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Reviews tagging 'Violence'
The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
71 reviews
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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
Aurienne is a healer sworn to “harm none” and Osric is an assassin dealing harm to anyone for the right price. They belong to opposite magical orders but have to work together when Osric needs help from the best healer, Aurienne, in order to save his life. As they journey across the realm they must work together not only to save Osric but to solve the riddle of the Pox ravaging hundreds of young children, which Aurienne and her Order tirelessly attempt to save.
I was really into this book for the first third. There is a lot of dark, sarcastic humour and tension between the FMC and MMC. I didn’t like how the author jumped into the story without world-building and instead started with a glossary, which is just lazy writing. Then the whole “slow burn romance” just made the whole book tedious as their quest and “slow burn” just dragged on and on and on. There were a lot of superfluous scenes and interactions that could have been cut and still made the story decent.
AND THEN WE GET THAT LAME ASS ENDING. Are you effing kidding me?? It’s like someone sent the hook on stage and slammed the curtain down mid-act. There’s no HEA or HFN. The book just ends. I’m just glad I got this as an ARC for free and didn’t pay for it.
I was really into this book for the first third. There is a lot of dark, sarcastic humour and tension between the FMC and MMC. I didn’t like how the author jumped into the story without world-building and instead started with a glossary, which is just lazy writing. Then the whole “slow burn romance” just made the whole book tedious as their quest and “slow burn” just dragged on and on and on. There were a lot of superfluous scenes and interactions that could have been cut and still made the story decent.
AND THEN WE GET THAT LAME ASS ENDING. Are you effing kidding me?? It’s like someone sent the hook on stage and slammed the curtain down mid-act. There’s no HEA or HFN. The book just ends. I’m just glad I got this as an ARC for free and didn’t pay for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror
adventurous
funny
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
If you have a penchant for assassins, magic, and sizzling slow burns, this one’s for you.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the banter—witty, sharp, and consistently fun throughout the book. Osric is delightfully pompous and arrogant in that “I-know-I-shouldn’t-like-you-but-I-do” way, and Aurienne? The kind of brilliant, morally grounded heroine you want to root for and fear a little (okay, a lot, she's amazingly terrifying). The alternating points of view were such a strength—I loved being able to peek into both of their heads and watch the tension build from every angle.
The romance is the slowest of slow burns... but it’s delicious. Every interaction crackles, and the emotional development between them felt natural, layered, and completely worth the wait. Add to that a genuinely interesting magical illness, political tensions between rival Orders, and a rich fantasy world—it’s a recipe that worked incredibly well for me.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book—this one ends with the perfect balance of resolution and promise. Highly recommended for fans of enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and that extra satisfying ugh-I-hate-you-wait-do-I? tension.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Violence
Minor: War
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
oh okay so its just going to end like that huh?
I don't even know how to put into words the experience that was this book.
It was that good.
My god.
Bi4Bi
dramione coded (obviously)
POC characters
and I'm counting the costs as disability rep. Even if its 'healed' the next day, its something that is constant and will always come back.
I don't even know how to put into words the experience that was this book.
It was that good.
My god.
Bi4Bi
dramione coded (obviously)
POC characters
and I'm counting the costs as disability rep. Even if its 'healed' the next day, its something that is constant and will always come back.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Kidnapping, War
A hilarious enemies to lovers romcom with a side of magical science and folklore.
This book was such a good time! A confident, no-nonsense healer, and a cocky, ever-optimistic assassin reluctantly team up for the most ridiculous quest - hunting for an impossible cure for a deadly magical nerve injury using nothing but folklore and "thin places" that may or may not actually work.
The whole thing is chaotic in the best way, packed with wit, snark, and banter that had me constantly grinning and laughing out loud. Aurienne’s cool, collected attitude is such a breath of fresh air, and Osric’s relentless charm makes him the most loveable murderous rogue I've ever had the pleasure of reading about.
The world was just as enjoyable, set in a magical-and-not-quite-modern-day version of the British Isles, with enough familiar names to get a sense of place without needing a map. I especially loved watching the characters wrestle with the clash between evidence-based, scientific magic and the wild unpredictability of folklore magic.
