Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews delivered a delightful historical romance filled with banter and intrigue. If you like enemies to lovers, witty banter, feminist themes, strong heroines and morally gray heroes, you’ll want to grab this one!

meet Miss Euphemia Flite with her dog, Luc, as she stands at the gates of the Academy outside of London. It seems after five years in Paris; she has been summoned home to the orphanage by Miss Corvus for an assignment. I was immediately drawn to Euphemia, “Effie,” to her friends, and excited to see her take on the assignment. She has been tasked with infiltrating the ton and finding the dirt needed to take down a politician who strongly opposes women’s rights.

Gabriel Royce pulled himself up from the rookeries of St. Giles and owns a betting shop. While he dabbles in morally gray areas, he also cares deeply for the people in the Rookery and hopes to gain backing to improve life there. He too needs something from the politician and is determined to keep Effie from getting in the way.

Fans of historical fiction, strong female leads, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and sharp dialogue should definitely add Rules for Ruin to their reading list. I loved both Gabriel and Effie. The back and forth, mutual respect and chemistry left me smiling. The author offered points of view from both, enabling me to draw closer to them. Their cat-and-mouse game was perfection.

The history of the Academy, Miss Corvus’s past and even that of Effie’s added to the story and the cause. I devoured their story, hoping for a happily ever after, and closed the book while grinning. Ms. Matthews reminded me why I love historical romance. I look forward to reading The Marriage Method, the next story in the Crinoline Academy series.

I have loved everything I’ve read by Mimi Matthews (heck, I would probably love reading her grocery list if she published it!), and her latest novel, Rules for Ruin, is no exception!

After being raised at the Academy, Effie Flite has been working as a lady's companion, until she’s called back by her old headmistress for an important job - take down a corrupt viscount who is intent on attacking women’s rights. Do this job, and Effie will earn a modest living, able to be independent. But the viscount is the perfect pawn for betting shop owner Gabriel Royce to use to expand his empire. The two butt heads in a battle of wits and wills, but with their attraction growing, will they give up their goals for love?

Once again, I was completely swept up by Matthews’ romance. The will they/won’t they aspect of Effie and Gabriel’s relationship kept me completely engaged. I also loved the idea of like calling to like, and how, from their very first meeting, they both recognized a similar soul. While Effie is looking for means to her independence and Gabriel is searching for a way to better the lives of the people of St. Giles, they both have come from similar backgrounds and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals - even if that puts them in direct opposition.

A hallmark of Matthews’s writing is how tenderly she treats her characters as they undergo their journeys of self-acceptance and understanding, and Effie and Gabriel are no exception. Effie’s journey to understand how she ended up at the Academy is not easy, and it was sweet to see how, despite himself, Gabriel can’t help but help her. I loved watching these two try to outplay each other, only getting closer and closer each time.

I love everything I’ve read by Mimi Matthews, but Rules for Ruin might be my favorite! If you love enemies-to-lovers with fun banter and lots of heart, check out Rules for Ruin. And the best news is, it’s out today! Thank you to Berkley for the ARC!

Mimi Matthews delivers another really great historical romance. This time with the theme of women’s rights. Although I got the feeling that Effie was more interested in her freedom at first, but as the story moved forward you could feel her shift to believing that what she was fighting for was in fact what was best for her. Her attraction to Gabriel was immediate and their conflict gave a really great tug and pull of both their developing feelings but also where they stood in the fight for womens rights. Gabriel had his own interests he wanted to protect, but it ended up being the love of a good woman that won him over in the end.

This author has always shown us different sides of London society and this novel was no different. Although Effie was passing herself off as a lady, she had a mysterious background that was a sub-plot and gave insight into her actions. She and Gabriel ended up having a lot in common which drew them together as well. With the addition of a truly reprehensible bad guy to add more conflict to an already great story this one you shouldn’t miss reading.

Rules for Ruin is Mimi Matthew at her absolute best!

Euphemia “Effie" Flite has been summoned back from Paris and tasked with infiltrating high society with the goal of bringing down Lord Compton. However, Gabriel Royce has a vested interest in making sure Lord Compton stays in his position of power. This clash of interests between our two lead characters sets up the perfect love story and we get to follow along as they navigate that.

