Reviews with content warning for Abortion - Barbarian Lover

Another fun, quick read, with plenty of spice and a great pairing. Some of the challenging narrative aspects—especially action—are rushed and awkward, which did diminish the overall quality of the writing and story. However, the romance in this one is especially sweet: it was less fated mates and more friends to lovers, which I absolutely vibe with. I enjoyed seeing Kira and Aehako's relationship blossom, with them choosing each other first. I admit I hoped that the ending would go in a different direction, but the series is what it is, and I don't fault the books for that. Even if some of the content ultimately doesn't line up with my preferences or values, I can still appreciate them for what they are—lightheaded, steamy romps.

Content Warnings

petite_madeline's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

Kira's story is my favorite in the series so far. This one was the most high-stakes out of the first three books and I loved every second of it! According to the author's note, this was the first book of the series that wasn't serialized, and it shows. The story had great movement without feeling repetitive like the previous books sometimes do. AND we're introduced to a new mystery that I'm excited to read about in future books!

Content Warnings

pbella3's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Content Warnings

robinwritesallthethings's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What It’s About: Once again, this story picks up basically where the last one left off. This time the focus is on Kira, who fears the return of the bad aliens and that she will never resonate at the same time that Aehako is seriously courting her.

Spice Level: Hot as heck because of the anticipation that builds up throughout the story.

Realism: This volume brings up some of the bigger questions that are lingering about the khui and resonance. How does it pick partners? Is it just fertility and genetics, or is there something more? And what happens if you don’t think you can have children? I also appreciated the lingering fear that the other aliens would return. It would have been odd if they’d just disappeared from the story after the first volume.

Trope Alert: Virgin heroine and slow burn.

Trigger Warnings: There’s a discussion about abortion and infertility, and slavery comes up again a bit because of the bad aliens.

Final Thoughts: I thought it was especially nice to explore the idea of choosing someone in spite of not resonating this time around. It was almost the reverse of the second novel, and it was a good contrast.

Content Warnings

kb33's review

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

Content Warnings

bbygirl21's review

Go to review page

challenging hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I liked this book but I found myself skipping through some pages.

Aside from the handful of times I skipped pages, I loved Kira and Aehako. I love how they both choose each other despite the fact they weren't resonated and didn't think they'd be able to resonate to each other. It showed that they loved each other whether or not they're able to have kids.

Now when it comes to Asha I really did not like her. I hate the fact she kept persisting Aehako even though he repeatedly told her he does not want her, and the fact she is going out of her way to sleep with Aehako while already being mated did not sit well with me. Both Aehako not wanting her and her having a mate and persisting anyways has me not liking her one bit at this point I'm the series.

I loved that Kira finally got the translator removed from her ear and that in the end her and Aehako finally resonated to each other and that Asha got put in her place due to this resonation. I am hoping that Harlow is safe and that she gets found soon.

Even though this is my least favorite in the series so far, it was still a mostly enjoyable read.

Content Warnings

katiekeske's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

While the setting and situations are similar, it is amazing how Ruby Dixon can make each book and its characters stand out. I personally enjoyed Aehako and Kira more than Raahosh and Liz. If you have triggers for infertility, though, this may not be the book for you.

I love how Aehako is totally smitten with Kira without needing to resonate to her. I love his happy and dedicated personality.

I liked Kira because I could relate to her more quiet and reserved personality.

Plot-wise I enjoyed getting to see and learn more about the old space ship that the sakh aliens crashed on. I liked the action that picked up toward the end with

the Little Green Men returning

. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the world and the aliens in future books.

Content Warnings

singingshooter's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.0

Content Warnings

More...