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!

Thanks to @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for the free published copy and e-ARC and to @prhaudio for the review copy of this audiobook!

Mimi Matthews newest series is set in Victorian London on the cusp of the women rights movement. Euphemia Flite and Gabriel Royce are both infiltrating high society. One wants to bring down a Viscount who opposes women’s rights, and the other needs that Viscount to protect the people of the slums. Working to opposite ends, they clash. Attraction builds and sparks fly!

I love enemies to lovers. And this one was full of the best kind of romantic tension. Even though it was a closed door romance, it definitely delivered. The mysterious school that trained Euphemia was a great backdrop, and I look forward to more books in the series to unfold that story.

Euphemia and Gabriel are great characters. And I thought the historical setting was well fleshed out. So many historical romances only focus on the upper classes. So it was interesting to read one set among the poor. The plot was fast paced and exciting. That ending! Whew!

I’m glad I got to listen to this one. Both narrators brought out the variety of high and low society accents which really made the characters come alive.

I can’t wait for the rest of this series!

“Rules for Ruin is a thrilling page-turner that has everything fans of Victorian romance could wish for: a smart, strong, yet vulnerable heroine you’ll adore, a tough as nails, self-made hero who proves to be her perfect match, swoon-worthy, sizzling romance, nonstop action, secrets to uncover, and a baddie to bring down, all wrapped up in Mimi Matthews’s rich, evocative writing and a gripping, impeccably researched plot. I have read all of Mimi’s novels and found this just a little different from her normal. But in an absolutely good way. You definitely don’t want to miss this one or any of her books! She is one of my favourite authors, she never disappoints.

I’d never read Mimi Matthews before, but the synopsis for this one immediately caught my attention! It has so much to offer: a tough feminist heroine on a mission, a morally grey mmc who gives Peaky Blinders vibes, mystery, romantic tension, and a little bit of danger!

This wasn’t a spicy book, but the banter was so much fun, and the swoony moments were memorable enough to stick with me. I never felt like anything was missing.

Effie is strong and not afraid to stand her ground. She butts heads with Gideon more than once, and even when it becomes clear they might be more aligned than she thought, she’s still wary of trusting him. You can hardly blame her, Gideon’s not without his own agenda. The fact that they each had their own motives but similar values gave them more depth and made them both interesting characters to follow.

Cinematic, romantic and full of drama, I could definitely see this as a screen adaptation. Absolutely recommend if you like clever and kick ass heroines, a little danger, and chemistry you can FEEL, no spice necessary!

**Thank you again to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.**

A new Victorian romance series by Mimi Matthews? Yes please! I have long been a fan of Matthews’ lush prose, impeccable research, smart banter, layered characters who push against society’s unfair restrictions, and chaste-but-sizzling romance. This first book of The Crinoline Academy series has all of the above with a bit of intrigue added to the mix as well, and I’m here for it.

Unlike most of her previous books that feature at least one protagonist who is part of the gentry, Rules for Ruin features an orphan and a betting shop owner, each entangled in a cat-and-mouse game with the same nefarious viscount. Although, at any given point in the story, the game might shift so that Effie and Gabriel are dancing around each other instead, and that’s when it becomes truly delightful. I loved that they were each on the outskirts of society, playing a role to gain entrance for their own purposes. Watching this rivals-to-love interplay between them was so fun, as much for the snappy dialogue as the delicious romantic tension. And if you’ve read even one of her books, you know Mimi Matthews is the queen of delicious romantic tension! In fact, the first kiss in Rules for Ruin is one of my favorite first kisses across all her love stories so far. I’m dying to tell you about it, because it’s also one of my fave kissing tropes (do they HAVE tropes for kisses?), but I’ll behave and let you discover it for yourself.

