Ice Planet Barbarians Book 1 – Review
by Ruby Dixon
Series | Ice Planet Barbarians |
|---|---|
Book No | 1 of 19 |
“You’d think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you’d be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they’ve left their cargo of human women – including me – on an ice planet.
And the only native inhabitant I’ve met? He’s big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me….”
There’s stranded human women, big blue alien warriors, and a survival story that became a phenomenon. Ice Planet Barbarians is the cult‑classic alien romance that launched a hundred thousand TikTok’s.
Overall Score
M/F / Alien Human
Survival / Alpha Hero
HEA/HFN
Soulmates & resonance
Fast Burn
High Heat / Funny
Sci-fi Romance
Strong Female Character
Heart Warming
Found Family
Monster equipment to die for 🤭
Characters
Georgie – strong, resourceful, mouthy, and practical under pressure.
Vektal – protective, straightforward, very into consent once he understands it.
Side cast hints at future couples without crowding the book.
Who Will Love It
Readers who enjoy fast burn, fated mates, survival settings, and low-angst cinnamon roll heroes.
Vibes
Crash-landing, survival teamwork, found-family, big alien cinnamon roll energy.
Plot
After being kidnapped by some evil aliens, a group young women crash-lands on an ice planet. Our Heroine Georgie gets separated from the group when she goes in search of help and soon runs in to trouble.
Vektal, a 7ft tall, blue alien hunter with horns and a tail finds her, and “resonance” kicks off instant chemistry. Obviously, there’s an alien language barrier to contend with
Survival tasks and culture gaps create both conflict and comedy, lots of comedy.
Ends with a solid HEA and a big series hook.
What to Know
The tone succeeds in staying light, despite the premise. The worldbuilding is simple and fast but is still very well done.
If you want deep sci-fi, you need to know this is more rom-adventure – but I would still recommend giving it a go, it has space and aliens after all. And, it really is a beautiful story.
Spice & Consent
4/5. Several on-page scenes – lucky for us.
Consent clarity: improves as language barriers drop; text frames resonance as overwhelming but mutual.
Verdict
Joyfully bonkers in the best way. Delivers vibe, chemistry, and comfort. Also, some belly laughs, girly squeals, big grins and blushing cheeks when they get to ‘know each other’ and she finds ‘what she finds’ (yes, I’m over 40, but it is what it is).🔥🔥🔥
Ruby did a fantastic job with all of her characters in this one, I got invested really quickly and she picked the perfect pair to begin with. Georgie’s strong no nonsense attitude is perfect for Vektal and his whole ‘alpha protective mate who worships the ground she walks on’ thing. I can totally see why she chooses to do what she does.
I’m glad I listened to the audiobook while reading the book for the first time because it was a whole other experience. Mason Lloyd and Hollie Jackson did a brilliant job (as usual). They’re both terrific voice actors and don’t half-ass it. My only criticism is that it’s dual narration and not duet, but that’s just my preference so I can’t mark it down for that. I understand it’s probably a cost thing.
About Ruby Dixon
Ruby Dixon is a powerhouse in the science fiction and fantasy romance world, best known for her “blue alien” phenomenon. She began her journey as a self-published (indie) author, building a massive, dedicated following through her imaginative world-building and “fated mates” tropes before being picked up for special print editions by major publishers like Berkley (Penguin Random House).
Even with her mainstream success, Ruby remains true to her indie roots. Her official website uses affiliate links; when you purchase her books through the links on her site, she receives a small extra commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a fantastic way to ensure more of your support goes directly to the creator who brought “Not-Hoth” to life!
Ice Planet Barbarians Series Order
Book #1
Ice Planet Barbarians
Georgie and a group of women are abandoned on a frozen planet, where she meets Vektal, a 7-foot-tall blue alien who believes she is his “fated mate.”
Book #2
Barbarian Alien
Liz is determined to escape the caves, but she’s “kidnapped” by one of the aliens, a grumpy hunter who is convinced they belong together.
Book #3
Barbarian Lover
Kira hides a secret about her health from the tribe, but the cheerful, music-loving Aehako is determined to win her heart and protect her.”
Book #4
Barbarian Mine
Harlow is stranded in the wilderness during a storm and rescued by Rukh, a “wild” barbarian who has lived alone for years and doesn’t know the tribe’s ways
Book #4.5
Ice Planet Holiday (Novella)
A cozy, “first Christmas” story on the ice planet where Claire and Ereven find their own holiday magic.
Book #5
Barbarian’s Prize
Tiffany is struggling with the trauma of her abduction until she meets Salukh, a patient hunter who wants to show her she is safe and loved.
Book #6
Barbarian’s Mate
Josie is a tough survivor who doesn’t want a mate, but she finds her match in Haeden, a warrior who is just as stubborn as she is.
Book #6.1
Having the Barbarian’s Baby (Short)
A sweet glimpse into the various couples as they navigate the joys (and weirdness) of pregnancy on Not-Hoth.
Book #6.2
Ice Ice Babies (Short Story)
This collection follows the early days of the new “human-alien” hybrid families as they expand the tribe.
Book #7
Barbarian’s Touch
Lila is deaf and believes she can’t communicate with the aliens, until she meets Rokan, a sensitive hunter who finds a way to “hear” her heart.
Book #7.5
Calm (Short Story)
A quiet, slice-of-life look at the tribe between the bigger adventures.
Book #8
Barbarian’s Taming
Maddie is a bit of a brat to hide her insecurities, but Hassen is the only one who sees through her act and decides to “tame” her.
Book #8.5
Aftershocks (Short Story)
A brief story dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of the events in the previous books.
Book #9
Barbarian’s Heart
Pashov loses his memory after a tragic accident, and Stacy must find a way to make him fall in love with her all over again.
Book #10
Barbarian’s Hope
Asha and Hemalo were a happy couple until a tragedy drove them apart; this is their second-chance romance.
Book #11
Barbarian’s Choice
Farli, the first “alien” protagonist, falls for the hunter Mardok and has to convince him that she’s ready for a mate.
Book #12
Barbarian’s Redemption
Bek is an outcast who thinks he’s unworthy of love until he meets Elly, a human who sees the hero inside him.
Book #13
Barbarian’s Lady
Kate tries to avoid the “resonance” by staying busy, but the charming Harrec uses his humor and persistence to woo her.
Book #14
Barbarian’s Rescue
When Summer is kidnapped by a rogue tribe, Warrek goes on a dangerous mission to rescue his fated mate.
Book #15
Barbarian’s Tease
Brooke is a flirt who finally meets her match in Taushen, who isn’t afraid to play her games right back.
Book #15.5
The Barbarian Before Christmas (Novella)
A festive return to the tribe as they celebrate another season of survival and love.
Book #16
Barbarian’s Beloved
Ariana, who is blind, finds a deep and protective soulmate in Zolaya, who adores her exactly as she is.
Book #16.5
Barbarian’s Valentine (Novella)
The humans introduce the concept of Valentine’s Day to the blue aliens, with predictably spicy and sweet results.
Book #17
Barbarian’s Seduction
Marlene is a no-nonsense survivor who meets her match in Zennek, a hunter who is determined to win her over.
Book #17.5
A Gift for Drenol (Short Story)
A small, heartfelt story about the power of giving within the alien community.
Book #18
Barbarian’s Treasure
Megan finds a stash of old human items and finds an unexpected protector and mate in Cashol.
Book #19
Barbarian’s Bride
Nora is the last of the original group to find her resonance, pairing up with the devoted Dagesh to close out the main series arc.
Book #19.5
Barbarian’s Treat (Novella/Short Story)
A “Halloween” themed short story where the tribe experiments with costumes and candy.
Standalone Books by Ruby Dixon
Shift
This focuses on a shapeshifting hero and the woman he’s determined to protect (and keep).
Prison Planet Barbarian
Rough, rugged, and features a hero who has to protect the heroine in a lawless prison environment.
