Never trust a Pirate by Valerie Bowman is another exciting Regency Historical Romance in her "Playful Brides" series. While #7, it can be read as a stand alone. It does have re-appearing characters from previous books. This does not distract nor interfere in enjoying "Never Trust a Pirate". Refreshing and intriguing story!

This is the story of Cade Cavendish and Miss Danielle LaCrosse. Cade is the "black sheep of the Cavendish family, with secrets. He is the twin brother to Rafe from a previous story. Danielle, is Rafe's wife Daphne's, lady's maid. Ah, there is so much more to her than meets the eye. Is Cade the so called pirate "Black Fox", a famous spy for the Crown? Afterall, he's very good at deception, seduction, secretive and is very rebellious. Let's not forget he's devilishly handsome, with a devil may care care attitude. But lay all aside, he's out for revenge, on the man who hurt his brother, Rafe. Ah, he's also a spy. Danielle, is more than a French maid, she's beautiful, sensual, and drives Cade mad with desire. It's hard to decide which side she's on at first, or rather who's she working for, the Crown or the bad people. As she seems to be spying on Cade.
"Never Trust a Pirate" is not your everyday spy adventure. There are many twists and turns, surprises, witty banter, danger and adventure.
Let's not forget who was the "Black Fox", I was totally shocked and surprised by who it was. Brilliant!!
I enjoyed the way Ms. Bowman mixed the spying with the interaction between the characters, and the true intend of the story. I enjoyed the witty banter between Cade and Danielle, their interaction was brilliantly written. They didn't forget their responsibilities, for their own desires nor do they forget what their goals are, but intend to carry them through to the finish. They completed their mission, although, Cade and Danielle faced the ruthless French spy. Will one of them lose they life?

Brilliantly executed, with an easy to follow plot, that flowed smoothly and continously throughout the story. The characters were enduring, engaging and easily capture your heart. I personally was glued to this story from the first page forward. A very captivating, intriguing and suspensive story. Unique in many ways, not just a predictable spy story. The suspense and mystery with the romantic interest was enough to keep the reader intrigued throughout "Never Trust a Pirate". A great read for fans of mystery, suspense, intruigue, romance, spies, and an overall splendid read. Very well done, Valerie Bowman !!! I can't wait to read the next "Playful Brides" story.
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

Valerie's books are always a delight to read. They tend to be witty and fun. She tends to have heroes and heroines who can match each with words. Yes, you do find that in Never Trust a Pirate. For the longest time Rafe thought his brother was dead, eventually, he found out that he was Oakleaf. Anyway, Cade always consider himself the black sheep of the family and that totally suited him, and his assignments. However, he gets a little side tracked when an enticing ladies maid stumbles into his lap, Danielle LaCrosse. Yet, there is more that meets the eyes with this ladies maid.

Never Trust a Pirate definitely keeps you on your toes. Between all the spying you have fantastic banter going on between Cade and Danielle. I like these two characters individually. Cade is a wonderful scoundrel. Who doesn't love a scoundrel? I adore Danielle, because she's strong, independent, and she doesn't know the power she yield's on Cade. Yes, Valerie produced another wonderful story in her series. We get to see Delilah again, and that girl; I truly hope she gets a book one day, because dude she needs one. Anyway, if you are in search of adventure, spying, and banter, look no further Never Trust a Pirate has you cover.

Copy provided by author & publisher.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

"The Black Fox Strikes Again"

FINAL DECISION: Twisty with lots of secrets and strong independent characters but not too dark, I loved this one! The story didn't go where I expected it to from the title. The characters were slowly revealed both to the reader and to one another. The story was so fun but with some depth and purpose.

THE STORY: Danielle LaCross seeking work as a lady's maid for a viscountess. She mistakes Cade Cavendish for his twin brother the viscount. Cade is a known rogue and the black sheep of the family. Rumored to be a rake and perhaps a pirate, Cade has a lot of secrets that he is keeping. Danielle has secrets as well. Once she realizes that Cade is not who she thought he was, she still cannot seem to resist the intriguing man. Soon they realize that they have a common purpose and join forces to resolve the shadows that still haunt them.

OPINION: This one hit all the right notes with me. The book jumps immediately into the action and a lot is happening here. The characters have secrets and these was plenty to keep me intellectually interested in the plot even as I emotionally fell for these characters.

A great part of this story is the twists along the way, so I recommend staying away from spoilers to maintain the suspense in the story.

Cade's role as the black sheep of the family is important to him. A twin, he has made a role for himself as the irresponsible rake...but there is much more going on with him. I loved his personality which keeps a lightness even as the drama is ratcheted up in the story. Because although readers might not know what Cade is doing, there is never any question that he is on the right side.

Danielle is strong and independent (and perhaps a little too assertive for a true lady's maid). Normally the lack of class distinctions between them would seem false in the story, but Cade did not grow up part of the aristocracy and (along with some secrets to be revealed) thus the ultimate reason for how these two interact with one another works.

Fans of witty banter between the characters will like this one. Cade and Danielle circle around one another as each is trying to figure out the other without giving away their own secrets.

One of my favorite parts of this book is that I actually was surprised by the resolution of the mystery and yet it made perfect sense. The mystery has a real purpose here and is well integrated into the romance. The suspense and mystery of the story worked really well here and felt totally natural for the times. Yet the story never veers into angst and darkness. There is a brightness to the story that I really enjoyed (even though I'm generally a bigger fan of the dark romances).

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of the series will get some glimpses of favorite characters.

CONNECTED BOOKS: NEVER TRUST A PIRATE is the seventh book in the Playful Brides series. While it is certainly possible to read this book as a standalone, it is so much better having the backstory of the characters.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Author Valerie Bowman runs a tight ship in this action-packed story of characters filled with secrets. She, herself, keeps secrets so well, that at the time I hear the truth, it is hard to believe!

There are spies aplenty in this read. We know Cade is a pirate and spy. But whose side is he on? His twin brother Rafe spies for England. But does he?

Rafe hasn’t seen his brother for ten years and suddenly he presents himself at his home. Highly suspicious movements, particularly when he keeps late hours, comes back to the townhouse battered and drunk. Whatever happened to the brother Rafe thought he knew? Some point out Rafe is the while sheep of the family while Cade is the black one.

Cade is but covering the man he is, where neither Rafe nor the reader knows, at least, not entirely. Cade covers his activities by playing the gad about rogue. He’s more, much more than that as we become privy to his activities.

Lady Daphne, Rafe’s wife, is not a snob like much of the ton. She is sweet, considerate of her staff and friendly. Humorously, she, too, is a spy, half French, half English. I’m sure her story is in the previous books of this series.

A new Lady’s Maid comes to work for Lady Daphne, as her previous one leaves her service quite suddenly. Danielle is a spy, usually impersonating a cabin’s boy on a ship. She’s been doing that for years. She spies for General Grimaldi who has now set her up to spy on Cade. With a crash course on what a Lady’s maid does, she does an admiral job for Lady Daphne. Never having a friend before in her life, she warms to the lady of the house, Mary, one of the serving maids and the housekeeper. I think this is the most heart-warming part of the story.

Danielle uses the money she makes at the Cavendish home to pay rent and supply her mum with medication. She has consumption. General Grimaldi has taken care of Danielle’s mum ensuring Danielle will continue spying for him. Where else would she get the money?

Lafayette Baptiste is a man Danielle would like to kill. Apparently, Baptiste has lots of enemies because Cade is after him, too.

Cade and Danielle are so well matched in disposition. Their banter is a bit crude, however entertaining and witty. But let’s not stop at that comment. Danielle discovers what passion is all about in Cade’s arms. She feels bad about being at the Cavendish home under false pretenses, when suddenly she’s called away by the General. She must step away from her own personal feelings about her new-found friends and her interest in Cade. After all, he is just a mark and she a spy. But still...

The plot, itself, has lots of merit. Bowman builds an intriguing, quick-paced, tension-filled story evoking various emotions, some with laughter, others with fear and still others which make you believe in happy ever after--that good people find happiness.

ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for a review. All my comments are my own and freely given.

Chocked full of intrigue, secrets and adventures Author Valerie Bowman draws in the reader with this fully developed romantic storyline. One of the things I highly respect is how the author runs us on a merry chase in this book trying to solve the mystery behind who Cade Cavendish and Danielle LaCrosse really are behind their cool facades. The addition of the steamy sexual tension between these two make this a hot romance as well.

The hero of this book, Cade, will cause any woman's heart to beat quickly as his character comes across as the bad boy type. His constant evasion of speaking the truth was frustrating for everyone who cared for him but it really adds to the story by causing the reader to wonder who he really is and is he really as bad as we think.

Danielle, the heroine, is the perfect person to foil and mess with Cade's cool reserve which she does quite often. Her character drew me in because she is not a helpless female in spite of her hard times. I love her "take no prisoner" philosophy as well as her softer side towards her ill mother and the others in the Cavendish household. I'd like to think that if I was in her position I would be just like her.... strong and not a victim.

I give this book 4.5 STARS for creating characters that are hard to pinpoint and neatly categorize.

Lies, spies, pirates and romance. What more could you ask for?

Here is the link to my review at Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1988443367

Valerie Bowman writes compelling, sexy and fun historical romances.

Never Trust a Pirate
By Valerie Bowman
Rating 5 stars
Heat. 4 flames

Cade Cavendish is on a mission he loves the deception and intriguing life style he lives and the best perks is the seduction of beautiful women. Not even his twin brother has knowledge of his secret lifestyle although he has an idea with his multiple aliases. Until he comes upon the beautiful Danielle LaCrosse she's got him confused with his brother and that suits him just fine. She has him flustered and that's something he's not comfortable with. Keeping her close to find out what game she's really playing and he's just the man for the job.

Danielle LaCrosse is a spy and she's tasked with infiltrating the home of Lord Rafferty Cavendish. She needs to get information and what better way than to pose as a lady's maid. There's one draw back - the infuriating brother of her employer is always to close for comfort not that she minds he is a devilishly handsome one.

This was one spectacular fast paced romance. There's pirates, spies, villains and enough action to keep you breathless. I loved the witty dialogue and the not knowing what happens next gives you one enthralling read. Oh and let's not forget the steam our glasses passion! Will definitely recommend and will be looking for the next Valerie Bowman book.

I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

I did enjoy this book, it had it all, love, suspense, puzzles and define tell interesting characters. Although you can read this as a standalone, I do plan on reading previous books, just to get a better understanding, not that this did not keep you entertained because it did. We have Cade Cavendish, the black sheep of the family, and a rogue, a true ladies man. But is he really, or does he just portray himself as such? Then we have Danielle LaCrosse, the maid, who wants her poor sick mother to live peacefully. Butagain is that all she is. What I enjoyed was that each character played by their own rules, things you would not expect. Danielle was a lady ahead of her time. This book had its funny moments, but also its rom antic moments. Enjoy, bease i sure did.

'Never Trust a Pirate' by Valerie Bowman is book Seven in the "Playful Brides" series. This is the story of Cade Cavendish and Miss Danielle LaCrosse. I have read most of the other books in this series but I do feel this can be a standalone book. Cade is the twin brother of Rafe Cavendish from the book 'The Irresistible Rogue' which was book four in the "Playful Brides" series. Danielle is the maid for Daphne Cavendish who is Rafe's wife.
Danielle is working as a Spy to help pay back the services that save her mother after being accused of killing Danielle's father. Danielle was sent to get into the Cavendish's services to spy on Cade.
Cade is out to get revenge on the man that hurt his brother. Cade is feeling guilt along with that want of revenge. When Cade and Danielle meet the attraction is instant! Cade is finding it very hard to resist Danielle. Danielle is seeing that there is more to Cade than she first thought.
It appears that they are both working to get the same person...but will they get each other in the end?
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Seemingly unabashed wastrel Cade Cavendish continues to lower the bar with his outlandish behavior. On the brink of destitution Danielle LaCrosse spends all her earnings as a lady's maid caring for her invalid mother. Appearances can be deceiving as Cade and Danielle hold secrets close their undeniable attraction causes them to take chances that could threaten their lives and their hearts.

