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Captured by Love #3

The Undercover Playboy

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As their worlds collide, Cassie is drawn to Carter’s charm. But his hidden secrets could break her heart—and endanger them both.

Undercover detective Carter Garrett is used to playing risky roles, but pretending to be a cash-strapped playboy is proving harder than he expected—especially when his sister’s stunning friend, Cassie Stephens, takes a job at an art gallery owned by his prime suspect. As Carter’s feelings for Cassie deepen, he knows letting her get too close could compromise both his mission and her safety. Keeping his cover intact is crucial, but with Cassie unknowingly entangled in a dangerous case, his heart is making it harder to keep her at arm’s length.

Cassie Stephens can’t believe her luck when she lands a high-paying job with enviable perks at a prestigious art gallery. To top it off, her boss has connections to Carter Garrett, her flatmate’s irresistibly handsome brother. Sparks fly between her and Carter, but she knows better than to fall for his notorious playboy charm. Yet just as she begins to give in to her feelings, her new boss drops a bombshell about Carter that leaves her questioning everything. As passion and secrets collide, Cassie senses danger lurking around the corner—and it’s closer than she ever imagined.

***
The Undercover Playboy can be read as a standalone or as Book 3 of the Captured by Love series. The author recommends reading the books in order to fully enjoy the series.

The complete Captured by Love series
Book 1: The Unwilling Executive
Book 2: The Unyielding Bachelor
Book 3: The Undercover Playboy
Book 4: The Unintended Fiancé
Book 5: The Unforgettable Ex
Book 6: The Unknown Billionaire
Book 7: The Unmasked CEO
Book 8: The Unexpected Husband
Book 9: The Unreal Boyfriend

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2015

69 people are currently reading
541 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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5 stars
166 (35%)
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102 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Alp.
763 reviews467 followers
October 21, 2016
4.5/5

I’m so happy I picked up this book. It was so good, more than I expected! This is the third book in the Captured by Love Series, the story of Carter Garrett and Cassie Stephens.

Carter is an undercover detective who had to play the role of a cash-strapped playboy in order to solve the case and find the killer.

Cassie is a flatmate of Carter’s sister. She got a new job at an art gallery where Carter was working undercover as an electrician.

The two of them knew each other for a while but never did anything more than flirting whenever they met. But in fact, they were both attracted to each other. Carter had to choose between his duty and Cassie. He couldn’t tell her the truth because he didn’t want to put her into danger. How could he get involved with her without blowing his cover? And when her life was in real danger, Carter had to do something that might break both their hearts.

I see no reason why I should not give this book 5 stars. This is a lovely and fast-paced romantic suspense story which gave me so many feels. I was happy when they were together and my heart was broken when they were apart. I was curious about the suspect and when the truth was revealed, it came as a mighty shock for me! I never saw it coming!

This was my first time reading Miranda P. Charles and I can say that what I experienced was truly wonderful. It was my delightful read and I felt immensely happy after finishing this one. I’ll definitely read more by this author.

**Thanks Linda for recommending this book to me.
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
July 10, 2015
Arc copy graciously provided by author for an honest review.

What can I say, but a Miranda Charles book is one I always look forward too, they are always a wonderful read.
After all what is not to like, a romance with a hot guy, some sizzling sex scenes, some great plot twist and a group of secondary characters that are continually developed.

Okay so , now that I finished gushing a little I should probably tell you about , "The. Undercover Playboy " from the captured by love series, the series premise is based on a group of people who every year bet on which bachelor will fall to love that year, with the funds from the bet going to the winners favorite charity, This year Carter, happens to be one of the participating bachelors and he has no plans to fall in love!
Cassie has been playing every year and she has yet to win, but she news well enough not to bet on Carter, she sees him pretty routinely since he is her room mate Natasha's brother and she knows he never gets serious with any women.
Cassie however wishes she stood a chance with Carter, she likes him and is loosing her battle with not showing it in front of her freinds., what she does not know is that the reason Carter visits his sister so much is because he wants to see Cassie,. Carter would love to actually be able to date and have a relationship but he job tends to get in the way. Though most of his freinds believe him to be an electrician he really is an undercover police officer, though he ctuakly can do electrical work he uses it as an official cover.
Cassie's life has been complicated , working , looking for a new job and completing her MBA, so even if Carter was intrested she does not have time; until her friend suggests why not a one night stand, get him out of her system.
Carter has been careful to keep his attraction to Cassie a secret, but when she suggest a one night stand, he has to battle to decline without hurting her, however twenty four hours later he is done battle his instincts and he is all in.
Bad enough , he has to lie to her about his career, he wants more than one night , which Cassie is more than happy to participate in, but when Cassie new job puts her at the center of his current undercover op, things get sticky!
Danger, mystery and intrigue rolled in with a growing relationship, romance and hearts that can be hurt make for a fabulous read!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,132 reviews39 followers
July 18, 2015
ARC provided by author

Miranda never disappoints!!! Her books are A MUST READ!!!

