Seducing a Barbarian

Not-So-Savage Barbarians #3

by Amy Padilla

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.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Queer

146 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

~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.

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

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...

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Xiomara · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[timtam (semi-slump) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ✨

[winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutamente no. Odié al protagonista con todo mi ser.

[Cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 :/

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jess Grayson (bookspastbedtime) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Macrochiroptera · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 (Simon's ability to use knives, which ends up making him a serious danger to the warriors attacking the clan), 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.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

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! 😈

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Kimmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon is a little shit and I am low-key here for it.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

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

[Revy]

dnf at like 40%. The main character is a whiny selfish little asshole and he isn't apparently getting better so bye.

[ShelfLife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that Feigrind finally finds his person. He is the sweetest, most patient guy, and he deserved a HEA.

The book as a whole is written very well. It has heart and mild-to-medium heat. There’s some good action thrown in as well.

I didn’t like Simon’s job as a prostitute (the sex-work trope doesn’t work for me), and I felt like I was reading conflicting thoughts coming from Simon throughout. Simon says he chose his work and likes it, but then we learn his mom was also a prostitute, got pregnant from one of her customers, and then sold Simon into the brothel. So, really, he didn’t have a choice, and it feels like he’s just trying to make the best of a shitty situation, and convince himself that he likes it and is happy. Now, had this view actually been how he felt and conveyed to the reader as such, I wouldn’t have had an issue with it. However, I was able to kind of just gloss over his pro-sex-work comments and still enjoy his and Feigrind’s story.

This is a short book, and there isn’t a lot of long transition periods, so when Simon and Feigrind get physical, it happens kind of abruptly. I didn’t mind that, but it would have added some credibility if Feigrind had gone through a bit more hesitancy before things got hot and heavy.

Overall, I’m enjoying this author and series. I’ve picked up another of her series to see if I like it as well. Sometimes, a short, sweet read is all I’m in the mood for.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seducing a Barbarian
Not-So-Savage Barbarians Series
By Amy Padilla


Simon is a surprise to the barbarians when he is handed over. He isn’t meek with fear. Instead he is loud, abrasive, and full of fight.

Feigrind is the tribute whisperer. His calm and patient demeanor earns him the dubious privilege of taking on the troublesome tributes. Feigrind teaches them the basics of language and cares for them until they are ready to move on. Because they always move on and he is lonely. He just wants what his brothers have love and companionship. But was he looking in the wrong direction all this time?

Oh this story! I don’t know who I loved more Simon or Feigrind. Simon is such a diva and a brat. Yet when push came to shove, he protected his community. He was ready and willing to fight for the barbarians he had to come care for. Feigrind melted my heart. I could feel his loneliness and his desire for a partner. To match these two up, it felt like we were witnessing opposites attracting right before our eyes.

Amy continues to bring new and wonderful characters to the canvas. Maman is strong. She is kind and snarky and she loves with her whole heart. She is the presence and advice that both Simon and Feigrind need to come together. One of my favorite things about a series is getting to revisit the characters from previous books. To me that makes the world that Amy has created a great place to visit and it helps me to look forward to the next book.

[Gisselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟

While I enjoyed this one a lot more than the second book in this series, I have to acknowledge its flaws.

That being everything felt like it was being speed run. Every conflict felt like it only lasted a couple of lines. It was resolved immediately, and there were conflicts just to...have them. Simon is some kind of assassin with how he's able to go around killing people, and for someone who was a prostitute it was just kind of ridiculous and unbelievable. I think a lot of my issues with this story would have been fixed if some time gone into it. If the events didn't just happen in a boom-boom-boom fashion. I also don't like when SA is used willy-nilly as a plot device or the threat of it.

These are short little novels, so I guess I sort of understand why everything is happening in such a fast based way, but it really doesn't give you anytime do actually feel anything about what's happening.It's just like, okay.And then this happens and then it's resolved and then we're having sex and then this happens and then it's resolved and then we're having sex and then all of sudden we're in love and everything's great.

So, was it entertaining and low stakes? Yes. Did I like it? Yeah, I think so. Was it good? I don't know how to answer that question.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “Seducing a Barbarian” which the third book in the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series by Amy Padilla. I recommend the series be read in order just because characters and previous events will make more sense, but it can be read as a stand-alone without too much confusion. Seriously, read the other books. They are also very good books. This is a quote from my review of the second book in the series and it fits all books so far, “Sweet and adorable are two words I didn't think could be uses in a book or series about ‘barbarians,’”

I have enjoyed all books in this series so far but there is just something about this book that is more. Simon is a feisty brat who is a bit of a jerk but he has his moments of kindness and caring. Feigrind has patience galore and is often given the more troublesome tributes to protect, though none have chosen him. These two match up in the best ways and their HEA is well deserved for both of them.

I hope that they feature in a short story later on or in further books in the series. I want to see a possibility mentioned at the end happen for all those who might want it.

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