The Barbarian Before Christmas

Ice Planet Barbarians #15.5

by Ruby Dixon

The growing barbarian tribe is about to celebrate No-Poison Day – a time of love, laughter, and gifts. But all Elly wants is for her mate to be at her side before the brutal season arrives. All Bek wants is a way to quickly return to his female despite the mountains between them. Thanks to the talents of a newcomer… they're both about to get their wish and celebrate the happiest of holidays together.

This novella features characters from prior Ice Planet Barbarians stories and DOES NOT stand alone.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Fantasy, Novella, Science Fiction Romance, Christmas

100 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2017

About the author

Ruby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.

Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)

Reviews

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hallmark Channel should totally pick up this novella for Countdown to Christmas.
RD just keeps churning these books out, and I just keep falling to my knees in supplication. The Ice Planet Barbarians books aren't the most original or most dramatic or most character-driven books you will ever read, but they might be the most heartfelt. And this book might be the most heartfelt of them all. Total schmaltz, total sweetness and total fun. If RD took out the sex scenes and added a single kiss at the end for each of her alien/human couples, she could totally convert this book to a teleplay and market it to the Hallmark Channel. Oohh, Ooohhh, better yet a Syfy-Hallmark mash-up. Now that could be fun. (Okay, wiping the sappy grin off my face now).

Book source: Kindle Unlimited Subscription

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little glimpse into the private lives of our favorite blue aliens! It's what Christmas is all about....love and family!

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really feel like a broken record but RD is terrific. Thank goodness for my KindleUnlimited subscription or she would be getting all of my money - no lie.



This is just a short story about the holidays with the barbarian gang. With the arrival of the newbies, some of the mated couples have been separated to help them transition. They get reunited in this sweet novella and sparks fly. I love Bek and Elly! They may be my favorite couple thus far.

It is not to be read as a standalone as you must know the previous couples to really get the most from the story. And trust me, you will want to binge read all these. They are wonderful!

Want to know my favorite part of this book? That Ash-tar is a drakoni! Please someone tell me how that I missed that! I just think it is awesome that she is adding that into the mix.

3 STARS!

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Barbarians are ready to celebrate the No-Poison day (i.e. the Christmas day) and the have learned how to sing (kind of) Christmas Carols in order to make their mates happy.

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.

Although many of the couples are mentioned, five are the couples that this short story focuses:
1. Bek and Elly
2. Aehako and Kira
3. Rokan and Lila
4. Vektal and Georgie
5. Raahosh and Liz

The first four couples manage to reunite again with the help of dragon Ashtar. Raahosh and Liz unfortunately do not meet with their children during No-Poison day, but they will meet them soon.
My favourite couple in this book was Bek and Elly. I cried when they meet again, because Elly is so fragile and Bek is so understanding.

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snippet into the lives of the blue horned, tail swishing alien men and their mates with their kiddies and future kiddies.Enjoyable.Not a standalone because you want to know the couples backstory.

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, who's ready for Not-Poison Day?



It is story of mostly concentrated on Elly-Bek and somewhat Vektal, Liz, Maddie and Rokan thrown into mix....
It is cute novella lifting up your Christmas spirit...

And I'm sorry to say this but 'ugly-cover' uh...

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Barbarian Before Christmas is a sweet holiday novella.

It was a sweet Christmas aka No-Poison Day novella. We see many previous couples from the Ice Planet Barbarians series. The author treats us to happy joyous moments filled with love, family and tribe.

Not a standalone. I waited until I finished Veronic’s Dragon; before reading this one. I adored this cute novella.

Rated: 3 Stars

[B.E.Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Christmas or Not-Poison holiday book. It was a sweet follow up to many of the characters we have met and some characters who haven't gotten their own books yet. this is a fun holiday book thats great for everyone who like me fell in love with these blue guys. If you like them then this is a definite must read. This can't be read alone but if you haven't read this series I can't recommend this book enough.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite blue aliens celebrate Christmas with their family and mates.

[Lila · Rating 2 out of 5]

More holidays.

I guess it's alright. But the series now just seem like more of the same. Should have probably finished it with the last book.

Also, the islanders? For the rest of us who haven't read the other series, there could have been more explanations. There are literally none.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I ADORE Bek and Elly. She's still trying to hard to break out of her shell and be more a part of the tribe, but she's not quite comfortable interacting with others yet. And he's so adorably protective of her. They're just...*squishes them together like whoa*

But this book isn't all Bek and Elly. We have several other mated pairs who have been missing their other half something fierce. No-Poison Day and Ashtar's abilities give us a sweet, sweet homecoming. (Spoiler: when the sexy aliens get back together with their mates, SPARKS FLY. Metaphorically.)