Bottom Line: Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews delivers a smart, swoony, and spark-filled Victorian spin on a rivals-to-love romance with an added element of intrigue to keep the tension high and the reader invested. Both Effie and Gabriel are complexly layered while staying relatable, and unpacking their backstories, their fears, and their secrets made the story all the more enjoyable. And oh how I adored Gabriel’s tender care of Effie despite his otherwise jaded persona. The story is smoothly written and atmospheric, immersing you in the rookeries, the ballrooms, and the Academy with ease. And while I wholeheartedly stand by all the ‘reviewery’ things I just said, can I also be super shallow for a moment and gush over that first kiss? Whew. Keep a fan handy so you don’t find yourself in need of resuscitation afterward. Although the latter also has merit in the right circumstances haha! Looking forward to digging into more of the Academy’s secrets in the next book.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

\\\\\ 4.5 \\\\\

I was eager to try this new series by Mimi Matthews and let’s just say that my expectations were super high after adoring the Belles of London series, but Rules for Ruin did not disappoint! What a fantastic start to this new series and let me just say that the preview for book two left me screaming for more!

Mimi Matthews never fails to create a scenery that is easy to visualize and enjoy. Her characters are always deeply carved, with their qualities and flaws making them so human and easy to relate to. Effie and Gabriel were perfect in that way. They had great motivations for what they were doing, and I was rooting for them from the start.

I liked the idea of this institution for women that is super secretive and is training them to make a change in society, using their discreet and innocent look to navigate the ton and find useful information.

Both main characters were fantastic together, and I loved how even though Effie was such a strong woman, sure of herself and her capacities to pull this mission, she still had Gabriel’s help without having to ask. He was there, no judgment and simply caring about her being okay in a way that was so swoony.

It wasn’t an easy attraction between the two as their interests were colliding, which kept things interesting until the very end. They truly went all the way from enemies to allies and slowly became friends and fell in love with each other, which is the best. And Gabriel fell hard, and I LOVED it!

Even though this book is closed door you are still in for some beautifully tense interactions, proximity and skin touching which always makes me kick my feet à la P&P hand scene. Such a good feeling.

As always with Matthews’ books, the historical side of it was absolutely well researched and such a satisfying setup. It was also a perfect mix between romance, political intrigues, and a bit of mystery and scandals.

Let’s not forget about the absolute most swoony addition to this story: Franc the irresistible poodle. Adored every second with him, and the love and care Evie has for him is so relatable and enjoyable.

Huge thanks to Berkley, Mimi Matthews and Rel Mollet for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Umm an academy that trains young ladies to take down the patriarchy and defend themselves?! Yes please.

I adored Effie’s character and her journey to finding where she belongs and taking down a sexist lord along the way. She’s rusty but quickly remembers her training to uncover devious secrets. The creative way she uses her crinoline was a fancy touch. GABRIEL. Mimi Matthews always writes the most swoon worthy heroes that fall hard but Gabriel is also of the morally grey flavor and isn’t afraid to injure those who even talk wrong to Effie. He’s morally grey but has a heart of gold and his dedication to the Rookery and its people was heartwarming. And of course we have a loyal dog companion who falls way too easily for Gabriel’s broody charm. I already had suspicions for the next book and I am so glad they were confirmed!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC, thoughts are my own.

A sweet and clever historical romance between two people out of their own worlds, trying to do right by those less fortunate. The more I think about Effie and Gabriel, the more I like how their romance unfolded. Well done.

Miss Euphemia Flite, just returned from five years in Paris with her beloved black poodle Franc, has been summoned to the secluded old manor on the outskirts of London known as Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies. It’s an orphanage of sorts where she was raised, and taught not only reading, writing, and needlework, but also self defense, spy craft, and how to always, always wear a metal crinoline, for protection, as a way to take up space, and a handy device for secreting various things that might be needed.

Miss Corvus has a mission for her, and if she completes it, she’ll gain her independence and enough money to establish herself. So Euphemia sets off to infiltrate the higher classes in order to bring down Lord Compton, a politician who has not only ruined young women in the past, but is fighting against the passage of a bill that would allow a married woman control of her own property. Effie sets out to befriend his daughter, and establish herself in Mayfair circles.

