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!

In this first book of a new series, Mimi gives us a beautiful and unique story with her signature style. This one is full of all the amazing things you know and love about her other books: sizzling romance, tidbits of history, women (and their men) fighting for social change…but with something a little different in this dark academia/underworld setting. It’s scrumptious and I ate it up.

I always find it a challenge to review a book that I really love, especially without spoiling it. All my favorite parts are moments I think you need to discover for yourself. Just know that if you’ve loved Mimi’s books in the past, then I believe you will fall for this one, too. And if you haven’t read a book by Mimi yet, then you are in for a real treat with this one! 🙌🏼

Things to love:
✨Dark academia setting
✨Mystery & intrigue
✨Adorable poodle with sass and skills
✨Fierce women
✨He is only soft for her (I’m serious 💀)
✨Espionage
✨History (the details and the accuracy 🤯)
✨Effie’s strength and determination
✨Passionate kisses & oh so tender moments 🫠

This book gets *all* the stars from me and I highly recommend you discover the beauty of it as soon as possible. 🥹

Mimi Matthews’ new series, The Crinoline Academy, is off to a brilliant start with Rules for Ruin. The novel follows Euphemia (Effie) Flite, raised at an exclusive academy for female orphans, as she embarks on what is meant to be her final mission—to take down a misogynist politician who stands in the way of an important women’s rights bill before Parliament. Unfortunately for Effie, Gabriel Royce, a handsome, self-made man from the Rookery, has his own plans. He seeks not only to keep this politician in line for his own ends but also to ensure his continued power so he can support Gabriel’s improvement projects for the slums.

As Effie and Gabriel work at cross-purposes, they find themselves battling not only each other’s progress but their own growing attraction. Rules for Ruin serves up an excellent rivals-to-lovers story while exploring deeper issues in Victorian London. From championship-worthy banter to delicious meetings in unusual settings, the slow-burn romance between Effie and Gabriel is both wildly entertaining and emotionally compelling.
I especially loved the strong female characters, particularly Effie. Like the other girls at the academy, she is trained to wield knowledge as power, is schooled in self-defence and fencing, and has mastered the finest skills required to operate as an agent dismantling the patriarchy. Under the guidance of the formidable headmistress, Miss Corvus—a Miss Havisham-like figure who raises her students with a singular purpose—the academy girls take their oath seriously. While this kind of plot doesn’t generally appeal to me, Rules for Ruin is top-notch, the various plot threads serve the romance at the heart of the novel, and I loved every moment.

Effie is fierce and focused, yet not without vulnerability. Matthews skilfully uses these layers to build both character and plot in a way that is tremendously compelling. Likewise, Gabriel Royce, a dangerous man who conceals his true self behind carefully constructed armour, has his own soft spots. The way these two unravel each other leads to many butterfly-inducing moments that make their dynamic irresistible. Effie’s battle between duty and love is tenderly portrayed and results in many gut-wrenching moments for the reader.

This novel marks a departure from what we usually see in Mimi Matthews’ books—it is darker, more gothic, and passionate. Yet it works brilliantly, maintaining the beautiful writing and impeccable research we’ve come to expect from her. The author’s note at the end is well worth reading, illuminating the real history behind the events of the novel. I had a hard time putting Rules for Ruin down and cannot wait for the next instalment in The Crinoline Academy series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews
A Regency-era cozy mystery with a fierce, capable heroine and a deliciously brooding book boyfriend? Yes, please.
Effie Flite’s quest for independence and her fiery passion for women’s rights felt authentic and empowering. And Gabriel Royce? The morally gray charmer we all secretly swoon over. Their banter sparkles, the chemistry sizzles, and the “Crinoline Academy” concept adds such a fun and unique twist.
This one swept me away — I’m already looking forward to book two!

Outside London is an institution specifically created to disrupt the patriarchy. With a politician’s attack on women’s rights, Miss Euphemia Flite is chosen from the Academy's ranks to infiltrate his inner circle and bring him down. If she can do it, she will earn her freedom. That particular man plays into Gabriel Royce's plans for his underworld empire. The two battle each other in ballrooms and rookeries, and desire grows between them. Betraying the Academy shouldn't be possible, but the heart wants what it wants.

