Star Ratings
★★★★★ – 5 STARS
Absolute favourite and a rarely assigned. For a five star, the story, characters (hello book boyfriends!), pace and writing quality all need to be consistently engaging enough that I can’t put down the story, and in the event it’s part of a series, I can’t wait to continue. Angst or conflict needs to be well introduced and handled and make sense.
★★★★☆ – 4 to 4.5 STARS
I really enjoyed this book, but it hasn’t quite joined the ranks of my favourite reads. The story and writing was decent, and characters enjoyable.
★★★☆☆ – 3 to 3.5 STARS
A common and average rating, I liked this book and finished it, but it was missing something in terms of the story, pacing, conflict resolution, character development etc.
★★☆☆☆ – 2 to 2.5 STARS
This book was a forgettable read, possibly overhyped or made plot decisions that derailed the story for me as the reader.
★☆☆☆☆ – 1 to 1.5 STARS
I did not enjoy this book, and possibly did not finish it.
Heat or Steam Ratings
🔥 – CLEAN
Meaningful glances and perhaps a kiss, but no sex on or off page.
🔥🔥 – CLOSED DOOR
At least one, intimate scene occurs, but without the reader present. Inferred through a fade to black.
🔥🔥🔥 – OPEN DOOR
At least one intimate open door scene (reader is present), with euphemistic language used for act and body parts.
🔥🔥🔥🔥 – EXPLICIT OPEN DOOR
At least two explicit, open door intimate scenes, explicit language with a variety of sexual acts.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 – EXPLICIT & RECURRING
Explicit and plentiful sex scenes, with a variety of adventurous acts throughout the book. Likely to include kink.
