Not sure where my original review went.

Never Trust a Pirate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The rules of engagement were never so scandalous. . .

A rumored pirate and the scurrilous black sheep of his well-to- do family, Cade Cavendish relishes his world of rebellion, deception, and seduction. Nothing and no one can hold him to be the duty-bound, honorable man he is expected to be. But when an unexpected run-in at his twin brother’s estate with a ravishing, raven-haired maid leads her to believe he’s actually a viscount, Cade’s renegade life is thrown wildly off-kilter. And even though a case of mistaken identity can be quickly set to rights, matters of the heart are quite different…

Miss Danielle LaCrosse is startled to learn that the handsome gentleman who radiates sin and has the devil in his eyes is not her employer the Viscount, but rather his infamous brother. A former heiress, orphaned and left penniless, Danielle has more than a few secrets of her own. Cade may be skilled at coaxing even the most hidden desires out of Danielle but can he earn her trust—and win her heart—as they embark on an adventure to confront a dangerous enemy from both of their pasts . . . and uncover the identity of the so-called Black Fox along the way?

Cade Cavendish has always been the black sheep of his family. While his twin Rafe is the responsible one, Cade is the one who always finds himself in danger and trouble. It has been years since he last saw his brother and when he returns he is in disguise, using an alias. It seems that no one knows for sure what he has been up to all this time and what he’s doing when he’s not home. And with an infamous thief called the “Black Fox” on the lose and being wanted not only in England but also in France, it seems that all fingers are pointing to Cade. But with so many secrets and suspicious acts all around, does anyone really know anyone’s true identity?

Danielle LaCrosse has been taking care of herself and her ailing mother since she was thirteen years old. She has found employment as a lady’s maid to Lady Daphne. Having a French father and an English mother, she is fluent in both languages and, like Cade, is also a master of disguise. She is on a mission to get revenge on the man that killed her father and changed her life forever. All she has to do is complete one last mission and then retire to live by the seaside with her mother. If only this last mission didn’t include the dashing and daring Cade Cavendish!

Book 7 in the Playful Brides series can be read as a stand alone. Another Valerie Bowman hit for sure!

I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley, Valerie Bowman and St. Martin’s Press

An amusing tale of two misfits who meet under unusual circumstances, and end up on a pirate ship together! Danielle and Cade are lost souls searching for love and acceptance due to unhappy pasts. Can they find it from each other? Full of banter and romance, this one is a winner. I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Absolutely thrilling!! I am a huge fan of historical romance and this was so entertaining!!! If you love the genre, read it!!!!

NEVER TRUST A PIRATE - Valerie Bowman

#7 in the Playful Brides series

GREAT CHARACTERS, INTRIGUING PLOT - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Danielle has been sent to Rafe and Daphne's London home as a ladies' maid, but her task is to spy on Cade, Rafe's brother. But Danielle's and Cade's attraction for each other deepens as they get to know each other better. And it turns out they might have more in common than they originally thought.

Writing - 4 stars - As always, Bowman has the ability to capture my interest right from the very first page. She writes smoothly and with humor that makes me smile and keep turning the pages.

Characters - 4 stars - Every time I start another Playful Brides book, I worry that the characters won't engage me as much as the previous ones have. But so far I haven't been disappointed, and this one was no exception. Cade is handsome and entertaining and Trouble, with a capital T. He calls himself the black sheep of the family, but we suspect that there's more to the story than appears at first glance. Danielle has secrets as well, although we know more about them right from the beginning as we see much of the story from her point of view. Their camaraderie is very enjoyable to watch, and the sexual tension between them builds gradually but relentlessly. It was also fun to revisit with a couple of the characters from previous books in this series.

Title - 4 stars - In this case, it is expected that Cade is some sort of pirate, or at least some sort of spy. But as it turns out, Danielle could also be considered a pirate.

Cover - 4 stars - Beautiful deep blue color which grabs the eye.

Overview - 4 stars - This series continues to be a very pleasant diversion, with great characters and an engaging storyline. I'm not a big fan of historical spy stories or pirate stories, but Bowman was able to create a great combination of the two that really captured my attention. I found the plot to be intriguing, with a twist that surprised me at the end. And, as I keep saying, her characters are fun and entertaining and definitely people I could spend more time with.

This is my first Valerie Bowman novel so I really didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say that I enjoyed not only the storyline and characters, but also her wit and charming narrative. This story has so much to offer. Not only will the story keep you on the edge of your seat, but the chemistry between the hero and heroine will leave you mesmerised and in anticipation of what’s to come. You definitely won’t be disappointed with what’s in store as you won’t be able to but this novel down once you start!

Cade Cavendish has always been the black sheep of his family. While his twin Rafe is the responsible one, Cade is the one who always finds himself in danger and trouble. It has been years since he last saw his brother and when he returns he is in disguise, using an alias. It seems that no one knows for sure what he has been up to all this time and what he’s doing when he’s not home. And with an infamous thief called the “Black Fox” on the lose and being wanted not only in England but also in France, it seems that all fingers are pointing to Cade. But with so many secrets and suspicious acts all around, does anyone really know anyone’s true identity?

Danielle LaCrosse has been taking care of herself and her ailing mother since she was thirteen years old. She has found employment as a lady’s maid to Lady Daphne. Having a French father and an English mother, she is fluent in both languages and, like Cade, is also a master of disguise. She is on a mission to get revenge on the man that killed her father and changed her life forever. All she has to do is complete one last mission and then retire to live by the seaside with her mother. If only this last mission didn’t include the dashing and daring Cade Cavendish!

A witty and highly entertaining story filled with intrigue and constant heat! Can’t wait to read more from Valerie Bowman!

One of my favorite genres is Regency spy settings. Never Trust a Pirate fits the bill very nicely. Valerie Bowman's Playful Brides series have proved to have attention holding storylines. Although I have not read all of them, the ones I have read I have greatly enjoyed. Never Trust a Pirate has all the things I like to see in a good book, intrigue, danger, mystery, romance, and likeable characters with a dastardly villain thrown in for good measure. All of this makes for an engaging read that holds your attention from beginning to end. I look forward to catching up on the few playful brides I have missed.

A fun pirate romance with some adventure and mystery. The wonderful plot drives this book which has a strong and independent heroine. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher.

I have read all of Me Bowmans books and have not read any of her books I have not liked. This was a fun swash buckling book to read and you will be entertained throughout the book. This authority is a constant in my library.

First let me say I love Valerie's books. I have read them all. That said let me tell you about this book.
This is the 7 th book in the Playful Brides. It goes back a few books in the series to continue the story of the cavendish's. The book has twists and turns you don't expect with a nice love story mixed in. Valerie has made strong female characters in these books that I find very refreshing. I've enjoyed all the books in the series. They are fun and entertaining. You can read this book by its self,but you miss out on a great series If you don't go back and read them all when you finish this one!

Such a mesmerizing story!!! I am SO hooked!

This was my first Valerie Bowman novel and I can guarantee it's not going to be my last! I'm not kidding, I just bought ALL the other stories in this series. That's how amazing Valerie Bowman is, her words are definitely magic. Never Trust a Pirate was so addicting and I could NOT put it down. I was so entranced into this story!! This book had it all humor, love, and a great mystery.

Danielle might just be my favorite heroine of all time. She's full of so much spunk and not at all afraid to take care of herself and her loved one's. She is one awesome bad a** lady! She met her perfect match in handsome trouble maker Cade. I could honestly read their love story over and over again. Gah... I miss them already!!

Must read!!! You will be hooked! Okay... I'm off to read another story in this series and I am ridiculously excited!! Woot!

Valerie, Valerie, Valerie...

She has done it again. Ms. Bowman is an excellent writer. I really enjoy this series. She bases each story plot on the different literary tropes like The Philadelphia Story, or The Taming of the Shew. Some of you would say that she is not creative in her plots however, she totally is.

We are introduced to Cade in The Irresistible Rouge when surprise, surprise Cade comes waltzing in at the last scene and we realize Raffe has a twin brother and all the misunderstanding of the book is for nothing. Cade is Raffe's womanizing brother whom Raffe thought to be dead. However, this is not the only surprise Cade has in store.

Danielle, Cade's love interest is no more than a maid in Daphne employ. However, she meets more than the eye. She has many secret and Cade wants nothing more than to uncover them all of them include her clothing.

This story has a bit of mystery and you get surprised but the end of it. I highly recommend you all to read the series from the beginning. I truly love this series however, you can pick it from any book. I can't wait to read more Meg and Hart story.

I loved going on Cade's and Danielle's adventure. This book will give you all the feels and more. It also keeps you guessing who the Black Fox was. A beach read for sure! 5 stars!

Valerie Bowman does it again. She makes me fall in love with these characters and makes me crave them so much I devour the books in a matter of moment. Cade is a cad, nothing but a cad his name fits him to a T. But he is one that falls for a woman he never expected to and is brought down a notch or two. I loved how the interactions are between him and Danielle. They play off of each other well and I love how she puts him in his place. Read this at a time where I was devouring regency books and will loved it. Can't wait for more.

The Skinny

Frenchwoman Danielle feels out of her element entirely as she undergoes her last undercover mission. After this, she'll be able to purchase a cottage by the sea and care for her mother until her final days. But first she must successfully infiltrate the Cavendish home as Lady Daphne's new lady's maid. Danielle's a spy, she doesn't know how to coif women's hair! Let alone the latest fashions. After a crash course, she is sent on her way.

What Danielle didn't expect in her new position was incredible kindness and friendship from Daphne Cavendish and her husband, a former spy himself. The stakes are high, and it tears Daphne to deceive them. When a drunken Rafe makes improper advances upon Daphne, she's in a terrible position...until she learns it is not Rafe at all. It is his twin brother Cade, long thought dead even by Rafe.

Cade's return to London is no coincidence. And neither is the Black Fox's. While living under Rafe's roof, it is crucial that Cade keep the true facts of his mission to himself. He can't have Rafe suspecting anything is awry, but after reappearing in London using an alias, there are a lot of questions.



The Players

Danielle LaCrosse - a Frenchwoman working as a spy for General Grimaldi; she is determined to provide for her continuing ailing mother

Rafe Cavendish - a former spy for the War Office, now know as the Viscount Spy

Lady Daphne - Rafe's wife; she is a kind and friendly woman

Cade Cavendish - a rakish rogue thought long-dead; he returns to London on personal mission

General Mark Grimaldi - the tall, broad, dark giant of a man with secrets; an English General; Danielle's boss



The Quote

If it was the last thing Cade did, he would avenge his brother's treatment at the hands of the French. But he'd die before admitting that purpose to Rafe. Cade's role as the black sheep of the family was important to him. Mustn't disrupt the natural order of things.



The Highs and Lows

Espionage. Rafe Cavendish was a spy for the War Office. He was the white sheep of their family, and was awarded a viscount title, dubbed the "Viscount Spy." While he was doing everything to charm the ton, his twin brother Cade was doing everything to earn a disgraceful reputation. While Rafe has retired after a bungled mission that nearly took his life - and did take Daphne's brother's - Cade wonders if he really is done. While Cade suspects Rafe, he also fears Rafe suspects he is the notorious Black Fox. Whenever Cade comes into town, it appears so does the Black Fox. This time he has struck a French vessel in the harbor and stolen incriminating documents for Napoleon's rescue from St. Helena. Cade has come back to England for a reason, and it raises suspicions with General Grimaldi.

Danielle. She is a Frenchwoman in English territory. Even though it has been a few years, there is still a vein of deep-seated hatred in some. When her French father was murdered, her English mother was condemned and imprisoned in England. Now she is old, ailing, and very ill and Danielle is a woman wanting revenge. Whereas she should have been making a debut to society, Danielle could not afford that luxury. She is desperately in need for consistent income to provide for her ailing mother. At age 13, Danielle was on her own. She was an enterprising smuggler and now a spy. Her home is on a ship, but her new mission lands her as a new lady's maid to Lady Daphne Cavendish. This should be the last mission she needs to take before being able to purchase the cottage by the sea for her mother. Despite having no experience in the lady's maid field, she is trained by the best of lady's maids and impresses Lady Daphne. Danielle strives to do the best of jobs above and beyond Lady Daphne's satisfaction. She is very confident in her personal capabilities, but it is soon realized she does not have her own network of supports. It has been her forever. When Daphne and Rafe and their household show her kindness, she is surprised by the offers of help. Friendship is new territory for her.