Pretty Human
A fun, slightly meta take on how humans are perceived as “exotic” or “cute” in a galaxy full of terrifying aliens.
Bad Guy
Forced Proximity + “Beauty and the Beast” Crulden the Ruiner is a fierce, genetically modified gladiator who has never known anything but the pit. When Mina, a human slave, is assigned to clean his cell, she’s the first person not afraid to glare back at him. To get her, Crulden makes a deal: he’ll fight for his owners if they give him the girl. It’s a surprisingly sweet story about two “monsters” finding humanity in each other.
Worse Guy
Grumpy/Grumpy + Redemption A follow-up to Bad Guy, this stars another Crulden clone (nicknamed “The Beast”) who is held in a cage because everyone assumes he’s a mindless killer. Bee is a human who refuses to see him as an animal. She makes a deal to “tame” him to prove he deserves freedom. It’s gritty, emotional, and features a hero who is obsessed with his “tiny, bossy human.”
The Alien’s Mail-Order Bride
Cozy + Grumpy/Sunshine Emvor is a scarred war veteran living a quiet, lonely life as a farmer on a remote planet. He sends away for a sturdy bride from his own species to help with the chores, but instead, he gets Nicola—a small, delicate human who lied her way into the program to escape a bad situation. It’s a short, sweet “slow burn” (by Ruby’s standards!) about building a home together.
Bull Moon Rising
This was Ruby’s foray into “Royal” monster romance (Minotaurs!). It features a high-stakes competition, a strong heroine, and a very “alpha” hero.
Beauty in Autumn
A “Beauty and the Beast” retelling set in the Ice Planet Barbarians universe (but works as a standalone). It’s emotional, slightly older protagonists, and very tender.
Space Vampire
Ruby’s take on the classic bloodsucker but in a sci-fi setting. It’s got that gothic tension but with spaceships.
When She’s Married
Part of the Risda III universe. It deals with the aftermath of the “mail-order” or “convenience” tropes, focusing on how a couple actually builds a life together after the “I do.”
The Alien Assassin’s Convenient Wife
Think “John Wick” but an alien and way more romantic. A deadly assassin needs a fake wife to blend in, and the human woman he “hires” ends up being his perfect match.
The Half-Orc’s Maiden Bride
Part of the Aspect and Anchor world. It’s a sweet, high-spice story about a human woman and a massive half-orc. It’s heavy on the “praise” trope and mutual respect.
Bound To The Shadow Prince
If you thought the blue aliens were possessive, wait until you meet a Prince made of literal shadows. He’s got glowing eyes, a ‘touch her and you’ll regret breathing’ attitude, and… well, let’s just say his shadow tendrils are very multitask-oriented.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️”
The King’s Spinster Bride
A classic “marriage of convenience” with a fantasy twist. Halla is a royal spinster who expects to live a quiet life, only to be thrust into a marriage with a barbarian king who sees her worth when no one else does. Very “cinnamon roll” hero vibes.
Villain Origin Story
A fun, shorter read that plays with the “why choose” or “villain gets the girl” tropes. It’s great if you’re in the mood for a hero who isn’t a “good guy.”
Completed Series by Ruby Dixon
Icehome (Ice Planet Barbarians Spinoff)
This 17 book spinoff series takes place on the same planet as the Barbarians but follows a different group of survivors living in a massive, ancient spaceship-turned-home.
Fireblood Dragons (Post-Apocalyptic Earth)
Set on a ruined Earth, this series follows survivors who must navigate a world ruled by “insane” dragons until they find their fated mates, which “cures” the dragons’ madness.
Bedlam Butchers (Motorcycle Club Romance)
A departure from aliens, this is a “dark-ish” contemporary series about a rough-and-tumble motorcycle club and the women who love them.
Corsairs
A pirate doesn’t ask for permission – he takes.
When a space pirate see’s a delicate human female collared and enslaved by a smuggler, he does what any male would do.
He takes her from him and now she’s his and he’s never giving her up.