Have you ever wondered if a book is too 'spicy' or ‘spicy’ enough for your taste? When it comes to rating books, especially those in the Romance / Romantasy genres, looking at where books fall on a spicy book rating scale can be super helpful when you’re trying to choose what to read next!
So, what is the spicy book rating scale?
You could say it’s like a heat guide that keeps you within your comfort zone regarding explicit content. The scale has a range that often uses numbers or emojis (think chili or flame—sometimes even an eggplant) that lets you know what level of sexual content and the kinds of scenes to expect in a particular book.
It’s important to know that there is no official book spice rating system, and how books are rated is subjective to the reader. Everyone is different and has different tastes, and that’s why the same book can be a 5 for some and a 3 for others. Nevertheless, it’s a great way of giving people interested in a book an idea of whether the contents within will be for them.
As a rule of thumb, spice ratings range from 0/1 to 5, and the higher the rating, the more explicit the content. When choosing what book to read next, it can be a good idea to check out how different people have positioned the book on whatever spicy book rating scale they choose to use. You of all people will know what you’re into, and there’s no shame in what you like or don’t like!
OWLCRATE’S SPICE METER FOR RATING BOOKS
At OwlCrate we have our own scale, known as the Spice Meter, which we use to rate books—especially those that are part of our Contemporary Romance / Romantasy quarterly subscriptions and limited editions. All books featured as part of this subscription will fall somewhere on the scale and will be intended for adult audiences (18+).
Our scale ranges from 1-5, and we use a chili to represent the different levels. The different levels include Extra Hot, Hot, Medium, Mild and Extra Mild. Extra Hot and Hot books can include darker themes, but we will always share content warnings if this is the case.
EXTRA HOT
Level 5:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Extra hot books are sexy, possibly erotic, with multiple sex scenes with elements of erotic sex play. These books can include multiple partners, toys, bondage, and an increasing level of eroticism, along with a developing plot and (normally) a happily-ever-after ending.
Examples of authors who write Extra Hot books include Sophie Lark and RuNyx.
HOT
Level 4:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hot books have love scenes that are graphically described. These are longer and happen throughout the book. There could be masturbation and/or sex toys involved. Similarly to Medium books, sex is an important part of the plot and builds tension, normally leading to a happily-ever-after ending.
Examples of authors who write Hot books include Ana Huang, Elise Silver, and Tessa Bailey.
MEDIUM
Level 3:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Medium books have kissing and a few sex scenes. The love scenes can be thoroughly and often realistically described. Sex is important to the plot, but the scenes are shorter. It’s part of the characters' developing relationship and leads to the couple’s happily-ever-after.
Examples of authors who write Medium books include Helen Hoang and Casey McQuiston.
MILD
Level 2:🌶️🌶️
Mild books have kissing, touching, more kissing, and sexual touching. You can expect a higher level of sexual tension between characters in these books. Sex is described in euphemisms, and the story has sweet and tender love scenes. The stories end with a happily-ever-after.
Examples of authors who write Mild books include Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.
EXTRA MILD
Level 1:🌶️
Extra Mild books have kissing and touching with a low level of sexual tension. Attraction among characters is clear, and they think about one another. All sex scenes happen behind closed doors and fade to black.
Examples of authors who write Extra Mild books include Sarah Adams and Katherine Center.
Want to read more Romance books? Join the waitlist for OwlCrate’s new quarterly Romance subscription, coming in Spring 2025!
Every 3 months, subscribers will get an OwlCrate exclusive edition of a signed, newly released hardcover Romance novel with incredible design elements. Plus, as a subscriber, you will get first access to beautiful limited editions of popular Romance books.
Want to read more Romantasy books? Join the waitlist for OwlCrate’s new quarterly Romantasy subscription, coming in Spring 2025!
Every 3 months, subscribers will get an OwlCrate exclusive edition of a signed, newly released hardcover Romantasy novel with incredible design elements. Plus, as a subscriber, you will get first access to beautiful limited editions of popular Romantasy books.
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