Never Trust a Pirate

An escape from St. Helena is being planned for Bonaparte, and the Black Fox narrowly escapes with the map indicating the route the general will take... Who is the Black Fox? Until nine months ago, the world thought Cade Cavendish dead, but he is alive and well and living in Mayfair with his identical twin brother Rafe. Cade is the black sheep of the family, nobody really knows how he earns his living. He is also a bit of a rogue. Danielle LaCrosse desperately needs the position as lady’s maid to Lady Cavendish, Rafe’s wife. Danielle is a bit out of her element, but she’s resourceful, and she’ll do what it takes: she needs the money to pay for her mother’s medical bills. Danielle is startled by the handsomeness of Rafe, and more than pleasantly surprised that his brother Cade is just as easy on the eye, and unmarried. Danielle’s new job might have some unexpected perks, after all, and Rafe is quite taken with the new lady’s maid. NEVER TRUST A PIRATE is Valerie Bowman’s latest instalment in the Playful Brides series, and while past events play a part in the narrative, the author briefly and clearly recaps what has happened previously, and new readers will be able to easily hop along. There are many spies in Rafe’s home, but who is really a spy, and who is spying on whom? Most of NEVER TRUST A PIRATE proceeds at a comfortable pace, after a breathtaking and exciting opening. I must confess that I was expecting that more emphasis would be put on the spying, or done differently maybe, or I was thought there would be more action. A large chunk of the narrative consists of life in a posh Regency household, while Danielle gets accustomed to her new duties. While everyday historical details are a bit shaky, it is enjoyable nonetheless. I was a bit worried when the blurb mentioned a case of mistaken identity, but this is dealt with speedily and efficiently by the author, and in a rather amusing way. Danielle is an intriguing character, with many facets, and for once she wasn’t endlessly blushing. I really liked Cade as well until I felt he became a tad too pushy and insistent. The sex scenes are well done, however I was not crazy about the circumstances under which the first one occurred. The action sequences are terrific, and I would have liked more of them, before the explosive ending. Ms. Bowman’s descriptive style shines, as always, the dialogues are delicious, as is the flirtatious banter between Danielle and Cade is delectable. All in all, NEVER TRUST A PIRATE is an entertaining Regency romp! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

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

After reading and loving “The Irresistible Rogue” which is also part of the regency romance Playful Brides regency series and introduced Cade into Rafe and Daphne’s story, I was ecstatic to learn that Rafe’s identical twin Cade would have his own story in “Never Trust A Pirate.” This is Cade and Danielle’s story. I have always enjoyed reading Valerie Bowman’s books. She is an exceptional writer and weaves stories that have flawless plots and captivate her readers. “Never Trust a Private” intrigued from the first paragraph and held my attention until the last word. This story had it all: romance, fast paced action, suspense, spies, intrigue, adventure, sexual tension, wit and surprising twists and turns that I never saw coming. She also brought back the enchanting teenager cousin Delilah. Bowman’s characters are fascinating and well developed. Both Cade and Danielle have secrets. What does secrets are and how they deal with them makes for an exceptional read and an enjoyable story. This is another Bowman winner and I highly recommend this book and the series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion. It was my pleasure to read and review.