Last updated: Feb, 22, 2026
This page explains how The Gilt List handles affiliate links, recommendations, and reviews so you know what you’re looking at.
1. Affiliate links
Some links on The Gilt List are affiliate links. This means:
- If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
- This commission comes at no extra cost to you.
- It helps support the time and costs involved in running the Site (hosting, tools, and, frankly, buying too many books).
We will always aim to clearly disclose affiliate relationships within relevant posts (for example, with a note near the top of the page).
2. Amazon Associates & other programs
The Gilt List may participate in affiliate programs such as (for example):
- Amazon Associates
- other book-related affiliate programs or online retailers
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
If additional programs are added, this page will be updated to reflect that.
3. Review copies & ARCs
From time to time, we may receive:
- advance reader copies (ARCs)
- review copies
- or access to books via publishers, authors, or publicists
If a book was provided for free in exchange for a potential review, we will note that in the relevant post. Receiving a copy does not guarantee a positive review.
All opinions are our own.
4. How reviews and ratings work
We aim to be transparent and fair in all reviews. That means:
- No automatic 5-star hype.
Most books live somewhere in the middle. If we say 5★, it genuinely slapped. - Honest but not cruel.
We may critique plot, pacing, worldbuilding, or character arcs, but we avoid personal attacks or author-bashing. - Context, not just a number.
We prioritise:
- spice level (and what kind of spice)
- tropes
- tone (e.g. cosy, angsty, dark, unhinged)
- emotional impact / vibe
- spice level (and what kind of spice)
5. Reading vs. research
No one can read every single book in a genre or subgenre. Some of our content is based on:
- books we have personally read
- detailed breakdowns and trusted reviews
- discussions within the reading community (BookTok, Bookstagram, forums, etc.)
We strive to clearly distinguish:
- when we’re speaking from first-hand reading experience, and
- when a book is included in a round-up or guide based partly on curated research.
When in doubt, you should always cross-check a book’s content warnings, descriptions, and reviews directly with the retailer or publisher.
6. Your trust matters
The whole point of The Gilt List is to help you:
- spend your money and reading time more intentionally
- discover books that genuinely match your taste
- avoid books that will absolutely not be your thing
Affiliate links and collaborations help keep the Site running, but they do not change our honest opinion of a book. If something is mid, we’ll say it’s mid.
7. Questions
If you have questions about affiliate links, reviews, or how we talk about books, you can always reach out:
Email: