Smart, swoony, and brimming with intrigue, The Marriage Method is a delightful blend of historical romance and feminist espionage, wrapped in Mimi Matthews’s signature wit and charm. When spirited Academy operative Nell Trewlove is tasked with neutralizing a nosy journalist, she never expects to be drawn into a murder investigation—or into a fake marriage with the infuriatingly compelling Miles Quincy. What follows is a sharp, slow-burn romance full of banter, secrets, and surprising tenderness, set against the backdrop of a hidden war for women’s rights. Matthews delivers not just a captivating love story, but a celebration of courage, intellect, and partnership. A sparkling gem for fans of clever heroines and thoughtful, tightly plotted romance.

This was a good read. It actually felt a little short. I would have enjoyed a more fleshed out mystery, but that wasn’t actually the point of the story… good characters and sinister villains made this a well-rounded read. I like a blend of genres, and Matthews is starting to make me think she could write mysteries.

I had a little debate with myself about whether to dive into this one - that's how disappointed I was with the first book. But. I'm pleased to report that I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were significantly more palatable, and the feminism, (always welcome) wasn't so ham-fisted.

This book is a rare mix of brains, heart, and heat that left me wanting more long after I finished. I’m absolutely and irrevocably in love with it.

Intrepid heroines dispatching ruffians is something I didn't know I was hungry for in histroms.

When Penelope Trewlove visits Miles Quincey, the editor in chief of London Courant, to dissuade him from inquiring into the secret activities of a charity school for girls, feline magic conspires to force Nell and Miles into a compromising position. What began as a marriage of convenience soon grows into genuine friendship, deep love, and an everlasting bond. Set against a bustling Victorian backdrop, The Marriage Method blends thrilling perils and fiery passion, rendering it a must-read for every historical romance lover.

In each installment of The Crinoline Academy, a female protagonist is tasked with tearing down the walls of patriarchy one powerful man at a time. In The Marriage Method, an eminently resourceful Nell shines while battling injustice and rebelling against societal norms which exploit and oppress women. Despite serious injuries, Nell’s spirit remains undeterred. From wielding a walking stick to throwing punches, Nell sparks like fireworks. And when she has moments of self-doubt and vulnerability, she is loved desperately by my dream hero, Miles.

Seriously, methodical Miles is bound to sweep you off your feet! He reminds me of Tom Finchley, who’s my FAVORITE Mimi Matthews hero. A creature of order and method and a diligent investigative reporter, Miles doesn’t back down from falling first and admitting his feelings. He is not only a fierce cat dad, but also an unrepentant wife guy! Miles thought cats were his sole weakness; but then he met Nell. One of my favorite things about the heroes in this series is that they serve as allies to these remarkable heroines, rather than their saviors. I loved seeing Miles grapple with his desire to protect Nell and defer to her resourcefulness.

“For a man so fond of cats, he did sometimes bear a striking similarity to a dog with a bone.”

In a quest to solve a murder and the disappearance of a young girl, Nell and Miles navigate through dangerous neighborhoods of London, infiltrate brothels, even attend a house party incognito. Furthermore, the novel sheds light on how Victorian brothelkeepers entrapped unsuspecting young girls. The darker themes offer readers a glimpse into the insidiousness of conservative and patriarchal Victorian society.

However, the romance between Nell and Miles had me completely enraptured. I LOVED IT! And that’s an understatement. Infused with aching tenderness and sweetness, the romance evokes emotions of longing and love. One of Mimi Matthews’s extraordinary gifts as a writer is to make her readers experience the weight of a glance, the touch of bare fingers, or just skirts brushing against trousers. In The Marriage Method, the bedroom door is enticingly cracked open . . . !!! Believe me when I tell you that I was not prepared.

I’m now awaiting Gemma and Garrick’s book with great anticipation.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

I adored the balance of charm and suspense, the exploration of justice and loyalty, and the deeply romantic thread running through it all. It made me ache in the best way and left me with that rare satisfaction of having truly lived inside a love story that respects both the head and the heart.

Mimi Matthew’s can do no wrong. Another great work about a strong feminist woman and a man who just gets it ( a definite plus that he is a cat man and that isn’t a euphemism). This second part of the Crinoline series has me foaming at the mouth for the next installment!