Heat Levels help explain the ‘spiciness’ of a romance novel. It helps readers know what to expect in terms of sex within a novel. There isn’t any set universal standard for this, but there are various scales you will find. Many scales have four or five levels. Sometimes you will see it as chili peppers. Some authors have their own.
I’ve designed my own ‘Heat Level’ scale that lets you see what to expect from my romance novels:
I – Inspirational: Story focuses on a 3-way relationship between God and the two main characters. No sex. Intimacy limited to kissing and minimal physical contact. No sexual tension. Clean language.
0 – Clean/Wholesome: No sex. Intimacy limited to kissing and minimal physical contact. No sexual tension. Clean language.
1 – Sweet: No sex. Intimacy limited to kissing and some physical contact. Sexual tension. Clean language.
2 – Simmering: No sex on the pages; one or more behind-closed-door/fade-to-black sex scenes. Intimacy includes kissing and physical contact; lead-up to sex is not described in great detail. Sexual tension. Mild language.
3 – Warm: One sex scene on the pages; sex is only briefly described without explicit details. May include one or more behind-closed-doors/fade-to-black sex scenes. Moderate intimacy. Sexual tension. Mild-to-moderate language.
4 – Sensual: Two or more sex scenes on the pages; sex is described without explicit details. May include one or more behind-closed-doors/fade-to-black sex scenes. Moderate intimacy. Sexual tension. Moderate language.
5 – Steamy: Multiple sex scenes described in explicit detail. Moderate intimacy. Sexual tension. Moderate-to-strong language.
6 – Spicy: Multiple sex scenes described in explicit detail. High levels of intimacy. High levels of sexual tension. Strong language.
7 – Hot: Multiple sex scenes described in explicit detail which may border graphic detail. High levels of intimacy. High levels of sexual tension. Strong language; may include vulgar terms.
8 – Blazing: Multiple sex scenes in explicit, graphic detail. Some scenes may be erotic or borderline erotic. Extreme levels of intimacy. Extreme levels of sexual tension. Vulgar language.
9 – Explicit: Numerous sex scenes in full display on the pages in explicit, very graphic detail. Sex scenes are erotic, though the story is not considered an ‘erotic romance.’ Extreme levels of intimacy. Extreme levels of sexual tension. Vulgar, profane language.
10 – Erotic: Story focuses on 2 (or sometimes more, if noted) people and their relationship growing. Sex is an integral part of their relationship development. May include things like kinks or fetishes. Multiple upon multiple sex scenes told in explicit, very graphic detail. Countless intimate moments. Sexual tension off the charts. Vulgar, profane language.
E – Erotica: Story focuses on sex and more sex with little plot line. Does not hit romantic ‘beats’ in terms of story. Mainly sex. And more sex. Vulgar, explicit, graphic sex scenes and language.