In short, I loved this book! It is such a good example of how enemies to lovers should be done. The relationship between the main characters felt believable and not rushed. They both felt like fully rounded people with flaws and understandable feelings and reactions. Their back and forth was so good. I also love that it didn’t shy away from making the MMC actually morally grey.

This writing style is funny, fast paced and refreshing. I didn’t read the previous version so I don’t really know how much has changed but it didn’t feel like fanfic to me - although I can see where the inspiration came from for the characters.

I really liked this world too. I was a bit worried when reading the glossary at the start as I usually prefer world building within the book. I did find it useful to flick back to as I kept confusing the different Orders.

I was lucky to read a digital copy ARC through NetGalley in return for this review. I really recommend and I will be spending my own money on a physical copy because I loved it so much!

Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️

This book seemed completely unfinished to me, until I found out that it's a series and there will be another book coming... but still, I very much did not love this story.

I was entertained, the banter was very good and there were a couple of times where I literally laughed out loud but the rest was kind of a mess for me.
The characters weren't developed much ( the only characters that had SOME substance were the two MC), the slowburn was there only in the last 20%, the magic system and worldbuilding were poorly explained and all over the place. There were so many moments where I didn't understand what was happening... AT ALL.

One thing that I really saw was that the author didn't develop the main characters at all. Oseric was definitely Draco and Aurienne was Hermione and it's like the author wanted to make that very clear. There wasn't any characterization other than making sure that the characters resemble Draco and Hermione and it made me so mad...

I can't say that I loved it and I also didn't hate it... so I will be reading the second book because the ending left me with questions.

I AM OBSESSED. From the very first page I was addicted to this. The writing is perfect. It's overflowing with humour and wit. It's so unique in it's tone and storytelling. I honestly cannot express enough how much I loved this. I honestly want to thrust this upon everyone I know. It's just such a pleasure to read. If this is not the BEST book of 2025 we are doing something wrong.

I am devastated that I've finished this book. I want to live in this world with these characters forever. It's going to be one of those books that I wish I could read again for the very first time.

You may think this is a rewrite of the authors dramione fanfic but it's not. This is its own story, although the author has said that it's dramione-coded. Personally though I forgot about that whilst reading it and to me, these characters stood on their own.

The old English language took me a minute to get in to as I'm not used to reading it. The dictionary function on my kindle really helped me out for the words I didn't know and I learned quite a few cool words.

This is a true enemies to lovers, slow burn in the purest form. 'Slaughter as a love language' - sign me up!! I am obsessed!

The bickering between the characters was absolutely hilarious and so was the way the author describes situations. The dry humour and sharp wit had me cackling. I haven't laughed out loud that much whilst reading a book in ages. The names they call each other when insulting each other was on a whole other level.

A detailed fantasy world becomes the backdrop of this romance, giving it an interesting edge. I really enjoyed being immersed in the magic of seiths and weystone travel. There is a well fleshed out plot giving the whole book more dimension. I was fully invested. Even the side characters weave their way in to your heart.

I fear the book hangover I now may have. I definitely look forward to further books from this author.

Thank you so much to Orbit, Little brown books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Reviews to be posted on my blog, social media and Amazon and links will be shared.

Now THIS is enemies to lovers… slow clap 👏🏻

First and foremost this is NOT a trad published version of the A03 fanfic. It’s a new story and the characters are not based on Hermionie or Draco. The author has made statements on this but from what I have seen online not everyone had gotten the memo. Although I appreciate and admit it’s amazing the fan fiction to published authors pipeline, I feel the author is being over associated with the fanfic that people think they know this book when they really don’t. Absolutely pick this book up this summer!

The story is set in a world where what if the uk wasn’t the united kingdom and instead just kingdoms and lots of petty kings and queens hating on each other (love that concept), plus we all have magic. That’s this world, specialists of their magic are sorted into one of 8 orders. Most important our MMC is in the assassin order and our FMC is in the healer order. And orders barely work together and these orders definitely don’t like each other!

So begins my favourite type of slow burn true enemies to lovers tale. The book is a little spicy and something that I loved is that again it is slow burn, don’t expect x rated in book one of a trilogy then there is no where for the characters to go. I personally don’t love an enemies to lovers where they meet, ‘hate each other’ then 10 minutes later are going at it.

This is absolutely romantasy not fantasy with romance. The low burn romance and the couple are the plot! Personally I would have loved to have seen this as a fantasy with a romance subplot but that would be a different book. So for people who criticises the lack of world building and focusing on the other plots, that’s why imo cause it’s heavy romantasy. I think the world will open more as the series goes on.

But yes the world building at the beginning I will say is a little weak and seems to opt for repeating the same information in lue of world building. The humour and narration is also an adjustment to get used too but both are better after the initial shock and once you get into the story. I found it similar to how Assistant to the villain was an adjustment to get used to that writing style, if you liked that book almost guarantee you will like this one

There is an odd quirk of this book though, some of the world choice is verging on baffling. I have never been so happy for the kindle’s dictionary feature before in my life. I always felt it was ridiculous the idea that people said you had to listen to Taylor Swift’s folklore with a dictionary because they honestly didn’t know what many of the words meant… I now know how they felt!
The word choice was mainly just very old english terms just not in common circulation anymore used to help date the story that although electricity is around so are horse drawn carriages. This isn’t set in any ‘modern’ times. However that left a different sort of confusion, first word that I had to look up was on page 1.. daguerreotype. Fair play to anyone who actually knew this word! It is the proper term for a type of old timely photograph. But why couldn’t we use the word picture? Yes historically accurate for a certain time period but on the other hand, this world also has electricity, well functioning plumbing including a bidet and people selling sex toys. So why was photograph so unusable? At least I can say I have definitely learnt something 😂

Can’t wait to get a special edition of the book in the future to have as an trophy and see how the rest of the story unfolds. Dearly Beloathed as a name for a series is also a brilliant name.

Huge thank you to netgalley and publishers for gifting me an arc I honestly thought I did not have a chance in hel of getting this and so glad I did thank you

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a weird one to review, because I really adored this author's dramione fanfics and really highly anticipated this - and I think I've been fairer to it because it has that nostalgic fic feel to it, whereas if I encountered some of the content in a different book I'd have rated it lower. So I'm letting you all know I am biased towards this because I have always been a dramione girlie 🤭

Now that disclaimer is out of the way, what did I love? The world building and magical system is unique and well thought out - i especially liked the idea of magic users having a Cost that manifests in different ways depending on the person; arthritis, hair loss, blindness etc, until they recover from overuse. The overall plot is fantastic and I loved the very slow burn between the main characters. It was fun and silly throughout, with plenty of banter and ridiculous situations. I enjoyed the side characters, especially the very cool deofols (animal messengers).

But what knocked off a star was some of the more crass and crude language, which is totally fine in books. And I promise I'm not a prude! But it felt a bit too much in this one, and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot at this 😳 I also wish there was a little more shared history between the two characters to really ramp up the bitter dislike to potential lovers to a higher level.

If you were an AO3 lover, and you're hardcore into dramione as a pairing then you'll enjoy this, like I did. You'll be able to just imagine them as Hermione and Draco and fill in any gaps in chemistry.

4.5/5

I feel like this is a book that won’t be for everyone, but will hit so well for some. It’s a very different story from Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being In Love, and yet it has the same energy. There were also nods to the fic and the Dramione fandom and I grinned like an idiot every time Osric’s signet ring was mentioned.

You know how forest fires can burn all winter underground and then flare up when the weather gets warm again? That’s what this book felt like. We got a small hint in the last quarter of what’s in store in book two and I am READY (and devastated I have to wait).

It’s sharp and funny (I lol’d multiple times) and I was smiling like an idiot for most of it.

I think fans of Long Live Evil and India Holton (and the OG fic of course) will really love this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and my friends at Orbit across the pond for the early read!

I don't think I have ever highlighted a book so much.

Firstly, the dedication was 10/10. Secondly, I was 60% in and I already knew this was going to be a 5 star read. I 100% pictured dramione whilst reading this and it added to the experience tenfold.

Knightley did a superb job at building a complex, unique magic system. I am obsessed with the way the companion animals were incorporated into the novel. The enemies to lovers trope was done flawlessly, the TENSION was unparalleled, the wit, banter and sass of our main characters done expertly. The language used in this book was eloquent and well-versed (I actually think I gained IQ reading it). It matched the setting and atmosphere of the book and really helped me immerse myself in the novel and its characters.

Please add this to your TBRs!

Tropes:

-Enemies to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
-Redemption Arc (kindof)
-Wit and Banter

Huge thankyou to Orbit and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

First of all thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for sending me an ARC copy of this most awaited book.
Enemies to lovers, check.
Slow burn, check.
Brilliant, funny and entertaining, check.
Everything I was expecting and more, a unique story with amazing characters. A must read for everyone who loves a bit of romantasy with a touch of sci fi. Truly fantastic

SECOND BOOK WHEN????

