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Captured by Love #2

The Unyielding Bachelor

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Rick would give anything to be with Lexie. But the secret contract keeping them apart could cost them everything—especially their chance at love.

Lexie Mead has been crushing on Rick Donnelly for as long as she can remember, and she's tired of being stuck in the friend zone. Determined to win his heart, she’s ready to outshine the competition—no matter how aggressive his other admirers might be. But Rick sends her mixed signals, leaving her constantly second-guessing. One moment, he’s flirting, the next, he’s treating her like just another buddy. Determined to break through his emotional walls, Lexie pushes harder, unaware that Rick’s distance isn’t from a lack of interest. It’s a necessity.

Bound by a strict contract that keeps him from getting too close, Rick is torn between his growing feelings for Lexie and his duty to his family. The thought of losing her to someone else is unbearable, but breaking the contract would jeopardize not just his future but his sister's as well. With enemies lurking and determined to watch him fail, Rick has to find a way to be with Lexie without risking everything—or lose her forever.

***

The complete Captured by Love series.
Book 1: The Unwilling Executive (Lucas Renner & Jade Tully)
Book 2: The Unyielding Bachelor (Rick Donnelly & Lexie Mead)
Book 3: The Undercover Playboy (Carter Garrett & Cassie Stephens)
Book 4: The Unintended Fiancé (Bradley Mead & Erin Baker)
Book 5: The Unforgettable Ex (Gavin Redford & Natasha Garrett)
Book 6: The Unknown Billionaire (Jarryd Westbourne & Marilyn Grant)
Book 7: The Unmasked CEO (Simon Alexander & Geri Blaine)
Book 8: The Unexpected Husband (Tristan Grant & Paige Shipton)
Book 9: The Unreal Boyfriend (Derek McCarthy & Bernadette Luna)

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2015

87 people are currently reading
413 people want to read

About the author

Miranda P. Charles

35 books433 followers
Miranda P. Charles writes swoonworthy, stirring, and steamy contemporary romance novels with oh-so-sweet heroes and strong heroines.

She prefers to spend her time in front of her laptop, putting into words the love stories that play in her head. Don't get her started with reading a great book, though, because she tends to not put it down until she gets to the last page even if she loses sleep.

She does have a life outside of books. Mostly, that consists of bonding with family and friends or going on romantic trips with her awesome husband.

She lives in the beautiful city of Sydney, Australia.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,373 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2019
Rick and Lexie might be my favorites! I absolutely loved this pairing! Such an amazing book! Can't wait to read more of this series! 💛
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
May 14, 2015
Miranda Charles always seems to know how to pull me into a series and keep me invested. " The Unyeilding Bachelor", her second book in the Captured by Love Series is no different! I love that not only are her characters easily related to but they all can be connected back to other books or series ; makes me think of the game six degrees of Kevin Bacon.
Do not mistake my statement to mean you can not read this book as a stand alone, because you absolutely can!

Our " Unyeilding Bachelor" ; Rick Donnelly has his reasons for not having anything more than the casual one or two night stands , he never thought it would be an issue tha is until he started noticing his buddy Brad's little sister and her intrest in him. Lexie Mead is not a women he wants a one night stand with but thanks to a rash decision and a stupid contract that is all he can have. Rick really had no choice to protect his little sisters inheritance from his greedy money grabbing stepmother he was left with no choice but to sign a contract stating that until his little sister is twenty one he can have controlling intrest in her trust fund if and only if he does not have any long term committed relationships.

