Why do men cheat? They’ve got great wives, good-looking, smart, intelligent, hardworking, creative, and even good sex partners, and they still cheat. Men do not cheat because of women. They cheat because something is broken or dysfunctional inside their heart and life.
Most of this starts in adolescence and early adulthood. Some guys cheat because they’re hunters. They’re looking for that low self-esteem girl who they can use and throw away as an object again. His objective relationship is not how you think in a relationship because you think he loves or wants to have her. No, he wants to hunt, find prey, throw it away, and not deal with it again. That’s the hunter type.
That does not make much sense to you as a woman because most women don’t think that way, especially married women in a relationship. Another one is the hero guy. He wants to be a hero for somebody and rescue them to feel good about themselves, but he uses them sexually.
That’s another reason a man can cheat the hurt, wounded guy. This guy complains about his wife, how miserable he is, how he’s suffering, and he draws the woman in to rescue him.
Reading about infidelity can offer insights into why people cheat and its complexities. It can foster empathy for those in similar situations, both for the one who’s been cheated on and the one who cheated.
10 Cheating Husband Romance Books
The most notable study said that men cheat 21% of the time, whereas women are between 10 to 15 percent. According to the General Social Survey of the University of Chicago’s Independent Organization, that’s. Men are very different from women in procreation because men can physically have sex with as many women at the end of the day. From an evolutionary biology perspective, it makes sense that men might seek more partners than women because they have less to lose. That does not mean that every man cheats. Every man does not cheat.
Cheating is always a choice based on a person’s lack of character. They’re willing to go ahead and break that trust and be with someone else. So the question is, why might they make that choice? For starters, they don’t value a committed relationship, which could be for many reasons.
Infidelity is a real issue faced by many in relationships. Reading about it can reflect the real world, albeit through a fictional lens. These books showcase significant character growth. Characters confront their flaws, make amends, and learn from their mistakes. Following a character’s journey from betrayal to redemption or healing is intriguing.
I will discuss ten cheating husband/hero romance books you like reading. These stories force readers and characters to grapple with questions of morality, loyalty, and the gray areas in relationships. Let’s go!
| Name | Storyline | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover | A couple’s journey through marriage, battling infertility and their struggles to maintain their relationship. | Marriage angst, infertility drama, dual timelines, past-vs-present, emotional trauma, romantic redemption, communication breakdown, second chances. |
| What He Doesn’t Know by Kandi Steiner | A woman torn between her husband and a new man in her life, leading to heartbreak and decisions. | Love triangle, forbidden romance, marital struggles, emotional turmoil, small-town secrets, past love rekindled, internal conflict, infidelity |
| Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin | Two women’s lives intersect due to an affair, leading them to reevaluate love, relationships, and their own personal choices. | Affair drama, dual perspectives, motherhood challenges, moral dilemmas, suburban life, family dynamics, personal growth, love vs. duty. |
| Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin | A woman falls in love with her best friend’s fiancé, leading to a tumultuous exploration of loyalty and love. | Love triangle, best friend betrayal, forbidden romance, self-discovery, moral ambiguity, urban setting, friendship dynamics, romantic tension. |
| The Wives by Tarryn Fisher | A woman discovers she’s not the only wife of her husband, leading her on a dark quest for the truth. | Psychological thriller, multiple wives, unreliable narrator, obsession, jealousy, hidden identities, domestic suspense, mental instability, dark secrets. |
| Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens | A young woman finds herself in a passionate but tumultuous love triangle between her long-term boyfriend and a moody rock star. | Love triangle, forbidden romance, rock star romance, emotional turmoil, cheating, coming of age, internal conflict, passion vs. loyalty, personal growth. |
| The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller | A brief, intense love affair between a traveling photographer and an Italian war bride in 1960s Iowa changes both of their lives forever. | Forbidden romance, fleeting love affair, midlife crisis, rural setting, emotional letters, life-altering decisions, missed opportunities, enduring love, nostalgia. |
| The Paris Wife by Paula McLain | A fictionalized story of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage and his wife Hadley Richardson’s perspective of their life in 1920s Paris. | Historical fiction, famous real-life characters, 1920s Paris, Jazz Age, artistic circles, love and betrayal, literary world, marital struggles, emotional turmoil. |
| Before I Go by Colleen Oakley | A young woman diagnosed with breast cancer discovers her husband might be ill-equipped to handle their future, prompting her to search for a new wife for him. | Terminal illness, marriage dynamics, dark humor, unexpected friendships, coping mechanisms, motherhood fears, future planning, self-sacrifice. |
| On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah | A woman, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, returns to her hometown and forms a bond with a childhood friend, leading to healing and rediscovery. | Small-town life, childhood friends reconnected, healing from heartbreak, second chances, family dynamics, emotional healing, love rekindled, coping with loss. |
1. All Your Perfects
The book follows a married couple whose marriage is falling apart and trying to get it back together. But they don’t know how to glue it back to where it was. This book is very poetically written, and it has so many great moments and quotes that you can take away from the book to feel real. Also, it deals with everyday issues that both men and women and couples deal with.
