But how does it differ from other romantasy novels?
'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' - originally a Dramione fanfiction in the 'Harry Potter' fandom - is a romantasy novel by Brigitte Knightley nominated for the Goodreads Awards as Best Romantasy of 2025. Surprisingly pure for its genre, 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' is a slow-burn hardly recognisable as a Dramione fanfiction.
What is 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall Four Your Enemy' about?
Osric Mordaut is an assasin living in a giant manor house with a dozen of dogs. Although he usually is the one to kill, this time he is slowly being killed by a fatal disease.
Aurienne Fairhrim is a healer who is the greatest opposite of Osric. She always is a paragon of virtue and would never do a harm to others - let alone kill somebody. But when Osric financially supports the Order Aurienne is in, she is forced to try heal Osric.
Even though it requires a lot of unseccessfull attempts and too much time spent together, these two enemies have to work together.
I was Shocked that it Is a Fanfiction
'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' is supposed to be originally a 'Dramione' (Draco Malfoy x Hermione Granger from 'Harry Potter' series) fanfiction. And I was so shocked to find out!
At a first sight, I wouldn't be able to tell it's a Dramione story. I really like how Brigette Knightley could build the whole new world and characters instead of giving us only disguised Dramione. The similarities of course exist but they aren't visible at all. The biggest clue it used to be a fanfiction is ironically look of the characters. Aurienne has the Hermione fluffy hair and Osric is a pale platinum blonde. Even their character traits are changed. Hermione isn't fustian as Aurienne is (although them two love keeping to the rules). Osric is also wanting of the basic Malfoy trait id est racism (but he is as cruel as Draco at least).
My Opinion as a Potterhead
Since my early childhood, I've been being a devoted potterhead. Despite all controversies aroud J.K. Rowling, you must agree that universum she has created is definitely magnificent and complex. And I must admit, 'Harry Potter' was one of the book series that shaped me as a reader and brief me on the book community and were one of the books of my childhood.
I was totally obsessed with 'Harry Potter' at that time. I used to spend too much time reading Harry Potter Wiki, and similarly to the case of SGE, I used to believe I would get into Hogwarts at the age of 11. Even until now, I know many spells or dialogues from the films by heart as well. I even have been working on my own fanfiction of HP. But fortunately it have never been published (uff...). All I can say is that it was suppose to be a combination of the 'Harry Potter' and the 'Fablehaven' universes.
'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy': my Opinion on Darmione
But what's my opinion on Dramione... Hmm, that's quite complicated. I'm not gonna lie, I like this ship and it is my favourite one from the 'Harry Potter' universum. I really like the combination of nerdy Hermione and arrogant Draco. What is more, Hermione is also my favourite character from this series. However, I know that the Draco I ship Hermione with isn't the one originally depicted in the franchise. It's obviously the fan-made Draco, who isn't as rotten as he seems at first. Nevertheless, yes, I can call myself a Dramione fan - not the greatest one, but still.
Although I don't remember shipping Hermione and Draco while reading the books, I definitely have been shipping them while watching the films when I was a little older. I especially was enthusiastic about Dramione as a ship when I discover that J.K. Rowling is claimed to have admitted that Draco's approach on Harmione is a consequence of his feelings for her.
Spoiler-free review
'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' is propably the best romantasy I've read. I said 'propably', 'cause 'Fourth Wing' is still a pretty good rival. (Also 'Once Upon a Broken Heart', but I have no idea whether I count it as a romantasy. It's propably too childish for this genre).
'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' is the most innocent romantasy I've read EVER, and I've read too many romantasy books. It's a great slowburn - they don't even make love with each other!!! That's SUCH a nice change. I was sick of those all romantasy that have more erotic content than even dialogues. Marta suggested I am not that shocked since the book cover definitely implies the innocence of 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' but I wouldn't be so sure - I told you my opinion on 'Icebreaker' and its cover that is worse than improper considering the amount of numerous sex scenes inside.
If this wouldn't be the greatest incentive - a fantasy romance without erotic content! - I wholeheartedly promise to you that 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' is the funniest book. Furthermore - it is so easy to read... The best way to chill and relax with a pair of flirting enemies. Totally worth reading!
Cover image © Orbit. Used only for review reasons.
[…] nothing else than the Draco Malfoy taken straight from the Wattpad imagination.As I explained in my review of 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy', some parts of the Harry Potter fandom are overly in love with Draco Malfoy. He is a rival of […]