Welcome to the Q&A! Here is the lowdown on how we rate, what we read, and what you can expect from Candor & Spice.

The Ratings & Reviews

Q: What is the difference between "Spice Level" and "Kinkiness"?

A: Great question!

• Spice Level (🌶️) refers to the volume and explicitness of the scenes. A book can be 5/5 Spice (very explicit) but 1/5 Kinkiness (traditional "vanilla" intimacy).

• Kinkiness (🗝️) refers to what they are doing. This measures the exploration of specific kinks, power dynamics, or taboo acts.

• Check out our Superlative Key for the full breakdown!

Q: Do your reviews contain spoilers?

A: Generally, no. I try to keep the main review spoiler-free so you can enjoy the twists yourself. However, if a book has a specific Content Warning or a major trope that constitutes a spoiler (like a surprise pregnancy or a specific kink), I will hide those details behind a "Spoiler Alert" drop-down or clearly mark them at the bottom of the post.

Q: How do you define "Violence" in a romance novel?

A: We rate violence (🔫) to help readers manage their triggers. A high rating (5/5) doesn't necessarily mean the book is "bad"—it usually means it belongs to the Dark Romance or Fantasy War sub-genres where physical danger, combat, or darker themes are prevalent.

The Books

Q: What genres of romance do you cover?

A: We are open to all sub-genres, but we specialize in:

• Contemporary Romance: (Small Town, Workplace, Billionaire)

• Romantic Suspense: (Bodyguards, Mafia, Military)

• Dark Romance: (Morally Grey Heroes, Taboo themes)

• Romantasy: (Fantasy worlds with high heat)

Q: Do you review closed-door or "clean" romance?

A: While we respect all preferences, Candor & Spice focuses on embracing feminine sexuality and adventurous spirits. Most of our reviews will feature books with open-door (explicit) scenes. However, we do occasionally review "Sweet" or low-spice romances if the emotional connection is undeniable—we just rate the spice accordingly!

Connecting with Daphne

Q: Can I submit my book for review?

A: I love discovering new authors! If you think your book fits the Candor & Spice vibe (adventurous, emotional, and romantic), feel free to reach out via the Contact Page. Note: Acceptance of a review copy does not guarantee a review, and all opinions will be my honest "Candor."

Q: Why "Daphne Brynn"?

A: Daphne Brynn is a pen name that allows me to write freely and honestly about the genre I love. "Daphne" symbolizes autonomy and triumph, and "Brynn" represents the high ground found after a climb. You can read more about my story on the About Page.

Q: I’m looking for a specific trope (e.g., Enemies to Lovers). How do I find it?

A: We use a robust tagging system! At the bottom of every review (and in the sidebar), you can click tags like #EnemiesToLovers, #GrumpySunshine, or #SmallTown to see every book we’ve rated in that category.