV and the male doing Hemalo’s chapters. I like when the female does all the female voices and the male does all the male voices. Though at least there were two narrators and Hollie Jackson and Mason Lloyd always do a great job. This one confused me at times because there were chapters in Claire’s POV as well as Asha’s and since there was only one female narrator, I found it hard to determine who was talking.
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November 28, 2016
This is such an unusual blue barbarian's book!
I'm used to our beloved blue barbarians to be attached to human girls by thier cooties, but here we have both hero and heroine who are both bkue! WOW!
This is the story of Asha and Hemalo, who've resonated and who lost themselves in tragedy.
I didn't like Asha from the previous books. She was unlikable, surly and generally odious, but here we see why and how she was redeemed and it was heartbreaking!
Hemalo is also an unusual hero, for a blue barbarians standards! He's not a warrior and a hunter, he's sinmply a tanner. Quiet and composed.
They were mated, they had a kit, a small sick girl kit and they lost her hours after birth... It was heartbreaking to see the haughty Asha loosing herself in her grief. Lashing to all, Hemalo most of all, in her sorrow... Her pain was so deep, so very well shown that I couldn't but feel for her!
Hemalo was destroyed too, but when he tried to share his grief he was rebuffed by Asha.
So he went away and Asha saw that as abandonment and she fell in deep depression.
Here we get to see how they got back together! Mostly thanks to Claire, a timid human who reaches to Asha and with her simple friendship helps her emerge like a new person.
This is an unusual book in the series. It doesn't have a strong sexual pull, even if it is there, it is just not a focal point. The focal point was that even after a great tragedy life can be good again and love helps.
Beautifully done!!!
I'm used to our beloved blue barbarians to be attached to human girls by thier cooties, but here we have both hero and heroine who are both bkue! WOW!
This is the story of Asha and Hemalo, who've resonated and who lost themselves in tragedy.
I didn't like Asha from the previous books. She was unlikable, surly and generally odious, but here we see why and how she was redeemed and it was heartbreaking!
Hemalo is also an unusual hero, for a blue barbarians standards! He's not a warrior and a hunter, he's sinmply a tanner. Quiet and composed.
They were mated, they had a kit, a small sick girl kit and they lost her hours after birth... It was heartbreaking to see the haughty Asha loosing herself in her grief. Lashing to all, Hemalo most of all, in her sorrow... Her pain was so deep, so very well shown that I couldn't but feel for her!
Hemalo was destroyed too, but when he tried to share his grief he was rebuffed by Asha.
So he went away and Asha saw that as abandonment and she fell in deep depression.
Here we get to see how they got back together! Mostly thanks to Claire, a timid human who reaches to Asha and with her simple friendship helps her emerge like a new person.
This is an unusual book in the series. It doesn't have a strong sexual pull, even if it is there, it is just not a focal point. The focal point was that even after a great tragedy life can be good again and love helps.
Beautifully done!!!
December 27, 2023
A humble leather tanner and his wife struggle to rebuild their marriage following the death of their infant daughter in the tenth installment of a book series I thought was going to be a lighthearted smutty romp about aliens and ended up being a bunch of unexpected trigger warnings. The new home of the Sa-khui being underground is a great analogy for the hidden goddamn depths of these books.
April 2, 2019
Definitely the lest fave of all from this series so far. Seems like a lot of unnecessary filler in here. zzz
November 21, 2016
This was wonderful and heartbreaking story.
I'm not crier myself and I can count on my fingers, how many books made me cry, and they are not that many. But I cried reading this. I can relate to it. Not that I've lost my child or anything but I'm a mother and I guess that is enough explanation.
But it also beautiful in different ways. And I'm also so glad that Ruby fast forwarded the story for couple of years to give us happily ever after - I really didn't care about time leap. As she said, we can fill in the gap later on.
I'm really happy for our aliens!
August 21, 2022
The way this book made me sob 😭😭😭
It was a beautiful story of grief, hope and love. I knew I was going to like Asha’s story but I wasn’t prepared for how much I loved her.
Asha reminded me of Nesta a lot. Both female characters didn’t deal with grief and trauma the way people around them expected, they were both considered unlikeable for this and were consequently secluded and left alone.
I thought it was interesting how the tribe seemed unable to deal with Asha grieving the loss of her baby. Like they expected her to get over it quickly and go on like nothing life altering had happened. And I found it interesting because that’s pretty much what women go through in our society. I thought Dixon did a very clever parallel here.
