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Which Romance Archetype Are You?

  • evemrileyauthor
  • Jun 20
  • 2 min read

We all have our favorite romance archetypes—the brooding loners, the golden retriever boyfriends, the icy CEOs with secret hearts of gold. But have you ever stopped to ask: Which one are you?

  

Whether you’re writing love stories or living one, there’s something deliciously fun about recognizing yourself in these classic romantic roles. Let’s find out who you really are at heart… and which book boyfriend or girlfriend might be your perfect match. 


💎 The Ice Queen / King 

You're the cool-headed one. Mysterious. Controlled. Guarded—but only because you’ve been burned before. 


Strengths: Grace under pressure, standards sky-high, can cut with a glance 

Weaknesses: Might freeze out people who deserve a chance 

Perfect partner: The golden retriever, who melts your walls with warmth and loyalty 

Famous examples: Evelyn Hugo (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo), Rhysand (A Court of Thorns and Roses


You’re this archetype if: You’ve been called intimidating, but you’re secretly a marshmallow once someone earns your trust. 

  

🐶 The Golden Retriever 

You’re loyal, warm, and full of sunshine energy. You bring snacks and good vibes, and you always remember everyone’s coffee order. 


Strengths: Dependable, emotionally available, everyone’s safe space 

Weaknesses: Prone to people-pleasing, a little naïve 

Perfect partner: The grump—they need your glow 

Famous examples: Simon (Red, White & Royal Blue), Josh (The Hating Game


You’re this archetype if: You’ve ever been accused of “falling too fast,” or always rooting for the underdog. 


😤 The Grump 

You’re sarcastic, prickly, and allergic to small talk. But when you fall, you fall hard—and only for someone who gets your weird little heart. 


Strengths: Deeply loyal, protective, often hilarious (when you let loose) 

Weaknesses: Terrible at texting back 

Perfect partner: The sunshine, obviously 

Famous examples: Adam Carlsen (The Love Hypothesis), Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice


You’re this archetype if: People always say you’re mean until they get to know you—and then they never want to leave. 

  

🗡️ The Morally Gray Hero 

You’ve got edge. Secrets. And possibly a tragic backstory. People don’t always know what to make of you—but they definitely want to try. 


Strengths: Resourceful, passionate, 10/10 in a crisis 

Weaknesses: Prone to self-sabotage and staring out windows dramatically 

Perfect partner: Someone who sees the good in you—even when you don’t 

Famous examples: Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows), Cardan (The Cruel Prince


You’re this archetype if: You’ve been described as “intense,” “complicated,” or “too hot for your own good.” 

  

So… Which One Are You? 

Drop a comment and tell me your archetype—or mix a few together! I’m personally somewhere between Ice Queen and Grump, with a soft spot for cinnamon roll love interests. (If that makes me a contradiction… welcome to the club.) 


Eve x


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