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Masterson, Texas #1
The Bartender's Secret
Winner of the 2021 NERFA (National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award) for contemporary romance
Winner of the 2021 Carolyn Readers Choice Award
Her perfect man is hiding an imperfect past
When street smart meets book smart…
Connor McClaine notices Delphinia Ray the first time she walks into his bar. Quiet, sheltered, educated, the shy Shakespeare professor is way out of his league. But “whoever loved that loved not at first sight?” The rough-edged bar owner tries to push her away, convinced she can’t handle the harsh truth about his past. Sweet Delphinia, however, has gotten under his skin, daring him to face his demons and defy what he believes is his fate.
USA TODAY bestselling author
- GenresRomanceCategory Romance
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2020
26 people are currently reading
1639 people want to read
About the author
Caro Carson
112 books498 followersDespite a no-nonsense background as a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, Caro Carson has always treasured the happily-ever-after of a good romance novel. After her military service, she worked in the healthcare industry with a Fortune 100 company, talking science with doctors who were rarely handsome bachelor Texans like the doctors in her books. Now a RITA™-award-winning and USA Today bestselling author, Caro is delighted to be living her own happily-ever-after with her husband (who is a handsome Texan) and their two children. They live in Florida, a location which has saved the coaster-loving theme park fanatics a fortune on plane tickets.
https://linktr.ee/CaroCarson
https://linktr.ee/CaroCarson
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 21, 2021
I will admit that it has been a long time since I've read a Harlequin - not that I've actively avoided reading them - the books haven't crossed my path in a long time. I was instantly intrigued by the title because my boyfriend is a bartender and I though this would be a fun read. I loved the opening because it featured a beautiful young professor reading in the bar who catches the eye of the the bartender and pub owner. He assumes she is a student because they are in a college town and she looks so young. When she finally notices him she is smitten because he is built like a Grecian warrior and all the romance novels she's been reading has her heart pulsing. They start talking and soon she's a regular patron at his establishment. Connor is smitten but she's far too good for him, a man with a criminal background (he was young and dumb). The closer they get - the more he pulls away. Lots of college and parental drama from the professor and Connor is so stuck in the past that he's scared to let anyone down. A good story but I was VERY shocked (scandalized even) when I realized - SPOILER ALERT - that there isn't even one sex scene in this book!! Not one! Just some making out! This is the first in a series so it is possible they consummate their love later on. I just assumed with Harlequin that everyone was bumping uglies. No sex isn't a put off by any means - I was just surprised. Talk about a definite slow burn!
April 30, 2021
I loved this book. I started reading it during the afternoon and, except for stopping for dinner, didn't quit reading until I finished it late last night. As a former English major, I loved the English professor heroine and the Shakespeare themes that ran throughout. It was easy to see myself in "Dr. Dee's" students. My college was also a small one located in a small town, so I could relate to the setting also.
I loved the two main characters, Dr. Delphinia Ray and Connor McClaine. Delphinia is a bit shy when outside her comfort zone. She lives with her parents, high-level faculty members, who love her but don't listen to her. She dates a rather bland law professor that her parents approve of but yearns for the connection and passion she sees in the romances she reads. Delphinia loves her work but sometimes feels constrained by outside expectations. She's not satisfied with her life, but not quite sure how to fix it.
Connor made my heart ache. When he was seventeen, he made the mistake of getting in a car with some friends, not knowing the vehicle was stolen. As a result, he spent six months in prison and gained the title of ex-con for the rest of his life. His experiences in jail profoundly affected him, as did the days immediately after his release. His encounter with Seamus Murphy behind The Tipsy Musketeer pub changed his life. But try as he might, Murphy could not get Connor to see past his ex-con label to the good man he'd become. Connor believes that his past means nobody would want a relationship with him. I loved seeing Connor in his element at the bar, taking care of people. There were some fantastic scenes where his overall protectiveness and love of people shine.
I loved watching the relationship develop between Delphinia and Connor. She intrigued him from the moment she walked into the bar, and he got her attention when she saw him carry a keg in from the storeroom. It made me smile when their eyes met during the Shakespeare presentations. I laughed out loud when Connor got jealous over his employee's attempts to flirt with Delphinia, then chew him out for putting his professor in an awkward position. I also ached for him because he let his insecurity over his past stop him from following through on his interest and the interest he saw in her eyes. I felt terrible for Delphinia because she was interested, but her self-confidence was so low she didn't believe he'd be interested in her. Fortunately, it didn't stop her from returning to the bar as often as possible.
It doesn't take long before Delphinia compares the way Connor makes her feel to how her lawyer boyfriend, Vincent, makes her feel. Early in the book, a very prophetic scene takes place when she's late for a function they were to attend together. But the more she tries to get closer to Connor, the more he pulls away, trying to protect himself from her reaction if she knew his past. I loved how he saved her after that horrible dinner with Vincent and his friends, followed by the bridge meeting at the bar. The rooftop scene where he told Delphinia about his past broke my heart as he waited for her to reject him. I loved her reaction and the effect it had on him, but he still pushed her away. But when he witnesses Vincent's abusive behavior, Connor forgets everything in his determination to protect her. That scene, and the overwhelming support that Connor received, made an incredibly emotional ending.
The secondary characters, good and bad, made the story even richer. Kristopher's youthful attempts to flirt with Delphinia were both painful and funny, and his respect for Connor made him sit up and take notice when reprimanded. I laughed at Bridget's little sister-like attitude toward Connor, which went along with his brotherly treatment of her. I adored Murphy from the moment he took Connor in to his attempts to get through his stubborn head. I loved how he knew Connor well enough to figure out that he had "woman troubles."
On the other side, Delphinia's parents made me so mad at the way they treated her. They ignored her when she tried to tell them how she felt and behaved like she was too naïve to be on her own. Two things made me especially angry: how they pushed her at Vincent and when her father took her off the campus apartment list. They sure had their eyes opened at the end. Then there was Vincent. He gave me the creeps the first time I saw him with Delphinia, and it only got worse. His attitude about Connor and his attempts to discredit him over the pedestrian bridge made me mad. Finally, the new sheriff epitomized everything that gives law enforcement a bad name.
This is one book that I could easily reread many times.
I loved the two main characters, Dr. Delphinia Ray and Connor McClaine. Delphinia is a bit shy when outside her comfort zone. She lives with her parents, high-level faculty members, who love her but don't listen to her. She dates a rather bland law professor that her parents approve of but yearns for the connection and passion she sees in the romances she reads. Delphinia loves her work but sometimes feels constrained by outside expectations. She's not satisfied with her life, but not quite sure how to fix it.
Connor made my heart ache. When he was seventeen, he made the mistake of getting in a car with some friends, not knowing the vehicle was stolen. As a result, he spent six months in prison and gained the title of ex-con for the rest of his life. His experiences in jail profoundly affected him, as did the days immediately after his release. His encounter with Seamus Murphy behind The Tipsy Musketeer pub changed his life. But try as he might, Murphy could not get Connor to see past his ex-con label to the good man he'd become. Connor believes that his past means nobody would want a relationship with him. I loved seeing Connor in his element at the bar, taking care of people. There were some fantastic scenes where his overall protectiveness and love of people shine.
I loved watching the relationship develop between Delphinia and Connor. She intrigued him from the moment she walked into the bar, and he got her attention when she saw him carry a keg in from the storeroom. It made me smile when their eyes met during the Shakespeare presentations. I laughed out loud when Connor got jealous over his employee's attempts to flirt with Delphinia, then chew him out for putting his professor in an awkward position. I also ached for him because he let his insecurity over his past stop him from following through on his interest and the interest he saw in her eyes. I felt terrible for Delphinia because she was interested, but her self-confidence was so low she didn't believe he'd be interested in her. Fortunately, it didn't stop her from returning to the bar as often as possible.
It doesn't take long before Delphinia compares the way Connor makes her feel to how her lawyer boyfriend, Vincent, makes her feel. Early in the book, a very prophetic scene takes place when she's late for a function they were to attend together. But the more she tries to get closer to Connor, the more he pulls away, trying to protect himself from her reaction if she knew his past. I loved how he saved her after that horrible dinner with Vincent and his friends, followed by the bridge meeting at the bar. The rooftop scene where he told Delphinia about his past broke my heart as he waited for her to reject him. I loved her reaction and the effect it had on him, but he still pushed her away. But when he witnesses Vincent's abusive behavior, Connor forgets everything in his determination to protect her. That scene, and the overwhelming support that Connor received, made an incredibly emotional ending.
The secondary characters, good and bad, made the story even richer. Kristopher's youthful attempts to flirt with Delphinia were both painful and funny, and his respect for Connor made him sit up and take notice when reprimanded. I laughed at Bridget's little sister-like attitude toward Connor, which went along with his brotherly treatment of her. I adored Murphy from the moment he took Connor in to his attempts to get through his stubborn head. I loved how he knew Connor well enough to figure out that he had "woman troubles."
On the other side, Delphinia's parents made me so mad at the way they treated her. They ignored her when she tried to tell them how she felt and behaved like she was too naïve to be on her own. Two things made me especially angry: how they pushed her at Vincent and when her father took her off the campus apartment list. They sure had their eyes opened at the end. Then there was Vincent. He gave me the creeps the first time I saw him with Delphinia, and it only got worse. His attitude about Connor and his attempts to discredit him over the pedestrian bridge made me mad. Finally, the new sheriff epitomized everything that gives law enforcement a bad name.
This is one book that I could easily reread many times.
February 5, 2020
The Bartender’s Secret
Caro Carson
Caro Carson debuts the Masterson Texas series with a fantastic forbidden love story. Her small college town setting is spot on complete with jocks profs and the watering hole that brings them all together and her Shakespearian references match the story and the sentiment perfectly. The real stand outs are her two main characters, Connor and Delphinia, they’re unforgettable, both very genuine, both not happy in their lives and Caro’s amazing dialogue will let readers experience all the heartbreak and emotional turmoil they feel from their first fateful meeting until that all important Happy Ever After. Fans will eat up this latest gem of Caro’s!
Prim and proper Dr. Delphinia Ray Masterson college professor has a secret she’s a romance novel reading romantic at heart. It’s why she wants grand passion, a real love not the plain vanilla feelings she has for her current boyfriend. So when she meets a local pub owner who makes her palms sweat and her heart race she’s ready to take the plunge into happily ever after but he’s got other ideas.
Publican Connor McClaine has a secret, he hasn’t always been an upstanding citizen in fact when he was younger he made a bad choice that put him behind bars and gave him the title ex-con. So when a respectable refined college professor shows an attraction to him and makes him want things he knows he can’t have. He does the right thing he shuts her down before she turns his world more upside down than she already has.
Caro Carson
Caro Carson debuts the Masterson Texas series with a fantastic forbidden love story. Her small college town setting is spot on complete with jocks profs and the watering hole that brings them all together and her Shakespearian references match the story and the sentiment perfectly. The real stand outs are her two main characters, Connor and Delphinia, they’re unforgettable, both very genuine, both not happy in their lives and Caro’s amazing dialogue will let readers experience all the heartbreak and emotional turmoil they feel from their first fateful meeting until that all important Happy Ever After. Fans will eat up this latest gem of Caro’s!
Prim and proper Dr. Delphinia Ray Masterson college professor has a secret she’s a romance novel reading romantic at heart. It’s why she wants grand passion, a real love not the plain vanilla feelings she has for her current boyfriend. So when she meets a local pub owner who makes her palms sweat and her heart race she’s ready to take the plunge into happily ever after but he’s got other ideas.
Publican Connor McClaine has a secret, he hasn’t always been an upstanding citizen in fact when he was younger he made a bad choice that put him behind bars and gave him the title ex-con. So when a respectable refined college professor shows an attraction to him and makes him want things he knows he can’t have. He does the right thing he shuts her down before she turns his world more upside down than she already has.
January 3, 2021
"How does a bookwork proposition you? "Hey, hottie. Let's get naked and talk about literature." Does size matter when it comes to books?"
Literature, theater and drinks !
An Irish pub is where it began for Delphinia Ray and the owner, Connor McClaine. A bar where the community college teacher went to read and help her students repeat Shakespeare's words.
It's instant attraction for Delphinia and Connor and they soon realized they're both bookworm, but she already have a suitor and Connor knows they come from different world and not so sure she'd feel the same if she knew some things about his past. But just as some romance characters all have their own cliché, both Connor and Delphinia will prove that they're more than an image and a few words on a page. When it comes to feeling and emotion, there's definitely more than meet the eyes and everyone have their own contradictions.
I love the author's note at the beginning of the book when she talk about the opposite attract trope and what if only one of them knew they were opposite. It's my third time reading a Caro Carson book and while I love the way she tell a story, because she always bring a different angle to familiar trope, I realized when reading this book that for me, what is the absolute best of her writing is her characters and how I immediately fall in love with them after only a few pages. I'll admit I wished her MC get together earlier in this book but I still enjoyed the journey and rooted for their HEA!
Literature, theater and drinks !
An Irish pub is where it began for Delphinia Ray and the owner, Connor McClaine. A bar where the community college teacher went to read and help her students repeat Shakespeare's words.
It's instant attraction for Delphinia and Connor and they soon realized they're both bookworm, but she already have a suitor and Connor knows they come from different world and not so sure she'd feel the same if she knew some things about his past. But just as some romance characters all have their own cliché, both Connor and Delphinia will prove that they're more than an image and a few words on a page. When it comes to feeling and emotion, there's definitely more than meet the eyes and everyone have their own contradictions.
I love the author's note at the beginning of the book when she talk about the opposite attract trope and what if only one of them knew they were opposite. It's my third time reading a Caro Carson book and while I love the way she tell a story, because she always bring a different angle to familiar trope, I realized when reading this book that for me, what is the absolute best of her writing is her characters and how I immediately fall in love with them after only a few pages. I'll admit I wished her MC get together earlier in this book but I still enjoyed the journey and rooted for their HEA!
February 19, 2020
I knew this would be a great book because I have enjoyed all of Caro Carson’s previous books. I was so excited about it, I took it with me on a recent vacation and read it on the plane and then late into the night. I even delayed breakfast the next morning so I could finish it. Then, after I finished reading it, the characters haunted me and I wished it were longer.
I loved the characters. Their stories touched me so profoundly I totally lost myself in their world.
This is a badboy/good girl story. I liked how the conflict between the badboy, bartender and the good Shakespearean scholar paralleled themes in Othello. Like Othello, Conner has a dark past and wants to move beyond it although he doubts he can. She wants to realize her full potential and fulfill her dreams but is being held back by her parents’ expectations.
The conflict between the heroine and her parent and the other boyfriend who was sort of the villain added layer and depth.
I thought the ending was fabulous. I can’t say more without inserting a spoiler.
Such a great story. With a true hero. And a charming heroine. I liked Murphy and all secondary characters a lot. You won’t go wrong if you choose to read this romance.
The author sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the characters. Their stories touched me so profoundly I totally lost myself in their world.
This is a badboy/good girl story. I liked how the conflict between the badboy, bartender and the good Shakespearean scholar paralleled themes in Othello. Like Othello, Conner has a dark past and wants to move beyond it although he doubts he can. She wants to realize her full potential and fulfill her dreams but is being held back by her parents’ expectations.
The conflict between the heroine and her parent and the other boyfriend who was sort of the villain added layer and depth.
I thought the ending was fabulous. I can’t say more without inserting a spoiler.
Such a great story. With a true hero. And a charming heroine. I liked Murphy and all secondary characters a lot. You won’t go wrong if you choose to read this romance.
The author sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
The Professor and the Bartender
Professor Delphinia Ray is all wrong for Connor McClain, the owner of an Irish Pub in a Texas college town. The shy English lit instructor seeks to prove him wrong in this endearing & beautiful study of two people who could be so good for each other despite the differences in their pasts.
This is a sweet, clean read.
Professor Delphinia Ray is all wrong for Connor McClain, the owner of an Irish Pub in a Texas college town. The shy English lit instructor seeks to prove him wrong in this endearing & beautiful study of two people who could be so good for each other despite the differences in their pasts.
This is a sweet, clean read.
February 7, 2023
This book started fine — I really loved the crystal clear writing and how Caro Carson conveys a lot with restrained and playful writing. She writes a very swoon-y, quiet hero.
But I think the book is ultimately too short — perennial problem with Harlequins — and thus the transition from the characters being attracted to each other to being in love with each other never rings true to me.
I also didn't totally understand the heroine; we get details about how she's a prodigy and her parents are kind of detached and viewed her as a trophy, but why does she have so little agency in her life? Is it because her parents are controlling her finances in some way? That she doesn't earn enough money? I dunno! She felt more like a collection of Mary Sue attributes than a real person.
But I think the book is ultimately too short — perennial problem with Harlequins — and thus the transition from the characters being attracted to each other to being in love with each other never rings true to me.
I also didn't totally understand the heroine; we get details about how she's a prodigy and her parents are kind of detached and viewed her as a trophy, but why does she have so little agency in her life? Is it because her parents are controlling her finances in some way? That she doesn't earn enough money? I dunno! She felt more like a collection of Mary Sue attributes than a real person.
May 28, 2021
I gave The Bartender's Secret by Caro Carson 4 stars. What I liked best about the characters, Delphinia and Connor, is that she's an accomplished college professor respected by her students, yet she's not pretentious. And Conner is a street-savvy successful pub owner, yet he's not a goon.
This sensual romance had a refreshingly unexpected ending, but still has HEA.
I received a complimentary copy, the author was so nice to sign my copy.
This is my second book from Caro Carson and I'm looking forward to the next one.
This sensual romance had a refreshingly unexpected ending, but still has HEA.
I received a complimentary copy, the author was so nice to sign my copy.
This is my second book from Caro Carson and I'm looking forward to the next one.
July 11, 2020
An amazing story with Drama, Love, and educational. There was so many way this book could have ended and had me guessing the whole entire time. I cannot wait to read the next book!
