@Dvenger I understand the preference part (and kinks) but I can't see the 'epic romances' part.
More than half of these 'tyrants' are epic failures in the romantic department, and in some extreme cases, spends more time injuring (almost killing) the female lead with his selfish actions.
Yet its romance anyway because the ML is overly possessive and the FeMC is borderline retarded. (those extreme cases, mostly Chinese)
You know... the things that make Stockholm Syndrome seem tame in comparison.