It could be that the hero is confused about his feelings or has some past history with the other woman that complicates things. This creates emotional conflict and builds up to a more satisfying resolution in the end.
Maybe it's to add drama and tension to the story. It makes the plot more complex and keeps readers engaged.
Well, it could be that the author wants to create a sense of vulnerability or pursuit in the hero. This makes the story more interesting as we watch him try to win over the heroine. Also, it can show that love can strike unexpectedly, even for a strong and typically composed hero.
It typically throws a wrench in the works. The hero's love for another woman adds an obstacle for the main couple to overcome. It might test their commitment and force them to confront their feelings more deeply.
Maybe the hero realizes that the other person has qualities he values more or shares a deeper connection with.
It could be because the hero is immediately struck by the heroine's unique charm or personality.
Well, it could be that the heroine sees herself in some ways in the heroines of those hero novels. The strong female characters in these novels often face challenges and overcome them with great strength and intelligence. And the male heroes also represent a kind of ideal figure, with their charm, power and moral integrity. Reading these novels gives her a sense of connection and motivation.
You might consider 'Wuthering Heights'. Heathcliff's love for Catherine is intense, but he also has an entanglement with Isabella. It's a classic with lots of drama and passion.
Well, one such novel could be 'The Secret Love Triangle'. In it, the hero has deep feelings for a woman who isn't the main heroine.
It could be that the hero is so focused on other goals, like achieving a great career or avenging a wrong, that he doesn't have time for the heroine. He might think that romance would be a distraction from what he really wants to do. For example, if he's on a mission to save his family's honor, he might see a relationship as something that could get in the way of his pursuit of justice.
Maybe she has had some bad experiences related to so - called heroes in real life, which makes her cynical about the idealized heroes in romance novels.
Sometimes, it's a plot device to create conflict and tension. The mistreatment might lead to character growth and a more meaningful resolution in the story. Maybe the hero has misperceptions or misunderstandings that cause his behavior.