Review: The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews

 

The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy #2)  by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: November 25th 2025 by Berkley

Pages: 416

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Libro.fm | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

The Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies isn’t your typical school for orphaned girls. Instead of teaching them to be quiet and proper, the Academy trains them to be independent and formidable, something their wealthy backers definitely wouldn’t approve of. When Miles Quincey, editor of the London Courant, starts digging too deep, Nell is sent to handle him. However, while in his office Nell and Miles are caught in a compromising position forcing them into a marriage of convenience.

 

It ends up they have common goals, as Nell was sent to find a young girl, Flora Brent, who went missing on her way to the school and Miles is investigating the disappearance of his gossip columnist. The mysteries end up intersecting, a sinister plot at the heart of both cases. I was very worried about Flora, as London was no place for an unaccompanied, young girl!

 

Nell and Miles’ romance was utter fun with clever banter, gradually deepening into tenderness and trust. Their empathy for one another lends the story real emotional weight, tugging at my heartstrings!

 

They worked well together as they looked for answers. The danger they faced was chilling, but both Nell and Miles were well equipped to handle it!

 

I absolutely loved The Marriage Method! It was a captivating blend of mystery and romance! And can’t forget about the adorable cats! With danger, charm, and emotional depth, this story kept me hooked from the first page to the last! Five stars all the way!

5 Stars

Book Description:

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 goal: 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 . . .

Photo Credit: Vickie Hahn 2021

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, a miniature poodle, and two Siamese cats. 

Connect with Mimi Matthews:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Goodreads

Review: Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

 

Rules for Ruin (The Crinoline Academy #1)  by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: May 20th 2025 by Berkley

Pages: 364

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Libro.fm | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Euphemia “Effie” Flite is tasked by her former teacher and guardian, Miss Corvus, to find evidence to ruin Lord Compton, a powerful political opponent of women’s rights. Effie’s all for women’s rights and wants the stipend promised to her, so she agrees. She hits a snag on meeting Gabriel Royce, a man intent on keeping Compton in power.

 

Lord Compton keeps the law away from Gabriel Royce’s gambling hall, but that’s not the only reason he wants Lord Compton in his pocket. Gabriel has plans to help reform the Rookery and he needs Compton’s connections and influence to accomplish them. Euphemia is a danger to his goals, but his plans to thwart her are undermined by his growing respect and attraction to her.

 

While this sounds like an enemies-to-lovers sort of romance, these two were never hateful or mean. Effie and Gabriel shared similar values and goals. Their admiration, attraction and care came through loud and clear and they had chemistry in spades!

 

I loved that Effie was a force to be reckoned with, well-educated in self-defense and strategy! Loved her adorable, spirited poodle, Franc, too!

 

Rules for Ruin was an utter delight! I was hooked from page one! The writing was beautiful, the characters multilayered and likable. I also enjoyed the author’s note detailing some of the history the story was based on. I can’t wait for the next installment, The Marriage Method (11/25/25) which centers on Nell and Miles!

5 Stars

Book Description:

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.

 

Photo credit: Vickie Hahn 2021

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com. 

Review: The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews

 

The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London #4)  by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: November 19th 2024 by Berkley

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Libro.fm | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Stella Hobhouse has been through two London seasons, but unsuccessful in her mission to find a suitable husband. She’s been singled out as an oddity because of her prematurely gray hair, her passion for riding her spirited horse in an all-out gallop. Also, for speaking her mind when her holier-than-thou brother would like her to be a quiet, obedient woman. Such a jerk!

 

When artist Edward “Teddy” Hayes lays eyes on Stella he’s mesmerized by her beauty and unusual hair, and he’s determined to paint her. Since a suffering from a fever that partially paralyzed him, Teddy’s bold in his pursuits, especially when it comes to his art.

 

Teddy and Stella meet again at a house party and circumstances thrust them together and they end up forming a friendship and more. There’s a spark of attraction right from the beginning, but it’s a slow, natural progression of friendship to love. Both Teddy and Stella do conform to society’s expectations in physicality and in manner and so they were wonderfully suited!

 

The Muse of Maiden Lane was a lovely conclusion to The Belles of London series! I adored Ms. Matthews’ inclusion of characters that were not what people would think of as perfect. Teddy’s struggles from being in a wheeled chair were portrayed in a realistic way, that felt true to his character. Teddy and Stella’s romance was so very touching, and I loved that we got to “see” all the past Belles happy with their men. I also loved the strong female friendship between these women so devoted and supportive of each other!

4 Stars

Book Description:

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

Photo credit: Vickie Hahn 2021

 About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com. 

Review & Excerpt: The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

 

The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London #3)  by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: January 16th 2024 by Berkley

Pages: 432

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Lady Anne Deveril needs a favor from Mr. Felix Hartford because she’d do anything for her friend Julia. But being in dept to Hart isn’t something Anne is looking forward to, as they have an emotional past that still pinches her heart.

Hart can’t resist helping Anne, even though he’d love to forget her, but the favor reignites a hope that there might still be a future for them.

Anne and Hart’s relationship has been hinted at since the beginning of the series, there’s been fun/snippy verbal exchanges at every meeting!  I wondered what had happened between them. There’s a lot going on with Hart as well, he’s not just the carefree, fun-loving gentleman he projects to society. I adored him!

Anne has been dealing with her broken-hearted mother’s refusal to come out of mourning since her father’s death six years earlier. Anne’s put aside any hope of marrying to help her mother, Lady Arundell, as she seeks solace in the spiritualist/occult scene.

 

Even though Anne’s mother was the reason for Anne putting her life on hold, I couldn’t help but like her! Lady Arundell spoke her mind and spoke to reason when others needed it! She swooped in and saved Evelyn (in book one) from a situation that could’ve ruined her reputation. I admired the strong female friendships forged between Anne, Julia, Stella and Evelyn! The foundation for Stella’s story/romance next has been laid in this installment and I can’t wait!

It’s hard to put into words just how much I loved The Lily of Ludgate Hill! I savored every minute of reading! The clever, flirty banter, the absolute loyalty and depth of feeling between Anne and Hart, despite the hurt they inflicted on each other in the past!  The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and the two previous stories in the series, tick all the boxes for me! A definite recommend! 

5 Stars

Excerpt:

Book Description:

Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

Photo Credit: Vicki Hahn

About the author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com.

Review: The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews

 

The Belle of Belgrave Square (Belles of London #2)  by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: October 11th 2022 by Berkley

Pages: 432

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Julia has a large dowry, but she has yet to make a match and she marks that up to her social anxiety. Not that she minds. She has her books, friends, and her horse to keep her happy. In fact the social season of London is a torture to be endured only able to get out by begging off sick which is a double edged sword because then her awful, hypochondriac parents call for doctors, brutal in their treatments: bloodletting being their preferred cure.

When Julia captures the attention of the infamous Captain Jasper Blunt she’s a little alarmed at first. He’s a big, imposing man with a dark reputation, but as they keep meeting, she they start to bond over horses, and surprisingly books.  I just loved the whole book connection here that I won’t elaborate on.

Jasper needs to marry for money. He has three children in his charge and a crumbling estate with tenant cottages that are all in desperate need of repair. He can’t let his heart factor into the equation, but Julia makes his heart sing and she’s got the money he needs. It seems like the easy solution to all his problems.  Unfortunately, it’s not all that simple and there are some bumps in the road to get over.

I felt for Julia with her horrid parents and feelings of being boxed in and then the relief and joy of connecting with Jasper. I loved the tender way Jasper dealt with Julia and his steadfastness to her and the children! Their romance was so beautiful, swoony and passionate!

The Belle of Belgrave Square was oh-so-lovely! I relished every word and didn’t want the story to end. Definite recommend!

5 Stars

. 

Book Description:

A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

Review: The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

 

The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London #1) by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: January 11th 2022 by Berkley

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Evelyn Maltravers is in London for the season, determined to make an advantageous match. Her family’s future depends on it. Evie means to make a grand debut, but not much sets her apart except her riding. Evie just needs a set of riding habits that equal her skill and her gorgeous horse to make an impression. So, she sets off to find the designer of the splendid riding habits worn by the notorious courtesans, known as the Pretty Horsebreakers. His designs transform the ordinary into extraordinary.

Ahmad Malik is trying to make a name for himself in women’s fashion, but being half Indian, half English has made this a struggle. Ahmad has a singular talent; he just needs the right person to showcase his creations. Evelyn Maltravers doesn’t seem like someone who would capture much attention with her countrified day dress and spectacles, but upon closer inspection Ahmad finds himself enchanted by Evie, and he knows she’s the one.

