Imperfect Illusions

This enjoyable WWI-era fantasy romance, the first installment of Lawless’s Devastating Magic series, brings together hardboiled private detective Warren “Sully” Sullivan and privileged amateur poet Elliot Stone when the men are drafted into the war due to their magical talents: an ability to manipulate emotions and an ability to enter others’ dreams, respectively. After a night of pleasure and connection on the eve of their enlistments, they are surprised to find themselves at the same training camp, and must hide their feelings in public while yearning for one another in private. Once they’re sent to war, Lawless is free with the use of both characters’ magic; their abilities seem to expand to encompass their situational needs. This overly convenient and hazily delineated magic system is not enough to detract from the juicy love-at-first-sight romance, however, and the historical backdrop enriches the fast-moving plot. Readers will be eager for more. (Self-published)