This was such a fun read! Effie was a highly entertaining and intriguing heroine!

I loved seeing things from her perspective, and watching her try to complete her assignment. And of course, her dealings with Gabriel Royce.

This is where the sparks fly! They both have an agenda, and it means they are completely on opposite sides, and determined to stop or get around the other.

But...what about those sparks?! Can they admit there might be something there?

This story has lots of action, and unexpected things going on. I was glued to the pages, and kept guessing! It was overall just a really fun read.

If you enjoy reading stories set in England back in those good ole' days, you won't want to miss this one!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Set in 1864 London, this book gives enemies to lovers but make it Victorian. I adored the FMC Miss Euphemia Flite, I love a smart, strong and sassy woman. Our MMC Gabriel is also refreshing, so forward in how he values the rights of women and strives to improve the rights of the impoverished. A self made gentleman, morally gray but respectful, So swoony. Historical fiction with tension and swoon worthy kisses, this is not a spice filled novel and it's refreshing. Such a rich story with well rounded characters, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and will follow the series as it comes out.

Looking forward to Book 2 in the Crinoline Academy series, The Marriage Method out in November.

Thank you NetGalley, Mimi Matthews and Berkley Publishing for sending this ARC for review.

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

Effie was raised in a secret academy by a strong feminist that trained the girls to be strong, think for themselves, defend themselves, pick locks, etc. in order to serve the cause. She’s tasked to bring down a powerful Viscount that is intent on blocking a women’s rights bill in Parliament. Not only will this help all women, but Effie will be relieved of her debt to the academy and be given a stipend to set up her life.

Gabriel owns a betting shop & other businesses and is considered the king of the Rookery, a shrinking slum in London. Gabriel has gained wealth but doesn’t forget where he’s come from & is determined to improve everyone’s life in the slums. He needs the Viscount influence & connections to bring the project to life & also keep the government from interfering with his criminal empire. He didn’t expect his plan to be interrupted by a beautiful woman intent on destroying that same Viscount.

I loved Effie. She was strong, realistic, quick-thinking, quick-witted, & determined to accomplish her goal so she can start her life free from the academy. Despite this, I loved how vulnerable she allowed herself to be with Gabriel when she was caught up with her greatest fear – heights. Gabriel was single-minded in his quest until he met Effie. He can’t get her out of his mind & finds himself distracted when he needs to concentrate the most. Their chemistry together was fantastic. I loved their witty banter. They shared the same dry wit and realistic view of the world.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley and Berkley. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me a lot of the [book:Bringing Down the Duke|43521785] series, which is a huge compliment because I love love love that series. This books is set in 1860s London, and our protagonist is Effie Flite, an orphan who got taken in by an academy for girls with a secret mission: take down the patriarchy. Effie was trained to defend herself and fight for women's suffrage, and she's spent the last five years in Paris exploring and enjoying herself. But when her former headmaster summons her back to London and tasks her with bringing down a powerful politician who's against women's rights, Effie rises to the challenge. And of course, a man she's attracted to complicates her mission a lot.

I thought that this was so much fun and also a great portrayal of what community organizing looked like in the days before social media and group chats. Effie is spunky and determined, and it was fun to follow along as she navigated high society with ulterior motives in mind. The chemistry between her and Gabriel is palpable and complicated, which I always love, and the barriers impeding them acting on that chemistry felt natural and not forced. The dialogue is witty and the writing is not too verbose, and London comes to life very vividly. The next book in this series comes out in November, and I can't wait to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

This author is so good at making me feel fully immersed in the time period. The Victorian Era, in which this story was set, provided the framework within which Gabriel and Effie were both navigating societal rules and expectations.

These two characters were a bit different than those I usually read about, as they both came from downtrodden beginnings but were navigating the fringes of polite society for different reasons. I could feel the way these two struggled with the pull that they had toward each other from their very first meeting. They both quickly learned that they were on differing sides of a situation. A powerful man was at the center of their endeavors. Effie needed his downfall and Gabriel needed his influential assistance.

Gabriel had done quite a few morally questionable things in the past which allowed him to grow into the wealth and position he held within the Rookery, yet it was eye opening to see the way Effie affected him. And, truly, it was clear that Gabriel also affected Effie similarly. These two hearts, who had both never known love ended up finding that very thing with each other. It was sweet to see how knowing that they were accepted for who they were with each other gave them the courage to face the world and hope to change things in ways they hadn’t thought possible before.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Woah, this is one that will linger in my brain. The first 20% or so really lays the groundwork for the characters and their backgrounds, but it’s totally worth it because the characters Mimi writes are so incredible and lovable.

Having read Mimi’s previous series where Gabrielle Royce was a clear villain, I was apprehensive about how I’d feel about him here. But what a dreamy fellow he turns out to be.

The tension and conflict between the main characters is well done- not over the top, not aggravating or unbelievable. The historical events woven in are accurate and added a fun element- I found myself looking some of them up afterward.

Overall, this was just a fun, satisfying read.

Content note: Mimi Matthews writes clean, closed-door romances- not Christian romances. If that distinction is important to you, just keep that in mind.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishers for the free ARC - my first one ever! I’m excited to have the opportunity to review more.

Miss Effie Flite was raised at the Crinoline Academy, a boarding school where young women learn to subvert the patriarchy. As an orphan, she needs the income she'll get from Headmistress Miss Corvus's next assignment: ruin a Viscount Lord Compton, who once ruined a young woman and continues his hypocrisy decades later. On her mission, Effie meets Gabriel Royce, a young man with the ambition to run an underground empire from the Rookery of St Giles but also to reform the slums from the inside to improve their way of life. Effie's mission and Gabriel's drive may be at odds with each other, as they both need Lord Compton, but they also find that they may need each other, too.

Mimi Matthews is the master of the closed-door historical romance. The longing and developing romance between Effie and Gabriel is palpable, and never lacking while the door is closed. Rules for Ruin has the perfect blend of romance, mystery, societal intrigue, and character development that I've come to love in Matthews's writing.

Political reform plots in historical romance can be hit or miss depending on the author, but Mimi Matthews's research and care in crafting the plot are evident. She avoids the trap of a bluestocking feeling too modern by tying Effie's personal mission to the women's property act and the real strife of women putting their lives and their money into the hands of men with the power to ruin them either carelessly or maliciously.

Dark beginnings!

Euphemia Flite is called back to London after some years in Paris, having honed her abilities to pass as a gently bred lady.
Who is she? A Rookery child brought up in a very peculiar orphanage, Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies. Her mentor and headmistress is even stranger, concerned with training her girls in everything from Latin to politics, defence to lock picking, including how do act socially in a variety of situations. Effie’s given an assignment when she returns, if she accepts, will free her to go her own way. Effie is to get close to the loathsome Viscount Compton, a powerful conservative Lord, find something dark out about him that will neutralize his might. Hopefully forcing the Viscount to abandon his opposition to a bill of rights for married women being brought before the House of Lords. That bill is important. It is the cornerstone for the rights for all women. Women would no longer be possessions.
What Effie doesn’t expect to meet is a dangerous and forceful denizen of the Rookeries, Gabriel Royce, a Gambling Hall owner who for his own reasons, is working in opposition to Effie, supporting the Viscount.
In Effie, Gabriel recognizes a person as singleminded as himself. Like calls to like. The wolf recognizes another wolf albeit wrapped in silks and perfume!
Another scintillating novel from the pen of Mimi Matthews.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Thank you @berkleyromance @prhaudio for the free finished copy & audiobook. ♡

·∘⋆⊹ 𝙰 𝚗𝚘-𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏-𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛. ⊹⋆∘·

I love when a romance weaves in enough historical context to immerse the reader into the issues of the time period, in this case, 1800s women’s rights and slum reform.

Effie Flite infiltrates the patriarchy to undermine the viscount upholding the married women’s property law. She is independent, bright, and capable. She also happens to be half Indian (white passing).

Gabriel Royce was low born but changed his station in life, preying on the vices of men, operating in the morally grey spaces between right and wrong.

These two find themselves on opposing sides — and neither can afford the distraction of their undeniable attraction.

Pick this one up for a cheery no spice romance, fun banter, and a good amount of historical facts.

