What is the Pepper Scale?

Our proprietary system for categorizing the steaminess of the latest and greatest romance reads. Ranging from 1-5 peppers, readers on the low end can expect sizzling sexual tension, while readers on the high end should strap in for salacious, non-stop action. You can use the Pepper Scale to shop to your spice-ifications, explore your boundaries, and connect with other readers in your pepper gang. ;)

  • Sighing

    One Pepper

    Romantic and heartfelt, these tales include sex, but behind closed doors. The focus of these novels is on the growing relationship, with tension that leaves you swooning but keeps things to the imagination.

  • Gasping

    Two Peppers

    Here’s where things start to sizzle! Open-door sex scenes complement strong storylines, with traditional dynamics and a balance of love and lust. Slow burns thrive here, building anticipation before the spark ignites.

  • Moaning

    Three Peppers

    The bedroom door stays wide open—frequently. Tension builds and when the moment comes, nothing is left to the imagination. If you love a rich love story but crave a steady dose of action, this is your sweet spot.

  • Panting

    Four Peppers

    Extra spicy but still grounded, with multiple detailed sex scenes that push boundaries without losing the story. Expect dirty talk, explicit details, and the exploration of kinks or taboo moments that keep the heat climbing.

  • Screaming

    Five Peppers

    Sex takes center stage with these wild reads, where kink, BDSM, and multiple partners reign supreme. The plot is secondary to the steamy action, and the spice level is so high, you might need a cold shower to cool off.

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