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.

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.