(There are two other things I require, but I’m assuming they’re a given in romance novels. The guy needs to love the heroine eventually. And he needs to be hygienic. No stinking RPats for me!)

Where an author(‘s hero) is likely to lose me is when “the right thing” supports or demonstrates some theme I fundamentally disagree with, or if – for the part of the book where they haven’t yet figured the right thing out – they’re such raging assholes that the end doesn’t redeem them. Or if the author hasn’t done the job of showing me how they get from where they are at the beginning of the book to where they are when they finally “do the right thing”.

I despise the arrogant hero who is rude to the heroine even if there is some sort of big understanding. If he's an ass even with the big misunderstanding, then he's an ass.

Not a fan of Pride and Prejudice then? I mean, Mr. Darcy is just an arrogant ass at first.

For me it’s smart, funny and kind without being a doormat.

Can live without me too
That's what I like about
Can't live my life without
That's what I like about you

If so, per the lyrics he can live his life without you but you can’t live without him? Seems a bit unbalanced.

That simple act, in itself, says volumes about his character. And in the end, it’s all about his character.

I sound like a US Marine Corps commercial, don’t I?

With that, everything else is just cake.

Without it, there is no reason for him to be in my life.

Inventive, Ability to surprise and declare love in unique ways is a major plus. It’s romantic

Strong, Someone you can lean on when you’re not able to be strong yourself

or -

Kind. Impulsive. Fallible. (I like a hero who screws up every now and then.)

Kindness above all. And I prefer a hero with a history of treating women decently to the guy who’s never respected a woman in his life until the heroine came along.

His stubborness? Can’t carry a tune to save his life? Sloppy dresser?

He lies. But he lies because he can’t bare to hurt feelings.

Or the opposite: plain talker, no tact, and that’s because he can’t dissemble. So you always know where you stand with him.

Loud, boisterous, opinionated, and embarrassing so? Or just friendly, approachable, unfailling optimistic who will always raise your spirits?

Is he mean? How? With money, time or love? Maybe he’s really just fiscally responsible, hardworking and discerning/careful with who he opens his heart to.

Does he always open doors, but never do the dishes?

He doesn’t have a six-pack, but his arms hold you with all the tenderness and strength you’ll ever need.

Like others have indicated, the hero doesn’t have to be all that admirable; just be the right man, at the right time, for the heroine (of that particular novel), flaws and all.

Mr. romance novel hero’s ideal attributes vary depending on my mood, the heroine’s personality, the voice of the author, the tone of the book etc.

For instance if I am reading erotica, I like my hero to be alpha, self-assured, and dark…in other romances, sometimes the same, others– not so much.

In real life my answer would probably be much, much more complex.

And maybe I’ll be able to contribute and get one of my books published soon:) (fingers crossed).

Anyway, for me I like my heroes sexy, smart and loyal (and not only to a woman, but to a cause, to a friendship, to his beliefs).

http://dyockman.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/my-favorite-type-of-romance-hero/