Gabriel was an interesting, morally grey character. I felt like he was a good, solid historical romance MMC and I’m always a big fan of a self made hero! I like how he was convinced he wouldn’t be an acceptable suitor for Effie but when he starts to get to know her more he realises that isn’t the case. Effie was also a great character. She experienced a lot of growth over the course of the book. Everything we learn about Miss Corvus and The Crinoline Academy is from her POV so of course it will be a bit biased and it was great to follow along as she realised not everything she believed was true.

I really loved the relationship development in this book. Right from the beginning, there are a lot of parallels between Effie and Gabriel which resulted in some really good storytelling. It helped me to connect to the characters but also helped the characters to connect with each other. I loved how Effie and Gabriel were not willing to put their goals aside for the sake of their blossoming relationship. Like all Mimi Matthews books, this is closed door. However, I really didn’t notice the lack of an intimate scene. Mimi has a great talent for building up chemistry and tension without it taking place in the bedroom.

As always, Mimi’s writing is pure quality. You can tell every word was thoughtfully considered. Every description is vivid without being too long or clunky. Her research and knowledge of the time period really shines through. It’s a joy to read!

I want to say a huge thank you to Mimi and Berkley for the ARC of Rules for Ruin and for accepting me part of the launch team! 💜

edited 20/05/25 for clarity and word count reduction (for cross positing on instagram).

Wonderful and thoughtful

I loved all of Mimi Matthews books but this has got to be my favourite. Romance, characters, plot, Victorian trivia, and serious themes. Our heroine is the graduate of a unique school for orphans which includes atypical subjects such as how to hide needed objects by attaching them to the metal cage worn beneath their skirt called a crinoline. It covers a lot of themes, the entitled upper classes of British society, the clearing of the slums, the difficulty of living when not born in the upper class. I could not put it down. Very appropriate that it is released the day after the Victoria Day Holiday!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Rules for Ruin is book 1 in Mimi Matthews’ new Crinoline Academy series. For those readers who have enjoyed some of her other series, such as the Belles of London or the Somerset Stories, this new series will not disappoint. Effie Flite is an orphan who was raised in Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, where she was trained and educated from the age of 5. After having worked as a companion in Paris, she is summoned by Miss Corvus back to London to bring about the downfall of corrupt Lord Compton. However, Effie soon discovers that her goals are in opposition to those of Gabriel Royce, who needs Lord Compton’s influence to improve the living conditions in a poor section of London known as the Rookery.

Mimi Matthews writes with her usual sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Her characters are well drawn, and the plot lines are logical. That said, I was surprised by one of the most romantic endings I’ve ever read. The Crinoline Academy series is a winner!

I've to this point never been let down by Mimi Mathews and this one was no exception!

I feel like this one has a fun fresh spin, but still very clearly her style. 

Effie is determined to earn her freedom, all she has to do is bring down a viscount by infiltrating his inner circle, befriending his daughter, and bring down the broken system that's suppressing womens rights.

At her first dinner party Effie runs into a solemn, grumpy, Gabriel Royce. He wants to protect his partnership with a particularly slimy politician to keep eyes off his betting shop. But once he starts to uncover their similarities, he finds himself drawn to helping uncover the truth of where Effie came from, and is bound to protect her.

There were so many interesting aspects in this one, some of which were based on true events which was cool! And I love the way Mimi writes bad guys too, they are so beleiveably bad with out the story feeling overly dark.

Overall it's a little bit mystery, with an unafraid fmc, secret society, proective mmc, some seriosuly swoony scenes I wish I could include here but I can't, bc that would be rude! But most importanly Gabriel Royce, earns all of the heart eyes 😍

Thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for my gifted audiobook!

Happy release day to one of my most anticipated books this year, Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews. This is the seventh book of hers that I’ve read, and dare I say, possibly my favorite yet!

The first of her new Crinoline Academy series, Rules for Ruin introduces Effie Flite, a woman raised at an orphanage and now sent on a daring mission to secure her independence. She must find irrefutable evidence of the wrongdoing a powerful man once committed, thereby not only ruining him, but also paving the way to passing an important law that would benefit married women. But Effie comes up against Gabriel, a man intent on reforming the slums through any means possible.

Compared to previous Mimi Matthews books I’ve read, this one leans more into daring and subterfuge, while also retaining all the key components that mark her works.

