Introduction
Published on the 7th July 2026 as the second - and final - addition to the Dearly Beloathed duology, The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy has captured the hearts of readers with its intense plot and swooning romance.
A Summary
The arrangement was simple. Aurienne would attempt to heal Osric’s terminal disease and in return he would fund the Haelan Order. He never thought that he would begin feeling more. As they work on healing him under the full moonlight, he finds his heart defrosting and hers learning to trust again. Rather than being able to avoid each other instead of confronting their feelings, they discover more about the Pox unleashed through the Tiendoms and need to work together to save their homes. As the lines blur further and further, they have to ask the question. How much are they willing to sacrifice for love?
Writing Style
The writing style is unique to Knightley’s works, with the balance between high stakes and goofy characters being perfectly achieved. The chapter length is average for a typical romantasy, and their are two POV’s - Aurienne’s and Osric’s.
My Thoughts
The fact that this book was the final book that I will ever read with Aurienne and Osric as the main characters makes me incredibly sad. Their story was a journey that I enjoyed every second of and will always be a go to re-read when I am in need of a safe series to binge. For starters, the book on a tonal level is perfect. It nails the sarcastic, adorably funny style without sacrificing any of the heartfelt hope you have for the characters during the darker scenes.
I will also say, the characters feel unlike any other I have read within this genreーespecially Osric. There’s something about having an arrogant murderer placed into a situation where he is falling in love with the woman he needs to save his life and trying to deny it by any means necessary. His character was made endlessly better by the side characters around him - like the critique cricket - who pulled out parts of his personality more.
The plot itself felt intricate but still easy enough to grasp, especially with the pages at the front detailing the different paths. The pronounciations are also underappreciated but I love having them, and it’s nice to see the etymology behind the name choices. I know this series stems from a dramione fanfiction, but it’s so far removed that it doesn’t feel remotely related in any discernable way. From the tone, to the plot, you wouldn’t know it unless told, and I think the author deserves praise for making her work so unique when it was based in another world originally.
Recommendation
This series is perfect for romantasy lovers in need of something funny but just as impactful. It’s genuinely perfect and once you fall in love with the characters, you’ll never forget them.
Songs
Songs that I find reminiscent of the book:
Control by Halsey
I Found by Amber Run
Play with Fire by Sam Tinnesz
Eyes Don’t Lie by Isabel LaRosa
(P.S. We made them links so feel free to click on them and get teleported straight into the vibes.)
