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.

It's prettyyyy hard to be objective about this one because for me.. the fanfic that inspired this story into original fiction delighted me to no end. During a particularly slumpy period in early 2024 it genuinely brought me back to life. And has lived rent free in my head ever since. So, expectations were high for this version. And, as a result of said aforementioned love, THE IRRESISTIBLE URGE TO FALL FOR YOUR ENERMY, despite being of similar origins and from the same author, risked not living up to it's.. well, itself.

Did it surpass the original? I'll let you know after the sequel. For now, I'm reserving judgment. But overall? I had a really good time.

Even though the worldbuilding is different (though 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) and these characters are only distant cousins to who they were modeled off of, the banter is still there. And the slowburn, slowbuild, slow evolution of their dynamic, of their understanding of each other, their acceptance despite everything that would otherwise prevent acceptance, that, was perfection.

Also, the magic system, and the fact that there are limits? 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 what's in store in the sequel and how this iteration of this story plays out.

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.

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!

Relatively fun read! Definitely had a good time and read easy like fanfiction. While that is often fun I realize that for someone that is not big on dramione it falls a little flat? I enjoyed reading it overall but I feel like actual fans of the fanfiction and the ship in the first place would enjoy it beter. It lacked the connection for me and the banter/enemies to lovers aspect felt a bit…forced because of that. Connection isn’t needed in fanfiction because you already know the whole backstory and how they end up together and I felt like this book was missing that a bit.

Overall a fun read though!!

Full disclosure- I enjoy fanfic in general and Dramione in particular so I was always going to be keen to read this one, and it didn’t disappoint!

I really loved the characterisations of the two main characters in this book. No grumpy/sunshine here, this is grumpy/grumpy and they are just such great foils for each other.

This book is really funny, with a decent plot that keeps the story moving and some lovely little magical features like the way stones used to travel - located at pubs round the country - and the deofals which are a sort of magical familiar slash messenger.

Overall I just had a great time from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book!

It was my first Dramione read and I now get the hype more than ever. I loved this book!!
Enemies-to-lovers? Slow burn? A scholarly healer forced to work with a gentleman assassin? Sign me up!

Brigitte Knightley’s The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is the kind of romantasy that gripped me with its wit, tension, and irresistible chemistry.

Osric Mordaunt, an assassin in need of healing, turns to Aurienne Fairhrim—the last person who would ever want to help him. But when bribery meets necessity, an uneasy (and highly entertaining) partnership is born. Together, they must investigate a deadly pox while also battling an even more dangerous affliction: their growing attraction.

💫 Why you’ll love it:
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers perfection – Osric and Aurienne cannot stand each other, yet they have to work together. Their banter is top-tier, with sharp sarcasm and sizzling tension.
⏳ Slow burn at its finest – Patience is required, but the payoff is so worth it. Watching their perceptions of each other shift was just chef’s kiss.
😂 Funny & Sexy – The humor? On point with really funny situations. The tension was delicious.
🌍 Enchanting worldbuilding – A rich, immersive setting that pulls you in from page one. I loved the fact that they could travel from Pub to Pub, all with very funny names of course.
🕵️‍♀️ Mysterious intrigue – A deadly pox, secrets lurking in the shadows… the stakes are high, and I loved it even though it is in the background for most of the book and takes more center stage towards the end.

It's one of my favorite reads of 2025 and it's not even out that I need the next one right now!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing ARC!

Bookstagram post coming up Tuesday 18th March.

Loved it!!! This book was absolutely hilarious! I honestly don’t think I have ever laughed so much at a book before. The banter was sooo good! I couldn’t get enough of it! This is without a doubt one of my new favourites and a top read of the year!

The magic system is really unique and I loved the idea of the ‘Deofols’ (animal companions of sorts which are linked to the individual) who were equally as funny when passing messages between the two main characters.

The distain between Osric and Aurienne is REAL, this is a very slowww burn and written so well! I really enjoyed seeing them slowly become slightly more cooperative/tolerant of each other as the story went on 😂

I honestly can’t wait to add a physical copy of this book to my shelves. And the cover is stunning! 😍

I’m already excited for the next book in this duology!

Thank you so much @brigitteknightley, @littlebrownbookgroup_uk & @netgalley for the e-arc

4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance where Aurienne, a brilliant minded Haelan, is tasked with healing Osric, a member of her enemy order and top assassin to boot.

Omg this book!!!! The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025 and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype!!! The tension between Aurienne and Osric - chefs kiss. The slow burn - immaculate. The banter - witty. I was laughing out loud on a plane (did get some weird looks haha) at most of Osric’s sarcastic comments and Aurienne’s dry humour. The interactions between the two made the whole enemies to lovers trope so believable.

Bridgette understands what her readers want and boy does she deliver. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a slow burn enemies to lovers (and obviously for any Dramione fans too!!)

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This review was left honestly and voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

Not at all what I was expecting but a very good read!

It was a bit slow to start and I felt it takes some time to get used to the authors writing style, but once I got past that I really enjoyed it.

A huge slow burn!!! The whole book made me want to scream (in a good way)…when are they going to get it on!?!

It also had humorous points and I loved the tit for tat relationship that remained steady throughout.

I was a bit confused with the magic system as it seems to give you all the information at the start but then only really touched on the main characters magic, maybe this will be developed in the next book I’m not sure but it definitely didn’t take from the story or ruin it at all and if you’re accustomed to reading fantasy it’s easy to follow along

I did NOT expect that ending and now I want to cry because I need more 😭 someone please tell me the next book is coming soon?

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy was a mixed experience for me.
I liked the writing style and the humour, for the most part. It was playful, silly, easy to read - something I see carrying over from the fanfiction space and, for romcoms, I think is perfect.

And I enjoyed the magic system - shadow jumping abilities always appeal to me and they were used for some really fun stuff in TIUTFFYE. Of course I'm weak for animal companions too so the Deofol familiars were a hit. Cinder and Ciele were absolutely the highlight of my reading experience!

But the story felt a bit hollow. I know this book is inspired by a fandom that I am not a part of, but it lacks a solid foundation of its own. The worldbuilding is rocky - we have advanced technology with modern lighting and sophisticated medical equipment, but we also have gas lamps and the scandal of flashing ones ankles. Then in some scenes there are men in crude leather armour fighting with shields and spears. Are we contemporary? Late Victorian? The Middle Ages? I loved the idea behind the waystone pubs, but the rest of the setting felt floaty and inconsistent.

I'm also concerned that there is a scene in this book that misses the mark in its handling of sexual consent. I understand that Osric is morally grey, but in a romcom that isn't advertised as taboo romance I expect there to be certain lines that won't be crossed by our male love interest. The next paragraph will very vaguely reference an event in the book - I may update this with more specific information after publication.

There is a scene in which Osric engages in a sexual activity with Aurienne in the room, she is neither aware of it happening nor is she in a position to give consent or to ask that he stop. It didn't sit well with me and it is not addressed in any way after it has happened.

It was unnecessary and left me feeling uncomfortable. There were also moments where the dirty humour got taken a bit too far for my personal tastes. In moderation it was amusing, but on the whole it was too much.

Brigette Knightley does clearly have a talent for the romcom style though, she has a fun narrative voice that will entertain most and I hope she can hone this in future projects! I am also happy to see the contemporary romance trend of female protagonists in STEM roles is continuing to carry over into the fantasy genre space. Praying for many more examples of this in 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for providing an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
✦ Content warnings: sickness, gore, torture (mild), mistreatment of a corpse
✦ Representation: bisexual biromantic FMC, women in STEM
✦ Emotional damage: low
✦ Author: new-to-me
✦ Mood: snarky, nerdy, fanfic-inspired

This was an absolutely fantastic read. Hilariously funny, I couldn't get enough of the banter between Osric and Aurienne, and their slow burn romance that culminates in an absolutely beautiful realisation of feelings cliffhanger. Rounded our by a tiny mystery subplot, this was just all in all a fantastic book and I cannot wait to read the next one.