The Physician's Barbarian

Not-So-Savage Barbarians #5

by Amy Padilla

When my father schemed to marry my sister off to a decrepit old man to boost his standing, I swore I’d protect her. Together, we drove suitors away, but his fury only grew. To punish us, he rigged the barbarian lottery—and when Evelyn’s name was drawn, her fate was sealed. Unless I stopped it.

There was only one way to spare her. I would take her place.

I’d do anything for my family. Even if it meant becoming a barbarian’s tribute.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT, Historical, Friends To Lovers

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Physician’s Barbarian is book five in the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series by Amy Padilla. I’ve probably said this in every review of this series but I love these so much!!! With every book, I fall more in love with this clan of Barbarians and the tributes they love. Could you read this as a stand alone? Probably. But you would much better understand the world and get to know each couple if you start at the beginning.

In this world, the Barbarians are feared by the townspeople. In order to keep them from attacking, each town offers a tribute to give to the Barbarians once a year. No one really knows what happens to the tributes once they are taken away. The truth is, in most clans, this one especially, the tributes are revered, honored. Originally, they were all women but recently, males have started being offered because there are many Barbarians who prefer the company of a man. It is completely accepted in their world.

Ambrose is a doctor in his town. He is a widow, and a single dad to his nine year old son. His younger sister has fallen love with someone their father does not approve of. Their father is completely obsessed with his community standing and has been finding suitors for his young daughter that are three times her age. When Ambrose and his sister drive off all of the suitors, in a fit of rage, their father rigs the lottery and gets his daughter chosen. Ambrose is determined to protect her and volunteers as a replacement.

Godr is the horsemaster in their clan. He is single by choice and prefers to spend his time with their herd of stallions. Their clan has been asked to take a few new tributes and teach them their language before they travel on to their own clans. Godr has never been asked to act as protector to a new tribute but he is asked to take on Ambrose while he is learning to speak their language.



As each day passes, these two become more and more fond of one another. Their respect for one another grows as does their enjoyment of each other’s company. Not only does Ambrose miss his son with an ache that never eases, both of them begin to dread the day that Ambrose will have to leave and go to the clan he was originally destined to be a part of. He has found a place here with Godr’s clan and he doesn’t want to leave Godr either. He has never been interested in a man before but being with Godr just feels right in a way he never expected.

I read this really fast because I couldn’t put it down. Ambrose was so brave. To volunteer to be a tribute in place of his sister may have been a rash decision but he couldn’t stand by and see her future ruined by their father. To see he and Godr struggle with the language barrier while still falling for one another was so wonderful. Every one of these books have made me swoon. Now I’m going to have to wait for the next one, Prince of the Barbarians. I can’t wait.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

More fluffy barbarians!

Physician + horse whisperer; relationship development that didn't rely solely on sexual attraction; family lost & found; uplifting epilogue.

The linguist in me wants to shout from the rooftops that learning a second language as an adult isn't nearly as easy or instantaneous as the series makes it out to be, but it's fiction so whatever.

[Evelyn220 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 rounded down.
This was just okay.
The previous one in the series was also sorta disappointing so i'm not too surprised about this one being the same.

A lot more focused on Ambrose than Godr. Instances where I was curious about Godr only to have another 2 chapters of Ambrose's POV instead.
It also felt like the side characters were more heavily involved in this one? I think there was a cameo from every single couple in the series? 🤔
The reunion felt so lack luster considering we got a timeskip instead of their thoughts/feelings of being back together.

So just...okay. 🤷‍♀️

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Godr + Ambrose 🖤
Horsemaster and physician | Single dad | Gay for you


Been waiting for Godr's story since meeting him in book one.

I have a couple grumbles with this book though. As a parent I cannot get over the fact that Ambrose put his sister over his son. No sir. Not acceptable. He saves his sister from being a tribute which was great and all but left his son without his dad. He already didn't have a mom (she died in giving birth to him).
Also, did I miss it or did Godr never actually learn that he was Ambrose first and only man?



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






Tropes/content:
Barbarian
Clan horsemaster
Town physician turned clan healer
Single dad to 9 year old Sebastian
First time with a man
Gay for you
Memorable first kiss
Straight guy falls first
Insta dick
Jealousy
Lovemaking
Goodbye sex
Non-stereotypical bottom
Strict roles
HEA despite painful separation for a bit


Warnings:
Ambrose thought he had to have sex with Godr based off town rumors. So he initiates sex despite not wanting to. Neither of them speak the others language so they're speaking with their bodies only. Ambrose definitely gets into it. He eventually finds out he didn't need to. Godr wasnt the initiator. It wasnt Godr's fault. He thought Ambrose was willing and went with it. He felt horrible after he found out.
Ambrose wife died in child birth
OM drama - there's another barbarian that Godr casually slept with that continues to flirt with Godr and tries to cause issues for Ambrose.
Third act breakup - not willingly. There was always a time limit because Ambrose belonged to another clan

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each installment of this series gets better! I know I have fallen in love this barbarian world and will surely miss it after I close the page on the last book.

Godr is Rath’s brother and we have known him since the very first book. He is the horsemaster, a joker, and loyal to his brothers and clan. He is a steady presence and not quite ready to settle down. At least, that is what I thought until he meets Ambrose.

Ambrose is a doctor in town. He helped heal Matthew when Einar brought him to town for help. Ambrose is a widower with a son and a good position in town. He certainly wasn’t expecting that his father would lose his mind and volunteer his sister as a tribute when she refused to marry one of their father’s handpicked suitors. What is an older brother to do? He volunteered instead hoping to keep his sister safe and his son.

Oh this story! It is a whole slew of misconceptions and misunderstandings. Ambrose is stubborn and so used to being in control that he doesn’t think to ask for help or information. While this does do some harm to him and Godr, the miscommunication does open their eyes to new feelings. When he finally opens up to his fellow tributes, it seems his bed has truly been made.

I think it is because this story is slightly different from the others that I enjoyed it so much. Godr is different, he’s more serious, and definitely more of a caretaker in this story. Ambrose is strong like Simon, but not in an in your face kind of way. He wants to take care of the clan, it helps him stay strong and not feel the loss of his son so badly. While the story seems to move quickly, we still learn more about the clan and how they all work together. Godr even brings up the use of language and how they should all speak the common tongue to help the tributes be comfortable. I love this series and can definitely see it being on my comfort reread list.

* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

every time a new one of these comes out, it's like i get to take a holiday from my head for a few hours and just have some fun.

i will say that this one felt slightly more one dimensional than the previous ones and i didn't conect as much to this one's tribute,,, it felt so weird that he left his son behind and wasn't as distraught about it...

i will continue reading this as long as they keep coming out tho, to the point that i literally add their release dates on my google calendar, so amy padilla can do no wrong as far as i'm concerned.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

“ I want to give you the stars, kolrav. I want yo give you everything that will make you happy”.

Quinto libro de esta saga. Yo me lo paso bien leyéndola que es lo que cuenta. ¿Es lo mejor que ha escrito la autora? No, ni de lejos. Lo importante es que entretiene. Esta entrega se me ha hecho un poco extraña. No me he creído en la química de los personajes, sinceramente. Parece que hayan sido pegado con cola y ya está.

Espero que el próximo mejore.

“You make me happy”.

[Jess Grayson (bookspastbedtime) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was probably one of my least favorite in the series. I didn’t really love how the relationship between these two started off. It was an interesting premise, but one that I think required a little more time and care to resolve - which wasn’t a possibility in this ~150 page novella. I still enjoy this series though as a little break/rest for my brain lol.

[Barbara➰]

Dnf 39%. I may come back and try again later but this one isn’t grabbing me like the others. I don’t like Ambrose and don’t really feel any kind of connection between him and Godr.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Barbarian x Physician romance novella, featuring Godr and Ambrose, and is book five in the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series.

