Hi everyone, it’s great to be back here visiting Smexy Books, and I appreciate Mandi giving me a soapbox to stand on. However, I promise this post isn’t about politics or any other controversial topic. It’s simply a get-down-to-basics chat about virgin heroes.
Virgin heroes are a rare breed in romances out on the market today. In fact, they’re a relatively new concept for me, and I’m not sure exactly how many virgin heroes there were in romance prior to the last ten years. I know they’re out there, but I also know they’re pretty few and far between. It’s with good reason. Virgin heroes are damn hard to write and there’s the perception of readers. Readers want strong heroes, and while the heroes readers crave don’t have to be alphas, there’s a really high demand for that kind of a hero.
I think that’s one of the reasons virgin heroes are hard to write. How in the world do you write a virgin male who doesn’t come across as some namby pamby, but as a strong, yet inexperienced in the bedroom, hero. The answer to that is simple. There has to be a justifiable reason for why the hero is a virgin. A hero doesn’t have to be defined by his s*xual experience. Even an alpha can be inexperienced in the bedroom. It’s all a matter of convincing the reader that the hero has a compelling reason for his lack of experience with women.
When I was preparing to write Pleasure Me, my upcoming March release, I knew the only way I could write a virgin hero was if I had a strong motive for his being inexperience. As a result, I did a little research and found a physical defect I could use as a motive. That defect is a distended testicle (where the sac doesn’t drop down).This defect occurs in about one percent of the population, and in the late 1800s, when men were supposed to be virile and strong, having this type of defect would have had an emotionally devastating impact. At a time when men were often judged by the number of women they’d slept with or the number of children they sired, it’s not surprising a man would want to hide his deformity. So it wasn’t much of a leap for me to create a hero who’s been led to believe that if a common whore rejects him, its highly doubtful that a decent woman will let him touch her.
While Garrick is somewhat of a wounded soul, he’s not as dark as some of my other heroes. He has a wonderful sense of humor, which made it difficult to make him dark. He’s also a romantic at heart. He might believe he’ll never have a home, family and the love of a woman, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want it. These qualities lend themselves to the believability of Garrick’s virgin status as well as his efforts to present to society that he’s a rake. Something he does by becoming quite proficient at kissing. The result is that the women he kisses tell others what a great lover he is simply because they don’t want anyone to know that Garrick never came to their bed. It’s that ego thing you know.
Writing a virgin hero turned out to be easier than I expected because suspension of disbelief played a huge component in the character’s makeup. If I’d not had a compelling reason for Garrick’s inexperience, I don’t think I would have had the pleasure of see Ruth initiate him into the pleasures of the flesh. There’s something to be said for tying a gal up and blindfolding her!
Do you like virgin heroes? Is there a virgin hero that’s memorable for you? What do you like/dislike about virgin heroes?
Monica is offering a copy of her first historical, Kismet to one lucky commenter. To enter, just answer her above questions. Contest open to everyone (as long as Book Depository ships to you) through Thursday January 13th.
A Note from Monica Burns: I’m hosting the Pleasure Me With Romance blog event. I’ve invited more than 35 historical romance authors to come blog about historical romance on my blog starting January 17th through March 1st. Jayne Ann Krentz, writing as Amanda Quick, was gracious enough to be interviewed, and there will be guest posts from NYT bestselling authors like Sabrina Jeffries, Madeline Hunter, Sarah MacLean, Lisa Valdez. There will also be posts from USA Today bestselling authors like Julianne MacLean, Lorraine Heath, Lucy Monroe and many more wonderful historical romance authors. There will be plenty of opportunities for readers to enter daily giveaways. You can learn more about the event HERE.
Hello, Monica! I wish you much happiness and continued success in 2011! With great anticipation, I so look forward to the release of "Pleasure Me"! I am already in love with the characters and the story line : ) Both Garrick and Ruth are interesting, worthy characters about whom I wish to learn much more!
Virgin heroes, each with their own unique reason for lack of sexual experience, are a treat for romance readers. When an author steps outside the standard characterization box and offers something fresh and new, then I am most appreciative : ) "His Secondhand Wife" by Cheryl St. John, features a wonderful "wounded" virgin hero. Noah was scarred in a childhood accident, and wears a beard, long hair, and hat to "hide" his face from the prying eyes of society. When his beloved, but irresponsible brother dies, Noah takes on the care of his brother's pregnant young widow, Katherine. Noah and his "secondhand wife" face a lot of obstacles, including some hard self-truths, before love heals both their hearts.
US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Virgin heroes!? I honestly do not recall ever reading one. How bad is that. Many, Many virgin heroines though :)
I am intrigued to say the least.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Thanks for the best wishes, Virginia. I hope other readers are as eager to read Pleasure Me as you are.
I enjoy reading about them. I don't care if they are male or female, as long as the author has a interesting story to go with it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Robin, my first *grin* virgin hero was Anna Campbell's Untouched. I'd never read one before, and I loved it. Made Anna an autobuy author for me.
Debbie, writing a virgin heroine is pretty easy for me, although I confess I prefer a seasoned woman and man. It makes writing the love scenes a little easier somehow. *smile*
Kathleen Woodiwiss had a lot of virgin heroines, I always liked reading her books. I also read category romance books and there seem to be a lot of virgins in those books too. I don't have a problem with a pure heroine. I would love to read your book.
seriousreader at live dot com
Linda, What about a virgin HERO though. Have you read any of those? Garrick in Pleasure Me is a virgin while Ruth is an experienced courtesan. I'm curious as to how readers are going to take to it.
Normally I don't like virgin heros, because like you said, its hard to make them believable. My big exception is BORN IN SIN by Kinley McGregor. A Kenyon addict anyway, I picked this up thinking I would enjoy it. Wrong. I devoured this and the others in the series.
What annoys me is the overabundance of virgin females in contemporary books. And the idea that one man in one night can make a woman who has held on to that virginity lose herself in passion and give it away. I don't mind virgins as long as they are believable.
Virgin heroes? I can't recall all that many. I think the most improbable one was Daemon in Anne Bishop's Black Jewels. A pleasure slave for TEN THOUSAND YEARS and he'd never inserted tab A? As much as I liked those books I just could NOT drink that koolaid. As with virgin heroines, I don't like when the hero's virginity is somehow so improbable that its distracting to consider how it could have happened in the first place (like courtesans or former harem members who still have intact hymens!) Wasn't Kresley Cole's Malkom a virgin? I think if he was then his utter isolation made it a bit more plausible than some others. Father Ralph in the Thorn Birds too made a lot of sense as a virgin. I'm a little old school though in my preference for experienced heroes. It might be sexist of me, but maybe it has to do with knowing that men aren't perceived as all that intuitive in real life, so expecting a man without any practical experience to be a whiz in the bedroom might be a hard sell.
I have never read a book with a male virign in. i've read many where the woman is a virgin and enjoyed those a lot. It should be intresting to read about a male one for a change
I adore virgin heroes oh so much. They are my weakness.
I cannot wait for Pleasure Me!
Sylvia, Believability is why I struggled with the idea of a virgin hero the moment my editor suggested it. I think readers will see that Garrick's reasons for remaining inexperienced are compelling ones.
@mepamelia so expecting a man without any practical experience to be a whiz in the bedroom might be a hard sell.
That was something I struggled with as well. Writing Garrick's first experience with Ruth and making it awIkward enough to be believed. As for inexperienced to skilled, I think I managed to pull it off by letting time pass off page to reflect his increasing skill.
@Elizabeth. I hope you'll try out Pleasure Me this coming March. It was one of my most challenging books. I hated it when I turned it in. Now that time has passed, I've fallen in love with the story.
@Katie, U are very impatient doll. I hope you enjoy it when you read.
I wrote a virgin hero in my book, Mere Passion, and I LOVED him! He's honestly my favorite hero I've written to date. The reasoning was easy- he's a shape-shifting dragon who's spent almost his whole life in dragon form.
