Sometimes, characters in books get off to a rough start—annoying, selfish, or downright unlikable. But every so often, through great writing and unexpected character development, these characters manage to turn things around, winning our sympathy or even admiration by the end of the story. In fact, some of the most memorable characters are those who experience the biggest transformations, surprising us with their redemption arcs. Although we’ve highlighted ten standout characters, there are certainly many more who evolve in surprising ways. Here are more than ten characters I didn’t like at first but grew to love by the end of the book.

Hardin Scott – After by Anna Todd (2014)

Hardin starts out as a moody, arrogant, and sometimes cruel bad boy. Over the course of the series, his traumatic past is revealed, and he slowly grows into a more empathetic and loving character, redeeming himself to both the heroine, Tessa, and readers.

Christian Grey – Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James (2011)

Initially, Christian is cold, controlling, and emotionally distant due to his traumatic upbringing. However, his willingness to open up to Anastasia and work through his past leads to a more likable, redeemed version of himself by the end of the trilogy.

Travis Maddox – Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire (2011)

At first, Travis is a volatile, aggressive bad boy with a quick temper. Over time, his vulnerabilities and deep love for Abby soften his rough edges, leading to a redemptive arc that turns him into a character readers grow to love.

Vicious (Baron Spencer) – Vicious by L.J. Shen (2016)

Vicious is introduced as an unapologetically ruthless and cruel character, especially to the heroine, Emilia. However, his redemption arc shows his deep-rooted trauma, leading him to become a more tender, loving partner by the end.

Alex Volkov – Twisted Love by Ana Huang (2021)

Alex begins as emotionally distant, controlling, and vengeful. Throughout the book, his painful past is explored, and his vulnerability emerges, making him a more relatable and redeemed hero as his love for Ava transforms him.

Gideon Cross – Crossfire series by Sylvia Day (2012–2016)

Gideon begins as a dominant, controlling, and emotionally closed-off billionaire. As his painful history with trauma and trust issues is revealed, his vulnerability shines through, redeeming him in his relationship with Eva and to the reader.

Lachlan Mount – Ruthless King by Meghan March (2017)

Lachlan starts out as a domineering, ruthless character who uses fear and power to control others, including the heroine. His arc throughout the trilogy reveals his deep love and care for Keira, humanizing him and leading to his redemption.

17. Luc O’Donnell – Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall (2020)

Luc starts as cynical, messy, and emotionally unavailable due to his troubled past and bad experiences with relationships. As his romance with Oliver grows, Luc becomes more open, vulnerable, and caring, transforming into a character readers can root for.

Logan Heller – Body Check by Kennedy Elle

In Body Check, Logan Heller initially comes across as the typical arrogant, womanizing athlete. His brash attitude and unwillingness to settle down make him difficult to like at first. However, as the story progresses, his softer, more vulnerable side is revealed, particularly in his relationship with Rachel. His character arc shows personal growth and a newfound capacity for commitment, which redeems him by the end of the book.

Luca Vitiello – Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles by Cora Reilly

Luca, the male lead in Bound by Honor (the first book of the Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles series), is initially presented as a ruthless mafia boss. His cold demeanor and violent nature make him hard to sympathize with. However, as his relationship with Aria develops, Luca’s protective and caring nature begins to emerge. His inner conflict between his brutal lifestyle and his growing love for Aria leads to his eventual redemption in the eyes of readers.

Slater Brothers Series by L.A. Casey

• Dominic Slater – In the first book of the Slater Brothers series, Dominic is initially introduced as an arrogant, cocky, and sometimes aggressive character. His brash attitude and alpha male tendencies make him unlikable. However, as his relationship with Bronagh develops, his softer side comes out, showing his vulnerability and deep loyalty to those he loves, ultimately redeeming him.
• Alec Slater – Alec, another Slater brother, has a similar rough start with his womanizing ways and arrogant demeanor. However, he undergoes a transformation when he meets Keela, and his character develops into someone more caring and thoughtful, redeeming him by the book’s end.

Nikolai Molotov – Molotov Betrothal by Anna Zaires

In Molotov Betrothal, Nikolai Molotov starts out as a dangerous, controlling figure, a typical antihero with mafia ties. His possessiveness and morally gray nature make him difficult to like at first. However, as the story progresses, his deep-seated emotions and love for the heroine, Chloe, come to the forefront. His willingness to change and protect her shows his redemption arc, where he moves from an intimidating figure to someone readers can root for.

Jean-Claude – Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton

Jean-Claude, one of the main characters in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, starts off as a manipulative and enigmatic vampire master who has his own secret agenda. His mysterious and controlling demeanor makes it hard to trust him, and he often uses people for his own gains. However, as his relationship with Anita deepens, readers see his vulnerabilities and true feelings for her. Over time, his protective nature and complex layers make him a more redeemable and sympathetic character.

Chance Bateman – Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

Chance, the titular “cocky bastard,” begins as an overconfident and often frustratingly arrogant man. His playful yet irritating attitude toward the heroine, Aubrey, initially makes him seem immature and unreliable. However, as his tragic past is revealed and his genuine feelings for Aubrey come to light, his personality softens, and he becomes more caring and vulnerable, earning him a redemption arc that turns him into a lovable romantic hero by the end of the story.

Wolf Steel – SEAL of Protection series by Susan Stoker

In Protecting Caroline, Wolf Steel is portrayed as a hardened Navy SEAL who’s cold and emotionally distant. His military background and tough exterior make him seem unapproachable, and his early interactions with the heroine, Caroline, are tense. However, as the story progresses, Wolf’s protective instincts and growing affection for Caroline show a gentler, more compassionate side to his character. His loyalty and willingness to open up to love lead to his eventual redemption.

Zsadist – Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward

Zsadist, featured in Lover Awakened, is perhaps one of the most tortured and damaged characters in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Initially, he is portrayed as cold, violent, and emotionally scarred from his traumatic past as a slave. His harsh demeanor and self-destructive tendencies make him difficult to like at first. However, as his relationship with Bella develops, Zsadist undergoes a profound transformation, allowing himself to heal and love again. His redemption arc is one of the most powerful in the series, making him a fan favorite by the end.

Rule Archer – Marked Men series by Jay Crownover

Rule, the hero of Rule, starts off as a rebellious and self-destructive bad boy who pushes away those who care about him, particularly his family. His complicated relationship with his brother’s death and his reluctance to settle down make him difficult to connect with at first. However, as his relationship with Shaw deepens, Rule learns to confront his emotions, work through his grief, and become more open to love. His growth into a responsible, caring partner redeems him and makes him one of the most beloved characters in the series.

Rehv (Rehvenge) – Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward

Rehvenge, introduced as a secondary character in earlier books, becomes a central figure in Lover Avenged. At first, Rehv is a drug lord and pimp with questionable morals, leading a life filled with secrets and manipulation. However, as his motivations are revealed—his desire to protect his family and his struggles with his symphath nature—readers see a more complex and tortured character. His love for Ehlena and his sacrifice for his people lead to a redemption arc that shifts him from antihero to someone worthy of admiration.

Lachlan “Cash” MacGregor – Cocky Bastard series

Lachlan, featured in British Bedmate, starts off as a cocky, emotionally detached surgeon who doesn’t believe in settling down. His arrogance and initial treatment of the heroine, Bridget, make him unlikable at first. However, as the story progresses, his past vulnerabilities and fears of commitment come to light. His gradual transformation into a caring and devoted partner redeems him by the end of the book.

Vishous (V) – Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward

Vishous is introduced as a dark, brooding, and emotionally damaged member of the Brotherhood. His cold demeanor and obsession with pain make him a challenging character to like. In Lover Unbound, his traumatic childhood and his complex relationship with his parents are explored, revealing deep emotional scars. His relationship with Jane helps him heal and evolve, turning him into a more balanced and caring character, and redeeming him in the eyes of readers.

Jet Keller – Marked Men series by Jay Crownover

Jet, the hero of Jet, initially comes across as a rock star with a bad attitude, and his reluctance to commit to Ayden makes him seem emotionally unavailable. His struggles with his family and internal conflict keep him from being a likable character at first. However, his eventual growth into a more grounded and loyal partner redeems him and makes his character arc satisfying by the end of the book.

Wrath – Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward

Wrath, the leader of the Brotherhood, is initially depicted as a cold, reluctant king who is emotionally distant and sometimes harsh. In Dark Lover, his growing relationship with Beth softens his character, and readers see him transform into a more compassionate and honorable leader. His redemption lies in accepting his role as king and his love for Beth, making him a beloved character by the series’ end.

---