"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!

I am fully obsessed with this series and I'm so glad it got picked up!

I think Ruby Dixon is really great at writing redemption arcs for her characters and Maddie was no exception. She comes on a little too forcefully in the book before this one, but really gets a chance to open up and shine here. And Hassen is just so loving and patient with her.

Not one of my favs in the series, but still so enjoyable!

Barbarian's Taming is an exciting sequel to a delightful series. While I was concerned the plot might get a little stale, a lot happened to the tribe as a whole that really pulled me back into this world. The couple in this one wasn't as exciting as all the plot movement that happened in the second half. I really liked that there are a lot of changes happening in the community and it's bringing up more things for the characters to work through. I did like the couple in this one, they just weren't as memorable as others. The spice is excellent, as always! I'm excited to see what happens to the tribe in the next book!

I am absolutely obsessed with these repubs of the IPB series! Each one has been so amazing and has allowed the story to be more fun and incredible. It was a joy to return to Not-Hoth and all the women and their aliens. It was genuinely so fun and I can't wait to get my greedy hands on the next one!! Maddie was always my fave!

*May Contain Spoilers*

Barbarian's Taming is a delightful story that takes us back into this wonderful world of these blue aliens on the ice planet. This is a story that I was nervous about, I wasn't sure what the tone of the story would tone out to be especially since I wasn't in the mood for a super angst romance and this book....was wonderful. *sigh* It was simply so beautiful and I just felt such a kinship to the heroine and this book is pretty vital to the series since there is an event (talked about below) that changes EVERYTHING for this small community.
The last thing I need is to get involved with the bad boy of the ice planet

Our tale begins with the story taking off right after the previous book "Barbarian's Mate" where Maddie is the last of the human women left unmated. Her sister is happily mated and Maddie is feeling more alone than ever. She knows that she was pretty difficult when her sister was kidnapped....she admits that she was HORRID to practically everyone. And she is really bored and she is shocked that she is starting to feel an attraction to the one alien she wants to avoid at all costs....the one that kidnapped her sister and is now considered to be an outcast until he can earn the right to be accepted again.

When Maddie goes out looking to hunt on her own, Hassen interrupts her and starts teaching her the best ways to hunt and to be safe about it. Maddie has a lot to resolve about her own issues, her body image, her jealous and bitterness. Hassen has to resolve his mistakes he has made in the past including kidnapping Maddie's sister. But just when Maddie thinks life isn't so bad, she is learning to survive and finding a connection with Hassen more than anyone else on the planet, the world shifts and their world changes forever when there isn't a safe place for them with a series of earthshakes brings down their home.

Hunt parties are sent out in hopes of finding a safe haven for them all....and Hassen and Maddie are sent to go out hunting and search for a safe haven of caves that can house all of their people before the brutal season sets in. Maddie and Hassen will encounter dangers, enemies and secrets they uncover including a haven for their people and will discover a true mating and love they never imagined neither of them would ever hope to discover....

What a delightful story, I think this might be one of my favorites so far and wow I didn't know how Ruby Dixon would redeem Hassen to be honest...but she did it and so well too. We see a hero that you come to respect and love and I had a blast getting to see another side to Hassen that we haven't seen in previous books. Then we have Maddie, now in the previous book she is a SHREW....she can be pretty horrid especially when you see how jealous she is of her sister and the happiness she has found with her mate. But we see another side to Maddie, the vulnerable and flawed side of her character. I really didn't know how I would feel with this heroine, but honestly, I think Dixon can make you fall in love with each character completely and she did this for Maddie. We see how lonely she is, how she doesn't feel like she fits in with the crowd, her struggles with her image and her weight and not believing she is good enough. How many of us have struggled with this ourselves right? And we see her journey to overcoming her struggles and believing in herself, being proactive and learning to love.

I really admired the way that Ruby Dixon handled the crisis that this group of people are faced with...the trauma, the emotion and the fear and how she handled the way that they overcome it and also the discovery of a new home was phenomenal. There is so much mystery, adventure, and intrigue in the story here that doesn't take away from the romance....only enhances it. I loved the intimacy that develops between Hassen and Maddie....its simply a beautifully woven love story that I didn't want to put down. I adored seeing them come together in the ways that they do.