Dragons like reptiles, only mate when females are in heat, and in dragon society, they keep those females sequestered. Easy peasy.
So when Kai gets to the arctic, is forced by the cold to remain human, and is made to work with the very sexy, and extremely sexually confident Alara…well, let's just say that sparks fly.
Ok fine, he sucks at first. But he's a fast learner.
I like my heroes imperfect. I like my sex messy and sometimes awkward. I like romance that doesn't follow the beaten path.
But that might just be me. :)
Great topic!
Daisy
I wrote a virgin hero in my book, Mere Passion, and I LOVED him! He's honestly my favorite hero I've written to date. The reasoning was easy- he's a shape-shifting dragon who's spent almost his whole life in dragon form.
Dragons like reptiles, only mate when females are in heat, and in dragon society, they keep those females sequestered. Easy peasy.
So when Kai gets to the arctic, is forced by the cold to remain human, and is made to work with the very sexy, and extremely sexually confident Alara…well, let's just say that sparks fly.
Ok fine, he sucks at first. But he's a fast learner.
I like my heroes imperfect. I like my sex messy and sometimes awkward. I like romance that doesn't follow the beaten path.
But that might just be me. :)
Great topic!
Daisy
I wrote a virgin hero in my book, Mere Passion, and I LOVED him! He's honestly my favorite hero I've written to date. The reasoning was easy- he's a shape-shifting dragon who's spent almost his whole life in dragon form.
Dragons like reptiles, only mate when females are in heat, and in dragon society, they keep those females sequestered. Easy peasy.
So when Kai gets to the arctic, is forced by the cold to remain human, and is made to work with the very sexy, and extremely sexually confident Alara…well, let's just say that sparks fly.
Ok fine, he sucks at first. But he's a fast learner.
I like my heroes imperfect. I like my sex messy and sometimes awkward. I like romance that doesn't follow the beaten path.
But that might just be me. :)
Great topic!
Daisy
Wow, a virgin hero…only read one, I believe, Jamie Fraser.
This looks like a good read and will put it on my wishlist.
Happy New Year to you!!!
Valerie
in Germany
Well, I wasn't going to comment but I saw there are so few here who are fans of the virgin hero I had to stand up for the minority.
I L-O-V-E a virgin hero. I actually would love to see more of them but there aren't a lot. Zsadist from the BDB series would be my personal favorite but he's technically not a virgin really. I also liked Wren from the Dark Hunters series and Susan Grant had one who's name I'm forgetting but was a nice scifi one.
I don't read much historical romance that isn't paranormal but if the plot sounded good (and Pleasure Me's does) I'd look into it.
Why virgin heroes? As weird as it is to say this I've been married for 11 years and only ever had a relationship with my husband but he'd been with several women. For me the idea of a hero who hasn't been with several others somewhat stems from that RL situation. I like the idea that a heroine isn't having to think "is he comparing me to other women?" but I also like that a woman could be the one teaching the hero the ropes.
I really need to read Born in Sin one of these days, every time I se a topic on virgin heroes it comes up. lol
I really enjoy reading about virgin heroines, but I can't remember a single virgin hero, mh… it sounds very interesting and I think because it's quite unusual to read about a virgin hero with a tortured past I would love it even more…
greetings, Ina
@Daisy – Glad you enjoyed the post. :-)
@Valerie Happy New Year to you and thanks for putting Pleasure Me on your wish list
@Rhianna I like the idea that a heroine isn't having to think "is he comparing me to other women?" but I also like that a woman could be the one teaching the hero the ropes.
I love this description. It's such a great reason for a reader to read Pleasure Me. Ruth gives Garrick some detailed instruction, yet never makes him feel inadequate.
@Ina – I'm beginning to find that there are more virgin heroes out there than I realized, but they're still few and far between. I hope you'll check out Pleasure Me
And for those of you who hesitate to buy a new author. You can get a taste of the book on my website where I've posted the first three chapters. Here's the Tiny URL
http://tiny.cc/xhc31
Hello Monica, thanks for this wonderful opportunity to win one of your books and taking the time to explain how you came about writing one of your characters.
The last time I read a book about a virgin hero was a long time ago. He acted as if he had slept around a lot until it finally came down to the woman he loved and slept with. I actually like virgin heros, it's refreshing since most books have the woman being a virgin and all of the heros having slept around with several people. It's nice to read about guys who have not slept around since it's so rare to find guys in real life who haven't slept around either…and we must remember that books are to let us have a fantasy and get away from the real world. :-)
I will have to check out your blog even as well!
I've read a couple of books with virgin heroines in them but the titles don't spring to mind, although I do remember this one where the poor girl was all but raped by the so called hero of the book and that really put me off the virgin thing, it brought back too many memories of my own fumbling attempts and drunken escapades *cringe*
I like the whole gentle, teach you how to make love thing not the if-its-quick-it-wont-hurt thing
cbcowley@gmail.com
I don't think I have ever read about a virgin hero.
I like the idea of a virgin hero, why shouldn't they be :)
But some memorable one, oh most of the one I have read about have not been. Though I did read one Pride and Prejudice variation were Mr Darcy was one, though since I fancy him I never understood why he would be, lol.
I do like the sound of this one :)
Hi Monica! Thank you for letting us know about this give-a-way on Facebook.
Your question was Do you like virgin heroes? Is there a virgin hero that’s memorable for you? What do you like/dislike about virgin heroes?
I don't think I can remember a book with a virgin hero. I've loved virgin heroines though. I even named my son after a hero (he wasn't a virgin; but his heroine was) in one of Kathleen Woodiwiss' books.
I can hardly wait to put my hands on your new book! I wish you ever success (and a NEW CAR with all the latest accessories) in 2011! Thanks!
@Deannalynnc I agree. Books are an escape from our everyday lives. Please do check out the blog event. It starts next Monday the 17th. It's going to be wonderful.
@Cath's Chatter I think you'll like Ruth's approach with Garrick. She's very good at making him feel comfortable.Thanks for posting
@Estella – Then perhaps Pleasure Me will be your first virgin hero. *grin*
@blodeuedd Though I did read one Pride and Prejudice variation were Mr Darcy was one, though since I fancy him I never understood why he would be, Couldn't understand why??? LOL Oh my, I can, he's an uptight male. I'm a heretic I've never had this huge fascination with P&P. I like the character Mr. Darcy, but I've read other heroes I like much better. LOL
@lindalou I'm glad you're excited about Pleasure Me. LOL & Thanks on the success and new car for the year.
Monica, I DO like virgin heroes. The most memorable for me, to date, is John Matthews from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. What do I like about virgin heroes? For whatever reason it almost seems as if authors tend to write virgin heroes as more connected to their emotions than experienced heroes. By this I don't mean that they are not "alphas" but simply that their emotions are explored more in the story than in most typical romances. I find that I really enjoy that peek into the emotions. I'm not a huge fan of historical romance, but when you told me about Pleasure Me, I was immediately interested in reading this! :) Here's to a happy release day!
I've only read a couple of books with the hero as a virgin and they were very good and I would like to read more of them.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Nancy, thank you for the best wishes for my release. And I hope I managed to delve deep enough into Garrick's emotions. I do love him.
Sherry, I hope you take a peek at Pleasure Me. I've got the first three chapters up on my website for free.
http://tiny.cc/xhc31
Virgin hero…hmm? I don't ever recall reading one. The romance genre (in general) is still new to me. I've only been reading it for a few years (now that I have the time).
But I do look forward to reading Garrick's story.
I like books with a Virgin Hero. I think that stems from my religious beliefs of fidelity. Also, I DESPISE the double standard that exists about how sexually active men are regarded vs. how women are regarded who are sexually active.
akbabcock at gmail dot com
I have not read a lot of virgin hero books, but I think it is good that the male is able to feel insecure and wanting love.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
I've been reading Harlequins and other bodice rippers since I was 14 (40 years ago) so I'm sure I don't remember my first. I don't mind a virgin as long as she is believable and I too hate the double standard, especially if it thrown in our face, over and over again
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com
@Artemis An almost virgin romance reader!! LOL Love it! I'm glad you're looking forward to the book.
