Heat Level Ratings (HLR) for Black Opal Books Publications are a three digit code. The first digit refers to sexual content. The second digit refers to profanity. And the third digit refers to violence. Heat levels are posted here to help our customers choose books that fit their personal preference regarding sexual content, language, violence, and other adult situations contained in our books. Please note: While some books may straddle the line between categories, we have done our best to accurately rate our books. HOWEVER, HLRs are intended as guidelines only and Black Opal Books does not guarantee any certain type of content or lack thereof in our books.
- HLR # 0: Not Rated. These books are not rated as they contain no sexual content, although they may contain romantic elements, they contain no sex scenes.
- HLR # 1: These book contain no consummated love scenes, or if the love scenes are consummated, they are only implied (no details are given, i.e. the bedroom door is closed). This could also be considered sweet romances.
- HLR # 2: These books contain consummated love scenes, but they are sensual rather than graphic in both description and dialogue, and they rely mainly on euphemisms for description and dialogue.
- HLR # 3: These books contain consummated love scenes that are sensual but are somewhat more graphic in both description and dialogue.
- HLR # 4: These books contain frequent consummated love scenes that are explicit and graphic in both description and dialogue.
- HLR # 5: These books contain a high frequency of consummated love scenes that are explicit in both graphic description and dialogue and would be considered EROTIC. They contain language and/or descriptions which some readers might considerable objectionable.
- HLR # 0: Not Rated. These books are not rated as they contain no profanity or questionable language as defined by the American FCC rules and regulations.
- HLR # 1: These books contain very mild profanity.
- HLR # 2: These books contain slightly stronger profanity and may contain some mildly offensive words.
- HLR # 3: These books contain fairly strong profanity and/or offensive language.
- HLR # 4: These books contain strong profanity and/or offensive language.
- HLR # 5: These books contain extreme profanity and/or offensive language.
- HLR # 0: Not Rated. These books are not rated as they contain no violence as defined by the American FCC rules and regulations.
- HLR # 1: These books contain very mild depictions of violence.
- HLR # 2: These books contain slightly stronger depictions of violence.
- HLR # 3: These books contain fairly strong depictions of violence.
- HLR # 4: These books contain graphic depictions of violence including mutilations, torture, acts of violence, etc.
- HLR # 5: These books contain extremely graphic depictions of violence including mutilations, torture, acts of violence, etc.