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Review: RULES for RUIN by Mimi Matthews
- Christina Boyd
- May 15
- 3 min read
ABOUT THE BOOK
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.
REVIEW by Christina Boyd
Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews kicks off “The Crinoline Academy” series—a smart, compelling historical romance with sharp banter, simmering suspense, and an unlikely hero.
Miss Euphemia Flite is determined to sabotage a viscount who threatens a bill advancing women's property rights—success would mean her freedom of a prior contract. Effie’s on a mission for justice. But when she crosses paths with Gabriel Royce, her mission gets complicated.
“Good God,” he uttered. “I might have known you were a blue stocking.”
The signs had all been there. Her confidence. Her singularity. The way she spoke and moved, with such uncommon sense of purpose. He felt a fool not to have recognized it before.
Strong, intelligent women had always been his weakness. —Chapter 8.
Gabriel, equally determined to protect his business interests, won’t let Effie interfere—though he can't ignore her charm or let her face danger alone. Sparks fly. Tension crackles. The chemistry? Perfection. What a swoony start!
If you like historical romance with clever heroines and dubious heroes, don’t miss this one. I’m already counting down till book two!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi Matthews is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. Her critically acclaimed works include 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.
Mimi’s novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and have been mentioned in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, Oprah Daily, Parade, Elle, and Marie Claire. They have been translated into ten languages.
When not writing historical romance, Mimi authors nonfiction books and articles on all aspects of nineteenth-century history—from animals, art, and etiquette to fashion, beauty, feminism, and law. Her work has been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, the Costume Society UK, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. Connect with Mimi via her website and social media.
I enjoyed reading your review of Rules for Ruin, you captured the emotional depth and historical richness of Mimi Matthews’ writing so well. I found the character development and the way the story intertwines personal growth with societal expectations particularly compelling. Interestingly, I recently had an assignment related to Victorian literature and its portrayal of female agency, which led me to explore various academic resources. While working through it, I had to buy PGCE assignment support to help manage the workload, and coincidentally came across discussions referencing authors like Matthews. Your review adds a great perspective.
I just love her books. This new series will be fun.