Angie Cox's Reviews > Barbarian's Touch

4 ⭐ The beginning was slow, but I loved the story once Rokan and Lila finally get together.


"My heart, I sign to her. You are my heart.
I know, she signs back, and I'm keeping it."


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ alien romance
✨ mars needs women trope
✨ fated mates
✨ hero x damsel in distress
✨ he falls first
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ language barrier
✨ deaf rep
✨ they're both virgins
✨ 2.5/5 spice 🌶️
✨ angst
✨ HEA

Summary:

Lila wakes up on an ice planet surrounded by big, blue aliens with horns and tails. Being in an unfamiliar place with devil looking beings is scary enough but the fact her cochlear implants were removed and she can't communicate with them is even more terrifying. Luckily her big sister Maddie is also there and per usual, takes charge of the situation. However, it appears returning home is not an option and the only way to survive is with the help of their new alien friends.

While on their journey to the sa-khui tribal home, Lila is stolen away by one of the aliens whose constant stares have made her feel uncomfortable. Alone in a cave with this brute, Lila isn't sure what he wants, nor can she communicate with him to find out. She's scared and completely alone.

One day, Lila finds a way to escape but ends up in some trouble but, luckily, ANOTHER blue alien (Rokan) shows up to save her. However, this one's different. His gaze isn't demanding. He's kind and gentle. He takes care of Lila without wanting anything in return. He tries to learn how to communicate with her. Rokan makes her feel safe, desired, and loved. But why is her chest constantly vibrating when they're together?


My Thoughts:

I dare Ruby Dixon to write a bad story, because I'm convinced it's impossible! Seriously, every single one of these Ice Planet Barbarians books SLAPS and leaves me wanting to jump right into the next one! I'm writing this review after a re-read with Berkley's special edition, which includes a bonus epilogue. My rating of 4-stars stays the same. Lila and Rokan are so f*cking cute together!

Lila was a lovely FMC. When Lila arrived on Not-Hoth, she was meek and unsure of herself but throughout the story - thanks to her strong will, her desire to be self-reliant, and Rokan's survival lessons - she gains confidence and becomes a fierce woman. Also, the deaf representation was amazing. Reading about Lila's struggles on Earth (how others viewed her and how her sister often took responsibility for her) and the challenges she faced in this new world without the help of her cochlear implants was done so well! Her journey was beautiful.

Rokan was an absolutely GEM! Like all IPB men, Rokan is a himbo who simps so hard for his mate. I adored his gentleness, patience, and constant reassurances that Lila is perfect. And I really adore stories where there is a communication barrier and someone (Rokan) has to learn the other's language (sign language).

The spice was delicious. Rokan took his time getting to know Lila and decided early on he wasn't going to make any moves till she did first. So when Lila finally is ready . . . oh my, things get HOT! Rokan loves to lick the 🐱 and, of course, his first BJ was a memorable one. I also thought it was cute that both were virgins. NOTE: The spice starts around 50% of the story, so things take a bit longer than the others.

I really enjoyed the world building. There wasn't THAT much but the scenes with the metlak (who are actually more intelligent than we originally thought) was so interesting, and I thought the discovery of the fruit cave was awesome!


Overall, another great addition to the IPB series! I can't wait for the next book!


Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC copy of this special edition version in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.



Ice Planet Barbarian Books + Ratings

💎 = Favorites

1. Ice Planet Barbarians - 4.5/5 💎
1.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Vektal & Georgie - 3/5
2. Barbarian Alien - 4/5
2.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz - 4/5
3. Barbarian Lover - 5/5 💎
3.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Aehako & Kira - 3.5/5
4. Barbarian Mine - 4.5/5 💎
4.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Rukh & Harlow - 4.5/5 💎
5. Ice Planet Holiday - 4/5
6. Barbarian’s Prize - 4/5
7. Barbarian’s Mate - 4/5
7.1. Having The Barbarian’s Baby- 3/5
7.2. Ice Ice Babies - 3.5/5
8. Barbarian’s Touch - 4/5
8.5. Calm - 3/5
9. Barbarian’s Taming - 4.5/5 💎
9.5. Aftershocks - 3.5/5
10. Barbarian’s Heart - 4.5/5 💎
11. Barbarian’s Hope - 4/5
12. Barbarian’s Choice - 4.5/5 💎
13. Barbarian’s Redemption - 4/5
14. Barbarian’s Lady - 5/5 💎
15. Barbarian’s Rescue - 3/5
16. Barbarian’s Tease - 3.5/5
16.5. The Barbarian Before Christmas - 3/5
17. Barbarian’s Beloved - 4.5/5 💎
17.5. Barbarian’s Valentine - 3.5/5
18. Barbarian’s Seduction - 4/5
19. Barbarian’s Treasure - 3/5
20. Barbarian’s Bride - 3.5/5