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Not-So-Savage Barbarians #3

Seducing a Barbarian

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Tomas was a jealous little shit. He should’ve known he wouldn’t win going up against the best. Everyone knew I was the most popular in the brothel. There was no point pretending otherwise. In a shameless act of revenge, he had the guards called and had me arrested for offending the man who’d chosen me over him. They, in turn, sold me off to the barbarians. They don’t know who they’re dealing with. Especially the barbarian babysitting me; he says he’s uninterested in males. We’ll see about that. I’ll show them all. They chose the wrong man to mess with.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2025

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Amy Padilla

33 books241 followers

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5 stars
854 (44%)
4 stars
669 (34%)
3 stars
357 (18%)
2 stars
46 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
Profile Image for ~ Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ & semicolons ~.
3,706 reviews1,272 followers
June 5, 2025
~2.5~

I'm bummed I didn't enjoy this book more.

For one, the reasons for the men being sent as "tributes" to the barbarians are wearing thin.

Here, we're supposed to accept that the police take the word of a brothel worker (not even the brothel owner) that another brothel worker (Simon) insulted a prince with neither the prince nor his people having filed a complaint or being present to confirm this. I know this is some corrupt fantasy state, but come on, try to make it at least a tiny bit believable.

If there was a tribute every time someone pointed a finger, there would be a mass exodus to the barbarians.

For another, I really didn't like Simon. Sex work is work, I get it, but all I could think about are all the diseases in body fluids since condoms aren't a thing in this world.

Simon was defensive, rude, impulsive, and whiny. None of this was cute, and I've no idea what Feigrind saw in him. Their only connection seemed to be sexual. There was no depth to the relationship.

Feigrind's bi awakening wasn't explored at all. He was attracted to Simon because Simon had soft skin, wore lip stain, and smelled like a flower. Riiight - cause that's how sexuality works.
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,197 reviews25.4k followers
August 9, 2025
Seducing a Barbarian is book three in the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series by Amy Padilla. Oh my gosh! This is by far my favorite of the series. The action scenes were super intense and I loved these two main characters. I admit I was hesitant going in because of some of the ways I saw Simon described in some other reviews. But I found him to be full of fire and so very brave.

We have met the clan warrior, Feigrind, previously. He is the most patient of the clan members. Whenever there is a difficult tribute that arrives, they call Feigrind to be their protector. His kind, patient ways tended to help to calm the tributes until they are able to see that the Barbarians would not hurt them. Such is the case when Simon arrives. He is feisty and keeps trying to run away. Feigrind has only ever had female tributes. And each time, once they are finally settled down and comfortable with their new surroundings, they always end up choosing someone else for their bond mates. Feigrind is lonely and wants someone to finally choose him.

Simon is twenty six years old and has only ever known the life of living and working in a brothel. He is popular and always gets the best clients. When a jealous co-worker wants him gone, he falsely accuses Simon of a crime and has him sent away as a tribute to the Barbarians. Simon is nothing like the two previous tributes in the first two books. He is brave and loud and full of sass. Simon wants to return to his life in town and is determined to escape. He quickly realizes, though, just how dangerous that is for him since the forest is the only means of escape. When Feigrind is assigned to be his protector, Simon is dedicated to driving him crazy in any way possible.

Feigrind has never been attracted to males but he can’t help but to notice how beautiful Simon is. And once Simon starts to get accustomed to what clan life is like with the Barbarians, he realizes that it’s not at all what he thought. He starts to feel wanted for the first time in his life. Could he even consider staying with Feigrind?

This one was full of sweetness and also plenty of super intense scenes. I couldn’t put it down. Simon was full of it most definitely. But he was also so brave. And so smart! Feigrind was just the sweetest. I adored them both, especially together. I’ll say it again that this is most definitely my favorite of the series so far! The next book in the series is The Barbarian’s Claim. I can’t wait to read it.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,411 reviews786 followers
April 1, 2026
4.5***** stars
Simon & Feigrind


Damn! I freaking loved this one!!! haha and it had a way better beginning than the previous ones.

This time we have two very different characters from the ones before. Simon, who worked at a brothel and the brat-tamer of the barbarians, a straight brat-tamer, mind you.

Quite a few readers didn’t like Simon’s attitude, especially towards Finn (the village’s sweetheart and MC in book #1). I while I totally understand that I enjoyed the hell out of reading him. He was sassy and rude but not even he could resist falling for the brute of a man who was assigned to protect him. It was delightful!

Either option angered me. I was more than he bargained for, and I would prove it eventually.


I went back to Feigrind’s tent, wishing it had a door I could slam in his face instead of a stupid flap.



And once again I promised myself I would take a break after this, but I think I won’t. *lol

***************
Not-So-Savage Barbarians Series

Book 0.5 - The Unexpected Barbarian
Book 1 - The Barbarian's Tribute - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Saved by a Barbarian - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Seducing a Barbarian - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 4 - The Barbarian's Claim - 4.25
Book 5 - The Physician's Barbarian - 3.5 stars
Book 6 - Prince of the Barbarians - 4.0 stars

⇢ sequel series: Savagely Sweet Barbarians
Profile Image for Linn.
321 reviews39 followers
March 2, 2026
omg I loved this! Simon's one sided rivalry with Finn was hilarious, and so was him running his mouth for 150 pages straight. My fav one out of the bunch so far :3
Profile Image for Xiomara.
243 reviews
July 29, 2025
3.0

This was my least favorite of the series, it was okay, I didn’t dislike it, but I did have a small problem liking the one of the main leads, Simon. He constantly wanted to start fights, he was called a bit bratty, but I would say he was more so of an ass.
Profile Image for Lola.
364 reviews43 followers
July 18, 2026
God, I'm so glad I didn't skip this one because I think this was the most entertaining for me. I'm actually a little worried now because the whole reason I was reading these was to get to the fourth but now I feel like this is gonna be my fav.

I'm very into messy awful MCs which is great because Simon was the messiest most awful MC. Such a bratty bitch and it's not even earned. He was so unapologetically nasty to everyone and I kind of loved him for it.

Feigrind was lovely and exactly what Simon needed. I wish this had gone just slightly harder on the brat tamer thing but as it was I loved Feigrind and his endless patience and firmness with Simon. Sometimes a bitch just needs to meet a brick wall with a magic dick.

Pet names: fiesty little one and my love (both in the barbarian language)

He’d learn eventually that I behaved for no man.


“Touch him and I will remove your hands.”


“You are safe now. I will protect you.” My gaze dropped to the wrap on his chest. “Yes. But who will protect you?”


“Like what you see?” I asked breathlessly. Never in my life had I cared so much about a man’s answer to that question. It didn’t matter when I was getting paid. It sure as hell mattered to me now. “You’re beautiful,”


I trusted him more than I trusted Zoya, who still had a grudge against me because I’d made Finn cry. She purposely ignored just how easy it was to make Finn cry.


I shared my knowledge because I’m a good person. Or because Feigrind liked me being nice to the clan and rewarded me with wild barbarian sex whenever he heard about my good behavior. Probably more the second reason than the first.




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Safety (may contain spoilers)

SA/rape: Simon stops an attempt on Finn. When he gets to the tent, the guy has Finn pinned to the bed with his pants down but he gets no further. There's also a mention of off page attempts on the women (this is all during an attack on their village).

Other person drama: Simon was a sex worker before being sent away as a tribute. There's a brief scene at the beginning with a client but no on page sex. There are mentions throughout but no specifics and no romantic past at all. Feigrind's past is barely mentioned aside from saying past tributes he has protected have never chosen to be with him and he's never been with a man. Neither are ever interested in anyone else - it's safe.
Profile Image for Whitney.
375 reviews490 followers
December 31, 2025
Simon + Feigrind 🖤
Barbarian | Gay for you | Brat | Found family

Simon was kind of a fuck knuckle and really unlikeable at times. I don't fully forgive him for being mean to my baby Finn from book 1.

A conversation between the clan cook and Feigrinds mom 😂:
"When will he ever learn?”
“He’s a man, so never."


⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists






Tropes/content:
Barbarian + prostitute given to the barbarians
"Straight" barbarian
Gay for you
Feigrind is assigned to deal with Simon even though he's not into men because of his patience. He usually gets the difficult tributes but hasn't had anyone choose to stay with him so far and bond
Touch him and die (literally)
Simon 💦 hands free for the first time ever
First time feeling like something precious
Found family
Strict roles



Warnings:
Simon worked in a brothel and you see him flirt and a fade to black scene with a client in chapter 1 before MCs meet
Simon is an asshole to Finn (from book 1) and makes him cry multiple times
Assault to Simon from rival clan member. Doesn't get far before Feigrind stops it
Questionable consent - Simon wakes Feigrind up with a blow job then starts to ride him before he's fully awake. He's definitely into it once he's fully alert but it was not discussed prior.
There's a rape attempt on Finn from that same enemy clan that came back to get Simon. He was pinned and pants pulled down. Simon hears his cries for help and stabs the guy in the head with a dagger.
Profile Image for Misty.
319 reviews19 followers
April 5, 2026
I've been reading these out of order, just whichever I feel like at the time.
This book was my favourite in the series so far. I adored it.
I love sassy little twinks, so Simon was absolutely perfect for me!

I'm really enjoying this series, as a was t just switch my brain off and enjoy.
1,995 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2025
I liked the story and the Barbarians, but I didn't like Simon, not one bit. He was not just a typically brat. He was self-centered, narcissist and cruel. Unfortunately, it ruined the story for me. it pains me, but one star from me.
Profile Image for winter.
548 reviews19 followers
June 5, 2025
4.25 stars

Adored this. A great sequel, possibly my favorite of the series. Normally not a fan of brats, but this one comes with knives and I love that.

Spice: 3/5
Angst: 1/5

Profile Image for Elena Rodríguez.
1,339 reviews496 followers
July 4, 2025
Absolutamente no. Odié al protagonista con todo mi ser.
Profile Image for Cee.
3,380 reviews168 followers
December 12, 2025
3.5 stars?

I liked this one more than the previous. Simon was an ass -- more than just a brat-- but at least he wasn't crying everywhere. There was... too much Finn in this book omg.

I am surprised by how much story this author is able to fit into less than 200 pages and there are some great characters. I'm just also not really into this :/
Profile Image for Jay.
290 reviews45 followers
January 4, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice Level:

Point of view: Dual, 1st person

TROPES & TAGS
Captive X Captor (but not really)
Size difference
Bratty and bossy Mc
Power Bottom
(EX)Prostitute X Barbarian
Black cat X Doberman vibes
gentle patience Mc X Bratty Mc
Gay for you

SPICE AND KINKS
Power bottom
Hands free orgasms (First times)
riding
verbal during sex
• Dynamic: Strict top bottom roles

TW/CW
Simon in a Mean girl. makes finn cry too
Simon wakes his barbarian up by the blowjob and starts riding him (he liked it but there was no prier discussion)
Mc falsely framed and kidnapped
Violence
Attempted rape of a side character
Profile Image for Jess Grayson (bookspastbedtime).
1,054 reviews653 followers
June 29, 2025
This series is definitely all the same, but this one spiced it up a bit with a bratty MC. Honestly might have been my fave of the 3. Now I’m excited for the next one to come out in September lol.
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,645 reviews35 followers
June 3, 2025
Simon, to say the least, is not like the rest of the tributes he has a fire in him that he won't allow others to drown out. Feigrind helps with the unruly tributes with a calmness that others don't possess, yet they all choose another in the end. What he doesn't expect is his attention to Simon, a fierce opinated man. Simon doesn't make it easy to fit in with the clan but does show a fierceness in protecting those he allows in. With time and patience, these two men allow the other in and show the clan together they are stronger. Feigrinds mawmaw is a force to reckon with who shows both men its okay to let the other in and be happy even if the path is not what you expected. appreciated how different Simon was from the previous village men showing anyone can fit into this clan when they allow themselves the chance.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,567 reviews20 followers
June 2, 2025
Seducing a Barbarian is the third book in the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the story of Simon and Feigrind. Simon is a brat who can be sweet and Feigrind has the patience of a saint. These two just work so well together. I loved learning more about the barbarian clan structure. I have loved all the books in this series and can't wait for the next one. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Macrochiroptera.
264 reviews8 followers
June 8, 2025
You know what? I was not too impressed by the first novel in the series, so I skipped the second, but given the blurb I decided to try this one as it looked like it went the opposite way of everything I disliked in novel one. And it did. Was it perfect? No, and some of the problems I had from the start were still here, but it was just an amazingly enjoyable story with some good elements that did not disappear in the plot (), good chemistry between Simon and Feigrind, and a protagonist that had a personality and ended up becoming Feigrind's equal.

Feigrind felt well written too, he was not there just to "help Simon", but had his own backstory and quite a lot of insecurities. Simon was also great, I know he is probably not everyone's cup of tea, but he was incredibly petty and aggressive, quite smart and determined too. Sure, the way he decided to remain maybe could have benefitted from some more introspection (especially regarding his future in the city), but it still worked so much more than "he is stuck there because in love" as he felt part of the clan.

As said at the start, some of the problems on book one remain, namely that the world building seems minimal. I still do not buy this need to give tributes. These barbarians (also...why would they call themselves barbarians... it is not a good term) do not seem to particularly pose any danger to others, especially given that they seem divided in different clans, with different rulers. So why cities and kingdoms give them tributes... it is a mystery.
Profile Image for Crystal.
108 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2026
Ok... este fue un poco más una lucha, Simon se me hizo tedioso prácticamente todo el libro, no logré empatizar con él y la mayor parte del tiempo se comportó solo como un mocoso mimado con gente que solo quería ayudarlo y hacerlo sentir relativamente cómodo en su nuevo entorno.

¿Que él no escogió terminar en el clan? Es cierto, pero tampoco Finn y Patrick y no los veías por la vida maltratando a nadie ni haciendo berrinches por casi cualquier cosa.

Y sí, entiendo que Simon tenía una personalidad y venía de un lugar completamente diferente donde tuvo que hacer todo por protegerse a sí mismo, pero es que incluso cuando se dio cuenta de que los rumores eran infundados, incluso cuando el clan lo protegió, siguió siendo una diva y siendo un idiota con casi todos.

Feigrind, bendito sea, tuvo más paciencia de la que yo hubiera tenido, Dios sabe que yo no hubiera sido tan pacífica después de todos los momentos en los que Simon fue difícil a propósito.

En general no fue un mal libro, simplemente choqué muchísimo con Simon y eso me impidió disfrutarlo plenamente porque estaba constantemente frustrada por su comportamiento, sin embargo, voy a empezar el próximo libro porque este pequeño percance no me va a impedir disfrutar de la serie.
Profile Image for 369Pages.
866 reviews65 followers
February 15, 2026
4⭐️
The third book in this series of short novels is my favourite yet!
This book follows Simon, a badass brat who works in a brothel in town. Unfortunate circumstances lead him to become a tribute to our favourite barbarian clan, and he’s paired with Feigrind as his guardian. At first, Simon is super resistant, pretending not to understand the language and snapping his teeth at everyone there. But with the help of Feigrind, his mom, and the other sweeties in the clan, Simon starts to open up and get more comfortable.

This book has:
-sweet barbarian x sassy & deadly “captive”
-one sided animosity to lovers
-fun with previous characters

This book was actually really fun! I feel like I’m finally getting into the series, and enjoyed the characters even more. I especially loved Simon, and his badass dagger-wielding snark.

This book also got me so excited for Einar’s story, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading that next! 😈
Profile Image for eveeako.
275 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2026
3,9*
Simon's book was the last one I read in the entire series because I had come across some spoilers beforehand, and I really wasn't in the mood to read a book about this type of character. However, after finishing all the other books, I decided to read this one as well.

In the end, it wasn't that bad. There were definitely weaker installments in the series, but still... this one is not one of my favorites. Based on what I've read, though, I think Simon was clearly one of the author's absolute favorite characters, since he played such an important role throughout all the other books.

Ironically, I might actually like him more in the other books than in his own story, but I still enjoyed him here.
Profile Image for Ashley.
378 reviews
December 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

Love this series as a palette cleanser. It’s simple and fun and a good time, every time. I really enjoyed the mix up of our tribute being experienced and less naive than our past two tributes. I love them all for different reasons but the change up was really nice and the dynamic between Simon and Feigrind showed it. Also Simon’s strength and protectiveness shows more as the story progresses and the interactions that reflect those moments were some of my favourites.
Profile Image for Carolina.
370 reviews17 followers
September 4, 2025
this series is super sweet and steamy, my one frustration with this one was that i was expecting to have more actual Seducing, lol, there’s always pretty much instalove, but i do appreciate how whipped and sweet the barbarians are.

am amped to read the next entry in the series, which came out a couple of days ago!
Profile Image for Kimmie.
90 reviews
June 5, 2025
3.5 stars. By the end, I liked this book the most in this series. I loved Simon’s sass, towards the end. However, he just seemed unnecessarily cruel in the beginning of the book and it made me seriously dislike him. Like I said, towards the end I adored his sass but I couldn’t stand how he treated Finn(as he definitely didn’t deserve to be treated so awful) and it wasn’t until the end that he was even kind of remorseful. Also, I thought at one point the author would’ve brought up Finn’s past to try and bridge the gap between him and Simon but that never happened.
Profile Image for Eliana Suáres .
57 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2026
Hasta ahora mi pareja fav. Por fin un protagonista como Simon que tiene carácter y sabe cómo defenderse, lo amo
Profile Image for Monica.
574 reviews32 followers
December 13, 2025
I really laughed with this book. Simon had such a strong character and Feigrind just couldn't resist him.
I found the story hilarious with many funny moments, Finn crying non-stop again, Simon being Simon and Feigrind trying to keep him in line.
I enjoyed reading more about the village and other barbarians.
This series is very entertaining and it's got me hooked to carry on reading.
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,893 reviews
June 4, 2025
TBR, who? ARCS, what? Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "Seducing a Barbarian." It's the third official novel in her Not-So-Savage Barbarians series.

["Tomas was a jealous little shit. He should’ve known he wouldn’t win going up against the best. Everyone knew I was the most popular in the brothel. There was no point pretending otherwise. In a shameless act of revenge, he had the guards called and had me arrested for offending the man who’d chosen me over him. They, in turn, sold me off to the barbarians. They don’t know who they’re dealing with. Especially the barbarian babysitting me; he says he’s uninterested in males. We’ll see about that. I’ll show them all. They chose the wrong man to mess with."]

I'm OBSESSED with looks-like-a-cinnamon-roll-but-can-kill-you meets looks-like-can-kill-you-but-a-cinnamon-roll! It's some of the BEST dynamics in a relationship. They compliment each other in sooo many ways and help each other grow in others.

Simon and Feigrind are exactly those people. Simon is sassy and independent and puts up with zero shit from anyone. Feirgrind is kind and caring and wants people to be happy. They balance each other out and make each other happy.

Even if communicating that was hard as fuck for them. Seriously, they just needed to be like "I kinda like you, I want to stay"/"I kinda like you, I want you to stay." How. Hard. Was. That. Silly twink; silly barbarian.

Trigger Warnings: dubious consent, threats of violence, violence against MC, attempted assault, and more.

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Profile Image for Lisa.
1,617 reviews6 followers
June 5, 2025
This is a snarky and humorous take on the Not-So-Savage Barbarians world. Simon is working in a brothel when he is betrayed and offered as a tribute to one of the Barbarian tribes. He hates it and will do anything to escape. When he is assigned to Feigrind, a tribe protector assigned to help him assimilate, he is angry and bitter.

Feigrind is assigned as a protector to difficult tributes due to his patience and kindness. He's lonely and has not been chosen as a mate each time his protectee chooses someone else. Now, with Simon, he recognizes an attractive man, but Feigrind has always been attracted only to women. Why do things feel different this time? This book has danger, snark, passion, and a beautiful love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews