
Member Reviews

3.5🌟
I was so excited for this book having seen other reviews and overall I did like it! I just didn’t love it.
I loved the dialogue between Aurienne and Osric, and I love a slow burn so it rocked those boxes for me. Also I did like the concept of the world and the magic system.
Where it was lacking for me was the world building. Aside from the information dump at the start which outlined everything you needed to know, I don’t feel like there really was any? It was mostly the two main characters’ inner monologues and then dialogue with each other for the most part (which I did enjoy, but it took away from the world build).
I also feel like for mortal enemies as is described, they were amendable way too soon…
I still really liked it but it fell a bit flat overall

I was super excited for this book! I have followed Brigitte Knightley for a long time, and this book seemed to have everything I need in a fantasy romance book. Minor spoilers incoming. Bewared.
I think the biggest problem of this book was that this isn't fan fiction any more, this is book that is supposed to stand on its own, have it's own character development and world building, and on all of this: it failed.
I had trouble diving into the world, while the world building seemed very abundant, it was hard to understand, and way too much of it was given to reader before the book even started. I dislike those starting page facts so much. If you're not capable of telling everything a reader might need in the story itself, that's not good. Also lot of the world building really didn't make sense. The one thing I really enjoyed were the way stones and the pubs, that was a very original idea!
After a rough start, everything seemed to get better, and I actually enjoyed the banter between Osric and Adrianne quite a bit. But everytime the banter got good, it felt like the writer got bored, and the rest what was happening was just explained to reader. Osric and Adrianne also didn't feel like very complex characters. There was just something missing. There were also a lot of characters that felt really underdeveloped, that didn't basically give anything to the plot, or to other characters development.
On the romance side: This was way too slow burn, and I don't think the title of the book matches the inside very good. Based on the title and the blurb I wanted more romance, more "I cannot be feeling this way, as we are mortal enemies." I was also expecting this book to be a bit spicier, than it ended up being. Most of the romance scened happened at the end of the book, and the main characters only kissed once.
The overall plot also was pretty dull. The premise was interesting, but when a guy is supposedly dying any minute, and then just keeps on living for a few months, something is wrong with the plot. And right when things started picking up, the book ended. Different pacing would have been great.
In summary, I had high hopes, but this book would have needed more thought and depth: 3 stars, I really hoped for better.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a free arc of this book in return for an honest review.
The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy follows Osric Mordaunt and Aurienne Fairhim as they meet under odd circumstances (him needing someone to save him) and come to form a kinship despite their many differences (she’s a healer, sworn to cause no harm; he’s an assassin-for-hire, paid to cause harm).
I am obsessed. I feel like that’s a pretty good way of summing up my feelings for this. But also, why did no one tell me this wasn’t a standalone?? Honestly I’m not too bothered because I could easily read hundred more pages about these two, but it would’ve been nice to know beforehand (entirely my fault, it wasn’t something I thought to look up).
I know this is written by a Dramione (Draco/Hermoine) fanfiction author (a pairing I’ve never read before), and personally I can tell. There’s something about the writing of someone who’s moved from fanfic to traditional writing, but honestly I love it. The slow burn was slow and burning - something that never feels the same outside of fanfiction normally. I loved every minute of it. The writing style was so good, especially how seemingly random things are capitalised to give them meaning. I think it’s a fun way of creating emphasis in a way that makes sense for the characters.
The magic system was really interesting. I loved the use of waystones as means of travel (also the inclusion of ‘Mind the Gap’ as we have at every platform). I appreciate their magic doesn’t come without a price too, so it doesn’t feel like it’s too overpowered.
The slowly developing relationship between Osric and Aurienne is so much fun to follow. Watching how it develops throughout the book is so good, with their banter and warring inner thoughts. Also that ending? How can you leave us hanging like that?
So if you’re a fan of the author’s original fanfiction, or the pairing, or fanfiction in general, or of a really good slow burn romance set in a magical version of the British Isles, then I’d say this is for you.

Consider me lying eagerly in waiting for book two! I was worried that this book would feel slow paced as I wasn't sure how the story would stretch out over two books however I absolutely needn't have worried, plot aside, the character work alone made this book fly by, but the addition of the slowly evolving plot and the subtly revealing mystery just added to how badly I needed to keep turning the pages.
If you know the fan fiction origins of this book it's kind of impossible not to superimpose the original characters over these new characters at first, which is always a worry when adapting fan fiction into original fiction, but this pair very quickly develop in their own right into characters with flaws and foibles and interests that both oppose each other and oddly align. I'd almost want to bang their heads together if they weren't so adorable hopelessly unaware.
All in all I can't wait for book two and the ensuing angst and revelations.

4.25⭐️ This was so much fun! True enemies, a healer and an assassin forced to come together to try and heal Osric, real slow burn, hilarious banter and lovable characters.
I found myself actually laughing out loud while reading this and grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Arrogant, self absorbed Osric was hilarious and stick up her ass Aurienne was funny without even trying. I loved them both and understood them well
I miss them already and will definitely be reading book 2!
The plot is quite low stakes so far and felt more like a rom com in a fantasy setting rather than your typical romantasy. There’s no rebellion or dark lord to overthrow, no weak orphan human girl finding out shes the most powerful in the realm.
It was actually quite refreshing to read something so unique.
Highly recommend!

<u>Thank you NetGallery for the opportunity of this ARC!</u>
<b>Actually 3,5/5 stars.</b>
So I just wanted to read this book because all the hype around it and... I think that messed up my expectations with it. I don't really know what I expected about the book, but I think I just wanted... more. Don't think I did't enjoy the book, I did, but it wasn't what everthing promised and that's totally on me since I didn't know this was a series and now I'm invested on it.
<b>Ok from now on spoilers are on.</b>
What the h- was that universe. I liked it, sure, but everything feels... disconnected. Why Osric or Aurienne didn't interact at all with the rest of the Orders? I feel like, in all that internal monologue of both of them (just please, shut up and admit you find the other hot) it could've been some explanations instead of launching everything in that glossary at the begining (they just feel better and the end if I'm honest). I needed more of the universe, more interactions with other characters outside them, Aurienne is a haeler and she wasn't healering enough and Osric is an assassins but there's only one in the whole book. And don't mention Aurienne's mom, which is simmilar to an engineer and we don't even know what she does. I need more of the universe and this is impacting the rating a lot.
When the blurb said slowburn I thought well they always said that but in this case it's freaking true and I completed loved it, it's amazing reading a true slowburn where you can see how the struggle to admit what's obvious for the reader. AND THE KISS OMG, it was at the perfect moment AND JUST A KISS when they had some moments before THE ONE I just felt like please stfu and just kiss but it wouldn't been that good. I just wanted more of them after this, eventhough at the begining I was just basically hating them. Osric's an idiot that can keep his mouth shut and Aurienne's too morally good that I can't even believe a bit of it.
This is the last thing, I promise. The story. Why at the start is all about saving Osric with the ancient magic and around the 40%? of the book they just stop with it? That was one of the things I was loving the most about the book and suddenly it was just something secondary. I hope in the next one they investigate more on it.
This is my first review in years and it's a little bit messed up, so I'm going to wrap up, I liked it, I want more of the universe and let's go slowburn.

The banter. The humour. The tension.
Just spectacular.
Honestly, the dialogue was so enjoyable, I love excellent dialogue and this was chock full of it. I laughed out loud so many times. The dry, dark humour was so good.
I loved the premise, the mutually assured destruction/salvation and the while a darker mystery to be solved.
I loved seeing Osric time and time again go all out to protect Aurienne and then convince himself that he's not interested in her. Even with her thighs of interest. That man had it so bad from so early on and I just loved that the final sentence of the book was just him having an "Oh shit, I'm in love with her moment"
I enjoyed his chapters the best, his witty, dark humour was always great and it worked so well with Aurienne's.
There were just so many moments that just live in my mind rent free, killing 40 men with a boot lace, that moment on the lighthouse, killing another fyren to save her, her saving his life terrified for him, their dance, their kiss *chef's kiss*
Honestly, I wish it was a movie cause I'd just watch it over and over again.
My only issue was with the spacing, I didn't feel like we were building to some climax, it kind of just ended. I know there's another book though so I wonder if they're intended to be read together.
Anyways, I'll definitely be reading it again when the book is officially released, I want to audiobook, with that top tier dialogue, the potential for a spectacular audiobook is there and I cannot wait.
Shout out to the snarky deofols too. Anytime Osric and Aurienne's deofol conversed, I was absolutely buckled.
Book 2 needs more kissing etc., these two deserve it.

I really enjoyed this super slow-burn enemies to lovers story. The banter between Aurienne and Osric is so witty, barbed, and sarcastic,and adds quite the comical effect. I loved it! The world building and magic system is unique and had me really interested, and the writing was just wonderful. Taking aspects and creatures of myth and mixing them in to the story added a sense of the fantastical (I particularly enjoyed the critique crickets and their sarcastic insults), while setting the story in an alternate Britain lent a sense of the familiar. With the plot leading our would-be enemies to such places as a ruined castle at the apex of magical ley lines to a raunchy hot springs or a cheekily named pub, Aurienne and Osric really got around!
As the pair from opposing factions race against the clock to not only save Osric, but to solve a mystery, things really start to heat up! I thought that this was a stand-alone, but the cliffhanger ending really left me with my jaw hanging and wanting the rest of the story! Here's hoping for another book soon!

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and it didn’t disappoint! I must admit, I struggled with the world building and introduction of the magic system at the very beginning and found myself repeatedly flicking back to glossary, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. But within the first 100 pages I was hooked. I thought the character development was brilliant and loved how it weaved in folklore. It’s definitely a slow burn and now I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment.

3.5⭐️. To sum up my feelings in one sentence: I liked this book but I didn’t love it.
We follow 2 POVs - Aurienne, who is a Healer, and Auric, who is an Assassin. Auric has an illness which is affecting the use of his magic and it seems that Aurienne may be the only one who can help him. However, her order is morally opposed to his, and so Auric offers a vast donation to support research for a vaccination to immunise against Platt Pox, a virus whose current outbreak has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of the poorest children.
What I enjoyed about this book:
- I liked what we saw of the world. It felt like more of a Holly Black-esque fantasy world with the references to the “other world” and hedge witches, but it also had its own uniqueness with the various orders (which are aligned to areas such as healing, engineering etc) and unusual creatures such as critique critics and deofols (which were a type of animal shadow familiar).
- The banter was good and there were a fair few moments that had me chuckling; however, as a word of caution, there’s a lot of English slang (like “boozer”), which might fall flat with non-Brits.
What fell a bit flat for me:
- I love a slow burn enemies to lovers, but this works best when there’s a good build up of tension, which I think was lacking here. The enemies part was done really well but the development towards romantic feelings was underwhelming.
- The world building could have been more fleshed out.
- But my main issue was that not a lot happens, so I didn’t find myself gripped by the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved EVERYTHING about this book. Absolutely no notes, I would read this all over again right now if I had the time!
Woman in STEM meets PhD of murders is completely accurate and I loved how at odds Aurienne and Osric are. The yearning hit a little different in this one. Giggling and kicking my feet is an understatement - I was screeching.
I don’t know why but I didn’t expect this book to be funny. I was cackling through most of this book. It was somehow so serious yet so lighthearted at the same time and it just made it so easy to read.
The wait for book 2 will be criminal, especially because this book isn’t even out until July!!
The Irresistble Urge to Fall For Your Enemy is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy featuring a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin, set in an exquisite fantasy world!

I had really high expectations going into this book but sadly it fell flat for me.
Whilst I think the premise of the book was really good I found it hard to connect to the characters, I feel like I need more from them and the enemies to lovers didn’t quite hit.
The author has created a very complex magic system which is impressive but often times left me feeling confused as there was just so much new terminology to wrap my head around.
There were some fun moments! And I can see why others would really enjoy it, there’s some great banter and back and forth.
It just missed the mark for me
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

Enemies-to-lovers at it’s ALL TIME BEST. The animosity sparked by a little meet-cute blackmail between Osric and Aurienne was delicious and gave their romance the best tension. The slow burn was buuurrrrning and I was so freaking feral for these two.
I do wish the world was a little more fleshed out from the beginning because it was very easy to get swept up in the fast paced drama of the initial chapters, and then realise I was a wee bit LOSTTTT for a second.
Regardless, I ate this up and am so excited for the next book.

I hate to leave negative reviews but unfortunately this one didn't hit the mark for me. I felt the world-building was a bit clunky and I didn't feel connected to either of the main characters. I know there will be readers that adore this story but unfortunately it just wasn't for me!

Brigitte has served up an absolute gem with this one. This slow burn romance is everything I didn’t know I needed—a delicious enemies-to-lovers dynamic, razor-sharp banter, and the kind of tension that curls your toes and keeps you coming back for more.
It’s clever, cheeky, and oh-so-satisfying. I laughed out loud more times than I can count, and the slow burn? Criminally good. Think: two people with chemistry so potent they could power a small city… refusing to act on it. Until they do—and oh baby, when it happens? Fireworks.
This is romcom gold. Perfect for fans of witty, slow-building tension with heart and heat in equal measure.

Unfortunately, I DNF:ed this book at 49 %. I really tried to finish it as I was incredibly excited to receive this ARC, but the writing and humour was just not to my taste at all.
Before going into detail about what didn’t work for me, I would like to say that the banter between the two main characters has its moments, I liked the deofols (basically messenger familiars) and the general idea of the book is genuinely good.
But there are two major things that frustrated me. The first is that nothing is fleshed out (characters, world building, romance, magic system etc.). The second is that it wasn’t funny and tried way too hard to be. It felt like every other sentence was a joke or an attempt at humour, and a lot of it was very tasteless. One or a few crude jokes can work, but when it feels like they’re coming every other page I just cannot keep going. It was way too much and ended up not being funny at all. In general, most things with this book just fell flat to me.
I’m sure there are many people who will love this book, and humour especially is something very subjective. It’s rather clear to me that this was me not meshing with the style of storytelling in this book, and not that it’s an objectively bad book. But it was not for me and I will not be continuing this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Group UK for the eARC, you really made my day when I was approved for it.

When Osric the magical assassin gets an ailment that might be the end of him (in more ways than one), he asks (or bribes or forces) a doctor, sworn to do no harm, to help him. That is Aurienne. Rule-following, straight-backed Aurienne, who shouldn't put much effort into saving a man who profits off of literal murder. But...
Emoji-Aesthetic:🌜🥂🏥🔪
Listen to
🎶 The Alchemy - Taylor Swift
🎶 Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene - Hozier
🎶 Daylight - David Kushner
This book is such a fun, gory read. The writing doesn't take itself too seriously and I laughed so much while reading. I'm sure the humor is a bit juvenile for some, but I feel like it was just really fun and fit the tone well. I also really enjoyed the banter between Aurienne and Osric, especially the way it changed subtly with their relationship. The book is hella slow burn and it burns so goooood. I'm already looking forward to the way their relationship will continue to develop in future novels. Even though the relationship between the two isn't exactly explicitly romantic throughout the book, it's still pretty spicy. The humor in the prose and the banter and longing really play together for this.
The book has a relatively extensive trigger warning, but it does miss one thing I thought was missing: there's a noncon/dubcon(?) scene in here (he doesn't touch her), which I'm more than happy to discuss, including the way it influenced my rating, in my DMs (I want to keep this spoiler free). I feel like that's a pretty hefty oversight.
Generally, Osric really, really is morally grey. We're not talking secret hero here. He has an opinion and he has boundaries, but he also has a price. I thought this made the dynamic between the characters really interesting, especially as the story develops.
I thought this was a fun story that really could have used one extra TW (or a tiny scene edit literally it would have been one detail and it's not longer an issue, but I digress).
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The world building and magic system in this book had me hooked from the get go. A witty, badass FMC with a morally grey MMC - sign me up. And this book did not disappoint.
Cannot wait to get myself a physical copy to adorn my shelves!
Loved it!

This was unfortunately not for me.
Very much dialogue based, which then makes the world building lack in information and feel underwhelming. There’s no character development and the banter between characters is unrealistic and, at times, boring.
It tries to be too funny which of course leads to be just plain cliche and unnerving.

This book has the funniest banter between MCs.
The MCs cannot be more enemies, and their back-and-forth is everything.
I acknowledge that the world-building is not smooth, and we are just dropped in this universe that I still do not understand. But I don't care. I laughed so hard...
It was brilliant!
Thank you @NetGalley for the copy!