Showcase February HQN Special Edition Series - Review The Bartender's Secret by Caro Carson

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Welcome to my February Showcase of the Harlequin Special Edition Series and my review of The Bartender's Secret by Caro Carson 
Enjoy!

A Chance for the Rancher
by Brenda Harlen
Miniseries: Match Made in Haven

Synopsis
Would you take a risk on a cowboy’s kiss?

Dating a single mom? Patrick Stafford would never break that rule…

Patrick Stafford trades his suit for a Stetson and boots and risks it all on a dude ranch. But it’s the veterinarian in Haven, Nevada, who really challenges him. Dr. Brooke Langley is all business, a devoted single mom who is off-limits to a fun-loving bachelor like him. But Patrick should have taken his own advice, because after just one kiss, he’s ready to make the biggest gamble of his life…with his heart.

Brenda's Website

Her Homecoming Wish
by Jo McNally
Miniseries: Gallant Lake Stories

Synopsis
Discover a fresh new voice! Jo McNally delivers an emotionally powerful story of finding love after heartbreak, its challenges and its rewards.

She’s ready to shed her good-girl ways…

“You’re all about following the rules now? Pity.”

Mackenzie Wallace hopes there’s still some bad boy lurking beneath single father Danny Adams’s upright exterior. Being the proverbial good girl left her brokenhearted and alone in the past. Now she’s back in town and wants excitement with her high school crush—not love. Dan knows their connection runs deep, despite Mackenzie’s protests. But will their new personas work together—especially when Dan’s secret is exposed?

Jo's Website

Daughter on His Doorstep
by Teresa Southwick

Synopsis
Knock, knock. Guess who’s a dad?

Nine years of secret-keeping was finally over

When Luke McCoy moved back next door, Shelby Richards knew he’d discover the truth. Within minutes, young Emma was on his doorstep, asking Luke if he really was her daddy. Though Shelby believed not telling Luke had been the right thing to do, the police detective was not so quick to forgive. And as Shelby saw Luke with their daughter, her heart was not so quick to forget what they’d all missed out on.

Teresa's Harlequin Page

For the Twins' Sake
by Melissa Senate
Miniseries: Dawson Family Ranch

Synopsis
Read the first book in the Dawson Family Ranch series by Melissa Senate!

Does he love her enough to raise another man’s children?

“She’s your baby, Noah Dawson. She’s your responsibility now.”

But is she? Noah is willing enough to believe the adorable newborn left on his doorstep is his child. And then his ex, Sara Mayhew, turns up, claiming the baby is hers--a twin to her infant son--and Noah realizes he’s not the father. Even so, the cowboy has already turned his life around and swapped his spurs for a baby carrier. Despite their still-powerful attraction, Sara isn’t ready to trust the “new” Noah. But he’s already fighting for their future as a family...

Melissa's Website

Fortune's Texas Surprise
by Stella Bagwell
Miniseries: The Fortunes of Texas: Rambling Rose

Synopsis
USA TODAY bestselling author Stella Bagwell delivers a heartfelt and emotional journey in the next installment of The Fortunes of Texas.

The baby was unexpected. So was the cowboy.

This Fortune daughter is rich in the things that matter…

Veterinary assistant Stephanie Fortune has never been lucky in love—unless you count the furry kind. But now that she’s become a foster mom to a baby boy, she believes her heart is full. And then she meets Acton Donovan. The flirty cowboy charms everyone he meets, so why should Stephanie be any different? “Just friends” is all Stephanie dares to be. Acton, however, is intent on proving he can be the family man she truly needs…

Stella's Harlequin Page

The Bartender's Secret
by Caro Carson
Miniseries: Masterson, Texas

Synopsis
USA TODAY bestselling author Caro Carson delivers her signature heartwarming and contemporary storytelling in her brand new series: Masterson, Texas!

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.

Caro's Website

My Review:

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.

Be sure to stop by next month for six more contemporary romance gems!

Until then live well, laugh often and love always!!!

Help them keep their new games and toys organized. (At least for a little bit.)