Lexie Mead, has been crushing on Rick for overs year now and it is like he does not even see her but empowered by her bed freind Jade catching Lucas Renner ; Lexie has decided to up her game and she is willing to put her money were her game is , so in this years bet to see who will be the next bachelor to fall in love this year. Lexie is putting it on Rick and going to go after him with all she has got. Unfortunately for Lexie, she has no clue about Rick's contractual obligations.
Lexie gets into full on flirt mode and managing to get in one kiss, that seems to be all but ignored by Rick, but hat she does not realize is tha one kiss is a catalyst that sends Rick looking for a way out of the contract, and revealing the truth of it to Lexie, because seeing the hurt in her eyes each time he pushes her away is killing him.
The road ahead is not smooth by an means, the two have some wonderfully hot scenes together and equally jus as many trials and tribulations too.
Miranda has delivered another wonderful romance with a little plot twist and some danger too that makes this a quick flowing, engrossing read!

Arc graciously provided by author for an honest review!
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,837 reviews39 followers
May 19, 2015
I was asked by Ms. Charles if I would read and review this newest installment in the Captured by Love series and I immediately said yes! I read The Unwilling Executive a few months ago and just from the limited time Rick was in that story, I knew when it came time for his book, it was going to be a great read and I was not disappointed.

What I liked most about this story is that it's not an "insta-love" book; Rick and Lexie already know each other. Lexie is under the impression that Rick doesn't really "see" her and she's doing what she can to get his attention. Only problem is that Rick already sees her, but because of a particular contract, he can't follow his heart because of the what would happen if he negates said contract. Unfortunately, Lexie is tired of waiting around and has started the moving on process, forcing Rick to show his hand.

"But what about the contract" you ask? Well, I could say the hell with contract, it's all about love!

Or I could say that Rick will honor the contract, feelings be damned.

Or I could say you'll have to read the book to find out. But if you've had the pleasure of reading any of Ms. Charles' previous stories, you will already realize that there's always a HEA involved, but Ms. Charles will take the characters (and you by proxy), through a bit of angst before you reach the end of the story, but trust me, it's well worth it!

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Karine.
480 reviews35 followers
July 6, 2015
I have been waiting the read the next one in this series for what seems like a long time, even thou it probably isn't. And I wasn't disappointed. It had everything that I liked about the first book, but with new characters to fall in love with.

This story is about the struggles between Rick and Lexie and how everything seems to be standing in there way of finding their happy ever after. Nothing seems to go their way and just when things were starting to look up, trouble was just around the corner.

I really liked their story and was glad to read about all their friends from the first book too. It's always nice when you get to see more from the other characters; it's the authors way of letting you know that they haven't forgotten about them either.

Can't wait for the next one now.
Profile Image for Ness.
415 reviews15 followers
November 23, 2017
I'm just loving this series! I'm not a fast reader, so either these are really short or I am just totally devouring them. There are 567 pages for all 3 books, and the first chapter starts where the last book ends, so it is SO easy to just keep reading in one session.

I got the pack of 3 on Google Books and will be starting The Undercover Playboy as soon as I finish typing this review.

Rick - rich & successful bachelor
Lexie - works with her bff Jade

I just love Miranda's style of writing. She doesn't bother with writing boring exchanges that don't add anything to the story. Little details that you won't care for, she won't bother with, just that the information was exchanged. I liked how everything flowed so effortlessly. I think I love stories with close girlfriends. (eg Seaside Summers Series by Melissa Foster).

I loved Rick's love for his sister Shelley, and how Erin is on passion patrol lol. Maybe I just appreciate the humour (very dry). When I hear the characters talk in my head they actually have Aussie accents =p

Maybe I am a little homesick. When I read about the Sydney ferry horn tooting I was like, I KNOW what that sounds like!!

**CRYPTIC SPOILER ALERT**
I thought it was a little too convenient when the bad guy was caught and the police busted in. I couldn't help thinking that if they were just outside, they would've heard/seen everything that went down just a few moments before ... awkward ...
Profile Image for Connie N..
2,794 reviews
November 3, 2020
#2 in the Captured by Love romance series

This series continues to be just OK for me. There's nothing really wrong with it; as a matter of fact, I liked the characters this time. It's just that the whole premise of the story just seemed kind of silly. Rick has supposedly signed a contract that he will not have a serious romantic relationship or else he will lose control of his sister's finances to her greedy mother, plus a percentage of his own business. I know, right? Dumb, and something a successful businessman wouldn't do. But that's the situation. Oh, and it's a secret. So his coworker, who has the hots for him and is making a move, doesn't know why he's running hot and cold with her, making her doubt herself and any future relationship. It's very complicated and kind of far-fetched. But if you look beyond that, the characters are enjoyable, the romance is pleasant (although their sneaking around also seemed dumb, with them making it so easy to get caught), and it was a quick read. I will keep reading this series, largely because they are "U" titles and are sufficiently enjoyable to keep me coming back for more.
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,384 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2017
OMG! If it got any hotter, the pages would explode and burn to ashes! Wow! Another heated story that will not only grab your attention from page one to the end, but will have you burning up as the flames of love mingle with the fingers of jealousy, hurt, suspicion and danger. Rick, the second of the confirmed bachelors to find his way possibly off of the “available” list, he fights not only his attraction to the beautiful Lexie, but the suspect attitude of his step mother and her malicious contract she had him sign years ago in order to protect his younger sister. Lexie has been in love with Rick forever, and has decided it’s time she does something about it. The only problem would be that it seems Rick isn’t “into” her like she is to him. But things change in the space of a second! Will she ever get her chance to truly love him like she needs? Or will he continue his playboy ways?
A beautiful story that will warm your heart, even after it has it pumping with the suspense and action, and anticipation.
Profile Image for Anika.
125 reviews
May 21, 2021
Ok, what can I say once I start a series, especially when I have the bundle on my Kindle it is hard not to finish the book even when it isn't a good read...

Once again I am disappointed in this story...I was still unable to connect with the characters and the transitions from one sentence to the next felt rushed and awkward...

This series isn't getting better and I am so glad their is only 1 more book left in this bundle and then I can put this down and try to forget that I wasted time reading this series when I could have found a good book to read...
Profile Image for Elena.
1,159 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2022
Just no. Crappy concept. & really. The conflict of the "contract" to keep him single was easily brushed aside by implementing thugs & gangsters threatening the "contract"? And changing the stepmother POV so drastically? Just nope.
Profile Image for Jakki Frances.
Author 25 books76 followers
May 7, 2017
love this story, so involved, love that its aussie too
Profile Image for Roslynn.
123 reviews
June 8, 2017
I'm enjoying this series. Easy read with a little suspense here and there just for show....This book overall was not too bad and I enjoyed the story a little more than Book 1.
Profile Image for Staci.
450 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2018
Wow, Lexi and Rick had to fight to be together. But so worth it
Profile Image for Maggie Hesseling.
1,368 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2018
Even better than the first novel! The Unyeilding Bachelor is fun, heart breaking and a great read. And with a twist I didn't see coming. Another perfect read for these hot summer days!
Profile Image for Alice Bloomfield.
1,799 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

He made a deal not be in a relationship or he’d lose the ability to see and support his sister, then he meets her and tries to break this. I don’t love that he is encouraging her to lie to all their friends about them. It’s nice and I like them as a couple but didn’t love the encouraged lying.
Profile Image for Mignon Mykel.
Author 87 books686 followers
May 21, 2015
4.5 / 5 stars

Received a review copy through author in exchange for an honest review; original posting can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...

UNYIELDING is book two in this series, following UNWILLING -- and by following, I mean ten minutes after we closed Lucas and Jade's story when the group of friends was betting on who the next guy was to fall. Lexie (and Jade) bet on Rick... but Rick and Lucas know that that's just not going to happen.

Lexie has been attracted to Rick for a moment now, and can't figure out what else she can do to get him to notice her. She is blatantly obvious in her flirting, but still, he treats her like a friend. She just doesn't get it.

