I discovered Mimi Matthews recently and have since read everything by her that I've been able to get my hands on. I loved the first book in the Crinoline Academy series and was happy to score this sequel on NetGalley. Our FMC is Penelope (Nell) Trewlove, a teacher from The Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, who is sent by the headmistress to London to deal with newspaper editor Miles Quincy, who has been asking a lot of questions since his childhood friend became entangled with Effie Flite in the first book. Her trip has two purposes - she's also trying to figure out what happened to a promising young student who never made it to the academy. After a hilarious incident that compromises Nell and Miles, they have to figure out how to deal with the fallout while also investigating the missing girl, getting entangled with some dangerous characters in some of London's less savory neighborhoods, and trying to figure out who murdered Miles's gossip reporter. Lots of intrigue and adventure, with a (closed door) romantic plot that progresses as Nell and Miles try to solve these increasingly dangerous mysteries.

I so loved this sequel in Mimi Matthews' Crinoline Academy series! Love and mystery all combined into one, with wonderful protagonists. I enjoyed this so very much. 5 stars!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early. I love Mimi Matthews' books and this one is no exception. What a fun series this is! Delightful characters, great storylines, and CATS! Love it. Super excited for this one and anything that comes after.

I enjoy this series! I like the storyline and dialogue. I thought the romance was sweet. A must read!

LOVED! Another favorite from Mimi.

First, Miles and Nell are together almost from page 1. It was fantastic! I loved their adventures and how they came to know each other. The meet cute/forced into marriage situations was unexpected yet perfect.

I love the twist and new perspectives we gain on some of the rules from book 1 - know your surroundings and know yourself. It was thought provoking. It made me feel like this was really a story of Nell and her acceptance of self. Also, a story of belonging and how we can choose to promote belonging with those around us.

Miles was adorable. All grumpiness and business but so incredibly sweet to Nell. He really sees her, even when no one else does. His protectiveness from the start was next level. The cats are were fun and really added some flare to the story.

I loved seeing cameos from book 1 and even from Mimi's other books. It's always the best when we get a Tom reference!! The mystery in this one felt secondary to the story of Miles and Nell. But I was ok with that. There was even a slightly gruesome scene, which shocked me a little because it was so unexpected in a Mimi book. (By fantasy comparison, it was VERY tame.)

Lastly, this book has a vague open door scene. It is not descriptive, but it really emphasizes the belonging, connection, and caring between Miles and Nell. Most importantly, of Nell's acceptance of herself and that she is of worth as she is.

Stars: 5
Content: British swears, kissing, vague open door (Ch. 31)

i need a man written by mimi matthews in my life... I really didn't think I could love anyone more than gabriel royce, but here we are! miles quincey!!!!! ladies and gentlemen, HIM. what a simp <3 and on the other end of the spectrum... I don't like you corvus! >:( I got a bit of a bad vibe in the first book and in this sequel, my dislike was cemented. I hated the way she didn't stand by nell at all! obviously I know it was necessary for the plot to move forward, but still... like she's lived there her whole life; she had never even left the grounds and it was the only home she ever had. so to just kick her to the curb over a misunderstanding was quite uncool.

anywaaayyy THE BOOK WAS GOOD -- funny! exciting! swoon worthy! and CATS!

I loved the mixture of romance and mystery in this one! I’ve never seen that done in a historical romance before, and I think Matthews absolutely slayed the execution. Nell was a character I really loved in RFR, so I was happy to get inside her head and get to know her better, Miles was her perfect match. I loved the open, honest communication, and the same feminist themes we say in RFR once again reflected on these pages.

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley ... no, wait, wanna thank Mimi since I always get denied. (Thanks Mimi.)

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.

It felt shorter, or it was just so enjoyable time was flying right by. But, ugh. The feelings. We all want a man like Miles. Miles is book-smart, handsome enough, tall, broad shouldered, and absolutely smitten with his 50 second fiancee, Nell. The moment she starts surprising him, telling little tells about what she can do and how she can protect herself, he is sitting there blinking (insert Sword in the Stone blinking gif) and then falling in love. He would do anything for her, procure any documents, allow her to fight any fight, charm (within reason) any man to get what she wants.

In my last review I said how I missed seeing ladies get physical hand-to-hand combat. Mimi gave it to me. We had parasols handled like fencing foil, fists thrown, and guns. It was fun, it was bloody, some shoulders got popped out of socket and popped back in. There were tender moments of lingering glances, touch, and even a fade to black intimacy scene. It was all just perfect.

We also get something new: Mimi showing that she can write a mystery with a male and female lead. Miles and Nell are absolutely perfect and complement one another. Each lending whatever bit of expertise to the situation.

We got to see some familiar faces, and some new faces! Our red haired lady sounds like fire and the kind who hangs around with the men and drinks (she also seems to get into brawls or prefers combat). There is also a girl who shows up that is fairly young - 14, I believe. I'd actually love to see Mimi write a YA romance.

As for conflict? Would you believe there is nothing between these two? They get in a small squabble that gets cleared up but it was a misunderstanding. It's nice to have adults that talk it out. And... have cats (several) as referees or mediators for feelings.

Mimi can do anything. Thank you, Mimi, for your kindness and your trust in me as a reader.

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!