the crinoline academy – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 416 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: November 25th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Academy always comes first . . . which makes marriage to its most formidable adversary an exceedingly inconvenient arrangement.

Well removed from London’s more curious eyes, the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies strives toward one clandestine to distract, disrupt, and discredit men in power who would seek to harm the advancement of women—by appropriate means, of course.

When intrepid newspaper editor Miles Quincy starts to question the school’s intentions, the Academy appoints Penelope “Nell” Trewlove, one of their brightest graduates, to put this nuisance to rest. An easy enough mission, she supposes. Or it would be, if Miles wasn’t so fascinating—too fascinating to resist—and if Nell’s visit to London didn’t perfectly coincide with the murder of one of Miles’s reporters.

When the inexorable claws of fate trap Nell and Miles in a compromising situation, they agree to an arrangement that will save their reputations while enabling them to investigate the story that led to a man’s death, as well as the surprising chemistry between them.

Thank you to Mimi Matthews and Berkley for the gifted copy and PRH Audio for the audiobook.

MY LATEST OBESSION.

Oh this EASILY is now in my top five favorite book from Mimi Matthews. I was OBESSED from the first chapter. I don’t think anyone does marriage of convenience romances better. I will be unable to think of anything else for the foreseeable future.

Miles. Miles. Miles. I could have highlighted half of this book just listening to him talk. The man was so far gone and all sorts of protective and could not be a step away from Nell and I LOVED IT ALL. And I loved Nell too. I loved seeing her find her strength and inner fire from having to be away from the academy. Miles helped her genuinely blossom and grow and I loved the way they played off of each other.

Matthews also writes some of the best romantic scenes everrrrr. The way emotion and love is conveyed through every moment. It’s heated and sensual and lights my kindle on fire every time.

I loved the suspense elements and mystery. The plot is engaging and balanced just right. It’s a book worth devouring.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: vague fade to black
Violence: moderate
Content warnings: kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, physical and weapons based altercations, near death experiences

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Rating: ★★★★.5
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 400 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: May 20th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

Thank you to the author and Berkley for the gifted copy and PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook.

OH I AM SMITTEN.

First things first. Gentleman Jim is my ALL TIME favorite Mimi Matthews book and the MMC in Rules for Ruin? Dear Gabriel Royce? HAS THE SAME VIBES. So clearly this read went well for me. Gosh I loved him.

I have read nearly all of MM’s backlist and I love that this felt like a wholly new series starter. The unique set up for the characters and future books was awesome. I loved the institution turned training ground and how that influences the story line. The distinct darker atmosphere of the story was top notch too. I loved the hidden moments, putting all of the clues together and sneaking about in the dark.

And the romance? SWOON. We love a protective MMC. Also bless the fact that this was dual POV. I loved being in both Effie and Gabriel’s headspace. The push and pull between them was delicious. The banter and moments where they leaned on each other as they learned more about themselves. The kisses were [as always] heated and utterly romantic. I am a puddle for these two.

I loved how everything came together and those who deserved their due received it. I will happily sit here waiting for book two. Mimi Matthews never misses.

Overall audience notes: