The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy - (Dearly Beloathed) by Brigitte Knightley (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Loyalties are tested in this slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy following an assassin and a healer forced to work together to cure a fatal disease, all while resisting the urge to kill each other--or, worse, fall in love.

When Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, falls ill, he realizes he needs the expertise of a very specific healer. As fate would have it, that healer belongs to an enemy faction, the Haelan Order.

Aurienne Fairhrim and her fellow Haelan are inundated by sick children suffering from an outbreak of a long-forgotten Pox. Unable to get the funding needed to launch an immunization program, the Haelan Order is desperate for money - so desperate that when Osric breaks into their headquarters to bribe Aurienne to heal him, she is forced to accept.

As Osric and Aurienne work together to solve not only his illness but the mysterious reoccurrence of the Pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction which only fuels the tension between them.

Review Quotes

"Utterly unique, hilarious, swoony beyond my wildest dreams! This book is an instant classic and a true masterpiece, and I've never read anything like it. Like a warm hug, that also made me laugh, and also took my breath away and made my heart explode. It's like the author took every single trope I adore and executed them in the most perfect way. A magnificent book, and I cannot wait for it to become everyone's favorite and to bring them as much joy as it brought me!"--Ali Hazelwood, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy is the slow burn romance of my dreams. Whip smart, creative, and brimming with banter and wit, I was drawn into this magical world and didn't want to leave. Both the hero and heroine had me laughing and shouting to just kiss already. Make room on your shelves, this one is a rare delight."--Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows

"Charming and perfectly crafted, this will-they-won't-they slow burning romance between two enemies is now one of my favorite books I've ever read. Knightley's debut crackles with wit and magic, intrigue and banter, and has left a mark behind on my heart."--Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals

"Clever, original, and ridiculously fun, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is my newest obsession! Knightley has built a world I never wanted to leave, and her characters kept me up way too late, grinning at their banter. An absolute gem of a book!"--Kristen Ciccarelli, New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter

"Sworn enemies, underhanded shenanigans, dazzling magic and delicious romantic tension make this a witty, wonderful gem. Whether you're Team Aurienne (she of the incandescent brilliance) or Team Osric (he of the magnificent cheekbones) or just Team Would You Two Just Kiss Already, I promise you'll love this."--Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

"With the most wickedly delicious banter, Brigitte Knightley is sure to become your next favorite author. The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy had all the things I love most: a slow-burn romance that hurts so good, truly agonizing enemies-to-lovers, and a broad world with a twisty mystery at its core. Knightley's voice soars."--Julie Soto, USA Today bestselling author of Not Another Love Song

"Brigitte Knightley is such a wonderfully talented writer with a unique voice and a real genius for banter. I love the way she uses humour, vivacity, and intelligence to great effect in creating strong, interesting characters and a fascinating magical world. Her many fans, and indeed anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers romantasy, will surely adore The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy!"--India Holton, USA Today bestselling author of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love

"The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy is brilliant and wildly imaginative, with a delicious forbidden romance set in a fascinating fantasy world. Knightley is a remarkable talent, weaving together witty comedy, slow-burn longing, and heart-wrenchingly poetic imagery. This book is one of a kind, and I felt The Irresistible Urge to Keep Turning Pages Late Into The Night. I cannot wait for Knightley's next book!"--Sarah Hawley, USA Today bestselling author of Servant of Earth

"As an avid fan of Brigitte Knightley's writing, I had high expectations for The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy, and Knightley blew them out of the water. I tore through the novel in a day. Everything that I love about her writing is here--from banter that springs off the page and leaves me sniggering to myself to tender, slow-burn romantic tension--but then, incredibly, she ups the ante. This debut boasts gorgeously-written, vivid settings, a unique magic system and fresh fantasy world, razor-sharp wit, and graceful characterization. In short, Knightley's debut is nothing short of irresistible itself."--Isabel Cañas, USA Today bestselling author of Vampires of El Norte

"Brigitte Knightley's debut is a delicious enemies-to-lovers feast with the slowest of slow burns. Readers will lose themselves in her superb world-building and confident prose. Utterly unique and delightful, The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy is the perfect romantasy for those who like their villains (and heroes) with a touch of murder, thievery, and questionable morals. The banter is top notch, and nothing like I've ever read. A must-read for fans of Terry Pratchett and Leigh Bardugo. Sexy and hilarious with dry-as-bone humor, Knightley's writing is not to be missed."--Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask

"A delight in every sentence. I cackled, I swooned, I was filled with bitter jealousy over Brigitte Knightley's voice and prose. Read this if you have taste!"--Yulin Kuang, author of Reese's Book Club pick, How to End a Love Story

"Knightley's fresh take on the fantasy romance genre is spellbinding and utterly unique. With her expert infusion of real-world science and ancient folklore, she has crafted a world filled with characters so vibrant that they snatched me up from the first page and took me on a journey I didn't want to end. Readers will be laughing, crying, and questioning their morals every time Osric and Aurienne do battle--quite simply, brilliant."--Hazel McBride, author of A Fate Forged in Fire

About the Author

Brigitte Knightley's modus operandi is to write what she wants to read: enemies-to-lovers romances that put the unresolved back in UST. Her work is enjoyed by fans of slow burns, tongue-in-cheek romcoms, and suffering. The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is her debut novel.