Episode 34: Exploring Dark Romance Light , Morally Gray MMCs & Craft Lessons in Beautifully Cruel

Welcome to Story Deep Dive!

In this episode, Dana Pittman and Rachel Arsenault wrap up their analysis of Beautifully Cruel by J.T. Geissinger with a conversation about genre alignment, intentional storytelling choices, and what writers can learn from studying books that bend or break expectations.

Whether you're a writer, editor, or curious reader, you’ll gain valuable insights on how to position your stories in the market, explore emotional and moral complexity, and build a brand that honors your voice.

You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Estimate Timestamps

00:00 – Summer Catch-Up & Author Box Talk

Dana and Rachel kick off with lighthearted banter before diving into a discussion about community pacing and Dana’s summer workshop project: Build an Author Box. They explore creative ways authors can connect with readers through merch, print-on-demand, and custom experiences that deepen emotional resonance and brand engagement.

37:30 – Summary of Beautifully Cruel

Dana gives a concise summary of the novel’s plot, genre, and tone—describing it as a slow burn romantic suspense with mafia-adjacent elements. Rachel shares her mixed reader response, sparking a reflection on how enjoyment and editorial insight can diverge.

44:00 – Who Should Study This Book (and Why)

Dana explains why Beautifully Cruel is an excellent comp for writers new to dark romance or those testing the edges of morally gray storytelling. They unpack the benefits of studying “dark-adjacent” works before diving into heavier fare.

51:12 – How to Define “Dark Romance” in Layers

The hosts explore different shades of “dark” across present action, backstory trauma, and narrative tone. Dana offers her three-part classification for coaching clients and discusses how those elements affect reader expectations and author branding.

58:45 – Why the First Act Sets the Contract

Rachel emphasizes the importance of setting emotional and genre expectations in Act One. They compare Beautifully Cruel to other stories like Cold and Deadly and Ninth House, examining how tone is established early to guide reader trust.

1:04:00 – When to Study vs. Just Read for Pleasure

Dana reminds listeners that not every book should be studied. For newer writers, clarity of structure should come first. Books like Beautifully Cruel can then serve as tools for understanding genre nuance, layered tone, and reader payoff.

1:07:18 – Know Your Boundaries (and Make Logical Decisions)

The hosts discuss the freedom of having creative boundaries and how brand alignment helps writers make stronger story choices. Rachel reflects on how writing decisions become easier when you define the kind of books you write—and the kind of experience you want readers to have.

About Beautifully Cruel

King (noun):

1) Having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy

2) The most powerful man in a group

3) Liam Black

He was a stranger to me, a dark and dangerous presence who materialized from the shadows one rainy night to save me from a vicious attack. I didn’t know his name or where he was from. All I knew was that the only place I’d ever felt safe was in his arms.

But safety is an illusion.

And not every savior is a hero.

And—as I’d soon find out—having a king save your life comes with a price.

Liam Black wanted something from me in return.

Where to Find the Book

Beautifully Cruel by J.T. Geissinger is available in several formats. It’s also widely available in libraries and online retailers. Details on the author’s website.

Next Episode:

In our next bonus episode, Dana and Rachel pull back the curtain on the real writer’s life—messy outlines, coaching wins (and fails), and the truth about running your writing as a business. From creative breakthroughs to accountability struggles, you’ll hear how we balance structure, story, and scaling—and what that means for your own writing journey.

Also, don’t miss the overview episode in two weeks as they set the stage for what makes Sin and Chocolate such a standout blend of romance and fantasy!

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