Josie has witnessed all the other women from the shipwreck mate, fall in love, have babies, and she wants what they have. Love and a family. Josie had a sad upbringing being tossed about from foster home to foster home. She’s longed to feel loved and cherished. She wants to resonate and finally gets her wish, but it’s to Haeden, the grumpy alien male that glares at her every chance he gets. She can’t stand him, and they’ve been sparring since the beginning of the series. So, she’s sooo not happy about that!

Haeden wasn’t one of the males clamoring for a human female mate. We knew he had a mate that died and sa-khui only mate once, so I wasn’t sure how he was able to resonate to Josie, but all is explained as Haeden reluctantly reveals his sad story. It also explains why Haeden was so growly and glare-y at Josie and I could completely understand.

I’ve been waiting for Josie’s story with Haeden since their interactions have spanned the series and the story did not disappoint! Josie had such a traumatic upbringing so I could totally understand why she wouldn’t want to mated to someone she thought didn’t like her. She fights the mating and it would’ve been better if they had some frank conversations. Still, it didn’t play out too long and I was happy Haeden got to see Josie as a smart, capable woman instead of the fragile human he thought her to be. Haeden was a complete sweetheart once he started talking.

I wonder about the island Josie spied while on her journey, with its greenery. Josie’s discovery on the crashed ship opens up possibilities in the coming books. Don’t want to spoil so I won’t say more, but that discovery had me eager for more!

I read the first three books a while back, but was happy to get back this spicy, sci-fi series and get the special edition print copies! I love the new covers and novellas included!

I found the enemies to lovers storyline extremely satisfying. The emotional revelations that the character shared with one another insured that their connection went far beyond the physical.

I devoured it and while Book 1 and Shorshie will always have my heart, this is my favorite. Thanks to @berkleyromance and @netgalley for the ARC.

✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ He Fell First
✔️ Protective Over Her
✔️ Hurt/Comfort
✔️ Fated Mates
✔️ Road Trip
✔️ Teach Me

One of my favorite things in a He Fell First trope is the "I like her so much but I am terrible at showing it because I am awkward. I mean well, though!" sub- trope. This is Haeden to a T - he is very concerned about her safety and his past trauma of losing a mate has made him overbearing in her eyes. While there is no therapy on this ice planet, at least when they do have heart to hearts, he is better able to articulate his feelings.

Of course, the steam is off the charts with this read. There is a scene where they are both traveling back to the others which was both hot and silly.

Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕

“‘Resonance’ is supposed to be a dream – that’s when your soulmate is chosen for you. And everyone on the ice planet has hooked up with a big, hunky soulmate of their own… except me.”

This Ice Planet Barbarians novella is exactly what you want in Lady P0rn.

A well-written Grumpy Sunshine Romance, a little mystery, a LOT of steamy Sessy Time.

It is not literature, but who reads about Sexy Blue Aliens to expand their vocabulary?

6.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this dirty (in the best way) ARC.

BARBARIAN’S MATE is the sixth instalment in Ruby Dixon’s adult ICE PLANET BARBARIANS erotic, sci-fi, romance series focusing on a group of aliens known as the sa-khui, and their human female mates. This is sa-khui Haeden, and Josie’s story line. BARBARIAN’S MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Ruby Dixon previously released BARBARIAN’S MATE as an independent author but the paper back rights to the series has since been picked up and re-published by Berkley Romance. The author/publisher has included a short story -ICE PLANET HONEYMOON: Haeden and Josie.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier a group of human females were abducted from Earth but mechanical trouble onboard the spaceship meant dropping the females on the nearest inhabitable planet, leaving the women behind where they would meet the nearly all male group of the sa-khui.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Haeden and Josie) BARBARIAN’S MATE follows the building romance and relationship between sa-khui Kaeden, and human female Jose. From the outset, upon their first meeting, Kaeden and Jose’s relationship has been tempestuous at best with both believing they hated one another . Kaeden wants a mate and a family, Josie wants to find love but the ‘resonance’ that rings when one’s soulmate is near rings for the least likely couple-Jose and Kaeden. Refusing to accept Kaeden as her mate, Josie goes in search for a ‘cure’, placing herself in danger at every turn. What ensues is the hunt for, and rescue of the our story line heroine, as Josie continues to struggle with the possibility of never finding love.

The relationship between Josie and Kaeden is one of fated mates brought on by the ‘resonance’ but Josie’s dislike of Kaeden is exacerbated by the perception that Kaeden’s dislikes Josie in return, a perception that is about to be disqualified when the truth is revealed. As Josie and Kaeden begin to re-evaluate their fate together, our couple must overcome the hardships of a planet that is dangerous and cruel. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

The world building continues to focus on the search for a mate. The sa-khui know their mate is near when the ‘resonance’ rings in their chest, a ring that makes everyone aware of their perspective mates. The planet upon which the sa-khui and women live is hard, cold and unforgivable but the women must learn to accept they are ‘no longer in Kansas’, and their lives are about to change.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom were introduced or had their stories told in previous instalments. The matings are producing offspring, expanding families, and finding love for the men who believed there was no hope of ever finding their own happily ever afters.

BARBARIAN’S MATE is a story of discovery and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is fated yet struggles in the face of ignorance and stubbornness; the characters are desperate and determined-at times, Josie’s head strong and turbulent attitude is frustrating, and places the couple in perilous danger.



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2/5 stars

I DNFed the first book because of the purring (I don’t know why that of all things gave me the ick, since there were so many other things wrong with it. The inherent misogynistic tone, the horrific scenes in the beginning of the book… there’s so much wrong with it), but I had this sitting on my To Read shelf so I figured I’d see if one of the later, republished books were going to be better.

I was wrong. I did read it all, though, surprisingly, and it definitely gave me less of the ick than that of the first one. But none of the characters were likeable, the plot line was all over the place and didn’t really have any substance, and the writing was juvenile. The smut was also just… meh. I don’t think it was written well, and I don’t think this genre of romance is for me, so I’m probably going to stop trying now. I did give it a real good go, though!

2023 reread:
So this book is being re-released/updated by Berkley and I was awarded access to its ARC by NetGalley, Berkley and Ms. Dixon. An honest review was requested but not required.

I'm not PRECISELY sure what exactly is updated here besides the "honeymoon" extra at the end, but it was so fun to revisit my favorite grumpy jerk barbarian Haeden. He and Josie are just the absolute worst communicators and everything they each do/say seems to make things worse and just piss each other off MORE. Both of them have super-tragic pasts to overcome and lots of hangups to work past but it seems to make things even more gratifying, once they finally figure out a way to tackle their issues. And speaking from experience: no one makes a better partner than a reformed (or current) grump whose sole soft spot is for his/her partner and kiddos. Despite the occasional dark moment this was the perfect spicy and (relatively) light read to treat myself to. Loved this and will be queueing up for the next with bells on.

I don't know if I can be objective about this series, LOL: it is the EPITOME of pringles books for me. (e.g., once you pop, you can't stop, etc)

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

There's a reason this series has people in a chokehold. Can you blame women for rather preferring the Sa-Khui men over what they have experienced on Earth?

Barbarian's Mate follows Josie and Haeden. Josie wants nothing more than to find her resonance mate and have a family of her own, based on her upbringing in various foster families on Earth. She wants to be loved and has so much love to share. However, she's not thrilled when she has resonance with the Sa-Khui male, Haeden, who she thinks hates her. So naturally she hates him too. Enemies-to-lovers story begins and how they will navigate their frustration with each other.

Of course this book sets up for what what's to come next and (spoiler) more people being introduced!

The writing is pretty simple, but if you're looking for a quick read that's fun and sci-fi and vibes only, you'll enjoy this series. Am I already ready for the next book? Obviously.

Like with the previous books, of course there's spice.

We thought we knew what we were getting into with an Ice Planet Barbarians book: giant blue aliens with bodies kitted out for female pleasure; fated mates driven by a symbiont with the ultimate goal of repopulating the planet; and lots and lots of sex. We knew this was going to be enemies to lovers, not an entirely new concept for the series. What we didn't expect (and, really, aren't looking for)? A slow burn.

Even though Haeden (OK #sorrynotsorry but we didn't realize that boy name trends extended beyond the solar system but FINE) and Josie spend a lot of time resisting their mating bond, it should come as no surprise that they end up happily mated by the end of the book.

In case you were worried about the series ending, you should stop: there are new castaways found, so more blue dudes can spend more books convincing their human mates to just relax and enjoy their new lives.

