A 3,75 star ⭐️
Being big fan of the fanfiction of this book I was wondering how she would give a spin on this :)

I really enjoyed the storyline but the writing style wasnt really my cup of tea. The long difficult names and the less common words used made it wasnt as comfortable read as normal.

It had some fun in it but somehow I was hoping for more somehow..
It felt like There were somethings missing not sure how.

Still I think it wasnt bad at all but maybe my expectations were just to high for this release.

3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

First, I want to say finally a (recent) book that is sold as slowburn that I can actually say its a slowburn. Is so good to see their relationship building up slowly. Plus 0 attraction at the beginning, they really dont like each other and their attraction grows along with the romance. No "my body betrayed me" when they still supposedly still dislike each other. And no "I have loved you since the first day" when we as the reader didnt know and ruining a decent build up for absolutely no reason. Finally!
(I confess I rolled my eyes when I saw he has shadow powers, it really isnt the books fault but Im getting tired of it. But its not that present in the story and I like how it was used, so its fine)

The book and the writing is easy and fun to read, with low stakes and humor. Really enjoyed the tone of the story and I would have loved if the book was just them going around looking for the cure for his disease, it was turning into a confortable read and their dynamic was really fun. But the stakes do get higher at the end.

However, this book has the same issues a lot of books of fanfic authors going published has: the lack of worldbuilding and character work.
While reading fantasy, its normal to be confused at the beginning, but I kept reading and I was still getting lost so I had to read the glossary. I think glossary is something that should help you but you should not *need* it to read the story and unfortunately I did need it, and still had more questions about the world. But at least I could follow the story.

And about the characters, even if the last part of the story we start to know more about them, I still felt we didnt really know enough. And I think this is the main reason the romance didnt hit as hard as it should for me, because otherwise it has everything I usually like.

Its a bit frustating because I can *see* the potential this has to be something I would absolutely love. Overall I still had fun and I will definitely read the next one and will wait for anything else the writer writes. Like I said, I see a lot of potential here.

Oh and I have to mention: I feel like the people who liked evajacks will really enjoy this.

OMGGGGG I NEED BOOK 2 IMMEDIATELY!!!

This was such a funny, brilliant book!!

The writing was impeccable- there’s just such love for languages and poetry in this book, and I learned some new words too!! Just such masterful storytelling!

This is the slowest of slow burns - but there was enough to distract me from the fact that they hadn’t really gotten together at the end of the book. But he has definitely fallen for her 😂 for a book with no explicit spicy scenes, there’s a lot of innuendo and raunchy writing 😂

Right off the bat, I want to say that though I have read the "original" version of this, this review is not going to contain references or comparisons -- which is not a dig to anyone who chooses to do so; I am instead reviewing this based on it's own merits and content. Additionally, I want it clear that I do not support or engage with this particular fandom outside of safe fanfiction spaces. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

So with that (probably unnecessary) intro aside..

If you're looking for an enemies to more romance set in a fantasy world that's sorta like ours but not at all, heavy on the banter, that's irreverent and also not, you should definitely give this a go.

As for what that world looks like, I'll admit this might've been the hardest part for me to really keep track of, maybe on reread before book two I'll have a better grasp. I would say it's a little light on details though as this is very much a character-driven build of a story. And by build I also mean slowbuild, slow burn, slow evolution of the main characters' dynamic, of their understanding of each other, their acceptance despite everything that would otherwise prevent acceptance and that, well, that was perfection.

Having said that, the strongest part of said worldbuilding was the magic system. And the limits to said magic systems? And then the individualized manifestation of those limits? Brilliant.

I'll admit this may feel like a strange read to some because it has a somewhat cheeky, doesn't take itself too seriously, feel -- particularly with the tone of both characters, different though they are -- but then it will throw you into a dark scene featuring plague ridden children or a mass of murdered bodies or moments of torture. But I was vibing, along for the ride, glad it wasn't too much of one or the other. My one bit of commentary, aside from the worldbuilding (which, again, maybe it was just me) was one of Osric's buddies. His character was definitely supposed to be a bit of comedic nonsense but truthfully this is where it went a bit OTT for me and I was glad we didn't see much more of him. And hopefully he won't play a big part in book two.

Which! Can I say? Not leaving on a cliffhanger was so refreshing. The ending still leaves you wanting more, both in the development of the notyetaromance and also in the plot, but it didn't leave you cursing at the sky or throwing your device across the room. It was a lovely, and rather gentle, moment, full of discovery and realization.

I'm really keen to see where we go from here when it comes to the plot but mostly, mainly!, all the emotional realizations and panic-flavoured romance-specific epiphanies still to come.

Thank your for providing me with this eARC.
Unfortunately, I had to dnf this one. I managed to read 41%. My normal threshold for dnf-ing a book is 33% but I gave this one another chance, in case it gets better. It didn't, at all.
I hated every second of it.
Why? For many reasons but mainly: This book thinks it's funny. It's not. I have never found a book this annoying. The puns and attempts at witt that are crammed into every corner clash so horribly with the old-timey speech of the dialogue it destroys any atmosphere or coherent worldbuilding this book might have had (and there wasn't much to beginn with).
The chracters are flat and unlikeable, and even 40% in show no sign of improving even a little.
Magic concepts are not well defined and just cramed in because they are cool, not because they make sense.
It's just a mess all over.
The content warnings of the book (which was a positive, thanks for including them) speak of 'brief sexual content'. Which is fine for me, I can skip brief sex scenes. What I could not skip, were the constant sexual references and attempted jokes. They were not funny, I found them disgusting. Although I do have to give the book credit, for the most part the way characters speak to each other is without constant unconsensual sexual innuendo (one of my biggest gripes with Romantasy).

In short: I hated this book so much, if it was FanFiction (and the writing is very reminicent of that style), I would not have continued to chapter two. And FanFiction is free and my standards are lowe as for a published novel.

Having read the author’s previous work this book was among my most anticipated releases this year and I wasn’t disappointed!

It absolutely flew by, it was such an easy read. It’s lighthearted and quirky, the author has created a really unique world and I had so much fun spending time in it.

I loved both of the main characters. Osric was very endearing, the perfect combination of cocky with a hint of pathetic, and I was happy to forgive him for casually murdering everyone as long as he was rescuing their dogs. Aurienne’s dry humour was a highlight. I really enjoyed their bickering and how gradually they went from hating each other to begrudging attraction. By the end I was completely invested in their romance and I’m very much looking forward to book two!

I liked the witty banter and the overall story. For me the world building fell a bit flat. I will recommend the book in our store at any case.

Sometimes you just want a romance that's pure chaos, and The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy absolutely delivers. I loved this book. It's a hilarious, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story featuring two characters who are, frankly, pompous idiots (and that's exactly what makes them so lovable). The banter is the highlight here. Every interaction between the leads crackles with wit, sarcasm, and just the right amount of absurdity. Their dynamic is less "will they, won't they" and more "how are they still this delusional about their feelings?" in the best possible way. Stylistically, the writing leans hard into telling rather than showing, but it feels like a deliberate choice that matches the rhythm of the story. Instead of feeling like the narrative is passive, Knightly uses these moments to deliver punchy, sharp commentary that keeps the humor front and center. If you're a romance reader who loves enemies-to-lovers tropes, clever dialogue, and characters who can't get out of their own way, this should be at the top of your list.

I really really wanted to love this. Unfortunately it just didn’t pull me in and I really wasn’t invested in this one. It eventually picked up and started to get interesting at 85% but by then it was so close to the end that it didn’t make up for how slow I found the rest of this book.

I found the world building a bit lacking (and honestly a bit confusing). I would’ve loved to have seen a bit more exploration of the world this book is set in and understand the magic system, however this was almost completely absent. There was a plot line but also nothing really happened? It felt like there was simultaneously too much but also nothing going on.

There are some humorous moments and plenty of banter between the MCs which was great! Also plus points for them actually being enemies!

This one just wasn’t for me unfortunately! 2.75 stars 🌟 thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley for the ARC

5⭐️

I could not put this book down.
It had me yearning and laughing in equal measure.
I was entertained from cover to cover and desperately need book 2 now.

Main points:
- Historical Fantasy
- Enemies to Lovers
- Slow Burn
- 3rd person
- Character driven

The crude sarcastic humour and banter between our two main characters, Aurienne and Osric, was executed perfectly and really fit with the characters and the story. There are so many lines and puns that stick out in my mind that will forever change my view of said things, but I will save the joy for you to discover 😂.

This is a true rendition of enemies to lovers. It is hard to convince me that two characters truly hate each other, but this book delivered and more. The slow burn had me yearning so bad for both the characters and I’m left desperate for more!

This is written in third person following Aurienne and Osric and is heavy on character dialogue. There is a glossary at the beginning to help you understand the different orders and their magic. I only looked back twice to refresh otherwise it stuck or was easy enough to work out with the context of the story. Given that it is a character driven story and a historical English setting (Mercia/Northumbria like times) there is little world building or exploration into the magic system other than what we need to know for the two characters. However, based on the ending I have a feeling book 2 will satisfy my curiosity and will need to delve deeper into this aspect to follow where I believe the story will go.

I can’t wait.

I will say, that this took me a few chapters to get to grips with as there was a lot of lore and world hurling and some of the terms were a bit confusing but once I got to terms with that I really enjoyed this book.

The banter between Aurienne and Osric was so fun and definitely delivered on the enemies part of the enemies to lovers. It did feel a bit slow at parts, until I remembered that this was the first book of a series of which was when the slow burn of the narrative and the romance made perfect sense. I thought the last 15% of the book was so good and I cannot wait to see where the story goes.

2 ⭐

I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short of my expectations. While I appreciated the concept behind the book, the characters felt flat and underdeveloped throughout the entirety of it, making it hard to connect with them and their views and choices. I felt like I was watching the story unfurl as a spectator without the ability to actually feel empathic toward the characeìters. The plot lacked depth and failed to capture my interest.

Overall, this book was a disappointing read. I wish the author spent more time with second characters as well, because I feel like they were left out a lot, even though they were interesting.

This was FUCKING brilliant!
Loved the mix of highly intelligent storytelling and hilarious vulgarity of this.
About the romance:
This is how you tell a perfect enemies to lovers from a dual point of view. Never before have I been more convinced of actual animosity between the two characters and their slowly growing affections.
About the world building:
I am in awe of the various intricacies of this world and how easy it was to understand it. In alle honesty, I'll have to reread this book to fully understand how Faihrhim has three different names, but that probably a me problem.
About the plot:
This was way more complicated than I thought it was going to be and I love it. This is *such* an intelligent story! At the 90% mark I started to realise that we will need a second (and maybe a third?) book to nicely wrap up all these storylines. And I am so invested in all the storylines... aaahhhh!
About the humour:
Best. Fucking. Humour. EVER. This is easily one of the funniest books I have ever read. I laughed aloud on nearly every page. Her humour is so dry and wonderful. I love how clever, witty, inventive and vulgar this was. Tbh I think I've never read a smegma joke before, and I am equally sure no one else could make me laugh about it, because I am very prissy thank you very much. Brigitte Knightley shows us that intelligence and graphic jokes can go hand in hand, it's just really rare. For starters, you need to be British to be able to write this.
I also laughed so much about words like killy (as in: did he have to look so killy?). Imagine being one of Brigitte Knightley's friends and enjoying her effortless sense of humour on a daily basis!

All in all, this was one of my favourite books ever. Loved loved loved it.

4.5 🌟

I WILL BE FERAL FOR THE FORESEEABLE THANK U LITTLE BROWN BOOK GROUP / ORBIT MWAH

I was just fed SO well. ENEMIES TO LOVERS AUTHORS TAKE NOTES PLEASEEEEE I AM BEGGING. Real conflict. Actual opposing worldviews. Genuine hate and disgust and yet. And yet and yet and yet. The yearning beneath it all is Exquisite.

Their banter had me laughing out loud actually, the dry British humour is so spot on and it’s something I notice some authors can really miss the mark on so this was a breath of fresh air.

Osric it seems I adore you. Free my man he did all of it but I don’t care. I love Aurienne as a MC please let down ur walls queen I want to know everything about you don’t be coy x

The glossary and pronunciation guides at the beginning were so helpful I love referring to things of that nature my brain is very small ! I did wish that we had a map at the beginning to refer to also but after a stalk of Brigitte’s instagram there is a map reveal post which I imagine will be included upon publication 🫶🏻

This could have had 500 more pages and I would’ve eaten it up tbh. I would’ve loved a bit more insight into the world itself/the time period we’re in but the characters and their interactions more than made up for that. A good slowburn is so rejuvenating for the soul. The worst thing about receiving an ARC for one of ur most anticipated reads of the year is how long you have to wait for the sequel but I will be sat 🫡

