🍼 Book Review: Ice Ice Babies by Ruby Dixon (Kindle Edition, Ice Planet Barbarians #6.2)
A sweet, low-stakes “slice of life” novella that trades alien danger for domestic warmth—Ruby Dixon gives fans a cozy peek into Nora and Dagesh’s life as new parents on the ice planet.
🧠 Overview
First published on May 12, 2016, Ice Ice Babies is a 41-page short set after the events of Barbarian’s Mate. It’s part of the Ice Planet Barbarians series but is not a standalone—best read in order for full context.
The story follows Nora, a human woman mated to the blue-skinned alien hunter Dagesh, as they adjust to life with their newborn twin daughters, adorably named Anna and Elsa. Life on the frozen, barren planet is already harsh, but motherhood—times two—adds a whole new level of exhaustion.
While Dagesh spends long hours hunting to provide for the family, Nora struggles with loneliness, self-doubt, and the fear that their romantic spark is fading. Unexpectedly, she finds comfort in Asha, another woman in the tribe with her own complicated relationship, and begins to rebuild her confidence.
A short getaway with Dagesh rekindles their intimacy, reminding them both that love and partnership require communication as much as passion.
💙 Key Themes & Highlights
- 👶 Post-baby relationship shifts – Navigating intimacy, exhaustion, and changing priorities.
- ❄️ Harsh environment – The ice planet’s dangers are more background here, but still shape daily life.
- 🤝 Female friendship – Nora and Asha’s bond adds emotional depth.
- 💞 Reconnection – A reminder that even fated mates need to nurture their relationship.
- 🐾 Series Easter eggs – Cameos and references for long-time readers.
“It’s hard being a new mom on a barren, wintry planet. How about a mom… times two?”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: ~3.73/5 from over 10,000 ratings
- 📖 Fans call it adorable, cozy, and a nice breather between the more action-heavy installments.
- 🧾 Some note that it’s light on plot—more a domestic interlude than a standalone adventure—but that’s exactly what many series fans enjoy about it.
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Not a starting point – Relies on prior knowledge of the series and characters.
- 📚 Low conflict – No major stakes beyond relationship and self-confidence struggles.
- 🧠 For fans only – Works best as a bonus chapter for invested readers.
🏁 Final Verdict
Ice Ice Babies is a warm, feel-good novella that lets readers linger in the happily-ever-after of a beloved couple while still showing the challenges of new parenthood. It’s a love letter to domestic life on Not-Hoth, perfect for fans who want more character moments between the big, dramatic arcs.
