Not my favorite by Mimi Matthews, but this title was good and I enjoyed it. I wanted to love it - the premise is great, I liked the characters, and the setting was fine. I look forward to more titles from an author I like very much.

Mimi Matthews delivers another dazzling masterpiece with Rules for Ruin, a sharp, swoon-worthy tale that balances intrigue, social commentary, and undeniable chemistry.

Euphemia Flite is a heroine for the ages—fierce, clever, and bound by a past that fuels her desire for freedom. Her mission to dismantle a corrupt politician’s power is as daring as it is dangerous, and her unexpected sparring partner, Gabriel Royce, is every bit her match. Their battle of wits crackles with tension, while their slow-burn romance adds a delicious undercurrent of vulnerability and longing.

Set against the rich tapestry of Victorian London, Matthews weaves a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, bringing the gritty streets of St. Giles and the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair vividly to life. Rules for Ruin is a perfect mix of action, passion, and empowerment—an absolute must-read for fans of historical romance with a rebellious twist.

I loved Mimi Matthews' Belles of London series and was excited to see the start of another series from her. I really enjoyed the set up and idea of an orphanage training women to avenge others. The middle of the book dragged a little for me but I loved the push and pull between Effie and Gabriel.

I loved this book! The main character are great! The storyline is great! It’s a fun lighthearted read! A must read!

Mimi does it again! I love the history and backstory that will continue to be explored in the companion books!

I loved the rivals aspect and the subterfuge and secret rendezvous. So fun and I loved how the romance built steadily.

As always, this author provides sweet yet substantial closed door romance.

Rules for Ruin shows a new direction for Mimi Matthews. It is very readable, and I am sure many of the author’s many fans will love this new direction.

I love Mimi Matthews but I can’t deny I was disappointed by Rules for Ruin. Matthews did a good job of writing a story that also addressed societal issues in The Matrimonial Advertisement, but I felt the societal issues overwhelmed the story in Rules for Ruin. It also felt like she was pushing the boundaries for acceptable behavior.

In addition, I found it hard to like either of the main characters, and Effie’s personality seemed very inconstant to me. She was cold as ice one moment and falling apart the next. While I understand people can be like that, it seemed unbelievable to me as written.

The relationship between Effie and Gabriel felt a bit too insta and almost like a teen romance. Too hot too fast – will this really last? And there were some truly over the top plot twists, maybe too many for this reader. I kind of felt like - if you are going to go there, go there! Full on fantastical steampunk adventures!

I will keep reading the author, and I’ll also reread her sweeter romances that focus on character development.

I read an advance reader copy of Rules for Ruin from Netgalley.

The romance is classic Mimi Matthews. It's clean yet stuffed with enough tension that you don't really miss the steam. I liked Effie and Gabriel (who gives off strong Tommy Shelby vibes) and thought their relationship progressed nicely. They each have their own secrets and objectives, and it was easy to invest in their push-pull dynamic. Additionally, the trademark fashion details and references to historical reforms, events, and even gentrification are seamlessly woven into the plot.

I love that Matthews tried something different, but the spy academy backdrop was kind of weak and the middle section dragged in pace. I didn't like Miss Corvus. To be fair, there's plenty to build on in future books, so I hope it goes better next time.

Matthews is back with a new series featuring strong resourceful women overturning rules to make their lives and the lives of other women better while finding romance with worthy men. Orphaned Effie Flite was raised in a peculiar orphanage for girls where she was given an excellent education including self defense. Leaving her position as a lady's companion in Paris, she and her little poodle go to London where she is introduced to society as the ward of a friend of her hostess. Viscount Compton, who is important if legislation is to be passed to allow women to control their own finances, is the object of Effie's investigation. Gabriel Royce who came up through the slums and runs gambling in The Rookery but has earned his way into society is trying to get support to improve conditions in the slums and is courting Compton's support by having letters and documents that could expose how he ruined and stole the fortune of a young woman several years earlier. A delightful combination of 19th century women's history and romance with a lovely dash of espionage.

This was so much fun!! I really did not know what to expect with this book but I loved Mimi Matthews’ previous books—and I was NOT disappointed. A must read.

An engaging historical romance and promising start to a new series. Betting shop owner Gabriel and society lady Effie enter a cat and mouse game in which both parties have secret agendas. Although there's an attraction between them, they can't quite trust each other. But they just might need each other.

I like the setup of vigilante debutantes released into society to exact revenge on the patriarchy. This book dragged a bit in the middle, but was a fun premise.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Mimi Matthews’ new series is a captivating story with intrigue, mystery, and well-developed, relatable characters. I couldn’t put this book down and eagerly await the next installment.

From the exotic cover to the suspenseful plot, this new series by one of my favorite authors seemed different. And loving the past Matthews works as I do, I wasn't sure different was a good thing. So you can understand why I was so happy to find that, though indeed different, this first new book has all the important qualities that I treasure in earlier Matthews books.

The writing is still as deft and the plotting as masterful. The writing is clear and compelling. And the romance is just as strong: immediate response between MCs and after a short bristly period, the MCs are committed for the long run.

While the book did feel different as I read, I quickly recognized Matthews' sure, steady hand at the helm of the narrative. I missed the "all or nothing" power of connection between the MCs (e.g. The Matrimonial Advertisement). But this book is compelling, and the new series will attract many NEW readers.

Coming out May 20 2025 - be ready!
Thanks for NetGalley and Berkley Publishers for the chance to read an advanced copy.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley.

I am a huge fan of Mimi Matthews's books, so I was super excited to hear about her new series. And Rules for Ruin was a lovely read! Effie was such a force of a character, and the relationship between her and Gabriel developed really nicely - a swoony, sharp, fight-for-each-other slow burn - everything you would want in a historical romance!

📣 a historical with a *sigh* working-class hero

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 This book is part of the reason I’ve really been feeling historicals lately. Have any other recent historical reads I should check out??

Working-class historical leads make my heart go pitter-patter & Gabriel & Eddie are delicious ones.

Enticed by an offer of financial independence, Effie decides to help bring down a deserving man. Gabriel doesn’t like the aforementioned bad man, but he does want the bad man safe so that he can continue blackmailing him.

In Rules for Ruin, Mimi Matthews really makes me feel the attraction between Effie & Gabriel. He knows what he needs to do, but meanwhile there’s a gorgeous, mysterious figure named Effie he can’t get enough of. The chemistry between them is so good, steadily building in an intricate dance that leads beautifully to a much-desired HEA.

This one is so good, you all!

4.5 ⭐️. Out 05/20.

Please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess holds the ebook in front of floral wallpaper.]

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!

RULES FOR RUIN by Mimi Matthews
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

4.25⭐️ | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyreadsalot">TikTok</a> |

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 basically a clandestine badass on a secret (very feminist) mission! The MMC is basically 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.

Mimi Matthews new Crinoline Academy season starts with a strong, but unusual book. Fans of Mimi Matthews--like me; I've read them all--will certainly like this book, because Matthews is as talented a writer and researcher as ever. That said, this book has very little in common with other Matthews series. It concerns Euphemia Flite, a woman more or less coerced into seeking revenge for the founder of the orphanage where she grew up. The result is that this reads a bit more like a romantic historical spy novel than a historical romance. It has, perhaps, a bit more in common with historical mysteries I've read. I liked the evocation of the high and low sides of London. I even liked the mystery. But I did not feel that slow-burn longing that Matthews excels at. Overall, I think this will be a very enjoyable series, just perhaps not top tier for me. I do plan to recommend it to others.

The writing was great, the mystery is top notch and I love the cover. I didn't like that it was marketed as/or the description read as a historical romance in the vein of Evie Dunmore or even Sarah MacLean, but the romantic scenes were very "tame". I'm sure a lot of folks will enjoy the book a lot, but I think people who go in looking for a hot romance are going to be disappointed.

HELLO new 1900s series!!!!! this is my favorite era in the whole entire world to read about, and matthews has not only done it justice but knocked it out of the park with this stunning first book to a new series! i ate this up from the visceral reading experience and atmosphere to the dark academia-esque hijinks they get up to at the academy (with a side of romance to hold me over). i need the next book asap rocky