There’s an instant spark of attraction between Evie and Ahmad’s at their first meeting and it’s fanned at every fitting with every touch igniting heat between them. It was a slow burn but oh-so-swoony! But it’s not just the physical attraction that draws. Evie is like no other Englishwoman and treats Ahmad like an equal, and Ahmad sees Evie’s true beauty within and out. There are obstacles to their romance with the differences in class and race, and I wondered how it would all work out. However, once Evie and Ahmad realized that no other would do, it all came together brilliantly. Not without some bumps, but nothing that felt insurmountable.

I’ve read a couple of Mimi Matthews’ romances in the past and absolutely loved them, so I was so excited to read The Siren of Sussex, which did not disappoint! She brings the past to life with her beautiful writing and rich characterization. I rooted for Evie and Ahmad’s HEA from the beginning!

I’m thrilled to see the next story, The Belle of Bellgrave Square, will be focused on Julia Wychwood and Captain Blunt after all their interactions!

5 Stars

Book Description:

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

Review: The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon #1) by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: September 4th 2018 by Perfectly Proper Press

Pages: 388 Audio Length: 10 hours 49 minutes

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Source: Purchased

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

My Thoughts:

What kind of man would post a marriage offer for a wife? What kind of woman would answer it? A man who wants/needs a wife but doesn’t want to go through the hoops of courtship. Yet, when Justin lays eyes on Helena and gets to know her, he’s willing to do a lot more than just jump through hoops.  Helena answers the advertisement seeking protection and refuge, just wanting a kind, protective man, but Justin stirs up a lot more than just shelter and friendship.  I loved seeing these two fall in love while battling insecurities, and getting to know each other, revealing their deepest secrets.

What Helena went through made me so angry!  I’m happy she found an advocate and protector and more with Justin. He also inspired her to courageously stand up for herself!  I loved Justin and was thrilled Helena came into his life! She was just the kind of woman he deserved after the past he endured!

I picked up The Marriage Advertisement after loving A Holiday by Gaslight. The e-copy and audio together were a steal of a deal on Amazon. I was riveted to the story, starting the audio book and then continuing to read traditionally needing to know how it all turned out!  The audio was fantastic, I highly recommend Justine Eyre!

Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors, which is why I’m pleased the series will continue with Helena’s best friend/companion, Jenny, in the next story: A Modest Independence releasing next week. Can’t wait!

4 Suns

Review: A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
Publication Date: November 13th 2018 by Perfectly Proper Press
Pages: 175
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Source: Library Lend

About the book:

A Courtship of ConvenienceSophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. He’s grim and silent. A man of little emotion—or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things.
A Last Chance for LoveBut severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there’s Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What’s a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas and give him one last chance to win her? Only this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.

My Thoughts:

The book opens with Sophie breaking her courtship with Edward, because in the two months they’ve courting he’s show little or no emotion and she can’t be with someone seemingly void of personality. But upon thinking on it (with the careful nudges of her mother) did Sophie perhaps make a hasty decision? What if there is more to Edward than he let her see?

They decide to put the breakup on hold and try to get to know each, being more open and honest.  They’d already planned for Edward to come and stay at the family country house over the Christmas Holiday, so this is a perfect opportunity to see if they’re suited.

Edward was smitten with Sophie the moment he laid eyes on her. Being rich, but in the trade class their match would help him fit into the higher classes, but this has nothing to do with why he wants her. Sophie is under the impression that her position in society is the only reason Edward wants to court her, no doubt Edwards wealth would be a godsend to her family, but she needs to be at least friends with the man she ends up with. 

Sophie’s never dated someone from trade, a lower class, but she’s not a snob, and doesn’t expect all the social niceties.  Something Edward didn’t grasp during the two months they were seeing each other. Unfortunately, because Edward wanted to make sure he got things right, he consulted a “helpful” guide on courting and thus held back in showing any emotions opting for “proper” etiquette to court a lady.

Once it becomes clear that Sophie wants to know the true Edward their relationship blossoms into a lovely, swoony romance! Seeing Sophie and Edward fall for each other was a delight. While this is definitely a smut free romance, their kisses were magical and passionate! Left me with tingles all over!

This wasn’t a very long book, 175 pages, novella territory, but it was oh-so-wonderful!  The setting was described beautifully, a perfect winter wonderland.  I love it when a cover correctly depicts a story, and this one was perfection and gorgeous!  I needed more by Mimi Matthews so I bought: The Matrimonial Advertisement. Can’t wait!

4.5 Suns