THE BARBARIANS CLAIM, unlike its predecessors is a claim of protection over love. This story continues the hurt/comfort theme of the series and has a quiet and patient companionship that leads to love.
From the blurb:
I’ve been alone most of my life. No family, no home. No one would care if I disappeared. I wouldn’t survive another year on my own. In a desperate attempt to survive, I volunteered as tribute to the barbarians after hearing they now accepted males. At least if I died, I would have done something good by sparing someone else. But it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. And when my protector abandons me for being unable to speak, I’m left floundering again until someone else steps up to take his place. He’s dangerous and scarred, and people give him a wide berth, but he offers me something I haven’t had since I was a child. Safety. I’d be a fool to walk away now.
Molly Otto's review:
Matthew unlike previous male tributes volunteers to be one, in hopes to find a place where he belongs and cared for. As with many best laid plans it doesn't go as expected, he is paired with a protector who cannot handle Matthews fears and shyness. When a fight ensures on the encampment Matthew is told to hide in another warrior's tent, when his protector tells him to run instead of protecting him as he has promised to do. Einar doesn't think he deserves a tribute so has never tried, but fate has other plans. When he protects the lost tribute, he becomes attached. This is not like previous love stories of this series; they form a protection bond over love bond. It takes time and patience on both sides to open up and allow the other in. I appreciated how Amy handled this story different from its predecessors. This series so far has been full of surprises, and I look forward to devouring each contribution. These fierce men may be rough, but they are all protective in their own ways of the men they choose to take in and guide in their way of life.
SNik's review:
Fourth in series (Not-So-Savage Barbarians), best if read in order. Age gap. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Quick read. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
For Matthew it was no real choice to volunteer as a tribute to the barbarian clans in order to survive, any thoughts of a future happiness seemed impossible. When Matthew has trouble acclimating to the clan he is thrust into Einar’s unwilling hands, but something about Matthew brings out all of Einar’s protective instincts.
This story continues the series' strong hurt/comfort themes, and Einar is a gruff, anti-social member of the clan, who is a patient, protective, and surprisingly caring barbarian towards Matthew. I certainly empathized with Matthew's desire for safety and that feeling is what he first latches onto with Einar, but their companionship and ability to appreciate the other in deeper ways was very swoony. I appreciated all of Einar’s motivations which he doesn’t see as love but definitely are, and how Matthew is able to grow and become his own person with Einar. The found family of the clan also help with all the feels. Love this series.
The Barbarian's Claim is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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