Well, 'Pride and Prejudice' can be considered in a way. Darcy and Bingley have a great friendship which is a form of bromance. Bingley is more easy - going and Darcy is more reserved, but they support each other. Another one is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Jem and Dill have a fun and supportive relationship that can be seen as a bromance. They get into adventures together and are there for each other.
One great undercover bromance romance novel is 'Red, White & Royal Blue'. It has elements of friendship that gradually turn into a deeper romantic connection while there are also elements of being 'undercover' in a sense, as the two main characters have to navigate their relationship within the context of public life and expectations.
Definitely check out 'The Outsiders' by S.E. Hinton. It has a strong bromance element among the boys in the gang. They rely on each other, protect one another, and share a unique bond that is tested throughout the story. The story shows how these boys, from different backgrounds but united in their friendship, face the challenges of their world.
Another characteristic is mutual understanding. In bromance, the two characters understand each other without many words. For instance, in the movie 'Stand by Me', the boys in the story understand each other's feelings, fears, and dreams on their journey to find the dead body.
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger also have a kind of bromance (although Hermione is a girl, their friendship has a strong bromantic element). Harry and Ron's relationship is especially bromantic. They are best friends from the start at Hogwarts. They face numerous challenges together, from battling dark wizards to getting through school exams. Their friendship is full of loyalty, humor, and mutual support.
A bromance novel often features a deep and meaningful friendship between male characters. It shows their loyalty, support, and shared adventures. The story may involve them helping each other through tough times, like in 'The Kite Runner' where Amir and Hassan have a complex relationship that has elements of bromance.
One way is by using a plot device like a shared secret or a common goal that brings the two characters closer. As they work towards this goal or keep the secret, their bromance deepens into a romantic relationship. They might have to pretend to be just friends in public to protect their shared secret or goal, which makes their relationship undercover. For instance, they could be working on a top - secret project and fall in love during the process, but can't let others know because of the secrecy of the project.
I highly recommend 'The Hobbit'. Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield have a wonderful bromance. They start off with some differences but as their journey progresses, they develop a deep respect and friendship for each other. It's a story of two very different characters coming together. Also, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' where Huck and Jim's relationship has elements of bromance. Huck grows and learns from his time with Jim.
One characteristic is loyalty. In many bromance brief stories, friends are always there for each other through thick and thin. For example, in a story where two friends are facing a bully, they stand together and don't abandon one another.
One of the best bromance stories is that of Frodo and Sam from 'The Lord of the Rings'. Sam was always there for Frodo, through all the hardships in their journey to destroy the One Ring. He carried Frodo when he couldn't walk, and his loyalty was unwavering.