Spice Scale

Unfortunately, there’s no universal scale for judging the spice level of books. Each system is a little different from the next, and one person’s level one spice is another’s level three. So, I decided to create my own personal spice scale for my reviews to help you judge which books you feel comfortable reading. Not every book will fit comfortably into one of these levels but I’ll do my best to get it right.

Please note: I DO NOT include rape or SA as spice, regardless of how graphic or explicit it may be. These will be in the content warnings instead.

Spice Rating = 0: Shows a stylised chili with the number 0.

0 = Spice free

This book contains no spice and no romantic gestures you wouldn’t make in front of your friends, family, boss, and the general public.

Spice Rating = 1: Shows a stylised chili with the number 1.

1 = Innocent and sweet

Longing glances, kisses, handholding and similar expressions of love. No sex on or off the page.

Spice Rating = 2: Shows a stylised chili with the number 2.

2 = Behind closed doors

Romance, sexual tension, at least one intimate scene without the reader present. The general emphasis is on the emotions rather than the acts.

Spice Rating = 3: Shows a stylised chili with the number 3.

3 = Open door

These books have at least one intimate scene with the reader present. The scene is sensual, using mild language and euphemisms.

Spice Rating = 4: Shows a stylised chili with the number 4.

4 = Explicit open door

At least one intimate scene with the reader present. Uses explicit language and may contain a variety of sexual acts. These books are more likely to depict acts beyond intercourse.