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Reviews tagging 'Pandemic/Epidemic'
The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
32 reviews
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Torture, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Let me start off by saying, I don’t give a fuck about world building and I’m not a fantasy girlie unless there’s a movie out about it aka Harry Potter.
I would have never read this book had I not known the author wrote my beloved fave fanfic “Draco Malfoy and the mortifying ordeal of falling in love”. Bridgette is the fucking queen of slow burns and I literally laughed out loud at least 1x per chapter.
I devoured this book whole like it was my last meal on earth. Here’s some tropes: who did this to you/I had no where else to go, hate at first, banter to get closer to them, a smidge of fake flirting and a fake kiss, yearning, SLOWWWWW burn, hurt/comfort, grumpy x grumpy, brain x brawn, jealously disguised as looking out for the other
I don’t like to read series but I fear I’ll have to since the story was not finished by the end of this book. LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF THIS BOOK.
I would have never read this book had I not known the author wrote my beloved fave fanfic “Draco Malfoy and the mortifying ordeal of falling in love”. Bridgette is the fucking queen of slow burns and I literally laughed out loud at least 1x per chapter.
I devoured this book whole like it was my last meal on earth. Here’s some tropes: who did this to you/I had no where else to go, hate at first, banter to get closer to them, a smidge of fake flirting and a fake kiss, yearning, SLOWWWWW burn, hurt/comfort, grumpy x grumpy, brain x brawn, jealously disguised as looking out for the other
I don’t like to read series but I fear I’ll have to since the story was not finished by the end of this book. LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF THIS BOOK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley is the first book in the Dearly Beloathed series. Osric is in desperate need of help from someone of the Haelan Order. But he is a member of the Fyren Order, assassins who are not well liked. He makes Aurienne and the Haelan Order an offer they cannot deny. In order to help each other out, they have to work together, which is not easy as natural enemies that have some chemistry.
I am very unsure about this book. I found it on social media and immediately pre-ordered it as it seemed right up my ally. Enemies to lovers, fantasy, slow burn. However, I have a kind of love-hate relationship with this book. On one hand, I understand the hype, on the other, I don't. Brigitte Knightley's writing style is quite poetic. I had a really hard time getting into the book. English is not my first language and I had to translate several words to get what they were talking about (let's not talk about the fact that I study this language...). So the text per se was hard for me to comprehend. Secondly, I did not the fully warm with the main characters. I think that this goes hand in hand with my understanding problems, but Osric and Aurienne seemed too distant. They also lack chemistry. I liked them more towards the end, but I still can't grasp them fully.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed the plot. I love fantasy books with new plots and this book is definitely one of them. And don't get me talking about the cover. It is gorgeous! I will definitely read the next book, because I want to know what is going to happen to Osric, to all the children with Pox and to Osric's and Aurienne's relationship. Because this book is a real slow burn romance! I enjoy that.
As I said, I don't fully get the hype, but I enjoyed the book. Oh, and it has a map included which I LOVE!
I am very unsure about this book. I found it on social media and immediately pre-ordered it as it seemed right up my ally. Enemies to lovers, fantasy, slow burn. However, I have a kind of love-hate relationship with this book. On one hand, I understand the hype, on the other, I don't. Brigitte Knightley's writing style is quite poetic. I had a really hard time getting into the book. English is not my first language and I had to translate several words to get what they were talking about (let's not talk about the fact that I study this language...). So the text per se was hard for me to comprehend. Secondly, I did not the fully warm with the main characters. I think that this goes hand in hand with my understanding problems, but Osric and Aurienne seemed too distant. They also lack chemistry. I liked them more towards the end, but I still can't grasp them fully.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed the plot. I love fantasy books with new plots and this book is definitely one of them. And don't get me talking about the cover. It is gorgeous! I will definitely read the next book, because I want to know what is going to happen to Osric, to all the children with Pox and to Osric's and Aurienne's relationship. Because this book is a real slow burn romance! I enjoy that.
As I said, I don't fully get the hype, but I enjoyed the book. Oh, and it has a map included which I LOVE!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, Medical content, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Child abuse, Torture, Death of parent, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Don’t let the cheeky title mislead you into thinking this is a lighthearted romcom. It’s a very full world with a full story, lots of witty banter, and very very dark themes and moments (not in a traumatizing way in my opinion, in extremely reflective way to our current world).
These two are actually, truly, enemies and it makes the book quite fun if you get used to all the medical jargon and seething hatred at the start of it all.
Do yourself favor though, and read this digitally. Physical copies are beautiful and I’m sure the audiobook is super well done, but you’re going to need that dictionary at least twice on every. Single. Page.
I do love a book pushing me to learn new words and jargon but damn, I read 100+ books a year and have a college degree and I was constantly highlighting and pressing that “define” button. Super witty though! Just takes some getting used to.
These two are actually, truly, enemies and it makes the book quite fun if you get used to all the medical jargon and seething hatred at the start of it all.
Do yourself favor though, and read this digitally. Physical copies are beautiful and I’m sure the audiobook is super well done, but you’re going to need that dictionary at least twice on every. Single. Page.
I do love a book pushing me to learn new words and jargon but damn, I read 100+ books a year and have a college degree and I was constantly highlighting and pressing that “define” button. Super witty though! Just takes some getting used to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Medical content, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Sexual content, Vomit, Sexual harassment
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence
This did not work for me. I hate to rate a debut author low, but I actually did not enjoy my time reading this book.
The worldbuilding was confusing - set in a 'different world' (the map is clearly the UK), but then there were references to real historical things/people (ex: daguerrotypes) that didn't align with our historical timeline. So I wish they had either gone full high fantasy or kept things more historically accurate. The magic system isn't explained well, so I was honestly confused about it the entire book. Like what does Osric use his magic for when it's not broken? I was texting my friend who'd read it to ask questions (she didn't know either). The plot was slow and honestly I was quite bored for most of the book. Also I'm sorry but Aurienne is dull and every time we were in her pov I was uninterested. But the worst part was the humor. Crude/potty jokes are just not my personal taste and that was all we got. No good banter. And then the book ends in the most abrupt way that's so jarring.
Honestly I don't even know if I'll read the sequel.
The worldbuilding was confusing - set in a 'different world' (the map is clearly the UK), but then there were references to real historical things/people (ex: daguerrotypes) that didn't align with our historical timeline. So I wish they had either gone full high fantasy or kept things more historically accurate. The magic system isn't explained well, so I was honestly confused about it the entire book. Like what does Osric use his magic for when it's not broken? I was texting my friend who'd read it to ask questions (she didn't know either). The plot was slow and honestly I was quite bored for most of the book. Also I'm sorry but Aurienne is dull and every time we were in her pov I was uninterested. But the worst part was the humor. Crude/potty jokes are just not my personal taste and that was all we got. No good banter. And then the book ends in the most abrupt way that's so jarring.
Honestly I don't even know if I'll read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Medical content, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You know what? I liked it and I just need to deal with that.
Another illumicrate sub that I might not have picked had I actually read the little teaser but it was good.
This used to be Dramione FanFic and while I knew that, and the art definitely confirms it, I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t known though. Yes, their appearance descriptions were pretty close to Dramione, it just felt like regular OCs and not like already established characters.
The world was very interesting, though there were way to many made up words for things that didn’t need made up words in the slightest, especially in the first couple pages.
The idea of the Tācn and Deoful was really cool though and I did enjoy those immensely.
For some FanFics-turned-published-Book it’s really noticeable and it feels like only the names have been changed but this world had enough ideas to stand on its own two feet.
The Enemies to Lovers part was okay-ish done, in a way that they never truly felt like enemies, more like opponents which was a lil misleading by saying its Enemies to Lovers but I do get it and their opposites-attract kind of thing was well done.
The plot-based reveal near the end was foreseeable but that ain’t a bad thing, I’d rather foresee it than be completely blindsided because it doesn’t make any sense.
The romance was surprising me as well, in so far that I didn’t expect it too be slow-burn at all and was kinda prepared for insta-love. Which, thankfully it wasn’t and I do enjoy a good slowburn.
There’s probably going to be a second book and I’d definitely give it a shot.
Another illumicrate sub that I might not have picked had I actually read the little teaser but it was good.
This used to be Dramione FanFic and while I knew that, and the art definitely confirms it, I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t known though. Yes, their appearance descriptions were pretty close to Dramione, it just felt like regular OCs and not like already established characters.
The world was very interesting, though there were way to many made up words for things that didn’t need made up words in the slightest, especially in the first couple pages.
The idea of the Tācn and Deoful was really cool though and I did enjoy those immensely.
For some FanFics-turned-published-Book it’s really noticeable and it feels like only the names have been changed but this world had enough ideas to stand on its own two feet.
The Enemies to Lovers part was okay-ish done, in a way that they never truly felt like enemies, more like opponents which was a lil misleading by saying its Enemies to Lovers but I do get it and their opposites-attract kind of thing was well done.
The plot-based reveal near the end was foreseeable but that ain’t a bad thing, I’d rather foresee it than be completely blindsided because it doesn’t make any sense.
The romance was surprising me as well, in so far that I didn’t expect it too be slow-burn at all and was kinda prepared for insta-love. Which, thankfully it wasn’t and I do enjoy a good slowburn.
There’s probably going to be a second book and I’d definitely give it a shot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Kidnapping, War
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What you should know going into this book is that it isn't Objectively Good, but it does know what it is, and that's what makes it good.
This book has no pretenses. It isn't setting up an epic fantasy arc. It doesn't claim to be the next ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. This book knows its destiny is to be a romp of devilry and charm. It's irreverent, it's delightful caricature, it's pure fluff for when you just want an easy read with a healthy dose of mostly well-executed banter.
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy has a dark humor to it that belies its lightheartedness, which is what I think worked so well for me. You'll either enjoy it or you'll hate it, but either way, you'll finish and immediately look up when the sequel releases.(Allegedly July 2026.)
This book has no pretenses. It isn't setting up an epic fantasy arc. It doesn't claim to be the next ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. This book knows its destiny is to be a romp of devilry and charm. It's irreverent, it's delightful caricature, it's pure fluff for when you just want an easy read with a healthy dose of mostly well-executed banter.
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy has a dark humor to it that belies its lightheartedness, which is what I think worked so well for me. You'll either enjoy it or you'll hate it, but either way, you'll finish and immediately look up when the sequel releases.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, Murder, Classism
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Sexual harassment, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Death, Blood, Classism
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Excellent, creative world building and characters who are introspective, A+ writing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic