Top 5 Romance Book Heroes

Alec Kincaid in The Bride by Julie Garwood

Ah, Alec! This powerful Scottish laird is forced by the King’s decree to marry an English wife. He’s a brutal warrior with a fierce reputation. He’s also good looking, arrogant, and rumored to have killed his first wife. But it’s really all bluster! Alec is gentle and surprisingly patient with his feisty new wife. Despite being frequently exasperated, he’s fiercely protective, and wants to pamper her and give her a comfortable life, to make up for her family’s exploitation of her good nature. Alec’s the magic ingredient in The Bride that makes this charming Cinderella story work!

Zsadist in Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood series)

The quintessential tortured hero, Zsadist is the vampire that even the other Brothers in the Black Dagger Brotherhood are wary of. Physically scarred and, in the words of his twin brother, emotionally ruined, Zsadist has suffered untold torments as a blood slave. He’s so damaged that he can’t bear to be touched, and doesn’t believe himself worthy of true love. Yet Zsadist hasn’t lost his capacity to love despite his dark past, and finds salvation in caring for Bella. Zsadist’s fierce protectiveness and selfless sacrifices for his mate make him one of the most compelling romance book heroes.

Acheron in Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dark Hunter series)

It took us twelve books to get to Acheron’s story, but it was definitely worth the wait! Another tortured hero, Ash has suffered untold pain over his 11,000 year existence. Although he’s a god, Ash isn’t callous like the others gods. He’s had first hand experience of being persecuted and violated, and has never forgotten what it’s like to be weak and helpless. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and treats others with compassion and kindness, despite his vast power. He may look like a bad boy, but Ash is vulnerable and insecure, and doesn’t believe he’s worthy of love. If anyone deserves a Happy Ever After, Ash does!

Gabe Bonner in Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Two years have passed, and Gabe is still mourning the death of his wife and son in a terrible car accident. He’s a shell of his former self, and just wants to be left alone. There’s nothing like a grieving widower to bring out the tea and sympathy, but it’s Gabe’ eventual fierce defense of Rachel that really endeared him to me. Rachel is persecuted by Gabe’s own brothers and others in the town, and Gabe never once believes the worst of her. Gabe’s interactions with Rachel’s son – so obviously painful for a man who’s lost his own son – will also bring tears to your eyes. I’m certainly dreaming a little dream of having a man like Gabe in my life!

Zack Benedict in Perfect by Judith McNaught

How can anyone not love Zack Benedict? Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he is disowned by his family, and depends on sheer grit and determination to become an award-winning actor and director. But his world crumbles when he’s wrongly convicted of murdering his wife. Zack’s stoicism, both in prison, and after he escapes, makes him the quintessential strong, silent hero. But he reveals a softer side through his love for Julie. It’s a love that’s so strong that he willingly allows himself to be re-captured to save her from further pain. Zack’s a perfect hero in anyone’s book!