In choosing a heat (spice) rating for a book, I use the following scale:
- 0 – No explicit content. The plot probably has no significant romantic or sexual tension. If there is any tension, it is only briefly noted. May have a tender moment and/or hand-holding and/or simple kisses. Romance and sex are not part of the main plotline.
- 1 – May have descriptions of romance and physical affection and/or some lightly described romantic or sexual tension. May rely on innuendo or minimal detail in descriptions of physical affection or sex. No kinks, and only 2 participants. If sexual scenes become intense there is a “fade to black” before anything explicit happens.
- 2 – Few explicit details that don’t contribute to the plot. May have notable romantic or sexual tension. May have a couple of detailed scenes with some non-explicit described physical sensation or action, but the focus is on the romance/relationship and plot the majority of the time.
- 3 – May have several explicit scenes that fit within the main plotline. Physical and/or romantic relationships are a notable part of the main plot. Emotional elements are present in almost all encounters. May have some rougher dirty talk or very mild kink. Physical sensations sensations and actions may be described with some explicitness. Plot is greater than sex or romance, though they may be linked.
- 4 – Explicit details may be frequent and may or may not contribute to the plotline. Plot is important but may occasionally take the back seat to physical and/or romantic encounters. Multiple detailed or explicit sexual scenes. May include some kink. May include more than 2 participants. May include a nonhuman participant (alien, demon, angel, monster, etc.) in described sexual scenes.
- 5 – May have a plot arc or plot may exist mainly to provide a frame for physical encounters. Romance may or may not be present. May include notable kink, changing partners, or other extra-spicy elements. May need content notes. May be pure smut.