As always, I love these possessive aliens and their equally possessive mates. Their planet may be cold, but their sexy times are hot.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful mix of the characters as No-Poison Day-A.K.A. Christmas- comes, the males as always thinking of their mates & little ones, but have a duty to the ever growing tribe.

Erevair is smart little cookie to ensure in his child-like way make sure Elly is surviving while Bek is away, I wonder if sweet little Kae is his future mate (since they links their tails 🥰🥰) just adorable❣️

Massive points to Raahosh & Rukh for their joint gift to their mates 🎶 (thanks to Lauren & Tia ..lol)

Who needs a golden star atop a tree when you have a Golden Dragon!!! ✨⭐️🌟⭐️✨ Soooo exciting!!! 🤔hmmm, I wonder if that means he could eat the sky-claws???? (the Pterodactyl-like things (teh·ruh·dak·tl))
🤓 …after reading VERONICA’s DRAGON it doesn’t make sense why anyone that was on the beach was surprised by Ashtar turning into a Dragon!!!!!! Sooo, that part is kinda wrong in this book…sorry 🫤

Sweet, cute, funny, with some welcome home holiday nookie for a few lucky ones 🔥🔥🔥
🎄🎄Merry Christmas🎄🎄

[Fanny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este pequeño relato fue una muy amena lectura, disfruto especialmente de estas novelas cortas que nos regala la autora, no solo porque es muy dulce leer sobre estos maravillosos extraterrestres intentando celebrar la festividades humanas sino que ademas este libro viene con un plus y es que me dieron muchisimas ganas de leer la nueva serie de Ruby Dixon despues de conocer un poco mas a estos nuevos personajes.

En fin, un cuento que se lee de forma muy facil y que te deja con mucha curiosidad por saber mas de estos nuevos personajes, tanto asi que creo que en nada de tiempo empezare a leer Lauren' s Barbarian.

2.5 Estrellas!

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah, sometimes I forget how much I miss the original Ice Planet girls. Damn this story for bringing back all the feels and making me want to reread the whole series. I originally thought this would be a novella featuring just Elly and Bek and while it does feature them we also gets bits from Lizz, Aeheko, Rokan and our main man Vektal. Back whenever in another book, all the Earth girls tried to explain customs such as Christmas to the tribe. To sum it up not a single part aside from gift giving did they truly understand. In fact trying to explain mistletoe led to the entire event being renamed as no poison Day, because apparently mistletoe is actually poisonous and why would stupid humans kiss under or around something poisonous lol. Many of the early couples are left separated, one at the beach helping build a new tribe and teach the newbies to survive and the other left back home with the tribe. This book is all about the holiday bringing them back together and damn if Bek and Elly didn’t get back under my skin. I’ve always had a soft spot for their story even if Bek is gruff and kind of a dick, but damn if he isn’t a teddy bear with his mate. I enjoyed this quick holiday short and don’t know why I’ve not read it till yet. I particularly loved Ashtar finally showing everyone what he can do, I mean he basically serves as the airplane for many of them on the journey home. Can’t get enough of Ruby’s books, hoping this will hold me over until the next book releases. Until then Happy No Poison Day everyone 😘😘

[Jennifer Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I never thought I'd stick with a series this long. I never thought I'd stick with THIS series this long. But I have to admit, Ruby Dixon keeps blowing me away with how well thought out and fleshed out this series has become. We started with a small group. Now they've had babies. Babies have gotten older. More people have been added. The world just keeps getting bigger and bigger and not once have I noticed Ruby just throwing something out there just to keep us rabid fans happy. No, these are all very well thought out and contribute beautifully to the overall world building that is Ice Planet Barbarians, and now Ice Home (or Not Hoth). I can't wait to read more of this series. As long as Ruby writes it, I'm reading it.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Poison Day

I love all of these little novellas! But this is one of faves!
Bek and Elly 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
So proud of how far along Bek has come!

[Erica ♋️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short and cute love seeing all the kits and couples

[AleJandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 Sorpresivas STARS

Lindo, lindo.


Hace mucho que no leía un libro de mis aliens favoritos, y sin duda los extrañaba más de lo que pensaba.

Apenas he leído la mitad de libros de esta serie, y este libro es el mas reciente, por lo que muchas cosas me tomaron por sorpresa.

UN ALIEN DORADO QUE SE CONVIERTE EN DRAGON.


Sin duda necesito retomar esta serie, muy muy pronto.

[Rose 🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve once again stayed up till 4am finishing a Ruby Dixon book. What can I say, I’m obsessed!

[♠ TABI⁷ ♠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, fluffy catch-up with older pairings and their families as the story moves forward.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

MORE BEK AND ELLY CONTENT PLZ

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I can say is...AWWW. Who needs central heating when this book is enough to warm the hearts of the whole house? This is a really short and sweet novella in the Ice Planet Barbarians series, it's a slice of life type story showing multiple couples and how they are celebrating 'No-Poison' Day aka Christmas. A lot of couples and families are still split up between the village and Icehome, the new settlement filled with the new arrivals which is by the shore. Because the newbies don't know how to survive on their new home many of the original tribesman have to stay and show them.

This novella shows some of couples reuniting on Christmas after being apart from their mates and their children for the last few months. This book is basically a bucket of adorable as couples do sweet things for one another to show their love and have mad monkey sex after a long time part.

If you are a fan of the Ice Planet Barbarians then you NEED to read this. It's a quick read that's bound to leave you with the warm fuzzies and longing to be kidnapped by hot blue aliens..

*Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Izzie d · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderful to be back with the original tribe again with a few extras of course. I would recommend reading the previous books in the series first as not only is there a mix of characters but the humour and worries have developed over the series. For example, no poison day is something that has evolved and expanded through the series and the humans interaction with the tribe so to understand how funny things are you need the history.
This is a light hearted story with some really touching moments too.
Lots of appearances from different ones from the tribe, love Bek and Elly.
It is hilarious, lots of laugh out loud moments.

[Ｋａｔｅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alien Holiday Romance For The Win

Gah! I just love these strange, sexy and completely swoon worthy aliens and their approach to all things strangely human.

I smile the whole time I read these titles... and I not gonna lie, those tails, those horns... mmm... and don’t even get me started on that spur business. 😉

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always

I have no idea how this writer has extended this series to such an extreme # and yet each installment is equally captivating. I have fallen in love with all of the characters and will eagerly be awaiting more.

[Chappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice X-mas present...or should I say "no-poison" present :D

It was nice to catch up with some of my favorite couples. But Elly and Bek's story just stole the show. Bek has really come around in my book and he deserves his sweet Elly.

[Zero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Barbarian Before Christmas is a cute novella. It is set shortly after the Icehome series begins and shows a few characters being reunited with their families after being apart for several weeks. Most of the chapters are from Bek and Elly's perspectives, but there are also chapters that follow Liz, Raahosh, Aehako, Rokan, and Vektal.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another bed-ridden read in search of something light and happy.

Over some sixteen books and short stories Ruby Dixon has taken a rather silly sci-fi trope—earth girls dropped on an ice planet peopled by hunky but very lonely barbarians—and built through stories of love, friendship, family and community—and a heaping helping of graphic sex—the utterly delightful and almost believable world of Ice Planet Barbarians. I have greatly enjoyed this series.

The Barbarian Before Christmas is another charming story in the same x-rated Hallmark vein, but, for me, is ruined by a single sin—the introduction of magic to the sci-fi narrative. I’ve not read a sci-fi book where magic—spells, shapeshifting, etc.—fits and IPB series is no exception. Worse it feels like Dixon introduces the character of Ashtar, a man who can shape shift into a flying dragon, only as a marketing ploy to direct readers to her Fireblood Dragon fantasy series. Nothing about Ashtar nor the IPB characters' reaction to him rings true to the rest of the IPB arc.

I worried when Dixon introduced a new and very large character set to the IPB series in Barbarian’s Rescue that she might commit perhaps the worst sin an author can make—seeking to extend a story beyond its natural arc. For me, she has. I shall forget this story exists in the canon of IPB so it does not forever taint my otherwise fond memories of this series.

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbarian Xmas

Cute Christmas story barbarian style. I like how we are able to catch up with all the previous couple and see how they are doing especially see how most of them are reunited again.

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Christmas Stars

What a sweet novella of Christmas fun or should I say no-poison day. I just love the individual moments of the tribe in these short stories. Makes me smile just reading them.