Rules for Ruin

Two scrappy orphans connect when they infiltrate London’s high society in this splashy Victorian series launch from Matthews (the Belles of London series). Effie Flite and Gabriel Royce both have their sights set on Viscount Compton, albeit for very different reasons. Compton is blocking a women’s rights bill in parliament and firebrand Effie seeks to orchestrate his ruin by digging up dirt on his past. Meanwhile, Gabriel needs Compton’s social influence to secure funds to reform the Rookery, the London slum where his betting shop is located. Though Effie and Gabriel’s conflicting goals put them at odds, attraction and mutual admiration develop across their meetings, intensified by a kiss shared after Gabriel rescues Effie, who is afraid of heights, from a balcony. It’s refreshing to see characters from the lowest echelons of society star in a historical romance, and Matthews expertly fleshes out both leads’ Dickensian backstories to explore class, gender, and racial inequality. Their romantic relationship primarily grows in moments of danger and tragedy, which leads to an intense connection, though some readers will wish they got to see how these two would relate in quieter moments as well. Still, the plentiful action keeps the pages turning. It’s a moving exploration of family, identity, and personal freedom. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (May)