Ms. Matthews continues to raise the bar with the first book in what promises to be an exciting new series! I was hooked by the promotions that this would be a blend of "Great Expectations" and "Peaky Blinders". And I was not disappointed.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian England, readers will travel between the slums of London and the glittering ballrooms of the elite. Much like Dickens, Ms. Matthews has no qualms in showing the disparity between the two worlds.

Euphemia has been called back to the Academy to receive one final task before she achieves her independence. As she infiltrates society, she finds that she is at cross purposes with the mysterious Gabriel. Both seek to right wrongs, advocating for the vulnerable. I think these are some of the most developed characters in Ms. Matthews stories. As they cross paths, sparks fly.

I loved the historical details including the high wire artists, hot air balloon escapades, and the fight for women's rights. It was easy to get lost in the Victorian world for a few hours within these pages filled with a well-paced plot, strong character arcs and a sizzling romance. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.

PG rating- mentions of abuse and mentions of the immorality of the underworld in London's slums

Clean romance, one of the best first kisses:)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

I’m a huge fan of Mimi Matthews, and I’m excited that she now has a new Victorian Romance series, The Crinoline Academy Novels. Book 1 is Rules for Ruin.

Effie (Euphemia Flite) is a graduate of Miss Corvu’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, better known in the area as The Crinoline Academy. Effie doesn’t believe in the school’s benevolence. She’d been scooped up by the proprietress, Artemisia Corvu, when she was a very young street urchin, and had been denied any opportunity to learn about her past. She’d been educated, somewhat against her will, to the extent that she can now pass among the upper classes as one of them. But she’d also learned the means to take care of herself. When she was 18, after yet another infraction of the school’s rules, she’d been “cast out,” sent to Paris to be a lady’s companion. Now, five years later, she is called back to the school. Miss Corvu has a job for her. If she completes it to her benefactor’s satisfaction, her debt to the woman will be repaid with a bonus, enough for her to live independently, which is all that she thinks she wants.

Miss Corvu wants Effie to play the part of a debutante. She is to ingratiate herself with a man named Lord Compton, an influential politician, a man of (supposedly) spotless reputation. Then she is to find information that can ruin him. Lord Compton not only stands against an upcoming women’s property bill being brought before Parliament, but, years ago, he ruined a young lady and stole her fortune. It’s time to take him down.

Effie accepts the terms. Unfortunately for the plan, as she meets Lord Compton at a social event, she also meets Gabriel Royce.

Gabriel was also born to the underclass, but he built a fortune for himself (in shady businesses) and adopted aristocratic manners in order to better go where the money is. He rules the Rookery, a slum, by way of a significant financial investment in a gaming house. He wants to reform the slum for the betterment of its inhabitants. In this, he is being thwarted by aristocrats who would rather take over the Rookery and push out the poor. Gabriel needs politicians on his side. So he leans on Lord Compton for introductions to persuadable men. Gabriel is able to influence Compton because he has damning evidence against him. Evidence that could destroy him.

Gabriel’s strength lies in keeping control of that evidence. Effie’s goal is to locate that evidence, though at first, she doesn’t know what it is or where it is. Gabriel and Effie are quickly attracted to one another, but soon find out they are working at cross-purposes. Effie wants to destroy Compton. Gabriel needs him to stay in power so that his own operation will be protected. So what happens when Effie learns that the evidence she needs is in Gabriel’s possession?

Mimi Matthews is a master of the closed-door romance, and Rules for Ruin is a thrilling story of intrigue, corruption, and a battle of wills. It’s a great start to a new series!

Thank you @berkleyromance @prhaudio for the books #BerkleyPartner #PRHAudioPartner #berkleyromance

Release date: May 20, 2025

Trained to dismantle the patriarchy, Miss Euphemia Flite is sent to sabotage a powerful viscount—her ticket to freedom. But Gabriel Royce has plans of his own, and neither expects their mutual schemes to spark something deeper. A sharp, swoony clash of secrets, power plays, and slow-burning desire across Victorian London.

Mimi Matthews can do no wrong. This suspenseful romance was delicious from start to finish in a way that felt fresh and thrilling. Sure, the dark academia vibes, Victorian intrigue, and espionage elements are top-tier 👏🏻—but I was here for the romantic tension. Mimi outdid herself with quippy, mischievously flirty lines that had me grinning the whole way through.

I mean…

“Blood doesn’t often you, but my shirtsleeves do? You fascinate me, Miss Elite.” “What can I say? Im a fascinating creature.”

“His fingers gently cradled her jaw, his thumbs sliding over her cheeks. ‘That’s what’s going to happen, sweetheart. I’m going to rescue you.’”

“‘I’m not finished with you,’ he informed her darkly. Effie’s heart pounded an erratic rhythms. ‘Nor I with you,’ she retorted, sounding braver than she felt. There were indeed going to be fireworks this evening, she thought grimly. And not only the kind in the sky.”

Perfect for you if you like:
Downbad, morally grey, self-made MMCs
Independent clandestine vigilante FMCs on a secret mission
Women’s rights and secret societies
Sharp romantic tension

Similar to:
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin by Alison Goodman

⛔️closed door romance
⚠️mild language, abandonment, past child abuse

OH I AM SMITTEN.

First things first. Gentleman Jim is my ALL TIME favorite Mimi Matthews book and the MMC in Rules for Ruin? Dear Gabriel Royce? HAS THE SAME VIBES. So clearly this read went well for me. Gosh I loved him.

I have read nearly all of MM’s backlist and I love that this felt like a wholly new series starter. The unique set up for the characters and future books was awesome. I loved the institution turned training ground and how that influences the story line. The distinct darker atmosphere of the story was top notch too. I loved the hidden moments, putting all of the clues together and sneaking about in the dark.

And the romance? SWOON. We love a protective MMC. Also bless the fact that this was dual POV. I loved being in both Effie and Gabriel’s headspace. The push and pull between them was delicious. The banter and moments where they leaned on each other as they learned more about themselves. The kisses were [as always] heated and utterly romantic. I am a puddle for these two.

I loved how everything came together and those who deserved their due received it. I will happily sit here waiting for book two. Mimi Matthews never misses.

Overall audience notes:

Historical romance
Language: low
Romance: kisses
Violence: mild

This is my first Mimi Matthews and thank you to Berkley for inviting me to read this arc so I could start my Mimi Matthews journey!

I love historical romance and have heard many a person warn "Mimi Matthews is closed door." Well, first, I think of closed door as the characters are boning off page and you get to see them kiss but then they shut the door in your face and open it after some seggsy times. This isn't that. No one is boning on or off page, but they are kissing and having feelings! And that's fine! I appreciate a heads up and wanted to share one with you too!

This is the first in a new series and the FMC is an orphan raised in a orphanage that is more secret spy school for girls than finishing school. Effie is sent by the proprietress of the Crinoline Academy to take down a very bad guy and runs into Royce, a guy who pulled himself from the slums of the Rookery to be very rich and who actually needs said very bad guy to help him get Parliament to fund the betterment of the living conditions of the poor. They are at odds! But they are also both hot! And oops, feelings.

This was a fun intro to Mimi Matthews. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review.

Rules for Ruin is out today!

This was a very engaging read. Full of mistaken identity, revenge, spies, intrigue, battle of wits and wills, blossoming love, discovering one's identity, finding freedom, advocating for those who don't have a voice, and much, much more! I loved it all!!! I didn't want to set the book down and finished it in one sitting. I was hooked! I'm a big fan of Mimi Matthews's writing and stories and I am so excited that this is a whole new series set in the Victorian world! Fans of Charles Dickens will love it. Especially if you are familiar with or love his book, Great Expectations! Full on Miss Havisham vibes coming through the character of Miss Corvus, the proprietress of the Academy, and I loved it! She'll have you trying to guess what her story and past are. I sure was and loved the big reveal. I loved trying to guess all of the ins and outs of the characters and plot, sometimes succeeding and sometimes being a little off the mark.

Euphemia Flite and Gabriel Royce are fantastic main characters. As another reviewer said, they are playing a very elaborate cat and mouse game. You'll be pulled into their game and be cheering them on. When they have opposing intents towards the same person, yet they are finding a growing attraction and friendship with each other, that causes quite the conundrum! Get ready for some fun, nail-biting moments, even some laugh out loud and swoony moments. I was here for it all! Now I have to be patient and wait for the next book in the series to come out. But the wait will definitely be worth it! I have my hopes for which characters will have their own story told in this series and can't wait to see how it all plays out.

I really liked how the author developed Euphemia's character and her story arc. She has quite the story. I was sad for her but also happy as she discovers more about herself and realizing that she can be the person she wants to be and that it's not determined by others. And Gabriel was so good during those scenes. I just loved his character! Together they are quite captivating!

Content: Pg-13 rating. There are mild swear words scattered throughout the book. Some of the characters are from the shadier side of London so there is talk of gambling dens, alcohol, drugs, prostitutes, a mistress and some moments of mild peril.

I received a copy from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

this is was my first ever mimi matthews book and it did not disappoint! i had so much fun reading this book, especially with the witty banter between effie and gabriel, and of course, gabriel. i was in a historical romance mood and this left me completely satisfied.

i loved the timing of each scene between effie and gabriel. they were at odds with one another, but always found each other in the least (but most) unexpected places. it made their growing attraction for one another stronger, even as they tried to deny it.

“unless he was mistaken, effie flite had just declared war. on him.”

each scene was crafted with perfection and i was pulled to keep reading, eager to know what would happen next!! there’s one scene that really changed me (actually a lot of scenes) and that was the balcony scene. i won’t say anything more but THAT WAS SUCH A GOOD SCENE!!! mimi knew what she was doing and she did it right.

if you’re in the market for a fun historical romance with a rivals trope, look no further!! rules for ruin is a book that you need to have on your radar, especially once it releases may 20th!! i will in fact be picking up the second book from the crinoline academy, as well as mimi’s other books!!

thank you to berkley and netgalley for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Rules for Ruin is a really fun historical romance set in Victorian England. We have Effie, an orphan raised at an academy which trains girls to work against the patriarchy, and Gabriel, a bookkeeper from the slums with a fearsome reputation. The romance is sort of rivals to lovers with Effie and Gabriel working in direct opposition of each other to fulfill their own goals. There’s spying, sneaking around, keeping secrets, and all that good stuff.

Gabriel is the perfect morally grey “touch her and die” love interest, and Effie is a clever & independent woman (with a very cute animal companion). The tension and passion between them was so good. I also loved the theme of women’s rights and men who abuse power getting what they deserve. A great read overall and I’ll definitely continue the series!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Miss Euphemia Flite has the bearings of a proper Victorian lady and a mind to take down their entire society. Raised at the mysterious Crinoline Academy, she’s been recalled from Paris to take down a corrupt politician to ensure passage of the Married Women’s Property Act. The only thing in her way? Mr. Gabriel Royce, a former street urchin turned devilish political reformer who wants the politician in his pocket and will do whatever it takes to prevent Effie from destroying his bargaining chip. But Effie was raised to keep her friends closer and her enemies closer… Only as time goes on, Gabriel looks less and less like the enemy. As the two fall further into each other, the stakes rise and the danger increases until they are forced to decide what matters more: their agendas or their hearts?

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews fits perfectly into the genre of modern historical romance. By that I mean the setting is historical, some of the plot structures are familiar, but the heroines are radical for their time and the heroes have (somewhat) modern interpretations of gender roles. I LOVED that Gabriel was constantly in awe of Effie but was also fully there whenever she broke down. He adored her strength and her vulnerability in equal measure, just as she fell for his charm and his willingness to improve.

Effie was a wonderful heroine because she was relatable to modern women without feeling removed from her time. Her fight to be seen and listened to while fitting in with the gender expectations of the Victorian period will surely be relatable to modern audiences as well. Gabriel was a hero who reminded me of a less maladjusted (and Victorian) version of Kaz Breker (and there is truly no higher compliment). He was charming, daring, and the perfect amount of gentleman bastard.

The one thing I think could’ve been changed to make <i>Rules for Ruin</i> even better was the pacing. Some of the scenes were drawn out in odd ways and the climax was rather underwhelming. Other than that, I enjoyed my time getting swept into the glamorous and dangerous Victorain world!