We follow Quinn from the age of 24 to 31. The book also has two different timelines. We get to see how this couple started and started the relationship and marriage. Then we see how they are now and how everything got to this sad and almost hopeless place. The contrast between the two only makes the story more heartbreaking.
Even though it’s such a sad book, you’re gripping that little hope. Quinn is so real. Then we have Graham, a sweet and supportive husband on the other side. Every morning, Graham woke up asking what she had dreamt about. But there was a point where he stopped asking her what she was dreaming about because he loved her relationship with Ava. So, at the time, he was starting to cheat with his wife and love Ava. It’s exciting to see what happens in their relationship. Will Quinn forgive Graham?
Author: Colleen Hoover
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Women’s Divorce Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Audio CD
2. What He Doesn’t Know
This is a duet, and they are meant to be read together. The second book is What He Always Knew. So, in this book, we are following Charlie. Charlie is a wife and a kindergarten teacher, seemingly having a perfect life. Her husband seems to have this beautiful relationship. But on the inside, Charlie is struggling. She is sad and lonely. She’s dealing with much stuff and doesn’t feel she can lean on her husband. They’re going through a rough patch.
Charlie feels like she will never crawl out of this rut that they’re in. Then, one day, she is at work, and her brother’s best friend, who happens to be Charlie’s first love, will be teaching at the same school. When she sees him, all her feelings come rushing back, and Reese is there for her in a way she needs right now.
So this duet does have cheating in it. This one is a bit of a love triangle because she still loves her husband but is also in love with Charlie. It’s a different type of love, and it follows her journey to figure out which love is real.
Author: Kandi Steiner
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Contemporary Romance, Family Life Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
3. Heart of the Matter
This book deals with very serious situations, and the characters are grown up. It is about two women who lead two completely different lives. Their names are Tessa and Valerie. Valerie is a single mother. She is a lawyer who takes care of her son all by herself. Moreover, Tessa is a housewife and mother of two children, married to Nick’s plastic surgeon. But how Tessa and Valerie end up crossing each other or how they end up meeting is by Tessa’s husband.
The book covers the whole topic of marriage and cheating relationships. Would you forgive and forget? Would you try to fix it, or would you up and leave? Emily Giffin decides to take a more serious note and try to find another aspect of marriage when things go wrong, and that marriage can be repaired no matter what happens. So this is for the more mature reader because it does deal with married couples and cheating husband relationships.
Author: Emily Giffin
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Contemporary Women Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
4. Something Borrowed
The book is about two best friends, Rachel and Darcy. One of them is engaged to marry Darcy, and Rachel loves Darcy’s fiancee. This book is told from Rachel’s point of view. So you can fathom that it’s all about Rachel and her anxiety and dealing with her crazy love for Darcy’s fiancee. It’s deeper than that because it explores friendships. They’ve been friends since grade school, and they’re in their late twenties right now.
The way that the characters are, Rachel is shy. She’s quiet and conservative. She’s set in her laid-back ways, and Darcy is the opposite. She’s loud and beautiful. Every guy wants her. Also, this book played off of that a lot. It makes you wonder, is her love for Darcy’s fiance true? Is it a sick play-off of her insecurities and her distorted self-image?
Author: Emily Giffin
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Friendship Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
5. The Wives
This book is about a woman who is in a polygamist marriage. She’s married to a man who is also married to two other women. For most of her marriage, she’s not known very much of anything about these other women. The story unfolds when she takes a bit more interest in learning who these women are, getting to know the backstory and the secrets of the woman sharing her husband.
There were so many overdone plot devices other than the whole polygamy thing. It is a psychological thriller about our main character, part of a plural marriage. So, she and two other women are married to a man named Seth. One day, she finds the address of one of these other women, and her curiosity gets the best of her. She goes out and seeks and finds her. This book does deal with some mental health issues with the cheating husband romance trope.
Author: Tarryn Fisher
Average Rating: 4.1/5
Category: Domestic Thrillers
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
6. Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
Kiera moved to Seattle with her boyfriend, Denny. However, when Denny goes away on a business trip, Kiera finds herself interested in their roommate, Kellan, a local rock star. What starts as an emotional connection eventually turns physical, plunging Kiera into a tumultuous love triangle. Stephens doesn’t shy away from the complexities of infidelity, presenting it with all its messy emotions, making us both frustrated and empathetic. The story is a roller-coaster of raw emotion, internal conflict, and passion.
7. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
This grovels romance book follows a short-lived yet intensely passionate affair between a traveling photographer, Robert, and a married Italian woman, Francesca. Set in 1960s Iowa, the narrative is beautifully evocative of betrayal, capturing the profound connection between the two protagonists. Waller’s writing is lyrical and introspective, emphasizing the idea of soulmates and love that transcends conventional boundaries.
8. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
This historical fiction novel presents a fictionalized story of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage to Hadley Richardson. Set in the 1920s, the story immerses you in the Jazz Age’s vibrant ambiance, complete with its bohemian lifestyle in Paris. McLain paints a heartbreaking portrait of a marriage torn apart by infidelity, ambition, and personal demons. The book offers a deep exploration of love, husband betrayal, and the costs of fame.
9. Before I Go by Colleen Oakley
This novel follows Daisy, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, who discovers her husband is having an affair. Oakley beautifully intertwines illness, infidelity, and resilience themes, crafting a heart-wrenching and inspiring narrative. Daisy’s journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and finding strength in adversity is powerfully portrayed, making it a memorable read.
10. On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah
After her husband’s infidelity, Annie returns to her hometown and reconnects with her childhood friend, Nick. The two bond over their shared heartaches, leading to a complicated relationship. Hannah’s writing is rich and evocative, showing themes of love, betrayal, and second chances. The narrative is heart-wrenching and hopeful, providing a detailed look at love after betrayal.
5 Steamy Cheating Husband Romance Books
Cheating in romance novels can be a controversial subject. However, for readers interested in exploring the emotional complexities and the “grey areas” of relationships, these steamy romance novels cover the topic of infidelity. Here are five books that feature a cheating husband theme:
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan: Bree Prescott seeks solace in a sleepy lakeside town where she meets Archer Hale, an isolated man with a complicated past, which includes a betrayal by his own family.
This is less about the act of cheating and more about the emotional aftermath. Mia Sheridan masterfully dives deep into the psyche of her characters, showing their flaws and the pain they endure. It’s an emotional roller coaster focusing on healing, trust, and love.
Indiscretion by Charles Dubow: Harry and Madeleine Winslow are a golden couple living in the Hamptons – he’s a successful writer, she’s the perfect wife, and they have a charming son. Their life seems perfect until Claire enters their world during summer, and an affair ensues, leading to dire consequences for all involved.
The narrative, told from multiple viewpoints, offers a multifaceted look at relationships, the frailty of happiness, and the consequences of our actions. It’s a compelling exploration of love, lust, and the boundaries people cross, making it a captivating read for those intrigued by the complexities of human relationships and infidelity.
The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders: All Alessandro de Lucci wants from his wife is a son, but after a year and a half of unhappiness and disillusionment, all Theresa de Lucci wants from her ice-cold husband is a divorce.
