Well, I have to hand it to Mimi Matthews. If there is a better “meet cute” than a cat trapped in a crinoline, forcing a hasty marriage when a snippy local parson assumes the worst after interrupting the couple trying to remove said cat, I can’t imagine what that would be.

This is the opening to “The Marriage Method,” the second in Matthews’ Crinoline Academy series. Book 2 features Miles Quincey and Penelope Trewlove, known as Nell and something of a skeptic when it comes to romance, despite her name. Nell and Miles are friends, respectively, of Effie Flite and Gabriel Royce—the lead couple in “Rules for Ruin,” the first Crinoline Academy story, which came out earlier this year. Miles runs the local newspaper, “The London Courant,” struggling since the exposure of a prominent politician by Effie and Gabriel in the previous book. Nell sees her future as a teacher at the Academy; marriage has never entered into her plans—in part because a fall in her teen years left her with an incurable limp and scars that she has long considered off-putting, but also because marriage in Victorian Britain stripped a woman of all legal rights.

Like its predecessor, “The Marriage Method” mixes a budding romance and the gradual acclimation of two strangers to each other with a darker plot, here involving the abduction of young women into prostitution. One of the victims comes from the aristocracy, so there is an element of social commentary here, too. But the book is never preachy, and its complex and sympathetic leads handle their mutual attraction, the schemes of their adversaries—and, of course, Miles’ five cats—in a fast-moving, captivating plot. I’ll be including this one in my fall bookshelf post on my blog (link below). Highly recommended.

I can’t say enough good things about The Marriage Method. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and after having finished it I can say I will be sprinting to my local library for more.

As a regular devourer of historical romance, this book had everything I could possibly want: a marriage of convenience, mutual pining, only one bed, a woman who defies convention, and a protective man willing to do anything to protect her. Nell and Miles’ love story developed at the perfect tempo to match the mystery plot of the book. The pacing of this story was perfect, moving along at just the right speed to make it nearly impossible to put down for wanting to know what happened next.

This story manages to be both tender and adventurous in equal measure, with a cast of characters that you can’t help but love. The concept of a group of women with the skills and determination to stand up to power in society despite traditionally possessing very little of their own reminds me of (my very much beloved) Sarah MacLean’s Hell’s Belles series but—dare I say—even better.

A five star read for me to be sure, and I can’t be more grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an ARC of this book!

This is the second book in this series, and while I didn't read the first one and don't feel it is necessary, I most likely will go back and read it. It probably sets up the premise a little more, that being that girls are taught how to take care of themselves at an academy formed by an ex-socialite who has been wronged by the patriarchy. This book gets off to a very quick start with the hero and heroine having to get married for propriety's sake, and solve a murder and a disappearance. I really liked all the characters very much and enjoyed the slow-burn romance of Miles and Nell with just enough hiccups along the way. The mysteries are all solved with satisfying consequences for all the villains. All in all, a very quick enjoyable read.

3.75-4*

Mixed feelings for this book. I loved Miles but I went back & forth with liking Nell's character arc. She was raised in a country academy and trained with certain skills/talents. It seemed a little unbelievable that she was able to navigate figuring things out in the city and put her skills out there confidently with no "real world" experience. It made more sense with Effie since she'd already been living outside of the academy. Miles definitely makes the book, great character.

4.25 ⭐️

Another richly detailed historical tapestry of mystery and romance! Also, I nearly screamed when I got my arc approval! 🤩🤩

(Quick note for my fellow closed-door girlies, there’s a vague open door scene—I’ve got all the content details below 👇🏻)

While there’s something different about this story compared to Matthews’ other works, the immersive research drew me right into the pages! I absolutely adore Nell and Miles! Their marriage of convenience started rather comically in my opinion, and the way they grow together & as individuals was very sweet. The way they soften each other? Precious. The feminist undertones were stronger in this one, but the partnership & development of the characters as a couple were solid. Also, the cats. 😂

Romance aside, mystery & murder play heavily into this installment. It’s not super gory or graphic (if you’ve read Agatha Christie’s Sherlock Holmes, or Mary Stewart, you’ll be fine), but it’s definitely twisty with a bit of heaviness due to the topic matter (brothels kidnapping and trafficking girls). I didn’t guess the bad guys, but I don’t think I was supposed to, haha. Besides, I loved the *journey* to get there!

