Barbara Jean's Books
Review
A really fun read! I really loved the storyline and all of the twists and turns in the plot. The way the author tells the story from so many characters perspectives gives you so much more insight to the chaos and romance. As someone who doesn’t read a ton of fantasy this book mixed it in perfectly with reality to the point I could actually believe I was in the story as a fly on the wall. 10/10
Caught Between Love and Duty
In Caught Between Love and Duty, royal intrigue and forbidden passion collide. Queen Anna Sophia of Critannia, trapped in a loveless marriage to the ruthless King William, finds herself a pawn in a dangerous political game. But when she escapes the gilded cage of the palace, she embarks on a perilous journey that will test her courage and redefine her destiny.
Pursued by King William’s relentless forces, including Christopher, a conflicted knight torn between his loyalty to the crown and his hidden love for the queen, Anna Sophia forms an unlikely alliance with Alex, a battle-hardened army commander harboring her own secrets. Together, they must navigate treacherous terrain, outwit deadly enemies, and confront the forces that seek to control their fates. Amidst the chaos, a spark of forbidden love ignites—a love that could either liberate them or lead to their downfall.
This epic tale of betrayal, resilience, and passion is perfect for fans of gritty medieval dramas and sweeping romance. Caught Between Love and Duty delivers a gripping narrative of personal freedom, moral dilemmas, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Bonds of Duty and Desire
A Prelude to Caught Between Love and Duty
Before she was a legendary commander, she was a daughter torn between duty and desire.In this gripping prequel to Caught Between Love and Duty, Bonds of Duty and Desire tells the transformative story of Alexandria, the warrior who would become the fearless leader of the Loman army. Born into a world that demanded obedience, Alex forges her own path through resilience, scandal, and betrayal. Her rise through the ranks is as turbulent as her heart—especially when a forbidden romance threatens everything she’s built.But this is more than Alex’s story.It’s a vivid portrait of a kingdom on the brink of change, introducing unforgettable characters whose roles will shape the future of two nations:— Princess Anna Sophia, the young royal facing a politically charged marriage— Silvia, the strong-willed messenger with hidden convictions— Christopher, the loyal knight battling his own conflicts of honor— Maniva, the quiet strategist whose wisdom could shift the tides of powerThrough sweeping battles, intimate betrayals, and the forging of unlikely alliances, Bonds of Duty and Desire lays the emotional and political foundation for the series to come.Perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy with rich emotional stakes, this prequel is your gateway to the Duty and Desire saga.
Review
Bonds of Love and Duty is everything a prequel should be—and more. This compelling, character-rich story offers a seamless and satisfying foundation to Caught Between Love and Duty, diving deep into how Alex rose to become the formidable leader of the Loman army.
What I loved most was how it didn’t just explain Alex’s ascent—it made me feel it. Her growth from determined young warrior to strategic commander is crafted with such emotional clarity and strength. The trials she faced, the choices she made, and especially the bonds she formed along the way (both heartwarming and heartbreaking) gave so much context to who she is in the main series.
Every relationship felt genuine—whether it was a mentorship, a rivalry, or a budding love—and they each added a new layer to Alex’s depth. It’s rare to find a prequel that enhances the main story without simply repeating it. This one enriches it.
Reviews
A great fast paced fun book even if you're not a fan westerns. The author draws the reader into the characters from the very beginning.
Introducing more lively ones as the story is told.
The Gambler is a thrilling Wild West story with unforgettable characters and plenty of grit. Ace McKenna’s journey as a gunslinger on the run is packed with high-stakes poker games, daring shootouts, and unexpected bonds.
The chemistry between Ace and Annabelle is beautifully written, adding a tender touch to this fast-paced adventure. With vivid settings and a cast of complex characters, this book is a perfect pick for fans of Westerns with a twist of romance and heart. An absolute page-turner!
The Gambler
Book One of Ace of Hearts Series
In the untamed Wild West, Ace McKenna is a gambler, gunslinger, and a woman of many secrets. With her trusted stallion, Black Jack, by her side, she drifts from one dusty town to the next, winning fortunes at the poker tables and outdrawing anyone foolish enough to challenge her. But life on the run isn’t without its risks—especially when Marshal Cole, a relentless lawman, places a hefty bounty on her head.
Pursued across the frontier, Ace finds herself forging deep bonds with Carmen, a sharp-eyed bounty hunter with her own agenda, and Jesse, a charming outlaw/cowboy whose loyalty runs deeper than the rivers they cross. Together, they face ruthless outlaws, unpredictable terrain, and long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel them all.
But the most unexpected challenge comes in the form of Annabelle, a headstrong daughter of a horse rancher with a fierce will and a tender heart. Annabelle awakens a longing in Ace that no amount of freedom or adventure could match. As Ace navigates treacherous alliances and perilous escapades, she’s faced with the ultimate question: will she risk everything for a chance at love, or will she ride off into the sunset alone, as she always has?
With pulse-pounding action, simmering romances, and unforgettable characters, The Gambler is a thrilling tale of danger, desire, and the ultimate gamble: finding a place to call home. Will Ace finally settle down, or will the open road always be her destiny?
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Reviews
A great fast paced fun book even if you're not a fan westerns. The author draws the reader into the characters from the very beginning.
Introducing more lively ones as the story is told.
Cards of Revenge
Book Two of Ace of Hearts Series
"Revenge ain’t about justice—it’s about making sure they feel the burn of what they tried to do to you. And me? I’m damn good at starting fires." – Ace McKenna
Ace McKenna thought she’d finally found peace—a quiet life on the ranch, love in Annabelle’s arms, and the promise of a future free from the ghosts of her past. But when a ruthless gang led by a man from her darkest memories burns everything to the ground, Ace is left with nothing but her rage and a thirst for vengeance.
With her trusted companions, Jesse and Carmen, Ace sets out determined to track down Diego—the outlaw who stole her home and shattered her world. But as the chase leads her deeper into the tangled web of corruption, betrayal, and hidden enemies, Ace soon realizes that Diego is only a pawn in a much larger game.
At the heart of it all is Arthur Colton—a powerful man whose wealth, influence, and greed have left a trail of destruction in their wake. To take him down, Ace must do the one thing she swore she’d never do: step into his world of high-class society, deception, and deadly alliances. She’ll need to transform from a battle-worn gunslinger into a refined gambler who can bluff her way to the truth—and to Colton’s downfall.
With danger lurking around every corner, old wounds reopening, and the weight of her past pressing down on her, Ace must decide how far she’s willing to go for justice. Because in the game of revenge, the only thing more dangerous than losing… is letting your heart get in the way.
Cards of Revenge is the thrilling second book in the Ace of Hearts series, perfect for fans of Western-inspired adventure, lesbian romance novels, and fierce heroines who refuse to back down.
Reviews
Coming Soon
Honky Tonk Hoedown
Under the neon lights of Nashville’s hidden bars, Mackenzie Hart reinvents herself as Mack—a drag king with a voice like Tennessee whiskey and a swagger sharp enough to cut through smoke. By day, she’s a small-town girl chasing music. By night, she rules the stage, singing outlaw country songs that don’t just echo in the room—they ignite it.
But the spotlight comes with shadows. Behind the music and rhinestones lies a story of longing, identity, and love that dares to bloom where the world says it shouldn’t. When Mack crosses paths with Savannah Cross—a chart-topping country star with secrets stitched into every lyric—their worlds collide in a tangle of passion, risk, and dreams too big to stay quiet.
From backroad bars to the bright lights of San Francisco and Europe, Honky Tonk Hoedown is a bold, soul-stirring tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the kind of love that refuses to stay in the dark.
If you love stories filled with grit, heart, and the raw beauty of chasing your true self—set to a soundtrack of classic country—this is your next favorite read.
Perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ romance, music-driven drama, and strong heroines who rewrite the rules.