Anders skillfully crafts a tale of redemption where misunderstandings have led to heartbreak. As truths are unveiled, the coldness melts away, revealing vulnerabilities and a passion that can’t be denied.
When I Was Yours by Samantha Towle: The narrative traces the love story of Adam and Evie, who were once deeply in love but are torn apart by misunderstandings, secrets, and betrayal.
The book shifts between the past and present, showcasing the intense love and heartbreaking separation between the characters. Towle’s writing is raw, making readers yearn for the couple’s reunion despite the mistakes made.
Slammed by Colleen Hoover: An 18-year-old, Layken, relocates after her father’s death and instantly feels connected to her new neighbor, Will. However, an unexpected revelation threatens their budding relationship. The narrative represents forbidden love, responsibilities, and heart-wrenching decisions. Hoover’s lyrical prose and incorporation of slam poetry give a unique touch to the story.
Infidelity is a complex issue, and these novels aim to explore the multifaceted nature of relationships rather than glorify cheating.
5 Cheating Husband Second Chance Romance Books
Second-chance romances, especially those centered around infidelity, can be highly emotional and complex. The theme covers forgiveness, growth, and the resilience of love. Here are five books where the central theme revolves around a husband’s infidelity and the subsequent chance at redemption:
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: A powerful story about a young woman named Lily who falls in love with Ryle, a neurosurgeon with a troubled past. As their relationship progresses, Lily is forced to confront painful memories from her past and make difficult decisions about her future.
The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders: Theresa de Lucci wants a divorce from her cold, distant husband, Alessandro. He agrees, but with a condition. As they face this agreement, buried emotions and misunderstandings come to light, leading to a potential reconciliation.
Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves: Claire Canton’s marriage takes a hit when her husband, Chris, loses his job. As Chris starts pulling away, Claire suspects infidelity. They both confront their feelings, mistakes, and the possibility of a fresh start.
This Man Confessed by Jodi Ellen Malpas: The third book in the “This Man” series, this story showcases the tumultuous relationship between Jesse Ward and Ava O’Shea. Amidst all the drama, revelations about Jesse’s past, including infidelities, come to light. The couple must decide whether their love can overcome the betrayal.
His Secretary: Undone by Melanie Marchande: A billionaire boss, Adrian Risinger, proposes a marriage of convenience to his secretary, Meg. As she agrees, she discovers secrets from his past, including betrayals. They struggle with their feelings, miscommunications, and the possibility of a genuine relationship.
5 Cheating Husband Romance Books Read Online
If you’re interested in reading them, you can check them out from digital libraries, purchase them from online retailers, or look for them on subscription platforms like Kindle Unlimited or Audible. Here are five titles for you:
The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders: Theresa de Lucci feels neglected in her marriage to Alessandro. Deep-seated misunderstandings surface when she decides she’s had enough and wants a divorce, leading to potential reconciliation.
Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover: Sydney discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her with her best friend. As she forms a close bond with her mysterious neighbor, Ridge, she learns more about relationships and the complexities of love.
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens: Kiera is caught in a love triangle between her loyal boyfriend, Denny, and the irresistible bad-boy rock star, Kellan.
Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle: A single mother, Willa, returns to her hometown and starts working for a former family friend, Jack. Their professional relationship becomes personal, leading to uncovered secrets and navigating past mistakes.
Come Back to Me by Mila Gray: Jessa and Kit have a passionate love affair, but when Kit is deployed, Jessa discovers a shocking secret that changes everything about their relationship.
To read these online, you can:
- Check online bookstores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Google Books.
- Subscribe to services like Kindle Unlimited, Scribd, or Audible for digital versions.
- Visit your local library’s digital collection, such as OverDrive or Libby.
Always access books from legitimate sources to support authors and publishers.
These novels show the intricate emotions and consequences of infidelity. So, approach them with an open mind, recognizing the fictional exploration of human relationships’ complexities.
Read More:
Books For Marriages In Trouble
Suspicious Groveling Romance Books
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