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။‌‌‌‌‌|• 🎧 Narrators Elizabeth Knowelden and Will Watt brought Effie and Gabriel to life — I recommend audio for this one!

As I began to lose myself in Mimi Matthews' latest book, the first in the Crinoline Academy, I couldn’t help but think that all those declaring historical romance dead are so gravely mistaken because this book was so good for so many reasons. Matthews’ newest Victorian romance is a masterpiece of feminist resilience, gritty class issues and a wonderfully fresh love story that still manages to be everything we know and love in a historical romance.

The novel introduces us to two working class characters: Effie, a former student of the Crinoline Academy, or more accurately known as Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, is tasked with a mission by the stern and somewhat mysterious Miss Corvus herself to find evidence of a seemingly virtuous politician’s past wrongdoing towards a woman. We also have Gabriel, known everywhere in the slums of St. Giles for more or less ruling the place with his wits and shrewdness (and occasionally his fists), desperately trying to reform the Rookery and the larger St. Giles area with the money of rich and foolish aristocrats. These two characters find themselves at odds, discovering how their respective missions are directly contradictory. And oh, how bothered they are by the other!

From the very first meeting of these two characters, their chemistry sizzled off the page. Their banter was one of my favourite parts of the story, and the intense push and pull they felt every time they met was so palpable. I was cackling at how much neither of them could decide if they wanted to slap or kiss the other, and I am in awe and also deeply grateful to Matthews for demonstrating how fiery a closed-door romance can be. There was no need for on-page sex scenes for the reader to understand just how passionate they found each other, and this was just an exquisite love story from start to finish.

I also deeply appreciated how present the social commentary was in this novel. While there are a fair number of historical romances that cross class boundaries, it has been a moment since I encountered one where not only were both characters decidedly removed from the aristocracy, though both orbit the edges of that world, but also how invested they both were in their respective communities, and how rightfully angry they were at the injustices wrought by the rich and powerful. Both characters were so well matched, even and maybe especially when clashed, and it was no wonder they had an instant connection. I also enjoyed how much the importance of understanding the intersections between gender and class permeated the love story, with some key moments highlighting how difficult it can be to be a woman and financially disenfranchised, something Effie has to specifically point out to Gabriel.

It was also so enjoyable and validating to see an MMC fall in love, and boy, do I mean, stupidly in love, with a woman precisely because of her rebelliousness, resourcefulness and gumption. Effie is not one to let a challenge get in her way, nor is she one to rely on anyone for help, and Gabriel cannot help but respect her for this. There is no condescension or ill-placed male ego, just a man who cannot look away from a woman who will give just as good as she is getting. I also found it so validating to see Effie’s perspective and the way she was constantly surrounded by a system that underestimated her simply for being a woman, and how deftly she used her training to take advantage of this poor insight to further her goals. And amidst the banter and the shenanigans both characters find themselves in, there is also so much tenderness, growing devotion and vulnerability between Effie and Gabriel that made me root for them so much. It was a joy to watch them fall in love and an absolute delight to discover how the story reached its conclusion.

Infused with rich historical detail, a truly despicable villain that was so satisfying to hate, and some key locations and events that made up Victorian London, Rules for Ruins is the perfect read for returning and new readers of Mimi Matthews, and I’m confident everyone will fall just as hard for Effie and Gabriel as I have. The book is out today, so please do yourselves a favour and grab a copy as soon as possible! Congratulations to Matthews on a remarkable new book!

CWs: extreme poverty and financial precarity; toxic relationship and manipulation (in the past); parental neglect (in the past); sexism and Victorian-era notions of gender norms; one scene of a panic attack; fear of heights; classism and themes of gentrification.

CNs: This is a historical romance set during the Victorian era featuring two working-class characters. This is a closed-door romance, and there are no on-page sex scenes. Rules for Ruin is the first in a new series and can be read as a standalone. Thank you to Berkley for my ARC, and this is my voluntary review.

••I give 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart...

