R E V I E W

The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley

☆☆☆.5

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by Little Brown Book Group UK | Orbit via Netgalley

After seeing this title floating about Bookstagram with its tropes on display and regular comparisons to Ali Hazelwood, I was desperate to get my hands on it. So much so that when I received this advanced copy, I bumped it up to the top of my TBR list. Sadly, having now read it, I will say that I found this story a little unusual, a little childish in the writing at times, and a little underwhelming overall. I kept waiting for that to change as I got further into the narrative, only to realise that the slow burn would continue to burn glacially right up until the final sentence and that no plot points would be resolved in this first instalment of the duology.

The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is heralded as an amalgamation of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeria and The Love Hypothesis. When I read this, I wondered how both could be true when the former uses complex, formal vocabulary to delve into forgotten lore, and the latter utilises more relaxed and modern narration styles to showcase the inner monologues of hyper-competent individuals. In fact, TIUTFFYE does do both, providing a STEM-based fantasy whereby an assassin bribes a healer and scientist to try and cure his mysterious illness, seeking answers in the old ways and leading them on a series of begrudging adventures across an alternate United Kingdom. In addition to Heather Fawcett and Ali Hazelwood, I would also liken this to Hannah Maehrer's Assistant to the Villain series with its light-hearted approach to on-page evil such as murder, dismemberment and general villainy.

The problems for me with this story are as follows; first, there was little world-building, and we are instead dropped right into this confusing world with little explanation as to why the country is split into small kingdoms which work alongside magical guilds. We see technology, fueled by magic, alongside victorian characteristics and dress, giving us gas-lit fantasy vibes and leaving the reader a little befuddled until they get further into the story and are able to slowly piece together a greater understanding of this world. There is a useful glossary to help unpick all of this, but it does come at the end once the reader has done all the hard work for themselves.

Next, I found the writing very peculiar. Told in dual POV chapters, TIUTFFYE switches between Aurienne's overly educated and rigid inner monologuing packed full of exessively complex vocabulary and STEM regerences to Osric's capricious and, at times immature oration. The dichotomy is quite jarring and leads to childish interactions instead of the witty banter that was promised and far too many references to bodily functions and faeces. I, for one, do not need repeated mentions of jizz, poo, wanking and balls to believe a book is an adult narrative. It's a shame because on the two short occasions that the characters engage in independent acts of pleasure, the writing is far more tasteful and mature, showing the writer can provide adult content without infantacising the prose.

Finally, the romance portion of this book makes up very little of the story, and as my percentage into the book increased, I became desperate for these characters to give in to their thawing regard for one another and give us something. I'm all for slow burn, but the pace here was glacial and, consequently, a little dissatisfying. I know we are dealing with true enemies to lovers, whose orders are diametrically opposed and more than just a hurdle for any romance, but they were already flouting so many rules by working together to heal Osric and investigate the conspiracy surrounding the pox, what harm would a little kiss or two be?

I will read the second instalment of this one, purely to get some answers, but I remain uncertain as to whether I really enjoyed this read or not.

This book was one of my most anticipated read of 2025 and let me tell you... It was worth the waiting <3

This is a real enemies to lovers in which the characters do hate each other for way more than a few chapters.
The banter is the best (I couldn't stop laughing) and the chemistry between the two mcs was immaculate.

This is directly going to my "Favorite of 2025" list.

One of my most anticipated reads of the year and it was amazing!

The tension between the two MCs was just swoon worthy and the writing is just amazing

The story just flows and has you hooked from the first page!

I was given and ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
So I wanted so hard to love this book. I loved the author’s fanfiction so much and had really high hopes for her first novel. Sadly it was not true love.
Let’s start with what I loved: I loved Osric. He was an arrogant assassin that had a wicked sense of humor.
I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters.
I also enjoyed the Dramione vibes. The enemies to lovers, you are from this clan so I hate you vibes.
What I disliked:
The world building. The world building was barely there and I didn’t even know what the other orders were until I got to the end page where it described the orders/kingdoms/etc.
I did not like Audrienne. She was hateful and mean. She wished death on Osric for the majority of the book until she at a single moment was like okay I sort of like him. She’s a healer who wished death on someone just because of their order where her order was do no harm, doesn’t seem legit. This even after he saved her multiple times. It was like just die so you don’t keep killing people.
The need for old English. Some people may like it, I wasn’t a fan.
The last thing was nothing happened. The book was really slow and nothing moved forward other than the tepid romance. We don’t get any real character development until the last 15% of the book. I had hoped there would be some great confrontation at the end to give us a great cliffhanger but literally nothing happens.
I’m really sad that this book didn’t hit my expectations. I am hoping that book two gets into the meat of things and gets moving forward. I will definitely read book 2, hopefully we just get a little more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown for the ARC.

An utter delight to read!

The character-driven story centers around the two incredibly endearing main characters, both with a sharp, sarcastic edge and a wicked sense of dry humor that had me laughing out loud. The writing is also hilarious - the critique crickets were a stand out for me and genuinely made me giggle 😂

The romance unfolds as a slow burn, with the tension building steadily throughout the book. Despite the fact that the couple only shares one kiss, the anticipation and connection between them kept me completely hooked. It’s a perfect example of how much can be conveyed without rushing into anything.

I’m so ready for the next one!

Book Review: The Irresistible Urge to Fall in Love
⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader’s copy of The Irresistible Urge to Fall in Love, and I’m still reeling from how incredible it was. This fantasy enemies-to-lovers romance had everything I could want—razor-sharp banter, high-stakes tension, and a slow-burn romance that had me holding my breath.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. Bridgette Knightley crafts a rich, immersive world filled with magic, political intrigue, and breathtaking detail. The plot is fast-paced, with twists that kept me on edge, and the emotional depth of the characters made every betrayal and revelation hit even harder.

And the romance? Perfection. The slow build, the stolen glances, the way their hatred turns to something far more dangerous—it was everything I love about this trope. They have such a fiery, complex relationship that I couldn’t put the book down.

Do you ever read a book that makes you fall back in love with reading? This book did that for me.

I wanted to consume this as quickly as possible but I also wanted to savour every word because I knew that I could only this for the first time once.

I started this knowing that it’s a Dramione fic and I haven’t actually read a fic to book before so I didn’t know if it would be obvious or not. From the first chapter it was clear that a lot of work went into making these characters their own and the setting was so unique, that I completely forgot after awhile about its origins.

Since Aurienne is a Haelan (a healer) and Oscric is a Fyren (assassin for hire), there is a lot of interesting terminology used throughout. I found myself highlighting loads of words that either I hadn’t heard before or wasn’t sure of the definition. After about three chapters, it’s quite easier to get over this aspect and you can see how it adds to the charm of the story.

At times, the banter between characters and the descriptions of their own thoughts reminded me of the humour in The Princess Bride. It’s that outrageously silly way that characters say what they mean and how they see the world for what it is. I enjoyed this because I find that I don’t come across that kind of writing often enough.

I would recommend this for anyone that is looking for a really good enemies to lovers where the characters are actually enemies. This is for you if you’re looking for great world building, descriptive writing, witty banter, and intriguing characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and LittleBrownBooks for sending me an advanced reader copy.

4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for my ARC copy of this book.

I really loved this book, the banter and dry humour from them both from the start was amazing. To see them slowly build a friendship and more was so sweet. I hope there is a second book as I need to see where all of this ends. You can see that it is 100% Dramione coded but unique enough with its own magic system to make it, it's own book. Would 100% recommend this to anyone who needs a little dramione fix.

The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review


🥀Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Razor sharp wit and humour
💀He falls first
🔥Slowest of slow burns
🩶Morally Grey MMC
🫶 Forced Proximity/ Partnership


Did I have high hopes after reading the dramione version of this…. Yes
Was this one of my most anticipated read this year….. Yes
Did it love up to the dream….. ABSOLUTELY!

As always please read the trigger warning before starting - your mental health comes first 🫶

He’s an assassin, she’s a healer. She’s the only one who can help him, she doesn’t want to but he makes an offer she really can’t refuse 🔥


If you’re expecting this to be exactly like its ao3 counterpart, please don’t, I didn’t think it was possible, but it’s better. The banter, the humour, the slowww burn 🤌

I devoured this book as soon as I was able, cackling like a mad woman, kicking my feet and falling in love with the characters so beautifully brought to life.

The world building and magic system felt a little confusing at times, there is a glossary but I had no idea it was there until the end 😂 I think it may just be the digital version but definitely keep an eye out for this as it helped a lot and I wish I had known at the start 🙈

Osric and Aurienne have now taken permanent residence in my brain

I am so excited for the sequel and I will absolutely be ordering every SE copy I can when it’s published 🖤

Thanks so much to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

I don’t think this book is for me. I’m not familiar with the fanfic, but the worldbuilding was pretty much nonexistent at the beginning, at times the dialogue felt like I was reading a script rather than prose and really struggled to immerse myself in this world.

Now THIS is how you do slow-burn! I am so excited to see how the story develops in the next book. I loved reading from the perspectives of the two main characters as they tried to begrudgingly help each other.

The plot was great, with different threads being woven throughout that kept things interesting. I enjoyed the premise and thought the magic system was well thought out. When I wasn't reading the book, I kept wanting to know what happened next. I can't believe I have to wait ages for the next one... My favourite thing was the humour, which was totally my style. It was dry, witty, and made me laugh out loud a few times. I loved the banter between the main characters because they genuinely hated each other at the start (true enemies-to-lovers!!!).

I did struggle to get into the story at first because the world-building was very light. There weren't many explanations for what things were or how things worked. It wasn't until I found the glossary after reading the whole book that some of my questions were answered. Even so, this story didn't do any handholding when it came to setting up the world, so some people may find this a bit difficult. However, I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone wanting to read a witty, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story because it did all of these things so well.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for sending me this ebook. All thoughts are my own.

“A knight in shining armour he wasn’t, but a knight in shining passive aggression – yes.”

This book follows the villainous assassin Osric, who has recently began suffering from a sickness that weakens his magic. He has to team up with the virtuous and difficult healer, Aurienne. Although they come from opposite Orders, with vastly different ideologies and practices, they come to an ‘agreement’ (perhaps with some bribery involved). Whilst helping and endlessly frustrating each other, what follows is a silly and mysterious chain of events that bring them closer together.

I absolutely devoured this book. The author has such a funny and distinct writing style, which gives the characters an impressive voice. I’m not someone who typically laughs easily at books, but to be honest, I was smiling and giggling at this one! Probably something to do with it just being relentlessly British in its humour and play on words. I adore silly fantasy romance books and this just hit the nail on the head for me. If you liked any of Howl’s Moving Castle, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Modern Divination, Half a Soul, or Throne in the Dark (Villains & Virtues), I think this book is for you.

The dynamic between Aurienne and Osric was utterly perfect. Osric is ridiculous and charming and arrogant. And Aurienne is clever, principled, and (also) arrogant. They bicker and bicker and bicker until they’re blue in the face. Such quick wit and individual personalities that make their conversations flow wonderfully. Although this is a slow burn, they spend so much time together. By the end, I think the author creates such a strong foundation for their romance, without letting go of the reasons for their conflicts/differences. I love them. I miss them already. I need the next one in my hands right now, actually.

Brigitte Knightley's writing style is my spirit animal.
I live for the wit, humor, banter and the slow steamy burn!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾

I want to thank netgallery, Brigitte Knightly and Little Brown Book Group IMMENSLY for clicking yes and allowing me to savor this treat before it is out and to provide my honest feedback in exchange for an e-book ARC. I definitely screamed and scared the every living shit out of my husband when I got it- no regrets! I fell in love with her dramione fanfic and was not disappointed by this!

Ladies and Gents if you crave:
😂THE BEST BANTER!- Truly. I cackled like a banshee in the night
🔪🥰Enemies to Lovers
💕Dual POV
😉Competent and Badass MC & FMC
🔥 Slow Steamy burn
💞 forced proximity (work together)
⭐ A magical adventure
This book is for you!

My only regret is that it is over and I have to wait for the next one. 😭

FOR THOSE THAT HAVE NOT READ DRAMIONE:
- If you enjoy any of the tags above, you will immensely enjoy this. In simple terms we follow a Healer & Assassin of opposing factions, forced to work together to heal him -lest he perish- and in turn embark on a bumbling, banter ridden, shenanigan filled adventure.
That being said I did notice that the world building was rather sparse for a new world. No info dump- which is a huge plus in my books- but just know that you will have to pay attention dear reader. Things are not spelled out or handed on a plater. Personally, I love this, but I know for some readers they want a bit more layout and background at the onset. Now, I know there is a map, I just didn't have access to it in the e arc and so found myself on insta comparing location notes. There also wasn't a lot of in depth explanation for certain tools, locations and worldbuilding jargon. Which just mean you got to use your brain and imagination ppl! No hand holding here!

FOR THOSE THAT HAVE READ DRAMIONE:
- It was like reading my fav story again but completely new! YES- It is different, but does echo some of the fanfic in it's design.
- The EASTER EGGS! You guys she put in Easter eggs for us and I was tickled pink!
- If you loved DMATMOOBIL - unhinge your reading jaw, cause you gonna swallow this puppy whole. I could not put it down!

Hear ye, hear ye! Slooooooow burn enemies to lovers is SO back baby 😍

slooooow burn
enemies to lovers
women in STEM
they really hate each other
he falls first
slaughter as a love language
forced proximity

I was absolutely not expecting to adore this book as much as I did, this genuinely was the slowest of slow burns but I absolutely loved the relationship between the FMC and MMC, the banter between them had me absolutely ROLLING at times

“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕?”
“𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒌, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒂,”

The author did a great job with creating a well fleshed out world and magic system in this book but it truly was all about the characters for me — and it’s SO worth it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.

I think I am in the minority, but there was just too little fleshing out of the characters to recommend this novel as something that portrays relationships in a healthy manner. Don't get me wrong, in fantasy healthy relationships with fleshed out pasts and struggles aren't always the norm due to how high the stakes are. However, the character development seems baked on to the last 15-20% of the novel, with a lot of that focused on the shame of desiring one another rather than showing us how each character grew on their own. when the writing switched from world building to the more inter-personal relationship dynamics between Aurienne and Osric, then is when I saw the potential. I just wished there was more of that sprinkled throughout. I will read the 2nd novel in this duology though because maybe all that world building was necessary. Who am I to judge?

As an aside, as a newer reader to fantasy, I found the names really difficult to track as last names and first names were switched between interchangeably and names were complex.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc!
Loving her writing considering she started as a fanfic writer, although she tries a bit too hard with the “old english” words. I also never got the timeline of this book? But it’s a cozy fantasy with a dark shadow daddy and some dark tones here and there. Love their banter, i laughed out loud a few times

Thankyou NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved the banter between the FMC and the MMC. The magic system was so cool, and I loved the plot. I adored DMATMOOBIL by Birgette, and this book has the same witty writing that I adored.
HOWEVER, in some ways, this fell flat to me. I felt like the world building and character depth were really lacking.
I think the great thing about fanfic is that your readers love the characters, and they know the complexities of the world building and the background already. It feels like this book is written as though it's a fanfic, in that it's assumed we know all these things.
I just wanted more, though I'm not sure if I expected too much?
Having said that, I really want to know what happens and I did enjoy it! Hence the 4 stars.

What a captivating, memorable and hilarious start to an epic adventure. I was hooked from the start, i was snorting unattractively with laughter almost immediately and i was filled with intrigue as the story unfolded. The world building was vivid and engaging, i really appreciated the way Brigitte incorporated how to pronounce the names of certain things into the story. The writing style is addictive; you understand the personality of the main characters straight away, they immediately become your friends and share all their in-jokes and banter with you. The slow burn keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you want to yell: 'JUST KISS!'. I loved every second of this marvelously and tantalising story.

I jumped straight into this ARC the moment I was approved and I binged it in less than a day. I liked the blunt, humourous style (sometimes crude but still funny). The chapter titles had that same humour to them, my favourite of which is Chapter 1, starting off strong with 'Irresistible Bastard Meets Immovable Bitch.'

The romance between Aurienne and Osric is a super slow burn and I definitely felt the Emily and Wendell vibes with Aurienne and Osric, but I personally preferred this more adult style and humour for the characters.

What I really enjoyed is that the characters felt like they were leading the story, rather than the plot being a case of playing dot to dot with popular tropes and micro tropes. Similarly, it was nice to have a more emotional revelation as the ending to the first book in the duology rather than a more abrupt cliffhanger for the sake of drama. It just felt like this book was doing its own thing rather than shoehorning things in just because they're popular or commonly done.

The Glossary at the end of the book was really useful for explaining the world but it would have been better placed at the beginning of the book. This might just be an ARC thing, but some of the Orders aren't explained when the names come up in the story, so the extra context would be useful to have at the start rather than the end.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the progression of the plot and the romance in book two and to see more of the world too. It feels like we're going to get much deeper into the Orders and the Tiendoms in book two!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

4.5⭐ rounded up to 5⭐

Well this was a nice surprise!!

I got the ARC and immidiately decided to start it and... oh boy, did I enjoy it!

The start was a bit slow but once it picked up I could not stop reading it! It's fun and sassy and the plot was so intriging. I loved the banter between the two main characters, was giggling so many times... this trully was an enemies to lovers and slooooow (super slooow) burn!

I just wish I knew there was a glossary of terms at the end of the book, was a bit confused at the start of the book!


Can't wait for book 2!

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.