The Pretty Little Death

🔥 BRUTALLY HONEST Omegaverse Book Review 🔥

We're reviewing "Not Enough" by J.P. Sina and Allie Santos - and spoiler alert: this dark romance Omegaverse harem book MISSED THE MARK. If you're wondering whether to read this Kindle Unlimited book, watch this review first!

📚 IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Not Enough book review - full breakdown ✅ Omegaverse explained for beginners ✅ Why this "dark romance" isn't actually dark ✅ Major plot holes you NEED to know about ✅ Spicy book recommendations that are actually GOOD ✅ Kindle Unlimited romance worth your time ✅ Character analysis: the good, bad, and confusing

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Content Warning 5...

Duration: 01:06:36

Was Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 novel Starship Troopers actually good, or did Paul Verhoeven's campy 1997 film adaptation accidentally create something better? Spoiler: The book reads like military fanfic, and the movie wins by a landslide.

In this premiere episode of "The Book Was Better," we dive deep into the massive differences between Heinlein's militaristic novel and Verhoeven's satirical sci-fi action film. We explore why the movie bombed initially but became a cult classic, how the characters were completely transformed, the controversial fascist themes in both versions, and why the book feels more like military fiction than sci-fi.

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Duration: 01:23:10

Join the hosts of Ink & Asteroids for their debut episode as they dive deep into Robert A. Heinlein's controversial 1959 classic, Starship Troopers. This isn't your typical sci-fi discussion - discover why this military-focused novel left both hosts questioning whether it truly belongs in the science fiction genre.

What We Cover:

Why Starship Troopers feels more like military recruitment propaganda than space operaThe philosophical heavy-handedness that dominates the middle chaptersJohnny Rico as an unreliable narrator and possible author self-insertCold War era influences and militaristic democracy themesThe surprising lack of actual sci-fi elements in this "sci-fi" classicWomen's roles...

Duration: 01:04:41

What happens when a guy reads his first spicy romance book? We gave "The Cryptid" Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone and his reactions are HILARIOUS!

This military bodyguard romance with BDSM elements definitely caught him off guard. From questioning the virgin soldier plot to critiquing military accuracy, his fresh perspective on the romance genre is eye-opening.

⭐ RATINGS: Story 4.5/5 | Spice Level 2/5 ⭐

🔥 WHAT WE DISCUSS:

First male reader honest reactionsPlot holes that made us laughMilitary romance accuracyBDSM representation done rightMale vs female gaze in romance

📚 OCTOBER BOOK: So I Fell For Bigfoot!

👇 JOIN O...

Duration: 01:39:10

Somehow, our YouTube version of this episode went up perfectly, but the audio version did not!

We are gearing up to come back from our hiatus which ends in Sept, and only just now realized WE HAD NO AUDIO FOR A WHOLE MONTH!

We are so sorry, all. Don't miss this episode, as it is a DOZY!

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sensitive material including trauma, BDSM themes, and adult content. Not suitable for children.

After a year-long wait, we finally...

Duration: 01:00:28

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sensitive material including trauma, BDSM themes, and adult content. Not suitable for children.

After a year-long wait, we finally dive into Rebecca Quinn's highly anticipated finale to the Brutes of Bristlebrook series. "Entwined" promised to be our most anticipated release of the year, but did it deliver? Join us as we discuss the 800+ page conclusion to Eden and the Brutes' story.

We break down everything from character development (or assassination), pacing issues, and the overwhelming amount of explicit content that dominated the narrative. From Jaykob's inexplicable personality shift...

Duration: 01:00:08

In this special episode of The Pretty Little Death podcast, the host shares an original short story written for a supernatural romance contest. Despite receiving over 1,100 submissions and not making it past the first round, the host was so passionate about the writing process that they decided to share "The Harbinger" with their loyal listeners.

The story follows Belethal, a supernatural being known as a Harbinger—an agent of death responsible for collecting souls and bringing them to the afterlife for purification. When she encounters Derek, a charming thief at a wedding reception, she breaks the fundamental ru...