Effie has, however, not reckoned on the presence of Gabriel Royce. Royce needs the politician’s protection for his own betting shop, which allows him the money to move in high society. Additionally, he has plans to renovate the slum where he works, and needs connections and money to do so, and is working to keep Lord Compton in power. The two immediately clash, yet the tension between them is palpable. With each of their stated goals opposed to the other, who will win, and what will it cost?

Rules for Ruin is a fun read. Author Mimi Matthews beautifully recreates Victorian London, with its fashions, its slums and palaces, and its rigid gender and class roles. Her characters are fleshed out and believable. Effie and Gabriel are well-matched opponents who can’t deny their attraction to one another. Effie is smart and brave, but carries her own childhood wounds. The result is a fast-paced novel that nonetheless manages to see character growth and change. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

Well, I was hooked from the first page of this book. I love the characters. Effie had been raised tough, to overcome her unfortunate childhood. I was intrigued by the woman she had become. Gabriel also had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to become the man he was. Two people that had to claw their way out of the depths, made for an interesting relationship. The storyline was gripping and intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for justice. This is a medium to long length book and I read it in one sitting. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It is a close door, Victorian era romance with lots of swoony kisses. Some descriptions of violence and death, but nothing to graphic. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This adventurous start to a new series from Mimi Matthews is a delectable treat from start to finish. The captivating characters helmed by Effie Flite is enchanting and beautifully crafted. Each one, from side character to lead, is constructed of complexities the era represented, all the while having a steampunk futuristic feel to them that is subtle and authentic in every way.

The visual elements of the scenes depict a London that is on the verge of becoming something more, but is held back by the structures of the past. Much like the lead characters themselves. I absolutely loved being swept up in this novel and cannot wait for the next one to be released!!

This book had me in it's grip from page one, and never let me go!

I was immediately drawn into the story of Effie, who grew up in The Crinoline Academy, where young women are taught to disrupt the patriarchy. When she's summoned back and told that if she infiltrates a corrupt lord's inner circle then she'll finally have her freedom, she jumps at the chance. What she doesn't anticipate is Gabriel Royce, leader of his own underworld empire in the slums of London. He is a man with no intention of allowing Effie to mess with his plans for the lord. But every time he and Effie come near each other, sparks fly.

The author's writing style was so compelling. She managed to craft a story that was equal parts intrigue and romance, and I eagerly flipped the pages to see what secrets would be revealed next. Effie was a strong, independent woman, determined to gain her freedom. Watching her open up and be vulnerable with Gabriel was such a treat to witness. And Gabriel, a man with no connection to anyone, finally discovered a person who he could belong to. It brought tears to my eyes to see the feelings bloom between these two lost souls.

Not only was this book a beautiful romance, but it was an open and honest look at the role of women in the 1800s, and how they were beholden they were to men. It showcases how limited women were in what they had and what they could do, even if they possessed their own fortunes. But it also offered hope, that eventually things would change.

This one is officially top of my favorite historical romances list for the year and I will absolutely be reading more of what Mimi Matthews has written! I highly recommend you pick this one up. Also, the cover is stunningly gorgeous!

4.5. Rules for Ruin is the first book in Mimi Mathew’s new historical romance series, The Crinoline Academy. What could be better than following graduates of an obscure finishing school prepared to go out into society with the sole purpose of bringing down the Patriarchy and exacting a bit of justice on those who have egregiously exploited their power? Of course, Euphinia’s mission is complicated by a thief who sees her as an inconvenience to his own plans.

Mathew’s never fails to bring chemistry and twists to her stories and setting them against a thoroughly researched Victorian backdrop. The result is a wonderfully romantic story that resists romanticizing the misogyny upon which these societies were built. I enjoyed Euphinia’s shrewd ingenuity and loved the tension between here and the mmc. There is a scene with the tow of them on a roof that is absolutely chef’s kiss perfection!

I cannot wait for more of this series!

Thanks to Berkley Romance for free access to an eARC through NetGalley and to prhaudio for the free AlC. This was such a great story I had to get my physical copy yesterday on pub day! It’s out now!