My Book Rating System: What My Stars (and Spice) Really Mean

Do you ever wonder what I mean when I give a book 4 stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐) and 3 chili peppers (🌶️🌶️🌶️)? Book rating can feel a little like decoding a secret language—especially when everyone uses stars (and spice) a little differently. I thought it was time to pull back the curtain and share exactly how I rate the books I read.

From the books that make me swoon to the ones that leave me blinking at the last page like “…what just happened,” this post will walk you through my personal rating system—stars, spice, and all. Whether you’re following my reviews or just curious how my brain works when I close a book, you’re in the right place.

Why I Rate Books

I rate books to help keep track of what I love—and to help other readers find stories they’ll fall for, too. Ratings give me a way to reflect on the reading experience: what worked, what didn’t, and how a book made me feel. It’s never about tearing a book or author down; it’s about being honest with myself and with fellow readers. Everyone’s taste is different, but I hope my ratings offer a little guidance, especially if we share similar bookish vibes.

For years, rating and reviewing books was just something I did for fun—dropping reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and reading advanced copies for authors I loved. It was my way of being part of the book world and supporting the stories that spoke to me. But over time, it’s grown into something more. With Wanderlust Wandering Book Bazaar, I’m turning this passion into a full-on bookish business. Now, my reviews aren’t just personal reflections—they help guide my curation, shape what I stock in the trailer, and (hopefully!) help you discover your next favorite read. It’s the same love of books, just with a bit more intention behind it.

Star Rating Breakdown ⭐

• 5 Stars – I’m obsessed and couldn’t tear myself away from it. I happily sacrificed sleep to stay up reading this book. Will reread again and again. I think about the characters constantly and wonder what they’re doing.
• 4 Stars – Loved it! Just a few small things kept it from perfection. I might reread it but would definitely recommend to others.
• 3 Stars – It was good, but didn’t sweep me off my feet.
• 2 Stars – Meh. Not for me, but someone else might enjoy it. I likely struggled to get through it. Unless it was an ARC (advanced reader copy), I probably DNF’d.
• 1 Star – We don’t talk about her.

Spice Scale 🌶️ (Chili Pepper Rating)

• Clean – No sexual content at all. Kisses may be present, but the focus is on emotional connection and story. (Think sweet romances or fade-to-black fantasy.)
• 🫑 Steam – Some romantic tension and open-door scenes, but more emotional than explicit. Think slow burns and sensual vibes without the heat dial turned all the way up.
• 🌶️ Mild – A little heat, but nothing too graphic. Maybe a kiss that lingers or a scene that fades out just when things start to sizzle.
• 🌶️🌶️ Medium – Some open-door scenes, descriptive but not too detailed. Think spicy moments balanced with strong plot.
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Hot – Several open-door scenes with clear detail, but not constant. Spice is a feature, not the whole book.
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spicy – Lots of explicit scenes and steamy content. You’re here for both the plot and the heat—and neither disappoints. (This is normally my cut-off, because after this you lose all sense of plotline, no matter how gifted a writer you are.)
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Scorching – This one’s for the spice lovers. Graphic, steamy, and unapologetically bold. Proceed with fan and iced drink in hand.

A Note on DNFs (Did Not Finish)

Let’s talk about DNFs—Did Not Finish books. I used to push myself to finish every book I started, even if I wasn’t enjoying it. But life’s too short and my TBR pile is too tall. If a book really isn’t clicking with me, I’ll set it aside. Sometimes it’s a mood thing, sometimes it’s the writing or pacing, and sometimes it’s just not for me. I usually don’t rate DNFs unless I’ve read a significant portion (around 70% or more), and even then, I’ll always explain why I stopped. It’s never about bashing a book—just being honest about my reading experience. What doesn’t work for me might be exactly what someone else is looking for.

So that’s how I rate my reads—stars, spice, steam, and the occasional DNF when it’s just not working out. My system helps me stay honest about what I love (and what I don’t), but it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all! Do you rate books differently? Drop a comment and let me know how you decide what makes a 5-star read—or how you handle spice and steam ratings. I love hearing how other readers break it down!

And if you want more reviews, bookish updates, and a peek at my mobile bookstore journey, don’t forget to sign up for my email list.

Until next time,
Happy reading & happy wandering —
𝓛𝓾𝓬𝓲
Owner & Book Curator of Wanderlust Wandering Book Bazaar