Kirsten
I’m going with stars, 1-5 since that’s what we’re used to in review land, particularly with books.
1 star is the worst, 5 stars is the best but lets caveat this by re-iterating that not every book and story is for everyone and these are based purely on my opinion which doesn’t reflect the quality or the amazingness of the book. I would never slag a book off because that’s someone’s hard work and totally beloved by someone else, it likely just wasn’t written for me.
5 stars is – this book was perfect, I wouldn’t change anything about it. I didn’t want to put it down. Or it made me feel so much I can overlook any imperfections because overall this book was perfect for me personally. Or I can’t stop thinking about this book and want to tell the whole world and can’t wait to re-read this soon.
4 stars is – I loved this book but there were a couple of things that I would have changed and it did impact my connection to it / the believability or maybe it wasn’t written in a style that I like but it’s a great book and I would absolutely recommend.
3 stars is I enjoyed the book. Did I love it? No. Or else it would have been 4 stars. It was maybe good but I didn’t really connect to it that much, it didn’t hold my attention. There are things I would change but overall; quality book and I would recommend it to people who like certain tropes or this kind of book but not a blanket recommendation.
2 stars – I didn’t like it but I did finish it. It wasn’t for me but it also wasn’t offensively terrible. I wouldn’t read it again. Might recommend it to somebody who I knew definitely liked this style of book.
1 star – what the hell happened?! Didn’t like it at all. It was not made or written for me. Not my style. Didn’t finish it. Didn’t like the characters, didn’t like the plot, didn’t like the writing, there was something in it that sent me over the edge. Would not recommend.
Side question – where do you go for book recommendations? I get mine from Facebook book group recommendations (I like Clare McIntosh the author of I Let You Go, Hostage etc) or Tiktok (my favourite Booktoker is Als book club, who I also took a lot of this rating explanation from, if you don’t follow her already, do it! I haven’t got as in to Goodreads or Storygraph although I’d really like to.
Those that are familiar with Booktok will be familiar with spice ratings. When I say ‘spice’ – I mean sexiness. How far did the book go? How graphic was it, how hot did it intend to make the reader under the collar. It serves as an enticement or a warning depending on your preferences. Sometimes there is a lot of tension but only ever describes a kiss, sometimes its a surprise bi-sexual reverse harem that no one warned you about and other times it goes way, way past what is even right in your imagination. My enjoyment level goes up to around 3.5 but if it every other scene is graphic, it takes over the plot and then not really worth it for me. I’m consulting some Booktokers to see what their rating system is. @Tierney on Tiktok is hilarious with spicy book recommendations so I’m starting there. For your enjoyment or warning, this is what I’m classing it as:
1 chilli – fade to black, there’s a bit of kissing, maybe even a good bit of tension. Lingering looks but then they wake up in the morning? Know what I mean? Its safe enough for someone to overhear in public.
2 chillis – fade to black but leaving the curtain open a wee bit. You’re more aware of what’s happening, not too much graphic detail. You’d still recommend it to your teenage niece.
3 chillis – not extreme graphic but its describing things and you’d gossip with friends but not your conservative auntie (or maybe once she’s had a few wines.)
4 chillis – this is descriptive and fairly graphic. Everything you would want if you were looking for spice. The type you’d check who can see your book/kindle screen before you continue. You’d definitely blush.
5 chillis – this book needs to be sold plastic wrapped and with an ID requirement. This takes taboo to a whole new level. Totally wild, feral, eye opening. Proceed with caution, likely comes with a host of trigger warnings.