Cade. He has set his cover up well to be known as a disreputable rogue. He is the black sheep, letting his brother lead the way doing everything right. Like his brother, Cade is a man of his own. Unlike his brother, he still has secrets. Depending on what part of town he is in depends on which alias he uses. Cade does not want to raise Rafe surmising suspicions about what he has been up to over the years when he shocked Rafe by showing up the previous year at a townhouse party and introducing himself as Daffin Oakleaf. Rafe - like everyone - had thought him dead! Cade is back for one reason and he is not cluing his brother in. In fact, he wants his brother to never know even the barest hint of anything. He - like Grim and Danielle - is lying in wait for Lafayette Baptiste.

Secrets Revealed. Danielle and Cade are thrown together under the same roof, and while Danielle is trying to keep everything above board for her job's sake, Cade has a different agenda. Slowly each of them reveals their own vulnerabilities and secrets to one another. It is a spicy and sweet build up. The dance in the moonlight was such a tender and sweet moment. Cade has long suffered under the guise of being the black sheep, stemming from his inability to protect his mother growing up. Danielle has dedicated everything to her mother and her care. Their quips and small talks help develop their

The Trail. With all three trailing Baptiste, Danielle is assigned a new mission. To be a cook's assistant on board a ship keeping tabs on Baptiste. Little does she know whose ship it is. Well underway, she is brought to the captain's quarters - and comes face to face with none other than Cade Cavendish. Their mission takes on a new element and keeps them ensconced in the captain's quarters for several days. There is a steamy tub scene!

The pirate and espionage factors heightened my interest and the suspense threaded throughout that kept me wondering how and when the two subplots of Danielle and Cade would cross. They both shoulder burdens from their pasts, and despite how they appear, they both want the adoring love and support that Rafe and Daphne have for one another. Ultimately, these spies want someone constant and stable in their lives they can trust. Who better than another spy? The irony of Rafe and Cade being identical twins yet having drastically different reputations was a stark contrast, but after delving deeper Cade's aliases were as make-believe as his black sheep persona. They are both honorable, upstanding men. I found Cade's ability to truly see Danielle beyond a lady's maid to be a testament to his true character. The fact that both Danielle and Cade are notorious spies in their own rights only made things that much more interesting with the plot line. I was waiting until one found the other out! The quick pace of the storyline kept me turning pages.

I loved it. I love every book by Valerie Bowman. You can't go wrong with her books.

So, it is a bit difficult for me to give an opinion about this novel. Which is certainly not a new "affliction" for me when it comes to Valerie Bowman.


I can safely say that I liked it, and in some occasions, while I was reading, I thought that I was liking it very much...however, reached the end, I confirm that I "just" liked it. Why?


I've come to realise, after several Valerie Bowman's novels read, that I have an issue with how she organise the plot timeframe, meaning that the number of pages she dedicates to plot and sub-plot is pretty much the same, and although in some instances it could work, here slows down the whole story. But there is a but, in this novel I had this feeling just in some parts of the plot; most of it was smooth, enough fast-paced and entertaining, hence what I said above.


Secondly, I liked the protagonists, but sometimes they just try too hard to look very cool and charming. Next time a bit less.


Despite all this, I really enjoy pirates, I enjoy a bit less spies, I love when a plot is set on a boat (I have these weird fetishisms), I loved the fact that the hero is a twin and that the heroine met him in disguise. The passion between them is palpable and so certainly, Never Trust A Pirate is one of the best in the series. Go for it.

Next is going to be about Hart and Mag and I am really looking forward to that one!

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The whole mistaken twin identity trope annoys me to no end, so I was very happy to see that this only lasted a chapter instead of the entire book.

I quite liked Danielle, and found her to be a refreshing take on the woman saving her family, she was doing what she could to care for her ailing mother without compromising her integrity. She still had self-respect, self-value, and that is important when creating a likable character,

I didn't like Cade, and frankly, I still feel like Danielle could have done better by the end of the book. I will give Cade points for trying and can only hope he does grow up and mature.

Excellent writing and well-paced plot kept this a very entertaining read.

I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book

This was an interesting book because there was a lot of twists and turns that I did not expect. I liked the whole black sheep twist, the accidental confusion of which twin is which and the humor displayed by many of the characters. Unfortunately, I sometimes lose interest in historical spy romances and doing things for the love of the crown or whatever nation they support.

Overall a good book for those not really into spy romances but a great book for those that love spy games

Another lovely addition to the Playful Brides series, Never Trust a Pirate is a fun Scarlet Pimpernel-regency twist romance! Cade Cavendish (twin brother of Rafe of The Irresistible Rogue) finally got his happy ending!

Returning from the dead, Cade has been playing the scurrilous black-sheep of his family and he uses this misconception to try to hunt down the people responsible for hurting his brother years ago. I adored Cade. Deep down he's an honourable guy who's lived a tough life trying to right some wrongs. But I do love it when he was roguish and charming, too.

""Oh, sweetheart, you don't know how much I could please you." He pulled her hand into his lap slowly unbuttoned her glove and removed it, and even more slowly, pulled her hand up to his mouth slowly and brushed his lips against her knuckles."

Danielle LaCrosse is half-French, half-English and was left in a pretty precarious position from a young age, trying to survive after disaster hit her family. I really loved Danielle. She's brave and intelligent and a pretty awesome spy! After having to be alone for so long and always hiding her true self, it was so nice to see her some build friendships along with finding love. I really enjoyed Danielle and Mary's adorable friendship!

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Cade and Danielle. The romance did feel a little bit insta-love when they first meet, but there was a nice build up of lots of flirting and banter that made up for it. I loved that Danielle always kept Cade on his toes.

"He lifted a brow in a questioning manner. "I'm trying to keep you safe. What else do you think you should be doing?"
"Being the cook's assistant!"
He crossed his arms over his chest. "Weren't you the one who told me you can't a thing?"
She plucked her hands on her hips. "Yes, but you're not suppose to know that.""

The spy vs. spy aspect book was pretty fun, though it was playing second fiddle to the romance for the better half of the book. The latter half definitely amped-up on the risk and tension with a high-paced swashbuckling espionage adventure. I liked that there was more at stake and not just in the romance department.

"Nothing good could come from this. Nothing but...His voice sounded huskily in her ear. "I'm going to kiss you know."
She sighed and tipped her head. "What took you so long?""

Overall, this was a fun spy romance with secrets, twist and turns and a few hidden identities. I enjoyed the humour, the intrigue, the steamy moments and the lovely relationships in this books. If you enjoy pirate-y/spy adventure romance, this is worth checking out! PS. While this is part of the Playful Bride series, it easily reads as a standalone (with a few cameos from our previous couples).
Nothing good could come from this. Nothing but...His voice sounded huskily in her ear. "I'm going to kiss you know."

She sighed and tipped her head. "What took you so long?"

Bonus quote; because this was just a hilarious moment:
"Cade leered at her "Of course I've got something to say to her."

Lady Daphne crossed his arms over her chest, still glaring. "Yes?"

Cade stood, pulled at his lapels to straighten his dusty, ripped coat, and bowed. "Mademoiselle Danielle, you have the most enticing backside I have ever encountered." He fell backward onto the bed, snoring, his hand still bleeding."

I loved this book! When a story makes me literally laugh out loud I'm hooked. This is the story of Danielle and Cade, who both have secrets they don't want revealed. Their attraction to each other leads to twists and suspenseful turns, some that took me by surprise. I enjoyed this book very much. It has intrigue, romance and wit, a combination that makes for a great read.