What I Liked:
- Guileful exploits. Effie may parade herself like a well-bred young women during the London season, but she’s actually quite sly, resourceful, and fearless. She’ll sneak into libraries, pick pockets, send secret messages, and fight off a man with ease, should the needs arise. When she first meets Gabriel, a betting shop owner using blackmail to reform the slums he grew up in, she’s found someone all too similar to her. Similar enough to repel… or to attract?
- Their chemistry is excellent! I have to say, I loved watching these conniving people work with and against each other as the novel progressed. Effie and Gabriel are so well matched and sparks fly every time they are in a scene together. They are now among my favorite couples of all the romances I’ve read.
- A biracial main character. Effie is often questioned on her heritage. Is she half Spanish? Half Italian? While she doesn’t know her own parentage, she’s on a mission to find out. I shan’t reveal it here, but suffice to say that she’s biracial. Happily for her, she doesn’t face overt racism, and if anything, seems to draw positive attention for her striking looks. I’m always happy to see more diversity in historical romances and liked learning about Effie’s past (even if much of it is rather tragic).
- Shining a light on the working class and poverty… and galvanizing policy reform to help the poor. I always appreciate books that show lower classes instead of just rich, titled characters. Gabriel not only comes from the slums, he’s passionate about helping the people there through housing and improved cleanliness. Uphill battle though it is, I applaud his efforts!
- Women’s rights. Effie’s purpose is a reform to the married women’s property act and gaining rights for married women. This is a subject I’ve read about in several historical romances (especially those by Evie Dunmore), and as ever, I appreciate learning more about this and seeing characters push for positive change. There is also much here about fighting back against pompous men stealing from women, keeping women ignorant, and forcing women to need men. Down with the patriarchy! I love what Miss Corvus has done for her girls and Effie’s strength.
- Subverting societal norms. Speaking of Effie’s strength, she is always ready to go against the grain and use rules of the day to her advantage. One of her favorite tricks is dressing as a widow to gain more mobility about town. She also uses women’s fashion of the time—the crinoline—to hide any manner of items used for snooping and stealing. Clever, indeed!
- Franc. A perfect poodle; I want a Franc of my own!

Final Thoughts
Rules for Ruin offers up all that I’ve come to love about Mimi Matthews’s books, from progressive characters and fights for women’s rights, to a love of animals, to the lush descriptions on every page. I fell in love with Effie and Gabriel (and Franc!) and enjoyed every second of this novel. This may be my favorite Mimi Matthews book so far, and I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Crinoline Academy series. Luckily, it’s only six months away: The Marriage Method, starring Nell Trewlove and Miles Quincey, will be out on November 25, 2025.

After a string of historical romance duds, Mimi Matthews has restored my delight with the genre. I should get around to her backlog, and I need the sequel QUICKLY - because I think ‘rules for ruin’ is so well done. The chemistry, the characterization, the subplots, and motivations, I found nothing lacking. This villain is the first one in the genre I can remember actually finding intimidating, which was fun. The two leads made so much sense together and were easy to root for. I really need the sequel - the preview at the end seemed just as good. 4.5 stars.

I'm not always in the mood for a closed door romance, but when I am, it's highly likely I'm picking up a Mimi Matthews. This is the first book in a new series, The Crinoline Academy. It features Effie Flite, one of the orphans raised in the Academy. There, she learned decorum but also feminist principles, fighting skills, lockpicking expertise, and more. Her benefactress, Miss Corvus, has identified Efie's final job: ruining Lord Compton. But while Effie is investigating the man to bring him down, she meets Gabriel Royce. Gabriel is a disreputable bookie who has his own plans for the future - and unfortunately, his plans involve protecting Lord Compton's reputation.

This felt more like a 2020s historical romance than an homage to Victorian literature the way some of Matthews's books can - and honestly? I loved that. I feel that sometimes her books can focus in victoriana minutiae (like the Victorian focus on seances and spiritualism, or deep dives into Victorian professions) and leave the central romance to the side. But here, both Effie and Gabriel take center stage. (Don't worry, though - there are still plenty of victoriana tidbits to consume, like balloon ascensions and tightrope walkers.)

Effie is a really fun character who's both very competent and also flawed (she's not a super thief, an amazing investigator, or a stellar actress, but she gets the job done JUST FINE). And while Gabriel is criminal-adjacent, he's not a crime lord or trying to escape his reputation and past; he just wants to use his influence to make the slum of St. Giles livable for its residents (including himself).

But above all, this is a romance. The sexual tension between Effie and Gabriel is thick. I loved the way Gabriel tries to give Effie what she needs, just as she's trying to figure out what she wants from their relationship so she can let him know how to do it.

Honestly really loved this one, and I can see it becoming one of my new Mimi Matthews faves.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Thank you @BerkleyRomance for the free book! #BerkleyBookstagram #BerkleyIG #berkley #berkleyromance #RulesforRuin #MimiMatthews

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐢𝐦𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

5 ★

Rules for Ruin is book one in The Crinoline Academy series by author Mimi Matthews. It’s a historical romance book, which combines two of my favorite genres into one, and I loved it! My only regret is that this is my first book by the author and I feel like I have been missing out for way too long. This book had amazing themes and focused on taking down the patriarchy and women’s rights. It was fast-paced and I loved everything about it! You better believe I’ll be reading the next book in the series (and going back to read some more Mimi Matthews books, too)!

🖤Historical Fiction
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Morally Grey MMC
🖤Feminist Themes
🖤Great Banter
🖤No Spice/Closed Door

If this one is not on your radar, it needs to be! If you’re looking for a new series to start, this is it. I’ve read a handful of historical romance books, and I love how this one had all of the chemistry AND so much more! Mimi Matthews, I’m a fan!

4.5 stars rounded up. This was my first book from Matthews and it was absolutely delightful! I honestly wasn't 100% sure what to expect going into it. I knew that there was an academy for girls that may or may not be at opposition with the FMC's love interest, so I wasn't 100% sure how much of an academy type setting we would get. Is there any bit academia/ dark academia or is it 100% historical romance. And the answer is-- this is 100% historical romance. Which works out well for me, since I love historical romance.

With respect to themes, Rules for Ruin reminds me a bit of the Evie Dunmore books, but also Sarah Maclen's Hell's Belles series (though not as silly), except that this is closed door. There is a lot of championing for women's rights, and I think that themes are ones I could resonate with, even in modern day. Both the FMC and MMC had a lot in common regarding their upbringing, and I honestly think that's part of what made them perfect for one another. There was so much to love about Effie as a character. She was principled but also tenacious and loyal and a little hard on herself, but I honestly loved her. And her dog, Franc. I would read more books in this series just to spend more time with Effie and Franc. the MMC, Gabriel, had a bit to overcome personality wise for me. He kept putting his goals and aspirations (which were 100% worth while) above Effie's, and I didn't love that. But he got there in the end. All in all, I really enjoyed Rules for Ruin. I am 100% planning to read the next book in the series.

Thank you so much to Matthews, Berkley (Berkley partner), and netgalley for the gifted copy!

Ooh this was a delight. This was my first Mimi Matthews book, but it certainly won't be my last. I loooved the setting and the premise of the Crinoline Academy - teaching these young women to rise above what society expects of them and hone their talents for the greater good (down with the patriarchy). The passion with which they talk about their goals and how the law treats women was so powerful. And then the inner conflict Euphemia is going through because she has such a strong urge to learn about her past made for a lot of drama. Now all of that - PLUS meeting a dashing and dangerous man who will do anything for his own causes?! Their interactions were fabulous and giving so much yearning. So much inner conflict which lead to more longing. The way they slowly slowly and then all at once fell in love was such a delight. The way you could tell they cared so deeply for each other, above their own aims. I just loved them and this world and I cannot wait for more!

Raised in a girl's school that teaches women to think for themselves- along with teaching a few select students more useful life skills like picking locks- Effie Flite is ordered by the school's headmistress to take down a viscount standing in the way of a Parliamentary bill that will mean married women get to keep control over their own property. It's an assignment that appeals to her not only as a woman, but as a way of gaining her freedom and making her own way in the world, and Effie is willing to take it. After all, the viscount isn't exactly an innocent man.

But Gabriel Royce needs those secrets to stay hidden so he can blackmail the viscount for his own ends. The most powerful man in St. Giles, Gabriel has plans and he needs a few rich politicians to achieve those plans. When Gabriel and Effie meet, each knows a worthy opponent when they see one. And the longer their battle of wills and wits continues, the more they realize they may just be each other's perfect match.

I absolutely fell in love with these two. Effie and Gabriel are dedicated to their respective causes, stubborn, intelligent loners and absolutely sure they are hardened cases against the outside world. Put them in the same room and BAM! Sparks ignite before either one knows what's happened. Effie challenges Gabriel as no one ever has, refusing to back down from her own agenda and forcing him to rethink his own plans. Gabriel is overprotective, finds intelligence in a woman total catnip, and is willing to put himself in situations that could get him rejected to make sure Effie is ok without even thinking about it. They share bone-melting kisses and her poodle Franc likes him. Clearly, these two are meant for each other.

A clash of business and personal interests, strong personalities, delightfully barbed wits, and high-stakes adventure, this is a romance not to be missed! Perhaps Mimi Matthews best book yet!

If you like women who believe knowledge is power, you'll love the women of the Crinoline Academy.

On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy. Outraged by a powerful politician’s systematic attack on women’s rights, the Academy summons its brightest—and most bitter—pupil to infiltrate the odious man’s inner circle. A deal is struck: bring down the viscount, and Miss Euphemia Flite will finally earn her freedom.

But betting shop owner Gabriel Royce has other plans. The viscount is the perfect pawn to insulate Gabriel’s underworld empire from government interference. He’s not about to let some crinoline-clad miss destroy his carefully constructed enterprise—no matter how captivating he finds her threats.

From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills that’s complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon Euphemia realizes it’s not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear. . . . It’s the danger to her heart.

Mimi Matthews has done it yet again, she has penned a thrilling, interesting romance full of multiple facets of society, intrigue, justice, and plenty of swoon. I highly recommend Rules for Ruin, and I'm excited for this new series.

One thing I love about Mimi Matthews books is that she doesn’t shy away from imbuing the text with the real life struggles of women, the injustices they faced, and sharing history woven into the lives and loves of her fictional characters. Her writing really is peak historical fiction, and historical romance.

Effie is brave and bold, and able to hold her own against both Gabriel Royce's criminal intensity, and the true villains of the story as well. Not only is Effie brave, she is also human and vulnerable when she needs to be. Her emotional growth in the book was extremely satisfying. I also just love her and Gabriel together. They remind me a little of the fiery, passionate intensity of Margaret and Nicholas in Mimi's Gentleman Jim.

Gabriel is such a lovely character, with flaws aplenty, and such courage and determination. Despite his perceived rough manner, he has a truly kind and golden heart beneath his dangerous demeanor. He isn't selfish. He wants positive change for society's marginalised, and ultimately he makes good decisions to help bring about necessary changes.

I could say more about Effie and Gabriel and all the lovely banter between them, but I don't want to include spoilers. Perhaps I can describe some of those interactions as leaning into the cinnamon roll hero, disguised as a seeming villain, wkth a touch of "if you touch her, I will kill you" vibe, quite literally meant. Certain counters in bars is all I'll say.

Another thing I really loved about the novel were all the nuanced and interesting characters and events that move throughout the story and plot. The world feels so real and fleshed out, as if I could step into another room and find this world really there. One often talks about world-building in fantasy, but I think it is equally important in historical fiction. While the book is set in a real time, the people and events are primarily fictional, and yet they do not feel that way at all. Mimi Matthews is truly an excellent writer.

I could definitely write more, but I'll restrain myself. I do recommend you read this book.

Thank you to Mimi Matthews, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for providing this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

As a big fan of the author’s Belles of London series, I was eager to see what she’d do next…and this new series kicks off beautifully!

Effie Flite has spent the last five years as a lady’s companion, hoping to find a more stable position for herself and her beloved French poodle, Franc. When she’s summoned back to the orphanage where she grew up, she assumes it’s for a teaching role. Instead, her former headmistress has other plans: Effie is to be introduced to society. It’s a shock-but also a chance to finally uncover the truth about her origins.

Gabriel Royce, like Effie, was raised an orphan. The two cross paths briefly at a ball, but it’s in the library where their dynamic truly takes off. Their conversation crackles with wit and flirtation, laced with curiosity and caution. Each is trying to size the other up- and what a discovery it becomes.

The story unfolds with secrets, scandal, and a shared mission to expose a true villain-a threat not just to Effie, but to others as well. Gabriel doesn’t hesitate to put himself on the line for her, including one unforgettable moment involving a balloon and a daring show of loyalty.

Effie is smart, outspoken, and capable-a woman who moves through the world with confidence, a sense of justice, and a bit of detective flair. Gabriel is strong, and steady, and tender…a perfect complement to her fire.

Franc, Effie’s devoted poodle, is a charming constant, adding both heart and humor.

The novel delivers it all: mystery, romance, a breathtaking balloon ride, and a bond between two kindred spirits. It’s a beautifully woven story of identity, justice, and love-made richer by Effie’s passion for women’s equality and the fight for property rights.

“Like recognizes like” -and Effie and Gabriel absolutely meet their match in each other. Loved every second! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Having read a ton of Matthews books, I am always excited for a new release from her. However, I was especially excited about Rules for Ruin since it is so different from other books she's written before. Secret societies and suffrage, plus a sweeping romance too.

Matthews describes the book as Great Expectations meets Peaky Blinders and I would say that's accurate. I really enjoyed the vibes of the world yet still felt grounded and historically true. It was easy to imagine and kept the world interesting.

Effie and Gabriel will steal readers hearts. I adored these two. Gabriel is crazy about Effie and their dynamic is wonderful. They were entertaining and swoon worthy. I also liked that they had conflicts and that their union wasn't easy. These two really had to work hard to be together. I highlighted so many quotes between these two, especially Gabriel's!

Fantastic read! Cannot wait for book two.

I LOVED the way Mimi Matthews approached topics like suffrage and gentrification. Truly her strong suit is in the depth of historical research she puts into her books. Unfortunately, this was kind of silly? I loved the idea of this way more than the execution. If I’m going to read about spy shenanigans (honestly not my fav tbh), I really want us to lean into the shenanigans and absurdity. But Rules for Ruin was trying to be very serious in a plot that was absurd and I ultimately couldn’t finish it.

Rules for Ruin
By: Mimi Matthews

Thank you to @berkleyromance for free book and @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook. #berkleypartner #berkley All opinions are my own.

“She knew who she was now. She knew what it was she truly wanted. Perhaps what she’d always wanted. And it wasn’t fine dresses or wealth and position. It was this. It was him. It was love.”

Miss Euphemia Flite wants nothing more than to finally earn her freedom. To accomplish this she must infiltrate the inner circle of a powerful viscount and bring him down. But Gabriel Royce has plans of his own for the viscount and in his quest to use him as a means to keep the government from interfering in his business, he is none too pleased that he and Euphemia keep crossing paths.

This story is so much fun! It is the perfect game of cat and mouse, filled with an edgy cleverness, secret rendezvous and amazing banter. It is the first in the Crinoline Academy series and I can’t wait for book 2!

Read if you like:

Victorian Era Romance
Rivals to Lovers
Female empowerment
Slow Burn
Closed Door

4.5/5 This was such an enjoyable and satisfying story. I loved the main plot line with Effie and Gabriel both having their own courses set but the attraction they felt for one another disrupts that. The push and pull that this created and the tension this caused was delightful. But it was the underlying plot that was heartwarming and left me satisfied.

Gabriel and Effie both come from nothing. One has dug themselves up from the bottom and is afraid of what life may look like or who they’ll be if they’re no longer at the top. While the other has never felt like they belonged anywhere and needed to know of where they’d come from in order to move forward. The journey each go on to find themselves was fulfilling and them being able to find a future together was rewarding.

I liked that Effie was strong and independent. She’s also confident and emotionally intelligent with a protective poodle. But it’s Gabriel that stole my heart. From his gold glasses that he wears for reading to being morally gray to never having his had turned by a woman before and having his world turned upside down when he meets Effie.

There was many times that I felt the story could’ve gone a different direction or focused more on an aspect but the fact that it didn’t is what sets this book apart. It made for original characters and storyline.

This was a great start to a new series that I can’t wait to see what’s next. The sneak peek for book two at the end has me excited.

Rules for Ruin is the first book in The Crinoline Academy series. It is a closed door romance with several kisses.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.