Well, 'Gone with the Wind' has Scarlett O'Hara as a rather vulnerable heroine in the context of romance. She is constantly trying to hold on to the things she loves, especially Rhett Butler, in the midst of the chaos of the Civil War and its aftermath. Additionally, 'Beauty and the Beast' (in its novel form) has Belle, who is vulnerable in the strange environment of the Beast's castle but still manages to fall in love.
One popular example is 'Pride and Prejudice'. Elizabeth Bennet can be seen as a somewhat vulnerable heroine in a sense. She has to navigate the social norms and expectations of her time while dealing with her own pride and prejudices. Another is 'Jane Eyre'. Jane is an orphan and has to endure a lot of hardships, yet she remains strong in her search for love and a place in the world.
A good vulnerable heroine romance novel is 'Wuthering Heights'. Catherine Earnshaw is a complex and vulnerable character. Her love for Heathcliff is intense but also fraught with difficulties due to their different social standings and her own insecurities. 'The Notebook' also features a heroine who has to face the challenges of memory loss and the passage of time, which makes her vulnerable in the context of her relationship.
The hero's dreams and desires can also make him vulnerable. If he has a big dream, like starting a new business or achieving a certain career goal in a modern - day romance, and the relationship with the heroine might interfere with that, he is in a vulnerable position. He has to balance his love and his personal ambitions, and the fear of losing either one makes him vulnerable.
Past traumas make them vulnerable. For example, if a hero has witnessed the death of a loved one, it can create deep - seated fears and insecurities. He may be afraid of losing his new love in the same way.
Mr. Darcy from 'Pride and Prejudice' is also a vulnerable hero. His pride initially masks his vulnerability. But as he falls in love with Elizabeth, his true feelings are exposed. He is vulnerable to her rejection because of his social status and his own insecurities about his personality. He fears that she will not return his love due to his perceived haughtiness.
The hero who is from a lower social class can also be vulnerable. In some period - piece romance novels, a poor man in love with a wealthy woman. He may be vulnerable because he constantly worries about not being able to provide for her or fit into her world, and is always at risk of losing her due to the social gap.
Well, 'The Kidnapped Heiress' is quite well - known. In this novel, the heroine, an heiress, is kidnapped. As the story unfolds, she discovers that there is more to her kidnapper than she initially thought, and a romantic relationship develops. There's also 'Taken by the Highlanders' where the kidnapped heroine is brought into a world of adventure and love among the highlanders.
One popular 'heroine in disguise' romance novel is 'The Princess Diaries' series. Mia Thermopolis discovers she is a princess and has to navigate her new life while hiding her true self in some situations. Another is 'Twelfth Night' which is a classic. Viola disguises herself as a man and gets involved in a complex love triangle. And 'She's the Man' which is based on 'Twelfth Night' also has a great 'heroine in disguise' plot in a modern - day high - school setting.
One popular young heroine romance novel is 'Pride and Prejudice'. Elizabeth Bennet, the young heroine, has a complex and charming relationship with Mr. Darcy. Another is 'Twilight' where Bella Swan, a young girl, falls in love with a vampire. Also, 'The Fault in Our Stars' features Hazel Grace, a young heroine in a poignant love story.
Well, 'The Unlikely Romance of a Chubby Girl' is a great example. It shows how the chubby heroine overcomes insecurities and finds true love. 'Chubby Hearts' is also quite popular. It has a relatable chubby heroine who falls in love in an unexpected way. And 'Plus - Size Princess in Love' where the heroine's size doesn't stop her from having a fairytale - like romance.
One popular one is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'. Feyre, the heroine, has been through a lot of trauma including poverty and later being in a dangerous faerie world. Another is 'The Girl on the Train' which features a traumatized heroine and has elements of mystery and romance. 'Jane Eyre' is also a classic. Jane endures a difficult childhood and later faces many challenges in love, making it a great example of a traumatized heroine in a romance novel.
Some historical romance novels like 'Outlander' fit the bill. Claire Randall travels back in time and is in danger from various historical events and people, all while having a passionate romance with Jamie Fraser. Then there's 'The Princess Bride'. Buttercup is in danger from the villainous Prince Humperdinck, and her love for Westley is a central part of the story.