A young adult slow-burn, this is the epitome of enemies to lovers. Our main character loath each other as much as they loath the inevitable attraction that begins to trickle between them. This read had me laughing out loud several times. Look we know I tend to lean towards books with spice but I did not miss it one bit with this one. The back and forth sarcasm between Aurienne and Osric had me chuckling late into the night. My only wish was for more world-building outside of the two main orders the story is about but that did not discourage me from being absorbed into the story.

This was also a fairly quick read. So, if you are wanting witty arguments, magnificent cheekbones and hyper intelligent females then this is for you.

This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and let me tell you, IT DELIVERED!!! Words can't describe how much I love this book. The vibes were perfect.

This is really perfect for those dramione fans and this will not disappoint them.

👤 ⭐️⭐️
🌍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
📜 ⭐️⭐️
✌🏼 ⭐️⭐️

2.25

World building and magic system was interesting but I feel like it should have just been a completely different world rather than being set with some UK stuff it really pulled me out of it.

Didn’t feel connection to the characters at all and didn’t buy into the slow burn romance, didn’t feel chemistry.

There were moments I smiled a bit but the banter just didnt hit a lot of the time and felt like a fanfic (I know it started as one but it did feel a bit juvenile)

The scene of him getting off while she slept was a bit of an ick - dude, go rub one out in the bathroom.

The 2 story/plot lines had potential hit when it got into the political/pox stuff it took away from the trying to cure the seith rot. I feel like more of the chemistry could have been built in those experiments.

The ending was a bit anticlimactic and didn’t leave me wanting to know if he gets cured (sure he will) or why people want to spread the pox (well we kinda know)

I was hoping was gonna be a standalone. Will not be continuing the series.

Felt like a thesaurus chundered all over this

Okay, so when I first started this book I was really unsure on how I’d feel. However, once I figured out the writing style and felt comfortable with how the author was presenting the characters I understood it. It was sarcastic, funny and filled with a huge amount of irony. I enjoyed this book. I didn’t see it as a Dramione either and I’m glad for that!
I thought this was super unique with the way the magic was and how they were branded, I really loved the concept of having little shadow creatures passing messages. I think if someone can grasp the way it’s written and pick up on those little anecdotes of irony, this book will be really enjoyable! Not to mention the banter between the MC’s, as the writing was rather archaic, the insults were too and I loved it. It was witty and packed a punch.
I’m intrigued to find out more about saving the MMC’s powers and what’s going to happen with Orders, if there’s an all out war, this will be very interesting!

My thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I'll be completely honest, I did not enjoy this book as much as I was hoping to. The premise was great, but the writing style was not for me. I'm all for a good dick joke here and there, but it felt like the book was full of them, relying on that to make the book funny. The first couple did make me laugh, but then I just got bored of it. I didn't connect with the characters at all, which was disappointing.

Content warning: death, murder, injury detail, gore, serious medical condition

I applied for this read without realising it was a Dramione fanfic before being changed for traditional publishing. This put me off reading it when I found out, as I don't get the HP franchise hype at all, and hardly know the first thing about this ship. I didn't know whether to read and review this or not, given the serious discourse around IP towards the original author these fanfics were based from. In the end, due to obligation to signing up for this, I did read the book. I came to like the story somehow along the way - at first, the satirical prose really made me hate-read for the longest time, but suddenly I was cackling at the dialogue, and feeling for both characters, which surprised me because I was close to DNFing it earlier on. I personally have little experience with the characters who they were meant to be based off of, so I don't know how original they may feel to other readers, but I enjoyed both Osric and Aurienne, and how much depth they had by the end of the story.

Where to even begin?! This is such an accomplished, fun romantasy that completely blew me away.

My expectations were quite high but the storytelling and world building exceeded them so much!

I love how the world felt completely new whilst also having a few relevant nods here and there. The magic system felt so fresh and yet familiar all at once - the perfect marriage in my opinion.

Now, the slow burn. I know why they call it a burn because this HURT BUT IN THE BEST WAY. The tension! The banter! We were fed breadcrumbs the entire time and I ATE IT UP.