-RULES FOR RUIN, is an intriguing story with such richly drawn characters and couples whose individual shortcomings become such strengths when paired together! This story will beckon your full attention and senses right from the first page till the word on the last page, drawing you as if you are a dragonfly on the wall and with your heart pounding to know more. There is Women’s suffrage, mystery, secrets, and much more that me on the edge of my seat. Add in sparkling chemistry, witty banter, adventure, suspense, and a dear love story weaved throughout the pages! Watching dear characters on a great mission for a benefactress, to wanting to find the truth of the past, to wanting to improve conditions in the Rookery had my heartstrings tied tight. But seeing characters embrace each other and true love that had my heart full. This is an unforgettable romance that is worth the intensely moving read!💯

“She knew who she was now. She knew what it was she truly wanted. Perhaps what she’d always wanted. It was. It was him. It was love. For that, she’d risk anything. Even marriage.“

•Content: scandal, stabbing of an ear with a hair pin, death from a high wife, kidnapping of a beloved pet, gambling, alcohol, handful of minor language, mention of prostitution/whores, some violence, some blood, abandonment, orphans, past child abuse, drugs, mistress/love affair of side characters; closed-door: kisses (some makeouts, very brief insinuated fade to black married couple intimate scene).

“After all these years, I thought l’d finally find the place I belonged.” “You have,” he assured her. “It’s here. Right here, with me.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“You’re the whole world to me, Effie Flite. You do know that, don’t you?” Her eyes met his. A hint of color bloomed in her cheeks. “I didn’t know,” she said. “But I’d hoped.”

#rulesforruin
#allaboutthebestreads

I had so much fun with Rules for Ruin! The banter between Euphemia and Gabriel was a highlight—sharp, witty, and super entertaining to read. Overall, the story had a lighthearted feel, but when Euphemia’s childhood was revealed, it hit hard. It was sad, but it also added a valuable layer to understanding one of her phobias, making her character even more compelling. And I have to say—Luc, her adorable dog, totally stole the show! He was such a delightful addition to the story. The whole book had a great balance of fun and depth, making it an enjoyable read. Elizabeth Knowelden and Will Watt’s narration delivered on excellence, perfectly capturing the humor, emotion, and charm of the story.

All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

One of my most anticipated reads this year! Mimi Matthews has done it again with another unique story including amazing characters and an epic series of events! This story was a page-turner for me and I could not put it down! The way Gabriel and Effie work through their tragic pasts to create a future of their own making was spectacularly written!

“Like recognizes like”…

Euphemia (Effie, to those close to her) is a woman who is on a mission and determined to secure her independence. She knows how to conceal items, pick locks, and how to defend herself. Set out on her last mission she finds herself in a few precarious situations, and an unexpected man getting in her way.

Gabriel is all things scrappy, resourceful, and an unwelcome addition to elite society. He has plans to reform the rookery and knows just the men to get the job done. He is relentless, and is perfectly fine making those around him uncomfortable. He will do whatever it takes to save the rookery.

Gabriel and Euphemia unknowingly have a very different goal for the same person which creates a tension filled, suspenseful, and emotional story! This is a rollercoaster of emotions. From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat!

“Surviving isn’t the same as living.”
“No?” He huffed a cynical laugh. “I never had the luxury of the distinction.”

Once again, Mimi Matthews has completely wowed me! ✨ Rules for Ruin is a stunning historical romance that feels both fresh and classic — full of heart, history, and just the right touch of mystery. 💌🔍

This one stands out from Matthews’ previous novels in the best way! Instead of the typical gentleman hero, we get Gabriel — an orphan from The Rookery, rough around the edges but with the softest heart when it comes to Effie. 😍 And Effie? She’s just as fierce and loveable — clever, determined, and not afraid to face danger (with her adorable poodle at her side 🐩💕).

Their chemistry? Electric. ⚡ The tension simmers from the first page to the last, with plenty of swoony moments and kisses that made my heart flutter. And let’s not forget the backdrop — a rich historical setting, layered with themes of women's suffrage and social class, that added such depth and emotion. 🗝️📜

If you’re looking for a clean (closed-door) romance that delivers on romance, character growth, and mystery — this is a must-read!

