Disclaimer: I am going through my NetGalley shelf and reviewing books I read a long time ago but never got around to reviewing, so it’s been a long time since I read this one.

I remember the relationship between the 2 characters being toxic but also intoxicating, and I never really knew what they were going to do next. I remember it being disturbing and fascinating, but also a bit too long and overdone.

I wish I had thought to write down my thoughts when I read this almost exactly two years ago (April 2021). It's a dark and often disturbing tale, and definitely very chilling. Not for everyone, especially if you're looking for a HEA (happily-ever-after) LGBTQ+ book. But it was definitely worth reading.

Many thanks to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"These Violent Delights" by Micah Nemerever is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The author's writing style is evocative and powerful, bringing the reader on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the storyline is both thought-provoking and emotionally impactful. If you're looking for a novel that will challenge your perspectives and leave you with much to ponder, "These Violent Delights" is a must-read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and memorable read.

It took me forEVER to read this book. Literally over a year, and I forgot to leave a review because I'd already decided not to read it.

This book got stellar reviews when it came out at my workplace, but it just wasn't for me. I thought the concept was so intriguing, but historical fiction that doesn't add fantasy elements is already on the fence when it comes to my interest level, and These Violent Delights just didn't keep me engaged enough to bypass that preference of mine.

There is a part of me that feels like These Violent Delights could have been partially inspired by The Secret History (in particular, Richard and Henry), but I digress....

This was a difficult book to get through to say the least. This is definitely not for everyone. There is, however, a lot to unpack with this one. Taking influence from the famous "Leopold and Loeb case," this story explore the relationship between two young men as they develop a relationship with violent results. Julian and Paul’s relationship started off with such strong and oftentimes obsessive “delights” that they were doomed for “violent ends.” I found this to be a really interesting and engaging exploration of an obsessive and toxic relationship based on insecurities and ego and the unforgivable things it inspires its participants to commit. It dives into the psyche of both men and what influences our decisions and relationships and the age old question of nature vs nurture. I wish we would have gotten Julian's POV at times to get a more well-rounded prospective of events. That ending wrecked me... I really don't know how I am suppose to feel about this but I felt A LOT.

I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

What a amazing book! I feel in love with this one. The story is spectacular, all the characters are super vivid. I recommend with my heart.

This is a dark and twisted tale that left me cringing and feeling gross while reading it...but I think in a good way.

Just not my genre, but well written. I enjoyed the crimes and murders, but not the historical fiction elements. Thank you to Net Galley for the digital advance reader of this book.

While the characters are intriguing and the relationship is interesting, it is too dark for me. If you enjoy self discovery, coming of age novels there is much here to like as the writing is fantastic.

A page-turner that kept me gripped throughout. Its tricky subject matter (a kind of a modern-day Leopold & Loeb) is intriguing and will no doubt set up fascinating discussions in classrooms and book clubs alike.

3.5/5 stars

🐻 Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc!


✨It was only fine. Not that good of a novel but i wouldn't mind reading more from the author. Aldo was a bit confused at times

An excellent and compelling debut novel! Keeps suspense and interest all through. I look forward to future books by Micah Nemerever.

I enjoyed this. I think that the character development was good. The story had a decent pace and it kept my attention too! I would recommend.

These Violent delights will easy go down as one of my favorite books of the year. The representation of the characters and the diverse writing enthralled me page after page. Neverever has taken such a delicate subject and crushed me.

He touches on domestic abuse and verbal abuse in m/m relationships. A subject that we rarely see spoken about. The toxic dependency and passion involved in obsessive relationships is written so well it brought me back to a familiar place in my past life. Books like these make me feel. They make me angry, sad, hopefully, and make me think about the characters long after the book is done. Highly recommend!

Let me start by saying, this book is terrific. The relationship between Paul and Julian is drawn with such magnetism, vulnerability, and intensity that it immediately draws you in, only to then overwhelm you -- much like the two characters at its core. While set during the 1970s, it feels both specific to the era and timeless; the organically, integrally integrated discourse on moral philosophy, while dense at times, is fascinating and helps to illuminate how these two young men are so brilliant, significant, and yet dangerous. And of course, the ending is gutting. In general but especially as a debut work for Mr. Nemerever, These Violent Delights is a fantastic, compulsive read. I don't say this lightly, but would absolutely recommend it for fans of The Secret History and Patricia Highsmith.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Just ick. That's the one thought running through my head as I read this book. I thought the writing was good, which is what elevated it to 2 stars, but the characters were unpleasant and self-loathing, while also considering themselves oh-so-clever and above everyone else. I kept comparing it to all the worst bits of Catcher in the Rye, right down to the death of a dear family member, and I'm sure other people are going to love it, just not me.

Paul meets Julian in a college class and they immediately feel something between them. Honestly, it felt like they both were contrarians and recognized it in one another - not the most positive characteristic. Their friendship becomes romantic, which neither of their families are happy with. It takes place in the early 70s in Pittsburgh, so I kept feeling that part of their self-loathing came from the need to hide their sexuality. Had they lived in NY or SF, they might have had a better sense of self-worth.

Paul and Julian also had a rather sad0-masochistic relationship. They both inflicted physical and emotional pain on one another and seemed to also think they deserved the treatment more than enjoyed it. So, between their unpleasant personalities, there was this cruel streak that gave the book such an ick factor for me.

Ultimately, they decide to take their cruelty out on someone else and commit a horrible crime. They become suspects very quickly and their lives fall apart. I wouldn't have finished the book if I hadn't felt obligated to complete a review.

My thanks to HarperCollins Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Julian & Paul's obsessive, codependent relationship gets bogged down in the pacing of the book varying between pageturning to a slog. Great writing gets bogged down at times though Nemerever creates characters that interest you despite their toxic behaviors in this dark academia tale.

This book is incredibly well-written, but also exhausting. Nemerever painstakingly tracks every high and low in Paul's emotions, and does so with such excruciating accuracy and detail that you can't help feel for him. It was interesting - particularly when he was dwelling on things I myself have dwelled on - but as I said: exhausting. And, you know, that could've worked in the book's favor - if only it hadn't been so long. Because what's interesting in the beginning becomes repetitive by the end, to the point where when the finale did come, rather than feeling emotionally wrung out I was just plain relieved to be done with the project of feeling Paul's feelings. And it's a shame because there are definitely things that could have been cut without hurting the book overall, and if this book had been a little bit lighter in page count it's something I definitely could see recommending to others purely to have someone to talk about it with. But, as it stands, it's a little bit too much for me. Others may feel differently, of course.

I requested this book through NetGalley. I was compelled by the blurb. The writing by Nemerever is outstanding, and this is just a debut novel. It certainly made me uncomfortable to read, but I was driven by my curiosity to continue. At one point in the novel, I did almost stop. In hindsight, I realize that I had reached the top of the roller coaster. I drew in a deep breath and rode the ride to the very end. I am glad that I did. Micah Nemerever is someone that I will follow closely.