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crystalmackey's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Kidnapping, Confinement, and Sexual content
petite_madeline's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I almost read this whole thing in one sitting! I'm so invested in this series and these characters. I loved how hard-headed both characters are and how they come together despite them both being stubborn asses. They're characters that you love on the page but would probably hate in real life (I know I probably wouldn't want to mess with Liz...)
Overall, if anyone liked the first book, definitely keep reading! This series doesn't disappoint.
Overall, if anyone liked the first book, definitely keep reading! This series doesn't disappoint.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
pbella3's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexual content, Body shaming, and Sexism
Minor: Child death, Death, Kidnapping, Vomit, and Death of parent
veritas19's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Sexual content
anxious_librarian's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Alright, so, I know I’m the odd one out here but… Liz is not my favorite. I know, everyone loves her sassy “I don’t care if you like me” attitude. But I think there’s a difference between being unapologetically yourself, and being cruel, but I’ll get into that.
BARBARIAN ALIEN overlaps with the end of ICE PLANET BARBARIANS but focuses on Liz. Shortly after the humans accept their khui she is stolen away by stoic hunter Raahosh. Liz is reasonably upset over being abducted for the second time in a month and makes Raahosh’s life hell for it.
They both start off as assholes. Raahosh is waiting until the strength of their resonance (the thing that makes you h0rny as hell) is so strong that Liz accepts him as her mate, and in the meantime is taking care of her and trying to learn more about her. Liz, meanwhile, is angry at the world for choosing a mate for her and at Raahosh for being that mate (to be clear, Raahosh is stuck with you too sweetie, he didn’t choose this).
In some ways they’re as perfect a pairing as can be. Both hard headed and unwilling to bend. At least at first. Liz is actually quick to forgive her mate after learning something key about him, and both of them acknowledge the ways fear drove his actions. Raahosh is equally in awe of Liz, seeing her hunting prowess and clever mind as the perfect match for his lifestyle and personality.
There is a lot of cringe in this (let’s agree to never call sperm “baby batter” again) with Liz’s constant bitchiness. But a lot of heartfelt moments too.
Underneath it all, the big scarred alien is a big awkward sweetie. He’s isolated because of his appearance and quiet demeanor. Loud Liz on the other hand is more than happy to show the tribe how much they’ve been sleeping on the wonderfulness that is her mate, and goes out of her way to make sure he knows he deserves love .
Liz in this book doesn't irritate me much. I mean, she did but I also feel like Raahosh deserved a good portion of it, especially in the beginning. She is comfortable in expressing how she feels, putting the aliens in their place, and is remarkably capable. Overall, Liz is a major badass who finds her footing on the ice planet remarkably quickly.
It’s the end of this book and all books after this (I’ve read up to book 7 so far) that I came to dislike her. Liz has this tendency to judge the other women for not being as strong as she is. Those who were traumatized during their abduction or who don’t adapt as quickly get the brunt of her frustration.
Her behavior towards Kira and Tiffany in particular really rubbed me the wrong way. Kira’s book is still very early in the series, with the humans having only been with the sa-khui a short time. They haven’t had a chance to really mesh cultures yet, and Kira is terrified about what the tribe will do when they realize she’ll never resonate (I won’t spoil why). Despite being closest with Kira, even claiming she’s as close as a sister, she picks on her mercilessly. Not allowing her to speak her mind risking an insult, claiming Kira is too dour when in fact she’s one of the few making good observations.
Similarly, Tiffany has been majorly traumatized due to an assault but the human girls act catty towards her, Liz included, offering fake sympathy for being “the most popular girl on the ice planet.” Completely ignoring the fact that this unwanted attention is causing Tiffany panic attacks.
It really made me look at Liz differently. She is a good mate, forcing Raahosh to open up and is accepting of his insecurities, though I’d argue that even then she can be too hot headed. However in other books she comes across as completely unable to offer sympathy to anyone else. That’s not something I could really get on board with.
