Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

​Sci Fi Romance 
Publication date: ​04/03/2015
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

This one is a...unique read. And it is entirely possible to enjoy the hell out of it. But there's some stuff you should know going in. If you're prepared for these things, or if these things don't bother you, well...you're in luck. Because there are a crap ton of books in this series for you to binge. So, that said, here's what you need to know: 

Cavalier attitude toward abduction

The tone of this book is very light-hearted and snarky, which I enjoy. BUT, the stuff that happens to these women right after their abduction is not at ALL light-hearted. They are brutalized and treated horribly by the aliens who kidnap them. (Note: the "bad" aliens are NOT the ice planet barbarians.) So it was a little jarring for me to read about the horrible conditions the women are surviving in such a snarky tone. 

Rape

There is an on-the-page rape of one of the captives (not the heroine) in chapter one. I think it was TOTALLY unnecessary, too. Surely there are other ways that an author can show how evil these kidnappers are without having them rape a woman. It just feels like lazy writing to me. But anyhoo, if rape is a trigger for you, you'll want to avoid this one. Or, at least, avoid chapter one. (Trust me...you can skip chapter one and still be able to follow what happens after that. You will not lose the plot in any way.)

And also, in the name of full disclosure, there's some VERY iffy consent when the heroine (Georgie) and hero (Vektal) meet. Georgie is passed out when Vektal identifies her as his mate (long story) and proceeds to, um, perform oral sex on her. The fact that Georgie wakes up in the middle of it and enjoys herself doesn't entirely erase the fact that she never consented. So, again, if dubious consent is a trigger for you, this one might not be your thing.    

Anatomy...stuff

Vektal is a giant, blue alien with horns, a tail, and extra...stuff on his penis. It all works out to the heroine's advantage (ahem), but if you're at all weirded out by the idea of alien sex, this one is DEFINITELY not for you. 

Spicy

This is a very spicy read. Lots of very descriptive sexy times. Not for the faint of heart (or for the pearl clutchers.) 

As deep as a wading pool

If you're looking for an intricately plotted, super emotional journey where the characters really get to know each other and fall in love gradually, all while experiencing lots of personal growth...look elsewhere. This book is all about escapism that you don't have to think to hard about. Personally, I find the lack of depth in this book to be charming. It's EXACTLY the kind of read I was looking for when I picked it up. But, like I said, if you're looking for lots of feels, this one will probably leave you wanting.    

If you're still reading... 

If you made it past all my dire gloom-and-doom warnings, then there's also lots to enjoy about this book: 

1. Vektal is a pretty awesome hero. Everything he does is with Georgie's best interests and pleasure in mind. All this man wants to do is take care of his mate. It's really sweet. 

2. The sex scenes are really hot and well written. 

3. The secondary characters are super interesting. They're clearly sequel bait, but I liked them enough that it didn't bother me at all.  

4. There are plenty of laughs and snappy dialogue. 

5. If reality is feeling a little overwhelming, this is escapism at its finest.    

So, long-story-short, if you know what to expect going in (and don't look too closely at the plot and get all "but that wouldn't really happen" about it), you can enjoy the crap out of this book. 

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
This is FAR from stigma-y. Absolutely zero stigma here.