This objective review is based on the Berkley special edition of the novel.

DNF. I really liked the premise but the writing did not work for me at all. It wouldn't be fair to the book if I finished reading and gave it a low rating.

This series has a chokehold on me. I think I might need some blue paint, horns, a tail and hmmmm, nm hee hee. I have loved all the couples so far and every story has been different all with different learning opportunities about survival and living with each other as well as the history of the land and the  ___

Josie was adopted and abused in multiple homes she lived in which makes her wary of jumping into any relationship, especially one that is forced on her by the khui. That little heart worm thing that is keeping all of them alive on this planet and mating them with these big blue aliens. She also gets mated to the one surly guy that has always been a little mean to her.

Haeden has been worried about Josie's welfare and always says the wrong thing to her which sets her off. He just wants her to be safe. He has also never had a mate before so he doesn’t know how to please her and after a few failed attempts and embarrassments - is brave enough to be honest and that is when he reaches her heart.

I am only on book 6 of 21. But I will read them all.

Ok this series may look funny and be weird from the outside but come in its freezing but you will enjoy yourself on Not Hoth.

Also this had Barbarian’s Honeymoon novella at the end! 

Thank you berkleyromance for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Simple quick read with lots of alien steam. This whole series is great, and I love the new cover. The storyline and the characters are simple, the pacing is great, makes for a fun quick read. Perfect for anyone who is looking to read a quick steamy story about a grumpy alien who's completely devoted to a mate who's not so sure about him at first. Excellent choice for a breather for after a big heavy read. I love this series and will be back again!

Barbarian’s Mate by Ruby Dixon is the sixth novel in the addictive Ice Planet Barbarians series. The novel follows the story of Haeden—a grumpy alien Josie—a human who is grappeling with her new home and finding out that her soulmate has been chosen for her. Barbarian’s Mate by Ruby Dixon is an enemies to lovers romance that offers readers all of the important aspects of a good romance from relationship angst to true love. Readers will happily follow the journey of Josie and Haeden’s love story from animosity to happily ever after.

The ultimate enemies to lovers story!

Josie has been a thorn in Haeden’s side ever since the humans landed on Not-Hoth (Star Wars reference, what the humans call the ice planet). Yeah, she’s a little (a lot) talkative and wants to pull her own weight to help the tribe but she’s so small and so… human. Every chance Haeden gets, he reminds Josie of her shortcomings, and Josie, with her quick wit and sharp tongue, gives it right back to him!

Josie’s a feisty one. She has had to be, especially as a child growing up in the foster care system. Josie’s had a tough life on earth and after her abduction, but she’s never let that dampen her spirit. She's inherently joyful and yes, a bit of a motor mouth. Josie’s just a social butterfly that’s all. And she’s desperate to resonate and finally have the family she’s always wanted.

But when she finally does resonate, it’s to the one person who hates her and Josie is devastated. Will Haeden get his horns out of his backside and get with the program? Will Josie end up braining his stubborn hard head with a rock? Or will the couple realize that this burning hatred they share is a hair's breadth away from turning into a fiery passion that’ll consume them both? You’re definitely going to want to read their story!

I absolutely love Josie and Haeden’s book! It’s heart wrenching and beautiful and I just loved it! You’d never have thought they made sense at the beginning of the series but they totally do! The chemistry between the pair is off the charts! The storyline is exciting and dangerous and full of surprises! I repeat, you’re definitely gonna want to read this story!

I highly recommend the series for anyone who loves a good Sci-fi/fantasy romance read!

Honestly this series is so ridiculous but in a fun way. The perfect escapist romance novel that manages to go in a completely bonkers direction. I'm definitely not complaining I love a book that requires almost no thinking.

This installment follows Haeden and Josie "enemies" who "hate" each other. Josie thinks that Haeden is a jerk who thinks women are too fragile to do anything. Haeden is concerned about the women being injured because there are other aliens who have not met their mate. Of course the two resonate to each other and must find a way to connect or else they will both get sick and maybe even die. Minor spoiler (but his backstory is explained in the first fifty pages) but Haeden had a previous mate who refused to accept their bond and she died. Haeden also got sick and needed a new cootie to survive. So convincing Josie to accept him is really important. Josie for her part also has a tragic backstory after being raised in a variety of foster homes and subject to bullying and sexual assault. Of course this is a romance novel so there is a happy ending for everyone involved.

The book is slightly different than the previous books in that while the two resonate immediately it takes a while for them to build up trust and get to know each other before they finally get together. The book also sets up the next book in the series but giving any more detail than that is a spoiler.

If you're a fan of sci-fi romance novels or an existing fan of this series I highly recommend.

I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley

5⭐️ 3🌶️

ENEMIES TO LOVERS, Ruby Dixon’s Version 🫶🏻

I have to say, Haeden may have been Josie’s least favorite person at the start of the book…. But he damn sure is my favorite person in this series 🥹🤌🏻😮‍💨

Out of all of Ruby’s aliens, he’s the one I love the most because pls he is such a grump!! But it’s also because he reminds me so much of Ruhn Daanan 🫠🤤 No but in all seriousness, he was so deliciously protective of all the girls but specially with Josie and I freaking loved that. I love seeing the cold guy get completely melted by the FMC 🥹

The tension between Haeden and Josie was delicious from the beginning of the series. The far away stares and glares, the snapping at one another, the way Haeden was constantly watching Josie even when he pretended not to. I cannot lie and say my heart didn’t ache for Haeden tho. His story is kind of tragic and every time Josie pushed him away and he’s just there ready to throw himself at her feet it made my heart hurt 😭

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, the representation Ruby Dixon has in this series is absolutely amazing. There is simply something for everyone in each of her girls. The way she handles Josie’s past and SA Trauma was beautifully done.

This series is just so good and funny and easy to read. Perfect palette cleansers but so easy to just sit and binge them all in a week!

I am seriously deeper and deeper into this world with each book I finish. It’s hard to say which one will be my favorite because they’re all so good but I think this one is by far a comfort read 🥹♥️

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

Josie has always dreamed of finding The One, but the hunter chosen for her is nothing like what she expected (or wanted) - but he might be exactly what she needs.

"Resonance" is supposed to be a dream - that's when your soulmate is chosen for you. And every woman on the ice planet has hooked up with a big, hunky soulmate of their own - except me. So do I want a mate? Heck yeah. More than anything, all I've ever wanted is to be loved by someone.

But the soulmate chosen for me? My least favorite person on the darn ice planet. Haeden's the most cranky, disapproving, unpleasant, overbearing male alien...so why is it that my body sings when he gets close? Why is he working so hard to prove to me that he's not as awful as I think he is?

I hate him...don't I?"

Finding your soulmate can be complicated even on an ice planet of barbarians.

Barbarian's Mate was definitely one of the heavier IPB books, since both Josie and Haeden had a lot of trauma (both physical and emotional) in their pasts. Be sure to check the CW's before reading. I couldn't wait for this grumpy + sunshine pairing, but sadly it didn't fully work for me. So much time was spent with Josie rebuffing Haeden and trying to deny the resonance, that it made their connection feel too superficial once she essentially gave in. This book is more of a bridge to introducing more women into the mix and the plot felt thinner than the previous books to me. The sexy times were very sweet and steamy though (I loved the reveal about Haeden!), and the updated special edition includes Josie and Haeden's Ice Planet Honeymoon which added more delicious steam. Overall, this one was just OK.

CW: rejection and death of mate (past), death of family due to mass illness (past), grief, trauma, sexual assault and abuse in foster system (past), sexual assault and rape by aliens (past), animal attack, brief thoughts of suicide

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

Ruby Dixon does what she does well! I liked this installment of this series, and I hope others do too!

Continuing my love of this series, I have finished the next ARC! Thank you to Netgalley and Ruby Dixon.
Josie is the last of the humans on Not Hoth to resonate with a mate. She's overjoyed, until she finds that her mate is Haeden the crankiest most overbearing male on the planet!
Thus begins a fabulous enemies to lovers tale that's so sweet and full of adventure as any of the Ice Planet books that have come before. I enjoyed this novel so much because Josie has always been a lady I'm rooting for. She's a sunshine person in situations that could use a bit of sun. She's also head strong, independent, and force to be reckoned with as Haeden soon finds out. If you love this series, enemies to lovers and some fun forced proximity, you will love the newest edition of Barbarian's Mate.