What are some of the best hero romance novels?

A lesser - known but great possessive hero romance novel is 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn. Simon, the Duke, is possessive in his relationship with Daphne. His feelings for her drive the plot forward and their love story is full of historical charm and romantic tension.

The best mean heroes are complex characters. They might be gruff or act coldly, but it's usually because they've been hurt in the past. Take Rhett Butler from 'Gone with the Wind'. His mean - ness was partly a defense mechanism, but his love for Scarlett was real and full of passion. They also tend to be very passionate in their relationships once they let their guards down.

You might enjoy 'Ugly Love' by Colleen Hoover. The hero has a long way to go to make up for his mistakes and grovels in a very heartfelt way. The emotional depth in this novel is what makes it stand out.

Some great hero novels are 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain. Huck is a hero in his own right as he defies the norms of society and helps his friend Jim, a runaway slave. 'Moby - Dick' is another. Captain Ahab is a complex hero, driven by his obsession to hunt the white whale. And 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' is a great hero novel. The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sir Percy Blakeney, is a hero who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine during the French Revolution.

I'd recommend 'The Hating Game'. Lucy and Joshua's constant bickering and Lucy's initial hatred for Joshua make for an engaging read. The workplace setting and the slow-burning romance keep you hooked throughout.

I'd recommend 'Love's Struggle.' Here, the hero's dislike of the heroine builds a lot of tension and drama as their feelings gradually change. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you engaged.

In 'Pride and Prejudice', Mr. Darcy initially comes across as a mean hero. His pride makes him seem cold and aloof, and his first proposal to Elizabeth is rather rude. However, as the story progresses, we discover his true nature and the love that lies beneath his somewhat prickly exterior. This transformation is a key part of the classic romance.

'The Hating Game' is also a wonderful example. The hero in this book has beta - like qualities. He's not all about dominance but rather shows his vulnerability and kindness, which makes the romantic relationship with the heroine feel very real and engaging. The banter between them and how they gradually fall in love is beautifully written.

I really like 'Mr. Rochester' in Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre'. He has a dark side, which makes him an anti - hero. His relationship with Jane is intense and full of obstacles. There's also 'Christian Grey' from 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. Although the series has some controversy, he has anti - hero qualities. His relationship with Anastasia is a very passionate and complex love story.

One of the well - known 'cheating hero novels' could be 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. Although it's not strictly about a 'cheating hero' in a traditional sense, many of the characters use deception and cunning, which are forms of 'cheating' in the game of thrones. Another could be 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Edmond Dantes uses various forms of subterfuge to exact his revenge, acting like a 'cheating hero' against his enemies.