It is hard to go wrong with a Valerie Bowman book as she demonstrates with book seven of her Playful Brides series Never Trust a Pirate. In this author's latest work she devises a story using the well established spy vs. spy trope but with an entertaining Regency twist. The characters in this book slowly revealed their vulnerabilities while flaming their pronounced attraction even as they expertly carried out an espionage plot. Cade and Danielle were welled match as they found common ground in the art of danger and the genuine enjoyment of each other's company. Valerie Bowman's ability to continue to introduce engaging stories full of surprises and unforgettable casts makes her one of Historical Romance's most prominent stars and a sure bet for a great book getaway!

Cade Cavendish always had his brother in high regard. Cade was the black sheep of the family and learned early that he would have to tread his way differently from his brother.
After having spent years away, given as dead, he returns to London with a single mission... but this mission his family could not know what it was.

Living at Rafe's house, Cade ends up meeting the new Daphne's maid, Danielle, a Frenchwoman who knew the art of making hairstyles well... but she also kept secrets.

Even though he did not like French people, because of the time of the war, when Rafe was imprisoned and tortured, and Daphne's brother was killed, Cade could not resist a beautiful woman, so he and Danielle soon became close.

However, the two had something in common for what they sought and among bandits, spies and pirates, both will learn that it is always good to have a pirate around...

5 stars

This was an absolutely delightful spy vs. spy and pirate vs. pirate story. It was quite different to most regency romance I have read, precisely because of the Spies and Pirates, and because Danielle is a strong and independent woman in her own right. I admire her for following her own path, and for doing whatever it takes to take care of her mother and <spoiler> to catch her father’s killer. I also like that she didn’t follow head over heels OMG the first time she saw Cade (despite his attempts) and that she was putting her mission before any random romance.
Cade was also not your typical rake. He was quite the charmer, for sure, but throughout the book, I was often left wondering what his real motives were. I liked that he didn’t completely give in when he saw Danielle and that he didn’t completely try to reform himself. I was happy to see him be his unmistakable, black sheep self the whole time, yet I was also pleased with seeing the other sides of his character.

I liked how Danielle and Cade came together, and I laughed at their banter (especially when she wouldn’t take his crap). I liked how they came from similar backgrounds (even though they didn’t know it of each other) and how they were wary of one another at first even though they did divulge some secrets. I was also happy to see them TALKING and not sleeping together on the first time they met.
I also liked how Valerie Bowman fashioned the side characters. They were not left flat, like side characters from many romances are. They were all well developed and had their own unique (and often humorous) personalities. I especially liked that we find out Cade and his brother Rafe are TWINS!!!
That means that YES THERE ARE TWO OF THEM!
The story itself contains romance and adventure, romps on land and on sea, headstrong characters, intrigue and mistaken identity, everything you could possibly hope for in a regency romance. The plot was a roller coaster that left you anticipating and wondering the whole time, and it didn’t make me roll my eyes or sigh once. The writing of the author was sweet at times, sometimes serious, and often very funny. She kept you searching and she made you gasp when she divulged another surprise.
Here are some links if you want to see Bowman’s socials and where you can buy this delightful romance.

I have said it before and I will repeat it a hundred times, Valerie Bowman and her Playful Brides series never disappoints! Since I discovered this series I am always impatiently waiting for the next book in the series. For the record the next one after this one is “The Right Kind of Rogue” #8 which is Meg and Harts’ story. I am restless with anticipation about it! But not to be overshadowed, “Never Trust a Pirate” follows many of the same exciting and addicting elements as “The Irresistible Rogue: # 4 which is Daphne and Captain Rafe Cavendish’s story. In that story we discover that Rafe has a twin brother- Cade. Very unlike his twin brother, Cade is the exact opposite of his very chivalrous and honorable brother.

When we begin the story, we are immediately hooked with the task of trying to discover who is the mysterious Black Fox. Bowman uses this as a thread to the rest of the story. Is Cade the Black Fox? Is he after he Black Fox? Aside from these very interesting questions we also are introduced to a wonderful heroine- Miss Danielle LaCrosse. Danielle is as multi-layered as Cade. She is serving as a lady’s maid to Daphne. But without giving too much away, Danielle is very much more than a lady’s maid. Because of the proximity she shares with Cade both Cade and Danielle can’t help but be drawn not only to each other but also to their deep secrets, and both not only carry them but both are also eager to uncover the others.

Personally, I love how Bowman portrayed Cade. As a reader I was experiencing the same peeling away of layers as the characters did-which I loved. &He was interesting and at the same time a little puzzling because he had so many secrets. I loved how evenly matched Danielle and Cade were. They were both worthy of one another. Aside from the mystery and intrigue, I loved Danielle’s very deep vulnerability and her very sweet and almost fragile desire to communicate and form a bond with those around her. Although I think that this story and “The Irresistible Rogue” are a part of the “Playful Brides” series their distinguishing aspect is all the adventure and mystery that run through them. Bowman is such a great author! She is fun, here characters are so complex and deep that I never want the story to end and yet I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Finally, I loved the contrast between Cade and Rafe. In this story there weren’t too many differences between the brothers after all. For me, this was another wonderful and gratifying read by Bowman and I remain a big fan!

London - 1817

The Black Fox is on a ship trying to steal a map showing Napoleon Bonaparte’s escape plans from St. Helena. When the ship’s captain wakes and realizes someone is in the room, The Black Fox is able to escape with the map.

Cade and Rafe Cavendish, age 28, are twins. Rafe had been a spy for the War Office during the war but is now a Viscount and married to Daphne. (Be sure to read “The Irresistible Rogue” to learn about Rafe and Daphne.) The Cavendish boys grew up in Seven Dials and have come a long way in life. Cade, on the other hand, is single and has many aliases. He is currently living with Rafe and Daphne.

Danielle LaCrosse is a French maid waiting to be interviewed by Lady Daphne, Viscountess Cavendish, for a position as lady’s maid. After proving herself, Daphne offers her the job.

Danielle and Cade meet when she embarrassingly mistakes him for his brother, Rafe. He has come home drunk and injured and she cares for his injuries later finding out who he really is. He thinks she is pretty and smart.

Danielle is working hard to care for her mother who is ill with consumption. But, Danielle is also a well trained smuggler. She had taken this up as a child since she had no other choice. Today, she works as a spy for the Crown and her next mission is to learn more about Cade.

Soon, their cat and mouse game heats up. Will one of them win or will they both win?

This is another great story by Valerie Bowman that I enjoyed very much. If you are familiar with the author, you will like the fact that she has named the housekeeper Mrs. Huckleberry after her dog. Very clever, Valerie!

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really enjoyed Never Trust a Pirate, and I think it might be my favorite Valerie Bowman book. The story is incredibly entertaining and interesting, and I was hooked from beginning. Danielle Lacrosse has just been hired as a lady’s maid when she meets her employer’s twin brother, Cade Cavendish. He’s a rake but also incredibly charming, and they feel a connection from the moment they meet. Sparks fly.

It is obvious that both Cade and Danielle have secrets. She’s not a typical maid, and he is not just a never-do-well as he likes people to believe. Any kind of liaison between them could be complicated, especially considering she works for his brother. There is a bit of a mystery mixed in with this endearing love story as both Cade and Danielle’s secrets begin to unravel, and the additional storyline adds something special to Never Trust a Pirate and makes it very entertaining. I was surprised when the mystery is solved, and it seems lately that I am rarely surprised anymore. I highly recommend Never Trust a Pirate.

This my first Valerie Bowman novel and I loved it. Even though there are 6 books before it I had no trouble following the story. I will be putting the rest on TBR list especially Rafe and Daphne's story THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE.
This story is full of all the thing that make a novel really good. Intrigue, humor, romance and surprises around every corner. It grabbed be in the first chapter and didn't let go. I didn't want it to end.
It didn't take long to fall in love with Cade. He's definitely a swoonworthy hero and I greatly admire Danielle in her tenacity and drive to find what she's looking for.

I received this book for review on Celtic Dragon Book Reviews. All opinions are my own.

Valerie Bowman continues to breath life into this most amazing Playful Brides series!

Loved every moment from start to finish!

This book was good. Not great but good. It kept me reading but it did take me a few chapters to get into the book.