Content Levels Made Simple (Profanity, Violence, and Substances)

Bright Haven is built for readers who want clean, closed-door romance and the ability to choose what they are comfortable with. That is why Bright Haven uses Content Levels to help you filter books by:

• Profanity
• Violence
• Substances

This guide explains what those levels mean and how to use them.

What “Content Levels” Do (and Don’t Do)

Content Levels are designed to help you avoid unwanted elements without having to guess. They are especially helpful when you want to:

• keep your reading extra clean
• avoid darker tones
• choose books that fit your household standards

Content Levels do not replace your personal judgment, and they are not meant to label a book as “good” or “bad.” They simply give you control.

The 3-Level System (Quick Overview)

Bright Haven uses a simple Level 1–3 scale for each category.

Level 1: Minimal

The lightest option. Best for readers who want the cleanest possible experience.

Level 2: Moderate

Some mild references may appear. Best for readers who are comfortable with occasional mention but still want a clean tone overall.

Level 3: Higher (Still Within Bright Haven Standards)

More frequent references may appear compared to Level 1 or 2. Best for readers who are comfortable with a wider range of story situations while still staying in a clean, closed-door romance environment.

Category 1: Profanity

Profanity levels reflect how often language appears and how strong it is.

How to use it

• Choose Level 1 if you want the cleanest language
• Choose Level 2 if you are okay with mild language in context
• Choose Level 3 if you are comfortable with more frequent references (still not graphic)

Category 2: Violence

Violence levels reflect how much violence is present or referenced.

This can include:

• danger or threats
• suspenseful situations
• off-page or referenced violence

How to use it

• Choose Level 1 if you prefer cozy and low-stakes reads
• Choose Level 2 if you are okay with some suspense or peril
• Choose Level 3 if you enjoy higher-stakes stories (for example, romantic suspense) and want fewer restrictions

Category 3: Substances

Substances levels reflect references to alcohol, drugs, or other substances in the story.

How to use it

• Choose Level 1 if you prefer no substance references
• Choose Level 2 if you are okay with occasional references (for example, a setting that includes alcohol)
• Choose Level 3 if you are comfortable with more frequent mentions in the story world

Best Practice: Combine Content Levels With Other Filters

Content Levels work best when paired with:

• Peppers (romance intensity)
• Sensitive Themes (include/exclude)
• Audience (Teen/YA vs Adult)
• Genre/Subgenre

This combination creates a “filter set” you can trust.

Example Filter Sets (Copy These)

“The cleanest possible read”

• Profanity: Level 1
• Violence: Level 1
• Substances: Level 1
• Add: low Peppers, exclude heavier themes

“Clean, but open to mild references”

• Profanity: Level 1–2
• Violence: Level 1–2
• Substances: Level 1–2
• Add: medium Peppers, exclude your no-go themes

“I enjoy romantic suspense but still want control”

• Violence: Level 2–3 (based on comfort)
• Profanity/Substances: set to preference
• Add: sensitive themes exclusions as needed

Start Browsing With Content Levels

Use the Library filters to set your content levels and narrow your results:

Library: https://brighthavenbooks.com/collections/all

If you ever have a question about a specific title or content rating, message us through the chatbot with the book name and your concerns.

Support and FAQ hub: https://brighthavenbooks.com/pages/about-us

Updated on: 26/01/2026