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Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'
The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
30 reviews
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I’m trying hard to temper my perspective on this book, because obviously it can’t be (and shouldn’t be) the same as its original inspiration and therefore shouldn’t be judged as such. But DMTMOBIL is so top tier and I’m not sure much could come close.
I didn’t realize this would be a series, I thought it was a standalone. However I like that there wasn’t an overly dramatic cliffhanger, since that’s an ick for me. I also liked that there was some good yearning. This is an authentic slow burn in my opinion and it was done well. I didn’t love aurienne’s character at first. I felt like she became more authentic as the book progressed but at the beginning and in small pockets here and there throughout the story, she was too much of a contrivance and not a human character.
I didn’t realize this would be a series, I thought it was a standalone. However I like that there wasn’t an overly dramatic cliffhanger, since that’s an ick for me. I also liked that there was some good yearning. This is an authentic slow burn in my opinion and it was done well. I didn’t love aurienne’s character at first. I felt like she became more authentic as the book progressed but at the beginning and in small pockets here and there throughout the story, she was too much of a contrivance and not a human character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
A refreshingly witty, enemies to lovers fantasy that I didn’t want to put down!
From the hilarious, banter-filled interactions (and dialogue) between MCs, Aurienne and Osric, (whose petty remarks, dirty jokes and lighthearted animosity had me absolutely cackling) to the chaotic field trips and eccentric side characters we meet along the way. There wasn’t anything I didn’t enjoy.
I loved Brigitte’s Knighley’s prose, which was entertaining in a fun, unputdownable way that had me hooked. Our MCs vocabulary during their interactions was pretty fun too, and had a Terry Pratchett-esque charm that (in my opinion) only added to the overall whimsy.
But of course, the main attraction was our grumpy x sunshine-esque duo, Aurienne (the scholarly healer who follows the rules) and Osric (the silver tongued assassin who loves to break them.)
They were both incredibly nuanced, flawed and in-depth characters who, (despite their very different moral views) can’t stop the slowburn and gorgeously intense chemistry that simmers between them.
I really liked Aurienne, she’s smart and compassionate with an unwavering drive to do what’s right. But I loved seeing her grow and realise that people (and the choices they make) can’t always be neatly categorised.
I also adored Osric and found his charming, flirtatious personality soo joyfully infectious. Even his interactions with Aurienne’s Deofol and fellow assassin Leofric were hilarious. I’ll also never look at a fork the same way again!
There’s not much else I can say without spoilers. However, with its soft magic system and world-building that focuses heavily on its characters (rather than exposition heavy lore), this might not appeal to everyone.
But, if you’ve read (and loved) Olivia Atwater or Gabby Hutchinson Crouch’s work, then you’ll probably really enjoy this!
Also, a huge thank you to Nazia & Orbit books UK for this stunning finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Medical content
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Torture, Death of parent, War
Osric and Aurienne may be Dramione coded but I got huge Assistant to the Villain vibes - Oric is just not that the villainy. He's more the bad boy who's actually a good man - he just does a few unalivings every now and then, lol.
Osric may be a thief and an assassin but he also has a lovely relationship with his housekeeper and the frenemyship he has with another assassin will leave you chortling. Aurienne is hyper intelligent, focused and a gifted researcher but warm and cuddly is not her forte. But even she cracks when the magical malady that is affecting children (and only the poorest at that) strikes the local population and she and her fellow healers are left, without any major resources, to try and stem the pandemic.
Osric and Aurienne are soon entangled together in a forced proximity blackmailship as he endows her medical institute with cash and in return she just has to cure him of an incurable illness! Theses two have wicked banter and the witty repartee was wonderfully glib.
The world is queer normative and there was never a big drama when a little nugget of someone's sexuality or preferences were dropped into the narrative. There needs to be more of these kinds of worlds in my humble opinion. This is not a spicy romance, in fact there's only one scene I think that could be called steamy but there is much alluded to and spoken about so may not suit a younger/easily offended reader.
If you need any more urging to read this wee gem, here are a few of my stand out quotes:
“Irresistible Bastard Meets Immovable Bitch”
‘There was a heap of steaming excrement right in front of Aurienne, and it could talk. ‘
Aurienne said thank you, she would consult him next time she needed advice from an Abscess with inferior hair. Mordaunt, vexed, said how dare she, when her bun looked like a perfect onion?’
‘Can you stop fingering him while I’m speaking to you?’
‘You do realise,’ said Wellesley, ‘that you’ve only got one man here.’
