Rules for Ruin (The Crinoline Academy)
Beloved romance author Matthews kicks off a new Victorian series centered on the Crinoline Academy, an orphanage-slash-ladies’ school that trains women to stand on their own in a man’s world. Effie Flite is called by the woman who raised her to put that training to use in bringing down Lord Compton, a peer standing in the way of a bill allowing married women to own property. Effie’s mission puts her in the sights of Gabriel Royce, bookmaker and erstwhile villain, who needs Compton’s influence to reform the infamous slum of the Rookery. Both determined, clever, and uncompromising, Effie and Gabriel should be formidable adversaries, but attraction keeps turning their war of wills to tender moments, leading these ruthlessly self-reliant souls into love.
Tightly plotted and packed with Matthews’ characteristic crisp prose, the book doesn’t miss a beat, nor waste a detail, as it drives these vivid, well-drawn characters into each other’s arms. Readers will revel in seeing these leads get their defenses dismantled, matched as they are in determination, understanding, and wit. Though true to its historical setting, the villains are those denying women equal rights, and the champions defend the exploited and marginalized. Pure delight from start to finish.
