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Barracuda9
Ella’s journey into the professional poker world continues as Barracuda9. The fierce traits of her new online identity must be represented away from the computer to create her individual success story. With the lessons Carter etched into her as Butterfly9, she struggles to find direction without him. Nobody compares to the supportive mentorship provided by her former idealized partner. Could Carter just return to her life?
Determined to dominate the poker scene, Ella navigates an unforgiving game where every decision is a calculated risk, and every hand dealt influences her fate. As she sharpens her skills, she encounters formidable opponents and forms alliances in the most unexpected places. The stakes are higher than ever, and Ella’s resolve is tested both at and away from the poker table.
Playing as a poker professional is more ruthless and thrilling than she ever imagined. Ella must confront her own fears, desires, and the shadows of her past. Game strategies of bluffing, betting, and taking risks are also the essence of survival.
Will the independent and unstoppable characteristics of Barracuda9 be enough for her to emerge victoriously? Can she swim through dangerous waters without a support system? Dive deeper into Ella’s psyche as she grapples with the challenges of her chosen path.
Determined to dominate the poker scene, Ella navigates an unforgiving game where every decision is a calculated risk, and every hand dealt influences her fate. As she sharpens her skills, she encounters formidable opponents and forms alliances in the most unexpected places. The stakes are higher than ever, and Ella’s resolve is tested both at and away from the poker table.
Playing as a poker professional is more ruthless and thrilling than she ever imagined. Ella must confront her own fears, desires, and the shadows of her past. Game strategies of bluffing, betting, and taking risks are also the essence of survival.
Will the independent and unstoppable characteristics of Barracuda9 be enough for her to emerge victoriously? Can she swim through dangerous waters without a support system? Dive deeper into Ella’s psyche as she grapples with the challenges of her chosen path.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 15, 2025
I was privileged to an ARC reader. I did not read the first book. However, you can jump in on this book and not be confused. I will say this is not normally a book I would pick up. It was a pretty good read. The story flows following Ella’s adventures in continuing to become a professional poker player while trying to maintain her every day job and life. It also follows her figuring out life without the love of her life. I absolutely loved watching her growth and stepping out of Carters shadow. Side characters Ruby and Duke were my absolute favorites. I was genuinely surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did.
November 22, 2025
Barracuda9 is a sequel but can definitely be read as a standalone. This was my first book by this author but won't be my last, I may be doing it backwards but this one was so good, I'm off to grab and read the first book too!
There is a lot of the game of poker from mention of specific plays to being a rookie to a pro in tournaments. The FMC is Ella. She is trying to make a life out of playing poker full time online and in person. At the same time, she is trying to be the woman she thinks Conner (her semi pro poker playing partner) wants her to be. She lives and breathes for this man and their relationship or lack of. Unwilling to accept that he doesn't want the relationship or her even though they live each other.
The author takes us through many of life's up & downs with Ella. The story is surrounded in poker, yes, but it's so much more too! I felt so close to Ella as she experienced heartbreak, job loss & gain, gained lifelong friendships, and went through all she needed to to reach her professional goals, to experience a second chance and to grow into the woman she wanted and needed to be.
There is a lot of the game of poker from mention of specific plays to being a rookie to a pro in tournaments. The FMC is Ella. She is trying to make a life out of playing poker full time online and in person. At the same time, she is trying to be the woman she thinks Conner (her semi pro poker playing partner) wants her to be. She lives and breathes for this man and their relationship or lack of. Unwilling to accept that he doesn't want the relationship or her even though they live each other.
The author takes us through many of life's up & downs with Ella. The story is surrounded in poker, yes, but it's so much more too! I felt so close to Ella as she experienced heartbreak, job loss & gain, gained lifelong friendships, and went through all she needed to to reach her professional goals, to experience a second chance and to grow into the woman she wanted and needed to be.
November 2, 2025
Thank you Barbara for my copy of this book!
First I do want to say it definitely can be read as a standalone as advertised. I did not read the first book and didnt have any issues in following the story in this one.
Now, lets talk about the book. I loved that Ella is in her 30s. I love the fact that she’s had a tough time between the guy she loves who doesnt love her in the same fashion, not excelling at poker, a failing business, it was all relatable. I started the book liking Carter. I really had high hopes that he and Ella would get together again by the end.
The more the book progresses however the less I cared for him. It really felt like he was just leading Ella on because she was safe.
I love watched Ella grow in this book. She seemed very reserved in the beginning and eventually did all live poker and made new friends.
Im hoping we get to see more of Duke! Out of all of them he’s the side character I enjoyed the most.
My only complaint with this book is really just a me issue. I have no prior poker knowledge so the parts where the game was detailed I got lost in. However, for me this didnt take away from the book, just made it a little hard to get into at times. If theres a third book I will definitely be checking it out.
First I do want to say it definitely can be read as a standalone as advertised. I did not read the first book and didnt have any issues in following the story in this one.
Now, lets talk about the book. I loved that Ella is in her 30s. I love the fact that she’s had a tough time between the guy she loves who doesnt love her in the same fashion, not excelling at poker, a failing business, it was all relatable. I started the book liking Carter. I really had high hopes that he and Ella would get together again by the end.
The more the book progresses however the less I cared for him. It really felt like he was just leading Ella on because she was safe.
I love watched Ella grow in this book. She seemed very reserved in the beginning and eventually did all live poker and made new friends.
Im hoping we get to see more of Duke! Out of all of them he’s the side character I enjoyed the most.
My only complaint with this book is really just a me issue. I have no prior poker knowledge so the parts where the game was detailed I got lost in. However, for me this didnt take away from the book, just made it a little hard to get into at times. If theres a third book I will definitely be checking it out.
November 1, 2025
Barracuda9 picks up right where Butterfly9 left off, and it immediately pulled me back into Ella’s world. This time, we see her trying to stand on her own two feet as a professional poker player — no longer “Butterfly9,” but the sharper, tougher “Barracuda9.” I loved watching her transformation.
What I really enjoyed is how Barbara Gene Cardin uses poker as more than just a game — it’s a metaphor for life, choices, and risks. Every hand Ella plays feels like a reflection of what she’s going through emotionally. The story has tension, introspection, and moments of real vulnerability. There’s something empowering about seeing Ella push through fear and uncertainty to become her own person.
The poker scenes are vivid and exciting, but it’s the emotional side of the story that stands out most. Ella’s inner battles — balancing independence with the desire for connection — make her incredibly relatable. By the end, you really root for her to win, not just at the table, but within herself.
If you liked Butterfly9, this sequel definitely delivers. It’s fierce, heartfelt, and inspiring — a perfect mix of grit, strategy, and self-discovery. Barracuda9 shows that sometimes the biggest gamble in life is believing in your own strength.
What I really enjoyed is how Barbara Gene Cardin uses poker as more than just a game — it’s a metaphor for life, choices, and risks. Every hand Ella plays feels like a reflection of what she’s going through emotionally. The story has tension, introspection, and moments of real vulnerability. There’s something empowering about seeing Ella push through fear and uncertainty to become her own person.
The poker scenes are vivid and exciting, but it’s the emotional side of the story that stands out most. Ella’s inner battles — balancing independence with the desire for connection — make her incredibly relatable. By the end, you really root for her to win, not just at the table, but within herself.
If you liked Butterfly9, this sequel definitely delivers. It’s fierce, heartfelt, and inspiring — a perfect mix of grit, strategy, and self-discovery. Barracuda9 shows that sometimes the biggest gamble in life is believing in your own strength.
November 6, 2025
Barracuda 9 is the continued adventure of Ella in the game of poker, the business world and life. I loved Ella’s character and several others, especially Duke. He is a very sensitive and wise man.
The book is very well written and I like the author’s style of writing. I especially enjoyed the ending as she intertwined the game of poker with the game of life. I am looking forward to seeing more from this writer.
The book is very well written and I like the author’s style of writing. I especially enjoyed the ending as she intertwined the game of poker with the game of life. I am looking forward to seeing more from this writer.
March 8, 2026
This is clearly written by someone with deep knowledge of the poker world. The writing itself is solid, and readers who enjoy poker will likely find the insights and details both engaging and educational.
When I accepted the ARC, I did not realize the story centered heavily around poker. That’s not a genre or topic I typically read, and had I known beforehand, I probably would not have requested it. To be completely fair, that misunderstanding is on me and not the author.
While this book wasn’t the right fit for my personal reading preferences, it is well written and will likely resonate with readers who enjoy poker-focused stories or want a deeper look into that world.
When I accepted the ARC, I did not realize the story centered heavily around poker. That’s not a genre or topic I typically read, and had I known beforehand, I probably would not have requested it. To be completely fair, that misunderstanding is on me and not the author.
While this book wasn’t the right fit for my personal reading preferences, it is well written and will likely resonate with readers who enjoy poker-focused stories or want a deeper look into that world.
November 25, 2025
I had the privilege to arc read this book. I didn’t read the first book, but was able to read this one without any confusion as this can be read as a standalone. In this book you follow Ella’s story as she tries to become a professional poker player while trying to navigate life without the love of her life. This is different from what I normally read, but I loved it just the same. The characters were great and the story was well worth the read! I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the author’s work.
November 29, 2025
this was a strong sequel in the Poker Player Metamorphosis series, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed from Butterfly9. It continued the story in a way that worked well overall and was invested in the plot of the book. The characters worked well and enjoyed the feel of the psychological element to their feel. Barbara Gene Cardin was able to create something that I was looking for and enjoyed getting back into this world, and am excited for more from Barbara Gene Cardin.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2025
Barracuda9 is a captivating sequel that beautifully weaves poker, emotion, and self-discovery. Ella’s journey feels authentic and empowering as she learns to trust herself and take risks. Cardin’s writing is vivid and heartfelt, using the game as a perfect metaphor for life. An inspiring, well-crafted read about strength, growth, and second chances.
November 27, 2025
I actually stopped reading this book to go back and read the first because I was enjoying it so much and wanted the full effect. I am so glad I was lucky enough to read this!
April 6, 2026
This is the second in a two part series. This is an easy read as Ella makes her way through her poker adventure along with bad relationships and work/business responsibilities.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews