Book Review: The Barn: Zeke and Wesley (The Barn #1) by Jodi Payne & BA Tortuga

Reviewed by Kat

 

TITLE: The Barn: Zeke and Wesley

SERIES: The Barn (Book 1)

AUTHOR: Jodi Payne & BA Tortuga

PUBLISHER: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC

LENGTH: 272 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2025

BLURB:

Zeke and Wesley is an opposites attract romance set in Alaska at a resort for queer men. It features a professional songwriter who is haunted by a past relationship and a fundraiser/event planner who is looking for an adventure.

Wesley Dugan raises money for other people for a living, has finally decided he needs to spend a little on himself for a change. He wants an adventure, somewhere that he can indulge his appetites without making promises to anyone. The Barn is an exclusive Alaskan resort that is highly regarded in the scene and promises kinky delights, assuming Wesley can brave his fear of flying to get there.

Zeke Burrell is about to celebrate a major anniversary. At nearly a thousand days, he imagines he’s spent more time at the Barn than anyone but the owners. To Zeke, the resort is his home and his sanctuary, where he can write music and find peace in his routine.

When they meet, Zeke is surprised to be so curious about the resort’s newest guest. Wesley doesn’t expect to become so infatuated on the first day of his vacation. While their desires brought them to the resort for the same reasons, the rest of their lives couldn’t be any different. Zeke prefers quiet and solitude, while Wesley enjoys the company of others and a good party. Zeke has a complicated history, but Wesley’s couldn’t be more straightforward.

Is it possible for them to find the balance they crave both in-scene and out?

REVIEW:

A brand new series to sink my teeth into.

Zeke has lived his life for the past 1,000 days hidden in a secluded cabin, on an Alaskan island, at an exclusive BDSM resort called “The Barn”. He is safe there and can write his songs from the comfort of his hidden oasis. His ex “Dom”, not that he really was one, was an abusive and manipulating piece of trash. What he did to poor Zeke leaves a nasty mark on the entire BDSM community. But, when a collision with the beautiful Dom that just arrived results in a ruined shirt, Zeke’s eyes are finally opened. Wesley needed a break and The Barn BDSM resort checked off almost all his boxes. The only drawback was having to fly all the way to Alaska to get there. And flying is definitely not one of Wesley’s favorite things to do. But when the shy and gorgeous sub and him accidentally crash into each other when he first arrived, he has a boy that peaked his interest immediately. But the shy boy is easily spooked and has a backstory he needs to unravel very carefully. Can a reclusive star songwriter and an very successful on-the-go event planner for charities make a life work for both of them?

I loved how patient and gentle Wesley was with the easily spook-able Zeke. And Zeke had every right to be cautious and fearful. What Gerald did to Zeke was flat out abuse and disturbing. I had trouble understanding how Zeke could put himself in that position again. His trust was completely violated by the wannabe Dom that was flat out just a sadist and cheater. But he was a true member of the lifestyle and being able to learn to trust and love Wesley was his key to re-opening his life. And Wesley needed Zeke just as much as Zeke needed Wesley. They were the perfect match.

This book had a bit more BDSM moments than I was anticipating. I’m told that the second book is much less and it’s not as intense. Although it worked for this book and it is an exclusive gay BDSM secluded resort after all where like-minded men could find who and what they needed. But it was the careful neutering of Wesley to help Zeke overcome his crippling anxiety of the world that existed outside of this bubble that intrigued and captivated me. Their trip into the local town was a highlight for me in this book. Baby steps to help Zeke through his anxiety.

One of the things I was disappointed in was the conclusion of this book. I was ready to get on that plane and turned the page and it suddenly ended! Thankfully I have book 2 ready to read next and hope we get insight on how these two are doing. Did Zeke’s ex ever make an appearance when he resurfaced on Wesley’s arm? Did Wesley’s flying anxiety lessen once he had his boy by his side? Did they ever get to go to the Red Carpet premiere of the movie Zeke wrote the soundtrack/songs for? Did they get to go to the Grammy’s together? Inquiring and invested minds need to know these things!

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

 

 

 

Written by 

Please take a minute to leave a comment it is so appreciated !