Read the Room
Because not every book is a five-star read, and that’s okay.
How I Rate My Reads
(Spoiler: It’s all vibes and vibes alone… mostly.)
✨ Star Rating
A personal guide to how I rate my reads.
— I LOVED it
Can’t stop thinking about it. The characters live rent-free in my brain. One of the best books I’ve read. I’m emotionally attached and might re-read immediately. 100% would recommend.
— I liked it
Genuinely enjoyed it. Solid story, but not quite life-altering. Something small kept it from being 5 stars. Still great and would definitely recommend.
— It was fine
Enjoyable in parts, but didn’t leave a big impression. Might not have been for me, but I can see why others would enjoy it. I might recommend it, depending on the person.
— Meh
I finished it, but didn’t connect. It dragged, felt flat, or just didn’t work for me. Unlikely to re-read. Would not recommend.
— Not for me
I probably DNF’d. Just… no. Would definitely not recommend.
Note: I try to be careful and kind when reviewing, even when a book doesn’t land for me.
This system is meant to explain my personal reactions, not judge the author’s worth or effort.
Everyone reads differently—and that’s the beauty of it.
🌶️ Romance Spice Scale
Because sometimes you need to know what you're getting into...
🌶️ — No Heat / Closed Door
Kisses only or fade to black. Romance is sweet or implied. Any sex happens off-page. Great for cozy reads or slow-burns.
🌶️🌶️ — Subtle Sizzle
Some tension or light intimacy. Maybe one fade-to-black or very mild on-page scene. Language is more sensual than explicit. Focus is on romance more than heat.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ — Warm & Steamy
On-page sex scenes, but not overly graphic. Moderate language throughout, maybe 1–2 especially explicit scenes. Spicy moments are balanced with plot and character development. Think “standard” romance heat level.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — Spicy, Explicit
Multiple on-page scenes. Descriptive language, possibly kinks or tropes (e.g., dom/sub, praise). Sex is integral to character dynamics. Still emotionally grounded.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — Scorching / Erotic Romance
High-frequency, explicit on-page sex. Intimacy is central to the story. May include kink, BDSM, or group scenes. Usually written to titillate—think erotica with emotional depth.
🍊 Orange Reader Scale
Cozy with a chance of devastation, always.
This is my emotional vibes meter—a mood-based scale that reflects how a book made me feel. It’s part gut instinct, part book hangover symptoms, and all Orange Reader energy.
🍑 Soft Peel — Light & Cozy Vibes
Warm, wholesome, maybe a little quirky. Comfort read status unlocked.
🍊 Tangerine Tension — Sweet but Sharp
There were feels, but I recovered. Mild heartbreak, possibly a few tears.
🧡 Blood Orange Burn — Bittersweet & Bold
Deep emotions. Complex characters. I’m still thinking about it at 3 a.m.
🔥 Seared Citrus — Dark, Devastating, Delicious
Ruined me in the best way. Emotionally wrecked, 10/10 recommend with warnings.
☠️ Spoiled Pulp — Oof, Not For Me
DNF, disappointed, or just not the flavor I was craving.
Want to explore by vibe?
Check out the Orange Reader Shelf →
Looking for examples of how I apply these?
Check out my Goodreads profile or browse recent blog reviews to see what I’ve rated and why.