Even though BARBARIAN’S HOPE is part of a series, the story can be enjoyed as a standalone.  I have to admit, I reread this story about Asha and Hemalo to try for a fresh perspective since I initially read the ebook in the recommended order of the series.  Asha and Hemalo are the two main characters, but it is clear from the very beginning that Claire and even Ereven, with his quiet, but effective manner, play a very important role in the storyline.  As a reader, I try to quickly connect with the main female protagonist in some positive way, but Asha is so abrasive to everyone around her that it is easy to dislike her immediately.  The author very quickly reveals the reason behind Asha’s rude behavior which definitely helps in sympathizing with Asha and Hemalo’s situation.  

Having read other Ice Planet Barbarian stories woven into this universe, I definitely expected more humor.  However, I was not disappointed to see that there are some very sensitive subjects covered in Asha and Hemalo’s story.  The author, Ruby Dixon, has the uncanny ability to bring a difficult topic to light in her writing yet still bring a lightness to the overall plot of the story. I could feel Asha’s sadness through the pages due to her tragic loss. By the end of the book, I became a big fan of Asha.  Even though her mate, Hemalo, has done everything he believes Asha needs to get better, he has not been able to heal the rift between them.   

Claire is one of the human females stranded on the Ice Planet.  She does not hold any of Asha’s past behaviors toward the human women against her when she seeks Asha's help in planning a celebration for the tribe.  The dynamics of infusing traditions from an outside culture (Earth) with that of sa-khui as well as Claire’s openness in seeking Asha’s help is what ultimately draws Asha out of her self-destructive shell.  I especially like that there is a nice balance of serious moments as well as light and fun moments throughout the story.  Some of the enjoyable light moments involve a hunter's cave and metlaks (white furry creatures native to the Ice Planet).

Hemalo, Asha's mate and the main male character brings a calming presence to the story. Even though he has done everything he believes Asha needs to get better, he has not been able to heal the rift between them.  His character is quiet and reserved, but even Hemalo learns that going with the flow vs. openly expressing his thoughts and feelings can cause unintended problems. 

Asha and Hemalo’s story also has plenty of unexpected moments to make BARBARIAN’S HOPE a page-turner with an HEA all readers can appreciate.