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.
Mimi Matthews has a new book out. Rules For Ruin is the first book in her new series revolving around The Crinoline Academy. This five star read has all the hallmarks that distinguish Matthews’ writing in a wide field of romance writers out there.
The Crinoline Academy is not all it appears to be - at least from the outside. While the young ladies who attend are taught the rudimentary aspects of any young lady’s curriculum, they are also trained to ultimately bring to light and discredit the patriarchy. Euphemia Flint is summoned back from her position in Paris to do just that.
Her quary is a member of Parliament who is vehemently opposed to securing women's rights. And his voice and vote carry a lot of weight. He also harbors a dark secret from his past that would ruin him. Euphemia needs only to bring this to light and her obligation and debt to the school's headmistress would be stamped paid. Setting her up for a life of independence.
Gabriel Royce, a St. Giles betting house owner, needs Euphemia to keep her distance. Not because he has any great need to protect this particular Lord. He needs him in his corner to bring forward thinking men of influence to help secure funding for rebuilding St. Giles into a decent place for the people around him to live in.
Initially, Euphemia and Gabriel work at cross purposes. They end up chasing after a clearer purpose which has them skirting danger and intrigue. This really was a page turner for me. I could not wait to see how Mimi Matthews would help her characters clear obstacles and come together without compromising her characters’ natures. Pick up a copy! I know you are going to enjoy it!
Readers, have you read Mimi Matthews yet?
Do you enjoy a hero and heroine at cross purposes?
One randomly chosen reader who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 23 will receive a print copy of Rules for Ruin.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
Mimi Matthews has been my top HR author of the past several years. I can't wait to read Rules for Ruin. I do like the cross purposes trope!
ReplyDeleteMary H.
Mimi Matthews novels are captivating and enjoyable. I look forward to enjoying Rules for Ruin. Cross purposes trope are very appealing.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Mimi Matthews books yet and I'm not sure about a 'cross purposes' trope. I love the idea of women fighting back against patriarchy.
ReplyDelete