Ep 248: Falling for the Rogue Archetype
On this episode of Buzzing About Romance! Today, we’re diving into one of the most enduring—and swoon-worthy—romantic archetypes: the Rogue Male. Jenni, Leah, Amanda, and Becky are giving all the book recs for this episode.
You know him—charming, rakish, unpredictable, often with a past he’s running from or a secret he’s hiding. Whether he’s a historical rake, a reformed bad boy, or a morally gray loner with a heart of gold, the rogue is a staple across all subgenres of romance. But what keeps readers coming back for more? Let’s break it down.
Romance Term of the Week- The Rogue Archetype is a charming, rebellious, and often morally ambiguous male character who operates outside the rules—of society, relationships, or both. He’s the seductive rule-breaker with a hidden heart, usually driven by a complicated past or a need for freedom. While he may resist emotional attachment, he often finds himself undone by love.
Click to learn more about the Rogue Hero
- Defining the Rogue Archetype
- What traits define a “rogue” in romance?
- Charming, rebellious, and emotionally elusive
- How does he differ from the alpha hero or the cinnamon roll?
- Rogues Archetype Across Subgenres
- How do rogue characters show up differently in historical, contemporary, and even paranormal romance?
- Favorite examples from each subgenre?
- Redemption and Vulnerability
- Reader Appeal: Why We Love Rogues Archetype
- Modern Takes on the Rogue Archetype
- Can a Rogue still be swoony in 2025?
Book of the Week
Swag Pack Sponsoring Authors for April are Krista Sandor and Kaylee Ryan
Books Mentioned in this Episode that have the Rogue Archetype:
Jenni’s List
- Pure Country by Kelly Fox (Rowdy and Kess)
- Cruel Paradise by J.T. Geissinger (Killian Black and Jules)
- A Deal with the Devil by Elizabeth O’Roark (Hayes Flynn and Tali)
- Big Puck Energy, Filthy Puckboy, and So Pucking Over It (Rush Hockey #1-3) (Axel Finnegan and Bailey)
- The Hunt in Elusion (Fractured Fairytales #1) (Nico Corsetti and Della)
- Undertow by Aly Stiles (Shaw and Julia)
- Nun Too Soon by Lissa Sharpe (Bad Habit Book Blub #1) SPRU (Thad and Helen)
- Pucked by Helena Hunting (Book 1, The Pucked Series) (Alex and Violet)
- Didn’t Expect You by Claudia Burgoa (Against All Odds #2) (Nyx and Nate)
- Sinful Crown by Ava Harrison (Gideon and Sasha)
- Bad Boy Bachelor Claus by Weston and Ali Parker (Bad Boy Bachelors #1) (Chadwick and Tinsley)
- Princess and the Player by Ilsa Madde-Mills (Stranger in Love #2) (Tuck and Fancesca)
- A Very Vegas St. Patrick’s Day by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais (Nolan and Cora)
- Grin & Beard It by Penny Reid (Winston Brothers #2) (Jethro and Sienna)
- The Hooker and the Hermit by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid (Ruby #1)(Ronan and Annie)
- #Nerd By Cambria Hebert (Hashtag Series Book #1)
Amanda’s List:
- Exposed by Kristen Callihan
- Hollywood Playboy by Natasha Madison
- Square Deal by Maggie Gates
- Good Girl Gone Bad by Jasinda Wilder
- The Reed Rivers Trilogy by Lauren Rowe
- Caught by Love by Melissa Foster
- Out of My League by Jessica Prince
- Seeing Red by Bailey Hannah
- Riding the High by Paisley Hope
- Until July by Aurora Rose Reynolds
- Untamed Delights by Suzanne Wright
- Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
- If You Hate Me (Toronto Terror, #1) by Helena Hunting
- One Night with a Billionaire by Lane Hart
Leah’s List:
- Dr. Playboy by J Saman
- Running From the Blaze – Ophelia
- Viscious Vows – Sarah Bale
- Getting Played by Emma Chase
- The Billionaires Promise by Ivy Layne
- Hades by Anna Hackett
- Reckless Miles by Claire Kingsley
- Distraction by ARR
- Billionaire Book Club by Max Monroe
- Love to Hate You by Jessica Prince
Becky’s List
- Reed Rivers – Reed Rivers Trilogy
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy – Garrett
- Wylde by Sawyer Bennett – Wylde
- The Contract by Melanie Moreland – Richard (Richard VanRyan)
- Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
- Mr. Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne –
- Bain by Sawyer Bennett – Bain
- Iced Out (Heston U Hotshots, #1) by Veronica Eden
- Consider Me (Playing For Keeps, #1) by Becka Mack
- Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch, #1) by Lyla Sage
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Music by Cambo
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