Rules for Ruin - (The Crinoline Academy) by Mimi Matthews (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Most Anticipated Romance for Paste Magazine - The Nerd Daily - BookBub - Marie Claire - Book Riot - Bookish - Fangirlish

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 lord's systematic attack on women's rights in Parliament, 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.

Review Quotes

Praise for Mimi Matthews

"Shiveringly Gothic...For best effect, save this one for a windy night when trees scrape against the windowpanes."--New York Times Book Review on The Belle of Belgrave Square

"Mimi Matthews never disappoints."--Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Mimi Matthews has become one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints."--Mary Balogh, New York Times bestselling author

"No one writes Victoriana like Mimi Matthews!...Sparks fly between Effie and Gabriel in a thoroughly enchanting romance that promises the start of a new series--I can't wait for the next installment from the Crinoline Academy!"​--Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author

"Thrilling, poignant, and romantic, Rules for Ruin is a delight! Mimi Matthews's evocative prose carries readers on an unforgettable adventure through London's bustling streets and elegant drawing rooms. Euphemia and Gabriel's romance simmers with electric chemistry, witty banter, and powerful emotion. Readers will love Rules for Ruin!"--Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author

"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."--Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover's Library

"A delicious crumpet of a novel: sparkling characters, lush romantic chemistry, and a woman on a mission made me fly through the pages!"--Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author on Rules for Ruin

"Rules for Ruin is a thrilling page-turner that has everything fans of Victorian romance could wish for: a smart, strong, yet vulnerable heroine you'll adore, a tough as nails, self-made hero who proves to be her perfect match, swoon-worthy, sizzling romance, nonstop action, secrets to uncover, and a baddie to bring down, all wrapped up in Mimi Matthews's rich, evocative writing and a gripping, impeccably researched plot. One of my favorite Mimi Matthews novels ever. I LOVED it and couldn't put it down!"--USA Today bestselling author Syrie James

"Rules for Ruinis a story full of adventure, intrigue, and what it means to find connection, and it's so gorgeously, richly told that I never wanted to reach the end. I loved following these complicated characters through the ballrooms and betting shops of Victorian London. And the yearning! It's absolutely delicious. If Mimi Matthews writes it, I will be first in line to read it."--USA Today bestselling authoSarah Adler

"A mysterious debutante, a lord of the underworld, and the most romantic proposal ever, Rules for Ruin is the first book in what promises to be a fabulous new series by one of my favorite historical authors. Mimi Matthews consistently delivers achingly tender love stories set against a rich Victorian backdrop."--Harper St. George, author of The Stranger I Wed

"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!"--Hester Fox, author of A Magic Deep and Drowning

"To say Mimi Matthews is a master of historical romance would be an understatement."--Culturess

"The clever, witty, and powerful women at the heart of this story make for a promising start to an adventurous new series from Matthews...The next book can't come soon enough."--Library Journal (starred review)

"Tightly plotted and packed with Matthews' characteristic crisp prose, the book doesn't miss a beat, nor waste a detail, as it drives these vivid, well-drawn characters into each other's arms. Readers will revel in seeing these leads get their defenses dismantled, matched as they are in determination, understanding, and wit. Though true to its historical setting, the villains are those denying women equal rights, and the champions defend the exploited and marginalized. Pure delight from start to finish."--Historical Novel Society

"Matthews expertly fleshes out both leads' Dickensian backstories to explore class, gender, and racial inequality... It's a moving exploration of family, identity, and personal freedom."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, 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.