Rules for Ruin
Author: Mimi Matthews
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: C+
What I’m Talking About:
Effie was raised by Miss Corvus in an unconventional orphanage for young women. She was taught to think, defend herself, and be independent. Now she is called to London to bring down an evil man who intends on taking away the rights of women.
Gabriel has made his own way in the bowels of London. Now a powerful and rich man in the Rookery, he wants his home and its denizens to proposer. He seeks to gain investors for his improvement plans by blackmailing the seemingly honorable Compton, the man Effie is sent to destroy.
Rules for Ruin is a solid story featuring a strong-willed woman who seeks truth of her past and a better world for her future. The story of her quest, which is at odds with Gabriel’s plans, is interesting and exciting. Effie is smart and willing to take risks to help her foster mother and the female population. And even though Gabriel is her match in every way, she will not compromise her values and give up her mission to be with him. I love that she admits to herself that if she doesn’t put distance between them, she will falter. She recognizes her own feelings and makes decisions that are true to her goals.
Gabriel’s plans are equally as admirable, but in direct conflict to Effie’s needs. While I appreciate that his goals are worthwhile, he holds a power over Effie that creates a bit of an imbalance, and I find that he subtly tries to bend Effie. Additionally, the romance in the story is weak. Gabriel thinks he’s in love with Effie because he is contemplating giving up everything to be with her after only a few exchanges. They know nothing of one another, and I’m inclined to believe he is infatuated, but the author doesn’t create a strong enough connection to make me believe in love.
In the end, I enjoyed the adventure, but found the romance lacking.
My Rating: C+
Jen
About the Book:
No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must 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 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.
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Publisher: Berkley
Series: The Crinoline Academy #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (400 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher / NetGalley