Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the eARC! I was really excited for this one as I was seeing rave reviews and hearing that it's a true slow burn romantasy.

I got to around 30% and realised that the quirky style and constant banter wasn't working for me, so I stopped there. I'm still going to rate this 4 stars as I think that what the author was going for was done well, it just turns out that wasn't for me and that's okay! The writing was excellent and the setting felt very vivid in my head.

I’m speechless by how much I LOVED this 😭🫶

Starting as Dramione fanfic it was a given I’d enjoy it, but it was STUNNING ✨

Beautiful prose effortlessly wound in with humour and witty banter. Slow burn enemies to lovers.

The rework was done amazingly well. The world building was easy enough to wrap your head around but substantial enough to have political intrigue and unique magic systems (and completely separate to Potter that you really wouldn’t know its origins).

NO NOTES. Perfection 🤌

And how dare Knightley leave me on that cliffy?! DESPERATE for book 2.

Thanks to Little Brown Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book that should have worked for me… but didn’t. And I’m still a bit annoyed about it.

The setup had everything I love: an assassin and a healer from opposing factions forced into an uneasy partnership, plenty of tension, and the promise of a slow-burn dynamic. But for a book that should have been right up my alley, I struggled so much to get through it.

What didn't work for me:

- The writing style: I had to work so hard to follow what was happening. The language felt like it was trying to sound old-timey but ended up clunky, and the pacing was all over the place. And why was everything named in the most convoluted way possible?? I spent more time deciphering terminology than enjoying the story.

- The magic system & worldbuilding: I don’t mind being thrown into a complex world, but this one felt needlessly difficult to grasp. I’ve read high and epic fantasy and didn’t struggle this much! Basic things were explained in the most complicated way, and I was constantly feeling like I’d missed something.

- The secondary characters: I can’t name a single one. They were there, I suppose, but none of them stood out.

What I DID enjoy:

- The main characters - Osric and Aurienne - had a dynamic I liked. Their reluctant partnership, the inventive insults, and the slow shift in their relationship were fun.

- GORGEOUS cover art, just wow!

That’s… about it.

I think I just had sky-high expectations and got frustrated when I wasn’t having the best time. That said, I am hoping this was just debut novel growing pains. I wouldn’t really call this a romance (more of a very slow-burn friendship with a budding lust and attraction), but I actually appreciated that, and I do think it’ll pay off in the next book.

Despite my mixed feelings, the second half was more enjoyable, so if you push through the first, there is a glimmer of hope. And if nothing else, at least the swearing and insults were entertaining.

3.25/5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4,25 stars.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.

What a fun ride! I absolutely loved the quick-witted, dry humor and the banter (and amazing chemistry) between our main characters. Their mutual loathing was incredibly fun to read and I laughed out loud so many times.

The book didn't focus a whole lot on world building or on delving deep into an intricate story, but I actually think it ends up working really well for it, because it's their scenes together that make it so good and entertaining. It skips over a lot of potential scenes where both main characters do their own thing, and instead it gives us what we want and makes sure we get as many interactions between them as possible. And I was very happy about that! The author knows what makes the story so fun and focuses on exactly that.

It was a bit confusing at times, even with the glossary. We are thrust straight into it all, and sometimes we will hear them use words or talk about things that aren't always fully explained. It could have been nice with a bit more info at times, but overall it wasn't a big issue and I still enjoyed myself immensely.

So if you're looking for an incredibly funny read with a true hate to love slow burn and perfect banter, look no further! I am already looking forward to the next installment.

If you have the irresistible urge for a low slow burn forbidden romance with banter in abundance, this romantasy debut will be the cure to what ails you.

“Hypercompetent idiots” isn’t a trope I’ve ever seen included in a book’s description but when I saw it on The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy, my smile at an interesting premise turned into a laugh and I immediately knew I was going to have to read it. Osric Morduant is a gentleman assassin, a member of the Fyren Order. His magic is also fading and he’s in desperate need of a healer. Aurienne is a Haelen, just who Osric needs in fact, and she is desperately working alongside her colleagues to heal an outbreak of sick children. Haelens don’t heal Fyren, so Osric needs to get Aurienne to help whether she likes it or not. What follows is two characters at loggerheads and who, oh so slowly, start to tolerate each other. Then become intrigued by each other. All while they search for a cure for Osric and investigate the source of the deadly pox outbreak.

Brigitte Knightley’s writing style is witty and reflects each character’s personality when we read from their point of view. There’s a huge helping of dry humoured banter throughout the book and the comedy of Osric’s bumbling preening falling flat with Aurienne made me smirk, even after we discovered Aurienne might just have a good poker face. This is definitely a romantasy book for readers looking for lots of longing and the slowest of burns but there are some romantic moments and a couple of scenes where the heat spikes. I loved the combination of magic and science and how the magic system and function is depicted. The integration of the different Orders sets the stage for this forbidden romance and also creates a unique wider world. Then we have the two different mysteries to solve, which offers plot twists galore with bodies and thefts along the way. I have the irresistible urge to know what happens next.

I LOVED this book. Having read the famous fanfiction by the author and loved it (though I believe she advises this is a not shot-for-shot rewrite with fandom references removed, there's still a lot in common with her original) I was not sure what to expect. But what I got was a thoroughly entertaining, punchy, fast-paced story that I can only describe as a delightful romp.

In a world where magic is embedded in everyone via a "seith" system similar to our nervous system, expert users can train and join and Order. Some of these Orders follow a light path, some a "dusken" or dark one. Aurienne is the brightest and best of the Order of healers, whilst Osric is a skilled member of the Order of assassins. Through some brilliant banter, Knightley skillfully shows us the requisite initial enmity and distrust that would define the initial relationship of these two from Orders that despise each other. They're then put through a wringer of desperate circumstances, reluctant bargains and constant danger. And out the other side - Aurienne and Osric are two people who are starting to think the other maybe isn't that bad, after all...

I loved Aurienne's practical approach to life and devotion to her craft of healing. Her lack of modesty was a delight to this reader (who thinks all women should claim credit where credit's due without blushes). And what can I say about Osric? His dashing good looks, swaggering charm and lethal talents as an assassin were slowly peeled away for us to glimpse the desperate, wounded boy underneath, of course the reader can forgive him a few murders.

With just the right balance of tension, a heaping helping of vulgar back-and-forth, rude and crude jokes, sarcasm and of course our characters' razor-sharp wit, his book is just plain FUN. I was absolutely feral for the arc of Aurienne and Osric's relationship by the end. Unfortunately, it's the first in a series so for a satisfying conclusion to either the plot or the relationship I will be waiting patiently (or not) for the next one.

⭐️⭐️ | A Slow Burn That Struggles to Ignite

This book had an interesting premise—an enemies-to-lovers romance between a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin—but it didn’t fully deliver. The world-building felt incomplete, with little explanation of the magic system or setting, making it hard to immerse in the story. Key details, like the Orders, were buried in the glossary rather than woven into the plot.

The writing style was overly complex at times, especially in the FMC’s chapters, which read more like a medical journal than a fantasy novel. Aurienne, despite being a healer, often came across as unnecessarily cruel. Meanwhile, the romance barely started until the 80% mark, and the ending felt unresolved.

I really wanted more from the plot—it had the potential to be something great, but the lack of depth in world-building made it fall flat. While the concept was intriguing, the execution left me wanting more clarity, connection.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc! This book is the traditionally published version of the fan fic 'Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare' who is the author of this book. I haven't read the fan fic yet, but this book is AMAZING which is why I gave it 4.75 stars and I cannot wait to read the fan fic version.

The two MC's were so interesting to read about, and their development was amazing. The way they interacted and communicated was so interesting, and the way the MMC described his feelings for her made my heart so full. I loved the other characters that popped up throughout the book, and the plot was pure perfection. You can definitely tell that the MMC and FMC were like Hermione and Draco with how they are described and how they act and I wish they were real people. I am definitely getting a physical copy of the book to re-read and annotate once it comes out officially.

Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Slow Burn

Oh, I’m really conflicted about this one. It started off so strong! The quirky writing style and the humor had me laughing out loud, which rarely happens when I read. I was immediately hooked.

But as I finished the book, I couldn’t help but feel that not much really happened. Despite the great start, the story seemed to lack depth, and the plot didn’t move forward as much as I had hoped. It was entertaining, no doubt, but not quite what I expected.