Okay, now for thoughts on the vague open door scene. I was surprised to find it here, since Mimi’s not given more than fade-to-black in the past. HOWEVER. It’s vague. Like incredibly vague, and solely emotionally focused. It’s kind of a fade to black physically (clothing removal) that turns into Nell’s inner emotional feelings during the actual act (no real physical description or body parts) that cuts to an “after” scene. Its focus is around Nell’s fear of her injury making her undesirable & her feeling of finally belonging to someone after not being wanted. Personally, I do wish we could have gotten the emotional resolution from the before and after without actually still being there in the in-between, but I do love the emotional triumph Nell made during that scene. Honestly, it was tamer (less physical) than the wedding night scene in Divine Rivals. Take from that what you will.

That part aside, I loved the book and read it in an afternoon! If you want closed-door modifications, simply skip the first half of Chapter 31 to the scene break, which is the “afterwards” moment or skip the entire chapter. You might lose some of Nell’s emotional arc since that’s essentially what the scene’s focus is, but it’s possible to do.

We’ve already met our next heroine, and I loved getting Effie & Gabriel cameos!


*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

HistRoms are nothing if not convenient. So if I thought the investigative events of both mysteries were a bit too coincidental, then... ✨wave it away✨ Likewise, I'm generally not a fan of a 24-hour acquaintance igniting Big Romantic Feelings in either MC. And yet! I liked Nell and Miles in under 24 pages, so why can't they be in love in less than 24 hours?

Still do not like Effie—she's very high on herself and her dog. I also still don't know how to feel about Miss Corvus. She was a big part of what I disliked in the previous book, and her purpose continues to bewilder me here, in various ways. Pacing was better, although the last 25% lost gas, bogged down by repetitive characterization and dialogue.

Overall, I did technically enjoy this book more than its predecessor, and that was the hope.

3.5⭐ rounded up to 4

I started to devour this book at my usual fast pace and decided to dial it back, so that I could properly savor it. The Marriage Method is part romance and clever mystery. It is such a brilliant book!!

Penelope (Nell) Trewelove and Miles Quincey are both introduced in Rules for Ruin, the first installment of the Crinoline Academy series. While intended as maybe the more mild mannered duo, their story and chemistry burns slow and white hot.

Nell and Miles are a perfect match in their intelligence and tenacity. That they are a match in wits is an absolute bonus. While their initial interaction starts as a cat and mouse game, it evolves into scandal and two very connected mysteries.

There are two more elements that you can count on in a Mimi Matthews book - pets and fashion. The Marriage method has both! 5 cats, one of whom plays a huge part in the plot and amazing descriptions of the fashions. I love that MM provides such in depth details about what the characters are wearing — So much so that it engages all 5 senses. That’s incredibly powerful.

The elephant in the room - Some believe Historical Romance is on its way out. I have to vehemently disagree. NOW more than ever, we need all the stories of hope, strength, friendship and love to inspire and fortify us. All it takes is imagination and research.

The Marriage Method absolutely stole my heart. I can’t wait for the next book in the Crinoline Academy series!


A kind thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced copy of The Marriage Method.

Cat got your crinoline?

The Marriage Method is a pleasure to read with an added bit of thrill and mystery. Nell and Miles are the cutest couple. The basis of their relationship is a partnership and I love the tenderness between them. Their first kiss is so sweet, you can't help melting a little inside.

I really enjoyed following Nell's character as she works through her insecurities and grows more confident in herself. I adore how much Miles treasures her.

Lastly, never underestimate the Academy women! Just ask Silas after that battle scene with Miss Trewlove, Miss Flite, and Miss Brent...it's giving Kingsman fight scene energy.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! And thank you Mimi Matthews for sharing your brilliant writing with the world!

In this engaging historical romance, Nell, a Deputy Director at the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, is sent to London to discreetly handle an inconvenient situation—Miles Quincy, a persistent newspaper editor, has been asking questions the Academy would prefer remain unanswered. Nell expects this to be a quick assignment before she focuses on her real mission: locating a missing orphan girl who was supposed to be en route to the Academy. Meanwhile, Miles is also on the hunt for someone—one of his missing journalists.

When Nell and Miles cross paths, sparks fly. An unfortunate (yet rather amusing) turn of events forces the two to work together. Their dynamic is spirited, full of witty banter and undeniable chemistry, which makes for a thoroughly entertaining read.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. Nell is a refreshingly unconventional heroine—not the typical mold of what women were expected to be in that era. The chemistry between her and Miles felt natural and believable, and the characters, as well as the storyline, are well-developed and compelling.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Oh. My. Goodness. This was such a delight to read! It’s like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ - with punching! Chock full of mystery, suspense, and cats! The characters are unforgettable with a ton of personality. Miles is such a sweet and swoon-worthy MMC and I just adore Nell’s journey of expanding her horizons and maintaining her independence, but finding herself willing to view herself as more than a teacher.

This is a perfect follow up to ‘Rules for Ruin’ and I truly loved every bit of it!

After reading book one in this series and reading the blurb for book two, I knew I wanted to read this too. A marriage of convenience!

I enjoyed the plot of The Marriage Method more than I did in book one. The mystery elements were enthralling! Mimi Matthews definitely writes well, as I've seen in previous books I've read of hers. What ruined things for me in this one was the open-door scene. It definitely tipped over the line from clean romance. This author writes passionate romances, which I knew beforehand, but I don't remember this line being crossed before.

The feminist tones continue, but obviously that is the theme of this series. I read them for the romance and did appreciate how Nell came around from her preconceived notions about men.

So I didn't love (or agree with) everything about this novel, but the relationship between Nell and Miles was tender and sweet and the mystery interesting and gritty, But there was a strong feeling of disappointment when I got to that scene (very near the end of the book).

I received an ARC to review, but this review is entirely my honest opinion.

As a disclaimer, I DNFed this book so my review is based off of what I did read. I was honestly just not hooked by what I did read and really wasn't encouraged to continue.

Mimi Matthews did it again. I feel like closed-door historical romance is so hard to find, and it’s comforting to know I can always count on this author to deliver.

The Marriage Method is set in the Victorian era, as the MCs try to solve a mystery involving the editor MMC’s missing gossip columnist and the schoolteacher FMC’s missing pupil. The romance is perfect and sweet. The mystery is exciting and keeps you on your toes.

I loved that the couple gets together at the beginning of the book and that there’s no third act breakup. ❤️

Mimi Matthews with another hit! I am LOVING this series (The Crinoline Academy). With this second book in the series, I loved Miles' protectiveness and Nell's spirit and they were so good together. The plot had a bit of mystery that was interesting as it unfolded and unraveled at the very end. Looking forward to more books in this world!

Ms Matthews always writes a good historical romance. Her characters are well defined; her historical events accurate; the story is intriguing. This story of Nell and Miles shows both sides of compromising situations and consequences. The continuing saga of the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies provides more insight into what the ladies are trained and expected to accomplish with their lives. Surely there will be more in this series.

One word: SWOOOOOON.
Miles is the ultimate book boyfriend. Scratch that, the ultimate hero.

Mimi Matthews has truly outdone herself with this one. I honestly think this might be her best book yet and that’s saying a lot, considering she's the author of some of the most unforgettable stories I’ve ever read. There’s something magical about her writing. While her romances are always closed-door, they’re overflowing with intimacy, tenderness, and emotional depth.

By the time you're 67% into the story, the main couple has only shared two kisses, yet their chemistry is SOOOOO PWOERFUL. It practically leaps off the page. I received an ARC for this book just yesterday and I’ve already gone back to reread some of my favorite parts THREE times. This story soothed my soul and reminded me why I believe in love.

Also can we talk about how perfect this would be as a movie? And the cats! As if Miles wasn’t already perfection, the fact that he adopts five cats officially makes him next-level dreamy.

Without giving away any plot details, I’ll just say this: it’s a beautiful blend of Mimi Matthews’ signature emotional depth and just the right touch of mystery. A truly unforgettable read. I would rate it a 100 stars if I could.

Another solid Mimi Matthews installment! I didn't love this one as much as Rules for Ruin, but it still had lots of good things. I enjoyed how there were initially two mysteries that converged into one, and how our main characters worked together. Nell was especially great—headstrong but insecure, flawed but real. I think her disability was handled well; it was clearly present throughout, but it never was this big dramatic thing that couldn't be overlooked. It was just a part of who she was! Miles was fine...really, I have no complaints about him! I just went into this thinking he would be more of a Thomas Finchley, but he turned out more like a Justin Thornhill/Alex Archer/Jasper Blunt/... (Mimi, you totally have a type, I'm onto you!). The marriage of convenience worked—the set up for it was hilarious—although I wish it had taken each a bit longer for them to fall in love with each other, that they built up their friendship more first. BUT that's just personal preference, and truly this was really great overall :)

I’ve been a long time fan of Mimi Matthews so you can imagine my happiness when I was approved for an early copy via NetGalley (thank you Berkley and NetGalley!). As always, my opinions are my own.

Mimi Matthews continues to prove she’s at the top of her game with The Marriage Method—a fast-paced, emotionally rich historical romance full of heart, intelligence, and intrigue. Fans of her earlier work will feel right at home, and newcomers will quickly see why her books are so beloved.

Set against the backdrop of a secretive academy for women’s advancement and a murder that shakes London’s journalistic circles, this story hits the ground running. There’s no slow build here—the plot moves with purpose from the very first chapter, and the mystery surrounding a murdered reporter adds real tension alongside the slow-burn romance.

Miles Quincy is exactly the kind of hero I love: strong, intelligent, honourable, and refreshingly kind. He’s a man of conviction, not ego, and his chemistry with Nell Trewlove is immediate and compelling. Nell, for her part, is clever, principled, and emotionally grounded—no simpering miss, just a heroine you want to root for.

One of the highlights of The Marriage Method is how emotionally honest the characters are. There are no contrived misunderstandings or unnecessary drama. Instead, the romantic arc is built on mutual respect, growing trust, and real communication—qualities that make their relationship deeply satisfying to watch unfold.

Matthews also rewards returning readers with call outs to familiar characters, and as always, her attention to historical detail adds richness without ever weighing down the pace. Her research is evident in every scene, and it makes the story feel authentic. Nerd that I am, I always enjoy reading the author’s notes to get more details on the research and understand how it informed the story.


Fast-paced, thoughtful, and romantic—The Marriage Method delivers a rich and satisfying read. If you haven’t read her backlist yet, consider this your invitation.

I have been wanting to read this ARC for ages and I was super thankful when Netgalley gave me the approval message yesterday! If you are a reader who adores historical fiction then you need to pick up this book. It has all of the elegant elements that a historical fiction novel can contain so if you are on Netgalley pkease head over there to request this book. The mystery plotline was enjoyable to read about and the characters were wonderful. You will not be disappointed in this novel.
We are introduced to Nell who is a teacher at a school for young ladies during the Victorian Era. She takes a trip to London to visit with a newspaper man named Miles. From there it seems like nothing wants to go right with the current situation. Soon it becomes a very intense investigation that has so many unanswered questions. Will they be able to get to the bottom of things without losing their lives in the process?

Matthews has once again crafted a phenomenal love story with originality and heart. Forced marriage is one my my favorite tropes, and Miles and Nell's strong personalities make it even more of a delight. Despite the initial comedy of their meeting, they deal with several unsavory elements in the course of the novel. The grittier setting and themes in the Crinoline Academy series provide a fresh and dynamic direction for each couple. I cannot recommend this series enough for fans of romance and mystery alike.