The Undercover Playboy was full of suspense, twists, turns and secrets that took me by surprise and wanting more. Take one sexy undercover detective and his sister's shy, quiet flatmate and watch the sparks fly in more ways than one. Carter has feelings for Cassie that he tries to keep aside not wanting to put her in danger because of his line of work. Cassie has always had a thing for Carter but feels she is not in his league. Once she tells him her treat for getting her MBA, Carter wants in. This series has a great group of friends that just keep getting better as more come into the mix. The chemistry between Carter and Cassie was hot!

Don't miss Captured by Love's betting game and see who's next to fall in love. I hope this series never ends and can't wait for Brad and Erin's story!!!

Profile Image for Elena.
1,156 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2022
I feel like this author genuinely hates women, because otherwise, she wouldn't have written such gullible, desperate, & unintelligent women with the sole fixation of finding a man to complete herself. In these three books of this series, the premise of each is the girl chasing the guy who wants nothing to do with them & marriage.

As for the charity bet - that was the worst part of this whole thing. The guys hate it & even mock it, even mock the girls for their desperation to be the "one" of the guys they are betting on when the girls are left in the dark as to why these "mysterious" guys all of sudden can't be w/someone to begin with so naturally the bet shouldn't be able to happen. I just find the bet skeezy, honeslty.

For this one, I knew I was going to hate it because he aas a detective & I hate detective/cop/uniform romances. But regardless of that, it's still a one because of how you portrayed the woman in this book. Made her look like a complete moron who was incapable of doing anything without spontaneously crying & having no backbone or self-respect unless it had something to do with the guy specifically saying to her instead, because God, forbid, she find her own worth by herself & w/out a dude to hell her so.
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,384 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2017
OMG! Who could have ever imagined how this story would end, let alone how it began? Disgruntled Cassie has been looking for a new job for what seems like forever, so when the “opportunity of a lifetime” fell in her lap, she grabbed it like her life depended on it. When she decided she needed to celebrate her windfall, she also decided it was time to reach for something else she desperately wanted…or who that is. When Carter is propositioned by Cassie, he’s gobsmacked, so to speak, unable to form a word, never mind make a decision. But when his heart slows down enough for his brain to catch up, he knows he could never let her find another. He had to have her himself. But when he finds out just where it is that her new job is, he knows he needs to do everything in his power to keep her safe.
Complete with betrayal of all kinds, hot and steamy sex, and a love that is bound to weather everything that stumbles in its’ way, this book will have you on the edge of your seat, with most likely, a tear or two, as the next sworn bachelor takes his fall. Awesome read that will leave you with the question of: who will be the next of the group to take the plunge?
Profile Image for Connie N..
2,790 reviews
February 26, 2022
#3 in the Captured by Love romance series

This is the best book in this series so far. Although it's the same awkward bet about which couples will be paired up next, the people involved this time made sense. Cassie has had a crush on her roommate's brother, Carter. Turns out that Carter is an undercover detective, but only his family knows his true profession. When a lead sends him to Cassie's new job, he's got to balance his playboy persona with his attraction to her. As expected, this doesn't work out too well, and Cassie is understandably confused by his mixed messages. I liked both characters, and they fit well together. It was nice to revisit briefly with previous characters, and there was an obvious set-up for the next book in this series. It took longer than expected to finish this book, but that's mostly because I was caught up in an audiobook series and didn't get back to this one for a few days.
Profile Image for Ness.
415 reviews15 followers
November 23, 2017
Google Books. These books are so easy to read!

Cassie - accountant completing her MBA, focussing on her career, no time for a relationship
Carter - electrician, brother of Cassie's housemate, no time for a relationship

I'm loving all these happily ever afters. The whole concept of the series, bet on which bachelor will be getting hitched next, is genius! That way you know that all those eligible bachelors will be getting a happy ending in one of the books to come.

Cassie and Carter make a very cute couple. Good on her for making the first move. I kinda guessed who was behind the crimes but I was also sucked into the mystery as well.

Onto the next story! Erin & Brad
Profile Image for Roslynn.
123 reviews
June 8, 2017
Enjoyed this book more than the other two mostly because of the action and suspense included. It is a fun, easy read that adds a little more depth to the lives of the group of friends. And I'm biased.....who would be against a hunky personal bodyguard cop who also saved the life of a good friend? :-P
Profile Image for Anika.
123 reviews
May 23, 2021
I m finish with this series not reading another book by this authot...Although. this book was better then the other two their was still no connection, growth or depth in these books...the transitions is awkward and weird...don't waste your time

Glad it's time to read something new I hope Mt next selection is a good one..
Profile Image for Maggie Hesseling.
1,368 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2018
This series keeps getting better and better. In the 3rd book, you not only get interesting characters, but its also got a bit of a crime novel to it. And with another twist (this one I did see coming). I've become hopelessly addicted to Miranda Charles' novels. I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,373 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2020
I’ve been a fan of Cassie and Carter from the beginning! I was so happy that they both were getting a story together! I loved everything about them! I loved how everything played it out and that in end it all worked out! So happy they got the ending they deserved. 💙
Profile Image for Gretchen Fatouros.
Author 3 books3 followers
January 26, 2021
Like the action besides all the romance. Surprised to see a few more American words used this time. One minute it was a lift, and thence was an elevator. Does Australia use the word elevator? First book in the series to use the word...
Profile Image for Alice Bloomfield.
1,791 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2025
4.45 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Okay I love Carter and Cassie. Also an undercover cop as an electrician so he has practical skills (and can leave the police force because…) this is so sweet and wholesome. Lovely read.
Profile Image for Jakki Frances.
Author 25 books76 followers
May 7, 2017
good story, didnt enjoy as much as previous books in series but still good
Profile Image for Staci.
450 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2018
Cassie and Carter have some amazing chemistry. I wanted to cry a few times because of circumstances beyond their control.
Profile Image for Trudy Gleason.
859 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2018
Trial and tribulations of having a job where you can't tell people what you really do.
Profile Image for Miriam.
737 reviews39 followers
September 18, 2015
Friends and verbal sparring mates Carter and Cassie' agreement to a one night stand seemed like an awesome idea. For Cassie, it'd help work Carter out of her system, give her one night of memories of a man she felt she could never really have. For Carter, it would be a night of making love to a woman who captivated him like no other ever did and probably never would. No matter how badly he wanted to explore the attraction between them, he knew he couldn't offer more than a night because doing so had the potential of putting her in danger due to his line of work.

As an undercover police officer, Carter's work put him in situations that would/could make the woman he was dating/married to question his feelings for her. While I wish I could say Cassie was better than that, the truth was she wasn't. She did doubt Carter. She wondered if he was playing her (his playboy tenancies didn't help any), if he was all lip service, all charm and no substance. I didn't blame her. Truthfully, she was human. That relationship and everything she felt was new to her. She might've lusted after someone before, might've been in a relationship before, but what she had and felt for Carter were so much more, so much deeper.

His latest assignment proves that it is more than lust and one night for both of them because Carter does what he doesn't want to do to ensure her safety: he breaks things off with Cassie, tells her he doesn't love her, sends her away without so much as a wave goodbye. Let me tell you, he played his part well. My heart broke along with Cassie's when he said those things to her. While she walked away with tears in her eyes, I wanted to deck him.

The truth of his feelings came after that moment. Not that his earlier declarations of love didn't mean anything, but she needed something to remind her that not everything with Carter wasn't what it seemed. That photo of them together and his written love for her was the reassurance she needed and what she held onto until his assignment came to a close.

Ms. Charles' penchant for emotional writing (plus fantastic characters) is why I keep reading what she writes. Every story penned is an adventure that is different from others she's written. And don't worry. If you haven't read anything by her yet and want to start with this book, you won't need to read the others to know what's going on. It's a great story for a lazy afternoon or a quiet evening that's light on the suspense and mystery but beautifully and wonderfully heavy on the romance.

(Received from Book Enthusiast Promotions for an honest review)
Profile Image for Mignon Mykel.
Author 87 books686 followers
July 16, 2015
Received arc in exchange for an honest review; original review can be found at mignon mykel : reviews .

This is easily my favorite of the series.

Easily.

I mean, I liked the others -- but I moreso felt like I was reading simply because I was curious about this 'who's going to settle next' game they've got going on. Never did I imagine I would fall head over heels in love with Carter and Cassie.

Carter is an undercover detective, but the only people who know this is his family. He keeps it from his friends and definitely from girlfriends. His main cover is that of an electrician -- totally easy to keep up with, as his father is an electrician and Carter does jobs with him.

Cassie is rooming with Carter's sister, and she's always crushed on Carter but doesn't see him settling any time soon -- the reason why she doesn't bet on him in the current bachelor game. That and she doesn't want him falling for anyone else.

One night, though, when her world is finally, finally, going the right way, she decides to make a proposition to him. But when he balks and walks away, Cassie resigns herself to never having the man she wants.

Carter, though, has liked Cassie for a long time.

I loved Carter's protective nature where Cassie was concerned. I loved that he wanted to keep her safe and was over-concerned about her feelings (well, maybe not over-concerned, in all actuality) when his case goes right to her place of work. He battles with the decision to tell her about his true career and when he does, it's only because she needs to know to keep her safe.

I loved Cassie's optimism. No, she wasn't all rainbows-and-butterflies, but she had wants for her life and she fought hard for them. There wasn't anything she couldn't reach if she didn't just try.

Yet again, we get to be privy to the fun friendships that go on in this series. I loved seeing our past couples (you don't need to read the other books in this series, but I think you'll want to) -- Lucas is so damn sweet where Jade is concerned, something that the group of friends tease him about.

Knowing the past books and how I felt about them and the writing (yes, they received 4 and 4.5 stars from me, but there were little things missing for me), I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this story. I'm also excited for the next book, as well as Gavin's whenever his comes around....
Profile Image for C.
306 reviews
October 27, 2015
*ARC Provided for Honest Review*

Miranda Charles has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I am enjoying this series and have loved each and every bachelor that loses the bet and falls in love. I appreciate books in a series where the characters come back for visits in the story. The characters on the books are close friends and their stories continue throughout the series.

This book focuses on Carter and Cassie. Carter is an undercover agent who, to protect Cassie, keeps his identity under wraps while he works at Cassie's new employer. While he does his undercover work, he also realizes who he is falling for and lets his feelings take over. Carter and Cassie get closer as Carter gets closer to finding the person he is investigating. Then the danger comes and Carter tries to keep Cassie safe. Can he keep her away from danger?

Cassie has the job of her dreams, Controller, and is very excited to work at Tillman Galleries. Everything is going her way. But there are some financial questions that Bronwyn, her boss, just can't or won't answer. Cassie shuffles it off to the side of the desk for now. But that comes back to bite her soon.

There are a few underlying conflicts going on while the main story takes place. It keeps you on your toes, keeps you thinking and wondering all the time. Always guessing what happens next.

The pace of the story is great. There is a lot of inner dialogue with the characters that is believable and real. You might have some unanswered questions when the story climaxes. Hold tight, the answers will come. Everything will be clear in the end. Cassie and Carter are great together, just hope they can get through the case as it continues to blow up right in front of them.

I am looking forward to her next book in the series, The Unintended Fiance. Bradley and Erin's story. I can't wait.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,837 reviews39 followers
July 14, 2015
I realize this is only the third book in the series, but this one is my favorite by far. And that's saying something because I loved Rick's and Lexie's story (The Unyielding Bachelor).

Cassie is a smart young woman who has her head on straight and has decided to seek employment with a firm that will give her opportunities for career advancement, and she's found that with Tellman Galleries. She's got plenty of good friends, but the one thing she doesn't have is that special someone. She justifies it with the explanation that she's too busy studying for her MBA.

But she does have a crush on her roommate's brother Carter. A crush that includes her having several dreams about Carter...in which he's naked. She's under the assumption that she and Carter are stuck in the friend zone.

Or are they?

It would seem that Carter feels the same way about Cassie, but unfortunately he can't tell her the real reason why he can't get into a relationship with her, although he really wants to. Things change once Cassie is swept up into the case Carter is working on while undercover.

I enjoyed this one immensely because the characters already have a history, so we're not smacked with insta-love. Another big point is the suspense of the story; it's actually one helluva good storyline, and I'm usually pretty decent at figuring out who the culprit is, but this story is written so you're not too sure if it's the two people who seem to be the most likely, or another person altogether.

Overall another fun story in this series, and I'm already looking forward to the next story in the series.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Bloggers From Down Under .
795 reviews37 followers
July 16, 2015
**arc received for honest review**

You can never get close enough to the one person you want.

You can't have her.

You can't let her be a part of your world.

It's dangerous.

It could get her killed.

Carter sexy a sin but an undercover cop, he lives double lives not even his friends know only his mum and his sister.

He loves his job but at what cost?

He has fallen for her but can't let her be a part of his world.
Cassie, sick of working for a boss that doesn't appreciate her she needs a new one until she finishes her MBA.

She has a crush on him her friend’s brother.

Cassie finds a new job in accounting at an art gallery or so she thinks she loves her new boss she has a great job lots of perks and a great salary.

There world's collide his undercover and she doesn't know.

He hurts her.

He breaks her heart.

Can Carter save Cassie from the evil within her job or will he be caught out whilst under cover?

He has a choice to make does he save her and risk his own life or can Cassie save Carter without him even knowing?

Can this playboy be tamed and taken off the next round of bets?

We really enjoyed this book and we love the way the series keeps rolling over we thinks as the books keep going there getting a lot more depth and for a books that aren't that big there very well written and a packed full so there is Never a dull moment.

The undercover play boy had some great twists and turns and a good ending. We can't wait to see where the series goes.
Thank you Miranda for another good read!
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
August 3, 2015
The Undercover Playboy by Miranda P. Charles is the third book in her Captured by Love series. A steady-paced romance filled with twists and secrets that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can.

Cassie has a crush on Carter but they're just friends. He is her roommate's brother and nothing will ever happen between them. Besides, he is a playboy. When she starts a new job at an art gallery the unlikely happens...

Carter is not a playboy, he is an undercover officer who often uses his skills as an electrician as a cover for his detecting job. No one but his family knows what he does, it's safer for his cover and his friends if he keeps it that way. That is part of what makes him and Cassie an issue, especially now that she is working at the art gallery that's part of his current investigation.

This is the third book by this author that I have read and the third book that I have loved. Miranda P. Charles is fast becoming a go-to author for me - if she writes it I will read it.

Hot, steamy, twisty and awesome.
Profile Image for Sarah Pie.
401 reviews12 followers
July 13, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed The Undercover Playboy by Miranda P. Charles. I loved the romantic suspense element to it and it was a nice change from the books that I have read lately. And even though it's the third book in the Captured By Love series, I was able to follow along without having to read the previous books. Although I have a feeling that I will be adding all the books to my TBR list.

Cassie Stephens is cute and smart, but unlucky in love. After crushing on her roommate's brother, Carter Garrett for several months, she decides to propose a one night stand with him to get him out of her system. Little does she know that Carter has the hots for her too, but circumstances at work have prevented him from pursuing her.

After one hot night together, they agree to a date by date relationship, but will they survive the complications from Carter's job?

I liked Cassie a lot. She was cute and sweet, but also very smart. She knew what she wanted and was willing to go after it. And Carter. I love an alpha male, but especially one that is soft and sweet with his woman when need be. And he just made me swoon.

If you're looking for a sweet and suspenseful romance, I recommend this book. And I hope to see more of Carter and Cassie in future books.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,153 reviews24 followers
August 2, 2015
I thought the unwielding bachelor was good but this one was great. I love how Carter is trying to protect everyone by not letting anyone get close. He wants to be with someone but with his job he doesn’t want to risk it. He loves Cassie with all her wholesomeness. She is smart, lively and sweet. He tries to keep her from the danger by staying in the friend zone but on her own and unwillingly due to her old job she ends up in the thick of things. Cassie is the girl that is sweet and smart but unassuming in how she goes about things. She convinces herself she doesn’t want a boyfriend or ties but Carter has her thinking otherwise. Carter ends up undercover at where she works and the sparks that flew before are lighting up now. When he trusts her with his secret you know he is letting her into his world and giving her something precious. These two apart are great but together are awesome. A fun entertaining and addictive book of love and friendship. Loyalty and honesty along with finding someone to trust and believe in. A story with the right amount of fun, elements of danger in Carter’s job and romance with Carter and Cassie and how they are with one another. I do wonder who is next to fall.
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
June 29, 2015
Carter Garrett is an undercover detective. Cassie Stehens is a family friend and his sister's, Natasha, best friend and room mate. Cassie has had feeling for Carter for a long time but he is known for his love them and leave them reputation. She doesn't do casual relationships. She has been hurt enough and she never feels good enough or pretty enough for anyone. Cassie changes jobs as a accountant and she goes to work for Tillman Museum which is now under investigation by the police. Carter is also and electrician so when he goes undercover at the Museum it becomes a problem. He has to play the role of a playboy who has money problem to try and bring out the possible killer. Cassie doesn't know Carter is a detective she thinks he is an electrician. When he start flirting with women in the office she doesn't understand why he is spending time with her, now , and going after someone else. Of course, she doesn't think she can hold him. This is a really good story, I read it all in one afternoon. There is some sex scenes in this book so it isn't for everyone. You will enjoy this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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