Duration: 00:15:43

In this episode, the hosts discuss their last-minute book switch from "Cades" to "Revenant" by R. Valentine - and they're glad they made the change! This post-apocalyptic vampire series combines elements reminiscent of Twilight with the survival dynamics of The Walking Dead, creating what they call a "grown-up version of Twilight."

Set 20+ years after a viral apocalypse that created zombies (called "kooks"), the story follows Abby, a woman living in a fortified Montana town where benevolent vampires have emerged from hiding to help humanity survive. When vampire Ethan arrives in town, secrets about Abby's heritage begin to...

Duration: 00:52:32

Join the critic and the bestie for a nostalgic journey into 90s romance with Lisa Kleypas's "When Strangers Marry." Originally published in 1992, this historical romance takes us to the Louisiana Territory where fiery 19-year-old Lizette escapes an unwanted betrothal by running into the arms of the mysterious and brooding Maximilian.

The hosts dive deep into this pocket edition romance featuring twins, political intrigue, a murder mystery, and Creole culture. They explore character dynamics, the surprising depth beneath the romance, and how this retro read compares favorably to contemporary romances. The episode also includes announcements about upcoming reads...

Duration: 00:55:55

This episode of "The Pretty Little Death" podcast features short reviews of four books available on Kindle Unlimited

The Critic shares their personal 5-star rating system where 3+ stars indicates a book worth reading.

Recommendations include "Man Eater" by Emily Antoinette (a highly-rated monster romance featuring a summoned succubus), "King of Ruin" by Tammy Andersen (part of the Lords of Las Vegas series, which received a low rating), "Donation Clinic" by Alexis B. Osborne (an omega verse romance focused on pregnancy and pack dynamics), and "Her Alien Prince" by Sky Robert (an interplanetary political...

Duration: 00:11:42

The Bestie and the Critic discuss romance novels and defend the genre against criticism while exploring its historical context.

The conversation shifts to a thoughtful defense of romance literature against critics, highlighting how Jane Austen faced similar dismissal in her time. The hosts celebrate how "smut" has revitalized the print industry post-pandemic and encourage listeners to explore both contemporary romance and classics.

Duration: 00:21:41

In this episode, the hosts discuss "The Poisoner" by Ivy Ophelia, a book marketed as Gothic romance but which they argue is more of an Edwardian fantasy.

They critique historical inaccuracies, including the lack of chaperones and phone usage that contradicts the Victorian setting.

The story follows Alina, an apothecary who poisons "bad men," and her complex relationships with Silas (a snake-like vampire) and Luca/Victor (who turns out to be more sinister than initially portrayed). Despite major plot holes and disconnected storylines, both hosts enjoyed the unexpected ending where Alina escapes on a ship. <...

Duration: 01:01:40

The Critic shares reviews of three books found through Kindle Unlimited and "Stuff Your Kindle Day." The first recommendation, "My Orc Silver Fox," earns a solid 3-star rating for its cozy monster romance with an age gap and pregnancy storyline. The second book, "The Rejected Shifters Required Bride," receives a disappointing 1-star rating for its shallow plot despite its interesting premise. The final book, "The Alpha Got Me," gets a DNF (Did Not Finish) rating, with The Critic describing it as "middle school dressed up as adults."

Duration: 00:09:36

The Critic shares candid reviews of three romance novels available on Kindle Unlimited that didn't meet expectations. Despite high ratings online, all three books - a cowboy Omegaverse story, a Russian mafia romance, and a dark billionaire tale - received two-star ratings from the host.

Duration: 00:08:59

Join The Critic and The Bestie in this special post-show discussion as they dive deep into the challenges of first-person perspective in contemporary romance literature. The hosts explore why this popular writing style can detract from storytelling, examining issues like character insight limitations, self-insert fantasies, and the current state of romance publishing. This thought-provoking conversation tackles industry trends, editing standards, and the importance of diverse storytelling perspectives.

Content Note: Casual conversation with explicit language. Available exclusively to Apple Podcast subscribers and Discord members.

