The Quill #1: Book Quiz

So, you’re thinking about cozying up with your next juicy romance novel. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re single or happily locked down, there’s something comforting about a good love story. The fantasy, the catharsis, and oftentimes, the predictability.

When it comes to cliché tropes, the romance genre is full of them. From enemies to lovers to fake dating to the love triangle, there’s no shortage of familiar plot lines. Maybe you have a favorite; maybe you’re indifferent or love them all; maybe there’s a select few you avoid like the plague. You can decide which book you’ll pick up next, sure, but you can’t decide your fate.

Don’t worry though, this quiz can! Answer the questions below and count up your score to find out your romantic destiny*.

*Not single? No problem! Take this quiz as a source of your perfect book recommendation, you lucky dog! 

1. What’s your favorite fiction genre?

1. 1. Fantasy (+0)
   2. Science Fiction (+1)
   3. Realistic Fiction (+2)
   4. Historical Fiction (+3)

2. You’re on vacation. What’s the view from your window?

1. 1. Teal waves crashing on the shore of a coastal town (+0)
   2. The moon glowing over a big city skyline (+1)
   3. A waterfall cascading into a lush jungle (+2)
   4. The Northern Lights gleaming above the mountaintops (+3)

3. What’s your favorite season? 

1. 1. Winter (+0)
   2. Spring (+1)
   3. Summer (+2)
   4. Fall (+3)

4. How do you fall asleep?

1. 1. On my back (+0)
   2. On my side (+1)
   3. On my stomach (+2)
   4. All of the above/ not sure (+3)

5.  What’s your go-to beverage? 

1. 1. Coffee (+0)
   2. Tea (+1)
   3. Juice (+2)
   4. Water (+3)

6. You’re in the market for a new pet. What are you getting?

1. 1. Cat (+0)
   2. Dog (+1)
   3. Bird (+2)
   4. Hamster (+3)

7. What’s doodled in the margins of your notebook?

1. 1. The classic “S” (+0)
   2. A realistic eye (+1)
   3. Literally anything else (how creative!) (+2)
   4. Nothing — they’re pristine! (+3)

8. If you could have a superpower, which would you choose?

1. 1. Flight (+0)
   2. Invisibility (+1)
   3. Super strength (+2)
   4. Telepathy (+3)

9. What mythical creature is your favorite?

1. 1. Unicorn (+0)
   2. Dragon (+1)
   3. Phoenix (+2)
   4. Mermaid (+3)

10. What are you putting on your ice cream sundae?

1. 1. Hot fudge  (+0)
   2. Caramel  (+1)
   3. M&Ms  (+2)
   4. Nothing/ I don’t want one (+3)

Add up your points: your total decides your results!

0-5: Friends to Lovers
A classic, heartwarming trope that makes for a lovely slow burn. Navigating the transition between being friends and something more can be difficult, but the payoff is beautiful. I’m happy for you! Some friends-to-lovers books to try:

• • Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
  • Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
  • Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malina Lo

6-11: The Love Triangle
Ooh, the drama! The options! The love triangle fulfills many fantasies! The tricky part — who do you choose? (Or, how do you make the throuple work?) Some love-triangle books to check out:

• • Black Swan Affair by K. L. Kreig
  • An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

12-17: Enemies to Lovers
Tension, transformation, and fiery chemistry — the trope that turns resentment into passion. Whether due to misunderstandings or sheer hatred, the thrill of the build up makes that emotional payoff so incredibly worth it. Here are some enemies-to-lovers books to check out:

• • The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
  • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

18-23: Fake Dating
Maybe you’re trying to impress family. Maybe you don’t want to be caught in a lie. Whatever the case may be, this romantic facade starts to blur the line between what’s fake and real, when suddenly those pretend feelings aren’t so pretend anymore. Some fake-dating book recommendations:

• • The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
  • The Wrong Date by Sienna Waters

24-30: Soulmates
No beating around the bush in this trope; this pair is meant for each other! Brought together by fate, no matter the obstacles — your love transcends time and circumstance. Lucky! Some soulmate trope books to try:

• • Every Day by David Levithan
  • Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

—Brooke Schoening, Book Quiz Editor