When Ambrose’s father schemes to marry off his sister to gain power, Ambrose vows to protect her. But when she’s chosen in the barbarian lottery, he sacrifices himself in her place, becoming a barbarian’s tribute to save her.

I’m absolutely loving this series, each book just pulls me in deeper. Ambrose’s fierce loyalty to his sister, the heartbreaking choice he makes, and the whole barbarian tribute twist had me swooning a little. The tension and the emotional stakes were captivating. This series just keeps getting better with every book.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 5 in series
MM fantasy romance
Novella
Barbarian x Physician
Protective brother
Single dad
Volunteers as tribute
Language barrier
Bi awakening
Spicy times
I choose you vibes
Cameos from prev books
Found family
HEA

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Physician's Barbarian is the 5th book in the Not So Savage Barbarians series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the story of Godr who is the barbarian's horsemaster and Ambrose who is a town doctor. Ambrose volunteers to be a tribute to save his sister but in doing so he has to leave his son behind with his sister. This was another amazing story in this series. I loved watching these two struggle through communication problems but working things out in the end. It is also great to see the other characters form the other books trying to help in any way they can. I loved the whole book and couldn't put it down once I started it. I hope we get more books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
received a free review copy

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to see my dearest happy.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better! I have enjoyed every book in this series but the past few have been favorites. I can’t pick which one I like better because they all are great. I think there is only one more book planned in this series but I hope for more or a spin-off.

I am so happy to see Godr find his HEA. He was a favorite secondary character throughout the series and it is great to have a book where he is a main character. I was also happy to see a small character from the previous book appear as an MC in this book. Ambrose, is a physician who volunteers to save his sister and he struggles with the truth of his situation and the things he “knows.” This is a book that has a lot of miscommunication. Part of it is because of a language barrier and part is maybe pride mixed with fear.

I love how important all the characters from the previous books are in the subsequent books. They don’t just get their HEAs and disappear, they are there as members of the clan who can help the other male tributes acclimate to clan life. In this book I also loved that another clan was shown and I hope that those characters and that clan appear in this or another series.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly good fun, as usual! Padilla continues to deliver read after read in her "tribute to the barbarian clan" world.

Here, physician Ambrose volunteers as tribute to save his sister, who their awful father tricked into becoming their village's tribute when she refused to consider a loveless marriage. She already loves the local baker, who is unacceptable to their dumb snooty father. Ambrose leaves his son in her care and goes off to what he thinks are the brutal barbarian tribe.

(Ambrose proceeds to barely think about his son for a while, and there's little sense of him missing his son, which continually bothered me. That's the main issue. Their reunion was still touching, but, a parent leaving a child behind to the unknown? That conflict needed to be FAR more present in his emotional journey, and, it wasn't heroic that he left him behind in the first place.)

Godr is a character we met in book 1, the joking lighthearted horsemaster of the clan. He has no interest in finding a bondmate, but agrees to be Ambrose's protector because Ambrose is actually going to move on in a few weeks to be part of another tribe. He's here only to learn the barbarian language from Finn, and then the other tribe will take him, a new arrangement.

There's an inconsistency, because it seems Finn is teaching the language to a LOT of the other tribe's tributes all at once, but, when the tribe comes to get their tributes, they really come only for Ambrose. What happened to all the other tributes?! Confusing.

Anyway, the romance bt Ambrose and Godr is fraught with misunderstanding because of the language barrier (so, GOOD misunderstanding! Not annoying!). Ambrose declines language lessons at first, feeling it's more important to help people/heal them, and he believes, mistakenly, that he is expected/would be forced to sleep with his protector. So he takes the bull by the horns and makes the advances on Godr himself, despite Godr not indicating or asking for anything of the kind. Ambrose's misunderstanding and proactiveness create conflict and angst for them both and the tribe, and that was salacious and delicious and I liked the way they worked through it. Ambrose had never been with a man before, and was surprised to find himself getting turned on (he reads as demi--he'd been married and his wife had died in childbirth). They bond over the horses and form a strong friendship...and both are surprised by overwhelming feelings of More.

But their end date looms as Ambrose does not belong with this clan...

Mistakes are made, separation (unwanted by both) must happen, and the clan must step in to get these two their HEA. It was fun!

HEA, yep. Captive (sort of)-captor/protector romance, barbarian-town physician match. Language barrier wreaks havoc. OM drama from Godr's longtime fuck buddy, who doesn't want to end things. Nothing on page/in the book at all with anyone, totally safe for me. Recommended, as is this silly and often heartwarming little series. It's just good fun.

[ShelfLife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to Godr’s book! But, much like Einar’s book, I was a bit disappointed. These two have been my favorites (bedsides Rath) from the first time they were introduced, so I really wanted a lot out of their stories. Unfortunately, this book uses the miscommunication trope, which I really dislike as the main drama/plot. Not to mention, it makes Godr feel terrible about himself.

I didn’t really like Ambrose at all. He’s a know-it-all that thinks just because he’s educated, he knows what’s what in an environment he has no experience with…and a language he doesn’t speak. Ambrose slowly learns the language, but we don’t get to see much of him and Godr together once that happens.

The intimate scenes were awkward as well. There are only 3, and 2 of those are in the beginning when Ambrose thinks it’s expected of him, and there’s no love between them yet. In fact, Ambrose doesn’t enjoy it at all. He may say he does, but truly, his body may like it, but his brain doesn’t. Then, the last intimate time they share is a “goodbye” (known only to Ambrose, so one-sided), and it’s passionless and boring. Honestly, Ambrose himself is pretty boring and emotionless.

Something that bothered me: I got the feeling from Godr’s interaction with his fwb that he tops sometimes…and that’s not discussed with Ambrose at all. And, I don’t get the impression Ambrose is comfortable with even the thought of bottoming. He has a thought of how he can keep Godr away from his butt, so… I don’t care about this dynamic at all, but what I do care about is feeling like one MC isn’t going to be happy, because they’re not getting what they need in the relationship. If they’d talked about it, and it was made clear that Godr exclusively bottoms, Ambrose is open to trying, or Godr is happy with anything, I’d have felt better about them together.

I have loved Godr from the beginning of this series. And I love this series overall. But this book and the one before have been disappointing. Definitely nothing close to the endearing qualities of book one. I’m not saying Ambrose and Godr aren’t a good couple, but their story wasn’t up to par with the others. They didn’t get any development or outside plot. There are missed opportunities with Godr’s ex fwb, Ambrose finding a new family to belong to, and him leaving his son and trying to reunite. Previous books of the same length have had good development and depth, even plot, but not this one.

Also, Ambrose having a son doesn’t add anything to the story. He hardly emotes at all, but especially has very little anxiety about leaving him, yet we’re supposed to believe he’s heartbroken about never seeing him again? I was expecting this to be the main plot: Ambrose being distraught over leaving his son, and potentially never seeing him again. It would have made for a better read, imo.

[Sunny Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok these books are weird bc they improve in characterization as they go on but the stories just kind of steadily decline. the best one is #3 for me tbh, the main character feels the most solid to me. the rest of them are just like, sweet and deeply traumatized. except Ambrose in this one!! so that was refreshing. like of course I like the hurt/comfort aspect of the other dynamics but it just gets tired to read it repeatedly especially in the same universe. similarly, there are only so many plotlines we can shove into this one barbarian encampment although AP is doing her best. I do think it is wise to end the series after #6 but I do really like these characters and would probably still keep reading them if the series kept going.

my main qualm with this book is the massive miscommunication that happens basically right away that lowkey borders on a consent violation. it's nobody's fault, really, so it didn't take away from how much i liked the characters, but I don't think it was an appropriate way to get them into bed together and I DEFINITELY don't think it was worth the distress it caused to the characters, esp sweet angel Godr who has never done anything wrong in his life!

also, there weren't enough intimate scenes in my opinion. like the first two were both under the umbrella of The Miscommunication so they don't count to me. then there was really only one, and there was an undercurrent of sadness the whole time bc of a thing I won't spoil. then they don't have anymore, and we don't see their bonding ceremony at all -- it just makes it all a little abrupt. the whole ending was a bit abrupt actually. and the book itself was short as hell so it's not like there wasn't ROOM for all this shit.