BARBARIAN ALIEN overlaps with the end of ICE PLANET BARBARIANS but focuses on Liz. Shortly after the humans accept their khui she is stolen away by stoic hunter Raahosh. Liz is reasonably upset over being abducted for the second time in a month and makes Raahosh’s life hell for it.
They both start off as assholes. Raahosh is waiting until the strength of their resonance (the thing that makes you h0rny as hell) is so strong that Liz accepts him as her mate, and in the meantime is taking care of her and trying to learn more about her. Liz, meanwhile, is angry at the world for choosing a mate for her and at Raahosh for being that mate (to be clear, Raahosh is stuck with you too sweetie, he didn’t choose this).
In some ways they’re as perfect a pairing as can be. Both hard headed and unwilling to bend. At least at first. Liz is actually quick to forgive her mate after learning something key about him, and both of them acknowledge the ways fear drove his actions. Raahosh is equally in awe of Liz, seeing her hunting prowess and clever mind as the perfect match for his lifestyle and personality.
There is a lot of cringe in this (let’s agree to never call sperm “baby batter” again) with Liz’s constant bitchiness. But a lot of heartfelt moments too.
Underneath it all, the big scarred alien is a big awkward sweetie. He’s isolated because of his appearance and quiet demeanor. Loud Liz on the other hand is more than happy to show the tribe how much they’ve been sleeping on the wonderfulness that is her mate, and goes out of her way to make sure he knows he deserves love .
Liz in this book doesn't irritate me much. I mean, she did but I also feel like Raahosh deserved a good portion of it, especially in the beginning. She is comfortable in expressing how she feels, putting the aliens in their place, and is remarkably capable. Overall, Liz is a major badass who finds her footing on the ice planet remarkably quickly.
It’s the end of this book and all books after this (I’ve read up to book 7 so far) that I came to dislike her. Liz has this tendency to judge the other women for not being as strong as she is. Those who were traumatized during their abduction or who don’t adapt as quickly get the brunt of her frustration.
Her behavior towards Kira and Tiffany in particular really rubbed me the wrong way. Kira’s book is still very early in the series, with the humans having only been with the sa-khui a short time. They haven’t had a chance to really mesh cultures yet, and Kira is terrified about what the tribe will do when they realize she’ll never resonate (I won’t spoil why). Despite being closest with Kira, even claiming she’s as close as a sister, she picks on her mercilessly. Not allowing her to speak her mind risking an insult, claiming Kira is too dour when in fact she’s one of the few making good observations.
Similarly, Tiffany has been majorly traumatized due to an assault but the human girls act catty towards her, Liz included, offering fake sympathy for being “the most popular girl on the ice planet.” Completely ignoring the fact that this unwanted attention is causing Tiffany panic attacks.
It really made me look at Liz differently. She is a good mate, forcing Raahosh to open up and is accepting of his insecurities, though I’d argue that even then she can be too hot headed. However in other books she comes across as completely unable to offer sympathy to anyone else. That’s not something I could really get on board with.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping
greebkit's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I read this because I had fun with the first book of the series. There are good parts, but every little thing that bothered me about the first book seemed amplified in this book. The kidnapping trope was very prominent in this book when less so in the 1st. I had a really difficult time not cringing to several things in this book that was more fun in the 1st. Right away the issue of the women being able to choose not to accept the symbiote was trampled on and it is forced on the main character, Liz. Then she is kidnapped by her "mate" even though that was also promised wouldn't be allowed. There was an early part where he ties her up, but then unties her soon after. There's a scene where they both masturbate in front of each other and later it is framed as an attempt to "show independence,"(?) but it is just cringy. He does all this stuff to "protect" his beloved mate, but purposefully doesn't make her shoes so she can't run. There is a very gross part during which Liz keeps telling him no and not to do X, but then wants and enjoys him doing it and then later he fully says that "no means yes" as she taught him and that gross "lesson" is never addressed! She fully realizes what she "taught" him and then it is never brought up again. Later, she argues that he should be fully forgiven for kidnapping her because she loves him now, but also acknowledges that if there is no consequence it puts a bunch of women at risk of being dragged off and raped - which is acknowledged and then never addressed!
I read this for fun, but it was hard to ignore the Stockholm Syndrome and super rapey things going on. There was still some enjoyable parts, but I just could not shut my brain off and ignore these cringy parts. Even the smut wasn't enough to ignore this.
However, I did still give this 3 stars because I do now want to read the next book in series. The 1st book made me, maybe not invested, but curious enough to read this book because it was centered around Liz who I liked as a side character in the 1st book. I previously read the synopsis of the other books in the series and wasn't interested in going beyond this book. Now having read this book, I am interested in the 3rd book because I liked the side character of Kira more so than in the 1st book. So, the author does a really good job with fleshing out these characters and makes you interested in their story.
I read this for fun, but it was hard to ignore the Stockholm Syndrome and super rapey things going on. There was still some enjoyable parts, but I just could not shut my brain off and ignore these cringy parts. Even the smut wasn't enough to ignore this.
However, I did still give this 3 stars because I do now want to read the next book in series. The 1st book made me, maybe not invested, but curious enough to read this book because it was centered around Liz who I liked as a side character in the 1st book. I previously read the synopsis of the other books in the series and wasn't interested in going beyond this book. Now having read this book, I am interested in the 3rd book because I liked the side character of Kira more so than in the 1st book. So, the author does a really good job with fleshing out these characters and makes you interested in their story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny and Kidnapping
The kidnapping is prominent, but it is not portrayed as violentunhingedbookbitch's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
⭐️3.5
🌶️3.5
Blonde Katniss Everdeen f*cks an Avatar blue alien after he kidnaps her. Straight up Stockholm syndrome AND YET I ENJOYED IT????? MY MORALS??? GONE BYE!!!! Also I’m deddddd that these f*ckers get a throat bug and ALL OF SUDDEN they got some Paul Hollywood blue af eyes and are horny af. Still not over it lol
Tags: F/M, sci fi romance, human woman x alien guy, forced proximity (forced by a MAN ew), touch her & d!e, fated mates, haters to lovers, dual POVs, he falls first
Triggers: kidnapping, mentions of r@pe, Stockholm Syndrome, gore
My guy (alien called Rasputin or some shit idk his name I forgot but it’s basically Rasputin so we sticking with that) legit napped that kid Liz (thee whitest girl name™️ no shade no tea just facts) and brought her to a CAVE yet Liz likes it??? (couldn’t be me I hate nature no shade no tea I’m just allergic to fresh air and grass). Rasputin stuck a BUG IN HER NECK BY FORCE but it was to save her so it was justified. Look I’m sorry but don’t resuscitate me at that point. Forced to live on an ice planet without Diet Coke???? And the only way to survive is to let a bug live in my temple of a body??? Nor couldn’t be me. If I gotta shit in buckets for the rest of my life then leave me be. Let God take care of me at that point. or Satan. I know who I am and I know I got only a 50/50 chance getting into heaven. Anyways, live on a planet with random blue alpha males and no air conditioning??? I’d rather not. And like Liz was pissed about it at first AS SHE SHOULD BE and like called out all the weird shit (including how she shouldn’t be into Rasputin) but then was like defending him… sis you set back feminism by 20 years. But I set it back another 10 years by enjoying this book lol.
Look I went into this series being like maybe I’ll read the rest and imma say it… IM HOOKED. This shit is fun and light and Liz being mean and yapping nonstop was so good. It’s almost like a blue bug crawled its way into my cold heart and warmed me up and made me horny. Ok I’m done sorry bye.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Gore
k_bee_readin's review
I tried to give this series a chance but the writing is so painful. i went into it just a fun read so i wasn’t expecting much but characters can be annoying and plot is just nonexistent
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual assault
sam_malaika's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Pregnancy
ngkinman's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
very cute and better than the first one IMO! i understand where comments where coming from about Liz being annoying but she def grew on me and honestly i’d probably respond the same as she did about her situation too. and i love Raahosh!!! just a big baby truly
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping