Between Two Barbarians

Savagely Sweet Barbarians #4

by Amy Padilla

My father thought he was punishing me by sending me to stay with the barbarians for a period of time. He said it was to better understand them so that we could care for them properly. To me, it sounded like a great deal of fun. I didn’t expect to be swayed by one of them, much less by two. I wanted to enjoy my life, not be tied down. But the two barbarians who wanted me weren’t so easily deterred. And they were willing to fight each other for the honor of keeping me. What were the chances that I could have them both?

Genres: M M Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2026

Reviews

[❀ Jess]

I thought this would be a romance between two barbarians given the title, maybe from different tribes, not that It would be MMM 😭

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "Between Two Barbarians." It's the fourth novel in her Savagely Sweet series, which is a Not-So-Savage Barbarian's spin-off.

["My father thought he was punishing me by sending me to stay with the barbarians for a period of time. He said it was to better understand them so that we could care for them properly. To me, it sounded like a great deal of fun. I didn’t expect to be swayed by one of them, much less by two. I wanted to enjoy my life, not be tied down. But the two barbarians who wanted me weren’t so easily deterred. And they were willing to fight each other for the honor of keeping me. What were the chances that I could have them both?"]

Yes. All of the yes.

This was sassy and sweet. It was soft protection and over-eager rivals tripping over themselves to please the newcomer. It was finding comfort and home. It was found families interacting with other found families and finally finding friendship.

It was soo much fluff, disguised as...well it wasn't disguised at all. Jamal was spoiled rotten by his barbarians--but exactly zero people minded.

I just love this series SO much. I love how adorable these barbarians are for their pets, their family, their bond mates. It's nothing savage, whatsoever, but they can be, if their pets/family/bond mates are in danger, perceived or otherwise.

Who's going to be knocked off their feet with a HEA next?

#barbariansheart #escapingtothebarbarians #thebarbariansmusician #betweentwobarbarians #savagelysweet #savagelysweetseries #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the two Barbarians

Torgrind and Brenak were good characters, antagonistic towards each other, rivals in their clan, for whatever reason. Meeting the new envoy from the palace, both were extremely attracted to him and did all they could to keep him safe and happy, and please him in every way possible.
Jamal was a little shit who played one off against the other, either smirking or complaining the whole time, and refusing to choose between them.
I loved the two Babarians and how they grudgingly grew to tolerate each other, because Jamal really was a menace who would get into trouble the minute they took their eye off him so it was a two-man job to keep him safe and secure.
There are cameos from other favourites here. Simon, of course, because he's never far from trouble, and Zakai (ditto), but there are more characters that you'll recognise if you've been reading all the Barbarian books.
This is not my favourite story of Amy's Barbarians, purely because Jamal was such a spoilt brat, but Torgrind and Brenak were definitely worth reading about. To be fair, Jamal pointed out that he had worked for twenty years at the palace so he wasn't actually spoilt and indolent, but he was still a mischief-maker and reveled in it.

[Molly Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite from this author albeit still enjoyable just not as good as it's predecessors. we met Jamal when Zakai was at the capital and knew the man would take any opportunity to visit the barbarians when allowed. When the opportunity arises, he goes and catches the eye of not one but two barbarians! Brenek & Torgrind have a had a rivalry their entire lives, what makes them able to be in the same space is this troublemaker they cannot help but both be drawn to and not want to let go. Where I enjoyed the dynamics of the group, I couldn't fully see the connection separately with Brenek & Torgrind, more of an acceptance of the other to be with the man they both wanted. You can see why Jamal is the way he is especially growing up knowing he was always meant to serve and not thrive on his own, so given the opportunity he goes full out, not really thinking on how it will affect anyone around him. In the end, it all worked out well this one just wasn't for me at the same level as the authors previous works.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamal, Brenek and Torgrind story was exciting and full of mischief as two old rivals had to find common ground to keep and find happiness with a troublemaker.
The teasing and distractions were entertaining, but it had a bit of heartache when a misunderstanding caused a bit of havoc.
I liked seeing old characters and their brand of shenanigans, as well as all the new experiences they had together.
I liked the new bonds that were formed, and how those three complete each other so beautifully.
I liked their moments together, their protectiveness and possessiveness, as well as they discover new things about themselves.
I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamal is a brat. Period. He seems very selfish at first, but towards the end, he does have a small epiphany. The author again does a wonderful job in bringing characters together, sometimes seemingly against their will. In this case, I wanted to rate the book a '3' because Jamal got on my nerves a few times, but Torgrind and Brenek deserved a '4' for all of their patience. And what's a Barbarian book without Simon being his usual mischievous, but helpful, self. A few previous MCs also make cameo appearances.

Overall, a quick, sweet read from this author.

I noted only about 4 or 5 minor proofreading issues.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamal really is a brat and a troublemaker. He got on my nerves a bit, to be honest. Torgrind and Brenek have their hands full with that one. But honestly, he just wants someone to care about him and to actually see him for who he is without judging him for it. This book was enjoyable but it wasn’t my favorite due to the reason mentioned above. I know he has his reasons, but he does grow and calm some of that down. His barbarians are good for him. Torgrind and Brenek aren’t perfect either with their fighting all the time. Honestly, these three men smooth out the rough edges and complement one another well.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. This was my first barbarian book but I couldn’t resist a triad. I’m one of those type A people that likes to start a series at the beginning because I always feel like I’m missing stuff when the side characters make cameo appearances and while that was true here I still enjoyed it immensely although ngl, I wish a small, tiny bit that there would have been a rivals-to-lovers trope mixed in there too.

When I get a chance I’ll definitely be checking out the other barbarian books in both series.

Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we get Jamal’s story. Being sent to the world of the barbarians is not the punishment his father thinks it is. Jamal soon finds that it is not what he expected either. When he catches the eye of two barbarians the journey truly begins. Jamal must find a way to choose between the two but can he really choose?
While Brenek and Torgrind were great I had a hard time with Jamal. He does not always come off as a likable character. I did enjoy their journey and how they all found their place together. Their story moves at a good pace and shows how the three work together making this a nice addition to this series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you have two barbarians interested in you?…you bond with both of them of course! Jamal is bratty and mischievous but this gets brenek and torgrinds attention right away. The only issue is that brenek and torgrind are rivals and they have to get over their differences to give jamal what he needs. These three were great together and i could do with another book to see where their relationship goes. As always, another brilliant barbarian tale. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamal, caught in a compromising position with a male dignitary, is sent to the barbarians to quiet the scandal. There his is involved with a rivalry between Torgrind and Brenek. The barbarians agree to share Jamal while he decides which one to keep but not share relations with each other. Jamal is a bratty troublemaker and frankly unlikable but he is irresistible to the guys so they work it out for them. I didn't feel they ever felt anything for each other and it seemed to end abruptly for me. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[T.A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamal, Brenek & Torgrind

Jamal is from the capital of Al Nuzem, he gets in trouble there so his father suggest to the King he spend time with the Barbarians. Brenek and Torgrind are clan brothers and rivals, they’re always fighting. When Jamal meets Brenek and Torgrind sparks fly. They become lovers. That’s when people note that with Brenek and Torgrind focusing on Jamal they don’t fight with each other as much.

I enjoyed this book, it was entertaining to see how Brenek and Torgrind handled Jamal’s wild fun living streak.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Two Barbarians is the 4th book in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series. This book could be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is an MMM story so be aware. This is the story of Jamal, Torgrind and Brenak. I loved this book in the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series. The characters and world building are amazing. I loved watching these three work through their problems and build a relationship. Jamal is a brat and I loved him for it. Torgrind and Brenak are just perfect for him. I. Can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
received a free review copy

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, the barbarians have a new brat in their midst! To be fair though, Jamal is more of a man with too much time on his hands and no inclination to do anything about that so he gets into trouble. I did love that Torgrind and Brenek soon realised that both of them were needed to keep Jamal out of trouble and so they learnt to work together rather than fight.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torgrind and Brenak are rivals in their clan. Their antagonistic behavior ramps up when Jamal arrives. They both want him and court him well. Jamal is flighty and not willing to choose between the two barbarians, which causes more trouble. Torgrind and Brenak decide to get along for Jamals sake. Jamal wants both men and apparently Jamal gets what Jamal wants.

This is a nice addition to the barbarian series. I really liked Torgrind and Brenak but not so much Jamal. He seemed to enjoy causing trouble. Nice to see characters from previous books make appearances here. World and character building continues to expand and flesh out.

[Tab_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 3-4🌶️
MOOD: lighthearted, funny
GENRES: historical romance, lgbtq+ romance

MAIN CHARACTERS: Jamal, Torgrind, and Brenek

THE GOOD: Another quick, fun read and good addition to this series. Jamal was introduced, briefly, in Escaping to the Barbarians (if I'm remembering it correctly) and I was hopeful that he would get a Barbarian of his own - and he gets two! Torgrind and Brenek have been rivals since childhood but they need to figure out how to work together if they both are to claim Jamal.
THE NEUTRAL: Overall, not much happens plot wise - just a short trip, as opposed to some of the other books which had at least the hint of an antagonist.
THE MEH: Jamal felt a little lack luster at times - in the beginning he's always claiming that he did nothing wrong (even if he did something questionable) and towards the end he fights against being "controlled" when no one is really trying to do so. I think if we had more time with him pre-Barbarians that would make more sense. Maybe he was in Book 3 and that is discussed but I somehow missed that book.

CW: violence, sexual content
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Darryl Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a short sweet book, 2 barbarians are better than one 😉

[Anonymous Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved and enjoyed this book! I really think that the writing has improved a lot.
Recommended if you ard in the mood for some cozy and sexy threesome romance

[JJ Waggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars rounded up because I do still like this series and Padilla's writing; I just hated the main character and was entirely done with him pretty early on.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute

Savagely sweet is correct, not a lot of conflict, but it's cozy and adorable seeing everybody love each other and build a life. Adorable series.

[P Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed all the books in the Barbarian series however, this book was my least favourite.

This was an MMM story but I think it just lacked the emotional connection between the characters.

Jamal was a brat and a trouble maker but his character needed more development.

Every other book in the series established a connection; a physical and emotional one. This one lacked in both. Both Torgrind and Brenek went above and beyond for Jamal and their feelings for Jamal showed through the affections and the way they took care of him. However, Jamal didn’t do anything else except make demands and act like a spoilt brat. Even Simon who was a diva had more layers than Jamal.

This book didn’t quite reach its potential for me personally.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Ashley Matics · Rating 5 out of 5]

These three were absolutely fabulous. I loved how spunky and bratty Jamal is and how Torgrind and Brenek put aside their differences to care for him. They were so very sweet together and I loved reading their journey!