TLDR: it was fine but ultimately meh :(

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

¿Qué puedo decir que no sea más de lo mismo con esta serie? Esta fue solo otra pareja que se robó mi corazón desde el primer momento.

Godr ya me intrigaba y me gustaba de libros anteriores, pero leerlo en primera persona y estar en su cabeza fue algo completamente diferente.

Ambrose por otra parte, aunque fue admirable su forma de pensar y cómo se sacrificó por su familia, también me frustró en su momento, cuando solo asumió que sabía todo y que aprender el idioma y las costumbres del clan no era tan importante para él, y sí, aunque lo hizo para centrarse primero en ayudar a los enfermos, de cualquier manera me pareció innecesario tanto rechazo hacia las clases por las que estaba allí en primer lugar y eso llevó a toda clase de drama innecesario que terminó haciendo sentir terrible a mi bebé Godr.

A partir de que se desenredó todo y que Ambrose descubrió su error, sí prestó atención y el cambio fue notable, así que en realidad no tengo muchas más quejas que su renuencia inicial a conocer el idioma a pesar de que le impedía comunicarse con los demás.

Ahora bien, como pareja me encantaron, se complementan perfectamente y Ambrose es toda la seriedad que un niño grande como Godr necesita😂

Lo único que me hubiera gustado agregar para hacerlo aún mejor serían más escenas con Sebastian, Godr y Ambrose, me gustó mucho lo poco que vi y me quedé con ganas de más, especialmente después del final cuando piden deseos a las estrellas. Tenía muchas ganas de saber qué había pedido Sebastian y si estaba relacionado con ellos tres.

Pd: me quedé con la duda de quién fue con Godr a entregar los caballos al otro clan, porque Ambrose dice que se fue demasiado rápido para que lo viera y luego no se volvió a mencionar.

[Charly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm conflicted about this book.

Ambrose volunteers to save his sister and son. He’s paired with Godr — a cheerful, carefree barbarian. But Ambrose is from another clan, and their partnership is meant to be temporary.

Ambrose quickly throws himself into his work, distancing himself from the people around him. He’s reluctant to learn the language or really listen, convinced he knows better — a mindset that made it hard for me to connect with him. I understood where he was coming from, but it still felt unfair, especially toward Godr, who to be open and patient with him. Which feels a bit biased, because I liked Godr in the other books so much already and just got to know Ambrose.

Moreover I’m simply hate miscommunication, and it made it harder for me to fully engage with the story.

That said, the ending really worked for me. Watching Godr and Ambrose realize their feelings and face the consequences of their choices added emotional depth. And Sebastian? Absolutely loved him. He’s such a great kid and his dynamic with Godr was truly heartwarming.

While this story didn’t capture me the same way the others did, it still offered moments of tenderness and growth. I’m curious to see where the series goes next!

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series

Ambrose is a widowed physician with a young son.
He feels frustrated in his job in town because he isn't truly accepted by the townspeople.
When his sister falls in love their father disapproves of the match and cheats in order for her to forced as tribute for the clans.
Ambrose is incensed and volunteers himself in order to protect her.
His only knowledge of the clans are rumors that aren't true.
He believes that he'll be forced to be intimate so he initiates encounters with Godr his protector.
He soon realizes this isn't true but also begins to want more from Godr.
Godr is sweet, funny, caring and very much loves his horses.
Ambrose, however is only with this clan to learn the language and so he must leave.
By the time the other clan arrives to take him, both men have finally realized they love one another but nothing can be done so Ambrose must leave.
This doesn't last long as things come to a head when Ambrose's son comes looking for him with his aunt and her husband.
Godr immediately leaves with his clan to retrieve Ambrose from the other clan.
Both have been miserable without each other.
The ending was wonderful with Ambrose, his son Sebastian and Godr finally able to be a happy family together.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

TBR , who? ARCS, what? Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Physician's Barbarian." It's the fifth official novel in her Not-So-Savage Barbarians series.

["When my father schemed to marry my sister off to a decrepit old man to boost his standing, I swore I’d protect her. Together, we drove suitors away, but his fury only grew. To punish us, he rigged the barbarian lottery—and when Evelyn’s name was drawn, her fate was sealed. Unless I stopped it.

There was only one way to spare her. I would take her place.

I’d do anything for my family. Even if it meant becoming a barbarian’s tribute."]

I love Godr, obsessed with him from the very beginning, wanted his happily ever after with each new book. I’m sooo glad he found it, found a partner, found a family. And our sweet and sassy neighborhood doctor from the previous book! Bonding over jokes and horse hugs.

I love seeing all of our previous couples still living their best lives. And our next HEA? A prince…stay tuned!

#theunexpectedbarbarian #thebarbarianstribute #savedbyabarbarian #seduingabarbarian #thebarbariansclaim #thephysiciansbarbarian #thebarbarianprince #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Godr's story at last

Introduced in The Barbarian's Tribute as Rath's brother, Godr definitely needed someone to love him, apart from his beloved horses (not including the bitey one!).
Ambrose is different from the other tributes because he has a young son he has to leave behind in the care of his sister and her husband, and he is also a doctor. Godr is assigned to him as his protector while Ambrose is supposed to be learning their language before joining the clan who has claimed him as tribute, except Ambrose spends more time treating patients than studying the language as he should.
Godr and Ambrose were perfectly matched, even though Ambrose didn't understand anything that he should about his situation, really. The miscommunication was the best thing that had ever happened to both of them, with Ambrose making assumptions that led to them falling in love.
Apart from Godr and Ambrose, I loved seeing the other tributes and their big marshmallow bondmates again and Simon particularly made me laugh, as expected. And Ambrose's connection with the bitey horse was a bit magical and wonderful.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifth in series (Not-So-Savage Barbarians), best if read in order. Single dad. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Quick read. Dual POV.

Ambrose is a single dad and healer that selflessly volunteers to take his sister’s place as his town’s tribute to the barbarian clans. Horsemaster Godr is cheerful and willing to help his clan in any way, so when he is asked to be a protector for the first time he is happy to help, but doesn’t anticipate that not being able to communicate with Ambrose leads to misunderstandings.

I really enjoyed this addition to the series, the hurt/comfort leaned to the barbarian side more this time in that Godr has to be comforted by Ambrose. The cinnamon roll barbarians are so wonderful to root for and deserving of their HEA’s. I do wish Ambrose and Godr had more scenes together once they could communicate more easily, but I absolutely adored their story as both characters were likable, caring, and loyal. 4.5 rounded up

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series follows a classic 'fish out of water'/found family formula, but with some nice twists and characters that make it an engaging, easy but moving read. I really enjoyed this latest book as well.

Godr has been a ray of joy in his previous appearances in the series, as horse-master of the clan and mischievous but caring brother to our barbarian mcs. Ambrose is determined to save his sister and her right to true love, so when their Father tries to rig the tribute lottery to punish her, he publicly declares himself instead. Ambrose is the first mc to volunteer, but also to have a reason to potentially go back? It was an interesting change to the dynamic between tribute/barbarian.

Godr is just.... such a cinnamon roll and I really loved getting his pov. They've got an instant chemistry, but the language barrier and some miscommunication/misunderstandings that causes are both key to the plot but also handled quickly instead of dragging on into pointless angst.

Looking forward to the next book! Can't wait to see which barbarian is set for their hea!

*ARC reader. Thoughts and opinions my own*

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Physician's Barbarian is the 5th book in Amy Padilla's Not So Savage Barbarians series. I didn't expect to find a single dad trope in this series. Add in the fact that dad Ambrose is a healer, and you can only conclude that his village and his father were a bunch of idiots. He's also straight, which is a staple in this series. Godr is his tribe's horsemaster. He wasn't looking for a companion, but when asked, he agrees to acclimate Ambrose. The language barrier causes miscommunications. A little twist in this book. Ambrose is meant for another clan, and the story gets a little angsty. before fate reunites him with his love and with his son.
Both MCs were introduced in other books, and the previous barbarian/mates cameo in their story. Sadly, there's only one more book to go, and no blurb yet. 😢 These were all quick, enjoyable reads. Impossible for me to choose a favorite.
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my review.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓱𝔂𝓼𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓷’𝓼 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝔂 𝓐𝓶𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓪
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I need all the barbarian books by Amy Padilla
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶 - My heart….
𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥: 115//12

You guys… This dropped, and as soon as I woke up, I downloaded it. Once I finished with my morning routine and all the things that I needed to do that morning, I sat down with the fur babies and read this in one sitting.

This story pulled at my heartstrings. This poor man (MMC) became the tribute to protect his sister so that she could get married to her love, and ended up leaving his son behind with his sister.

The MMC assumes he knows what being a tribute means, but in fact, he doesn’t, and there is a whole issue/ordeal when it comes to light, and it hurts my poor heart. But it’s okay because the author makes it all worth it in the end, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

This book has:
🌑 MM
🌑 bi-awakening
🌑 miscommunication (language barrier)

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambrose is a doctor and the brother of a tribute. He chooses to take her place so she can have her true love. He's supposed to learn the Barbarian's language and therein lies some miscommunication when he doesn't.

Godr is the horse master and brother to a previous Barbarian MC. He needs something more than his horses. He needs love and in comes Ambrose.

These two were yummy together. I loved the emotional pull that Ambrose went through in his sacrifice for his sister. He ends up giving up more than himself for her freedom to have her HEA. Godr is a sweet cinnamon roll and I thought he deserved someone special when first meeting him. The previously MCs from past books make cameos here so they're not forgotten. They help Ambrose acclimate to his new normal. This whole series is so good. Looking forward to more. 😍

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series. Every book is a little different, but they all share stories of respect, camaraderie, loyalty, and love. In this story, Ambrose volunteers to be his town's tribute to the barbarian tribes to protect his sister from being the tribute. A widower and the town physician, he must leave his son in the care of his sister, as he doesn't know how bad the barbarian tribe will be.

Godr, the tribe's horsemaster, is assigned as Ambrose's temporary caretaker. As the two men spend time together, feelings begin to form. It's also a time for learning about the language and culture of the tribe, while Ambrose also turns to healing members. Still, he's only there for a few weeks before he must travel to the tribe where he is supposed to permanently live. This book has a sweet, tentative love, hesitant passion, and a beautiful HEA.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambrose would do anything to keep his sister safe and that is what he does. When he finds himself with the barbarians it is different from what he thought it would be. The more time that he spends in the barbarian’s world the more his emotions come into play. Godr awakens something in Ambrose and he does not know what to do.
I enjoyed being along for Ambrose and Godr’s journey. It is a hard one full of ups and downs. The two are good together but they may have figured this out to late. The two must decide what and who they want to fight for. It was nice to see Godr take a chance and give Ambrose what he deserves. I have to add that I adore Rhoddgorr and he stole the show every time he was there. The author weaves a wonderful story and I enjoy how each new book continues the world building in this series.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language barrier between the tributes and barbarians causes a few misconceptions again, which isn't helped by rumors among the villages about bad clans and their treatment of tributes. This clan seems to be the best one. They are accepting, forgiving, and are even working to make changes to better accommodate the new members.

Ambrose isn't supposed to be staying with Godr's clan beyond learning the language and basics from Finn, but he ends up getting attached anyway. I wondered how the author was going to keep them together; I liked how everything worked out. And I loved the horse! I read it in one sitting and I'm really looking forward to the next couple.

I noted less half a dozen proofreading issues in the ARC.