Barbara Joel was born in Southern California, U.S.A.. The youngest of five children, she discovered early the peaceful satisfaction of daydreams and reading a good book. Now, married with two children, she also enjoys spending free time in her garden and relaxing with family and friends.

Barbara used a typewriter to write her first manuscript, she hadn't a computer. She says "I'd never heard of an Internet!" Her book "Woman Tamer" came out in 1991 under the name Barbara McCauley. Since then, Barbara has written 17 Silhoutte Desires and one Silhouette Sensation. She has also been nominated for numerous awards and her books regularly appear on bestseller lists. In addition to her family and a busy writing schedule, she has also found time to serve as co-president of Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America.