The Physician's Barbarian (Not-So-Savage Barbarians Book 5) by Amy Padilla

Amy takes on the single father trope in the PHYSICIAN'S BARBARIAN, the latest installment to the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series. A kind-hearted barbarian meets a selfless healer and finds himself thinking about a possible bondmate for the first time.


From the blurb:

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

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

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


Molly Otto's review:

There is just something about this series that I cannot help but love. Each story has a new tribute being introduced into the barbarian culture, yet they are all so different from one another you can't help but love each in their own unique way. Ambrose volunteers a tribute to save his sister, to allow her to marry the man she has fallen for, that their father does not approve of for their family. The catch Ambrose is not attracted to men, Godr is asked to watch over Ambrose when he acclimates to the barbarian lifestyle before he sent to a different clan. Some misunderstanding occurs, but these two just work right and balance one another out. Ambrose has to leave his son Seb behind, but his sister finds a way to reunite them and has the help of Godr to set things as they should. It was fun to see the single father trope seamlessly fit into this series. Not to mention seeing Godr step up and be the man he needs to be to protect both Ambrose and Seb was nice after seeing him in previous stories. Ambrose is so different from the other tributes in not only his sexual preference but how he is using his medical knowledge to help the clan and better all their lives, proving his importance to the clan. Another great addition to this series, and as usual am looking forward to seeing what comes next.


SNik's review:

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

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

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


The Physician's Barbarian is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription