Rating System

Here is a quick look at the criteria I use to rate the books added to this blog.

Spice

🌶️: Light kissing and/or petting.
🌶️🌶️: Oral (👅 or 👆🏻) occurs. Not intense or fade-to-black.
🌶️🌶️🌶️: Descriptions of sex 1-2 times in a book. Author does not go into explicit detail or soft open-door.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️: Open door sex occurs multiple times in the book. Author describes body parts and includes language.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️: Intense descriptions of sex, kinks, various positions. Includes language. You will need a fan while reading this book.

★: You don’t really get a sense of who the main characters are, what motivates them, or why you should care about them.
★★: The author shares some light detail about one main character, but not the other. As a result, the primary relationship in the book is one-sided.
★★★: Character motivations are introduced but not expanded upon. You know what each character wants, but not why they want it or there is no backstory to make you root for their success.
★★★★: Character motivations are well developed with backstory that helps you connect with them.
★★★★★: Well developed characters with backstory and inner monologue that helps you understand their evolving motivations. You’ll miss these characters when the book ends because you’ve connected with them as “real” people.

★: No discernible plot. You have no idea what the characters are trying to accomplish, and it feels like you’re just drifting from scene to scene with no purpose.
★★: There’s a vague goal or conflict, but it’s either introduced too late or never really takes shape. You’re left wondering what the point of the story is.
★★★: The main character has a goal, but the stakes are low or the tension fizzles. The plot exists, but it’s predictable or lacks momentum.
★★★★: Clear, engaging storyline with a strong central goal. The main character’s actions make sense, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you interested, even if it doesn’t totally surprise you.
★★★★★: The plot is tight, purposeful, and compelling. Each chapter builds toward a satisfying payoff, with twists, tension, and momentum that keep you hooked. You’re flipping pages late into the night to see what happens next.

★: You have no clue where or when this book is set. The world feels like it’s floating in a void. It’s vague, inconsistent, or entirely absent. You’re confused, and not in the fun way.
★★: There are hints of a unique world, but they’re surface-level at best. A few names or locations are tossed in, but nothing’s fleshed out. It feels like the characters are just playing dress-up.
★★★: You get a general sense of the world—basic rules, factions, or magical elements—but it still feels like the background, not a fully developed reality.
★★★★: The world is well-established with consistent rules, rich details, and a sense of place. Supernatural elements are clearly explained, and the setting enhances the story rather than distracting from it.
★★★★★: You could live here. The world is layered, immersive, and intricately built. Magic systems make sense, power structures are compelling, and the supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into every scene. You’ll be thinking about this world long after the final page.

★: You repeatedly fall asleep while trying to read this book.
★★: It is easy to get distracted while reading this book. It’s slow enough for you to decide to check social media to keep your mind entertained.
★★★: The story moves at a steady clip but spends too much time narrating scenes that don’t advance the story.
★★★★: The story advances quickly and each chapter has enough action or spice to keep you entertained.
★★★★★: Action packed or spicy chapters that advance the story while also helping you understand each character at a deeper level. You’re invested in their success and are along for the adventure.