Okay, this book was so much fun! Assassin x healer? Yes! The magic system was super unique and fit perfectly into the story. And the bickering? Amazing. They were constantly getting on each other’s nerves with all the sarcasm and snark, and I loved every second of it.
It had real romcom vibes, but with action and tension to keep things exciting. The slow burn was frustrating in the best way.

The title already gave it away, but Brigitte Knightley wasn't playing when she said Enemies to Lovers. This is the exact adult, slow burn, filled with banter storyline I hope for when reading an enemies to lovers novel. I really felt the enemies part, it wasn't that; oh I don't like you but there's something about you... It was real animosity.
The chemistry between the two, however, is also impecable and women in STEM? Sign me up!
The world that is created here is amazing, I love it when authors can drag me into a story like this. I could almost see everything, being able to cause that is an amazing talent.
I cannot wait for the second book in this duology!

Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Club UK for the ARC and trusting me to write my honest opinion about it.

This was such a good book, I absolutely ate it up. I love an enemies to lovers but too many don’t actually dislike each other that much really and end up together far too quickly. This was the complete opposite, they truly despised one another, their banter, angst and loathing towards one another was first rate.

Will be recommending to everyone!

Thank you approving me to read the ARC.

enemies to lovers, you'll always be famous.

this delivered exactly what it promised—dry humor, elaborate world building, banter, two snarky idiots at odds, and i was SEATED. i'm not a big fantasy reader, but this book knew exactly how to draw me in, even if the beginning felt a bit slow paced and i struggled getting through it. once it started picking up, i was flipping pages and losing sleep, so i'm happy to report miss brigitte has me on a chokehold.

the slow burn BURNED. burned me. but the payoff was worth it. like our prophet miley cyrus once said, life is a climb but the view is great.

I had heard such brilliant things about this book that I think I went in with mh expectations too high. It's a fairly fun fantasy, but it wasn't for me. I wasn't feeling any chemistry between the leads so I'm reluctant to call it a romance. And I think it was trying way to hard to be quirky and funny. There are definitely people who will love the book though, so my advice would be to give it a go!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Disclaimer: e-Arc provided by Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit via Net Galley for Review. All thoughts are my own. My thanks to Orbit, for providing me with the arc for review.

Plot
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is an enemies to lovers romantasy following Aurienne Fairhrim, a healer and scientist, and Osric Mordaunt, an assassin for hire. When Osric magic starts depleting he bribes Fairhrim to help him. This book is a traditional published version of a Draco and Hermione (Dramione) Fanfiction.

Thoughts
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Full disclosure: I am not a Dramione fan. I’ve tried their fanfiction as some of it comes highly recommended, but I just can’t get behind them as a couple having read the books. However, their dynamic (enemies to lovers, old academic rivals, etc) has always appealed to me so I was so excited for the traditional published versions coming out this, and was thrilled to get an arc.

Now for the review!

This book was really good, it was unexpectedly funny - like laugh out loud at times funny! I really liked the relationship dynamic between our two leads, and the plot regarding the investigation into his illness and other things arising.

Where it fell down for me was outside of the romance plot. At the beginning there was a lot of time jumps, and we got very little character stuff outside of work and the romance. I would have liked to see the characters in more ordinary settings earlier in the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and highly recommend even if Dramione and/or HP is not your thing!

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley is a fantasy romance that follows the unlikely collaboration—and growing relationship—between Aurienne Fairhrim and Osric Mordaunt.

From the very beginning, Knightley builds a compelling world where eight orders align with the Bright, Dim, or Dusken paths. Aurienne belongs to the Bright Haelens, healers whose abilities match their name. Osric, on the other hand, is a member of the Dusken Fyren, shadow-walking assassins for hire.

Although the book didn’t immediately hook me, the pacing strengthened as the story progressed, and from chapter four onward, the action was brilliant.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the humor interwoven throughout. Both Aurienne and Osric have deliciously dry, sometimes crass wit that suits them perfectly and adds depth to their growing bond. The banter feels natural, making their interactions even more engaging.

At first, I couldn’t see how the enemies-to-lovers arc would unfold, but Knightley masterfully drip-feeds moments of change and insight, revealing the underlying similarities between the two characters despite their obvious differences. The shift in their relationship is well-paced, developing in a way that feels authentic while still leaving us eager for more.

One line in particular captures both the heart of the story and my feelings about waiting for the next installment:
"He hated that he had come to the waystone whole, but left it having lost a piece of himself in two star-brilliant eyes."

I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy, rom-coms, and enemies-to-lovers romances—you’re in for a fantastic time!

Thank you NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Brigitte Knightley for the ARC. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

'He and she sat in the moonlight as lover and beloved. He hadn't paid attention. He had been stupid - gods, so stupid. He no longer owned his heart. The thief was unconscious of her crime.'

Review:
A unique fantasy romcom with a lot of dry humor and witty banter.

The book features a unique magic system, with individuals belonging to different orders linked to their magic. While I enjoyed the concept, I felt the story could have delved deeper into exploring these orders. Instead, it was mainly focused on the two main characters. I did, however, love the addition of the deofols (animal companions used for communication linked to their magic).

The main characters shared some witty banter and dry humor, which I loved. However, at times, their dialogue became a bit repetitive, and while some jokes had me laughing out loud, others didn’t quite land for me.

The slow burn between the main characters was very slow, which I usually don’t mind at all. However, there wasn’t much tension until the very end of the book.

It took me a while to get into the story, but by the 70% mark, I was completely invested. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, it ended, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next installment to find out what happens next.

- Fantasy romcom
- Enemies to lovers
- Mysterious illness
- Assassin x healer
- Dual POV
- Slow burn
- Unique magic system
- Witty banter

I was gifted this e-arc by NetGalley for free and leave this honest review voluntarily

I was unsure about this book at first. I think it’s because I had seen so much about it, my expectations were SO high. I also thought this was a standalone so the ending was very unexpected 😂

Witty, sarcastic banter that had me smiling ALL the way through. I loved the writing style of the book too. It makes the book so different to others out there.

I love the depth that enemies to lovers goes in this story. Following both characters POVs and seeing their conflicting thoughts throughout was brilliant. To me, it is the true definition of enemies to lovers and romance, because, even though they see the worst in each other, the journey of them falling head over heels for each other had me swooning.

The plot was very light. The main focus of the book is on the characters and their feelings. I wasn’t HOOKED, like I have been with other books, because of this, but I enjoyed it and have finished wanting to read book 2 and find out what happens.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for the ARC.

I will start off with: I never laughed so much while reading. The tone, the humor and banter were everything I needed at that moment. It felt so silly, so thrilling too! I couldn’t wait to go back to it after work (which felt like torture because it kept me away from this insane quest). Also, it felt like reading a D&D tale! Which I absolutely loved. Honestly, I could quote so many lines but I don’t want to spoil all the funny bits (iykyk) it’s best if you experience it yourself in my opinion.

The characters are obviously driving the whole adventure. Aurienne (knows as Means to an end) with her brain and confidence. Osric (aka Point of leverage) with his.. knifes and imagination when it comes to assassinations? There is so much to say about them. So much disgust between the two, too. If you’re looking for enemies-to-lovers, this is it! And if you want more, here’s a list of tropes: forced proximity, high interaction slow burn, hypercompetent idiots, he falls first and hardest and slaughter as a love language.

I know it’s a published version of a fanfic and I’ll admit, I haven’t read it nor read any Dramione before. I’m not even familiar with the universe. There, you have it. I was a Star Wars kid. That being said, it wasn’t a problem and I wasn’t confused at all. It’s all very smooth, the world, the magic system and the politics at play with the different orders. I was here for it! Same thing for the writing, which was so immersive and beautifully witty!

This is the first installment of the Dearly Beloathed duology, and now I just need the rest of the story! Especially after this ending. I was giggling and kicking my feet.
Thank you so much to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for this arc which I’m super grateful for.

I was so excited to read this because I absolutely loved the authors fanfic which this is inspired by. The aspects which were similar to that I enjoyed. I love an enemies to lovers which this definitely is. They start off hating each other and they know they could never be together anyway so that works really well. The banter between them for the most part is fun. The deofols were great. It’s very much a slow burn but it works well for the story.
What I didn’t enjoy was how crude it was. Which is something I don’t say often because it wouldn’t usually bother me and I would laugh at them. There was just so much of it though from every character. I think the world building could have been better too. I didn’t really know where they were or what the political story really was. The magic system wasn’t explained so you’re just kind of thrown into it. Overall I did enjoy it though and I’ll probably read the next book.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!