Welcome to My Reviewing Method Guide!
To save you all from trying to understand how I decide on a final rating for books I read and what goes into my reviews, I figured a bit of explanation would be helpful.
A simple star rating doesn’t always tell the whole story, and one person’s 3-star rating might be the equivalent of someone else’s 5-star rating. It can all feel like a mystery sometimes, so today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my comprehensive guide to my entire rating process.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal rating system, detailing exactly what goes into a 1-star versus a 5-star read, and breaking down the different elements I consider in every book. My goal is to make my ratings as clear, consistent, and helpful as possible, so you always know what to expect.
Let’s dive in and demystify the magic behind the stars!
My Rating System
For an easy quick reference guide, I created a handy infographic that you can always refer back to when reading my reviews. Worry not, I will provide more details below!
My Star Rating System
- 1 Star – While I refuse to DNF a book, I considered it multiple times with this read. For the most part, I did not enjoy my experience and would absolutely not recommend it to anyone I want to speak to me again.
- 2 Stars – I definitely didn’t hate this book, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to suggest it, and would only recommend it if I know it fits a certain genre or trope niche for other readers.
- 3 Stars – For the most part, I had a good time reading this book, though it may not be a favorite or it has some areas that I would personally like to see improvement/changes. Generally speaking, I would recommend it as a potential read.
- 4 Stars – I really enjoyed this book, and while I might have a few minor critiques, I will likely yap about it to friends and family, as well as happily recommend it to others.
- 5 Stars – This book stirred me emotionally and I wish I could erase my memory of it, if only to be able to read it for the first time again. I will attempt to get everyone I know to read it so that I can continue to live vicariously through them.
I do think it’s important to note that I’m no Roger Ebert – I will not be rating my reads based off of eloquence, deep analysis, or any other nonsense fluff that might make me sound like a literary genius. I enthusiastically hand out 4 and 5 star ratings more often than not because I want you to enjoy what I recommend, not feel like you need to write an essay on it for grading.
My Spice Rating System
- 0 Flames – This book is nowhere close to the Romance section at the bookstore.
- 1 Flame – There might be some kissing or “fade to black” moments, but no descriptions of explicit activity. May also be a YA read.
- 2 Flames – Mild descriptions of activities. Typically 1-2 explicit scenes.
- 3 Flames – Detailed descriptions of activities. May involve some k*nk and dirty talk. 3-4 explicit scenes.
- 4 Flames – Detailed descriptions of activities featuring dirty talk, k*nk, and possible taboo subjects. May require trigger warnings. 4+ explicit scenes.
- 5 Flames – 90% smut. 10% plot. Parts are flying everywhere, k*nk is abundant, you’ll need incognito mode for this book.
I truly believe that spice rating systems are individualistic – what I may clutch my pearls for, someone else might read on the bus with no issues. Judgement of spice is completely relative to each reader’s tastes, so I will always do my best to explain my rating and include any possible trigger warnings.
That’s a Wrap: Happy Reading!
So there you have it – the complete breakdown of my rating system and reviewing method!
My hope is that this guide provides you with everything you need to better understand my book reviews and recommendations. Whether a book brings me to my knees and earns a 5 star rating or struggles to hit 3 stars because it was just good but not great, you know exactly what influenced my final review and score.
Remember, I am generous with my ratings because I want you to enjoy what I recommend – reading should be fun, not a chore! I encourage you to save my infographic and use this rating system as a tool to help you determine which of my recommendations are right for you!
Let’s Talk!
What is one element (characters, plot, writing style, or even spice) that is most important to you when deciding if a book is a 5 star read? Let me know in the comments below!
Reading Stack
Previous Book: Onyx Storm
Current Book: The Restoration Garden
Future Book: On Wings of Blood
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