"The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy" is a wildly entertaining fantasy romance that completely swept me up from the first chapter. The world-building is impressively complex, layered with political tensions, history, and a vibrancy that make every page feel alive. It took a little time to get fully oriented, but once I did, I was hooked.
The characters are where this book truly shines. They’re flawed, dynamic, and so much fun to read. The tension between the leads crackles with every encounter, and even the side characters are given enough depth to feel like real people rather than background props.
The magic system is another highlight, intricate without being overwhelming, with clear rules and enough mystery to keep it exciting. It felt original and thoughtfully crafted, weaving naturally into the story’s larger conflicts.
Overall, this was an incredibly entertaining book that I didn’t want to put down. If you love enemies-to-lovers, vivid fantasy worlds, and sharp, magnetic characters, this one is absolutely worth reading.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the digital advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

For years to come, anthropologists and palaeontologists alike will be researching the sound I made when I got the email that I got this ARC. It’s only one of my most anticipated reads of the year! I loved the author’s previous work* and was incredibly excited to read her first traditionally published novel.
What can I say, I loved it so much. This book is incredibly hilarious, especially Osric’s chapters are so funny that I laughed WITH SOUND multiple times. The endless banter between Osric and Aurienne entertained me throughout. The vocabulary?? This was a lesson in etymology as well as a comedic writing 101. This is not your average fantasy romance with epic battles and fated mates and all that – and I love how this book almost doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers the heartfelt moments when it needs to. And oh boy does it deliver on the YEARNING. The slow burn is SO slow, and I was kicking my little feeeet! Very often books advertised as slow burn aren’t slow enough for me, and these two seriously were ENEMIES. I love that it isn’t just a dislike, or based on a misunderstanding, as it so often is, but a real substantial difference in their worldview and beliefs. A healer who has sworn to do no harm and an assassin whose job is to do harm. And yet he is the sweet soft baby who (after 350 pages mind you) is the first one to realize that Aurienne might just be as pretty as himself, if not prettier?? And that he likes when she's bossy??

I really enjoyed the world Brigitte Knightley has created here, with the orders and the way the magic works. We don’t get a whole lot of worldbuilding regarding the Tiendoms, but then again that hasn’t really been that relevant in the story yet, so I remain optimistic that we’ll get more in book 2.

Here's the thing: I did see some flaws. Sometimes the silliness got a bit too much, when there really wasn’t a need for another dick/balls/butt joke that felt like a side quest from the already funny conversation around the plot. And I would have liked to see a bit more insight into Aurienne’s mind – while Osric’s thoughts and his general lovable idiocy are very clear, Aurienne’s chapters are told more matter of fact and don’t give the reader much about her feelings. That might have been intentional, as that would fit the character very well, but still, I wanted to see behind her mask more. All that being said though, I just loved the characters and their dynamic so much, and I love everything that makes me laugh so much, so it’s a 4.5 star read for me.

* I would like to acknowledge that this novel is inspired by the author’s previously written fan fiction based on a book series by an author I don’t support. I used to be a big fan, but I cannot enjoy the original work anymore as it, for me, will be forever tainted by that terf’s harmful legacy. Trans people are trans people and they deserve the same rights as everyone else, no question.

I was really excited to dive into The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy, I adore enemies to lovers and have heard great things. The book started off brilliantly, with a clear setup and strong enemy dynamics between the characters. However, the worldbuilding left much to be desired—confusing and minimal, it felt underdeveloped, and I would have loved a deeper understanding of the world. The pacing was another disappointment; I had hoped for a much snappier, more engaging narrative. The biggest letdown, though, was the bickering between the characters. Instead of the adult, sharp, and witty banter I’d expected, their exchanges felt more like the squabbling of very young children, which detracted from my overall enjoyment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for the advance reader copy.

I had seen a video about this being an upcoming duology based on a fan fiction and I was intrigued.
This is a fun story with the main characters have dual POV throughout the story.

We enter into an interesting magic system and different factions which don’t all get along based on their orders view points,

Our leads are funny and I enjoyed the slow crank of the romance element, the enemies vibes felt well written. Plus him falling first will always be a good read.

I look forward to reading the second half of the story and seeing where the romance goes.

really enjoyed this read! It was the perfect slow burn, like really building it up and developing the relationship. There’s a clear enemies line there that cannot be crossed. I also loved the fantasy world and thought that element of it was done well!

A well crafted magic system and a slow burn enemies (constantly bickering - loved that) to possibly something story. Irritatingly it felt like this book had at least another 25% left when it ended. Really didn’t feel like there was much of a climax and an awful lot of cliff to hang from.