When I read book review, I am often confused by some of the abbreviations the reviewers use. Over time, I have figured most of the more common abbreviations out. But I’m still usually curious what their criteria is for their star ratings. I decided to get rid of the mystery in my reviews. Here is a list of how I come about my ratings, the meaning of many abbreviations, etc. I will try to add to this list as I go along. And if you are ever confused by anything in any of my reviews please do not hesitate to contact me so I can clear it up and add it to this list.
What My Star Ratings Mean:
1 = did not like at all, possibly didn’t finish
2 = it was okay…I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone or read it again but there were one or two redeeming qualities
3 = I liked it. I may not necessarily go around recommending the book to all my friends, but it was an enjoyable read.
4 = I really enjoyed the book. I would recommend it to those I know read that genre and I would possibly re-read the book.
5 = Loved it! I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, even if they don’t like to read. This is a book I’d definitely read more than once.
As of June 2021 I changed how I rate the heat in books. You can read about that decision and and a more in depth explanation of my ratings here.
Basically, I’m now doing an age rating. I used to rate the same as the MPAA ratings. I’m leaving that explanation here for now because it’s going to take me a while to go back through and add my new rating to my old reviews.
MPAA Rating: Because I read such a varied selection of books, I’m going to give them an MPAA rating just like the movies. I don’t want an aunt to inadvertently give their 10 year old niece an age inappropriate book. Of course, as with all things, you have to think of your audience. My boys never had a problem with scary movies where my cousin who is in their age group was terrified of Harry Potter movies and books.
G very kid friendly, safe for all ages
PG kid friendly, but may be a bit too scary or confusing for the very young
PG-13 parent or guardian should read it first if the child is under 13, then make a decision based on their child’s maturity level
R not appropriate for most kids; there are sex scenes, some a bit explicit or a lot of violence or adult themes (assault, drugs, etc.).
NC-17 there is graphic sex…not quite porn but think Cinemax late at night
XXX very sexually explicit, not for those under 18 or who get offended by sex scenes
Abbreviations and Definitions:
ARC Advanced Reader Copy
MF Male/Female, the love/sex/romance centers around a male and female
MFM Male/Female/Male, the males do not generally engage in relations with each other but the female engages in relations with both males at the same time at least once
MMF Male/Male/Female, one of both of the males engage in relations with the female and will engage in relations with each other often all at the same time
FMF Female/Male/Female, I think you’re getting the idea
TBR To Be Read
HEA Happily Ever After
HFN Happy For Now
MC Main Character
warm fuzzies that feeling in your stomach and heart when something is so romantic it gives you butterflies
All In Good Time 