Barbarian's Hope is the tenth book in the Ice Planet Barbarians....I can hardly believe that I have come so far in this wonderful series that has swept me away in the stars....and yes Ruby Dixon is one of those authors that helps me escape from reality and in such a delicious way. I will admit though that I wasn't too excited for this book, just because of what we have seen between this couple in the past books, I wasn't sure I was too hyped up for the strong angst that I was sure to happen in this book, however, I fell in love with their story. It wasn't as great as an experience as previous books but it was engaging and emotionally driven which is an aspect that I always go for in a story. This is Asho and Hemalo's story.

Hemalo and Asha are mates and resonated with each other, and Asha became pregnant but their baby was born early and died and the death of their baby girl broke both of them including the fragile love they had for each other. Asha pushed Hemalo away, letting the grief and bitterness consume anything she had once felt for Hemalo. We see a different side to Asha, we see what is behind her tough exterior. Hemalo, is steady and strong. He loves Asha and will do anything to make her life easier, even if that means leaving her. Asha is hurt that Hemalo has left her but she knows that its all her fault. But when they resonate again, both Hemalo and Asha are forced to face up to their grief and the love they have for each other that has never left.

I had a blast with this story here, and even though it was hard to see some angst between the couple which is mostly due to anger and unresolved issues between the couple. We also see what grief and loss can do to a couple that once had all the hopes for the future. We see Asha realize what she wants and she fights for Hemalo. There were parts of this book that just broke me heart especially when she goes after Hemalo and she has to face another loss when her heart has to face up to grief again. [spoiler]This is where Asha heals Hemalo after he becomes injured, fights off a couple of Metlaks and comes into a hunter cave and find a Metlak infant and Asha becomes too attached to it. [/spoiler] But this time instead of losing herself and pushing Hemalo away, they rely on each other and try to help the Metlak pair and go back home to start their new life together....or their second chance. I always adored Hemalo, he is so steady and hard working and the type of hero you could see yourself marrying on day. So strong and reliable. But Asha, she was a heroine that has to grow on you, but I guarantee that she will grow on you eventually. You see a deeper side of her character and understand her in ways you don't in previous books. We also see a character that you don't like very much and see so much character growth from her where she begins to realize the mistakes she has made in the past and tries to move past them. We also have a side story here that involves Claire trying to set up a holiday celebration.

Overall I found Barbarian's Hope to be a truly heart wrenching read that will tug at your emotions and make you see a deeper side to this pairing....its a story of loss but also of renewed love and hope. AN ENDEARING LOVE TALE!