Rules for Ruin

One of BookBub's Best Romances of 2025 So FarNo 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.

"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