Rivalry, obsession, and desire stretched over years.

In this episode of The Smut One, we dive into Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid — a slow-burn MM romance where enemies on the ice become something far more dangerous off it. We unpack obsession disguised as competition, emotional repression, secrecy, and why this love story hurts so good.

This episode discusses adult romance themes, including:

• Explicit sexual content (discussed, not graphically described)

• Enemies-to-lovers dynamics

• Obsession and fixation

• Repeated sexual encounters over time

• Emotional repression and avoidance

• Internalized homophobia

• Closeting and fear of public disclosure

• Anxiety related to identity and public image

• Power dynamics within competitive environments

• Discussions of masculinity, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy

This episode includes conversations about queer relationships, mental and emotional strain, and long-term secrecy.

🎧 Intended for mature audiences (18+)

Listener discretion advised.

In this episode of The Smut One, Hadeath descends into Neon Gods by Katee Robert — a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone that reframes darkness, power, and desire through choice, consent, and intention.

We explore:

• why the Hades & Persephone myth has endured for thousands of years

• how modern retellings reclaim agency and autonomy

• the difference between power imbalance and power exchange

• why structure, boundaries, and consent can be deeply erotic

• how darkness can feel safer than the spotlight

• what this book awakens in readers — emotionally and psychologically

This is a long-form, immersive episode blending mythology, smut analysis, cultural commentary, and reader psychology.

Spicy, thoughtful, witty, and indulgent — without relying on graphic description.

If you love:

✨ mythological retellings

✨ dark romance with clear consent

✨ slow-burn tension

✨ intentional power dynamics

✨ smut that feels intelligent and transformative

…this episode is for you.

This episode discusses adult romance themes, including:

• Explicit sexual themes (discussed non-graphically)

• BDSM and consensual power exchange

• Dominance and submission dynamics

• Forced proximity

• Emotional manipulation by authority figures

• References to coercive environments

• Discussion of control, autonomy, and trauma

• Mythological themes involving abduction and power (discussed critically)

This episode is intended for a mature audience (18+).

Listener discretion advised.

Episode 5 - Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight

Shock Value vs Substance

Den of Vipers is loud, chaotic, and deeply divisive. This episode asks whether excess automatically equals impact — and why some readers love books that feel intentionally overwhelming.

Content warnings include:

Extreme violence, explicit sexual content, non-consensual dynamics, emotional abuse, kidnapping, criminal activity, disturbing themes.

In this episode of The Smut One, we explore Twisted Games by Ana Huang — a slow-burn bodyguard romance fueled by forbidden desire, quiet devotion, and emotional restraint.

We discuss:

• ​ the appeal of bodyguard and royalty romances
• ​ why slow burn tension hits harder than instant spice
• ​ grumpy x sunshine dynamics
• ​ power, agency, and consent
• ​ what makes this book work — and who it’s not for

A thoughtful, spoiler-light deep dive into longing, restraint, and romantic tension, made for readers who love smut with heart.

This episode discusses themes commonly found in adult romance fiction, including:

• ​ Explicit sexual themes (discussed non-graphically)
• ​ Power imbalance (royalty / employee dynamic)
• ​ Forbidden romance
• ​ Emotional restraint and internal conflict
• ​ References to trauma and duty-based pressure

This episode does not include explicit scene descriptions but is intended for a mature audience (18+).

Listener discretion advised.

Taboo without violence

In Priest by Sierra Simone, desire clashes with morality in a deeply intimate way. This episode explores why taboo doesn’t automatically means unsafe, how consent transforms power dynamics, and why emotional intimacy can be just as erotic as shock value.

Content warnings include:

Explicit sexual content, religious themes, taboo relationships, internalized guilt, emotional conflict.

Episode 2 - Twisted Love

Obsession but make it mainstream

Twisted Love by Ana Huang offers possessive romance without going fully off the deep end. In this episode, we compare mainstream dark romance to more extreme titles and explore why some obsessive dynamics feel safer - more palatable - than others.

Episode 2 — Twisted Love

Content warnings include:

Explicit sexual content, possessive behavior, emotional manipulation, mild violence, power imbalance.

Track 1 : Stolen Kiss From A Dark Rose - The Easy Tigers

Track 2 : Cold Winds - Gavin Luke

Track 3 : Natural Wonders - Amoranth Cove

Dark Romance or Romanticized Obsession?

In this episode, we dive into Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton — one of the most controversial dark romances of recent years. We unpack the plot, the obsession, the blurred consent, and why this book has sparked endless debate on BookTok. Is it bold dark fantasy, or does it cross the line into romanticized abuse? Let’s talk about it.

Content warnings include:

Stalking, obsessive behavior, explicit sexual content, dubious consent, sexual assault references, human trafficking, violence, psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, disturbing themes.