‘No,’ said Aurienne with ruefulness born of sad truth. ‘I’ve got a monster.’ Now Mordaunt moved.
Osric may be a thief and an assassin but he also has a lovely relationship with his housekeeper and the frenemyship he has with another assassin will leave you chortling. Aurienne is hyper intelligent, focused and a gifted researcher but warm and cuddly is not her forte. But even she cracks when the magical malady that is affecting children (and only the poorest at that) strikes the local population and she and her fellow healers are left, without any major resources, to try and stem the pandemic.
Osric and Aurienne are soon entangled together in a forced proximity blackmailship as he endows her medical institute with cash and in return she just has to cure him of an incurable illness! Theses two have wicked banter and the witty repartee was wonderfully glib.
The world is queer normative and there was never a big drama when a little nugget of someone's sexuality or preferences were dropped into the narrative. There needs to be more of these kinds of worlds in my humble opinion. This is not a spicy romance, in fact there's only one scene I think that could be called steamy but there is much alluded to and spoken about so may not suit a younger/easily offended reader.
If you need any more urging to read this wee gem, here are a few of my stand out quotes:
“Irresistible Bastard Meets Immovable Bitch”
‘There was a heap of steaming excrement right in front of Aurienne, and it could talk. ‘
Aurienne said thank you, she would consult him next time she needed advice from an Abscess with inferior hair. Mordaunt, vexed, said how dare she, when her bun looked like a perfect onion?’
‘Can you stop fingering him while I’m speaking to you?’
‘You do realise,’ said Wellesley, ‘that you’ve only got one man here.’
‘No,’ said Aurienne with ruefulness born of sad truth. ‘I’ve got a monster.’ Now Mordaunt moved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
lighthearted
medium-paced
Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
The Irresistble Urge to Fall for Your Enemy has been highly hyped as an enemies to lovers. More than that, what appealed to me to request/pick this up was the slow born element. That slow burn is here. Mostly.
The Irresistble Urge to Fall for Your Enemy has been highly hyped as an enemies to lovers. More than that, what appealed to me to request/pick this up was the slow born element. That slow burn is here. Mostly.
One thing to know before going in is that our characters aren't personal enemies. They don't even know each other before the start of this book. They are 'enemies' because they are in different factions. One is a healer and the other a murderer for hire. So the enemy bit isn't quite as strong as I was initially expecting.
Regardless their romance is an interesting to follow. As this is a duology we don't quite get a pay out at the end of this book. But that makes the slow burn element that much stronger. I liked reading about our two main characters. Osric with his adopted dogs. Aurienne with her friends at work. I liked those elements of the story. Osric truly is a bit of a cinnamon roll. One who murders, but still.
What I struggled with was the slight formulaic portions of the story. Like where they within a span of a day max, they both masturbated to the image of the other. That made me roll my eyes so hard. If one of them did it it would have been fine. But this felt like a very forced element of the story now.
Adding onto that I found the world building here lacking. There are bits and bobs but it could have taken place in any kind of fantasy world really. It needed more padding for this world to truly stand out.
Regardless I did find it a fun read and I will likely pick up the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder
Minor: Death of parent
Masturbation
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Vomit, 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
Unfortunately, I had to dnf this at the 45% mark. I think the excessive 'quirky' humour just wasn't for me, and I felt like the author was trying too hard to be funny, and it ended up feeling really silly.
I also just felt like there was no chemistry between the two characters, and I think this would have benefitted from being first person or dual POV, so we got some inner monologue.
I was also pretty frustrated with the world building or lack of it, I guess? I understand that it was inspired originally by the Harry Potter world as a Dramione fanfic but we should get a better setup and depth than we did in my opinion and not rely on an already established world and the reader knowing it. I have not read the original fanfic to confirm, too, so I expected to be told or shown more than we were, and I was pretty confused at times with names of things or places.
I hope others enjoy it more than I did as it's not a terrible book. I just hoped for more and didn't want to continue at the 45% mark.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
I also just felt like there was no chemistry between the two characters, and I think this would have benefitted from being first person or dual POV, so we got some inner monologue.
I was also pretty frustrated with the world building or lack of it, I guess? I understand that it was inspired originally by the Harry Potter world as a Dramione fanfic but we should get a better setup and depth than we did in my opinion and not rely on an already established world and the reader knowing it. I have not read the original fanfic to confirm, too, so I expected to be told or shown more than we were, and I was pretty confused at times with names of things or places.
I hope others enjoy it more than I did as it's not a terrible book. I just hoped for more and didn't want to continue at the 45% mark.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent, Murder
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