I don’t even know where to begin—I devoured this book like a starved gremlin. The banter? Chef’s kiss. The humor? Love it.. The references? Spot on. THE PUNS? Brigitte, I salute you. And, ironically, I even loved the cliffhanger (which is saying something because usually, they make me want to throw my Kindle into the void).

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—I have not read the fanfic. I know, I know. But listen, I am slowly wading into the Dramione waters, and my dear friend (who has been on a year-long mission to convert me) is winning. At this point, resistance is futile. I might as well grab my AO3 survival kit and dive in, because I know once I start, there’s no going back.

This book? This is how you do enemies-to-lovers. It’s got the tension, the slow burn, the layered backstories, and the “I will deny my feelings until it physically pains me” energy that I crave. Thank you, Brigitte, for understanding the assignment.

Also, I would like to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for every name that belongs to a dog or a cat in this book.

If you came here expecting high fantasy and deep philosophical themes, turn back now. This book is pure fun, and if you don’t read it with that in mind, you’re doing it wrong. I personally had an absolute blast.

Now, BRB, because apparently I have joined the Dramione cult so now I will go and devour DMATMOOBIL.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC~

I knew I would be obsessed and I'm obSESSED.
Our main characters Aurienne and Osric hate eachother. But they need eachother, so they strike a deal.

The plot be plotting, friends. I was so invested in this story and the mystery, I neeeed to know what happens next.
The banter and inner monologues in this book had me laughing and kicking my feet the whole way through. Brigitte does a fantastic job with the humor and the wit our main characters possess and it just made me love them all the more.
The slow burn too? Delicious. if you're an enemies to lovers fan that is sick of the enemies getting together at the 50% mark, you neeeeed this book!

An absolutely delectable tale of hating and wanting. Of old magic and new mysteries. Light and dark, and in-between spaces. I loved it.

(thank you so much netgalley and little brown / orbit for the e-arc!)

The cover is beautiful and I was really looking forward to diving in but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. Everything pretty much fell flat. The language in the book was confusing and there wasn't anything to clarify that the object or word meant so you just end up skipping a lot. The banter fell a bit flat because there is no chemistry between the main characters. You only really see their interactions and not who they are as individuals and or was quite boring. Not really any romance to speak of

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint! I was hesitant how a Dramione fanfic could be turned to a mainstream published story and the banter that I love was present throughout this. I giggled so much when reading this and loved the magic system that Brigitte has created. I need Book 2 now!

I went into reading this eARC (thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK!) for The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy expecting a romance fantasy, and that's exactly what I got - and so much more! Brigitte Knightley has truly surpassed all expectations with the first installment of the Dearly Beloathed series.

First of all I have to commend Brigitte's setting of a world where everyone has magicks to some extent, and her intricate world-building - both, together, are simply outstanding. The terminology and lore is intriguing and addictive. It had me going back to the glossary and searching the web, wanting to know more.

Aurienne Fairhrim; a powerful healer and woman in STEM, and Osric Mordaunt, an assassin-for-hire, rich pretty boy and apparent art connoisseur are polar opposites; enemies who come from different Orders. As the reader you know their romantic relationship is inevitable and their introduction is something akin to Romeo and Juliet - if those two had been true enemies to begin with. The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy is a true enemies to lovers, and it is a real slow burn. The tongue in cheek banter between the characters is top notch and I'm such a big fan of Brigitte's rom-com style of writing, which also manages to be gut wrenching in all the right places.

If like myself, you are a massive fan of the TRUE enemies to lovers trope and you love a slooow burn, then I HIGHLY recommend you pre-order this book.

It is truly a brilliant novel and I am so looking forward to part two!

4.25⭐️

Wow! What a story - this has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year (the ao3 girlies get it) and it didn’t disappoint.

A true enemies to lovers (which we don’t get often) with some fantastic banter and humour throughout. I simply adored our two main characters and the dual POV really made this story for me!

It took my a few chapters to get myself fully emerged into the world (more of a me issue that a writing style) but as the story developed I felt myself stepping back into that world more and easily each time.

Would recommend for anyone who loves, detailed world building, magic systems, enemies to lovers, banter and a heavy dose of sarcasm(I caught myself laughing out loud numerous times). These characters really do have my heart … already waiting for the next instalment!

