I just polished off 'Teach a Rogue New Tricks' by Charlie Lane; let me tell you, it was a wild ride! Lane brings the heat with this one, folks.

First, the characters are charming. Who doesn't love a good rogue with a heart of gold? And the chemistry between the leads is off the charts! You'll find yourself rooting for them from the very first page.

Now, Lane's writing style is addictive. I couldn't put this book down! It's got just the right mix of humour, drama, and steam to keep you hooked until the end.

And let's remember the setting. Lane paints such a vivid picture of the world these characters inhabit you'll feel like you're right there alongside them.

Sure, it has its fair share of clichés, but sometimes, you need an excellent old-fashioned old-fashioned romance to sweep you off your feet, am I right?

Overall, 'Teach a Rogue New Tricks' is a fun, flirty read that'll leave you with a big grin. So do yourself a favour and snag a copy ASAP!

I enjoyed this book and then went back to read the beginning of the series and have read the latest in the series too. the lead chracters and family are well written and development.

Teach a rogue new tricks by Charlie Lane

Ada Cavendish has confirmed most of her life have brought up mpst of her younger siblings. After her mother died and her father travelled abroad. Now at twenty six years old her father is settling down and wants Ada and her younger sister Nora to do a Season but Ada wants to travel, freedom and put her knowledge of languages to good use.
Lord Cassius Albee has returned for exile in France and is now trying to atone for his previous misdemeanours. Whilst hiding out in London he is spotted by Ada and he asks her to help him redeem his rakish past . The story follows both their journeys Cass to be the man he is meant to be and Ada for the adventure she craves. Can they both learn from each other and both win in the end?

A well written Regency novel with a twist .

A wonderful book that has you enthralled from the first page to the last.

I adore stories that are about redemption for one character, along with a character that finds their strength to find their freedom. I enjoyed the type of humor involved in this story and how the characters showed growth and were not the typical "flat" feeling characters that are so common in these types of stories.

This was a sweet book! It was funny, with good, snappy dialogue and good chemistry between the characters. It was an enjoyable read! I didn't read the book where Cassius is a rogue, but didn't feel like there was anything that takes away from this book!

Another Regency romance that proves I apparently only like regency books when they are written by Jane Austen herself.

This may well be my favorite book yet from Charlie Lane, which is odd because I found it a bit slow-moving and disorienting when it began. By the end, the word that kept coming to mind was lush. The writing seemed almost experimental, as if the author were testing out a more visceral way of describing characters/scenes/feelings, but the more I read, the more I realized just how masterful it was. If this were my first book from Charlie Lane, and if I weren’t already hooked on her writing, this one would do it for me.

I have only a few suggestions for improvement, although sadly, I’m not really sure how I would fix them. At the beginning of the story, Cass (the rogue) is described in such a way that I envisioned him as a young man uncertain of himself and gangly in his movements. I understand the reason: Ada needed to see him that way and the reader saw him as she did. Unfortunately, while she came to see him as a man, there was still a bit of the little boy in him that I couldn’t erase from my imagination and it was reflected in some of his physical movements and facial expressions. (As an aside, I found it fascinating to realize that Ada had the mind of a codebreaker.)

My second suggestion? I remember encountering this in one of her other books, The Secret Seduction, and it was my complaint about that one too. I realize these are fictional stories, but when I start reading, I immerse myself in the lives of the characters. When they do things in places where they shouldn’t, it makes me nervous. Can we please not have characters kissing or feeling one another up in public? This time, “In the middle of Berkeley Square. Where anyone could see.” (Coincidentally, The Secret Seduction introduced me to Lord Trevor, hero of the book and son of Lady Hemsworth, author of “Lady’s Guide to Moral Rectitude,” a book that Cass and Ada purchase in a bookstore.)

My third suggestion is this. This book could have benefited from more thorough editing. I found some of the missing words and word repetitions distracting. Obviously, none of my complaints warrant the removal of stars from my rating.

This is not an action-packed story. It’s very introspective and thought-provoking, and although there are, naturally, activities involved, much of the story is conveyed through the feelings of the characters. And the hero’s journey is not limited to only one character, even though the reader is led to believe that at the beginning. Cass needs to learn to forgive himself and Ada needs to learn to value herself. As Ada tries to help Cass to reform, which is what he believes he needs, he realizes that she needs someone to accept her without judgment and teach her to value herself. Who better to offer no judgment than someone who can’t forgive himself? Family ties are also a strong theme running through the plot, and the love shown by family members for one another is truly remarkable.

But let me get back to the word lush and try to explain my use of it. I think it was the way Ms. Lane used imagery and metaphors to describe feelings. For example, one of Cass’ reactions to emotional discomfort is to laugh. “He laughed, but a dark edge pulsed just under his skin, like he wore a suit of knives inside his body and any wrong move would flail him from the inside out.”

Cass is very denigrating about himself. He is drawn to Ada, while also trying to protect her from himself. When he looks at her, he sees “spring-green eyes containing oceans of emotions he lacked the intelligence to understand… He swallowed the desire to understand them.”

At one point, Ada has a fight with her sister, Nora, who does not want her to have anything to do with Cass. Nora has just finished cleaning her pistol and follows Ada up to her room where they have words and Nora laughs derisively at something Ada says, “the tin sound echoing like bullets off the close walls, shattering the looking glass, the windows.” After Nora slammed the door shut behind her, Ada’s “chest ached, the fight with Nora like an unremoved knife in her heart.”

There is one particular scene, in chapter 13 (also the scene of the PDA mentioned earlier) that particularly impressed me with its descriptions and the author’s ability to carry the metaphor over multiple pages without it growing old, but rather, transforming it. In fact, I’m going to elaborate for a few paragraphs because I was so enamored with it.

Ada can be very demonstrative, coming from a large family with many younger siblings. She frequently touches him without considering the physical reaction he might have. At one point, “He shrugged away from her touch and scooted his ass across the wet grass, planting distance between them he hoped to grow into an impenetrable forest.” Then, he proceeds to watch Ada eating an ice from Gunter’s and can’t take his eyes off of her as her “dimple appeared and disappeared, a flickering star guiding a lost man home.” And he feels something soft and mossy forming within himself. “He’d taken the forest metaphor too far, but he felt a green boy…new to the emotions rocking him…”

As Ada begins to sense a closeness growing between them she informs him she has a suitor, and he feels like a “tree must have fallen directly onto his head. He felt dazed, defeated. Might as well be dead.” When she continues blithely along, telling him they’re not in love and that there’s no need for love in her marriage, his response is immediate. “...that killed him more than the falling tree had. A hundred bees stung him in a hundred different places. Those thorns from his caution-grown forest snagged him, tightened, pierced. Impossible pain. Suffocation.”

He begins to lose control and before long, he’s kissing her. “He had tried to grow a forest, dark and deep and tangled, but one touch, one breath, and the world became a garden instead—fragrant, open, softening the sky with a rainbow’s splash of gentle color. He sank into it more deeply…” She pushed him away. “And the garden flickered out of existence. The moss inside browned, crisped, crumbled. His arms dropped to his side, dead logs with little purpose but to be burned.” But it’s only temporary and she soon resumes what he started. “He could not name or describe the relief crashing through him, crunching his forest trees like twigs, crumbling to dust all his defenses.” A couple of chapters later, when Ada asks him what color he would most like in his room… “‘Green,’ he said, but he really meant you.” (Annnd, scene.)

Ada has a bit of a strained relationship with her father so she’s surprised when he tells her he’s happy she broke things off with her suitor. He tells her, “He’s too closed-in for you, Ada. You need wide skies and possibilities. And he prefers ceilings and routine.” I love this!

He continues to give her a bit of advice about hearts and I found his counsel the kind of thing I’d like to offer my own child. “It doesn’t break as easily as you think. It’s a flexible thing. And as you learn to love a million new places, you’ll find you can leave your heart everywhere all at once and keep it in your chest, too.”

In case I was unclear, I absolutely loved this book. It feels different, and for that reason, it may not be accessible to as many people, but for those who enjoy something a bit unusual, you won’t want to miss this one.

IT's been a while since I read a romance novel and I have to say that I did enjoy this one and it made me want to read more like it. I need more romance in my life! The characters are well drawn and the plot is inventive and well thought out. Like most romance novels, this book is character driven and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their exploits together. All in all it was a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon and I shall look out for other books by this author.

Teach a Rogue New Tricks, by Charlie Lane. I genuinely loved reading this wonderfully and delightful romantic love story. I found Ada and Cass’s characters to be quite charming. These two interactions made the book all the more exciting for me to read. I thought the humorous or comedic dialogue was marvelous.
It was almost like the other could anticipate what the other would say. As I read the book further I new that their relationship would be one of a lot of interest. The writer did a wonderful job of really capturing the characters feelings when it came to the characters admitting to their fears and working to be a better person. The romance between Ada and Cass was very beautiful. I found their chemistry to be very charming and sentimental.
I would ask that the writer would elaborate more and give more details to the love scenes. Maybe add in a little more dirty talk during those moments. I think that would raise the steam level a little higher. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

Ada Cavendish has spent the last five years in the country taking care of her siblings. But she’s ready for a change. What better time than her first London Season? She’ll run a little wild and have a little fun before returning to her quiet domestic existence. Cassius Albee is a future Earl of Brookmere. But he’s also a villain. He was exiled to France after the attempted abduction of his sister-in-law. Now he’s returned determined to reform his roguish ways. And when the smart and bold Miss Cavendish delivers a perfect lecture on the depravity of eavesdropping, he knows he’s found the one. Ada agrees to teach Cass the basics of good behaviour if he’ll help her break a few rules.
A very well written book, which just ticked so many boxes for me. I love both Cass & Ada, he needs redemption & she needs some fun, they were both a delight. A lovely slow build romance. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Love the concept of bad boy, villain Cass trying to turn his life around and the struggle to be good enough to get a second chance with his family. Cass did the unforgivable and kidnapped his brother’s fiancée. A total failure, but Cass has been exiled to France and misses his family. Seeking a way to forgiveness he returns secretly to London and per chance meets Ada. Trying everything to drive her away from him, but Ada always is one to help. Raising her siblings, comforting a neighbor, so why not help reform a villain? And so taking on the challenge of Cass, Ada also learns that it’s OK if she puts herself above first and maybe find love along the way.
I love the bantering between the characters. The author did a excellent job of portraying the inner struggle and fear Cass has for the evil deed he did. I haven’t read Bax story, but now on my TBR. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TeachaRogueNewTricks #CharlieLane

Spoiler-free summary:

Ada Cavendish has spent the last five years in the country taking care of her siblings. She can mend a ripped stocking, tend a scrapped knee, and deliver a scathing lecture after any misbehavior.

But she’s ready for a change. What better time than her first London Season? She’ll run a little wild and have a little fun before returning to her quiet domestic existence.

Cassius Albee is a future Earl of Brookmere. But he’s also a villain. He was exiled to France after the attempted abduction of his sister-in-law. Now he’s returned determined to reform his roguish ways.

He’s developed a plan for self-improvement. But he’s missing the one thing everyone knows a rake must have in order to reform—a good woman.

What I liked:

It is common to reform a Rake but it is tough to redeem a villain with a capital V. Charlie Lane did an excellent job at redeeming Cassius, you can see his journey and his feeling of guilt and shame. With Ada's help the journey from villain to hero is deeply satisfying.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book early even if I am a little late.

I really enjoyed reading about Cass, a reprobate and Ada, a not so innocent but proper miss. She wanted adventure and finds it in Cass while trying to help him repair his image. He was flirtatious and moody. That did not deter Ada. Stolen kisses and steamy moments can be found and of course a happy ending.

Thoroughly loved reading the amazing, engaging, and mesmerizing historical romance story. When Cassius Albee, the Earl of Brookmere, a villain and a rogue, needs a good woman who is willing to help him reform himself, he meets the perfect one, Ada Cavendish. While Cassius wants to change for the better, Ada wants an adventure. Read thee highly recommended, wonderfully written, and riveting story that captures the reader's attention from the first page until the last page of the story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I just reviewed Teach a Rogue New Tricks by Charlie Lane. #TeachaRogueNewTricks #NetGalley
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Cass, and everybody else, knows he has been a very bad person, a rogue, a villain. He wants to change, to reform his bad behavior, to find forgiveness and reconciliation with his brother. He doesn’t even know how to begin, until he meets Ada Cavendish. Ada is looking for a change in her life, too. She loves and has cared for her family for a long time, and now she longs for adventure. The is an engaging story of redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. The characters are great. Cass and Ada both search for a new beginning, and they just might be able to help each other reach that goal, together. Enjoyable story.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Thank you the opportunity to review the book.

I don't recall having read any books by C. Lane, thoroughly enjoyed this story and will have to look for her catalog. The characters were engaging, with good dialog (nothing maudlin or self pitying).

A fast paced romance between two adults, neither starry-eyed, but definitely torn between what is 'right' and what is desired.

Teach a Rogue New Tricks by Charlie Lane is book Two in The Cavendish Family Series. This is the story of Cassius Albee 'Cass' and Ada Cavendish. Cass is back from be exiled after a mishap with kidnapping his sister in law. Ada has come to town for some excitement from her country living and the responsibility of taking care of her siblings. This leads her to meet Cass and they strike a deal if she will show him how to improve himself he will show her the behind the scene excitement she wants. Enjoyed their story.

While this is Book 2 of the Cavendish series, I recommend reading the entire London Secrets series to fully appreciate the hero's back story. After being exiled for his villainous deeds, Cass returns knowing he must reform to rejoin his family. While staying at a friend's house, he meets Ada and knows she will be the perfect governess to help him mend his ways. And of course, they find what they need in each other. Loved it!

Teach A Rogue New Tricks is the second book in The Cavendish Series. Cassius the Viscount Albee, has been a rogue and a cad. He tried to kidnap his brother's betrothed and fled England for reasons that made sense to him while he was drunk. A year later, he decides he wants to reform. He has given up drinking, gambling, and women, all of his vices except swearing. He has been reading The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to help him be a better person. He is not quite sure it is working. What he needs is a woman to teach him how to be good.

Ada Cavendish has always been responsible. When her father was traveling and thereby deserted the family, she took over raising her siblings. She is willing to help Cass reform, but refuses to give up her dream of adventure. A friendship grows between them and they become lovers. Ada does not want to be married, she wants to have adventure before marriage. Cass is determined to give Ada what she wants.

This was a sweet entertaining afternoon read.

This was a fast-paced, fun read — the bluestocking saves the rogue — with witty banter and two compelling characters. It works because the rogue also saves the bluestocking, creating an unbeatable couple who truly love each other.
The author does a wonderful job of making us care about Cassius, a viscount who wasn't just a rake but a genuine louse. But, with the love of a good woman, our heroine, Ada Cavendish, Cass had the opportunity to turn his life around. What makes this plausible is that he truly has repented and wants to do better. She wants adventure and decides to help Cass improve; in turn, he shows her how to have fun — she's been the responsible one for a long time.
The ensuing love story is entrancing, proving there are second acts and the best sorts of lovers are the ones who bring out each other's best.
Cass and Ada do that. (I received an advance readers' copy on NetGalley. Opinions mine.)