Fast-paced story, great mystery, swoon-worthy romance, and vivid characters! What's not to love?

The first Playful Brides book I ever read was Daphne's story and while there have been more than a few books released since then, I've always wondered what happened to Cade.
Apparently the mysterious Cavendish brother has moved in with Rafe and spends his nights out doing...something.
Danielle is a spy who has been hired to keep an eye on Cade but it isn't long before an attraction sparks between them. While I like Valerie Bowman's writing, I felt like this book was special since it reminded me more of The Irresistible Rogue (of course, seeing characters from that book didn't hurt matters eithers). All the spying, lying and disguises reminded me of The Irresistible Rogue and made this book far different from the others in this series.
This book was well-written and entertaining. I can't wait to read more and I look forward to seeing more of Daphne's younger cousin.

Great book about how appearances can be deceiving. This book made me want to read the rest of the series!

I'm truly grateful that I was given a chance to read the ARC.

This is the first novel that I read from Valerie Bowman and I was really intrigued.

Cade Cavendish is one helluva captain and mysterious rake. I'm absolutely like this guy who is intelligent and has an interesting personality.

Danielle La Crosse is a surprise to me. She is not your ordinary spy/maid/cabin boy/ cook assistant. She is very strong protagonist who also have a lot of secrets.

I tried my best to get even half way through this book but I couldn't. I was bogged down by the author's clumsy writing (Ok, she's French, we get it, but can she say something more than "Mon Dieu!") - in fact the author relies on the same group of words and phrases and uses them over and over - sometimes 5 times on a single page!

The romance did not burn - it was weak - I don't care about either of the characters. They behave like modern people in a time machine. She repeats her situation endlessly - we get it! We know your backstory. but I have no idea why her mother went to prison, how her father died, how she lived her adolescence as a boy and yet everyone is smitten with her (no one knew? seriously?)

Ugh, it's terrible. Needs heavy editing, diversified language, a proper backstory, and better dialogue.

Cade Cavendish is a devilish man of mystery and so called black sheep of his family. While staying with his brother Rafe and sister-in law, Daphne, he is introduced to Daphne’s lady’s maid, Danielle LaCrosse.

Danielle is pulled in by the handsome Cade and a flirtation quickly begins between the two. It doesn’t go to much further as they are both hiding truths from one another, one of which has to do with the mysterious Pirate, the Black Fox.

The story relied so much on the secret nature of Cade and Danielle that I never felt that I got full answers on their lives. Danielle’s family turmoil was never fully explained and Cade’s search for revenge for his brother was emotionless.
They may have felt an attraction for each other but until the final page I never believed it was more than that. The story was so much about how independent Cade and Danielle were that their connection never developed.

I'm sorry; I didn't get a chance to download this before it archived, so I won't be able to read and review it.

Even though it is book seven of Valerie Bowman's Playful Brides series it is a perfect stand-alone. Never having read any of the previous books only the mentioning of Rafe and Daphne past gives any inclination that this is part of a series and since they aren't the main characters and their book was book four, it really has no precedence in this story all the pertinent information is given and really very easy to follow.

The descriptive playful in the series title is also a good descriptive for the writing style. It kind of reminded me of the older pirate romance with a playful twist on it. I love the direction it went and how the story played out the characters were all very likable and easy to empathize with.

Danielle came from a good family and high in society but her mother was disowned when she married a Frenchman for love. It didn't end well and Danielle ended up becoming a spy for the English crown. Danielle just wanted one thing in return for her service to get vengeance against the man who ruined her life. Getting closer than she has ever been before to the pirate she just needs to bide her time until the right moment until then she was been charged with keeping an eye on Cade Cavendish and see what he's up too.

Cade faked his death years ago for his brother's protection but he's back now and with one last thing he needs to do before he can settle down but the intriguing french lady's maid that his sister in law just hired has piqued his curiosity and stirred his lust. The attraction is instantaneous which Danielle thinks is horrible because she thinks he is his brother. Thankfully that quickly gets straighten out and against her better judgment she falls under his spell and allows the seduction. But things are not always what they seem and in the end Cade and Danielle have a common goal.

Overall, this was a quick and witty story. A joy to read, seriously this book made me happy. The whole Black Fox thing was very clever.

Being as I haven't read the previous books in this series, I didn't feel as I was missing out too much.

I do love pirate books and this one was OK. Not your traditional pirate book but that's fine. There was only one scene/line that had me rolling my eyes and thinking ridiculous thoughts but otherwise I enjoyed it for what it was.

This was a fun tale with a few twists that I hadn't seen coming!

I liked Danielle and Cade, and enjoyed their banter and the way they were mirrors of one another (troubled as teenagers that pushed them to do some questionable things - like becoming "pirates"). It was fun to see them both realize the same things about one another and themselves, separately.

I was a bit surprised at how this built up slowly and then burst ahead at about 70%. It wasn't slow exactly, since the build up of their relationship had a nice burn going, but I wouldn't have minded a bit more earlier on.

That goes for the action and suspense, as well. The suspense was there but not exactly gripping.

I still had a great time with this one and thought this was a lighter adventure and a very enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book. So many twists, turns, and surprises!! While Cade is described in a way to make him unappealing and "the black sheep" I got a sense of something positive in there!! Danielle was such a great character - strong independent woman who fought for what thought was right. I am also a sucker for spy romances so I loved all the intrigue!!

This was my first of Valerie's and I will definitely be back for more.

Also posted on goodreads, Amazon, and bn (as Lady C).

LOVED this story!! I've been a fan of Bowman's Playful Brides series since it started and she didn't disappoint with the latest installment.

Spys and Pirates in the same story? What can be better than that? Not much, in my opinion! I loved both Cade and Danielle. They were everything that I like in my H/H. The bantering between them was superb and had me laughing out loud. I didn't want the story to end!!

I can't wait for the next book in the series, The Right Kind of Rogue, to come out in October!

Cade Cavendish has always been an outsider; the twin who didn't belong. Years ago, he abandoned his twin and he has felt nothing but terrible for it. When he learns Rafe is almost killed because of him, Cade becomes determined to make things right with him. That is how he finds himself agreeing to do a little spying on the side... anything he can do to bring the villain responsible for Rafe's near death to justice.

Danielle LaCrosse has been tasked with spying on the spy, Rafe Cavendish. She accepts a position among his staff in order to gain access to Rafe's home and to get close with the staff and his wife. Things are going as expected until his mysterious twin, Cade, enters the picture. Suddenly, all her attentions are focused on Cade and uncovering his secrets. When Cade is cleared of any suspicious activity, Danielle must move on, but she has to admit she does so with much regret. Little does Danielle know that she has not seen the last of Cade Cavendish. In fact, things are about to get a whole lot more interesting for her.

Thanks so so much to author Valerie Bowman for bringing this latest and shall I say, greatest, installment in her PLAYFUL BRIDES series. NEVER TRUST A PIRATE is Cade Cavendish's story. I have waited so long for this one and Ms. Bowman did not dissapoint. Cade is the other twin (not that I didn't love Rafe), the one who is always on the outskirts. He is elusive and secretive. Cade hides his true self behind his joking exterior. It isn't until he meets Danielle that he really begins to open up. Danielle is witty, courageous and straight-forward. She has led a rough life but has only emerged stronger because of it. Her and Cade have a lot of similarities. The tension between them is palpable. Cade and Danielle's story is simply heart-touching. I could not put it down. NEVER TRUST A PIRATE is my new favorite read of 2017!

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book tells the story of Danielle LaCrosse, a lady spy assigned to watch over Cade Cavendish, brother to Rafe from a previous book. Danielle is a pirate but is adaptable and therefore takes a post as a lady’s maid to Cade’s sister-in-law, Daphne. Cade is a bit of a mystery and Danielle doesn’t learn much from watching him other than he’s a first class rake. Danielle is on a mission to avenge her murdered father, and so when her boss informs her that the man she’s been hunting is within her reach, she leaves her post thinking never to see Cade again. Little does she know that fate, and her boss, have more in store for her.
Overall I liked this book. It was an easy and quick read with adventure and romance all in one. I liked how mysterious Cade stayed through the first half of the book, the reader really starts to wonder if he’s up to no good. I also liked how the setting changed halfway through the story, I think that added a great hook mid way through the book when it might have gotten dry otherwise. The supporting characters, including Mary and the housekeeper among others, are all really entertaining and I loved the little make-shift family that Danielle had made for herself within the household. The book had a great dramatic ending, I liked the pace of the story and I was interested throughout. I would recommend this one!

