Welcome to Candor & Spice: A New Home for Adventurous Spirits
If you are reading this, chances are you already know the secret.
You know that romance novels are not just "guilty pleasures" or frivolous paperbacks. You know that they are vessels for hope. They are safe harbors where we go to heal, to escape, and to explore the deepest parts of human connection.
Welcome to Best I Ever Read, the home of Candor & Spice.
I started this site because I believe that the search for a happily-ever-after is one of the most universal journeys we take. Whether you are reading to mend a broken heart, to ignite a spark of adventure, or to better understand your own desires, you deserve a place that treats this genre with the respect—and the excitement—it deserves.
Why We Read
For me, romance has been a lifeline. It has been a way to reclaim my autonomy and explore feminine sexuality in a world that often tells us to keep our desires quiet. But the beauty of romance is that it belongs to everyone.
This site is a sanctuary for readers of all genders and sexual orientations. Love is a prism, and on these pages, we celebrate it in every color. Whether you are looking for a dark, transformative M/F romance, a tender M/M soulmate story, or a polyamorous adventure that breaks all the rules, you are welcome at this table.
We believe that reading is a form of exploration. It allows us to try on different lives, different dynamics, and different kinds of bravery. It gives us the language to communicate what we want in our real lives and the courage to ask for it.
No More Guesswork: The Scorecard
We also believe that finding your next favorite book shouldn’t be a chore.
We’ve all been there: staring at a blurb, wondering, “Is this going to be spicy? Is the plot actually good? Will the ending wreck me?” Standard star ratings just don't tell the whole story.
That is why I developed the Candor & Spice Scorecard.
I wanted to create the library I always wished I had. Instead of a vague review, every book on this site is broken down using a specific 1-5 scale across ten essential categories. We look at the mechanics of the writing, the heat of the connection, and the specific vibes of the characters.
Here is what you can expect on every review:
Narration: 🎤
Main Male Character: 💪
Main Female Character: 🫦
Writing Quality: 🖋️
Plot Quality: 📖
Character Development: 🫂
Romance: 🫀
Spice Level: 🌶️
Kinkiness: 🗝️
Violence: 🔫
Whether you are looking for a high-spice thrill (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️) or a plot-heavy epic (📖 5/5), this system is designed to help you find exactly what you are in the mood for, without the guesswork.
👉 [Check out our full Superlative Key here to see exactly how we define each rating.]
Join the Adventure
This library is just getting started. In the coming weeks, you will see reviews for everything from gut-wrenching military romance to dark, gothic fantasies. We are building a calendar of upcoming releases so you never miss a drop, and featuring authors who are fearless in their storytelling.
Thank you for being here. I hope this site helps you find the stories that make you feel seen, the stories that make you blush, and the stories that give you hope.
Here’s to the next chapter.
With Candor & Spice,
