The Trick of It is definitely my favorite Dragonblade Publishing romance yet. Witty and laden with banter, it’s got a magic subplot, a solid mystery, and a whole lot of fun under its cape. Keep your eye out for the book’s sleight of hand; you might just find yourself enraptured by it.

Welshman Rhys Caradoc is a street urchin, though he definitely doesn’t see himself as one. He taken in by Willa Selwyn, Baroness Selwyn, after picking her pocket and joins her troop of rescued street kids at Starling’s Rest, where she raises and sponsors children with unusual talents. She wanted him to be a clockmaker or maybe a physician, but Rhys has become a magician, using his humor to get the very best out of his card tricks.

Persephone “Seph” Boswell is a rival magician, and the last thing she wants to do is help Rhya with his problems. She and Rhys have been rivals since they were younger, pulling tricks near the Brighton seaside for coins. Seph has grown up to operate one of London’s best curiosity shops, and her cool head keeps her above water.

But then Rhys receives a mysterious letter, with both his name and Seph’s on it. Merlin, one of the best illusionists in their profession, requires their presence at a house party. Did I mention the letter is written in three different languages?

Fighting all the way, Seph and Rhys try to solve the mystery while ignoring the attraction simmering between them. But that’s easier said than done, with death around every corner.

This is such a fun, rock ‘em sock ‘em romance with a deeply fun plot and a lovely set of characters. Rhys Caradoc immediately became one of my favorite heroes with his spirited, feckless, big-hearted charm. He’s entered my hero-centered top ten easily. He’s so much fire and humor, and he’s a delight. 

Seph is his match every step of the way, with her tricks, her intelligence, unflappability and zest for living. Watching them rival each other while falling in love is a delightful privilege. I love that the seesaw balance between them never managed to tip in either direction entirely. They are fun and hot and ridiculous together.

And it’s got heart! There’s a reason why Merlin is trying to draw these two people together, and it’s a very intentional dose of matchmaking. And then there’s the promise of real magic lurking everywhere. Yes, this book takes place around Halloween. 

Together, they are funny and clever and sexy, filling in each other’s blanks like a person with a pen and a crossword puzzle. I truly loved reading this one, and I adored spending time with both hero and heroine. The Trick of It will delight anyone who loves a little bit of magic in their romance.

Lisa Fernandes has been reviewing romance novels ever since her great aunt left a Billie Douglas book out in the bathroom. She’s currently working on a biography about Julian Sands.