It's very slow burn, and so worth it - watching Aurienne and Osric go from squabbling and screaming insults at each other every chance they get to somewhat trusting (and maybe even needing) each other was utterly heartwarming, and exactly what I needed. I don't know how I'm going to survive waiting for book two!
This book was such a good time! A confident, no-nonsense healer, and a cocky, ever-optimistic assassin reluctantly team up for the most ridiculous quest - hunting for an impossible cure for a deadly magical nerve injury using nothing but folklore and "thin places" that may or may not actually work.
The whole thing is chaotic in the best way, packed with wit, snark, and banter that had me constantly grinning and laughing out loud. Aurienne’s cool, collected attitude is such a breath of fresh air, and Osric’s relentless charm makes him the most loveable murderous rogue I've ever had the pleasure of reading about.
The world was just as enjoyable, set in a magical-and-not-quite-modern-day version of the British Isles, with enough familiar names to get a sense of place without needing a map. I especially loved watching the characters wrestle with the clash between evidence-based, scientific magic and the wild unpredictability of folklore magic.
It's very slow burn, and so worth it - watching Aurienne and Osric go from squabbling and screaming insults at each other every chance they get to somewhat trusting (and maybe even needing) each other was utterly heartwarming, and exactly what I needed. I don't know how I'm going to survive waiting for book two!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic
adventurous
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am quite literally obsessed with Brigitte's writing style and ability to write banter. This was such an enjoyable read in terms of getting to know these characters. I'd say it was equally plot and character driven, and I'm actually hoping she writes more?? Like the end was kind of open and I would be obsessed with reading more about these two and this entire world she has built. Also, I've added so many words to my vocabulary because of this book!!
- enemies to lovers (ish)
- slow burn
This is definitely a romance book, but the romance is very subtle, builds over time, and the ending might be a little different than what you are used to with romance books in the genre right now.
I am quite literally obsessed with Brigitte's writing style and ability to write banter. This was such an enjoyable read in terms of getting to know these characters. I'd say it was equally plot and character driven, and I'm actually hoping she writes more?? Like the end was kind of open and I would be obsessed with reading more about these two and this entire world she has built. Also, I've added so many words to my vocabulary because of this book!!
- enemies to lovers (ish)
- slow burn
This is definitely a romance book, but the romance is very subtle, builds over time, and the ending might be a little different than what you are used to with romance books in the genre right now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Murder
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-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:
Complicated
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder
Minor: Body horror
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
First and foremost I must thank NetGalley for approving my request literally five minutes after I pressed the button. I honestly did not expect you to approve it that fast, so a big smooch for you.
5/5 for everything
Probably too high of expectations going in but if I hate something, I will hate it.
Now the review – attempted to keep spoiler free, please let me know if it's not because I know some of you HATE that.
(Cross-posted on Fable and Goodreads)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Title: The Ganglion and the Fusspot
I remember when I first read DMATMOBIL in 2023 when I was avoiding (ironically) my Ethics in research class prep because it sucked. While I can obviously see the writing of Brigitte and how it hasn't really changed since that fic was published, this book is soooo not that. Yes, there are parts of the story that have come from DMATMOBIL but Brigitte has obviously made it her own world and incorporated her own magic system into this world whilst still having some nice callbacks to her roots. (e.g. the pink, heart-shaped glasses on a skull)
I will admit that when I saw how close to the end I saw the book was and I started speaking to my Kindle as though Brigitte was trapped in there writing it for me, I wasn't disappointed, frustrated yes – slow burn do be slow burning – but I will definitely read this again (a lot probably, definitely). I really liked how well the chemistry was between all of the characters (platonic and otherwise). While I would've liked to be frustrated with a single POV and second-guess myself with the classic "does she...? no? yes?", I LOVED the dual POV and the second-guessing of myself at certain points and honestly I haven't felt that from a new book in ages.
To go back to Brigitte's writing style. Oh hell yes, she writes like she has rewatched Easy A (first film that I could think of that had the same speech style) a billion times with how the banter goes back and forth, honestly, I kept giggling way too loudly and the walls looked upon my chaotic nature with far more concern than inanimate objects should have.
I loved the adventure that they had to go on, the disgust they have for each other (almost as much as I have for them 😏) is palpable and is, for sure, a fine line that they are honestly leaping across like they are in the Olympics and aiming for a gold medal.
Additionally, I'm so excited to see where they go and what Brigitte is going to do to hurt me in the future with the brick wall she kissed and lovingly built before she drove over me with the cement mixer.
I'm so excited to see where she goes in the future, she is for sure an instant buy which WILL hurt my bank account.
And now I am going to consume other content to forget basically everything until the official Irresistible arrives through my postbox and wakes me from my slumber like I am Nosferatu.
Some honourable mentions of what I wrote in my notes app whilst reading – in no particular order:
— The Irresistible Urge to Give Brigitte a Phat Smooch on the Forehead
— I feel like Aurienne was that one meme of Charlie from Always Sunny smoking with the board in the background trying to figure out how to solve Osric’s issues
— That’s what the fork’s for — hawt
— haha don't die ur so sexy
— Brigitte, Ill say it again - IM IN YOUR WALLS PLEASE PLEAAAAAAAASSSSSEEEEE
— 🫱(‿✝️‿)🫲
— Is it bribery if I beg and offer you money for a sequel implanted into my mind now?
5/5 for everything
Probably too high of expectations going in but if I hate something, I will hate it.
Now the review – attempted to keep spoiler free, please let me know if it's not because I know some of you HATE that.
(Cross-posted on Fable and Goodreads)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Title: The Ganglion and the Fusspot
I remember when I first read DMATMOBIL in 2023 when I was avoiding (ironically) my Ethics in research class prep because it sucked. While I can obviously see the writing of Brigitte and how it hasn't really changed since that fic was published, this book is soooo not that. Yes, there are parts of the story that have come from DMATMOBIL but Brigitte has obviously made it her own world and incorporated her own magic system into this world whilst still having some nice callbacks to her roots. (e.g. the pink, heart-shaped glasses on a skull)
I will admit that when I saw how close to the end I saw the book was and I started speaking to my Kindle as though Brigitte was trapped in there writing it for me, I wasn't disappointed, frustrated yes – slow burn do be slow burning – but I will definitely read this again (a lot probably, definitely). I really liked how well the chemistry was between all of the characters (platonic and otherwise). While I would've liked to be frustrated with a single POV and second-guess myself with the classic "does she...? no? yes?", I LOVED the dual POV and the second-guessing of myself at certain points and honestly I haven't felt that from a new book in ages.
To go back to Brigitte's writing style. Oh hell yes, she writes like she has rewatched Easy A (first film that I could think of that had the same speech style) a billion times with how the banter goes back and forth, honestly, I kept giggling way too loudly and the walls looked upon my chaotic nature with far more concern than inanimate objects should have.
I loved the adventure that they had to go on, the disgust they have for each other (almost as much as I have for them 😏) is palpable and is, for sure, a fine line that they are honestly leaping across like they are in the Olympics and aiming for a gold medal.
Additionally, I'm so excited to see where they go and what Brigitte is going to do to hurt me in the future with the brick wall she kissed and lovingly built before she drove over me with the cement mixer.
I'm so excited to see where she goes in the future, she is for sure an instant buy which WILL hurt my bank account.
And now I am going to consume other content to forget basically everything until the official Irresistible arrives through my postbox and wakes me from my slumber like I am Nosferatu.
Some honourable mentions of what I wrote in my notes app whilst reading – in no particular order:
— The Irresistible Urge to Give Brigitte a Phat Smooch on the Forehead
— I feel like Aurienne was that one meme of Charlie from Always Sunny smoking with the board in the background trying to figure out how to solve Osric’s issues
— That’s what the fork’s for — hawt
— haha don't die ur so sexy
— Brigitte, Ill say it again - IM IN YOUR WALLS PLEASE PLEAAAAAAAASSSSSEEEEE
— 🫱(‿✝️‿)🫲
— Is it bribery if I beg and offer you money for a sequel implanted into my mind now?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, War
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
I love Brigette and have since DMATMOOBIL but I could've done with 90% less crude body humor. Became repetitive and distracting. I'm still going to read the next one though as the ending had less of that and more plot movement that was really interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse