Barbarian's Hope (Ice Planet Barbarians #10) by Ruby Dixon
Publication Date: April 29th 2025 by Berkley (special edition)
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads
My
Thoughts:
Asha and Hemalo, both sa-khui, are mated but estranged since
a tragic event left them bereft. Asha’s sadness made her lash out and unfortunately
Hemalo was the recipient of her anger. Hemalo for his part thought it better to
leave, which hurt Asha even more.
My heart hurt for both Asha and Hemalo, but especially Asha.
For a mother, losing a child/baby would be an unimaginable kind of pain, having
your mate leave you would just add insult to injury. However, Hemalo’s leaving
was a misguided attempt to help rather than harm.
Barbarian’s Hope was sort of an alien marriage-in-crisis.
I was completely invested in their moving journey back to each other. I was
also touched by Claire befriending Asha, since Asha alienated herself from the
human females even though she really needed support. It helped bring down the
wall of protection Asha had erected around herself, opening up a healing
between her and Hemalo and helped her become part of the village once again.
I was intrigued and moved by the encounter with the Metlaks.
I wonder what it means for future relations with them.
4 Stars
Book Description:
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?
What a cover :D Beautiful
ReplyDeleteI do like the new Berkley illustrated covers!
DeleteI'm intrigued by the length of this series. I remember when the first one really blew up a few years ago, and I thought it sounded fun (if not exactly my cup of tea). But it's got some staying power, which I didn't predict!
ReplyDeleteThey're fun reads! This one was a bit more serious, though.
DeleteI've read only a little of this author. Robin really enjoys them though.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
It's a fun series! I've really enjoyed all the ones I've read.
DeleteIt's been a long time since I read this one. Thanks for the revisit. I enjoyed your review.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I read the first few in the series several years back and have been reading them again with the Berkley special editions.
DeleteLosing a child can really devastate a relationship. I think it is a good thing that the author tells this sort of second chance romance, too.
ReplyDeleteI thought is was a good thing, as well. Dixon has dealt with some serious issues, and done it well, in this series, which was surprising to me.
DeleteNice review, Rachel. Tragedy often destroys relationships, so It's nice that this is a second chance romance.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's really hard to weather a tragedy like losing your child.
Deletean alien marriage-in-crisis, don't know why, but this cracked me up.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't what you'd expect to hear, right? :)
DeleteI finally read one of her books, Barbarian's Rescue. And I thought it was fun. I liked both characters in it. I don't know if I'll read any of the others, but I'm glad to have finally tried one of her books. :D
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the author enabled an emotional connection with these characters for you.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteLook at that, both are barbarians here, I can roll with that
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a different. First couple that I read in the series that were both Barbarians.
DeleteI enjoyed the first two in the series, I need to hurry up and read on! Great review!
ReplyDeletehttps://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/05/26/20-books-of-summer-challenge-sign-up-post/