The Marriage Method

De: Mimi Matthews

Narrado por: Elizabeth Knowelden, Will Watt

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 . . .

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

Story and Narration Perfection

I loved the story so much! The way the relationship between Nel and Miles bloomed in front of our eyes was beautiful! And the twists and turns kept me in suspense!

Fabulous!!! ♥️♥️♥️

The Marriage Method just landed at the top of my list of favorites beside Gentlemen Jim!
I loved this story so much!
Mimi is a favorite author of mine and I couldn't wait for this book to be released! Iloved Rules for Ruin so much and feel like this new series is definitely some of Mimi's best work, but the thing that put this story, a notch above a lot of her others was her level of romance. Not romance in crude or sexual way (although I feel like this was definitely one of her most spicy books.) but romance in a learning to care, appreciate, value and respect each other type of way!!
She wrote real romance!
A LOVE Story!!!
The kind that builds and lasts!
Like with Gentlemen Jim! It's in a class of its own!
It's not just romantic, it's lovely to read.
This book had action, mystery, a little comedy, heartbreak and a beautiful love story that puts it at the top of my list!!
I do want to clarify something about this story, I personally don't like a book with sex scenes and won't read them as a rule, so l was a little taken aback that this book went as far as it did, as all that l've read from Mimi have been closed door books. But I have to give credit to her on this, she wrote a love scene without graphic details or overly descriptive wording. It wasn't a lusty, overly exaggerated, sex scene, it was a love scene and frankly there's a BIG difference. So although that isn't something I would want in a story, what she wrote was so well written because it was an example of love not lust.
I'm super pulled on rating but l'm still going to give it a 5 stars because I loved the story so much but I won't be able to recommend to just anyone bc it's not a closed door book, and I've always felt that a truly amazing story should be something that you can recommend and share with everyone!

Cat got your crinoline?

The Marriage Method is a pleasure to read with an added bit of thrill and mystery. Nell and Miles are the cutest couple. The basis of their relationship is a partnership and I love the tenderness between them. Their first kiss is so sweet, you can't help melting a little inside.

I really enjoyed following Nell's character as she works through her insecurities and grows more confident in herself. I adore how much Miles treasures her.

Lastly, never underestimate the Academy women! Just ask Silas after that battle scene with Miss Trewlove, Miss Flite, and Miss Brent...it's giving Kingsman fight scene energy.

Amazing story and narration!!

Elizabeth Knowelden and Will Watt narrate the audio version and they narrate so well together and bring the story to life!!

Oh, my heart... just WOW! This series is amazing. Book 1 captivated me entirely, and the second installment is truly incredible! This is more than a novel; it’s a breathtaking marriage of convenience woven with mystery, sparkling tension, swoon-worthy romance, and a premise so utterly page-turning, you won't be able to put it down.

The event that forces Miles and Nell to the wed is the most deliciously innocent, tragic, and unexpectedly hilarious series of events! It genuinely had me giggling out loud. Nell’s initial feisty attitude toward the marriage was a total hoot! And the best part? It's Miles who has to chase after her to ensure she doesn't accidentally wreck his carefully built reputation. What a delightful flip of the usual roles! This reversal is the key to their magic, and the way their relationship tenderly evolves because of it makes their journey the most endearing tale.

The suspense of the unfolding murder mystery and the rough-around-the-edges world Nell and Miles navigate together is completely captivating. It kept me utterly engaged, heart racing, I kept turning the pages well after my bedtime.

Miles is such a wonderful hero! To me, he has the comforting, compartmentalized nature of Tom and the thoughtful, solid core of Justin from the Parish Orphans series. I was absolutely charmed by how methodical and organized he is. It truly unveils such a sweet, steadfast, and stoic side to his character.

And Nell! She is a breath of fresh air—independent, wonderfully strong, and so intelligent! She’s a clever woman who has learned to use her wit and charm to her advantage. She doesn’t let her injury define her, and I loved the deeply moving moment when she finally shows her vulnerability and allows Miles to love her completely and truly. My heart melted.

“You have no acquaintance with my undergarments, sir, direct or otherwise. I’ll thank you to keep your opinions about them to yourself.”

If you enjoy historical fiction romances, are a fan of the marriage of convenience trope, and crave a book with high-stakes tension and emotional payoff, then this is an absolute must-read! Easily one of my favorite reads of 2025!

For fellow Mimi fans: I so enjoyed seeing characters from previous books pop onto the page! I absolutely adore when authors include those sweet little Easter eggs into their other series!

A note on content: This story includes talks of a murder, prostitution, altered drinks, kidnapping, and non-graphic fight scenes. There is a beautifully handled fade to black scene that in my opinion is not an open-door scene; there is zero explicit content. The focus is entirely on the feelings and emotional acceptance of our heroine, and I feel it is 100% related to Nell finding peace with her injury—a powerful message about being loved and lovable, even when feeling broken.