Please note: When a reviewer rates a book from the scales provided, it is per their thoughts and point of view regarding the story and interpretation of the scales.
Overall Book Rating:
5...Outstanding - A Keeper
4...Excellent - Definitely Worth Reading
3...Good - Enjoyable Reading
2...Fair - Didn't Mind Reading
1...Sorry - Just Not My Cup Of Tea...But It May Be Yours
Sexual Content Ratings (may be used in mystery/suspense reviews)...
None – there’s no sexual activity:
Kisses and general, non-detailed caressing. Any sexual activity is done behind closed doors.
The reader’s imagination comes into play as characters, plot, romance and emotions are the main focus.
Subtle– there’s little sexual activity:
Sexual activity is alluded to with minimal/moderate description.
The reader is given a peek into the bedroom as well as the opportunity to use their imagination as emotions, romance and plot are prominent.
Sensual – there’s moderate sexual activity:
Physical details are described, but not in an un-tasteful manner.
There are still some elements left to the reader’s imagination with emotions and romance presiding over the physical.
Sexual – there’s explicit sexual activity:
Sexual acts, feelings and desires are described in detail and are graphic with little emotion.
Nothing is left to the reader’s imagination and there is little to no focus on the developing romance and/or love. Physical gratification is at the core of the sexual activity.
May not be for the more conservative reader.
Language (Profanity/Slang) Ratings...
None - no profanity/slang is used.
There may be few to no profanities used.
Mild - profanity/slang use is infrequent:
Selection of words used is slim and sporadic.
Moderate - profanity/slang use is recurring:
Some may be offended at the semi-regularity, variety and directness of words used.
May not be for the more conservative reader.
Extreme - profanity/slang use is coarse and repetitive:
Some may be offended by the graphic crudity and regularity of words used.
Most likely not for the very conservative reader.
Violence Ratings (may be used in romance/romantic suspense reviews)...
None/Negligible - there is no violence:
Perhaps a slight altercation is alluded to with no details.
Minimal – violence may be alluded to:
Descriptions of the initial crime(s) or actions are very subtle and/or after the fact with few details given.
Scenes such as lurking shadows, chases, tampered cars, and fights or attacks are mildly suspenseful.
Moderate – sporadic yet suspenseful:
The description of the crime scene and references to blood and violence may be a bit more specific without being overly graphic in detail.
There is more action and intensity in the unfolding mystery. A higher level of suspense can be expected by the reader.
Intense – edge of the seat suspense:
The description of the crime scene and references to blood, violence, and crimes are very intense and slightly graphic, yet not overly unsettling.
Highly suspenseful engaging the reader’s attention.
Extreme - very graphic, very violent:
The description of the crime scene and victim’s horrors are explicit and perhaps brutal. There may be unsettling moments of evil, terror, torture, or there may be demonic elements.
Not for the more conservative reader or faint of heart! May be disturbing in its detail and content.