Rules for Ruin

"Like the London smog, the chemistry is thick in this Victorian romance loosely inspired by David Copperfield. Products of London’s rookery, Effie and Gabriel are outsiders hustling hard to infiltrate London’s elite, but their aims make them rivals. Effie is the star protege of the mysterious Miss Corvus, who, like a more political Miss Havisham, wreaks revenge for her plight by training young women as secret agents in the fight for women’s rights. Effie’s role is to play a debutante, flirt her way through the marriage mart and gain the proof to bring down an aristocratic predator who opposes a key piece of legislation. That plan conflicts with Gabriel’s scheme to exploit the villain’s debts and secrets for the good of his people and himself. The journey from combatants to lovers sizzles."