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The Crinoline Academy #1
Rules for Ruin
No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart.
On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy. Outraged by a powerful politician’s systematic attack on women’s rights, the Academy summons its brightest—and most bitter—pupil to infiltrate the odious man’s inner circle. A deal is struck: bring down the viscount, and Miss Euphemia Flite will finally earn her freedom.
But betting shop owner Gabriel Royce has other plans. The viscount is the perfect pawn to insulate Gabriel’s underworld empire from government interference. He’s not about to let some crinoline-clad miss destroy his carefully constructed enterprise—no matter how captivating he finds her threats.
From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills that’s complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon Euphemia realizes it’s not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear. . . . It’s the danger to her heart.
On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy. Outraged by a powerful politician’s systematic attack on women’s rights, the Academy summons its brightest—and most bitter—pupil to infiltrate the odious man’s inner circle. A deal is struck: bring down the viscount, and Miss Euphemia Flite will finally earn her freedom.
But betting shop owner Gabriel Royce has other plans. The viscount is the perfect pawn to insulate Gabriel’s underworld empire from government interference. He’s not about to let some crinoline-clad miss destroy his carefully constructed enterprise—no matter how captivating he finds her threats.
From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills that’s complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon Euphemia realizes it’s not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear. . . . It’s the danger to her heart.
364 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2025
287 people are currently reading
18534 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Matthews
23 books4,066 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances, including The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, BookPage, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed this so much! Could this be my fave book from Mimi ever?
It was so fast paced and exciting and so different from what Mimi Matthews usually writes and yet still had her distinctive, rich writing and impeccable research.
I loved Gabriel, a non -aristocratic hero who pulled himself out of the slums by not so honest means. He was rough and ready but also so down bad for Effie.
And Effie was so smart and strong, yet vulnerable as she worked through her fear of heights and discovered where she came from.
I usually don’t enjoy secret societies of female vigilantes in historical romance. I think it’s a trope that has been exhausted to death and always lands badly with me, but this one just worked. The feminist/suffrage storyline was so historically accurate and frankly, it’s everything I’ve been begging authors who try to insert feminism in historical, to do.
The plot itself was also so fast paced and engaging. I was gripped the entire way through.
Just so good. Now I have to wait FOREVER for the next one. 😭
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the complimentary copy.
Got the arc for this! So excited.
May 21, 2025
This was a beautifully written story with wonderful characters and a chemistry to die for. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Effie grew up in an institution for young girls, raised by its founder, Miss Corvus—a fierce feminist. It was not a typical Victorian upbringing; she was taught to defend herself, pick locks, and do other unladylike things (isn’t that awesome?). Now she’s trusted with a task: to bring down a powerful lord so he can’t stop a women’s rights bill that’s about to be voted on in Parliament.
I know—we read to fall for the hero (and rest assured, you will)—but sometimes the heroine is so extraordinary that you love her just as much. Effie was, hands down, the best heroine Mimi Matthews has ever written. She was brave, independent, and very lovable.
I loved her determination, her skill, and the way she wasn’t afraid to go for what she wanted. I want to be Effie when I grow up.
And then there was Gabriel—the morally gray, self-made, crazy-about-the-heroine, and overall delicious hero.
Their dynamic was chef’s kiss; every single scene with them together was perfection. There was a huge conflict of interest, and theirs wasn’t an easy union, despite the growing attraction. It made the romance even more precious. There were secrets, but no miscommunication; there was a fight, but no unnecessary drama.
Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
—⿒-
Approved for the arc! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Thank you so much Mimi Matthews, you totally made my day 🥰 I’m dropping everything the second I get this book, I’m DYING to read it!
Effie grew up in an institution for young girls, raised by its founder, Miss Corvus—a fierce feminist. It was not a typical Victorian upbringing; she was taught to defend herself, pick locks, and do other unladylike things (isn’t that awesome?). Now she’s trusted with a task: to bring down a powerful lord so he can’t stop a women’s rights bill that’s about to be voted on in Parliament.
I know—we read to fall for the hero (and rest assured, you will)—but sometimes the heroine is so extraordinary that you love her just as much. Effie was, hands down, the best heroine Mimi Matthews has ever written. She was brave, independent, and very lovable.
I loved her determination, her skill, and the way she wasn’t afraid to go for what she wanted. I want to be Effie when I grow up.
And then there was Gabriel—the morally gray, self-made, crazy-about-the-heroine, and overall delicious hero.
Their dynamic was chef’s kiss; every single scene with them together was perfection. There was a huge conflict of interest, and theirs wasn’t an easy union, despite the growing attraction. It made the romance even more precious. There were secrets, but no miscommunication; there was a fight, but no unnecessary drama.
Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
—⿒-
Approved for the arc! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Thank you so much Mimi Matthews, you totally made my day 🥰 I’m dropping everything the second I get this book, I’m DYING to read it!
June 7, 2025
It’s a me thing. Undercover stuff is not my jam. If the author wasn’t Mimi, I’d never have picked this book up.
What I liked
😍The MCs were “meant to be.”
👍POV switches alternated evenly between Effie and Gabriel.
😍 Gabriel’s thoughts about Effie:
This time his heart did more than beat heavily. It seemed to stop beating entirely. “Good God,” he uttered. “I might have known you were a bluestocking.” […]
Strong, intelligent women had always been his weakness.
😍🐩😍 Franc! Franc! Franc!
Quibbles
🤔 Crinoline referred to 47 times.
🤔 Dragonfly hairpins, 23 times.
🤔 Another history lesson on women’s lack of rights.* And yes, while we have come a long way; sadly, there’s more to go.
Because Miles is a cat 🐈🐈⬛🐈 lover, I will take a peek at his and Nell’s story when it comes out.
*Check on the true life story of author, Charlotte Smith in, “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf.” 😭
What I liked
😍The MCs were “meant to be.”
👍POV switches alternated evenly between Effie and Gabriel.
😍 Gabriel’s thoughts about Effie:
This time his heart did more than beat heavily. It seemed to stop beating entirely. “Good God,” he uttered. “I might have known you were a bluestocking.” […]
Strong, intelligent women had always been his weakness.
😍🐩😍 Franc! Franc! Franc!
Quibbles
🤔 Crinoline referred to 47 times.
🤔 Dragonfly hairpins, 23 times.
🤔 Another history lesson on women’s lack of rights.* And yes, while we have come a long way; sadly, there’s more to go.
Because Miles is a cat 🐈🐈⬛🐈 lover, I will take a peek at his and Nell’s story when it comes out.
*Check on the true life story of author, Charlotte Smith in, “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf.” 😭
May 14, 2025
4.25⭐️ | |
This was a lot of fun! I enjoy historical romance on occasion but I need it to have a little “more” or something just a bit “different” and this hits the mark!
The FMC is a clandestine badass on a secret (very feminist) mission! The MMC is essentially a gangster with a heart of gold!
This is my first Mimi Mathews book but definitely won’t be my last! I’m so curious to see where the next book takes us.
What’s to love…
- feminist themes and badass FMCs
- morally gray MCs
- grand gesture
- rivals
- no spice
- witty banter
- furry companion (dog)
- well researched and includes source material and additional information! I love when books do this!
What I didn’t love, but you might…
- I love dual POV but occasionally with dual POV we get too much information, this was one of the times where I wish we didn’t have all the facts up front. A little mystery makes it more fun!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was a lot of fun! I enjoy historical romance on occasion but I need it to have a little “more” or something just a bit “different” and this hits the mark!
The FMC is a clandestine badass on a secret (very feminist) mission! The MMC is essentially a gangster with a heart of gold!
This is my first Mimi Mathews book but definitely won’t be my last! I’m so curious to see where the next book takes us.
What’s to love…
- feminist themes and badass FMCs
- morally gray MCs
- grand gesture
- rivals
- no spice
- witty banter
- furry companion (dog)
- well researched and includes source material and additional information! I love when books do this!
What I didn’t love, but you might…
- I love dual POV but occasionally with dual POV we get too much information, this was one of the times where I wish we didn’t have all the facts up front. A little mystery makes it more fun!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2024
Rules for Ruin is the ultimate cat-and-mouse romance with witty banter, sizzling attraction, and twists of excitement – a perfect first installment to kick off Mimi Matthews’s new Crinoline Academy series. Matthews’s exemplary research brings the Victorian world to life in a visceral way that creates an immersive backdrop as Euphemia and Gabriel go tete-a-tete with one another in the most delicious way.
May 20, 2025
Happy Release Day!!
"I love you, Effie Flite. That's what brought me back from Epsom. It's what brought me here. What's been driving me since the moment you threatened to knock me down."
This was such a great premise and an enjoyable read.
The idea of women being brought up as spies in this era is so amazing and makes for a very compelling storyline. Both of the main characters were written so well and they really complemented each other. Effie had a very strong character, she was good at what she did, and she was also very emotionally grounded and not too flat. Gabriel had a fairly dark exterior and some questionable qualities, but it was for a good cause. And any man who holds respect for outspoken and independent women in this era are 🔥🔥
As a whole, the story didn't absolutely wow me but it was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
"I love you, Effie Flite. That's what brought me back from Epsom. It's what brought me here. What's been driving me since the moment you threatened to knock me down."
This was such a great premise and an enjoyable read.
The idea of women being brought up as spies in this era is so amazing and makes for a very compelling storyline. Both of the main characters were written so well and they really complemented each other. Effie had a very strong character, she was good at what she did, and she was also very emotionally grounded and not too flat. Gabriel had a fairly dark exterior and some questionable qualities, but it was for a good cause. And any man who holds respect for outspoken and independent women in this era are 🔥🔥
As a whole, the story didn't absolutely wow me but it was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 10, 2025
Rules for Ruin is book 1 in The Crinoline Academy series by Mimi Matthews. This is a historical romance about taking down patriarchy and has one of my favorite tropes which is enemies to lovers. All around I enjoyed this book. I love how the characters must work together to take down a powerful lord who’s attacking a bill on women’s rights. I think it’s as relevant today as it was in the past. I also loved both main characters, Gabriel and Effie. They’re written with a rawness and vulnerability that’s relatable no matter what time period they’re living in. Gabriel hasn’t always made the best choices, but he did what he needed to survive, and Effie believes in vigilante justice as she was raised by a fierce feminist in an institution with other girls. All of this was very interesting to read about, and it kept me intrigued throughout.
If you enjoy historical romances with a feminist perspective that has an academy setting and enemies then I think you’ll enjoy this one. I had a great time reading it! I can’t wait for the next one.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Historical Romance
❥ Enemies-to-Lovers
❥ Relevant topics like women’s rights
If you enjoy historical romances with a feminist perspective that has an academy setting and enemies then I think you’ll enjoy this one. I had a great time reading it! I can’t wait for the next one.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Historical Romance
❥ Enemies-to-Lovers
❥ Relevant topics like women’s rights
June 5, 2025
unbelievable. she's done it again.
this BOOK!!! simply destroys my soul. The audiobook is just as good as reading it- the narration is spot on by both readers, capturing Effie and Gabriel "I'll rip his bleedin' head from his shoulders" Royce perfectly. Their dynamic is a perfect mix of instant attraction and stubborn focus on their own ends, and I love watching them fight it out with each other. I scream a lot when I read, but this time I screamed in public, so that feels different. Top 3 Mimi Matthews for me, tied for first place with The Lily of Ludgate Hill and The Matrimonial Advertisement. I love them all for different reasons and refuse to choose between them.
---------
arc acquired. time to scream and maybe cry for a little while
THANK YOU BERKLEY ILY FOREVER
------------
i'm SORRY?! How does this sound PERFECT?!
edit: MORE PERFECT BECAUSE IT'S THE SAME UNIVERSE ALDKSJF;LKJ;WIE;KASD;KFJ;LJSD brb gotta go read Lily again to overanalyze every line that Royce says
this BOOK!!! simply destroys my soul. The audiobook is just as good as reading it- the narration is spot on by both readers, capturing Effie and Gabriel "I'll rip his bleedin' head from his shoulders" Royce perfectly. Their dynamic is a perfect mix of instant attraction and stubborn focus on their own ends, and I love watching them fight it out with each other. I scream a lot when I read, but this time I screamed in public, so that feels different. Top 3 Mimi Matthews for me, tied for first place with The Lily of Ludgate Hill and The Matrimonial Advertisement. I love them all for different reasons and refuse to choose between them.
---------
arc acquired. time to scream and maybe cry for a little while
THANK YOU BERKLEY ILY FOREVER
------------
i'm SORRY?! How does this sound PERFECT?!
edit: MORE PERFECT BECAUSE IT'S THE SAME UNIVERSE ALDKSJF;LKJ;WIE;KASD;KFJ;LJSD brb gotta go read Lily again to overanalyze every line that Royce says
Read
March 27, 2025That balance point between easily accessible for the modern reader not familiar novels before the 20th C and striving for a period feel is a difficult one, as it varies from reader to reader. This novel certainly entertained me! And I appreciated the work that went into giving us a Victorian London that wasn't all Hollywood backdrop.
I am a total sucker for the outsider penetrating upper society trope, but I want my protags to be likeable, with laudable goals at least some of the time, and the author gives us two of these in hero and heroine. But have admirable goals for their desperate masquerades, but unexpectedly find one another in each other's way because of how their goals misalign.
How the author disentangles these snares while developing the wary attraction between H and H, then bringing us to a satisfying ending, was fun to watch. The villains get what they deserve, the good guys win, and there is a setup for another follow-on romance in the same setting. Just the sort of escapism I'm looking for these days!
I am a total sucker for the outsider penetrating upper society trope, but I want my protags to be likeable, with laudable goals at least some of the time, and the author gives us two of these in hero and heroine. But have admirable goals for their desperate masquerades, but unexpectedly find one another in each other's way because of how their goals misalign.
How the author disentangles these snares while developing the wary attraction between H and H, then bringing us to a satisfying ending, was fun to watch. The villains get what they deserve, the good guys win, and there is a setup for another follow-on romance in the same setting. Just the sort of escapism I'm looking for these days!
November 22, 2024
*slides in*
Mimi writing a Peaky Blinders-esque story with a tough female (and no sex?). I am what I am, I wants the ARC.
____
I like to thank the author again for being that amazing gem in getting Berkley to approve my requests for her arcs.
Rules for Ruin was something new for Mimi in terms of the idea of a group of women whose aim is to take down piece of shit men in society. And, her new male lead: Gabriel Royce.
Gabriel Royce and how we meet him is absolutely one of my favorite meet-cutes of any of her men. Our female lead is snooping around in a library, in the dark, and there waiting in the darkness is him. He makes himself known with a mere sentence and a light of his match, smoking a cigar. What an entrance! I got absolute devil of the unsavory bits of London from him indeed! It throws her off balance and makes her wonder if she should fold. That's how much it rattled her! He is absolutely commanding and rough, and man, I wanted her to give me more men like this. Give me men who society either turned their back on or they turned their back on society. They were my Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne ala Batman Returns. Split, right down the middle, like calls to like, etc. etc.
Our female lead was a orphan, taken in by the headmistress of the academy in which she groomed her girls to be extensions of her thoughts and feelings about men and how to take down those who stood against them in society. Feminist, take no for an answer, getting dirty, looking pretty while being tough - in crinolines! She also has a little dog named Luc who knows how to twist a man up by its leash - on command! My heart broke at times for the two of them, relying on one another to get their freedom.
The reason I rated it down a star is that I guess I wanted more 'action' or more use of the way the girls were trained to be like Victorian spies. We saw a hint of it with lock picking, Effie hiding things under her skirt via ties, and her taking down a man in the finale of the book. I wanted more of that! I want to see the ladies use knives, their fists, their lethal ways with equipment. Mimi already showed me she could do this and I wanted it so badly. She hooked me in with this need to see her write a story with a Victorian woman who is a femme fatale.
This book opened up other avenues of the ladies, and the tease we got for the next one at the end of the book was absolutely hilariously good. I'm crossing my fingers for a Lois Lane of Victorian times.
Overall, Mimi is my girl when it comes to books. I'm so glad I found her, and I am so glad she gave me the opportunity of reading this early. I can't wait to see what this series brings.
Mimi writing a Peaky Blinders-esque story with a tough female (and no sex?). I am what I am, I wants the ARC.
____
I like to thank the author again for being that amazing gem in getting Berkley to approve my requests for her arcs.
Rules for Ruin was something new for Mimi in terms of the idea of a group of women whose aim is to take down piece of shit men in society. And, her new male lead: Gabriel Royce.
Gabriel Royce and how we meet him is absolutely one of my favorite meet-cutes of any of her men. Our female lead is snooping around in a library, in the dark, and there waiting in the darkness is him. He makes himself known with a mere sentence and a light of his match, smoking a cigar. What an entrance! I got absolute devil of the unsavory bits of London from him indeed! It throws her off balance and makes her wonder if she should fold. That's how much it rattled her! He is absolutely commanding and rough, and man, I wanted her to give me more men like this. Give me men who society either turned their back on or they turned their back on society. They were my Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne ala Batman Returns. Split, right down the middle, like calls to like, etc. etc.
Our female lead was a orphan, taken in by the headmistress of the academy in which she groomed her girls to be extensions of her thoughts and feelings about men and how to take down those who stood against them in society. Feminist, take no for an answer, getting dirty, looking pretty while being tough - in crinolines! She also has a little dog named Luc who knows how to twist a man up by its leash - on command! My heart broke at times for the two of them, relying on one another to get their freedom.
The reason I rated it down a star is that I guess I wanted more 'action' or more use of the way the girls were trained to be like Victorian spies. We saw a hint of it with lock picking, Effie hiding things under her skirt via ties, and her taking down a man in the finale of the book. I wanted more of that! I want to see the ladies use knives, their fists, their lethal ways with equipment. Mimi already showed me she could do this and I wanted it so badly. She hooked me in with this need to see her write a story with a Victorian woman who is a femme fatale.
This book opened up other avenues of the ladies, and the tease we got for the next one at the end of the book was absolutely hilariously good. I'm crossing my fingers for a Lois Lane of Victorian times.
Overall, Mimi is my girl when it comes to books. I'm so glad I found her, and I am so glad she gave me the opportunity of reading this early. I can't wait to see what this series brings.
May 26, 2025
So so fun! And so much more interesting and better written on the subject of women’s rights in the 1860s than another book I just read. 😂 I love the whole concept of the Academy too, and I can’t wait for future books. Loved Effie and Gabriel both and thought that Matthews develops the emotional intimacy between them in a lovely way. Matthews’ period detail is always so good too.
May 30, 2025
I tend to read more current romances, but this historical fiction/romance was fun. Miss Euphemia Flite was raised at an Academy whose aim was to train young women to fight the patriarchy. They discredit, distract and disrupt society in ways to promote women’s rights in Parliament. Ephy is on a mission to promote these actions, but also to earn her freedom. However, she soon is distracted by Gabriel Royce.
Gabriel has wealth and influence, but it has been hard won and not as a man born to society. Gabriel and Ephy are immediately drawn to each other, but unfortunately their missions have them stuck with opposing goals. Even though she tries to distance herself from him, he seems to always be there when she needs support. And he is truly smitten with her… not just her beauty but her spirit and determination. The author draws the reader in with these fun characters as we try to see if they can achieve their goals and end up together.
In the author’s note at the end, she shares that she has been intrigued with the character of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. But rather than showing a character devastated by the end of a romance, she wanted to show a woman motivated to move past it. This character wants to help mold young girls into strong women. I enjoyed the book, but even more so after hearing her inspiration.
Gabriel has wealth and influence, but it has been hard won and not as a man born to society. Gabriel and Ephy are immediately drawn to each other, but unfortunately their missions have them stuck with opposing goals. Even though she tries to distance herself from him, he seems to always be there when she needs support. And he is truly smitten with her… not just her beauty but her spirit and determination. The author draws the reader in with these fun characters as we try to see if they can achieve their goals and end up together.
In the author’s note at the end, she shares that she has been intrigued with the character of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. But rather than showing a character devastated by the end of a romance, she wanted to show a woman motivated to move past it. This character wants to help mold young girls into strong women. I enjoyed the book, but even more so after hearing her inspiration.
June 23, 2025
No notes! 👨🍳💋
But can I give it 6 stars??
Thank you to the author & Berkley Romance for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
This checked boxes I didn't even know I had.
Effie is tasked with taking down a lord. She has to infiltrate the ton and find a way to discredit the man society holds up on a pedestal. But his word can take down any hope of a new and bright future for women. Standing in Effie's way is Gabriel, a man who reminds her of her roots and one who is eager to protect his interests, including his lordship.
I don't know what I can say that I haven't said before about a Mimi book. No. Notes. It's beautifully written and celebrates a time of change. I loved the setting, the passionate nature of our main characters, the chemistry, the thoughtful historical details. To say I'm eager for book two is underestimating it. I highly recommend this book. I think readers of romance, historical or not, will gobble up this lush love story.
But can I give it 6 stars??
Thank you to the author & Berkley Romance for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
This checked boxes I didn't even know I had.
Effie is tasked with taking down a lord. She has to infiltrate the ton and find a way to discredit the man society holds up on a pedestal. But his word can take down any hope of a new and bright future for women. Standing in Effie's way is Gabriel, a man who reminds her of her roots and one who is eager to protect his interests, including his lordship.
I don't know what I can say that I haven't said before about a Mimi book. No. Notes. It's beautifully written and celebrates a time of change. I loved the setting, the passionate nature of our main characters, the chemistry, the thoughtful historical details. To say I'm eager for book two is underestimating it. I highly recommend this book. I think readers of romance, historical or not, will gobble up this lush love story.
May 20, 2025
Dark beginnings!
Euphemia Flite is called back to London after some years in Paris, having honed her abilities to pass as a gently bred lady.
Who is she? A Rookery child brought up in a very peculiar orphanage, Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies. Her mentor and headmistress is even stranger, concerned with training her girls in everything from Latin to politics, defence to lock picking, including how do act socially in a variety of situations. Effie’s given an assignment when she returns, if she accepts, will free her to go her own way. Effie is to get close to the loathsome Viscount Compton, a powerful conservative Lord, find something dark out about him that will neutralize his might. Hopefully forcing the Viscount to abandon his opposition to a bill of rights for married women being brought before the House of Lords. That bill is important. It is the cornerstone for the rights for all women. Women would no longer be possessions.
What Effie doesn’t expect to meet is a dangerous and forceful denizen of the Rookeries, Gabriel Royce, a Gambling Hall owner who for his own reasons, is working in opposition to Effie, supporting the Viscount.
In Effie, Gabriel recognizes a person as singleminded as himself. Like calls to like. The wolf recognizes another wolf albeit wrapped in silks and perfume!
Another scintillating novel from the pen of Mimi Matthews.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
May 15, 2025
“On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy.”
Rules for Ruin is set in Victorian England. A pupil of the secretive Crinoline Academy, Effie Flite has been set on a mission that brings her into direct conflict with Gabriel Royce, to predictable results. (That’s not an insult! I think it’s pretty obvious that when reading a romance novel, you can predict the main characters will have a romance.)
This is a very specific brand of romance, and will appeal to readers who like historical romances with witty banter and some unlikely characters; an anachronistically strong and independent FMC trained to be something of a spy, with an equally unlikely MMC who is tough and hard on the outside, but secretly has a progressive and egalitarian center. Basically, do you like a historical romance setting but you need a little something extra and fun? This is for you!
Mimi Matthews has a distinctive style and I’ve enjoyed her Somerset Stories series. This is much more light-hearted and fast paced, but still shows her distinctive writing style. It’s a closed door romance so if you’re looking for extra spicy scenes you won’t find them here, but I think anyone who enjoys cute banter and a feminist protagonist will have a good time.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my review! All opinions are, as always, my own.
Rules for Ruin is set in Victorian England. A pupil of the secretive Crinoline Academy, Effie Flite has been set on a mission that brings her into direct conflict with Gabriel Royce, to predictable results. (That’s not an insult! I think it’s pretty obvious that when reading a romance novel, you can predict the main characters will have a romance.)
This is a very specific brand of romance, and will appeal to readers who like historical romances with witty banter and some unlikely characters; an anachronistically strong and independent FMC trained to be something of a spy, with an equally unlikely MMC who is tough and hard on the outside, but secretly has a progressive and egalitarian center. Basically, do you like a historical romance setting but you need a little something extra and fun? This is for you!
Mimi Matthews has a distinctive style and I’ve enjoyed her Somerset Stories series. This is much more light-hearted and fast paced, but still shows her distinctive writing style. It’s a closed door romance so if you’re looking for extra spicy scenes you won’t find them here, but I think anyone who enjoys cute banter and a feminist protagonist will have a good time.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my review! All opinions are, as always, my own.
June 19, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ (Rounded up)
RTC
RTC
May 26, 2025
Thank you @berkleyromance @prhaudio for the free finished copy & audiobook. ♡
·∘⋆⊹ 𝙰 𝚗𝚘-𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏-𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛. ⊹⋆∘·
I love when a romance weaves in enough historical context to immerse the reader into the issues of the time period, in this case, 1800s women’s rights and slum reform.
Effie Flite infiltrates the patriarchy to undermine the viscount upholding the married women’s property law. She is independent, bright, and capable. She also happens to be half Indian (white passing).
Gabriel Royce was low born but changed his station in life, preying on the vices of men, operating in the morally grey spaces between right and wrong.
These two find themselves on opposing sides — and neither can afford the distraction of their undeniable attraction.
Pick this one up for a cheery no spice romance, fun banter, and a good amount of historical facts.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Narrators Elizabeth Knowelden and Will Watt brought Effie and Gabriel to life — I recommend audio for this one!
·∘⋆⊹ 𝙰 𝚗𝚘-𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏-𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛. ⊹⋆∘·
I love when a romance weaves in enough historical context to immerse the reader into the issues of the time period, in this case, 1800s women’s rights and slum reform.
Effie Flite infiltrates the patriarchy to undermine the viscount upholding the married women’s property law. She is independent, bright, and capable. She also happens to be half Indian (white passing).
Gabriel Royce was low born but changed his station in life, preying on the vices of men, operating in the morally grey spaces between right and wrong.
These two find themselves on opposing sides — and neither can afford the distraction of their undeniable attraction.
Pick this one up for a cheery no spice romance, fun banter, and a good amount of historical facts.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Narrators Elizabeth Knowelden and Will Watt brought Effie and Gabriel to life — I recommend audio for this one!
June 28, 2025
If you’re looking for a historical romance that blends feminist fire with enemies-to-lovers tension and just the right dose of espionage, this one delivers.
This book is a deliciously tense dance between two fiercely independent characters, both trying to outmaneuver each other while battling inconvenient attraction.
🎶"I Know Places" – Taylor Swift
🎶“Experience” – Ludovico Einaudi
This book is a deliciously tense dance between two fiercely independent characters, both trying to outmaneuver each other while battling inconvenient attraction.
🎶"I Know Places" – Taylor Swift
🎶“Experience” – Ludovico Einaudi
June 28, 2025
Listen, boy, the only way I'm giving you the time of day is if you 1- buy me a nice house, 2-bring down misogynistic politicians and 3- maybe take my dog on a walk
May 26, 2025
I personally enjoy a throughly light, fast-paced read regularly but I still want ALL the historical savvy undergirding it. That can be hard to find! But I found it in this historical romance (my first Mimi Matthews) and will be reading the sequel when it comes out. I think I’m going to like the two leads in the next one even more because they seem very sweet!
If you want a cute, funny historical romance with morally grey enemies to lovers circling each other warily and that has “just kisses” (albeit fairly heated ones, and a lot of them!) but doesn’t compromise on historical background, this is a lot of fun.
I loved the Gentileschi references and the mention of little known real life female philosophers.
There is some rough language and flashbacks to childhood trauma in London slums and some innuendo. The MCs discuss marriage versus cohabitation.
If you want a cute, funny historical romance with morally grey enemies to lovers circling each other warily and that has “just kisses” (albeit fairly heated ones, and a lot of them!) but doesn’t compromise on historical background, this is a lot of fun.
I loved the Gentileschi references and the mention of little known real life female philosophers.
There is some rough language and flashbacks to childhood trauma in London slums and some innuendo. The MCs discuss marriage versus cohabitation.
March 17, 2025
The start of a new series from Mimi Mathewes, Rules for Ruin, deviates significantly from her previous works. The book has less sweetness and more darkness and edginess, making it an exhilarating read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I could hardly put it down! The story revolves around a "rivals to lovers" trope, a historical romance with two strong, independent characters who are unaccustomed to trusting anyone. However, they soon realize they have much in common and learn to work together, ultimately finding love in the process.
The story is a whip-smart, cat-and-mouse romance featuring blunt dialogue and mystery, well-written and well-researched, filled with witty banter and off-the-chart chemistry.
Euphemia is summoned from Paris by the indomitable proprietress of “Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy For The Betterment of Young Ladies” and is offered an opportunity to not only be absolved of a debt but also gain her independence. Euphemia could hardly refuse. She had longed to discover her past, settle her debt to the charity school proprietress, and retire far away with Franc, her beloved poodle. However, Euphemia's foolproof plans are challenged by a strikingly seductive rogue, a Rookery king, Gabriel Royce.
From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia, and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills, complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon, Euphemia realizes it's not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear; it's the danger to her heart. The rivalry aspect, the academy setting, the subterfuge, and the secret rendezvous all add layers to the story. Gabriel, a non-aristocratic hero who pulled himself out of the slums by not-so-honest means, is rough and ready but also deeply enamored with Euphemia. She is smart and fearless but also vulnerable, particularly regarding her fear of heights and her search for her origins.
Fantastic read! I highly recommend it.
Content: kisses only, closed-door romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for the eARC.
The story is a whip-smart, cat-and-mouse romance featuring blunt dialogue and mystery, well-written and well-researched, filled with witty banter and off-the-chart chemistry.
Euphemia is summoned from Paris by the indomitable proprietress of “Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy For The Betterment of Young Ladies” and is offered an opportunity to not only be absolved of a debt but also gain her independence. Euphemia could hardly refuse. She had longed to discover her past, settle her debt to the charity school proprietress, and retire far away with Franc, her beloved poodle. However, Euphemia's foolproof plans are challenged by a strikingly seductive rogue, a Rookery king, Gabriel Royce.
From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia, and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills, complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon, Euphemia realizes it's not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear; it's the danger to her heart. The rivalry aspect, the academy setting, the subterfuge, and the secret rendezvous all add layers to the story. Gabriel, a non-aristocratic hero who pulled himself out of the slums by not-so-honest means, is rough and ready but also deeply enamored with Euphemia. She is smart and fearless but also vulnerable, particularly regarding her fear of heights and her search for her origins.
Fantastic read! I highly recommend it.
Content: kisses only, closed-door romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for the eARC.
May 20, 2025
Rules for Ruin is another masterpiece by Mimi Matthews. She constantly amazes me with her creativity and uniqueness. This book is different from her others in that the main male character is an orphan from The Rookery and isn't a born gentleman or from the gentry. Similarly, the female main character is also an orphan. Gabriel is both a rough and gruff character that I loved because he is also very tender and loving towards Effie. Effie, with her beloved poodle, is in her own right very crafty and can handle herself in some sketchy situations. She too is very tender and loving towards Gabriel. There are sparks and romantic tension throughout the novel. The storyline is one that anyone who loves history and the women's suffrage movement will enjoy. With some mystery and swoony kisses with lovable characters, this made a book that I really enjoyed. This is a clean or closed-door romance with some mild curse words.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
May 20, 2025
Mimi Matthews does it again! Another amazing read full of terrific characters, great settings, and a thoroughly enjoyable storyline. I didn’t quite read it in one sitting, but I wanted to.
December 22, 2024
I had Great Expectations for this book and Mimi Matthews met them all! Like Dickens’ legendary character Miss Havisham who used her adopted daughter Estella to take her revenge on men, so does Miss Corvus. She even has the Crinoline Academy to teach young ladies to accomplish her aims. Her star pupil is Effie Flite and she tasks her to find incriminating evidence on Lord Compton who opposes the Married Women’s Act. Effie also searches for clues to her own past and that of her mother. She doesn’t plan on meeting Gabriel Royce, a slum lord who is determined to improve housing in the rookeries. Past, present, and futures collide when the pair fall in love. Another unforgettable story by Mimi Matthews. I cannot wait for the next book in the Crinoline Academy series.
March 21, 2025
Glorious! I adore the author's historical romances, and her first in the new Crinoline Academy series takes her signature slow-burn style up many sizzling notches, with dazzling characters (women's rights activist Euphemia and betting shop owner Grabriel), whose gray-area activities make them that much more intriguing. Plus, there is a charming miniature black poodle! Fans loyal and new will swoon and cheer and wait excitedly for Book Two. Huzzah!
December 24, 2024
Mimi Matthews is in a class of her own. I adored Effie and Gabriel's romance, and I continue to be so impressed by the way Victorian London effortlessly comes alive through Matthews's meticulous research. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Crinoline Academy series!
June 14, 2025
I loved Rules for Ruin, the first book in Mimi Matthews’s new series,
The Crinoline Academy
. It has all the elements that have made Ms Matthews a must-read author for me. Her stories are imaginative, with intriguing characters and a lovely romance. Her knowledge of the Victorian era is perfectly reflected in the fascinating historical details and the social commentary she incorporates into her stories.
Miss Euphemia (Effie) Flite has no memory of the time before she was taken to Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies. The Academy is not all it seems. In addition to an education, the girls are also given the necessary skills to enable them to challenge the patriarchal society with the aim of advancing women’s rights.
Effie’s determination to find out about her past has made her a constant thorn in Miss Corvus’s side, to the point where, at the age of eighteen, Effie is ‘exiled’ to Paris to take up a position as a lady’s companion. She’s fully aware that one day she will have to return to fulfil the debt she owes Miss Corvus and that summons comes five years later.
As one of the brightest pupils in the school, she is charged with the task of finding evidence that will destroy the reputation of the elderly and eminently respectable Viscount Compton. However, beneath that veneer lurks a villain - a man who had once destroyed a young girl’s life and stolen her fortune. He also threatens to derail the Married Women's Property Bill passing through Parliament, a bill that would afford married women greater rights to own and control their property. Effie must use her skills to be accepted as a member of society and ingratiate herself into Compton’s inner circle.
Effie has always dreamt of being independent and having a home of her own, but without the necessary funds, her dream is impossible. If she succeeds in her mission, Miss Corvus will provide her with a stipend sufficient to fulfil her dreams. She’s unaware that her actions will bring her into conflict with the notorious Gabriel Royce .
Forced to fend for himself on the dangerous streets of St. Giles Rookery at the age of twelve, Gabriel Royce has clawed his way up to become a wealthy betting shop owner and undisputed ruler of the Rookery. He has earned a reputation for being dangerous and ruthless - a man who is always fully in control of his emotions.
Having personally experienced the squalid living conditions in the Rookery, Gabriel is determined to improve the lives of the people living in the slums. For his plans to succeed, he needs the support of wealthy benefactors. With knowledge and evidence of Viscount Compton’s villainy, he has no qualms about blackmailing him to get the necessary introductions. Gabriel also needs Compton’s influence to keep the authorities from his betting shop door. So when he discovers that a certain Miss Flit intends to destroy Compton’s reputation, Gabriel has no intention of letting her succeed.
Strong, Intelligent and daring, Effie is a worthy match for Gabriel and neither one of them is prepared to back down. Despite their antagonism, it’s obvious that the unemotional Gabriel is smitten and will go to any lengths to protect Effie.
I enjoyed how Ms Matthews develops the romance between these two - the witty banter, the heated kisses and the simmering sexual tension which she conveys without the need for explicit scenes.
The plot to destroy Viscount Compton’s provides just the right amount of drama as well as the perfect opportunity for Effie to put all the skills she’d learnt at the Academy to good use - whether it involves picking locks, self defence, concealing certain items under her Crinoline or passing secret messages in a most unique way.
Effie has to come to terms with some hard truths about her past and the misconceptions she’s held all these years about Miss Corvus. While Gabriel makes an important decision about his future .
There’s an interesting cast of secondary characters including :
The enigmatic Miss Corvus - the Academy’s proprietress,
Penelope Trewlove. (Nell) - Effie’s best friend at the Academy
Miles Quincey - Gabriel’s childhood friend and intrepid newspaper reporter with a weakness for cats
Viscount Compton - a villain of the first order
Parker, Compton’s butler - a real brute
Ollie O’Cleary, Gabriel’s’ valet and general factotum
Not forgetting Franc, Effie’s small, black poodle, a delightful character all on his own
The Epilogue ties everything up nicely and Ms. Matthews’s extensive research and knowledge of the time period is evident in her skillful and seamless blending of history and fiction in the story. I always read her Author notes because they provide some interesting background information.
This promises to be another excellent series from Mimi Matthews and I can’t wait to read Miles and Nell’s story.
Miss Euphemia (Effie) Flite has no memory of the time before she was taken to Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies. The Academy is not all it seems. In addition to an education, the girls are also given the necessary skills to enable them to challenge the patriarchal society with the aim of advancing women’s rights.
Effie’s determination to find out about her past has made her a constant thorn in Miss Corvus’s side, to the point where, at the age of eighteen, Effie is ‘exiled’ to Paris to take up a position as a lady’s companion. She’s fully aware that one day she will have to return to fulfil the debt she owes Miss Corvus and that summons comes five years later.
As one of the brightest pupils in the school, she is charged with the task of finding evidence that will destroy the reputation of the elderly and eminently respectable Viscount Compton. However, beneath that veneer lurks a villain - a man who had once destroyed a young girl’s life and stolen her fortune. He also threatens to derail the Married Women's Property Bill passing through Parliament, a bill that would afford married women greater rights to own and control their property. Effie must use her skills to be accepted as a member of society and ingratiate herself into Compton’s inner circle.
Effie has always dreamt of being independent and having a home of her own, but without the necessary funds, her dream is impossible. If she succeeds in her mission, Miss Corvus will provide her with a stipend sufficient to fulfil her dreams. She’s unaware that her actions will bring her into conflict with the notorious Gabriel Royce .
Forced to fend for himself on the dangerous streets of St. Giles Rookery at the age of twelve, Gabriel Royce has clawed his way up to become a wealthy betting shop owner and undisputed ruler of the Rookery. He has earned a reputation for being dangerous and ruthless - a man who is always fully in control of his emotions.
Having personally experienced the squalid living conditions in the Rookery, Gabriel is determined to improve the lives of the people living in the slums. For his plans to succeed, he needs the support of wealthy benefactors. With knowledge and evidence of Viscount Compton’s villainy, he has no qualms about blackmailing him to get the necessary introductions. Gabriel also needs Compton’s influence to keep the authorities from his betting shop door. So when he discovers that a certain Miss Flit intends to destroy Compton’s reputation, Gabriel has no intention of letting her succeed.
Strong, Intelligent and daring, Effie is a worthy match for Gabriel and neither one of them is prepared to back down. Despite their antagonism, it’s obvious that the unemotional Gabriel is smitten and will go to any lengths to protect Effie.
I enjoyed how Ms Matthews develops the romance between these two - the witty banter, the heated kisses and the simmering sexual tension which she conveys without the need for explicit scenes.
The plot to destroy Viscount Compton’s provides just the right amount of drama as well as the perfect opportunity for Effie to put all the skills she’d learnt at the Academy to good use - whether it involves picking locks, self defence, concealing certain items under her Crinoline or passing secret messages in a most unique way.
Effie has to come to terms with some hard truths about her past and the misconceptions she’s held all these years about Miss Corvus. While Gabriel makes an important decision about his future .
There’s an interesting cast of secondary characters including :
The enigmatic Miss Corvus - the Academy’s proprietress,
Penelope Trewlove. (Nell) - Effie’s best friend at the Academy
Miles Quincey - Gabriel’s childhood friend and intrepid newspaper reporter with a weakness for cats
Viscount Compton - a villain of the first order
Parker, Compton’s butler - a real brute
Ollie O’Cleary, Gabriel’s’ valet and general factotum
Not forgetting Franc, Effie’s small, black poodle, a delightful character all on his own
The Epilogue ties everything up nicely and Ms. Matthews’s extensive research and knowledge of the time period is evident in her skillful and seamless blending of history and fiction in the story. I always read her Author notes because they provide some interesting background information.
This promises to be another excellent series from Mimi Matthews and I can’t wait to read Miles and Nell’s story.
June 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews is everything I adore about Victorian romance, and everything I’ve come to expect from a Mimi Matthews novel: smart, swoony, and steeped in historical detail.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The Crinoline Academy is my new favorite fictional institution. Because who wouldn’t want to read about a group of young women in corsets and crinolines learning self-defense and martial arts? It’s the perfect blend of feminine grace and inner steel, and I loved every moment spent with these strong, clever women.
But let’s talk about Gabriel. Mimi always writes leading men who are imperfect in all the right ways, and Gabriel is no exception. Rugged, guarded, and deeply human, he was the perfect match for our heroine…and their chemistry? Swoon-worthy without being overly spicy, which is exactly how I like it.
The slow unraveling of character backstories and emotional growth was beautifully done. I found myself savoring every reveal, every quiet moment, and every clever exchange. It’s romantic tension at its finest.
I can’t wait for Nellie’s story—if it’s anything like Rules for Ruin, it’ll be another instant favorite.
(Highly recommend listening to the audiobook while reading…it was an immersive read for me!)
Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews is everything I adore about Victorian romance, and everything I’ve come to expect from a Mimi Matthews novel: smart, swoony, and steeped in historical detail.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The Crinoline Academy is my new favorite fictional institution. Because who wouldn’t want to read about a group of young women in corsets and crinolines learning self-defense and martial arts? It’s the perfect blend of feminine grace and inner steel, and I loved every moment spent with these strong, clever women.
But let’s talk about Gabriel. Mimi always writes leading men who are imperfect in all the right ways, and Gabriel is no exception. Rugged, guarded, and deeply human, he was the perfect match for our heroine…and their chemistry? Swoon-worthy without being overly spicy, which is exactly how I like it.
The slow unraveling of character backstories and emotional growth was beautifully done. I found myself savoring every reveal, every quiet moment, and every clever exchange. It’s romantic tension at its finest.
I can’t wait for Nellie’s story—if it’s anything like Rules for Ruin, it’ll be another instant favorite.
(Highly recommend listening to the audiobook while reading…it was an immersive read for me!)
Read
May 7, 2025DNF 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.
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.
May 21, 2025
RULES FOR RUIN
by: Mimi Matthews
@mimimatthewsesq
••I give 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart...
-RULES FOR RUIN, is an intriguing story with such richly drawn characters and couples whose individual shortcomings become such strengths when paired together! This story will beckon your full attention and senses right from the first page till the word on the last page, drawing you as if you are a dragonfly on the wall and with your heart pounding to know more. There is Women’s suffrage, mystery, secrets, and much more that me on the edge of my seat. Add in sparkling chemistry, witty banter, adventure, suspense, and a dear love story weaved throughout the pages! Watching dear characters on a great mission for a benefactress, to wanting to find the truth of the past, to wanting to improve conditions in the Rookery had my heartstrings tied tight. But seeing characters embrace each other and true love that had my heart full. This is an unforgettable romance that is worth the intensely moving read!💯
“She knew who she was now. She knew what it was she truly wanted. Perhaps what she’d always wanted. It was. It was him. It was love.
For that, she’d risk anything. Even marriage.“
•Content: scandal, stabbing of an ear with a hair pin, death from a high wife, kidnapping of a beloved pet, gambling, alcohol, handful of minor language, mention of prostitution/whores, some violence, some blood, abandonment, orphans, past child abuse, drugs, mistress/love affair of side characters; closed-door: kisses (some makeouts, very brief insinuated fade to black married couple intimate scene).
“After all these years, I thought l’d finally find the place I belonged.” “You have,” he assured her. “It’s here. Right here, with me.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“You’re the whole world to me, Effie Flite.
You do know that, don’t you?” Her eyes met his. A hint of color bloomed in her cheeks. “I didn’t know,” she said. “But I’d hoped.”
#rulesforruin
#allaboutthebestreads
by: Mimi Matthews
@mimimatthewsesq
••I give 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart...
-RULES FOR RUIN, is an intriguing story with such richly drawn characters and couples whose individual shortcomings become such strengths when paired together! This story will beckon your full attention and senses right from the first page till the word on the last page, drawing you as if you are a dragonfly on the wall and with your heart pounding to know more. There is Women’s suffrage, mystery, secrets, and much more that me on the edge of my seat. Add in sparkling chemistry, witty banter, adventure, suspense, and a dear love story weaved throughout the pages! Watching dear characters on a great mission for a benefactress, to wanting to find the truth of the past, to wanting to improve conditions in the Rookery had my heartstrings tied tight. But seeing characters embrace each other and true love that had my heart full. This is an unforgettable romance that is worth the intensely moving read!💯
“She knew who she was now. She knew what it was she truly wanted. Perhaps what she’d always wanted. It was. It was him. It was love.
For that, she’d risk anything. Even marriage.“
•Content: scandal, stabbing of an ear with a hair pin, death from a high wife, kidnapping of a beloved pet, gambling, alcohol, handful of minor language, mention of prostitution/whores, some violence, some blood, abandonment, orphans, past child abuse, drugs, mistress/love affair of side characters; closed-door: kisses (some makeouts, very brief insinuated fade to black married couple intimate scene).
“After all these years, I thought l’d finally find the place I belonged.” “You have,” he assured her. “It’s here. Right here, with me.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“You’re the whole world to me, Effie Flite.
You do know that, don’t you?” Her eyes met his. A hint of color bloomed in her cheeks. “I didn’t know,” she said. “But I’d hoped.”
#rulesforruin
#allaboutthebestreads
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