@Allison I've always despised the double standard. Something my mother taught me to rage against. *grin*
@Stephanie Oh Garrick definitely wants to be loved, he just doesn't think it's possible.
@Lisa I think Garrick's virginity is quite plausible given his deformity. But the ultimate belief in that is the reader. I'm hoping readers are convinced.
I like virgin heroes because they bring something new and different to stories that are usually filled with virgin heroines. I'm pretty sure I've read a book with a virgin hero in it but I can't really recall it right now. Now I have more of your books to add to my TBR pile!
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
@Jeanette I've done several virgin heroines, but Garrick is my first virgin hero. Thanks for adding me to your TBR pile
I have only read a couple books with virgin heroes…one I liked and one I didn't. It really just depends on the circumstances.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
@throuthehaze – hopefully the circumstances of Pleasure Me will work for you. *smile*
Dont ever remember hearing a virgin man romance story. What a terrific idea. If it is well done, I would love it!
@krazymama_98 Well, so far the few reviews I've had have been really good. The true test is whether readers like the book as much as the two or three reviewers that have read.
Folks, don't forget that you can read the first three chapters of Pleasure Me for free on my website. It will help you decide whether or not you think you'll enjoy the book.
http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfPleasureMeExcerpt.htm
Also, the Pleasure Me With Romance Blog Event starts this coming Monday the 17th of Jan. More than 35 historical romance authors will be blogging from the 17th through March 1st.
http://monicaburns.blogspot.com/p/pleasure-me-with-romance-blog-event_28.html
I hope you'll join me and my guests. There will be daily giveaways
Love virgin heroes, especially loved Jamie in Outlander. His innocence was endearing as he relied on Claire to show him what to do. The only other I've encountered was Nick Gentry in one of the Bow Street Runner titles by Lisa Kleypas. He chose to seek out the Madam of a brothel to fix that problem over a period of time as her student.
Looking forward to checking out the chapters you've posted.
I hope you enjoy the chapters Anon!
Now that you asked that and I'm raking my brain trying to think of one, and I can't. Now that it has been brought up, I really want to read about a virgin Hero. I have read plenty of virgin Heroines, but sadly not one Hero. Why is that? Men are always written as the bad boys who can't save themselves, but I know there are a few old fashioned guys left out there somewhere who have saved themselves. I would love to read about that. Please enter me
june111@att.net
Jolene, I just have to comment on your name!! I love it! I am a fan of Dolly Parton's and one of her big hits that I loved was Jolene!
As for Garrick, he's sort of a bad boy, but in a different kind of way. :-D Thanks for posting.
I've read several books with virgin heroes, & loved them. Usually because the "untouched status" worked so well in to the plot.
gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
I love virgin heroes :D
Actually , the very first book that started my addiction for books was one with virgin heroes :D
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
Pixie13 & PinkSTuff28 – I hope Pleasure Me satisfies your taste for virgin heroes as I'm quite partial to Garrick. :-D
Ack, I just read a novel with a virgin hero but now I can't remember what it was! I know I'll remember it as soon as I post this LoL.
But I like most heroes based on the character themselves, whether they be a virgin or not doesn't sway it for me but it is an interesting aspect to add.
I haven't read anything from Monica yet but I am adding her to my TBR list right now. Sounds like some great reads!
readingbetweenthewines10@gmail.com
Crystal, my first virgin hero read that I recall was Untouched by Anna Campbell I thought it was a really interesting twist in a romance, and it made her an auto-buy author for me. I love her work.
Thanks for putting my books on your TBR pile
The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to read, but I really thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you would fix in case you werent too busy looking for attention.
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog website? The account helped me a applicable deal. I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny clear idea