Whilst I am just a little peeved that we only got ONE KISS, I cannot give this anything less than five stars!

Thank you so much to Orbit for my ARC - I literally will be counting down the days for the next book!!

4.75 ⭐️ THE BANTER! The. Banter. had me go feral!

First of all, thank you so much to Brigitte, NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for approving this eARC!

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. And although it was different from what I expected, it was such a blast!

The bantering and bickering between Osric and Aurienne was absolutely nerve-wrackingly adorable (not sure this is a word, but it should be). The story had me totally convinced, that they are truly enemies and should NOT indulge into any possible tension building between each other. But still, every time they started verbally fighting, I was kicking my feet and screaming at them to just make up and kiss already!

The story itself surprised me in that sense, that it’s quite different from the Dramione fanfiction it’s originated (DMADMOOBIL), but that is not a criticism. I know the story had to be adapted, so I was happy to dive into a new setting. But I have to admit that I struggled at the beginning to get through the whole world building. Some terminology was foreign to me, but I’m also not a native English speaker. I worked my way through it with my kindle dictionary, though. Haha.

I really liked the dynamics between the two main characters and I, of course, feel in love with the bratty, sassy, bad boy assassin Osric, because duh!? I can see the Draco Malfoy traits, and I’m here for that.

Aurienne, on the other hand, is very sophisticated, goal oriented and smart, but Osric rubs up on her throughout the story. And I love it.

I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book.

✨Magical world
💔Rivals to lovers?
🐺Animal sidekick
⁉️Unknown mutual enemy
⚡️Banter, so much banter
🔥Slow burn
🌶️minimal spice

When I started this book it started off strong and I was really enjoying it! I didn’t realise that it was Dramione fanfic which doesn’t sot right with me, however what I did read was strong and enjoyable!

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group and the author for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I need the sequel. Like, right now. I need to have it in my hands so I can keep reading about Osric and Aurienne.

The irresistible urge to fall for your enemy is a romantasy slow burn set in a magical world. It follows Osric Mordaunt, a Fyren in desperate need of medical help, and Aurienne Fairhim, a brilliant Haelan and also, what Osric needs.

Let's start with the things I enjoyed.
- Osric. He might be a little crass, a little vulgar and arrogant but I loved him. I really liked his humor and his personality, the way he would get offended for the silliest things like Fairhim not calling him pretty was probably one of the funniest things in this;
- The banter. Osric and Aurienne are polar opposites, and they know it. This leads to a nice banter between them, banter that starts as pure hatred and then slowly turns into something different;
- The slow burn. If you're looking for slow burn, trust me this is it. This is SLOW, and it's perfect this way. I wouldn't ask for it to be any other way.

I can say that overall I really really enjoyed this (duh, I'm giving it 4.5 stars) and I definitely recommend it. The reason why I'm not going for the full 5 stars it's because the story is pretty much only focused on the characters and the development of their relationship, so in the beginning it's a little hard to get into it and it makes the story a little slow. Once you get to know the main characters and start caring for them, everything gets easier and the rhythm picks up.

Oh I loved this more than words can describe, but I’m going to do my best.
This was such a fun read, I went into it with absolutely no knowledge behind it and I’m so glad I did because I had no expectations and they were still exceeded.
The banter was so fun, I instantly loved the characters and the best way I can describe the experience of reading this is back in the day when you’d be late night scrolling and looking for a good fan fiction and then discovered one that was so good it kept you up reading until the morning, this book is that.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early, I hope this book gets the appreciation it deserves when it’s released out into the world because I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy centres around healer, Aurienne and assassin, Osric, who, despite their differences and dislike of each other, work together to try and find a cure for Osric’s magical affliction.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was already one of my most anticipated reads for this year so was excited to dive into her debut novel. And boy, it did not disappoint!

The relationship building between Aurienne and Osric was the absolute highlight of this book. I am a sucker for enemies to lovers, so the enmity and tension within their relationship was everything. This was definitely a slow-burn, which I’ll be honest is not always my favourite, but, oh was it worth it! The witty banter and sharp exchanges between Aurienne and Osric was *chefs kiss*. As their relationship evolved throughout the book it had me laughing out loud with a silly smile on my face, and even moments of kicking my legs with joy!

Brigitte has created a truly immersive world, complemented by a fascinating and well-developed magic system known as seith, which immediately drew me in. The deofol characters were also a standout, each possessing distinct personalities and a wonderful sense of sass (Cíele, I'm looking at you!).

Overall, this debut novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance with compelling characters and intricate world-building. I truly cannot wait to devour more of Brigitte’s work in the future, especially the second part to this!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book early. It was unfortunately not for me, and after nearly 3 months of actively avoiding the book, I finally decided to admit defeat and DNF.

Just a few issues I had with it:

• the style of writing was way too overly wordy straight from the get go and it was really making my brain hurt. I do recall from the fanfic version from the author that I had the same issue with the writing - I just hadn’t realised it was going to be just as present in this trad published edition.

• the ‘humour’ wasn’t funny (to me personally) and felt a bit much. It kept pulling me from the story and I was already struggling to wrap my head around the world.

• despite the fact that the story has seemingly been made “original” to separate it from its fanfic counterpart, there are still far too many nuances (especially the characters appearance) that keep it linked to its HP relations (that I kept picking up on) and that, after seeing many open discussions by people in and around the trans community who have been repeatedly impacted by JKR, has made me feel it necessary to take a step away from the book. This is also something I feel is imperative I do as there is still marketing surrounding the book that falls back on the popularity of ‘Dramione’ and its subsequent fanfics, and continues to give voice and interest to the series regardless of people’s insistence that they can somehow separate the art from the artist.

It is wholeheartedly people’s choice to engage with this book and I don’t begrudge that others have enjoyed it - but personally, it’s just a no from me. It really didn’t feel worth my time and energy trying so hard to interpret the writing

i was torn about this book as i'm not a dramione girl at all and knew this is based around a fanfiction written by the same author. however the cover, hype and description of the book had convinced me.

i know that it would be hard for me to picture them as different characters then the ones they were based upon and may have enjoyed it more had i not known the connection. But i did enjoy the characters and the humor in this book was unmatched, it was a perfect example of tongue in cheek.

however i found that the book to have too much complicated vocabulary which that took me away from the over storyline. The world building could have been better, i felt like i kept flipping to the glossary throughout which also distracted me away from the story.

I believe this will be a duology so I will be reading the next book, but i don't feel as if i would be rushing to pick it up.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

A charming, clever and slow burning romantasy that had me grinning and absolutely hooked from start to finish.

This book was such a pleasant surprise. I expected something a little more serious, but what I got was a story full of tension, wit, humour, and fantastic chemistry between two very memorable characters.

Osric and Aurienne are the perfect opposites. She’s brilliant, principled and prickly, and he’s charming, morally questionable, and annoyingly hard to resist. Their banter had me constantly chuckling. I don’t think the humour will be for everyone, but I felt it added a lightheartedness to the story that made it feel more unique and enjoyable.

There was a slight twist towards the end of the book, and I have to say, I did not see that coming. I really didn’t think the story was going to head in that direction at all.

The romance was the definition of a slow burn, I mean, it’s really slow, but the progression between the two main characters felt very natural, and I’m excited to see where their relationship heads in the next book. I’m always a fan of a slow burn. Their dynamic gave off big hypercompetent idiots energy, and I loved watching their relationship shift as they were forced to work together.

I actually didn’t realise this was a duology until I started reaching the end and couldn’t figure out how it was all going to wrap up in the last 20 percent. Anyway, now I need the second book immediately.

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

I was already half in love with this book the moment I saw the cover—and once I saw it had enemies-to-lovers ? Say no more, I was in.

The plot intrigued me with its mix of magical experimentation of curing Osric’s illness and a mysterious plague sweeping through the city, especially since it’s affecting children. The tension and mystery build with every chapter, and it kept me turning pages.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
We’ve got a grumpy, hard-edged healer (Aurienne) paired with a flirty, mischievous assassin (Osric)—and their dynamic is hilarious and chaotic in the best way. Their deoufol (animal familiar) adds even more charm to the mix.
I loved how their relationship evolved over time. What began as a reluctant partnership gradually turned into something far more vulnerable and meaningful.

The writing style felt really different from what I’m used to, and since English isn’t my first language, it took me a bit to fully settle into the flow.
Some of the vocabulary was unfamiliar, but thankfully I read it on my Kindle, so looking things up was easy.
The banter between the main characters was fun, though I’ll admit a few of the dry humor moments didn’t quite land for me—but that’s more of a personal thing.

The world-building is unique, though it would’ve been easier to get into the world if the details were revealed as the story went on, instead relying on a glossary to explain everything upfront.
Still, once I got the hang of it, the story became easier to follow, and I found myself genuinely intrigued by the world.

This is the first book in a duology, and that ending left me curious enough to stick around for the sequel—just to see what lies ahead for Osric and Aurienne.

If you’re into dual POV romantasy set in an alternate England—with enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, he-falls-first, forced proximity, witty banter, and a dash of dry humor—this one’s definitely worth checking out.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: graphic violence, medical content, on-page torture, death of minor characters, swearing, brief sexual content

This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and Brigitte Knightley absolutely delivered. Honestly, I can’t even put into words how much I loved it. The writing is sharp, humorous, and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.

When I say I need an enemies to lovers story, this is exactly what I mean. Watching two people see each other at their worst and still fall in love? Perfection. It’s the slowest of slow burns (physically painful at times!), but you just keep craving more.

Aurienne and Orsic have one of the funniest and most entertaining dynamics I’ve ever read. Their banter had me laughing and giggling constantly, their chemistry is off the charts.

“He had been stupid — gods, so stupid. He no longer owned his heart.”

And those little DMATMOOBIL references and Easter eggs? They made me so happy!! I love how Brigitte ties everything together for her readers.

I can’t wait to hold the physical copy in my hands and I need the next book ASAP. Seriously. I’m obsessed.

the comedy is unmatched, the relationship building is fantastic and so beautiful.
Brilliant read that hand me squealing and kick my feet

I loved every minute of this book and I couldn’t put it done the characters and how beautifully it was written, I can’t wait to read more form this author

THANK YOU NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars — because apparently I do have an irresistible urge to fall for morally grey assassins and the brilliant scientists who hate them.

He’s an assassin. She’s a scientist. And although their Orders are enemies, they’re forced together in a true enemies-to-lovers gem. Aurienne Fairhrim, the principled, genius healer, is bribed into saving Osric Mordaunt—a lethal, snarky member of the Fyren Order who is very much not supposed to be her patient. She debates the morality of even helping him survive, and he makes it clear that dying might be preferable to enduring her contempt.

What follows is the slowest of burns. And I mean glacial. It made me desperate for the sequel.

Brigitte Knightly’s writing is razor-sharp, balancing genuine emotional stakes with the kind of clever, creative, graphic language that had me wheezing. The banter is top tier. The yearning is deliciously painful. And the tension? Exquisite.

The dialogue? Unhinged in the best way. A few favourite gems:
💉 “Was the message ‘I don't know where the jugular is and had to stab him 12 times to find it?’”
🥣 “You—you killed someone while they were eating yogurt?” / “Yes. It was good yogurt, too.” / “You ate the yogurt?”
🧬 “Was both clingy and thick, like a tenacious mucus.”

If you’ve read Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love (yes, it’s that fic), you’ll recognize her signature voice—brilliantly intellectual, deeply introspective, a little indulgent in the best way. If you haven’t, the prose may take some adjusting—but the payoff is so worth it.

I docked half a star for the lack of worldbuilding—I wanted more clarity around the Orders, the political structure, and the stakes beyond the romance. Hopefully book two expands on that.

Genre-wise, I’d call this cozy fantasy with daggers and dense sentences—a tale of moral conflict, mutual contempt, and quiet moments that catch fire.

Highly recommend if you love:
🗡️ slow burn (like, slow slow)
🧪 science x stabby tension
📚 enemies to lovers with real teeth
💬 banter so sharp it draws blood

Bring on the sequel—I’m feral for it.