Romance novels with physically imperfect heroes Having recently retired from a twenty-year career in federal law enforcement, she's looking forward to the next chapter in life. Please feel free to add any books which you think are suitable for this list. Imperfections and vulnerabilities in our heroes can transform them from mere characters on a page to living, breathing entities that resonate deeply with readers. Thanks, folks. The ones, that really make you question whether you even want a HEA when reading the book. In Strings, the MMC is a "short king with big dick energy" who likes to be submissive in bed — a total rarity in romance. I just find this trope so heartwarming tbh. Aug 31, 2024 · There are clearly quite a few romance book readers who love their heroes to be flawed. (Or ownvoices books, always welcome!) I like historical romance, but I'm not picky. flag Aug 14, 2020 · You know how people complain that romance novel heroes are too physically perfect to be realistic? Not true. The MMCs are not billionaires and are dealing with their own physical and emotional issues. The Beast is an imperfect hero. r/RomanceBooks is a discussion sub for readers of romance novels. Lists about: SCARS ARE SEXY- Books with imperfect/disfigured/disabled heroes, Best Fiction With Disfigured/Disabled Leads, Books with Disabled Heroes, Bl The romance genre depends on good characterization, more so than any other novel. This list is about books with an imperfect heroine (an UNDERDOG you just want to cheer on) and the hot guy who fall in love with them. We provide the most popular imperfect hero romance light novel like: Imperfect Desires, Chaotic Romance (BL), Purple Romance. 'Beauty and the Beast' can also be considered in a way. I think you get my drift. Bonus points if it has a chefs’ kiss grovel scene. His wounds can be physical, emotional, or both. Others have a deep seated sense of compassion and like hurt/comfort stories where a woman nurses a man back to health. However, disabled people do not need love to "cure" them and they are deserving of warm, sweet, and sexy happy endings. Apr 7, 2017 · Romance Rehab - Ever hear the myth that romance novel heroes and heroines are too perfect to be realistic? Well, it's total crap and we have the list to prove it. thank you so much for bringing him to me. L. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the fantasy idea of having someone looking out for me. Sep 27, 2009 · Physically Ordinary Heroes (There don't seem to be too many of these. She writes burly/larger MMCs who do not look like stereotypical romance heroes but are more real for it. These novels are contemporary romance with with a guaranteed HEA and are recommended to be read in order, but not necessary. Books shelved as physically-scarred-hero: Tied by Carian Cole, How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne, Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Jul 28, 2018 · How do you feel about a hero or heroine who isn’t physically perfect? As a reader, are you interested in those kinds of characters? What about as a writer—are these the kinds of characters you want to introduce and develop in your storylines? The first book I ever read with an “imperfect” hero was THE TIGER’S WOMAN, by Celeste De Blasis. He's gruff and cursed, but his journey with Belle is a classic romance. Jun 18, 2024 · The shift from alpha heroes to sensitive partners marks an exciting evolution in romance books. Hank's greatest fear was coming true. (And no one better recommend Me Before You because I'll go off on a "that's not a romance novel" rant that might not EVER end). No historical and no paranormal. There was no level on which I could connect with these *Painted Scars is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. Creating strong characters will ensure the romance between the hero and the heroine is real, and will make the readers feel what they are feeling. And in the case of THESE heroes, it's all those perfect imperfections that make them so darned delicious. #1 Black Ice - Anne Stuart A few months ago I read a romance novel that featured amazing chemistry between the lovers and phenomenal sex scenes but that, despite my best efforts, I just couldn't love. Apr 1, 2023 · Amazon. These stories involve healing and learning how to be strong, or in some cases, staying strong! These novels make your heart catch, bottom out, and smile--good reading material for broken hearts and cold lonely nights! May 23, 2024 · I hope he can look beyond mere appearances and see me for who I am, not what I have. ) Tortured Heroes Tortured Heroines Virgin Heroes Other themes I'm thinking of adding Browse WebNovel to online read 900+ imperfect hero romance stories. But Susan was now the publisher of the local newspaper, while he was still only a partner in the Farmer's Seed and Supply. This is the first book in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series, and compared to the other books in the series, it's not overly dark. Each book in the series features an imperfect hero that finds his happily ever after with the heroine that heals his heart. I adore ass-kicking, super self-sufficient heroines. 26 votes, 48 comments. 232 books — 213 voters YA Novels with Special Needs Characters 157 books — 148 voters Physically and Sensory Disabled Heroes of Historical Romance 133 books — 147 voters Romances with Chronically Ill/Disabled Heroines 213 books — 142 voters Jul 17, 2025 · Adoring the Resilient Guy is a steamy and sweet, opposites attract, age gap romance. J. Antihero is book 1 in the Imperfect Heroes series and is for readers 18+. That's what the heroes on today's list do--they put the heroine's needs ahead of their own and do whatever is necessary to keep them safe and happy. Happy Endings guaranteed. Whether it’s an angsty, emotional journey or a lighter one filled with speed bumps, romance books featuring tortured heroes are layered, interesting stories. The same goes for our heroes, but I feel I'm looking for spicy romance books with at least one of the main characters being physically and/or mentally disabled. And one more word of warning, some of these books may contain scenes of emotional and physical abuse. These 11 contemporary romances showcase disabled protagonists finding Book Description He wasn't good enough Everyone said that Susan Metcalf married beneath herself. com: Drawn To The Marquess: An Enemies To Lovers Regency Romance (Imperfect Lords Book 2) eBook : Evans, Bronwen: Kindle Store“Beautifully done! Drawn to the Marquess is a moving, touching romance of two people who prove to be exactly what each other needs at exactly the right time. Jul 5, 2016 · Beneath Broken is book 3 in the Imperfect Heroes seriesand is for readers 18+. Sep 16, 2023 · These books are typically very impactful, and the relationships usually develop after a significant amount of conflict. Jan 29, 2007 · It seems that the VAST majority of romance novels have heroines (and heroes for that matter) that are physically pretty much perfect. I'm looking for novels with disabled heroes/love interests. Imperfect, even angsty heroes (angsty for a legit reason), heroes with disabilities. I only recommend reading this one if you are interested in the concept of disability devoteeism (disability fetish). Browse WebNovel to online read 900+ imperfect hero romance stories. Thank you! Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options natalie-reads • I have been out of the romance genre for a few years, but used to be a voracious reader. Apr 11, 2017 · Beyond Love is book 4 in the Imperfect Heroes seriesand is for readers 18+. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read Antihero (A Military/First Responder Romance): Imperfect Heroes Book 1. Mar 11, 2021 · Look, I'm not saying romance novel heroines (or any women) need a big strong man to protect them. A list of the greatest historical, disabilities, disfigurements, scars & marks, kick-ass and in-charge heroine / fmc romance novels - filtered by steam level, subgenres, eras, tropes, hero/heroine types, settings, content warnings and more - mix and match content tropes to get book recommendations tailored to your preferences. Today's challenge is to list books that have heroes that are physically imperfect, either by scars, deformities or A book’s total score is based on multiple factors, including the number of people who have voted for it and how highly those voters ranked the book. Books where hero hurts heroine-wrongly accuses of her something/misunderstands her/ abandons her, and while heroine gets away she gets hurt-car accidents/ landlord evicts her/ mentally withdraws. In wounded hero romance novels, the hero's character development is a complex process. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon. These novels are contemporary romance with a guaranteed HEA and are recommended to be read in order, but is not necessary. For Jun 6, 2025 · *Broken Whispers is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. " This thematic element was a staple of bodice ripper novels. I finished the duke undone in a day even though i have an exam tommorow, solely following this group's recommendation and what a ride!!!!!! Anthony might be my all time favourite book boyfriend. Quite often the love interest is also 'broken' in some way or another. Apr 7, 2017 · Inherited Love: An Imperfect Hero Romance (A Dalton Sibling Book 1) - Kindle edition by Mettner, Katie. My personal favourites out of this series are {The Arrangement by Mary Balogh} & {The Escape by Mary Balogh} Physically Imperfect Hero genre: new releases and popular books, including The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare, The Rogue and the Wallflower by Collette Camer Antihero (A Military/First Responder Romance): Imperfect Heroes Book 1 - Ebook written by C. We provide the most popular imperfect hero romance light novel like: imperfect desires, the wedding planner's romance, a second chance: a mafia romance. . goodreads. Oct 26, 2010 · Btw, I understand why you want to use “hero” for both male and female, and in other circumstances it might work fine, but when your main subject is Romance novels, the terms Hero and Heroine for the male and female protagonists are so ingrained I think it would be confusing not to use them. Currently reading the Perfectly Imperfect series by Neva Altaj. This one is a mature, hurt/comfort romance between two wounded men who have spent so many years denying any vulnerability that they are now stuck, in their different ways, with… For adult M/F romance with a hero who is a recluse/hermit, has agoraphobia, avoids social interaction, is a physical outcast/pariah. Jun 8, 2021 · It's easy to root for the underdog, especially when they come in the form of sexy and sensitive romantic heroes! We have compiled a list of the best romance books with reclusive heroes, outsiders and outcasts of this society. Jul 27, 2023 · Let's explore the controversial romance trope where the "hero kidnaps heroine. Hummmm! I wonder why. com. 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. It seems that the VAST majority of romance novels have heroines (and heroes for that matter) that are physically pretty much perfect. The cliche of tall, handsome and rich is nowhere as common as in the pages of our favorite genre. After a failed marriage, she hid her heart away to protect it from getting broken again, until her Grandma Mable passes Disabilities in Romance Romances with heroes or heroines who have physical, mental, or emotional maladies. However, the books, especially modern ones, usually have her feeling super confident anyway. Contemporary Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon. A list specifically for injured HEROINES. We have compiled a list of the 10 best romance novels where the guy saves the girl from abuse, and we r/RomanceBooks is a discussion sub for readers of romance novels. The flaws of a protagonists help connect us, making their triumphs and struggles our triumphs and struggles This might be super specific, but I’m really craving books where the heroine (or the hero, but I’d prefer it if it was the heroine) has gone through something traumatic and it affects the whole plot of the book. Perfectly Imperfect Reading Order & Tropes 1. Books shelved as physically-imperfect-hero: The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare, The Rogue and the Wallflower by Collette Cameron, The Trouble with Dukes by G Books shelved as hero-abusive-cruel-mean-to-heroine: Hooked by Emily McIntire, Obligation by Gemma Weir, A Kiss Stolen by Georgia Le Carre, Blood Moon He Lists about: SCARS ARE SEXY- Books with imperfect/disfigured/disabled heroes, Gay Romance Featuring a Scarred Main Character (MC), Scarred Heroes and Her There’s just something about romance heroes with wounded hearts that gives me all the feels! Check out this list of the best books with romance heroes who find love, redemption, hope and solace in these beautiful stories. com/list/show/7 Antihero is book 1 in the Imperfect Heroes series and is for readers 18+. " THIS IS THE BOOK! Chris Osborne is a dating novice that faces a calamitous fate as he culls the Internet for the love of his life. Flaws the heroine could have : -being curvy/fat -being too shy or insecure -being nerdy -being a tomboy -being ugly -having scars or horse teeth -being too plain looking -having a disability/impairment -being poor -being a spinster Apr 29, 2014 · Below are books where one of the main characters is considered to be flawed in some way by themselves or by society to a degree that they feel unlovable. Neva Altaj is the author of steamy romantic suspense and contemporary mafia romance. So Jul 22, 2025 · We have compiled a list of the meanest, most twisted, darkest and cruelest heroes (villains) in romance books. So, I see books about heroines that aren't traditionally attractive or are overweight sometimes. The story takes place in San Francisco, 1869 Feb 19, 2016 · Antihero is book 1 in the Imperfect Heroes seriesand is for readers 18+. Apr 30, 2025 · Imperfect Heroes: The Complete Series: A First Responder Romantic Suspense Series - Kindle edition by Pinard, C. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Imperfect Heroes: The Complete Series: A First Responder Romantic Suspense Series. Hi! Looking for recommendations with a scarred/tortured hero (physically or emotionally, doesn't like to be touched, etc)… Nov 29, 2017 · This is the place to list those books which are HEA and which have the best dramatic injured or ill heroine scenes where the hero is distrought, thinking he is about to lose her. Jul 28, 2012 · What are the romances, loved or hated, that feature heroines struggling with a physical disability? r/RomanceBooks is a discussion sub for readers of romance novels. The reason? The hero and heroine were both extremely successful, confident, outgoing and the epitome of socially dictated physical perfection – and utterly boring. I get annoyed by this a bit because most people have insecurities. However, many authors have written the exact opposite of such an image, and still manage to create romantic, heart-stopping heroes. If you want a lot of scars, Mikhail in book two (Broken Whispers) is the most scarred so far. 109 books based on 42 votes: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley, Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleyp Apr 7, 2017 · Ever heard the myth that all romance heroes and heroines are too perfect? That people like that don't exist in real life? Well, as we've said before, that's just patently untrue. Lee Smi Annabeth Albert returns to Safe Harbor for Make Me Stay, book two in her trilogy featuring three long-time friends set in a small Oregon town. It's about a group of friends who are mentally and physically scarred/wounded from the Napoleonic wars. The plot shouldn't just focus on the disability. I have probably read the classic recommendations but I still would love to discuss them here in case some might Jun 14, 2024 · The Forbidden Man: A Standalone Romance Stealing Home (Broken Vows Book 2) by Kimberly Carrillo MILF: Wrong Kind of Love by Erin Noelle Washed Up: An Age Gap Medical Romance (Bayside Heroes) by Kandi Steiner Gracie's Mom: A Reverse Age Gap, Forbidden Romance (Songs of Sin) by Misty Walker The Pool Boy (Nashville Neighborhood Book 2) by Nikki Sloane Slice of Temptation: A Reverse Age Gap I’m something of a masochist when it comes to romance novels and while I like many happy, lighter romances, I really love the ones that pull on my heartstrings and make me cry from all the pain and suffering the heroine endures thanks to the hero. Feb 24, 2012 · Imperfect Heroes - Kindle edition by Kelley, D. May 17, 2024 · Jojo Moyes, Diana Gabaldon and Nicholas Sparks are just some of the authors who helped create this list of the 125 best romance books of all time. Jun 24, 2022 · With that in mind, here are some of the most highly recommended romance novels with disability rep I can find from all over the interwebs. She published “Painted Scars” her debut novel and the first of the “Perfectly Imperfect” series of novels in 2022 and has since become a very prolific author. 7 likes, 0 comments - readmeregency on January 8, 2025: "I just LOVE a mature protagonist, and a physically imperfect hero/heroine, and a bout of amnesia, so this story hits the trifecta! There's a special spot in my heart for sensible, more maturely aged female protagonists who have given up on love only to find it in the most unlikely circumstances. May 24, 2022 · *Painted Scars is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. For example, Protecting Alabama by Susan stoker, thats the only book i can think of right now. May 11, 2012 · Is this because we don’t want a hero who is physically imperfect? After all, the rate of stunningly attractive men with six-packs is much higher in Romancelandia than in real life. Sep 22, 2018 · An able-bodied woman working in healthcare, usually physical therapy, falls in love with a disabled man who has been paralyzed from the waist down due to sports or military. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order. They are always gorgeous, have "perfect" figures, bone structure, whatever. My favorite trope is scarred heroes. Home of the magic search button and endless book recommendations as well as discussions about tropes and characters, Author AMAs, book clubs, and more. Cinnamon Mabel Dalton has always struggled to fit into the world. It is imperfect but remains very special to me as my first work. Explore the best heroic romance novels where love and courage shine. Books with imperfect hero. I feel like a disabled main character can be as much as the chosen one as a non-disabled character. Reclusive Romance Heroines can go in this list: https://www. Perfectly Imperfect: Similar series The Ruinous Love Trilogy by Brynne Weaver 4. The plot in a romance novel is largely driven by the characters, especially by their thoughts, actions, and background. Despite the . I’m on book five and I’m fairly certain every one of the MMCs had some sort of scar, at the very least I can name two with physical disabilities and one with severe PTSD. ;-)) Physically Ordinary Heroines Pregnancy Stories Psychology 101 (I'm a psychology geek, so I love psychologist/therapist characters) Reunion Stories Spiritual Stories (Men/Women in the clergy or guardian angels, etc. So, without further ado, here are some of my all-time favorite perfectly imperfect romance novel heroes. I like a good beauty and the beast type tale. We have assembled the best romance books with 140 books based on 225 votes: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, The Law of Attraction by N. Discover captivating stories of heroes and heroines facing epic challenges and finding passionate connections along the way. Best Romance With Physically Imperfect Characters This is a list for everyone who thinks its ridiculous that authors think only women and men who look like they stepped off a magazine cover can find love. "Online dating? I could write a book. However, for the HEA it is important that our fabulous meanies will come around eventually and complete their redemption with a heartfelt apology. Young and in love, Hank had ignored them all, believing their passion was enough. Both types of characters have their place, catering to varied reader preferences. Each book follows a different member of the club. In fact, here are a few of our favorite deliciously imperfect heroes and heroines in romance today: It seems that the VAST majority of romance novels have heroines (and heroes for that matter) that are physically pretty much perfect. I fell in love with Penelope and Stephen!”—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ashley May 1, 2025 · She’s the author of over 40 novels and short stories that contain both fantasy and paranormal romance with kickass heroines and strong alphas. You're welcome. M. To develop his character, the author might show how he overcomes his insecurities bit by bit. MembersOnline • franticnaptime It is not only devotees who enjoy these books. He may start to change his behavior as he falls in love, gradually letting go of his past pain. A musical savant at an early age, Cinn’s life was anything but easy. Silber, Fifty Shades of Grey by E. Ten years after his wife left him on the day the Towers fell he begins his online dating adventures. This is a list of AMAZING romance novels that contain a heroine who is hurt, either by the hero or by others, and who gets comforted by the hero at some point in the novel. I feel like it should be a part of the plot/adventure but not the absolute main focus. The former features characters who are homely, plain, scarred, or do not meet r/RomanceBooks is a discussion sub for readers of romance novels. They have various levels of obstacle… Jan 31, 2009 · Romance novels heroes are normally perfect. Romancing the Rude Guy is a steamy and sweet, grumpy/sunshine, age gap romance. Part of a list originally created in 1996 and reorganized in 1999 into two sub-lists, one for “less than beautiful” characters, the other for disabled characters. These books can leave a powerful impact on readers and often serve as an important representation of the strength of love in the face of adversity. A collection of short love stories featuring physically disabled heroes. 19 · 1821 ratings All books in this series Jan 5, 2024 · The heart of any memorable story lies not in perfection, but in the imperfect layers of its flawed heroes and heroines. Dec 14, 2024 · The latest book was just released (Sweet Prison: An Age Gap Mafia Romance (Perfectly Imperfect Book 10)) and is already #3 ON ALL OF AMAZON KINDLE right now!! Jennifer: I’m loving the Perfectly Imperfect series by Neva Altaj. Jul 17, 2025 · Adoring the Resilient Guy is a steamy and sweet, opposites attract, age gap romance. Or even villainous. This is book 9 in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series. Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. They are stories of love like you hope it will be, the way you expect it when you arrive in the grown-up world ready to make it yours. These wounds act as barriers to his relationship with the heroine. This is the second book in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series. Some like to read what is known as “wounded hero romance” because they are tired of Fabio heroes who don’t feel true to real life. The type of disability does not really matter as long as it's written respectfully and with actual research done. Apr 27, 2023 · In the world of romance novels, it is not uncommon to find stories where a strong, caring hero saves a vulnerable, abuse survivor from their past. 2 42 ratings Book 2 of 2: The Well-Matched Series Nov 4, 2025 · Traditional romance novels (think Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice) rarely feature disabled characters and when they do, the protagonist's disability is often framed as something that must be overcome. James, Darkfever by Hidden Truths: A Broken Hero Mafia Romance (Perfectly Imperfect Book 3) 23 Chapters Jul 1, 2023 · Finding His Forever: A Steamy Perfectly Imperfect Matchmaker Romance (The Well-Matched Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Ellen Brooks (Author) Format: Kindle Edition 4. Pinard. Maybe he betrays her, or perhaps he’s cold and repeatedly rejects her, or maybe there’s an evil other woman who convinces the heroine that he Like the title says, I’m looking for books where the female lead has low self esteem/is self conscious about what she looks like but learns to love herself by the end. isuivf wxvtvdb ksykd mbwy cmskwlh fnk ivmxch ydngy kbppho npgaa vzeu twbqh hcjxd wgdp cbain