This is the first book in the Crinoline Academy series. Effie had been all but purchased out of the poorest neighborhoods of London for the Academy's purposes, and doing this particular job will get her free of debts to Miss Corvus and able to set up a life of her own. Gabriel himself isn't the aristocrat he appears to be, either. He also has an origin of hardship, and is now working on improving the Rookery and becoming respectable. Compton, Lord Solomon, is poised to destroy the laws that might allow married women to keep their own funds, and sees no problem in funding workhouses that separate women from their children in the poorer neighborhoods and are so poorly designed that people tend to die early while working there.

Part of the fun in romance novels is seeing the push and pull of the personalities as they try to ignore each other and reach their goals. One wants to ruin Compton, one wants to use his connections. Their attraction draws them close as they circle each other's orbit, and little kindnesses show they're not the heartless people they want to be. Effie is determined to fight for women's rights in her own way and help her benefactor when she learns more about the past. Gabriel and Effie both must give up something to reach their goals, and Effie comes to realize that working alone doesn't always help. We get our happily ever after on multiple fronts, with the promise of a better future and possibly another romantic meet-cute on the horizon for book two.

This BOOK! This HERO! I enjoyed this story SO MUCH! Gabriel Royce was a dangerous, protective, passionate hero with a “touch her and die” type of endearing possessiveness that made him one of the most swoon-worthy fictional men I have ever read! Effie and Gabriel play cat-and-mouse games of epic proportion with banter and action that proves the two are best together rather than working against each other, and it makes for a great romance with plenty of sizzle! From their somewhat terrifying yet thrilling first encounter to the happily ever after of the epilogue, these two make some of the best romantic tension I have seen on page. Mimi Matthews has delivered another five star read for the historical romance lovers, with some beautifully researched insight into the Victorian Era. Feminism of the Victorian era was not the radical feminism you sometimes see today, but instead was the means of obtaining fair and equitable treatment of women within society and the justice system when women had no financial or political freedom. This is the feminism of Rules of Ruin, not a sideways interpretation one often sees nowadays. The historical insight is valuable and interesting when comparing the rights of Victorian women to modern women, and the message is perfectly balanced to add to the entertaining story without becoming a memorandum. The deeper meaning of the story and the struggle of the characters is paired with sizzling romance for a story that is both emotionally deep and swoon-inducing! I cannot recommend this one enough! Just. Go. Read. It.

I received an early copy of this book for review purposes, and a positive review was not required. My thoughts are my own and I really did love it!

Euphemia Flite has returned to London after being finished in Paris and been given a most essential task from her old headmistress: Infiltrate the house of the prominent Lord Compton and find evidence of his illicit dealings. What Effie doesn’t anticipate is the sharp and restrained Gabriel Royce to hinder her plans. Gabriel needs Lord Compton’s power and influence to help rehabilitate the Rookery. As Effie and Gabriel continue to cross paths and get in each others’ way, they begin to see through each others’ facades and an undeniable passion burns between them. But who will end up victorious? Will Lord Compton be taken down or end up impenetrable?

Once again Mimi Matthews delivers another historical romance but with a gothic twist. I cannot wait to see where this new series goes!

In this first novel in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺 series, RULES FOR RUIN, we are swept away to London in 1864 and into the lives of the intelligent Euphemia Flite and the dashingly handsome, devious, Gabriel as they each try to best each other with wit, words, and wisdom before attraction, temptation, and desire win out.⁣

The prose is witty and light. The characters are protective, fearless, and resourceful. And the plot is an alluring mix of loyalty, friendship, responsibilities, societal expectations, scheming behaviour, tricky situations, and steamy romance.

Overall, RULES FOR RUIN is an atmospheric, captivating, highly amusing tale by Matthews that’s a delightful indulgence and, in my opinion, a wonderful start to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺 series.

I knew starting this book this was going to be a 5 star read and it has far exceeded my expectations! This had such a different vibe then anything I have read from Mimi before and it was so good. Loved the dark academia feel to it. Euphemia (Effie) Flite is called back to the Crinoline Academy by her head mistress Artemisia Corvus. There she is tasked with bringing down a man who could attack women's rights in Parlaiment but also there's an event of fraud to be brought to justice by any means necessary then she can be fully free. But a Gabriel Royce who owns a betting shop rules an underground empire has his own rules and needs the same man that Effie is after to get what he wants.

I really enjoyed this rivals to lovers and meeting the other characters were also so unique. The chemistry between Effie and Gabriel was off the charts. Mimi really outdid herself with this one with the development. I can't wait for the next one!!!!!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.