The Marriage Method

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 Quincey 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 . . .

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.

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 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 Quincey 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 . . .

Report

Praise for Mimi Matthews

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!" Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author

Thrilling, poignant, and romantic, Rules for Ruin is a delight! 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." Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover's Library

Like the London smog, the chemistry is thick in this Victorian romance loosely inspired by David Copperfield The journey from combatants to lovers sizzles. NPR

"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

Every time Mimi Matthews writes a new novel, I wonder how she can possibly top her last one, and then she always does! The Marriage Method, book 2 in The Crinoline Academy series, is a page-turning treat, filled with thrilling action, gripping mysteries, beautifully developed characters, and heart-stopping romance....And the cats! I loved the cats! Don t miss this delightful novel with a heroine you ll treasure and a hero who will make you swoon! Syrie James, USA Today bestselling author

The novel is a masterclass in the slow-burn romance, with deep character development, compassionate disability representation, and just a touch of (non-graphic) spice. Even the kissing-only scenes will leave readers hot under the collar. Historical Novel Society

[An] action-packed historical love story that s so good it will have you loosening your corset to swoon properly. BookPage, starred review

A sequel that s just as much adventurous, swoony fun as its predecessor. Library Journal

"This Victorian romance is a winner, weaving social history, intrigue, and humor with falling in love." Kirkus

"An appealing Victorian romance that will please Matthews s fans, cat lovers, and anyone who appreciates intelligent, resourceful heroines." Publishers Weekly

Product details

• Authors: Mimi Matthews
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 25.11.2025
• EAN: 9780593639313
• ISBN: 978-0-593-63931-3
• No. of pages: 416
• Dimensions: 133 mm x 203 mm x 23 mm
• Series: The Crinoline Academy
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature; Romance, FICTION / Romance / General, FICTION / Romance / Historical / General, FICTION / Romance / Historical / Victorian