Barbarian’s Beloved

I was so happy to read this book. I have wondered about Ariana and her mate since the first set of humans. I really enjoyed getting to know her and her mate both in the past and the present. I really enjoyed the mental health representation. It can be so devastating to deal with, and the stigma that sounds it is horrible. Absolutely loved this one.

4 stars — I’m probably not one of those ones that was looking for an Ariana book…I mean, sure, I was curious, but I don’t think I even remembered her mate’s name most of the time! And yet I really enjoyed this installment. It was interesting because it starts in the “present”, but then flashes back to the beginning of their resonance, and then back to the “present” at the very end. I enjoyed the format for the most part — I was invested, and it was fun to go back and see how it all started. Ariana’s struggles with anxiety dominated much of the book, but I appreciated that glimpse. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to then be thrust into this crazy situation without any of your safety nets. I struggle more with depression than anxiety, but I still connected with what she was going through and the way the thoughts snowballed in her head…it felt real, and for me it was well done. I think it made me love them together as a couple even more. I LOVED seeing Zolaya court Ari. He was so patient, and he truly understood how important it was for him to understand her anxiety so he could be of help. He was sweet, patient, persistent… Obviously not without missteps, but he did the best he could. And I loved seeing Ari let him in…it was wonderful. For all the anxiety stuff going on, the book was surprisingly playful at times! I think that’s one of the things I enjoyed most about them as a couple…they were able to laugh and cry. So yeah…I think I’ll enjoy sprinkling in these last few IPB books in between my Icehome ones…they’re like little treats for fans.

Wonderful book. I am addicted to book series.