Sensitive Themes (How Include/Exclude Works and How to Avoid Spoilers)

Bright Haven gives you control over the reading experience, including the ability to include or exclude sensitive themes while browsing. This helps you find books that feel safe and enjoyable for you, without surprises.

This guide explains what Sensitive Themes are, how the filters work, and how to use them without accidentally spoiling a story.

What Are “Sensitive Themes”?

Sensitive Themes are topics that some readers may prefer to avoid, even in clean, closed-door romance. These themes are not “bad.” They are simply personal.

Examples may include:

• grief or loss
• trauma
• abuse references
• mental health themes
• pregnancy loss
• other heavy or triggering topics

How the Sensitive Themes Filter Works

Bright Haven allows you to use Sensitive Themes in two ways:

Include

Use Include when you are comfortable with a theme and want books that may contain it.

Example: If you enjoy stories that explore healing after loss, you might choose to include grief-related themes.

Exclude

Use Exclude when you want to avoid a theme entirely (or as much as possible).

Example: If a topic is difficult for you right now, excluding it helps you browse more confidently.

The Best Way to Use Sensitive Themes (Step-by-Step)

1) Start with Exclusions

Most readers get the best results by starting with Exclude for their personal no-go topics.

2) Add one theme at a time

If you exclude too many themes at once, your results can become very narrow. Start with the most important exclusions first.

3) Combine with other comfort filters

Sensitive Themes work best when paired with:

• Peppers (romance intensity)
• Content Levels (profanity, violence, substances)
• Audience (Teen/YA vs Adult)
• Genre/Subgenre

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

How to Avoid Spoilers

Some theme details may appear in a title’s More Info section. That can be helpful, but it can also reveal story direction.

If you want to avoid spoilers, use this approach:

Spoiler-safe browsing approach

1. Use filters first (including Sensitive Themes exclusions)
2. Browse titles from your filtered list
3. Only open More Info if you still need clarity before starting

Example Setups (Copy These)

“I want only light, comforting reads right now”

• Exclude: heavier themes you want to avoid
• Peppers: Low
• Content levels: Lower
• Genre: Romantic Comedy / Cozy Small Town (or your comfort genre)

“I’m okay with deeper topics, but only certain ones”

• Include: themes you are comfortable with
• Exclude: themes you prefer to avoid
• Peppers: Medium
• Content levels: Based on your comfort level

“I want to avoid surprises”

• Exclude: your top no-go topics
• Use filters before opening “More Info”
• Ask the Community for spoiler-free recommendations

Community: https://brighthavenbooks.com/pages/community

If You Are Unsure About a Specific Book

If you want help interpreting a theme filter or confirming whether a book is a good fit, message us through the chatbot with:

• the book title
• the themes you want to avoid
• your preferred Peppers level (optional)

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

Updated on: 26/01/2026