June 12, 2021
Exceptionally good category romance. The heroine is a rather shy young college professor who's not figured out how to stop being pushed around by her parents, who love her but never learned to listen to her. The hero was convicted of a felony - joy riding - as a teenager and now runs a pub where he charms the ladies and stays out of trouble.
There were times these people broke my heart just a bit and other times I cheered them on. The only thing that left me a little let down was the too quick and easy ending; it kind of felt like the author ran out of pages and just tied it all up. But I still loved the book - a small bit of sunshine in a year that has been dark and gloomy. I look forward to reading more by this author.
There were times these people broke my heart just a bit and other times I cheered them on. The only thing that left me a little let down was the too quick and easy ending; it kind of felt like the author ran out of pages and just tied it all up. But I still loved the book - a small bit of sunshine in a year that has been dark and gloomy. I look forward to reading more by this author.
November 10, 2020
This book is a must read for romance lovers. I couldn’t put it down! This book had me swooning the whole time! I love that it’s set in an Irish pub and the main characters are so loveable! It’s the cutest most cozy read ever! I can’t say enough good things but Caro Carson is a romance genius! I can’t wait to read more books by her... seriously had me wanting more page by page... I couldn’t read it fast enough!
July 23, 2020
I loved this books characters from the very beginning , Connor and Delphinia have that instant connection that true soul mates have. I love that she is a teacher and he actually reads, so they have that connection as well, but What I really loved about this book is that if left me wanting more , more stories from this couple , more banter , more everything .
January 27, 2020
A most surprising romance novel, without sex, yet deeply sensual. It explores the attraction between someone who lives the life of the mind and someone who has experienced prison, brought together by Shakespeare.
February 13, 2020
Very Good Book
This book is a bit different from her others. Right from page 1 it piqued my interest and it captured my attention! I didn't want to put it down...and the ending was so unexpected. Will probably read it again because it made me feel that good!
This book is a bit different from her others. Right from page 1 it piqued my interest and it captured my attention! I didn't want to put it down...and the ending was so unexpected. Will probably read it again because it made me feel that good!
March 4, 2020
I don’t know if there are enough ways for me to express how much I love this book! I have tried writing a review for a few days but keep getting drawn back to one passage. All i will say is read the book (especially page 130)!
Obviously I highly recommend this book!
Obviously I highly recommend this book!
July 22, 2020
I loved reading this book and loved the characters its a case where opposites attract and fall in love.
Delphinia is being controlled by her parents and abusive boyfriend and Connor is protective of her but afraid to get to close because of past secrets
Delphinia is being controlled by her parents and abusive boyfriend and Connor is protective of her but afraid to get to close because of past secrets
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February 1, 2020Categories
Family Life Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Masterson, Texas
Family Life Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Masterson, Texas
April 7, 2022
I devoured this book. It was very atmospheric, collegiate, and smoking hot (in a completely non-spicy way - this book has zero sex in it).
These characters, an English professor and her sexy bar owner, had palpable chemistry from chapter one. 😘😘😘 I adored them and their relationship and everything about this book. I really felt like I was here in this old Irish pub watching this relationship unfold. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
Oh and did I mention this was an Othello retelling? Yes, please! I’m a sucker for any Shakespeare retelling. 🥰
These characters, an English professor and her sexy bar owner, had palpable chemistry from chapter one. 😘😘😘 I adored them and their relationship and everything about this book. I really felt like I was here in this old Irish pub watching this relationship unfold. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
Oh and did I mention this was an Othello retelling? Yes, please! I’m a sucker for any Shakespeare retelling. 🥰
June 26, 2021
This is my second book by Carson and I am impressed. She's a good writer. Her characters are interesting and intelligent, the hero is yummy and impressive, and the ending is dramatically positive. Delphinia, our heroine, grows a backbone, though I think she depends too much on Connor to rescue her. I would have liked her to fight back more strongly against her jerk of a boyfriend. And both Vincent and the sheriff is very one-dimensional.
January 15, 2021
DNF.. couldn't get into the story
June 27, 2021
As always... another fabulous book by Caro Carson. Her books never fail to be great!
July 6, 2021
This is another fun read. A good story with great characters that you could meet in real life.
And who doesn't love the idea of classy Irish pub owned by a kind hottie?
And who doesn't love the idea of classy Irish pub owned by a kind hottie?
January 29, 2023
He was so cute, skilled and kind ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
Connor McClaine loves sheltered shy Prof. Delphinia Ray at first sight, and it's reciprocated. But he's an ex-con and doesn't think he's worthy of her. Excellent story, I read it in one sitting!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews