One popular one is 'Pride and Prejudice'. Mr. Darcy is initially seen as an arrogant hero. His pride makes him seem aloof, but as the story progresses, his true nature and love for Elizabeth Bennet are revealed. Another could be 'Wuthering Heights' where Heathcliff has an air of arrogance and a complex love story.
The 'Twilight' series can also be considered in a way. Edward Cullen, the vampire hero, has an air of superiority which could be seen as arrogance. His relationship with Bella Swan is a central part of the romantic plot. He often makes decisions for Bella based on his own sense of what's best, which can come across as arrogant.
One popular 'cold hero romance novel' is 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. The male lead, Christian Grey, can be seen as a 'cold hero' at first. He has a complex and often aloof personality. Another one could be 'Twilight'. Edward Cullen, the vampire hero, is initially cold towards Bella as he tries to resist his attraction to her.
One popular one is 'Ready Player One' which has elements of geek culture and a touch of romance. The main character's journey in the virtual world is intertwined with his relationship with another character.
Some well - known gentle hero romance novels include 'Sense and Sensibility'. Colonel Brandon is a gentle hero who shows great compassion. In 'Outlander', Jamie Fraser is a gentle yet strong hero. He has a soft side especially when it comes to his love for Claire. Also, 'Me Before You' has a gentle hero in Will Traynor, who, despite his physical and emotional challenges, is a kind and gentle soul.
'Beauty and the Beast' can also be considered in a way. The Beast is an imperfect hero. He's gruff and cursed, but his journey with Belle is a classic romance. Their relationship develops as they get to know each other's true selves, and it shows that love can grow between two very different and imperfect beings.
Some Greek hero romance novels that are worth mentioning include those that center around Hercules. His great strength and his adventures often involve elements of love and romance. Also, novels about Odysseus can have romantic sub - plots. His long journey home in 'The Odyssey' can be explored in a romantic context, with his relationship with Penelope being a key aspect.
One popular one is 'The Viscount Who Loved Me' by Julia Quinn. The hero has some emotional wounds from his past which adds depth to the romance. Another is 'A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire' by Jennifer L. Armentrout where the male lead has his own traumas that play into the relationship. Also, 'Beauty and the Beast' - the novel version - can be considered in this category as the Beast is a wounded hero in a sense.
One popular war hero romance novel is 'Outlander' which features a time - traveling nurse who falls in love with a Highland warrior during a time of war. Another is 'The Bronze Horseman' where a young woman and a soldier meet in the chaos of World War II. 'The Notebook' also has elements of a war hero as Noah goes off to war and his love story with Allie endures through many challenges.
A well - known widower hero romance novel is 'Gone with the Wind'. Rhett Butler could be seen as a hero of sorts, and he has a past that includes being a widower. His relationship with Scarlett O'Hara is a complex and passionate one that is characteristic of a romance novel. Additionally, 'Jane Eyre' has elements where Mr. Rochester, who is a widower, has a deep and tumultuous relationship with the titular character, which is full of passion, mystery and ultimately love.
One popular billionaire hero romance novel is 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. It features a wealthy and complex male lead. Another is 'The Hating Game' which has elements of office romance with a successful hero. 'Crazy Rich Asians' also fits in a way as it has rich male characters involved in romantic plots.
A good example is 'Me Before You'. Will Traynor becomes rather obsessed with Louisa Clark in his own way. His feelings grow deeper as they spend time together. And 'The Notebook' is also a great one. Noah is so obsessed with Allie that he spends years pining for her and trying to win her back. His love for her is all - consuming throughout the story.