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Savagely Sweet Barbarians #2
Escaping to the Barbarians
My clan calls me vigilant. My brother calls me overprotective. I call it my duty. I knew since I was young that I wanted to protect my clan and those who could not defend themselves. So when one of the towns we were visiting turned us away without giving us a chance to speak to the people there, I couldn’t make myself stay away. If someone was there that needed to escape, I wanted to help them. It turned out my instincts were right. I went back after dark and stumbled upon a terrified man being hunted by his own people. He collapsed into my arms, grateful and sobbing, and something in my chest lit for him. A protective instinct that burned solely for him. But his town wasn’t going to give him up so easily. Getting him out of the country would be harder than I expected. I would smuggle him out if I needed to. Whatever it took to keep him safe.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
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May 17, 2026
Escaping to the Barbarians by Amy Padilla is book two in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series. I love these barbarians. I think I say that in every review. But even more, I love what they are trying to do. They are literally going town to town to rescue anyone that wishes to come with them so that they are free to love who they want, either male or female. These are men that the townsfolk have deemed savage. The truth is, they are anything but.
Arlen Whittaker is a tailor living in one such town. For a man to wish to be with another man is called an affliction in his town. Punishable by death. Word has spread that the barbarians are coming and he wants to go with them. But, the town’s mayor won’t let them in. So Arlen escapes.
Tyos and his clan members are moving from one town to another, trying to offer a better life for those who wish to come with them, to be free to love who they wish. But this town won’t even open their gates to them. After moving on, Tyos is overwhelmed with the idea that someone in that town needs them. So he heads back after dark, only to have a small man literally fall into his arms. Tyos is a naturally protective man but when this particular man is in his embrace, Tyos felt like it was his one job on this earth, to protect this man.
“You are safe. Rest now. I protect you.”
The town wasn’t going to let Arlen go easily. They hunted them and tried to intimidate the barbarians into giving him back. But Tyos would have none of it. As they and the other clansmen along with their charges made their way towards home, Tyos and Arlen spent time together and their bond deepened. By the time they finally reached home, Tyos knew, he wanted Arlen as his bondmate. He wanted him forever.
These two were so sweet together. I adore going back to this world when each new book comes out. Now I can’t wait for the next one, book three, The Barbarian’s Musician.
Arlen Whittaker is a tailor living in one such town. For a man to wish to be with another man is called an affliction in his town. Punishable by death. Word has spread that the barbarians are coming and he wants to go with them. But, the town’s mayor won’t let them in. So Arlen escapes.
Tyos and his clan members are moving from one town to another, trying to offer a better life for those who wish to come with them, to be free to love who they wish. But this town won’t even open their gates to them. After moving on, Tyos is overwhelmed with the idea that someone in that town needs them. So he heads back after dark, only to have a small man literally fall into his arms. Tyos is a naturally protective man but when this particular man is in his embrace, Tyos felt like it was his one job on this earth, to protect this man.
“You are safe. Rest now. I protect you.”
The town wasn’t going to let Arlen go easily. They hunted them and tried to intimidate the barbarians into giving him back. But Tyos would have none of it. As they and the other clansmen along with their charges made their way towards home, Tyos and Arlen spent time together and their bond deepened. By the time they finally reached home, Tyos knew, he wanted Arlen as his bondmate. He wanted him forever.
These two were so sweet together. I adore going back to this world when each new book comes out. Now I can’t wait for the next one, book three, The Barbarian’s Musician.
April 10, 2026
~2.5~
The cover is dreadful and looks AI generated. I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of the content were as well.
These stories feel so recycled: same tropes, same characters, same narrative arc. I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't more drama in this one.
On the flip side, Tyos, the barbarian (from a different clan this time), and human Arlen are cute and fluffy and cozy; their relationship is all (metaphorical) roses and champagne.
I would have enjoyed it more if the author hadn't made poor attempts at humor by mocking how terribly Tyos spoke the "common tongue."
First of all, the kind of errors you make in a second language are dependent on the language itself and your native language background. Errors are varied and not always of the hahaha "twist of grammar" variety.
Second of all, the author is going to ridicule a character for trying to communicate, really? As an immigrant with parents who have heavy Eastern European accents and still make occasional grammatical mistakes when conversing in English, I resent that a whole lot.
Never mind that the author knows less about linguistics than I do about quantum physics, which is to say she has no fucking clue, no clue at all. The whole "language learning by osmosis" thing is what's irritated me most in the barbarian series (I have a masters in linguistics, so it's the kind of stuff I dwell on).
I keep coming back because these books are brain candy: simple, accessible, predictable (there's comfort in the familiar). They're not as good as peanut butter M&Ms but still a fun snack.
The cover is dreadful and looks AI generated. I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of the content were as well.
These stories feel so recycled: same tropes, same characters, same narrative arc. I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't more drama in this one.
On the flip side, Tyos, the barbarian (from a different clan this time), and human Arlen are cute and fluffy and cozy; their relationship is all (metaphorical) roses and champagne.
I would have enjoyed it more if the author hadn't made poor attempts at humor by mocking how terribly Tyos spoke the "common tongue."
First of all, the kind of errors you make in a second language are dependent on the language itself and your native language background. Errors are varied and not always of the hahaha "twist of grammar" variety.
Second of all, the author is going to ridicule a character for trying to communicate, really? As an immigrant with parents who have heavy Eastern European accents and still make occasional grammatical mistakes when conversing in English, I resent that a whole lot.
Never mind that the author knows less about linguistics than I do about quantum physics, which is to say she has no fucking clue, no clue at all. The whole "language learning by osmosis" thing is what's irritated me most in the barbarian series (I have a masters in linguistics, so it's the kind of stuff I dwell on).
I keep coming back because these books are brain candy: simple, accessible, predictable (there's comfort in the familiar). They're not as good as peanut butter M&Ms but still a fun snack.
April 7, 2026
Tyos is an uber protective, but independence supporting barbarian who meets Arlen and is instantly down bad. I found their relationship super sweet and the lowest angst across all the series.
It was a fun dynamic to have those book set in the drama/action of the journey from bigoted town to the safety and freedom of a new life in Al Nuzeem. Plot points between book 1 and 2 overlap, and I enjoyed seeing the other side in this book.
Lots of cast of character development in this one, so I'm intrigued to see who we might see get a HEA in a future book. It was the first book in the Barbarians or spin off where we spend time with a new clan. I would have liked to learn a little more about the differences between the Northern Clan and the Velgraz clan, as well as Arlen's new role in clan life. But I'm sure we'll see them cameo in future!
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
It was a fun dynamic to have those book set in the drama/action of the journey from bigoted town to the safety and freedom of a new life in Al Nuzeem. Plot points between book 1 and 2 overlap, and I enjoyed seeing the other side in this book.
Lots of cast of character development in this one, so I'm intrigued to see who we might see get a HEA in a future book. It was the first book in the Barbarians or spin off where we spend time with a new clan. I would have liked to learn a little more about the differences between the Northern Clan and the Velgraz clan, as well as Arlen's new role in clan life. But I'm sure we'll see them cameo in future!
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
September 3, 2026
I can’t get enough of the barbarians!
April 7, 2026
Escaping to the Barbarians is the second book in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series by Amy Padilla. It is a spin-off from the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series and can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the first book in this series as well as the original series. The original series will help with some getting to know some characters and circumstances that led to the events in this series. They are also really sweet books that I frequently re-read (or re-listen to the audiobooks.)
There are some events in this book that are mentioned in the previous book, but they are well explained in this book and are from a different perspective and closer to the events taking place. This book follows the group of clans traveling to pick up those who wish to leave the towns of the north for safety in a new place. Arlen wishes to leave but must escape when his town bars residents from leaving. These events bring him to Tyos and through their travels south with others wishing for safety and freedom, they find love and happiness.
I was engrossed in this book from the start. I had other plans today but ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. I was shocked to turn the page to see that was the end of the story. I love these characters and this world so much I never want to books to end. I am enjoying the new situations the clans find themselves in and love meeting new people. I love seeing the barbarians and townsfolk learn and adapt to their new situation and love seeing previous character reappear. Sometime having characters from previous books/series can bog down a story but that does not happen in these books. The reappearing characters are part of the clans and they each have a purpose for being included in the books.
Can you tell I love this book and both of the series? They give a calm and happy feeling and while all of the books have characters face some danger, they always find their happiness and their love and those feeling are ones I never want to end. These book in eBook and Audio formats have become some of my new favorite comfort reads and I can’t recommend them enough.
Received an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
There are some events in this book that are mentioned in the previous book, but they are well explained in this book and are from a different perspective and closer to the events taking place. This book follows the group of clans traveling to pick up those who wish to leave the towns of the north for safety in a new place. Arlen wishes to leave but must escape when his town bars residents from leaving. These events bring him to Tyos and through their travels south with others wishing for safety and freedom, they find love and happiness.
I was engrossed in this book from the start. I had other plans today but ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. I was shocked to turn the page to see that was the end of the story. I love these characters and this world so much I never want to books to end. I am enjoying the new situations the clans find themselves in and love meeting new people. I love seeing the barbarians and townsfolk learn and adapt to their new situation and love seeing previous character reappear. Sometime having characters from previous books/series can bog down a story but that does not happen in these books. The reappearing characters are part of the clans and they each have a purpose for being included in the books.
Can you tell I love this book and both of the series? They give a calm and happy feeling and while all of the books have characters face some danger, they always find their happiness and their love and those feeling are ones I never want to end. These book in eBook and Audio formats have become some of my new favorite comfort reads and I can’t recommend them enough.
Received an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
April 7, 2026
sweet read, but a little boring.
April 8, 2026
I liked it much better than the volume before. We only miss the bonding ceremony, That's actually always my favorite part, but otherwise... 🥰❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
“My Arlen. Gods blessed me when finding you.” - Tyos
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4 because I love these barbarians and couldn’t bring myself to give it 3.
Dual POV, 1st Person, Set in a past time/different universe
MCs: Arlen (Tailor for his Town, Bromwich) & Tyos (Warrior for his Clan, Tyos and blood brother Dras from Clan Velgraz)
📝💭Super cute and sweet like the other barbarians Amy has written. I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve read. A little disappointed in the anticlimactic plot, while it was nice to read, I was hoping for a little more to come up problem wise with Arlen running. I also feel like the ending was rather abrupt with no epilogue. I don’t think I would have minded the lack of epilogue if we could have at least been able to read that Arlen and Tyoa had . That was a let down that cost almost a full star for me. I would still recommend this series and the Not So Savage series to others! I find them very entertaining and am already looking forward to the next… maybe Dras?💭📝
🛑⚠️Trigger/Content Warnings: ⚠️🛑
- Homophobia
- Safe Sex/Protection & Traditional Lube, neither are a topic in this universe/time
😰😓My Limits:😓😰
Sharing: No
Cheating: No
OW/OM: No
Break Up: No
HEA/HFN?: More of a HFN because .
Emetophobia: There is a short scene where .
❤️Tropes/Themes:❤️
- Explicit Sexual Content
- Virgin MC
- Found Family vibes
- MM Romance
- Homophobia
📚 Read These: 📚
Not-So-Savage Barbarians series:
Khrull & Briar: The Unexpected Barbarian #0.5 (prequel), 4 ⭐️ This one you can get on the author's website.
Rath & Finn: The Barbarian’s Tribute #1, 5 ⭐️
Verus & Patrick: Saved by a Barbarian #2, 5 ⭐️
Tomas & Simon: Seducing a Barbarian #3, Have Not Read
Einar & Matthew: The Barbarian’s Claim #4, 5 ⭐️
Godr & Ambrose: The Physician’s Barbarian #5, 5 ⭐️
Uttin & Zakai: Prince of the Barbarians #6, Have Not Read
Savagely Sweet Barbarians Series:
Orthorr & Cedric The Barbarians Heart #1, 4 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
TBR, who? ARCS, what? Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "Escaping to the Barbarians." It's the second novel in her Savagely Sweet series, which is a Not-So-Savage Barbarian's spin-off.
["My clan calls me vigilant. My brother calls me overprotective. I call it my duty. I knew since I was young that I wanted to protect my clan and those who could not defend themselves. So when one of the towns we were visiting turned us away without giving us a chance to speak to the people there, I couldn’t make myself stay away. If someone was there that needed to escape, I wanted to help them. It turned out my instincts were right. I went back after dark and stumbled upon a terrified man being hunted by his own people. He collapsed into my arms, grateful and sobbing, and something in my chest lit for him. A protective instinct that burned solely for him. But his town wasn’t going to give him up so easily. Getting him out of the country would be harder than I expected. I would smuggle him out if I needed to. Whatever it took to keep him safe."]
Loved, loved, loooooved these two. I'm obsessed with hot instant the desire and devotion is in this series. It's nearly magical on how sure how fast they are. It's something clicking into place and fate giving you a little shove. Even if the meet-cute isn't always cute (though this was one--given the circumstances).
I also love how this one takes place along the same time frame as the last one, which always takes place between the last chapter and epilogue of the final Not-So-Savage Barbarians book. It's fun, knowing sooo much is going on all at the same time. I also (x2) love all of the cameos from Not-So-Savage Barbarians; love me all of those sassy and sweet tributes, and their savagely adorable and fiercely protective bond mates.
#barbariansheart #escapingtothebarbarians #savagelysweet #savagelysweetseries #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["My clan calls me vigilant. My brother calls me overprotective. I call it my duty. I knew since I was young that I wanted to protect my clan and those who could not defend themselves. So when one of the towns we were visiting turned us away without giving us a chance to speak to the people there, I couldn’t make myself stay away. If someone was there that needed to escape, I wanted to help them. It turned out my instincts were right. I went back after dark and stumbled upon a terrified man being hunted by his own people. He collapsed into my arms, grateful and sobbing, and something in my chest lit for him. A protective instinct that burned solely for him. But his town wasn’t going to give him up so easily. Getting him out of the country would be harder than I expected. I would smuggle him out if I needed to. Whatever it took to keep him safe."]
Loved, loved, loooooved these two. I'm obsessed with hot instant the desire and devotion is in this series. It's nearly magical on how sure how fast they are. It's something clicking into place and fate giving you a little shove. Even if the meet-cute isn't always cute (though this was one--given the circumstances).
I also love how this one takes place along the same time frame as the last one, which always takes place between the last chapter and epilogue of the final Not-So-Savage Barbarians book. It's fun, knowing sooo much is going on all at the same time. I also (x2) love all of the cameos from Not-So-Savage Barbarians; love me all of those sassy and sweet tributes, and their savagely adorable and fiercely protective bond mates.
#barbariansheart #escapingtothebarbarians #savagelysweet #savagelysweetseries #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
April 7, 2026
Escaping to the Barbarian
Savagely Sweet Barbarians, Book 2
By Amy Padilla
Savagely sweet is right!! This book is introduces Clan Velgraz to us and they are just as wonderful as the Northern clan.
Tyos is an overprotective barbarian from the Velgraz Clan. He has a twin brother, Dras, who is a few minutes older than him and never lets him forget it. Both go with the Northern clan to the towns to rescue people who they feel should be free to love whomever they choose.
Arlen is the tailor from Matthew’s old town. He is ready to pack up and leave when the mayor bars the gate. He starts to watch and plan for his escape knowing his life depends on the freedom he’ll find with the barbarians.
Oh my goodness!! This story jumps to high drama right out of the gate. So much happens immediately and I don’t want to spoil any part of the story. It is so hard!!! I just loved Arlen and Tyos from the beginning. I loved seeing all of our Northern Clan mates. In my opinion, this series is so good. Were there moments that I worried for Arlen? Yes. BUT to me it is still very low angst and very HIGH romance. It is such a joy to read about these barbarians. I can’t wait to see who comes next. Will it be someone from the Clan Velgraz or another clan?
Savagely Sweet Barbarians, Book 2
By Amy Padilla
Savagely sweet is right!! This book is introduces Clan Velgraz to us and they are just as wonderful as the Northern clan.
Tyos is an overprotective barbarian from the Velgraz Clan. He has a twin brother, Dras, who is a few minutes older than him and never lets him forget it. Both go with the Northern clan to the towns to rescue people who they feel should be free to love whomever they choose.
Arlen is the tailor from Matthew’s old town. He is ready to pack up and leave when the mayor bars the gate. He starts to watch and plan for his escape knowing his life depends on the freedom he’ll find with the barbarians.
Oh my goodness!! This story jumps to high drama right out of the gate. So much happens immediately and I don’t want to spoil any part of the story. It is so hard!!! I just loved Arlen and Tyos from the beginning. I loved seeing all of our Northern Clan mates. In my opinion, this series is so good. Were there moments that I worried for Arlen? Yes. BUT to me it is still very low angst and very HIGH romance. It is such a joy to read about these barbarians. I can’t wait to see who comes next. Will it be someone from the Clan Velgraz or another clan?
April 8, 2026
Well this one was exciting! The town of Bromwich has no desire to tribute or allow it's residents to leave. Towns have lost healers and teachers, (as well as other 'useful' folk) to the clans and they're seeing problems with their economies and town stability (stabilities?). The situation hasn't opened any minds, and people like tailor, Arlen, are still in danger. He attempts an escape, only to be pursued.
Bromwich refuses to open it's gates to Clan Emissaries. Warrior Tyos, a known protector, stays back after the rescue wagons leave. He's surveilling the town and literally runs into Arlen.
This is a bit more slow burn than some of the other books in Ms Padilla's two "Barbarian" series. As they travel towards clan territory, attraction grows. So does the angst, "will he/won't he". There's lots of support in the form of former MCs. And Tyos' blood brother is a hoot and derves his own story.
My only complaint, and I have it with every Barbarian or Charmed Away story, I wish the books were longer. As much as I appreciate that the author doesn't drag out and torture her characters, I just want MORE. Can't wait for the next Tall, Fur covered, and Handsome, story.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Bromwich refuses to open it's gates to Clan Emissaries. Warrior Tyos, a known protector, stays back after the rescue wagons leave. He's surveilling the town and literally runs into Arlen.
This is a bit more slow burn than some of the other books in Ms Padilla's two "Barbarian" series. As they travel towards clan territory, attraction grows. So does the angst, "will he/won't he". There's lots of support in the form of former MCs. And Tyos' blood brother is a hoot and derves his own story.
My only complaint, and I have it with every Barbarian or Charmed Away story, I wish the books were longer. As much as I appreciate that the author doesn't drag out and torture her characters, I just want MORE. Can't wait for the next Tall, Fur covered, and Handsome, story.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
April 15, 2026
This is the second book in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Arlen and Tyos. Arlen is a tailor in his town. He has been saving up money so that he can leave. When he is finally ready, the town locks down and refuses to allow people to leave. They are afraid of losing people with sought after skills to the Barbarians. The Barbarians are on a sweep to gather up those that wish to live with them. Realizing that this is his only chance, Arlen makes a break for it. And his fellow neighbors try to track him down with dogs to keep him from escaping. Luckily, Tyos and his group of Barbarians rescue him at the last minute. This is their story. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed how strongly and action packed this book started out. I have to admit that I found it lost a bit of it's luster after that. That is not to say that I didn't enjoy the book because I did. I just found it to be a nice read and not the great read that I was anticipating. I have enjoyed other books in this series more. I am still looking forward to the next book by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the second book of the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series, we find a group of Barbarians from the different clans that had settled at Al Nazeem, working together to pick-up/rescue people from various towns who want to leave. Their reason for leaving? To be free from scrutiny and judgment from their peers and live and love openly, preferably in a same sex relationship.
If their "affliction" was to be known, they would face death. The majority of towns willingly give these people over to the Barbarians. But one town in particular decides to trap their group of people who want to leave. Yet, that's not enough for tailor Arlen, who has always dreamed of finding love.
He finds a way to sneak out but unfortunately he is chased by the towns guards, ready to capture and kill him. Nearly dead, he is rescued by one of the Barbarians, Tyos, and in my opinion, it was love at first sight. Their caravan back to Al Nazeem faces a bit of an adventure both good and bad, but it is clear Tyos is protective and smitten with Arlen.
Will their language barrier and different customs hinder a possible bondmate? Will Arlen want someone new when they reach Al Nazeem? These are all potential worries but with how quickly they've connected, you're going to root for their HEA! And remember those good and bad adventures I mentioned? I think this book is definitely a great set up for an action packed Book 3, and I can't wait to read it!
Special thanks to the author for providing me the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
If their "affliction" was to be known, they would face death. The majority of towns willingly give these people over to the Barbarians. But one town in particular decides to trap their group of people who want to leave. Yet, that's not enough for tailor Arlen, who has always dreamed of finding love.
He finds a way to sneak out but unfortunately he is chased by the towns guards, ready to capture and kill him. Nearly dead, he is rescued by one of the Barbarians, Tyos, and in my opinion, it was love at first sight. Their caravan back to Al Nazeem faces a bit of an adventure both good and bad, but it is clear Tyos is protective and smitten with Arlen.
Will their language barrier and different customs hinder a possible bondmate? Will Arlen want someone new when they reach Al Nazeem? These are all potential worries but with how quickly they've connected, you're going to root for their HEA! And remember those good and bad adventures I mentioned? I think this book is definitely a great set up for an action packed Book 3, and I can't wait to read it!
Special thanks to the author for providing me the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second in series (Savagely Sweet Barbarians), best if read in order. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Quick read. Dual POV.
Arlen plans to leave his hometown and his tailor shop behind in order to find the freedom to love who he chooses. But he has to resort to sneaking out and luckily is rescued by a protective barbarian that helps him escape and eventually feel safe and loved.
Anyone familiar with this author’s barbarian series will again find the recurring formula of an outsider falling for a cinnamon roll barbarian, and if that’s your jam (which apparently is it for me), then this is another fun read. Arlen and Tyos become close quickly, Arlen relying on Tyos for safety and Tyos deciding that he would willingly protect Arlen for the rest of his life. Although not deep, this story certainly fits the sweet, cute and short categories, with a bit of spice. This story overlaps slightly in timeline to book one, and has some hints at possible future characters which I look forward to seeing get their HEA. 4.25
Arlen plans to leave his hometown and his tailor shop behind in order to find the freedom to love who he chooses. But he has to resort to sneaking out and luckily is rescued by a protective barbarian that helps him escape and eventually feel safe and loved.
Anyone familiar with this author’s barbarian series will again find the recurring formula of an outsider falling for a cinnamon roll barbarian, and if that’s your jam (which apparently is it for me), then this is another fun read. Arlen and Tyos become close quickly, Arlen relying on Tyos for safety and Tyos deciding that he would willingly protect Arlen for the rest of his life. Although not deep, this story certainly fits the sweet, cute and short categories, with a bit of spice. This story overlaps slightly in timeline to book one, and has some hints at possible future characters which I look forward to seeing get their HEA. 4.25
April 8, 2026
I enjoyed the story even if it's not my favorite of this universe. I found myself missing more snippets of previous characters lives, they appear, it's just I wanted even more.
I like how this series is evolving, with new clans to bring fresh blood and perspectives to it. The MCs aren't perfect, they read very humanlike, with flaws that make the book feel more authentic.
Tyos rescues Arlen and helps him to see that no matter what bad people do, he deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Arlen is the one who is able to be Tyos focus, seeing his protectiveness as something good and enjoying it instead of thinking it's stifling.
Both are a cute couple, free os the misunderstandings from the Not So Savage Barbarians series and knowing almost for the start that they want to be with each other.
This book is set at the same time that the first in the series, giving us other POV about those moments where war seems imminent and how normal people lived them.
I liked it a lot!
It's well written, you can lost yourself in the tale and I couldn't stop reading until I finished it.
I like how this series is evolving, with new clans to bring fresh blood and perspectives to it. The MCs aren't perfect, they read very humanlike, with flaws that make the book feel more authentic.
Tyos rescues Arlen and helps him to see that no matter what bad people do, he deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Arlen is the one who is able to be Tyos focus, seeing his protectiveness as something good and enjoying it instead of thinking it's stifling.
Both are a cute couple, free os the misunderstandings from the Not So Savage Barbarians series and knowing almost for the start that they want to be with each other.
This book is set at the same time that the first in the series, giving us other POV about those moments where war seems imminent and how normal people lived them.
I liked it a lot!
It's well written, you can lost yourself in the tale and I couldn't stop reading until I finished it.
April 12, 2026
Light, fun and predictable
To me, these books are like junk food. They largely 'taste' the same, they are fun and quick to consume and they're good when you don't have to think too much. Arlen and Tyos are sweet together. The plot is largely similar to others in the series - Tyos finds Arlen when he's vulnerable and in need of protection and they form a bond from there. I'm going to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of some of the way Tyos' attempts at the common tongue were handled. Over the series there have been a couple of occasions where I didn't love the way it was handled but mostly it made sense for the books - however, on this occasion it felt off. Second languages are difficult especially when you're moving to a significantly different structure. Maybe I'm being more sensitive because of the global climate currently but it just felt meh to me. Not a huge thing, but I think these types of things matter. Overall, I found the book enjoyable. It's fun, light reading for when you just don't want to have to think.
To me, these books are like junk food. They largely 'taste' the same, they are fun and quick to consume and they're good when you don't have to think too much. Arlen and Tyos are sweet together. The plot is largely similar to others in the series - Tyos finds Arlen when he's vulnerable and in need of protection and they form a bond from there. I'm going to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of some of the way Tyos' attempts at the common tongue were handled. Over the series there have been a couple of occasions where I didn't love the way it was handled but mostly it made sense for the books - however, on this occasion it felt off. Second languages are difficult especially when you're moving to a significantly different structure. Maybe I'm being more sensitive because of the global climate currently but it just felt meh to me. Not a huge thing, but I think these types of things matter. Overall, I found the book enjoyable. It's fun, light reading for when you just don't want to have to think.
April 7, 2026
With the clans now converging to be bigger and form an alliance the Barbarians take to the towns to find those who seek refuge with them. Arlen has been his towns tailor for years and wants to escape but with the towns now seeing some people would prefer clan life to town life, Arlen must escape and hope to find a place he belongs. Tyos takes his duties of protecting his and now the combined clan and goes to the towns to help those who seek refuge. On his first encounter with Arlen he knows this is his new charge and will do anything to protect him.
It was nice to see past tributes and their mates after their stories to see how their relationships have grown in the time away from their stories. Its been fun to see the change in the barbarian civilization and how their teaming with AL NUZEM has helped both the kingdom and Barbarian communities alike. This is one of those series you can't help but keep coming back to see where the author will go next.
It was nice to see past tributes and their mates after their stories to see how their relationships have grown in the time away from their stories. Its been fun to see the change in the barbarian civilization and how their teaming with AL NUZEM has helped both the kingdom and Barbarian communities alike. This is one of those series you can't help but keep coming back to see where the author will go next.
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July 10, 2026I enjoyed this one more than the previous, as it had the initial excitement of escape from the bigoted village, but once Arlen and Tyos meet, the plot is thin on the ground. You're just along for the ride, as there's no real impediment to our couple getting together. That said, zero angst, all fluff is what I came for, so... *shrug*
Still, I hate to say, but I'm getting a bit of that Jean M. Auel Earth's Children syndrome of diminishing returns, where later books feel more rehashed, with conversations over-explaining earlier events.
"After being hunted by people I'd grown up with, I'm having trouble accepting that I'm truly safe."
Still a nice light read, and I'll pick up the next, but just as well that it's the last published so far, as I'm ready to take a break from these barbarians.
Still, I hate to say, but I'm getting a bit of that Jean M. Auel Earth's Children syndrome of diminishing returns, where later books feel more rehashed, with conversations over-explaining earlier events.
"After being hunted by people I'd grown up with, I'm having trouble accepting that I'm truly safe."
Still a nice light read, and I'll pick up the next, but just as well that it's the last published so far, as I'm ready to take a break from these barbarians.
September 28, 2026
So, in this book, a group of Eldaran refugees are helped by the barbarian clans to sneak into Al Nuzem. They run into some difficulty along the way and are forced to sneak by the kingdom's knights to reach the clans who are temporarily settled just outside Al Nuzem's capital city. Even though the journey is tough, Alren, a tailor from Matthew's former home town (one of the MCs from The Barbarian's Claim), still falls in love with Tyos, a barbarian from clan Velgraz who are one of the clans allied with the Northern clan (I wonder if they'll change that name now that they've moved to a country in the south) and Al Nuzem. It was a sweet story, and I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great read. Arlen is a tailor in his village and is very popular. People are always asking him when he is going to get married, but he always says he is too busy to court someone. When he hears that the barbarians are coming to his town he gets himself ready to leave. He hears rumors that the mayor will not let anyone leave but finds a way to escape. Tyos is a protector and is very caring. When he realizes that the town is closed and pushing away his clan, his instincts tell him he needs to go back. When he does, he saves Arlen from his townspeople. This is the start of their story with how they got together and how Arlen started to feel safer. Great chemistry, heat and world building. Cannot wait for the next book in this world.
April 8, 2026
Book 2 | Savage Barbarians Universe | Arlan x Tyos
HEA | Dual 1st | KU
Overall thoughts:
✨ I love Amy’s works so much, although I will say I found this one somewhat anticlimactic. I was reading and then hit the “did you find a typo” and I was shocked, I felt there was a lot more that could have been explored
✨ No epilogue, so I would describe this a HFN as they didn’t officially become bond mates like all the other couples
✨ I would’ve liked to see Arlan explore his craft in his new city a little bit more
✨ Super keen to see who the next book is about, maybe Tyos twin Dras. We did also get a sneak peek at the next titles , we may be getting another MMM story by Amy
✨ Overall a great read, love the barbarians and excited to see what’s next for this universe
HEA | Dual 1st | KU
Overall thoughts:
✨ I love Amy’s works so much, although I will say I found this one somewhat anticlimactic. I was reading and then hit the “did you find a typo” and I was shocked, I felt there was a lot more that could have been explored
✨ No epilogue, so I would describe this a HFN as they didn’t officially become bond mates like all the other couples
✨ I would’ve liked to see Arlan explore his craft in his new city a little bit more
✨ Super keen to see who the next book is about, maybe Tyos twin Dras. We did also get a sneak peek at the next titles , we may be getting another MMM story by Amy
✨ Overall a great read, love the barbarians and excited to see what’s next for this universe
April 9, 2026
This is another fun, low-angst novella from the Savagely Sweet Barbarians world. In this story, Arlen is a tailor in his oppressive town. Attracted to men, he is afraid to reveal himself to danger from the people around him. He's resigned to a life of loneliness until he hears the barbarians are nearby, looking for those who wish to join them in a life of more freedom. Arlen decides to make a run for it and meets Tyos, who protects him from pursuers. From that point on the two men become inseparable.
In this book, we catch up on some of the characters from previous books in this world as we watch the clan evolve and grow. This romance is passionate, protective, and loving. I look forward to the next book!
In this book, we catch up on some of the characters from previous books in this world as we watch the clan evolve and grow. This romance is passionate, protective, and loving. I look forward to the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arlen is really put through the wringer in order to find his place in the world, but he finally finds freedom and safety with Tyos. There are both new and familiar faces from prior books in the story. I like how the bond mates find a place within the clans by helping out and using their knowledge and skills. As the series title says, these guys are savagely sweet. The story is fairly low angst and seems to be leading to bigger problems for the people wanting to leave the towns for a new life. I'm curious as to which barbarian finds his mate next.
I noted only a couple of proofreading issues in the ARC.
I noted only a couple of proofreading issues in the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arlen and Tyos story was quite interesting with a bit of adrenaline and danger as there’s escaping, chasing, and people that are determined to make things difficult.
I liked how their relationship developed, the trust between them, how Arlen was accepted and protected from danger, and the changes he brings to the clans.
I liked the teasing and the shenanigans, and I absolutely adored their awkward communication thanks to the slight language barrier.
I liked seeing old characters and the happy community they formed.
They were sweet and endearing together, and I liked how they got their happiness.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next couple.
I liked how their relationship developed, the trust between them, how Arlen was accepted and protected from danger, and the changes he brings to the clans.
I liked the teasing and the shenanigans, and I absolutely adored their awkward communication thanks to the slight language barrier.
I liked seeing old characters and the happy community they formed.
They were sweet and endearing together, and I liked how they got their happiness.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next couple.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arlen and Tyos
"A barbarian he may be, but my sweet lover wasn't the ferocious type unless he absolutely needed to be. I never felt safter than I did wrapped in his arms."
The good barbarian clans would be the only way I would ever consider living the rough lifestyle that they do. Our lives are much too privileged and over-technologically saturated, but the easiness and the happiness that exists in the barbarian clans is just so pleasant and beautiful to read that it's a fantastic idea for escape. (No pun intended.)
The barbarians live in such a contented and virtually magical state that it's easy to forget that the story is not a paranormal or supernatural fantasy. It is essentially a contemporary idea in older-style times. I can't get enough of these stories, and I hope the ongoing series' never end, no matter how many spin-offs that means. 🥰
Escaping to the Barbarians had a little bit more stressful action than some, but I loved the natural interactions we got between Arlen & Tyos. They were perfect for each other, and I loved reading their loving journey. I'm hoping & assuming we'll get a story for Tyos' brother in the future but that's because I want them all to have the happiest ever afters.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
"A barbarian he may be, but my sweet lover wasn't the ferocious type unless he absolutely needed to be. I never felt safter than I did wrapped in his arms."
