The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy

Publishes 8th July 2025. Pre-order from orders@lanebook.com.au or (08) 9384 4423.

Darci's Review 

Bridgitte Knightley’s debut fantasy romance, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy, is a swoon-worthy read. With complex world building, exquisite prose, and fun and lovable characters, Knightley’s novel will quickly become a fan favourite.

The main protagonist, Osrin Mordaunt, is a deadly Fyren assassin whose seith (magic) is waning. To prevent his expulsion from the Fyren Order through execution, Osrin needs the help of Haelan phenomenon, Aurienne Fairhrim. Unlucky for Osrin, Aurienne is not a docile and easily manipulated healer. He finds that his attempts to blackmail, seduce, and kidnap the Haelen are futile, with Aurienne’s strong will and dagger-like glare mocking the deadly reputation Osrin has with his peers and marks. But Aurienne is put in a tough position when the Head Haelen of Swanston Research Centre agrees to Osrin’s bribe: a twenty million thrysma donation to their Platt’s Pox Research Charity.

Knightley has written such a fun, charming, and tender fantasy romance that will have you reading for hours on end. Her use of language is quirky and adds a wacky flair to the story, with humour also elevating the characterisation. Knightley also paces the story beautifully, with progression in character development entwining with the plot, as more of the world and magic system unfurls. The romance is a perfect presentation of enemies-to-lovers and will have you wanting more. It’s safe to say, Knightley’s debut is one of my favourite romantasies to date, and I am extremely eager to continue reading the Dearly Beloathed series in the sequel. I highly recommend The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy, but especially for fans of Assistant to the Villain by Nicole Maehrer, Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faires by Hannah Fawcett. 

Publisher's Review 

'Utterly unique, hilarious, swoony beyond my wildest dreams! This book is an instant classic and a true masterpiece, it took my breath away and made my heart explode' - Ali Hazelwood

A slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy featuring a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin, set in an exquisite fantasy world, perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, is in dire need of healing. Naturally - such is the grim comedy of fate - the only healer who can help is Aurienne Fairhrim, preeminent scientist, bastion of moral good, and member of an enemy Order.
Aurienne is desperate for funding to heal the sick - so desperate that, when Osric bribes her to help him, she accepts, even if she detests him and everything he stands for.

A forced collaboration ensues: the brilliant Woman in STEM is coerced into working with the PhD in Murders, much to Aurienne's disgust. As Osric and Aurienne work together to heal his illness and investigate the mysterious reoccurrence of a deadly pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction, which only fuels the heat between them.

Praise for The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy

'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' - Sarah Hawley, author of A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

'With the most wickedly delicious banter, Brigitte Knightley is sure to become your next favourite author. This had all the things I love most: a slow-burn romance that hurts so good, truly agonizing enemies-to-lovers, with a twisty mystery at its core' - Julie Soto, author of Forget Me Not

'The slow burn romance of my dreams. Whip smart, creative, and brimming with banter and wit . . . both the hero and heroine had me laughing and shouting to just kiss already. This one is a rare delight' - Isabel Ibanez, author of What the River Knows