Read if you like…
☂️Her competence is attractive to the MMC
☂️A FMC who has to learn how to be vulnerable
☂️Hurt comfort
☂️Slowburn
☂️Unconventional first impressions
☂️An adorable (and very well trained) poodle
☂️Banter filled with tension and longing
☂️Victorian balls and musicales
☂️Forbidden love
☂️He’d do anything to see her smile
☂️Ladies who know how to pick locks
☂️Political maneuverings
☂️“Touch her and you die.”

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews is the first book in The Crinoline Academy series and if you love a historical romance with a morally grey hero and smart and witty heroine, consider picking this one up. I loved it and can't wait for the next one.

Our fmc is Miss Euphemia Flite who has been tasked to bring down a viscount so he can't derail a woman's property rights bill from being passed in parliament. There just happens to be a bit more to the story than expected and when Effie comes face-to-face with Gabriel Royce, she realizes she may have to rethink her approach to getting this done. Because no matter what, she won't give this up because completing this would mean her freedom.

Gabriel Royce is not about to let a society miss derail his plans. The viscount is the key to keeping his enterprise safe from government interference and it doesn't matter if he finds Euphemia attractive or not, she isn't going to get what she is looking for. But he is also not willing to let her just waltz into danger so he knows he needs to keep an eye on her.

These two are perfect. There is banter and they are definitely on opposing sides and they are clear about their intentions from the moment they meet. That said, they can't help but be drawn to each other and I love that while Effie is not someone who shys away from confrontation or isn't able to defend herself, Gabriel is still there to help and support her if / when she needs it.

Overall, this was a fantastic book one of the series and I can't wait to dive into the next book. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, I highly recommend this one. I don't think you will be disappointed.

"Rules for Ruin" by Mimi Matthews is the thrilling first installment in “The Crinoline Academy” series. Ms. Matthews pens a Victorian Gothic romance that will leave readers wanting more! It is touted as “Great Expectations” meets “Peaky Blinders” meets “Kaz Brekker.” It has the darkness of Alex Archer from “Parish Orphans of Devon” and “Gentleman Jim.” I loved the nods to “Great Expectations,” especially with the headmistress of the school being like Miss Havisham, as she wants to mold her pupils to be agents of change in society. Miss Corvus, the proprietress, takes orphans and raises them to combat patriarchy and forward the rights of women, giving a feminist slant to the story. I love that there’s a girl’s boarding school/orphanage where the girls learn normal subjects, but also things like picking locks, espionage, and how to defend themselves.

Ms. Matthews’ writing is delicious! The banter and chemistry between the characters sizzles off the page and that first kiss was perfection. The atmosphere drew me in and had me glued to the page. Euphemia Flite, our heroine who is also a bluestocking, is trying to earn her freedom by striking a deal with Miss Corvus. She needs to use her training to bring down a certain viscount. What she does not barter for is to meet Gabriel Royce and possibly lose her heart in the process. I love the cat and mouse trope that goes on between these two. There is a daring hot air balloon chase and several dashing rescues that the characters find themselves involved in. Amid the romance and danger, there are also themes of family loyalty and sisterhood. I am so excited to see what the next installment of this amazing series brings!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: the words “da*n,” “bloody,” “devil,” “hell” and “a*se” are used; mention of prostitutes, a mistress, whores, gambling, alcohol, drugs and morphine; mention of bastards and illicit love affairs; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; violence and blood.

TW: orphans, abandonment, and past child abuse.

Spice level: closed door; brief vague reference in epilogue of what it is like when they are “intimate together,” brief fade to black scene.

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

This was cute! I looooove historical romance and MiMi Matthew's work has been highly recommended to me. Like I said, it was cute but definitely missing something for me. The relationship between the two main characters was underdeveloped and the mystery was less than interesting. I see that this is part of a series so I'd consider picking up the next one for something light, easy, and cute.

I loved everything about this book. I loved that neither of the main characters were from the upper class, I loved the connection and romance between them. I loved the character of Effie, how strong and independent she was, and I loved Franc.

DNF at 42%

I have previously read other Mimi Matthews books and did really like her regency romance style. But because this book was pitched as a sort of Kingsmen-type book with women spies, I was expecting just slightly more action. At 42% in, I see no reason Euphemia is supposedly this well-trained spy from the Crinoline Academy. In fact, she seems quite out of her depth for the part of the book I read. Gabriel seems much more clever than her which is not the book I signed up for. Ultimately, I found my mind wandering while I was reading and decided this isn't the book for me. I will gladly finish Mimi Matthew's other series.