Duration: 00:22:05

Join The Critic and The Bestie as they dive into February's Book of the Month - "Stray" by Daisy Jane. This 500-page contemporary romance follows a single mom exploring a BDSM relationship with a gym owner struggling with self-image. Our hosts discuss the delicate handling of new-to-scene dynamics, single parenthood in romance, and debate the authenticity of character development.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐½

Content Note: Discussion of adult themes and BDSM dynamics, though explicit content is not detailed in the podcast.

Duration: 00:54:05

The Critic reviews three unconventional romance books they read as "palate cleansers" after a draining week. They discuss "Monsterland Mayhem" (an Omegaverse Alice in Wonderland retelling), "Baby Proposal" (a billionaire boss romance), and "Her Guy Friday" (a workplace romance with a contractual dating premise). Each review includes candid thoughts on plot, pricing, and whether the books are worth reading on Kindle Unlimited.

Featured Books:

Monsterland Mayhem by Lexi C. Foss (2.5/5)Baby Proposal by Evie Rose (1/5)Her Guy Friday by Savannah Reese (3/5)

Duration: 00:11:07

Book Talk: Dark Romance & Contemporary Reviews - February 2025

Three book reviews covering dark romance and contemporary fiction:

"All's Fair in Heats and Ruts" by Nicole Goldstein - A dark Omegaverse novel following a complex relationship between an Omega lawyer named Ari and an obsessive Alpha named Caleb, complicated by a comatose twin and family tragedy. 4.5/5 stars."Explicitly Owned" by Jess Peters - A BDSM romance about Emma, a struggling sister who enters a club's auction to support her family, and Aiden, a wealthy man with trust issues. Features power dynamics and kidnapping subplot. 3/5 stars."Bittersweet Memories"...

Duration: 00:14:38

Join The Bestie and The Critic as they dive into Ruby Dixon's "Bull Moon Rising" - their first book review of 2025! This fantasy romance follows a noblewoman who trades her privileged life for adventure in a guild of magical artifact hunters. But in a world where women are barely tolerated as adventurers, she'll need more than just determination to survive.

Listen as your hosts unpack this Indiana Jones-meets-fantasy-romance tale, complete with magical artifacts, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that'll keep you turning pages. They discuss everything from the well-crafted world-building to the refreshingly realistic 30-year-old protagonist...

Duration: 00:57:22

Join the Critic and the Bestie as they dive deep into "Nectar of the Wicked" by Ella Fields, a dark fantasy romance featuring changelings and fae. They discuss why they believe this book surpasses popular series like ACOTAR, praising its handling of trauma, character development, and slow-burn romance. Both hosts rate it exceptionally high (4.75-5 stars), though they note some plot holes regarding fae contracts and social dynamics. The discussion touches on the book's spicy scenes, world-building, and how it compares to other fantasy romances.

Featured Book:

"Nectar of the Wicked" by Ella FieldsPart of the...

Duration: 00:53:15

We are Late and we blame the holidays.

For real though, we read A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen and we have some questions.

If its not a first person recording of a cryptid, can it be trusted?

Would The Critic make a good nun?

Duration: 00:58:52

We are getting back into series discussions, and we went with Dragon's Gift by Jasmine Walt.

We have a discord, a YouTube, a podcast, a Facebook group and an Instagram. Join us on our interactive platforms!

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.

National Mental Health Hotline - 866-903-3787 or text 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888-373-7888 or Text 233733

#booklover #bookreview #books #bestseries #readerslife #bookrecommendations #bookshelf #podcast #bookstube #besties #Jaminewalt #Dragonsgift

Duration: 00:48:15

This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, abuse, assault, and mature themes. Listener discretion is advised.Join us for a deep dive into two independently published horror novels by Maggie Fern. We explore "Now Showing" (192 pages), a twisted tale of trauma manifesting as a parallel dimension, and "Welcome Home," a chilling story of a missing husband replaced by something inhuman. Our hosts analyze character development, plot structure, and writing technique while comparing the two works. The discussion includes constructive criticism on pacing, flashback usage, and plot holes, ultimately giving "Welcome Home" higher marks for storytelling despite some technical issues...

Duration: 01:13:41

This book was long, and some of us didn't finish.

This is the September read for TPLD Book Club.

We have some important information hidden in this episode, so watch out for it.

We have a discord, a YouTube, a podcast, and an Instagram. Join us on our interactive platforms!

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.

National Mental Health Hotline - 866-903-3787 or text 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888-373-7888 or Text 233733

#booklover #bookreview #books...

Duration: 01:03:09

Power Tools? Monsters? This isn't a common subject type, but it may be one of the most wholesome we have come a crossed.

We read A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon.

#booklover #podcast #recommendedreads #books #bookofthemonth #monsterlover

Duration: 00:48:58

This is a long discussion, who we split it into two parts. In prep for the August Book Club choice, we talk about the second book in the series. Someone is possessive. Someone has a soft side. And someone has some explaining to do.

We have a discord. a YouTube, a podcast, and an Instagram. Join us on our interactive platforms!

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.

National Mental Health Hotline - 866-903-3787 or text 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888...

Duration: 01:22:32

This is a long discussion, so we split it into two parts. In prep for the August Book Club choice, we talk about the second book in the series. End of the world, check. Raiders with bad intensions, check. We are now a podcast! And we have a discord! Links are in our bio.

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.

National Mental Health Hotline - 866-903-3787 or text 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888-373-7888 or Text 233733

#booklover...

Duration: 00:56:18

What did we read? This is our July book club discussion!

We read Broken Bonds by J. Bree

This is a Harem read, with superhero elements. There's some issues with this one, but its also part of a 6 book series.

We have a Discord! Join us for book recommends and discussions. https://discord.gg/CYk65uYq6e

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 01:11:07

We finished one series, and it ticks so many of our personal likes.

Its the end of the world, and we are getting kinky! That's right, this is packed with adult angst,

We have a Discord for our listeners to join. https://discord.gg/CYk65uYq6e

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 00:59:57

The Bestie read A Court of Silver Flames so The Critic didn't have to.

This is Nesta's story, and apparently there is a lot to unravel.

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 00:59:46

What did we read? This is our June book club discussion!

We read Bound by Lorelei James

We were lured by the idea of bondage, and the strong silent type. Did it deliver?

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 01:07:57

We read A Court of Wings and Ruin, then quickly followed it up with A Court of Frost and Starlight.

One was a war novel, and the other was a Hallmark Christmas movie.

So much for all the Reels about Fayre taking over Tamlin's court, and the whole Mate pull.

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 01:04:20

What did we read? This is our May book club discussion!

We to read Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm

We got through the whole discussion and somehow we forgot to mention double peens?

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 00:48:11

What did we read? This is our April book club discussion!

We tried to read Gothikana by RuNyx and Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

One was hot garbage, and the other..... well.... We definitely caved to the Instagram hype.

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.

National Mental Health Hotline - 866-903-3787 or text 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888-373-7888 or Text 233733

Duration: 00:58:15

Here is part 2 for ACOMAF. What do you think of Fayre's art?

We are technically half way through the series, and some of our questions from the first book still have yet to be answered.

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 01:02:09

This is a 2 part-er Book Clubers! We are discussing the second book in the series by SJM, and we went over our self imposed time limit!

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

Duration: 00:58:11

What did we read? This is our March book club discussion, and man it's heavy!

We read The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice and Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent.

There are some very dark themes in these books.

This was previously uploaded to YouTube

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.

National Mental Health Hotline - 866-903-3787 or text 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888-373-7888 or Text 233733

Duration: 01:31:42

Yep, that's right. We've never read the A Court of Thrones and Roses series, and we are going to discuss it all.

This episode was previously uploaded to YouTube.

Duration: 01:15:37

We discuss Two books this month:

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

Bewitching Her Monsters by Yve Vale

This is book club session for the month of February 2024.

As well as the books, we talk about some of our likes in smutty literature, what we don't like, and what the rules for the book club is gonna be.

This was previously uploaded to YouTube in February of 2024

Duration: 00:53:31