Savagely Sweet Barbarians Series by Amy Padilla

After losing my bondmate to illness, I’d accepted that my time to love was in the past. I promised her on her death bed that I’d never take another bondmate, and I meant it. Instead I’ve lived my life to serve my clan, lending my assistance when they needed me and continuing to act as clan leader while Uttin traveled from town to town, freeing those who were forced to hide who they loved. I told myself devotion was enough. I never expected one of those townsfolk to sway my heart... moreAfter losing my bondmate to illness, I’d accepted that my time to love was in the past. I promised her on her death bed that I’d never take another bondmate, and I meant it. Instead I’ve lived my life to serve my clan, lending my assistance when they needed me and continuing to act as clan leader while Uttin traveled from town to town, freeing those who were forced to hide who they loved. I told myself devotion was enough. I never expected one of those townsfolk to sway my heart. He looked at me not as a leader or a legend, but as a man. An equal. Someone worthy of soft smiles and unguarded hope. Loving him would mean breaking the last promise I made to the woman I lost. This choice could be the one that finally breaks me, or it could put my heart back together again. less

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... moreMy 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. less

After the gronnok attack, my life was never the same. I was left scarred, ashamed, and certain I would spend the rest of my days alone. Then Henry arrived. Blind since childhood, he somehow sees me more clearly than anyone ever has. Where others flinch, Henry offers kindness. His music seems to be the only thing that puts my heart at ease and allows me to finally rest. But Henry was never meant to stay... moreAfter the gronnok attack, my life was never the same. I was left scarred, ashamed, and certain I would spend the rest of my days alone. Then Henry arrived. Blind since childhood, he somehow sees me more clearly than anyone ever has. Where others flinch, Henry offers kindness. His music seems to be the only thing that puts my heart at ease and allows me to finally rest. But Henry was never meant to stay. His life is already complicated enough without the hardship and uncertainty of our nomadic lifestyle. If I want any chance of keeping him, I’ll have to convince him that it’s possible for him to build a life here with me and with the clan. Because if I fail, I won’t just lose Henry. I’ll be left to face the darkness alone. less