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews completely drew me in from the very first page. There’s something about the way Matthews writes that makes the Victorian era come alive with such richness and authenticity. I felt like I was stepping into another world, and I didn’t want to leave.

The chemistry between Effie and Gabriel is electric. Their dynamic is equal parts tension, charm, and genuine connection, and I found myself fully invested in their story. Matthews has a gift for writing romance that feels both timeless and fresh, and this one is no exception.

I’m so excited this is the start of a new series. The Crinoline Academy has so much promise, and I’m already counting down the days until the next installment. Rules for Ruin is romantic, atmospheric, and utterly captivating.

I had so much fun reading Rules for Ruin and thought it was a great start to Mimi Matthews' new historical romance series. It’s got a little bit of everything I love—clever heroines, layered characters, secret missions, mystery and danger, and a swoon-worthy, slow-burn love story. I was completely pulled in by the premise of a women’s academy secretly training young ladies to take down corrupt men in power. Ummm, yes, please! lol

Effie is a fantastic main character. She's sharp, determined, and fully committed to her cause, even when the mission gets complicated. I loved how confident and intelligent she was, and also how much depth there was beneath the surface. And the way she navigates her growing feelings for Gabriel while trying to keep her focus was fantastic. Speaking of Gabriel… what a great love interest! Charming but morally complicated, Gabriel is rough around the edges in all the right ways. I loved how his relationship with Effie felt like a constant game of mental chess, but with major emotional stakes. Every time they bantered, I was grinning at the tension between them. (The dialogue throughout the book is excellent.) Their dynamic is full of tension and sparks, and even though the romance is closed-door, it still feels intense, sexy, and emotionally charged.

The world-building was another highlight for me. The book brings Victorian London to life, and I appreciated how Matthews worked in themes like women’s rights, class inequality, and patriarchal power without ever making it feel preachy. Everything felt naturally woven into the story—Effie’s mission, her personal beliefs, even the way she uses fashion as both protection and protest. I also like how the author uses the different settings to highlight the tone and mood of different scenes and characters.

Overall, I thought this was a strong start to what looks like a really promising series, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Crinoline Academy is a somewhat obscure institution whose headmistress welcomes young girls of unfortunate situations and provides them with an education. Once they’re about to graduate they can make up for their fees by working undercover. These women are spies.

Mimi Matthews is an author with an elegant and precise narrative style. Her simplicity in writing and her command of words are the key to the mastery with which she conveys the growing romantic feelings of her protagonists to her ever-increasing and loyal readers. Without artifice or tendency toward drama, she not only perfectly creates a romance but also makes it appropriate to the era in which she has set her story. In the case of this book, the emphasis falls on adventure, risk, tension, and darkness as the only ingredients that transform this romance into something extremely exciting and moving. Mimi Matthews consolidates herself as one of my favorite writers with each book she writes.

This is perhaps the most obscure of Mimi Matthew’s books. It is not an eerie kind of story, nor is it a gothic romance, but the influences of both styles are undeniably there. The biggest influence of the book is the BBC series “Peaky Blinders”, not only Gabriel could pass as an alter ego for Tommy Shelby, the general environment of the book is the same as the first half of the series, even the smog can be felt behind the lines! And then there’s Effie, who only dreams of completing her mission and pay her dues so she can finally become independent. Through her we get to see the first hints at politics with women at their core. The laws of property for females are referenced there and the seed of what will be the suffrage movement a few decades later. Effie and her way of thinking are probably the most interesting aspectis of the book as well as Gabriel’s ideas of progress and betterment. Both Effie and Gabriel with their different takes on life are incredibly forward thinking for their time. But… what’s their story?

After a few years in Paris, finishing her education, the headmistress who took Euphemia in as a child has a mission for her back in London and that is to infiltrate in London balls and soirées passing as the protegée of an English lady. Her actual goal: to destroy a powerful man that years ago caused the downfall of Miss Corvus, the Crinoline Academy’s headmistress.

In a very different area of London, far from the clean and proper streets of Mayfair, dwells Gabriel Royce. A self made man that grew up in the underworld of London, in a miserable area called “The Rookery” in St.Giles. The people there have next to no hope to make something of themselves, poverty and disease are present in every corner of the neighborhood. Men drink they they don’t work and steal from their wives and children’s labor. Gabriel started his gaming hells and betting rooms when he was very young and now he’s the most powerful man in St Giles. He’s on the path of making the place livable for his people and for that, he needs to deal with the very same man that Effie is set to destroy.

Soon they understand that the attraction between them is too strong and therefore they will start to question their priorities. She stands in his way to make his people justice, he stands in her way to complete her undercover mission. Both are at risk of losing everything including their lives… both are very protective of each other so the question is, will they manage to succeed in their endeavors and, at the same time, find their happily ever after?

I really enjoyed the premise of this book—a Miss Havisham-esque figure opens a school to train orphaned girls to fight the patriarchy.

I also thought the two main characters were well matched with some intense chemistry. Gabriel literally says “if he hurts you, I’ll kill him”— major brooding hero energy— and you know he would do it too. Effie is appropriately conflicted in her motives, given her questions about her origins, and a good match for the conflicted Gabriel.

The only place this book didn’t quite measure up for me was the execution of the plot. Considering how highly trained she’s supposed to be, Effie seems dangerously naive and disorganized. I would have liked to see her pursue her mission more competently or at least get more of a sense of why she keeps screwing up so badly. And Gabriel seems a little too easily persuaded to give up his entire identity to be with a woman he barely knows… also a dangerously naive move from a man who is supposed to be a self-made man with a violent past. I would have liked to see him wrestle with his choices and inner darkness a bit more.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am already looking forward to seeing more of Nell and Miles in the next book.

thank you netgalley besties for the arc <333333

I was sooooo excited to get this early, I've come to really love Mimi Matthews's work! The premise for this book was a bit different than her previous titles, and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical that it would be too "girlboss" and not believable for the setting. However, my fears were totally unfounded and this was a delight! It's definitely very pro-feminism, but it's situated in it's time and isn't at all a push for modern sensibilities in historical contexts. I found that everything fit well and I had no problem going along with the story.

But I think the true strength of this novel was the main leads. They were a bit...scrappier? than Matthews's usual characters, but hoo boy were they great. They were both strong on their own but even better together. They were a well-matched pair with great banter and obvious chemistry. Because of their situations they had a bit of a push-and-pull dynamic, which added tension without unnecessary drama. And their attraction made sense! I'm usually not a fan of romances when the main character has another pressing obligation, but here it worked: Effie wasn't overly distracted from her goals because of Gabriel, nor was she just attracted by his looks. They were drawn to each other as people (like recognizes like!).

After I finished this, I realized I had a couple of problems with how things resolved: however, everything else was so strong that these don't overly affect my enjoyment of this book.

This book definitely delivered on everything I've come to expect from Matthews—strong characters, believable setting, a romance you can't help but root for—but with enough of a twist that it was a fresh read. I'm very excited to see what comes next in this series!

Rules for Ruin The Crinoline Academy #1 by Mimi Matthews is an extraordinary historical romance. Miss Euphemia Flite has a been a pupil at a lady’s institution that trains young women in the art of disruption. She is required to infiltrate a viscount’s home to discredit him and then she is able to gain her freedom from the Academy’s grip. Gabriel Royce has other plans and want s to use the viscount for his gain. He cannot have Miss. Flite stand in his way. They both clash in so many ways!

WOW! I was drawn into Rules for Ruin and did not want to leave this amazing story! The banter, tension, and chemistry between Gabriel and Euphemia was simply amazing! The alternating POV helped me to watch them both develop and grow. Themes of redemption, identity, and found family resonated deeply with me. The historical details and time period were fascinating and I felt like the author transported me back to Victorian England. I could not get enough of this incredible book.

I was so taken in by Rules for Ruin and absolutely adored it. The story is beautifully written with enchanting characters, fascinating historical content, and wonderful romance! I am so thankful that book #2 will be out in the future as I can not wait to visit Crinoline Academy and its pupils again. I highly recommend Rules for Ruin! It will be one of top favorite books of 2025.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review