Reviews

The Barbarian Before Christmas by Ruby Dixon

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daniobsessivelyreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I like this novella better than the others, because we get to see where more of the couples are at.

allyreadsromance's review against another edition

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5.0

Another No Poison Day

I love these short holiday novellas and all of the POVs! It was interesting to see how these couples were doing separated while helping the new islanders! I loved the solution for getting the families back together!

mjgarcia193's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Not the best, but certainly not the worst Dixon I've ever read. I think this novella could definitely have been a full length novel. Given that Bek and Elly are one of my least favorite couples/pair of characters, I was disappointed to discover that they were the main couple. Since this is a holiday story, their parts of the novella weren't as painful to read as I'd expected, but I still wish they would have gotten a chapter each, if that. I really liked getting to revisit Aehako/Kira since they are my favorite IPB couple. Their chapters culminated in a really sweet surprise. I really hope Dixon writes more of these. I love IPB/Risdaverse overall, but nothing hits like our OG Not Hoth tribe.

bouldermimi's review against another edition

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3.0

Read 4/5/22 - ebook

We get several POVs in this novella, but primarily Bek and Ellie. A new tribe is established on the coast with the recent addition of the humans and aliens found in suspended animation on The Tranquil Lady. The sa-khui must teach this new tribe how to survive before the brutal season begins, but that means the hunters will spend months away from their families. Bek is on the coast while Ellie remains at Croatoan. The separation is hard on her, but she learns that keeping busy and setting up for Not-Poison day for Bek's eventual return helps ease some of her loneliness and anxiety. Pretty sweet story.

livreadsbooks444's review against another edition

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3.0

I love Bek so much

allisonraderreads's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.25

"I open my mouth to speak when there's a loud, off-key noise. It sounds like…well, this planet doesn't have walruses, but if it did, it'd sound like they were mating outside of my tent. I immediately forget what I'm about to say and just stare at Harlow in surprise. "Er…" she says, and cocks her head to the side. "What was that?" Another strange sound erupts from outside, and then I realize there are words. And a tune. Kind of. "Dear god," I whisper to Harlow. "I think this is a song." "Shangle bells?" she adds, voice low, and covers her mouth to muffle her horrified giggle."

Another holiday novella that focuses on a few throwback couples. I enjoyed this! I liked that we got back to Vektal & Georgie because they were getting so annoying and I needed a refresher on why I love them.

I love Liz & Ra'aash the most and did enjoy their story. Bek and Ellie was probably the sweetest story, but really, all of the stories were winners!