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.
I'd recommend 'Love's Redemption'. Here, the hero makes a lot of mistakes and has to do some serious groveling to make things right with the heroine. The way he shows remorse and changes his ways makes for a compelling story.
I'd recommend 'Love in the Time of Scandal'. Here, the hero has to go through a lot of self-reflection and humble acts to regain the heroine's trust and love. The groveling scenes are quite intense and emotional.
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.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice'. Mr. Darcy is a kind of hero. His initial pride and Elizabeth's prejudice create a great dynamic, and as the story unfolds, their relationship develops into a beautiful and enduring love. Another good one is 'Jane Eyre'. Mr. Rochester is a complex hero figure. Jane's strong character and their love story full of challenges make it a classic hero - centered romance novel.
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.
One such novel could be 'The Betrayed Hearts.' In this story, the hero cheats, causing a lot of drama and emotional turmoil for the couple.
One such novel could be 'The Broken Hearts of Summer' where the male lead has a vulnerable side due to past traumas.
One such novel could be 'The Protector's Promise' where the hero is fiercely protective of the heroine throughout the story.