Rick, though... well, he's equally attracted to Lexie. Problem? He's literally under contract to not be in a serious relationship for another six years and what he wants with Lexie could certainly be filed under 'SERIOUS'. If he were to go back on the contract, though, not only does he lose a huge chunk of his business, but his fifteen-year-old half sister will end up losing her inheritance and that's something Rick isn't willing to gamble with, especially as he's not the biggest fan of Shelley's mom.

I rather enjoyed reading their story -- I liked it better than UNWILLING. My biggest issue in UNWILLING was the not-so-manly dialogue between friends, but I can't say that was evident here. I felt that Lexie and Rick had a great rapport and communicated well -- he tried hard to keep her at arm's length and when he realized that not only did he not want to do that anymore, but that he was hurting her by doing it, he was forthcoming with her and told her why. Granted, when he learns more about his situation... He pushes her away again.

For good reason, but he pushes her away again.

Miranda did a great thing with this story by putting in time jumps -- there was one section that had a six week jump and I felt that that helped with the believability of the story. Granted... I don't recall if I put it in the review of UNWILLING, but I felt that Jade had forgiven Lucas too quickly in the last few pages. Here in UNYIELDING, I felt that the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have liked to see the last paragraph-ish of dialogue (pre-epilogue/chapter twenty-one) fill a few more pages, but maybe that's just me being greedy.

The next book in this series will belong to Cassie and Carter and I have to say...

I'm pretty pumped. Meeting Carter in this book was fun and I can't wait to see more of him!
Profile Image for C.
306 reviews
July 11, 2015
This was another one of Miranda's books that I could not put down. I hate when the world interrupts and I can't sit and read. This is my second book by Miranda Charles and I am even more impressed than "The Unwilling Executive", her first book in the Captured By Love series. This book can be read alone without reading "The Unwilling Executive" but it would help to understand the characters.

Lexie Mead has had a crush on Rick Donnelly for a LONG time. She can't figure out why Rick never acts on her flirting. SHe has tried every trick in the book and he never makes a move. So she decided to give up. What she doesn't know is why he can't make a move. It's not because he doesn't want to, he can't. for good reason too.

Rick is in charge of his step-sister's inheritance. His step-mother almost lost it in her reckless spending spree. Thankfully Rick too it over and has made sure his sister will have something left when she comes of age. This is not an easy task though. It comes with strings attached that affects Rick's happiness.

The story continues with Rick's struggle to keep his agreements for his sister's sake and find some sort of relief for his own sexual desires. He truly struggles with his feelings for a woman and doing the right thing.

I loved this story mostly for the characters that I hated, loved, then hated and then loved again. The characters were so well written. The story had twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, thinking I had the ending of the story all figured out. Wrong. I was so wrong. I loved how it ended though. Surprised doesn't even describe it. I love Miranda's imagination and change in the story.

Like I said, I loved "The Unwilling Executive" and loved this one just as much, maybe more. I really like reading about Lucas and Jade again and having them apart of this story. So nice when the characters come back to visit or be a part of the next story.

Another well done book by Miranda P. Charles. Loved it! I am ready for "The Undercover Playboy" and the surprises it brings too.



Profile Image for Miriam.
737 reviews39 followers
September 18, 2015
Oh god. I got all weepy and sniffly reading this story. Then I got pissed and swore and had to kick my kids out of my room so they don't go around repeating what I said. I'm totally all for stories that tug at my heart and make me feel for the characters, but, damn it, I should be able to read more than a dozen or pages without being on one end or the other of the emotional spectrum, right?

But that's what makes Ms. Charles' stories some of my favorites. They're engaging, humorous, and realistic. Those three elements coupled with incredible characters is what pulls me into her stories and keeps me there.

Rick and Lexie deserved to be together but couldn't for a reason initially unknown to Lexie. Once the truth was told, their relationship was on the Bullet Train to happily ever after. Well, not really. Their relationship had to be kept under wraps, and they snuck around to steal moments together to ensure that no one they were seeing one another. Of course, everything that's in darkness will eventually be brought to light. While they did damage control to keep their secret safe, Rick came across new information that devastated him and almost ruined what he and Lexie had.

I don't think "suspense" or "mystery" when I think of Ms. Charles' books. She is clearly a romance author who writes in the contemporary genre, and her stories are always about couples finding their way into the arms of their beloved. The suspense and bit of mystery she added to this story was a really nice surprise. It was one of those "Just when you thought it couldn't get any better!" moments.

Ms. Charles continues to surprise me with the stories she tells and how she tells them. Everyone deserves a happy ending. Lucas and Jade got theirs first, Rick and Lexie second. Carter's next and I wonder what adventure he'll go on to get his.

(Received from author for an honest review)
Profile Image for books are love.
3,160 reviews23 followers
September 2, 2015
Received in exchange for a honest review.

What I love about this book in the series is that here Rick doesn’t want to be single but is playing the field because of his love for his sister. He loves her so much and wants her to have something that he agrees to this ridiculous arrangement with his step mom. Sadly he really likes Lexie and it is he who becomes the waffler.

This book shows us that not everything is always as it seems. Rick is a bachelor but wants more. His step mom takes evil to a new level but there is more than meets the eye going on there. Lexie is sweet and loving and loves Rick but is confused by some of his actions. Rick is a great guy just stuck in a impossible situation.

Throughout the book we are privy to tidbits of what is happening to keep Rick single and also the whys behind his step mother’s edict. We see such love for family throughout the book from all characters that it is heartwarming.

As Rick and LExie give in to the attraction we are lucky to see so many amazing intimate scenes and these are not just of the bedroom variety. Rick opening up to Lexie is incredible and wonderful to see. He trusts her with his world.

A book that keeps you in the now with the love that is felt from the pages, the wooing that Rick is doing, the twist and turns that take place and the action that is seen. A book about seeing beyond what is put out there and taking a risk. A book on love and family and sacrifice. This couple will really capture you and have you rooting for them.
567 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2016
What do you do when you get an ARC from Miranda about a new story? Yeah you will do like me scream in delight and start reading the book till you finish it.
You get sucked in the story you laugh and scream and then you fall in love with the book. My only problem is when I start I need to finish it immediately.

Rick Donnelly player first class has a great life no issues at all, loves to have one night stands so he doesn’t lose his end goal in life. But all is ruined when his eyes fall on the beautiful Lexie, his buddy’s little sister except she can’t be his and all because of some stupid contract he made with his reckless stepmother.

Lexie is tired of sitting in the friend zone she wants him now, but how will she get Ricks attention? She needs to step up her game and get his heart. What better way to spend her money on a bet which next bachelor to fall in love this year, her choice will be Rick!! So in full seduction mode she even manages to get a kiss out of the game.

This is not how it was supposed to go Rick can’t stop thinking about Lexie after the mind blowing kiss. Why couldn’t this happen 7 years later!! He needs to find a way to get out of this contract with his reckless stepmother and save the substantial inheritance for his stepsister and his company.

So again a great romance with a lot of mystery and intrigues.

Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
May 25, 2015
The Unyielding Bachelor by Miranda P. Charles is the second book in her Captured by Love series. It CAN be read as a stand-alone.

This amazingly intricate plot focuses on two friends who have feelings for each other but who have some very large obstacles in the way of them forming a relationship bond.

Lexie has been in a constant flirt mode with Rick for over a year now. It is time for her gloves to come off. When she is done, there is no way he can ignore her intentions, whether he accepts what she is offering is another matter entirely.

Rick has made an arrangement that prevents him from being in a serious relationship. It was a stupid arrangement, done years ago when he embraced the idea of being a perpetual bachelor playboy. with Lexie's advances becoming more obvious and steadfast he isn't sure he can stick to his end of the arrangement, but the price for breaking the arrangement is higher than he is willing to pay.

Plot twists galore and intrigue abounds. A beautiful, steamy romance that will have you on tenterhooks wondering what on earth is going to happen next.
Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
603 reviews13 followers
May 9, 2015
* i received it in exchange of an honest review *

There is this gut crunching passion in all Miranda P. Charles books, something fierce! This sizzling chemistry and deep emotional connection between her characters that you can actually feel when you read! I always, always, get butterflies when i read one of her books! Hot, sweet, romantic, passionate, interesting and thrilling, her books are always very well written and The unyielding bachelor follows in the same steps!!! The story is built on a catching plot and really good twists with a very good amount of angst! The writing style is so wonderful that you'll feel every single emotion as if you were the characters! Their stress, their sorrow, their pain, but also their passion and their heat! This is the second book in this series and it was Rick and Lexie's turn. I honestly can' t wait to read a new one! You cannot but get addicted to this group of friends and their lives! The thrill and the romance so successfully entwined are sure to grab your attention from beginning till end, personally i couldn't put it down!!! Miranda P. Charles' name became a synonym of a great reading moment for me! I know when i pick one of her books that i will have a nice time and it is amazing how she proves me right time after time!!! Once again Two Thumbs High In The Air With Blazing Lighters On!!!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,929 reviews172 followers
May 18, 2015
ARC REVIEW: THE UNYIELDING BACHELOR(CAPTURED BY LOVE--BOOK #2) BY MIRANDA P. CHARLES  
 
My Review
 
The Unyielding Bachelor (Captured by Love, #2) by Miranda P. CharlesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Can love be any more complicated? Lexie feelings for Rick are the worst kept secret, it's just that obvious. Having been in love with Rick for a while Lexie is unsure how he feels. Although Rick does feel something for Lexie, he is more subtle and keeps his feelings to himself. He has an image to maintain and it is really important that he keeps his playboy image intact. This story proved to be a real treat for me. All is not what it seems and there are reasons as to why Rick is an Unyielding Bachelor. Or is he? Read the book. Found this book to be a very entertaining read. Received The Unyielding Bachelor by Miranda P. Charles for an honest review.(www.goodreads.com/review/list/2555691...)
 
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Unyielding-Bach...
 
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-u...
 
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
Profile Image for Melissa Ogletree.
186 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2015
I received this book for an honest review.
Lexie wants Rick and has spent months firting with him trying to get his attention about ready to give up she decides she needs to try one more time with a more direct approach before moving on once and for all. Rick has done his best acting pretending that Lexie's flirtations have no impact on him when the truth is he'd like nothing more than to make her his but he has a secret that makes him unable to get involved so he keeps her at a distance. But what will he do when it looks like Lexie is moving on? Can he accept losing her forever?
Once again I couldn't put this book down, the characters pulled you in from the beginning and there were enough twists and turns and mystery to keep you on your toes wondering what would happen next. This book made me laugh, cry, and yell at my kindle in frustration at times while rooting the whole time for them to find their HEA. It was a good, quick read that I finished in one sitting. It is a standalone as it's a complete story but it is part of a series that to me should be read in order. So one click today to see if Lexie gets her man or moves on to find someone new!
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
May 19, 2015
She has had a thing for Rick for a year and now she is determined to make him see her.

He sees her oh does he see her but being with Lexie could ruin everything for his sisters trust, all because of a contract he was stupid enough to sign.

One kiss is all it takes for everything to change between them, but because of his contract they have to keep everything a secret. What happens when their secret is threatened? What will they really risk if the truth gets out?

Lexie is a sweetie, who just want the guys shes fallen for to see her. She is strong and confident even though she has been shaken in the past.

Rick is a supposed playboy who really isn't as much of one as it would seem. He wants to see the light at the end of the tunnel and will do whatever it takes to get there. He is smart and successful and oh so sexy.

These two should have as many problems as they do, but looking from the outside in is never the same as seeing it through their eyes. And I loved seeing their story play out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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