The good barbarian clans would be the only way I would ever consider living the rough lifestyle that they do. Our lives are much too privileged and over-technologically saturated, but the easiness and the happiness that exists in the barbarian clans is just so pleasant and beautiful to read that it's a fantastic idea for escape. (No pun intended.)
The barbarians live in such a contented and virtually magical state that it's easy to forget that the story is not a paranormal or supernatural fantasy. It is essentially a contemporary idea in older-style times. I can't get enough of these stories, and I hope the ongoing series' never end, no matter how many spin-offs that means. 🥰
Escaping to the Barbarians had a little bit more stressful action than some, but I loved the natural interactions we got between Arlen & Tyos. They were perfect for each other, and I loved reading their loving journey. I'm hoping & assuming we'll get a story for Tyos' brother in the future but that's because I want them all to have the happiest ever afters.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
April 7, 2026
Sweet, low angst
Arlen is his towns tailor and having heard of the barbarians picking people up, he plans to leave with them.
His town forbids it so he makes a run for it and is actively pursued by the knights.
They're discouraged by the barbarians and slowly continue their journey to theinew home.
It's very hard for Arlen to overcome his lifetime of fear for being attracted to men.
Tyos is very protective of his people and immediately claims Arlen as one of his protectees.
It soon becomes very apparent they're attracted to one another.
Tyos, along with the others fleeing persecution and the other barbarians soon help him ferl safe in his new life.
Arlen is his towns tailor and having heard of the barbarians picking people up, he plans to leave with them.
His town forbids it so he makes a run for it and is actively pursued by the knights.
They're discouraged by the barbarians and slowly continue their journey to theinew home.
It's very hard for Arlen to overcome his lifetime of fear for being attracted to men.
Tyos is very protective of his people and immediately claims Arlen as one of his protectees.
It soon becomes very apparent they're attracted to one another.
Tyos, along with the others fleeing persecution and the other barbarians soon help him ferl safe in his new life.
April 7, 2026
Sweet barbarians indeed
This is the second in the Sweet Barbarians series. We find cameos of others we've read about before, so it's lovely catching up with them.
Arlen is a tailor in the town that Matthew came from, so it's nice to see Arlen has a friendly face to greet him. Arlen is rescued by Tyos and very quickly forms a bond with him. Their journey to their camp is fraught with the kings knights along the way, who want to stop the Barbarians from taking people away from the towns. Of course, it has a HEA, as all Amy Padilla books do!
It's a quick read, but very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next installment this series.
This is the second in the Sweet Barbarians series. We find cameos of others we've read about before, so it's lovely catching up with them.
Arlen is a tailor in the town that Matthew came from, so it's nice to see Arlen has a friendly face to greet him. Arlen is rescued by Tyos and very quickly forms a bond with him. Their journey to their camp is fraught with the kings knights along the way, who want to stop the Barbarians from taking people away from the towns. Of course, it has a HEA, as all Amy Padilla books do!
It's a quick read, but very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next installment this series.
April 7, 2026
This is the second in the Sweet Barbarians series. We find cameos of others we've read about before, so it's lovely catching up with them.
Arlen is a tailor in the town that Matthew came from, so it's nice to see Arlen has a friendly face to greet him. Arlen is rescued by Tyos and very quickly forms a bond with him. Their journey to their camp is fraught with the kings knights along the way, who want to stop the Barbarians from taking people away from the towns. Of course, it has a HEA, as all Amy Padilla books do!
It's a quick read, but very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next installment this series.
Not a review from an ARC, I bought the book!
Arlen is a tailor in the town that Matthew came from, so it's nice to see Arlen has a friendly face to greet him. Arlen is rescued by Tyos and very quickly forms a bond with him. Their journey to their camp is fraught with the kings knights along the way, who want to stop the Barbarians from taking people away from the towns. Of course, it has a HEA, as all Amy Padilla books do!
It's a quick read, but very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next installment this series.
Not a review from an ARC, I bought the book!
April 11, 2026
"Escaping to the Barbarians" received THREE stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
April 11, 2026
Sweet, protective barbarians
Tyos and Arlen are one of my favorite couples in this series. They are so sweet together. Arlen tries to escape his town and make it to the barbarian group traveling from town to town taking people who want to live freely. Tyos rescues him. He is immediately attracted to Arlen and very protective of him. Seeing all the familiar characters in this book added more fun to the story. The plot was simple but still gave a lot of relationship development to our main characters. I have to admit the ending felt a little abrupt, and I would have liked more to the story. A bonding ceremony would have been a nice closure for this couple.
Tyos and Arlen are one of my favorite couples in this series. They are so sweet together. Arlen tries to escape his town and make it to the barbarian group traveling from town to town taking people who want to live freely. Tyos rescues him. He is immediately attracted to Arlen and very protective of him. Seeing all the familiar characters in this book added more fun to the story. The plot was simple but still gave a lot of relationship development to our main characters. I have to admit the ending felt a little abrupt, and I would have liked more to the story. A bonding ceremony would have been a nice closure for this couple.
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