Thank you NetGalley & Little, Brown Book Group UK for this arc.
#netgalley #littlebrownbookgroup

THIS BOOK. This book wrecked me in the absolute best way. The delicious slow burn, the tension, the YEARNING. The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is the kind of slow burn that has you screaming into a pillow because the tension is that GOOD.

Osric, our charming yet deadly assassin and Aurienne, our studious healer who has zero patience for his nonsense, are forced to work together, and let me tell youuuu, the bickering, the longing, the accidental but absolutely not accidental touches had me screaming and crying and kicking my feet.

Also that endingggggggggg. I’m unwell please release the next one now please 🙏🏾.

Please, please, please go preorder this one now, trust me, you won’t regret it.

I finished this book and lobbed it across my room ( metaphorically of course, my kindle is precious).

What a titillatingly frustrating un-puttadowable work of genius. When I say I want some slow burn this is exactly what I mean and then some.

We have white haired bad boy shadow daddy assassin Osric, who is inconveniently dieing. He seeks out the best Haelen possible to search for cure- Enter prim and proper Aurienne who excels at what she does.
Aurienne refused to help the assassin (cause ya know he kills folk) but a large donation to the Haelan Order to fund an inoculation for pox ridden children changes her mind.
The only problem is Osric is incurable and Aurienne resorts to the old ways of healing in a slim attempt to save his life. Add in some mutual hatred, a dozen murders, some common thievery and a nation on the brink of war and who wouldn't fall in love?

I laughed out loud, I gasped and I got angry (cliffhanger much). But I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a very long time. It's also the most fun I have ever had with out of context quotes, some of my favourites being -

"Let's tit about. I Love titting about"

"Xanthe is over two hundred years old. ---"how"? Did she forget ro die?"

"That's what altruism got you: spiders in your arsehole"

Read this book you won't regret it!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for granting my feral requests to get an ARC! As a fan of Knightley’s DMATMOOBIL, The Irresistible Urge has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint!!

The Irresistible Urge is totally separate from DMATMOOBIL. It’s not a retelling, but a Romantasy Duet set in a fictitious version of Britain. There are similarities between the couple we all love to ship sure, but Osric and Aurienne are lovable in their own rights, keeping the charm and banter that Knightley is well known for.

It follows the POV of both FMC and MC as they’re reluctantly brought together and guys, the forced proximity is real!!

Both characters were lovable, formidable and well rounded and I feel like book one has really set us up for an action packed book two. The pacing was great, the plot was believable, and the world building was top tier and not too complicated to keep track of.

This was a solid debut and I can’t wait to see where the story goes! Now I just need an ARC of book two… I can be a beta reader???!!!

Irresistible Bastard Meets Immovable Bitch (aka as Chapter one).
Hermione and Draco fanfiction repackaged into a new world, new terms, and slightly different characters.

Aurienne is desperate for funding to heal the sick. Osric needs someone to heal a seith degenerate disease (magic rot). He bribes her to help him and she haltingly accepts. Haelan and Fyren shadow-walking assassin - their Orders hate each other, they detest each other. They both need each other.

This was exceedingly slow burn. Like the romance is literally non-existent until the last 5%. Extremely enemies-to-lovers with quips, digs, constant argument. Fork-induced thoracic trauma shenanigans.

<b>’You - you killed someone while they were eating yoghurt?' asked Aurienne.
'Yes. It was good yoghurt, too!'
‘You ate the yoghurt?'
'After he was dead, yes. He'd hardly touched it. What? What's the matter?’
</b>
Aurienne is not arrogant she is The Best. Orin is not evil, he just has no morals and likes money.

This was fun, but it truly did read like I was reading fanfiction.
Capitalising things don’t always make them automatically funny. There was a lot of d jokes.

Outside the bantering and the wit exchange - which gave definite dramonie vibes, they felt so one-dimensional and there was little development or depth.

There was little side character development with the focus on the tension between the two. Similarly, the world building is promising with different orders and types of magic (seith) and seith users, however this mostly relies on the glossary and diagrams provided at the start of the book.

Physical arc (and fork lol) gifted by Orbit.

I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. Despite the enemies-to-lovers premise, I struggled to connect with the story. Osric, the main male character, was hard for me to picture as the tall, handsome figure on the cover. I kept imagining him as a small, round man, which he couldn't be further from.

The slow-burn romance and banter didn’t work for me either—The world-building was great, though, and I can see how others might enjoy the setting and detailed lore. But overall, I just wasn't able to get into the story.


Thanks Netgalley and the author for the ARC👊🏽🔥💫