THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE is Book 4 in Valerie Bowman's Playful Brides series. Valerie Bowman takes a beloved story, the classic film "The Philadelphia Story," and adds a few twists and turns, along with spies and ruffians to spice things up. As with previous books in this Playful Brides series, the friendships between women stand out and make THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE shine.

Daphne Swift's life just got very complicated, very quickly. Captain Rafferty ("Rafe") Cavendish, the dashing spy and military hero she secretly married, has made an appearance just as she's hoping to get engaged to somebody else. Like the classic film this story is based on, I can't help feeling that the heroine in THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE is underestimated. Daphne is a complex character and I rooted for her as I read along. Rafe likes to tease her and needle her a little bit throughout the story, but I find her to be very sympathetic. Her responses to Rafe after his reappearance in her life, and what she sees as his previous rejection, are completely understandable. As Rafe comes to appreciate later on, Daphne is brave, loyal, and intelligent. She risks a lot by helping Rafe in his spying efforts, in an effort to avenge her late brother.

THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE is both a complicated and sensual romance as well as a thrilling spy-filled adventure. I'm happy that this story is told from two perspectives, so I was able to get Rafe's point of view. Over the course of THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE, Rafe falls for Daphne as he slowly gets to know more about her. Rafe's charm, combined with the flirting and sexual tension, make this a romance to remember. The element of danger that comes with their spy mission adds a new dimension to Rafe and Daphne's romance. Being forced to work together and rely on each other under such unusual circumstances adds excitement and intensity to their unusual mating dance.

THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE has plenty of Valerie Bowman's trademark wit and farcical situations with an added element of danger. Daphne and Rafe have chemistry in spades, even when they clash. The supporting characters are divine and add a lot of humor to lighten the mood at times. There are several characters I look forward to seeing more of in future books. I am eager to read the next installment of this Playful Brides series.