I’m so excited for everyone else who gets to read this book for the first time. I say that because this will definitely be one I reread many times. I love Mimi’s books, but this is my favorite Historical Romance from her (I love her gothic too) She gives us revenge, subterfuge, a sexy hero named Gabriel who grew up in the slums of St Giles and rules it with the savvy of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent and the renown of The Ghost of St. Giles (IYKYK) We also get a weapon wielding heroine named Euphemia who aims to overthrow the patriarchy, setting her boundaries and taking up space in the world. This feels like everything I've always loved about historical romance, but it feels like Mimi turned up the volume on her flawless voice. I loved this book and give it 5 stars!

I really like Matthews' writing generally & this new series is absolutely great. I am typically an open door reader. What is excellent & real & deeply true about a Mimi Matthews closed doors is that it's clear that grown adults in love are HAVING sex. Just not on the page. We get post-coital conversations & intimate moments. I think the possible "stretch" readers are ones like me who are sex positive, perhaps less than readers looking for a chaste read.

The mystery is solid, the romance swoony, and the character development is richly interesting.

I was so excited to be picked to receive an early copy of this book as I love all of Mimi’s books. This one is no different. I loved Effie and Gabriel and their push/pull dynamic they had. Effie can go toe to toe with anyone, no matter their gender and I love that about her. Gabriel is such a sweet morally gray character that you can’t help but love him immediately. I love the mystery and investigation aspect of this book coupled with the romance. Mimi’s books always take real events and historical aspects and weave them into beautiful books that you can’t put down. This is the first book of her new series and I can’t wait to read the others!

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews
🐺 An underworld empire
🐺 That she could destroy
🐺 A devious viscount
🐺 Infiltrating the inner circle
🐺 Swoony romance, just kisses (no spice)
Genre: Historical romance
Effie's mission is to take down the viscount; Gabriel's is to keep him in power...
Mimi Matthews is my favorite historical romance author so I was delighted to get my hands on this one! Quite a thrilling Victorian romance. I enjoyed the bits dealing with heights the most. Although not my favorite of her books, definitely an enjoyable read that I would recommend.
Book 1 in the Crinoline Academy series
Favorite quote: “If you want pretty speeches, you’ll have to look elsewhere, sweet. I’m no fancy lord, just a rogue from Birmingham. All I can tell you is that you’re magnificent. Doubtless you’ve heard it before."
⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (all thoughts and opinions are my own)

“You begin to fascinate me.”

This book is stunning! I absolutely loved it. Matthews has created an amazing world with a beautiful setting and intriguingly complex characters. Effie and Gabriel have so much chemistry, I loved it when they were on page together. Their banter and obvious attraction made for a great read. I enjoyed the development of Effie’s character immensely.

When we first meet Effie, she is summoned back to the Academy, where Miss Corvus gives her instructions on an assignment. In pursuing this, she meets Gabriel who has his own motives. This book is the perfect showing of rivals to more. Gabriel keeps watch on Effie (even if she doesn’t like it) and I loved the protective vibe.

There is a compelling mystery that had me turning pages quickly to see the outcome. And any book with a poodle sidekick is a favorite. There is danger, strong women, evil bad guys, mysterious benefactors, a page-turning plot, and electrifying chemistry.

I adored the author’s notes and acknowledgments. I agreed with her last statement about how poodles make life better.

I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an eARC NetGalley link from the author/publisher. All views are my own.

Another winner from Mimi Matthews!! This is a fun and romantic read, and felt distinctly different than her previous works.

Rules for Ruin is a wonderfully written book, as I’ve come to expect from Mimi Matthews. She leaves no detail spared - from the clothes they’re wearing to the laws they’re fighting for. I always feel like I come away from her books with a bit more knowledge about this time period.

A lot of Mimi’s books have a very light and sweet tone; This one is darker. but no less romantic. Rules for Ruin has more tension and a bit more danger to it.

These characters are some of her best, I think. I loved Effie and Gabriel, separately and together. Their romantic chemistry was amazing from the start. Effie was fierce and independent, but open and pragmatic. And Gabriel - I’m always a sucker for the tough guy who has a soft spot for our heroine.

This was the start of a new series, and I am now eagerly awaiting the rest. I can’t wait to who else we meet, and what else we learn about the Crinoline Academy!