I completely fell in love with the story of, "Never Trust a Pirate," and as a dedicated reader of the author, Valerie Bowman I am simply thrilled to be reviewing one more release of the highly successful "Playful Brides," series.

To be perfectly honest I have a mega soft spot for the pirate-theme. When written correctly such as with this story a pirate-themed romance can be as wild as the high sea themselves and as equally romantic. In this story, Bowman returns the heart of a strong romance with equal amounts of naughtiness, soul and a sharp skill for impressive writing.

As much as I enjoyed the romance being the prime focus of the novel the plot was a grand adventure as well with danger and suspense. I liked how Cade, the hero was willing to risk everything including his own life to love Danielle, the heroine. Cade was an honorary hero, handsome a bit of a scoundrel and the ideal match for Danielle. Danielle's character was a little timid I think. She did try to pretend that she was braver than she was but lurking just below her surface she needed someone like Cade to breath life back into her life. Both Cade and Danielle were a duo that will be long remembered within the hearts of readers and in my opinion, that is what romance is all about.

I cannot say enough positive things regarding this book. It was a wonderful read and I am going to be so sad to see the "Playful Brides," series eventually come to an end. I will maintain my happiness with the thought that I can easily reread the series anytime that I desire and I will certainly be doing so.

This is my second book by Valerie Bowman and I can honestly say, that she has a new fan. I believe this is the 7th book in the Playful Brides series but I've only read the 4th one. I'm really behind!! You don't lose anything by jumping in the middle of the series though. You'll see other characters but not know the whole story. What interested me about this one is the pirate aspect. I was so excited when I saw the title of this book. I've been wanting more adventure so this seemed right up my alley. However, there wasn't too much of the "pirate" scheme that I was expecting, so that was a little disappointing. There were spies though! Lots of them. So if your looking for some romance with a little espionage than look no further. By the way, the characters were cute, too:)

It certainly was playful. Danielle and Cade seemed more like fait accompli than "Will they or won't they?" It was a fun read, but not the most memorable of plots or characters.

I have enjoyed this series and this book did not disappoint. I found it fast paced and a book that I did not want to put down. The characters were likable and I found Cade a charming rogue. I liked how Rafe and Daphne were great supporting characters in this novel.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars
What’s more exciting than a handsome pirate, a former-royal spy, a royal spy, and a house full of happy servants?
When you find out, let me know,
Cade is not the one for balls, soirees, and afternoon calls. He prefers a dangerous life on the rough seas with drinkers and foul-mouthed, loyal swindlers. He gets plenty of female attention without all the match-making mamas, and he doesn’t give a coin about propriety.
Danielle was set to have the life Cade avoids. But thanks to the animosity between the French and English (and she just happens to have been conceived by a member of each side) she wound up being a spy. And not just any spy, one who spends a lot of time on ships…pretending to be a lad.
You see where I’m going with this?
Oh how much fun it was reading about Cade. He’s beyond charming, and perhaps the funniest non-aristocrat I’ve ever read about. He’s also very smart, loyal, and trustworthy (to some, that is). He has his reasons, so don’t judge too quickly. Danielle is just as funny and smart. She and Cade had their own style of flirting, and I enjoyed their exchanges. The household staff even grabbed my heart. I actually wished for a full story centered around two of the servants. Now, what an interesting historical that would be.
There’s mystery and a dash of intrigue. I went back and forth on who I thought did what, and everything made sense in the end. There was no easy fix to the happy ending. Kudos to Bowman.

I loved this historical romance by Valerie Bowman!
Cade Cavendish's rebellious life is history in the making since he's been at it since he was only 13 years of age. Most recently there are those that believe that he is the notorious pirate the Black Fox including his family and as of yet he has done nothing to dissuade them.
Finding himself in a compromising situation with his sister-in-law's lady's maid after a night of drinking and fist fighting in the back alley is nothing new except for the promise he had made to his brother to be on his best behavior just hours before. For the first time in his life Cade felt guilt for letting his family down and possibly harming this young woman's reputation.
Danielle LaCrosse hasn't had it easy since her father was murdered, but she has done what needed to be done in order to survive including taking jobs that no young woman should have ever been privy to. Stumbling across a drunk and hurt Cade after just starting her new job could find her jobless and unable to care for her sick mother. What she doesn't plan on is the intense attraction that she and Cade soon develop for one another. This is a major complication because they both have more secrets than truths going into this and that is no way to have any kind of relationship.