In this case, Asha’s journey to overcome her grief, admitting her wrongdoings and accepting life’s second chance was beautifully done. The romance was very soft and tender. Sex scenes were not my favorite, because they are both aliens. But I didn’t even mind. I loved this book for the rest of it.
The whole thing with the metlak couple and their baby was so good. I need to know they are okay! And I’m hoping something happens with the metlaks in general in next books. Dixon keeps hinting at “something more” and I cannot wait!
I still don’t know why we got Claire’s POV, but I’m guessing it was to see Bek getting over their romance and becoming ready for his own book.
Anyway, this book was so precious to me. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now.
It was a beautiful story of grief, hope and love. I knew I was going to like Asha’s story but I wasn’t prepared for how much I loved her.
Asha reminded me of Nesta a lot. Both female characters didn’t deal with grief and trauma the way people around them expected, they were both considered unlikeable for this and were consequently secluded and left alone.
I thought it was interesting how the tribe seemed unable to deal with Asha grieving the loss of her baby. Like they expected her to get over it quickly and go on like nothing life altering had happened. And I found it interesting because that’s pretty much what women go through in our society. I thought Dixon did a very clever parallel here.
In this case, Asha’s journey to overcome her grief, admitting her wrongdoings and accepting life’s second chance was beautifully done. The romance was very soft and tender. Sex scenes were not my favorite, because they are both aliens. But I didn’t even mind. I loved this book for the rest of it.
The whole thing with the metlak couple and their baby was so good. I need to know they are okay! And I’m hoping something happens with the metlaks in general in next books. Dixon keeps hinting at “something more” and I cannot wait!
I still don’t know why we got Claire’s POV, but I’m guessing it was to see Bek getting over their romance and becoming ready for his own book.
Anyway, this book was so precious to me. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now.
September 17, 2017
2 Meh Stars
This was one of my least favorite in the series. I had higher expectations for this one only because I took a break from the series and came back with a fresh mind. I started the book and it was okay and then I soon realized nothing happened and I was already 20% into the book.
I really felt like this book could have been edited down to 50%. This book was 50% inner monologues and descriptive writing. Also, a lot of it was repetitive. I was really surprised how much I couldn’t relate to the main character. I’m a mom, so I know how hard it must be to lose a child. I understood her grieving, come on she has been grieving for several books.
I guess I felt like this book would help everyone move forward, not retell exactly what happened.
We already know Asha is depressed and sad over her baby. We already know Hemalo left her. I didn’t need to read about that over and over. If I read one more time why Asha questioned why Heamlo left her I was going to pull my hair out.
AND there is Claire’s POV in this book? WTF?! WHY? Oh I know why because it’s to fill up the book. Yeah, to make it a full-length novel.
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if it was a novella and I was only reading the parts with dialogue between Asha and Hemalo. I thought I was going to jump right in to the next book, but I think I’m going to take a break.
This might be the final book in the series for me. I don’t know.
PS, what’s with the lack of sex? I just don’t get the series anymore.
This was one of my least favorite in the series. I had higher expectations for this one only because I took a break from the series and came back with a fresh mind. I started the book and it was okay and then I soon realized nothing happened and I was already 20% into the book.
I really felt like this book could have been edited down to 50%. This book was 50% inner monologues and descriptive writing. Also, a lot of it was repetitive. I was really surprised how much I couldn’t relate to the main character. I’m a mom, so I know how hard it must be to lose a child. I understood her grieving, come on she has been grieving for several books.
I guess I felt like this book would help everyone move forward, not retell exactly what happened.
We already know Asha is depressed and sad over her baby. We already know Hemalo left her. I didn’t need to read about that over and over. If I read one more time why Asha questioned why Heamlo left her I was going to pull my hair out.
AND there is Claire’s POV in this book? WTF?! WHY? Oh I know why because it’s to fill up the book. Yeah, to make it a full-length novel.
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if it was a novella and I was only reading the parts with dialogue between Asha and Hemalo. I thought I was going to jump right in to the next book, but I think I’m going to take a break.
This might be the final book in the series for me. I don’t know.
PS, what’s with the lack of sex? I just don’t get the series anymore.
December 25, 2019
Soy gran fan de esta serie, y este libro fue diferente a los demas de la serie, la historia de Asha y Hemalo es de segundas opurtinidades cosa que me encanta sin embargo tuve serios problemas con este libro y no porque fuera malo, so no por que el personaje de Asha no me gusto nada, entiendo que estaba pasando por un gran dolor de perder a su hija , pero eso no le da derecho a desquitarse con Hemalo puesto que el también estaba sufriendo mucho, fue una perra con el, y hasta ella misma despues lo reconoce haha, pero en serio deteste su actitud, quiero decir que ella realmente trató de dormir con otros cazadores solteros mientras se separaron, no no y no, y mi pobre Hemalo lo tuvo que aguantar, el fue tan considerado con ella que hasta le dijo que no le importaba que estuviera con otro si eso la hacía feliz y que la entregaria aunque ella fuera su compañera, hayyy enserio cada vez me enamoro mas de estos alienigenas azules super sexys, de todos jeje, creo que mis problemas son siempre con las mujeres, que la encuentro aveces irritantes y lo entiendo claro porque si no ubviera problemas con sus personalidades entre ellos no habria trama en cada una de sus historias.
Asha era tan insegura, creo que su falta era de comunicacion vcon su pareja porque si desde un principio uviera aclarado como se sentía y soltar todo lo que se guardaba dentro, no uviera lastimado tanto a Hemalo, aún así creo que no se lo merecía, pero bueno, al final pudieron arreglar sus diferencias y ser feliz.Y en cuanto al punto de vista de Claire que incluyo la autora, pues me parcio inecesario solo es ella organizando las festividades para que la tribu tenga una buena temporada, lo que si me dejo curiosa es ya llegar a leer el libro de Bek y que por fin sea feliz, hay es que todos estos alienigenas se merecen encontrar su pareja de resonacia, tener mucho kits y ser felices.
Asha era tan insegura, creo que su falta era de comunicacion vcon su pareja porque si desde un principio uviera aclarado como se sentía y soltar todo lo que se guardaba dentro, no uviera lastimado tanto a Hemalo, aún así creo que no se lo merecía, pero bueno, al final pudieron arreglar sus diferencias y ser feliz.Y en cuanto al punto de vista de Claire que incluyo la autora, pues me parcio inecesario solo es ella organizando las festividades para que la tribu tenga una buena temporada, lo que si me dejo curiosa es ya llegar a leer el libro de Bek y que por fin sea feliz, hay es que todos estos alienigenas se merecen encontrar su pareja de resonacia, tener mucho kits y ser felices.
September 23, 2021
Did I give this book a 1 star because I was petty? Damn right I did.
PLEASE- the face that I made when I found out that Asha was the heroine in this book- nice try.
I truly sat down for 5 mins just contemplating whether or not it was worth reading the book- But I'm dedicated to the cause, so I endured the pain 😶.
Ruby Dixon truly underestimated the amount in which I can hold a grudge.
Ever since Asha's character was introduced in the last books, I literally hated her- the fact that she was continuously unfaithful and even tried to split up some of the other couples-
To be blunt, I just didn't care about her, even after reading her whole story (which physically pained me to do).
Am I overacting? Maybe. But what can I say, I just love to be dramatic.
I truly felt bad for my man Hemalo though, he's stuck with her for the rest of his life, yikes.
But yeah, overall the book was okay I guess. Because I didn't like Asha, I just wasn't that interested in the story. The ending was cute I guess 😐?
*Sighs in full-on alien smut disappointment*
PLEASE- the face that I made when I found out that Asha was the heroine in this book- nice try.
I truly sat down for 5 mins just contemplating whether or not it was worth reading the book- But I'm dedicated to the cause, so I endured the pain 😶.
Ruby Dixon truly underestimated the amount in which I can hold a grudge.
Ever since Asha's character was introduced in the last books, I literally hated her- the fact that she was continuously unfaithful and even tried to split up some of the other couples-
To be blunt, I just didn't care about her, even after reading her whole story (which physically pained me to do).
Am I overacting? Maybe. But what can I say, I just love to be dramatic.
I truly felt bad for my man Hemalo though, he's stuck with her for the rest of his life, yikes.
But yeah, overall the book was okay I guess. Because I didn't like Asha, I just wasn't that interested in the story. The ending was cute I guess 😐?
*Sighs in full-on alien smut disappointment*
May 29, 2025
Читаючи цю частину було відчуття, що тільки Аша втратила дитину, бо чомусь вона не думала, що був же ще батько, вона про нього навіть і не згадувала. Оці постійні сварки і крики, вся злість спрямована на нього, і коли він уходить (не очікувано піздець), то вона починає думати, а чого це він пішов від своєї пари(ага, яка постійно з ним сварилась і ПІШЛА ВІД НЬОГО), якось все було занадто крінжово. Але я поставила бал за Хемало, ось його справді шкода, бо нізащо отримує постійно, та і сам адекватний. Плюс тут були розділи від Клер та нове святкування нового свята, не дуже цікаво.
March 8, 2019
Wow...we finally get Asha's background story.
Geez, I finally understand why she's been so depressed in the past few books!
I started to get concerned by the %50 mark because the main couple had only two interactions. Fortunately they got a lot of quality time towards the end of the book. I love it when a couple gets a second chance!
Geez, I finally understand why she's been so depressed in the past few books!
I started to get concerned by the %50 mark because the main couple had only two interactions. Fortunately they got a lot of quality time towards the end of the book. I love it when a couple gets a second chance!
November 24, 2016
I love this series so for that alone I was going to read this book but to be very honest I'm not a big fan of reading books with the heroine being not human. I tend to put my place in the heroines shoes and..... I'm human, I know I should get over this and I do for specific beloved authors. So I read this book. AND I loved it, this book was amazing, has Asha been horrible yes but she completely redeems herself and you understand her and feel her pain. Hemalo was an amazingly patient mate, Asha was it for him and he was great. I love the relationship we see that is built between Claire and Asha also, and I loved the storyline with the Metlaks. This story was really really good, yes I love the romance but Ruby Dixon always gives us more making these books that much better. I can't wait for what happens next, I really hope everyone gets a hea. I figure that way we get more from this series and I feel bad for all the single men. I also think if anyone could do it in an interesting way it's Ruby Dixon because she already has done that.
*and for those who don't like that the heroine "wasn't" celebrate or loyal to the hero
*and for those who don't like that the heroine "wasn't" celebrate or loyal to the hero
December 3, 2016
This was both painful and delightful to read. I've been curious about Asha's story since she was introduced. So I'm very glad that we got this story. Besides it was about time to see a pure sa-khui couple. And I always felt sorry for Hemalo. So I wanted a HEA for him and Asha so so much! And I finally got it. The misunderstandings because of their failure to communicate were as hilarious as they were frustrating. And once they started talking with each other as opposite to at each other things got better pretty fast.
I loved how at the end there was a time gap that permitted us to see them finally Without that I would have wondered if things were really okay and it sets things nicely for another fast forward for Farli's book.
I loved how at the end there was a time gap that permitted us to see them finally Without that I would have wondered if things were really okay and it sets things nicely for another fast forward for Farli's book.
January 28, 2022
Back on my bull with this series. Five star audio let’s gooooo
xx
-Christine
xx
-Christine
May 16, 2022
2 Sterne für die Metlaks, 1 Stern für Asha und Hemalo. Es gibt nichts Anstrengenderes als einen Konflikt, der einzig und allein deshalb existiert, weil die Charaktere nicht miteinander sprechen. Arghhhh. And again: second chance romance. Einfach gar nicht mein Fall. Bin froh, dass ab jetzt auch mal wieder andere Tropes kommen.🙏🏽
May 14, 2025
4 ⭐ A touching story that centers on love, loss, and new beginnings. ♥️
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ alien romance
✨ both MCs are aliens
✨ second chance
✨ black cat x golden retriever
✨ opposites attract
✨ "it's always been you"
✨ 3/5 spice 🌶️
✨ HEA for the couple
✨ TW: loss of child, depression, heroine tries to involve herself romantically with other characters before reconnecting with her mate.
My Thoughts:
This book was the most painful to read of the series because it's so heartbreaking. After losing their child, Asha and Hemalo drifted apart, and this story focuses on them finding their way back to each other or else deciding they will part ways forever. This story dives deep into grief, love, and the painful work of healing after unimaginable loss, so get your tissues ready.
Asha is strong, fiery, and prickly, while Hemalo is the quietest, gentlest little cinnamon roll of a mate. Maybe too sweet sometimes, but it works. They’re total opposites in how they deal with pain, and that contrast really comes through in this story. Both of them are grieving the loss of their child, but they mourn so differently. Hemalo pulls back and gives Asha space, trying to be supportive in his quiet way. Asha, on the other hand, lashes out. She shuts everyone out and ends up pushing Hemalo away, blaming him and punishing him for something neither of them could control.
It hurts to watch. Especially because you can tell Hemalo never stops loving her, not for a second. But this book lets you sit in Asha’s pain and understand it better. Her anger. Her distance. it all starts to make sense. She’s cruel because she's broken in a way she doesn’t know how to fix. And when she finally starts letting herself feel something other than grief or anger and letting Helamo in again… that’s when the healing starts. It’s slow, but so, so worth it.
I really ended up liking Claire and her POVs. At first, I didn’t get why we needed them, but she was the friend Asha needed. Asha was pushing everyone away, but Claire kept reaching out with no judgment, offering her friendship when no one else would. Their unlikely bond was so beautiful to see unfold, and it gave us an important outsider’s perspective on Asha’s pain and behavior. Claire was exactly the kind of support Asha needed.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
-
Ice Planet Barbarian Books + Ratings
💎 = Favorites
1. Ice Planet Barbarians - 4.5/5 💎
1.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Vektal & Georgie - 3/5
2. Barbarian Alien - 4/5
2.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz - 4/5
3. Barbarian Lover - 5/5 💎
3.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Aehako & Kira - 3.5/5
4. Barbarian Mine - 4.5/5 💎
4.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Rukh & Harlow - 4.5/5 💎
5. Ice Planet Holiday - 4/5
6. Barbarian’s Prize - 4/5
7. Barbarian’s Mate - 4/5
7.1. Having The Barbarian’s Baby- 3/5
7.2. Ice Ice Babies - 3.5/5
8. Barbarian’s Touch - 4/5
8.5. Calm - 3/5
9. Barbarian’s Taming - 4.5/5 💎
9.5. Aftershocks - 3.5/5
10. Barbarian’s Heart - 4.5/5 💎
11. Barbarian’s Hope - 4/5
12. Barbarian’s Choice - 4.5/5 💎
13. Barbarian’s Redemption - 4/5
14. Barbarian’s Lady - 5/5 💎
15. Barbarian’s Rescue - 3/5
16. Barbarian’s Tease - 3.5/5
16.5. The Barbarian Before Christmas - 3/5
17. Barbarian’s Beloved - 4.5/5 💎
17.5. Barbarian’s Valentine - 3.5/5
18. Barbarian’s Seduction - 4/5
19. Barbarian’s Treasure - 3/5
20. Barbarian’s Bride - 3.5/5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ alien romance
✨ both MCs are aliens
✨ second chance
✨ black cat x golden retriever
✨ opposites attract
✨ "it's always been you"
✨ 3/5 spice 🌶️
✨ HEA for the couple
✨ TW: loss of child, depression, heroine tries to involve herself romantically with other characters before reconnecting with her mate.
My Thoughts:
This book was the most painful to read of the series because it's so heartbreaking. After losing their child, Asha and Hemalo drifted apart, and this story focuses on them finding their way back to each other or else deciding they will part ways forever. This story dives deep into grief, love, and the painful work of healing after unimaginable loss, so get your tissues ready.
Asha is strong, fiery, and prickly, while Hemalo is the quietest, gentlest little cinnamon roll of a mate. Maybe too sweet sometimes, but it works. They’re total opposites in how they deal with pain, and that contrast really comes through in this story. Both of them are grieving the loss of their child, but they mourn so differently. Hemalo pulls back and gives Asha space, trying to be supportive in his quiet way. Asha, on the other hand, lashes out. She shuts everyone out and ends up pushing Hemalo away, blaming him and punishing him for something neither of them could control.
It hurts to watch. Especially because you can tell Hemalo never stops loving her, not for a second. But this book lets you sit in Asha’s pain and understand it better. Her anger. Her distance. it all starts to make sense. She’s cruel because she's broken in a way she doesn’t know how to fix. And when she finally starts letting herself feel something other than grief or anger and letting Helamo in again… that’s when the healing starts. It’s slow, but so, so worth it.
I really ended up liking Claire and her POVs. At first, I didn’t get why we needed them, but she was the friend Asha needed. Asha was pushing everyone away, but Claire kept reaching out with no judgment, offering her friendship when no one else would. Their unlikely bond was so beautiful to see unfold, and it gave us an important outsider’s perspective on Asha’s pain and behavior. Claire was exactly the kind of support Asha needed.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
-
Ice Planet Barbarian Books + Ratings
💎 = Favorites
1. Ice Planet Barbarians - 4.5/5 💎
1.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Vektal & Georgie - 3/5
2. Barbarian Alien - 4/5
2.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz - 4/5
3. Barbarian Lover - 5/5 💎
3.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Aehako & Kira - 3.5/5
4. Barbarian Mine - 4.5/5 💎
4.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Rukh & Harlow - 4.5/5 💎
5. Ice Planet Holiday - 4/5
6. Barbarian’s Prize - 4/5
7. Barbarian’s Mate - 4/5
7.1. Having The Barbarian’s Baby- 3/5
7.2. Ice Ice Babies - 3.5/5
8. Barbarian’s Touch - 4/5
8.5. Calm - 3/5
9. Barbarian’s Taming - 4.5/5 💎
9.5. Aftershocks - 3.5/5
10. Barbarian’s Heart - 4.5/5 💎
11. Barbarian’s Hope - 4/5
12. Barbarian’s Choice - 4.5/5 💎
13. Barbarian’s Redemption - 4/5
14. Barbarian’s Lady - 5/5 💎
15. Barbarian’s Rescue - 3/5
16. Barbarian’s Tease - 3.5/5
16.5. The Barbarian Before Christmas - 3/5
17. Barbarian’s Beloved - 4.5/5 💎
17.5. Barbarian’s Valentine - 3.5/5
18. Barbarian’s Seduction - 4/5
19. Barbarian’s Treasure - 3/5
20. Barbarian’s Bride - 3.5/5
April 17, 2024
3.25 ☆
This was a sad one to read. The couple were so strong. Asha (fmc) lost her kit (child) with Hamelo (mmc). They parted from one another because of their grief. But they can truly never stay away from each other. Can they learn to communicate? Or will it just lead to more arguing and anger?
The mmc was very patient. Thank goodness because you need to be patient with this fmc. Everyone handles grief differently but damn. She was rude to him before they even lost their kit.
Overall I enjoyed this for what it was. I am just not the biggest fan of the second-chance trope or the miscommunication trope.
This was a sad one to read. The couple were so strong. Asha (fmc) lost her kit (child) with Hamelo (mmc). They parted from one another because of their grief. But they can truly never stay away from each other. Can they learn to communicate? Or will it just lead to more arguing and anger?
The mmc was very patient. Thank goodness because you need to be patient with this fmc. Everyone handles grief differently but damn. She was rude to him before they even lost their kit.
Overall I enjoyed this for what it was. I am just not the biggest fan of the second-chance trope or the miscommunication trope.
April 25, 2019
Si ha de ser honesta debo admitir que la historia de Asha y Hemalo no era una que estuviera deseando leer, es mas, no la hubiera extrañado demasiado de no existir, por eso estoy sorprendida de reconocer que esta lectura me agrado mucho.
Barbarian' s Hope es una novela tierna, profunda y sentimental que lei casi sin darme cuenta, ademas considero que la autora hizo un trabajo ideal al narrar la perdida que sufre esta pareja y tambien la parte en la que deciden seguir adelante sin que eso signifique que van olvidar lo que no pudieron mantener.
El epilogo fue justo lo que deseaba, no queria tener que esperar a la siguiente parte para descubrir que sucedia con Hemalo y Asha y el pequeño vistazo que vemos de lo que sera la proxima novela me dejo con muchas ganas de leerla.
En resumen, una historia agil de leer con mucho sentimiento, la disfrute mas de lo que esperaba.
3 Estrellas!
August 22, 2025
3.5 miscommunication stars
Gahhhh… people just need to talk 😭 so many problems could be resolved if people talked 🫠.
Asha and Hemalo resonated years ago, but the loss of their kit really affected them profoundly, and Asha felt the brunt of the loss. Her depression afterwards made her someone no one wanted to talk to, and Hemalo felt at a loss. How can he be there for his mate when she doesn’t want him near her?
We also get Claire’s POV. She’s one we don’t get a full length book for (just the holiday one), so I appreciated seeing her POV again. Plus. She’s pregnant 🥹 and we see her and Ereven together 🫶🏻.
Asha and Hemalo have a loooot of work to do 😬. Can they reconnect?
What I liked:
—Claire and Asha’s friendship 🫶🏻. I love that Asha has found a friend ❤️. She’s definitely misunderstood ☹️. But Claire sees her good qualities and asks for her help for the 12 days of Christmas secret Santa ish celebrations ❤️
—Claire’s POV ❤️. I loooooved seeing her pregnant and having her baby kick 🥹🫶🏻
—Hemalo’s sweetness 🥹. This man looooves his mate 😭. She’s the most perfect female for him 🫶🏻. He has eyes for no one else 👏🏻
—the 🔥. While we don’t get as much as we’ve gotten in other books, we still do. I love me a male that’s all about his female’s pleasure 😮💨 and then she learns to reciprocate 😉. It’s on the slow burn side. We get some 🔥 at about 70% and full at almost 90% 😅🫠. Hemalo needed Asha to trust him and be all in
—resonance 👏🏻 gaaaaahhh! I got so excited 👏🏻
—KISSING 🫶🏻. They’re still learning lol
—Asha getting jealous 🤣 bahahaha. There’s no reason why, but I found myself giggling 🤣. Plus. Hemalo enjoyed it lol. Poor guy is so Gaga for Asha so it’s nice to see she also feels something for him ❤️
—eating eggs 🤣. Come on now 👏🏻
—Liz giving Asha a reality check 😅. Sometimes it takes someone else to wake you up 🤷🏻♀️. Too bad there’s no professional therapist here lol
—beck’s apology 😅. Ummm… I mean. I didn’t hate it 😅
—Asha saving Hemalo 🥹but also 🤣🤣🤣🤣. These females are STROOOOOONG 💀💀💀
What I didn’t like:
—MISCOMMUNICATION 😭. So many years wasted of them not being together
—I still won’t forget Asha trying to get with Aehako back in book 3 😐😑😐😑🤬🤬🤬🤬 while I understand she’s depressed because no one should ever experience the loss of a baby ☹️, I also don’t forget things. Hemalo is a better person than me 🤣. He could’ve held a huge grudge
Overall, I liked it! I didn’t think I would forgive Asha, but alas, I did 🤣
Gahhhh… people just need to talk 😭 so many problems could be resolved if people talked 🫠.
Asha and Hemalo resonated years ago, but the loss of their kit really affected them profoundly, and Asha felt the brunt of the loss. Her depression afterwards made her someone no one wanted to talk to, and Hemalo felt at a loss. How can he be there for his mate when she doesn’t want him near her?
We also get Claire’s POV. She’s one we don’t get a full length book for (just the holiday one), so I appreciated seeing her POV again. Plus. She’s pregnant 🥹 and we see her and Ereven together 🫶🏻.
Asha and Hemalo have a loooot of work to do 😬. Can they reconnect?
What I liked:
—Claire and Asha’s friendship 🫶🏻. I love that Asha has found a friend ❤️. She’s definitely misunderstood ☹️. But Claire sees her good qualities and asks for her help for the 12 days of Christmas secret Santa ish celebrations ❤️
—Claire’s POV ❤️. I loooooved seeing her pregnant and having her baby kick 🥹🫶🏻
—Hemalo’s sweetness 🥹. This man looooves his mate 😭. She’s the most perfect female for him 🫶🏻. He has eyes for no one else 👏🏻
—the 🔥. While we don’t get as much as we’ve gotten in other books, we still do. I love me a male that’s all about his female’s pleasure 😮💨 and then she learns to reciprocate 😉. It’s on the slow burn side. We get some 🔥 at about 70% and full at almost 90% 😅🫠. Hemalo needed Asha to trust him and be all in
—resonance 👏🏻 gaaaaahhh! I got so excited 👏🏻
—KISSING 🫶🏻. They’re still learning lol
—Asha getting jealous 🤣 bahahaha. There’s no reason why, but I found myself giggling 🤣. Plus. Hemalo enjoyed it lol. Poor guy is so Gaga for Asha so it’s nice to see she also feels something for him ❤️
—eating eggs 🤣. Come on now 👏🏻
—Liz giving Asha a reality check 😅. Sometimes it takes someone else to wake you up 🤷🏻♀️. Too bad there’s no professional therapist here lol
—beck’s apology 😅. Ummm… I mean. I didn’t hate it 😅
—Asha saving Hemalo 🥹but also 🤣🤣🤣🤣. These females are STROOOOOONG 💀💀💀
What I didn’t like:
—MISCOMMUNICATION 😭. So many years wasted of them not being together
—I still won’t forget Asha trying to get with Aehako back in book 3 😐😑😐😑🤬🤬🤬🤬 while I understand she’s depressed because no one should ever experience the loss of a baby ☹️, I also don’t forget things. Hemalo is a better person than me 🤣. He could’ve held a huge grudge
Overall, I liked it! I didn’t think I would forgive Asha, but alas, I did 🤣
May 6, 2023
Awwee!!! This was so sweet for what? This is the first time i have ever read about an alien pair and it was so hot and i enjoyed it. Asha was so strong, hot and confident. And i related to the way she expresses her sadness and anger, the way she shut people out and Hamelo knowing his way to her heart and comforting her. I need my Hamelo one day! He was so patient and sweet. And the topic of losing a child was told beautifully, as much as it hurts it felt hopeful.
Claire is such a side character. To be honest I didn’t get at first why her pov was included but then it made sense when you think of holidays on the ice planet you think of Claire and she was also such a wonderful best friend i wish i could have that.
I love blue people.
Claire is such a side character. To be honest I didn’t get at first why her pov was included but then it made sense when you think of holidays on the ice planet you think of Claire and she was also such a wonderful best friend i wish i could have that.
I love blue people.
July 11, 2023
Finally them! Waited long time for marriage in crisis and second chance!
i-need-dis
March 28, 2016Ermegerd I need dis.
November 20, 2016
3.75 Stars
July 20, 2025
Summary:
I’ve finished Barbarian’s Hope and I’m giving it a solid ★★★½☆ — rounding up in my heart but not officially. This was such a lovely instalment. Definitely not my favourite of the bunch, but honestly? No real complaints. Asha and Hemalo’s second chance romance was sweet and emotional in a way that felt grounded and earned. Nothing too spicy, but very satisfying.
Characters:
Asha:
She’s prickly, she’s grieving, she’s guarded, and I liked her for it. Asha has been through a lot, and this book does a great job of showing how grief and vulnerability can make someone lash out, but also how healing can look different for everyone. I wanted to hug her and tell her to take a breath and also maybe an antidepressant.
Hemalo:
The man said, “I will wait forever.” And he meant it. Hemalo is calm, patient, and respectful, which is exactly what Asha needed. Not the flashiest MMC, but he’s got rock-solid loyalty and quiet devotion, and that works here.
Overall Thoughts:
This one was definitely more introspective and emotional than some of the earlier books. Less action, more feelings. And you know what? That’s okay. It was beautifully done. Also, can we talk about how the lore in this series is getting wild in the best way? We are deep in the world now. At this point when someone tells me they’re having a baby, I’m like “congrats,” but when they tell me they’re starting this series? I’m like “oh my god welcome to the most magical experience of your entire life you don’t even KNOW what’s coming.”
Rating:
★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
I’ve finished Barbarian’s Hope and I’m giving it a solid ★★★½☆ — rounding up in my heart but not officially. This was such a lovely instalment. Definitely not my favourite of the bunch, but honestly? No real complaints. Asha and Hemalo’s second chance romance was sweet and emotional in a way that felt grounded and earned. Nothing too spicy, but very satisfying.
Characters:
Asha:
She’s prickly, she’s grieving, she’s guarded, and I liked her for it. Asha has been through a lot, and this book does a great job of showing how grief and vulnerability can make someone lash out, but also how healing can look different for everyone. I wanted to hug her and tell her to take a breath and also maybe an antidepressant.
Hemalo:
The man said, “I will wait forever.” And he meant it. Hemalo is calm, patient, and respectful, which is exactly what Asha needed. Not the flashiest MMC, but he’s got rock-solid loyalty and quiet devotion, and that works here.
Overall Thoughts:
This one was definitely more introspective and emotional than some of the earlier books. Less action, more feelings. And you know what? That’s okay. It was beautifully done. Also, can we talk about how the lore in this series is getting wild in the best way? We are deep in the world now. At this point when someone tells me they’re having a baby, I’m like “congrats,” but when they tell me they’re starting this series? I’m like “oh my god welcome to the most magical experience of your entire life you don’t even KNOW what’s coming.”
Rating:
★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
March 6, 2021
Asha + Hemlo
A second-chance romance with fated mates!? Unheard of, right? Leave it to Ruby Dixon to try to pull it off.
Asha has been a bit of a wet towel the entire series. She went from the tribe floozy to the tribe recluse. Granted, I know that she has skeletons in her closet - but so does Hemlo. And honestly, my heart still breaks for Hemlo and how he has been treated for YEARS by Asha. A part of me wishes that would have went their separate ways; however, fated mates can't really do that, can they?
The best part of this entire book was the friendship that blossomed between Asha and Claire while planning the holidays. ♥
3 stars!
A second-chance romance with fated mates!? Unheard of, right? Leave it to Ruby Dixon to try to pull it off.
Asha has been a bit of a wet towel the entire series. She went from the tribe floozy to the tribe recluse. Granted, I know that she has skeletons in her closet - but so does Hemlo. And honestly, my heart still breaks for Hemlo and how he has been treated for YEARS by Asha. A part of me wishes that would have went their separate ways; however, fated mates can't really do that, can they?
The best part of this entire book was the friendship that blossomed between Asha and Claire while planning the holidays. ♥
3 stars!
October 17, 2023
*3.5 stars*
I liked it better than expected, but Asha was just so prickly. It was harder for me to get behind these two, as a couple. This book is also a heavier book than most, and content warnings for pain and loss of a child are necessary. Proceed with caution.
I liked it better than expected, but Asha was just so prickly. It was harder for me to get behind these two, as a couple. This book is also a heavier book than most, and content warnings for pain and loss of a child are necessary. Proceed with caution.
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