The Barbarian Guide (Savagely Sweet Barbarians Book 5) by Amy Padilla

The BARBARIAN GUIDE is a slow burn demisexual rep romance. Friends that realize they mean more to each other and start an easy courtship and share a bunch of romantic firsts together.


From the blurb:

I never thought I’d meet my best friend while rescuing townsfolk from Eldara. Bram was quiet, shy, and it took time for him to warm up to me. But now, a year later, I look forward to our visits. He lives in Talqara, not far from the settlement and our visits are too far and few between for me.

On my most recent visit, Bram surprised me with a gift for the clan. A gift that could give us an independence we’d lost after moving to our new home. The clan leaders of the settlement asked him to share his gift with all the clans. As the clan leaders were deciding who would escort him, I volunteered.

I didn’t expect the attention he received from other clan brothers would incense me the way it did. For the first time in my life, I wanted something more. I wanted to claim the sweet man who’d ensnared my heart.


Molly Otto's review:

The latest in Amys Barbarian universe is a fun new take on her world. Bram with his wife escapes their town so that both can peruse a life of love and acceptance in loving someone of the same sex. Brams' wife and best friend Melanie has an easier time in their new life, while Bram remains painfully shy. Dras who befriend Bram in his escape, sparked a friendship with the shy man immediately, and happily escorts him to their home, to present the gift Bram has spent his time tirelessly working on to show his gratitude towards the clan. What he doesn't expect is the need to show them how to work it, and together he & Dras, travel to the other clans to show and make their own versions of his invention. Loved the slow burn of both men learning what is like to be actually not only be attracted but want something more with another person. Appreciated both took their time to get to know the other, before attempting more, and how both were willing to do whatever was needed to make their partner happy. This is a great addition to the universe, and as always, was great to visit with past couples from the universe, to see how they've adjusted.

SNik's review:

Fifth in series (Savagely Sweet Barbarians), best if read in order. Friends to lovers. Found family. Quick read. Dual POV. 

Bram is a shy blacksmith, married to his best friend out of convenience, they escaped their town because they were attracted to same sex individuals. When Bram wants to thank the barbarians for their help escaping with a gift, his barbarian friend Dras helps him travel to teach the clans how to use the forge, and they both realize that maybe their friendship can be something more. 

Of course this story is sweet (as the series name describes), where Dras has never really found attraction to anyone but there’s something about the quiet Bram that really sends his heart aflutter. I really enjoyed that as they travel together they agree to court and experience a ton of firsts together, and it’s especially nice to see Dras is protective but also super considerate of Bram. As always there are supportive secondary characters, and I was glad for the low angst and straight forward romance of this story.


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