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RATINGS DESCRIPTION
4 1/2 Gold: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this on
SENSUALITY RATINGS
Beginning with September 2006 issue reviews, these are the new sensuality ratings
used for Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense books:
SCORCHER -- Borders on erotic. Very graphic sex.
HOT -- Most romance novels fall into this category. Conventional lovemaking. Explicit sex.
MILD -- May or may not include lovemaking. No explicit sex.
For reviews before September 2006 issue, the following ratings were used for Historical Romance books only:
SEXY -- Borders on erotic. Very graphic sex.
SPICY -- Very explicit sex.
VERY SENSUAL -- Spicy, but goes beyond conventional lovemaking. Explicit sex.
SENSUAL -- Most romance novels fall into this category. Conventional lovemaking. Explicit sex.
SWEET -- May or may not include lovemaking. No explicit sex.
CATEEGORY DESCRIPTION
RT TOP PICKS
The RT Top Picks list represents the best books of the month
chosen by our staff of reviewers from the 250 new books reviewed
in each issue of Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine.
CHICK LIT
Novels focusing on the struggles with family, friends, career and
love-life of a woman or small group of women in their twenties or
thirties. It is usually told in first person, often in a casual,
conversation tone. The ending can be romantic but isn't always.
HISTORICAL
Historical romances are novels set in any period prior to World
War II with emphasis on the monogamous relationship of the main
characters. Settings are based on accurate historical research,
and the interaction between the hero and the heroine constitutes
50 percent of the book.
INSPIRATIONAL
Books that incorporate Christian beliefs and values into the plot
with various degrees of religious content. Published in both
contemporary and/or historical settings.
MAINSTREAM
These are single-title contemporary books incorporating modern
and realistic characters, elements of mystery, suspense, and/or
characters of various ethnic backgrounds. What sets them apart
from straight mainstream fiction is that the interaction between
the hero and the heroine constitutes 50 percent of the book, and
the relationship is always monogamous.
MYSTERY & SUSPENSE
These are books whose plots include the solving of a
crime--usually murder, but not necessarily--by either an amateur
sleuth or a professional private investigator. We classify these
books as either "straight mysteries" or "romantic mysteries,"
depending on the emphasis given to the romantic element of the
story.
REGENCY
Regency romances are set during England's Regency period
(1811-1820), a time of affluence and elegance. They capture the
history and flavor of a Jane Austen novel, emphasizing the
repartee between the hero and heroine rather than a sexual
relationship. These are short and medium-length novels of manners
-- witty and light.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
In romantic suspense, solving crimes and finding love go hand-in-hand and
are equally integral to the story. The characters grow as they not only
solve a mystery but open their hearts to each other. Progress on the
romance side leads to progress on the mystery side, and vice versa. While
traditional suspense novels can have an element of romance, it tends to be
a smaller subplot and whether the relationship comes to fruition or not,
the criminal (usually a killer) will still be thwarted.
SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY NOVELS
Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels are speculative works of
literature that depict universes without the limitations and
parameters of the real world. Science Fiction novels explore the
impact of scientific advances and future technology (i.e.
intergalactic space travel, artificial intelligence, etc.), while
Fantasy novels often center around epic quests and feature
alternate worlds, magic, mystical creatures and supernatural
powers.
SERIES
Series romances are short, contemporary novels that follow the
classic romance formula -- the "Cinderella legend." These romances
are published in numbered series and fall into several sensual
categories. These romances involve sex with commitment, are never
graphic, and are primarily published as Harlequins and
Silhouettes. Approximately 70 new titles per month are produced
for 14 different imprints.
YOUNG ADULT
Young Adult books are written for the teen and tween markets most
of which have no sexual content. However, there are some YA lines
that are targeting adult teens (16-19 and older) and do include
more realistic content i.e. drugs, sex, drinking and other issues
facing teens today.
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