Illumicrate #34: July 2025
At the beginning of June, Illumicrate announced the theme for their July box. They immediately revealed that the book of the month would be an adult romantasy debut. To be honest, as soon as I know that Illumicrate’s pick of the month is an adult title, I rarely even consider skipping the box. Lately I’ve been really impressed with the selection of items and the gorgeous exclusive editions, so my excitement for Illumicrate has definitely been rekindled! I was counting down the days until this package would arrive at my doorstep.
The theme for July was Hatefully Yours, a perfect fit for a romantasy that proudly features the tropes enemies to lovers. But as always, the book was hiding at the bottom of the box, so let’s first take a look at what items Illumicrate came up with this time!
The very first item made me instantly happy. I’m a huge fan of Illumicrate’s occasional dessert plate sets, so I was overjoyed to add another set to my kitchenware. The design was created by @_studio_ao and is inspired by Divine Rivals.
The second item is perhaps the most original piece I’ve ever seen in a box: a glass water dripper shaped like an adorable little owl. Designed by @stacey.mcevoy.caunt, inspired by the messengers of the Old Gods from The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Super unique and also just a beautiful display piece.
We’re staying in the water theme for item three. It’s a sturdy bag designed to carry a water bottle, complete with a strap so you can wear it like a small crossbody bag. The design is by @swanbones and inspired by A Dark and Drowning Tide. Very handy, and also beautifully made.
The fourth item is a set of sticky notes, with a lovely autumn-inspired design by @smugcomputer, based on Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Simple, but beautiful. I also love how it looks like a tiny envelope when you fold the note in half.
The book that matches this fiery theme is The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley.
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.
Romance tropes
Enemies to lovers
High interaction slow burn
Hypercompetent idiots
He falls first and harder
Evisceration as a love language
I had seen this title pop up quite a lot on most anticipated releases lists. The only thing that made me hesitate a little was hearing that it originally started as Draco & Hermione fanfiction. Honestly, that felt a little… icky to me. But I have to admit, reading the blurb, the story itself sounds intriguing. I just hope I’ll be able to let go of that fanfic origin while reading and enjoy it on its own merits. And since it’s being compared to Emily Wilde, I secretly hope this one delivers the romantic tension I found missing in the Emily Wilde series.
Illumicrate once again went all out with their exclusive edition. The translucent acetate jacket is beautifully illustrated by @frostbite.studios, with a design by @chattynora. I love how this artwork immediately gives the characters a unique identity, completely separate from that whole Draco/Hermione association. For me, it makes it much easier to see the book as its own thing.
What I find truly genius is how the acetate jacket interacts with the illustration on the hardcover. They’re beautiful individually, but together they create an extra dimension – one perfectly complementing the other.
On the hardcover itself, the two main characters appear again (also by @frostbite.studios), but this time only represented through their essences of light and dark. Subtle and very creative!
The sprayed edges are a soft pink, matching the acetate cover, with a light & dark line motif that ties in with the hardcover design. Everything feels thoughtfully coherent and perfectly executed.
The endpapers feature more gorgeous character art, this time by @flyora.art. Once again beautifully done – and while I can faintly see hints of Draco/Hermione in the characters, they feel distinct enough to let that go.
The book also comes with a letter from the author, bonus content, and a digital signature.
What an amazing box once again from Illumicrate! I really admire how they always manage to include useful, original items, paired with a stunningly produced exclusive edition. I honestly can’t wait to dive into this book and find out whether the story itself is just as strong as its presentation.
Cheers,
Charlotte
