Hart Books Romance Heat Scale
How spicy is spicy?
One reader’s “a little bit steamy” can be another reader’s “I was not prepared for that!” so we’ve created the Hart Books Romance Heat Scale to make choosing your next read a little easier.
From sweet romances filled with butterflies and longing looks to books that require a cold drink and possibly a fan, this scale will give you a clearer idea of what happens on the page.
Of course, heat levels can be subjective, but I’ll use this guide across Hart Books reviews and recommendations to help you find books that suit your reading preferences, whether you like the bedroom door firmly closed or completely blown off its hinges.
Let’s find your perfect heat level…
🌼 Sweet
No sexual content. Romance focuses on emotional connection, friendship, and love. May include hand-holding, hugs, or a kiss.
What to expect:
Little to no physical intimacy
Romance is emotional rather than physical
Hand holding, longing looks, maybe a hug
Often found in Young Adult, Cozy Romance, and Inspirational Romance
Think: Butterflies, not bedroom scenes.
Books Like: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
🔥 Swoony
Kissing, romantic tension, and attraction. Physical intimacy is limited to kisses and affection.
What to expect:
Kissing and romantic tension
A few swoony moments
Physical attraction is acknowledged
No on-page sex scenes
Think: The anticipation is the main event.
🔥🔥 Warm
Characters have a physical relationship, but intimate moments happen off-page or fade to black.
What to expect:
Strong romantic chemistry
Passionate kissing
Physical relationship is implied
Bedroom door closes before details begin
Think: You know what happened, but the author lets your imagination fill in the blanks.
🔥🔥🔥 Sizzling
On-page intimate scenes with clear descriptions. Physical intimacy supports the romance rather than dominating it.
What to expect:
On-page intimate scenes
Strong sexual tension throughout
Physical relationship plays a significant role in the romance
More detailed than Fireplace level
Think: Readers looking for both romance and spice.
Books Like: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Blazing
Frequent explicit scenes throughout the book. Variety in intimate encounters and a strong spice component.
What to expect:
Frequent intimate scenes
High level of physical chemistry
Detailed on-page intimacy
Romance and spice share the spotlight
Think: Bring a cold drink.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Inferno
Very high spice level with numerous explicit scenes. Readers choosing this category are specifically looking for a highly spicy romance.
What to expect:
Very high heat level
Numerous intimate scenes throughout the book
Physical relationship is a major focus
Often found in darker romance, erotic romance, and very spicy contemporary romance
Think: For readers who ask, "Can you recommend something spicier?"