50 ARC Review Prompts

Use these prompts to help you write your review. You don't need to answer all of them — just pick 2–3 that spark something and write from there. Even a few sentences helps! 💖

OVERALL REACTION

1. How did you feel when you finished the last page?

2. What's one word you'd use to describe this book — and why that word?

3. Did this book meet, exceed, or surprise your expectations?

4. What kind of mood did this book leave you in?

5. If you had to pitch this book to a friend in one sentence, what would you say?

CHARACTERS

1. Which character felt the most real to you?

2. Did you have a favorite character who wasn't one of the leads?

3. What moment made you fall for the hero?

4. What moment made you root for the heroine?

5. Was there a character you loved to hate?

6. Did the characters feel like people you could actually know?

7. Which character surprised you the most?

8. Was there a secondary character you'd love to see get their own book?

THE ROMANCE

1. When did you first feel the chemistry between the leads?

2. What was the swooniest moment for you?

3. Did the tension build in a way that kept you turning pages?

4. Was there a scene between the leads that made your heart actually race?

5. Did you believe in them as a couple by the end?

6. How would you describe the dynamic between the hero and heroine?

7. Was there a moment that made you want to yell at one of them (in a good way)?

8. Did the romance feel earned — like both characters had to work for it?

EMOTIONS & FEELS

1. Did this book make you laugh? What moment?

2. Did this book make you tear up or get emotional? When?

3. Was there a line or scene that hit you harder than you expected?

4. Did you feel any tension or anxiety for the characters? During what part?

5. What emotional moment will stick with you longest?

6. Did the book make you feel something you weren't expecting to feel?

PLOT & PACING

1. Did the story hook you right away, or did it take a few chapters to get into?

2. Was there a twist or reveal that genuinely surprised you?

3. Did the story flow well, or were there parts where you wanted to skip ahead?

4. How fast did you read this — one sitting, a couple of days, or slowly over time?

5. Was the ending satisfying? Did it feel rushed, or just right?

6. Were there any moments where you couldn't put the book down?

SETTING & ATMOSPHERE

1. Could you picture the world of this book clearly?

2. Did the setting add something special to the story?

3. Was there a scene where you felt like you were actually there?

4. Did the setting make you want to visit the location in real life?

WRITING & VOICE

1. How would you describe the author's writing style?

2. Was the dialogue natural — did the characters sound like real people talking?

3. Was there a line or passage that really stood out to you?

4. Did the author's voice feel fresh, or remind you of another writer you love?

5. Was the balance between internal thoughts and action/dialogue about right?

TROPES & COMPARISONS

1. What tropes does this book deliver on, and how well?

2. If you loved this book, what other books would you recommend alongside it?

3. Who is the ideal reader for this book?

4. Would fans of [author you love] enjoy this? Why?

THE BIG PICTURE

1. Would you read the next book in this series?

2. Would you recommend this book — and to whom specifically?

3. What's one thing you'll remember about this book a month from now?

4. Is there anything about this book that made you want to talk about it with someone?

QUICK REVIEW TIPS

If you only have 2 minutes: Pick prompts 2, 15, and 48. That gives you: a hook, the emotional core, and a recommendation. Three sentences and you're done.

If you want to write a paragraph: Pick one from OVERALL REACTION, one from THE ROMANCE, and one from EMOTIONS & FEELS. String them together naturally.

If you want to go deeper: Pick 4–5 prompts from different categories and write 1–2 sentences for each. That gives you a well-rounded review in under 10 minutes.

REMINDERS 💖

• There's no wrong way to write a review.

• Short reviews are just as valuable as long ones.

• Honest reviews only — if the book isn't for you, feel free to skip.

• You don't need to summarize the plot. Just share your experience.

• Please include: "I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review."