“These Violent Delights” by Chloe Gong

”These Violent Delights” is an action-packed delight to delve into from beginning to end. Based loosely on and deriving its title from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Gong narrates the tumultuous relationship between Juliette and Roma, heirs of rival gangs who happen to be ex-lovers, in a circumstance where they didn’t die. In the wake of a crisis, they are forced to work together to protect their legacies and their futures. 

For lovers of historical fiction (and enemies-to-lovers, of course), “These Violent Delights” will transport you back into the extravagant world of 1920s Shanghai. It paints a remarkable journey as Juliette and Roma uncover secret after secret. Tastes of mystery, tragedy and betrayal make for a memorable read beyond just the development of the romance.