Our beloved heroes, whether they have a tortured past, are a consummate rake or a stuffy aristocrat, always share one thing in common — experience between the sheets. Well, almost always. On occasion we read about a virgin hero. To me, the term “virgin hero” is an oxymoron, like “jumbo shrimp” or “boneless ribs”. Two normally contradictory words paired together. Contradictory is right. I expect my heroes (‘cause when I read them, they’re mine *g*) to have that familiarity and knowledge in the bedroom so they can show their heroines a passionate, romantic time. Now, I’m not saying that when they lack that experience, it makes for a bad time, it’s just rare. It is very memorable to go through the emotions of that first sexual encounter right along with the virgin hero, especially if it’s written well.
I chose to spotlight Lee Raven from Lorraine Heath’s The Outlaw and the Lady as my virgin hero.
**Warning, this blog contains spoilers!**
Unlike some books where you’re aware of the hero’s virgin status before you start reading, in The Outlaw and the Lady the reader gets little tidbits that hint at the possibility that he is a virgin or at least has had very little experience with women. His virginity is later confirmed. I’ll give you a brief set-up of the story:
One night while fleeing the bank he just robbed in Fortune, Texas, Lee Raven runs into a woman taking a walk. He and his brothers grab the girl because she has seen Lee’s face and up until that point, no one knew his identity. After traveling too far to return, Lee realizes that he had no reason to kidnap Angela — she couldn’t have identified him because she is blind.
Lee is the ultimate tortured hero. He and his Mexican family went through total hell five years before, thanks to Vernon Shelby and his son, Floyd. Their father and oldest brother were hanged, their mother was shot and killed, their little sister was raped, their ranch was burned and Lee and his brothers were left for dead. So, they wanted to exact their revenge where it would hurt Shelby the most, his pocketbook. When Lee robbed banks, he only took money that Vernon Shelby deposited. After kidnapping Angela, he can’t return her right away because they are being trailed by men hired by Shelby. Thanks to a rainstorm, they are able to shake the men off their trail and make it back to their home in Mexico so he can check on his brothers and sister before returning Angela home to Fortune. Angela and Lee grow closer despite the fact that he won’t let her touch his face. He’s afraid that she actually might be able to identify him if she did (she hasn’t always been blind). Angela doesn’t believe that Lee is the ruthless outlaw that he has been portrayed for the past five years — he doesn’t drink, doesn’t curse, is good to his family and is a gentleman around her. Lee’s father raised him to never take his anger out on women and always treat them with respect. And thus, she falls in love.
There are a couple reasons why Lee is still a virgin when the story opens. After what happened to his family five years before, he had made the decision to travel a lonely path in the name of retribution. To avoid capture, he has kept himself isolated from all people but his family. It was just too risky. He has always been disciplined and principled in his actions. He’d never had time for a woman and then fate brings Angela into his life and despite trying to, he can’t resist her. Looking past her blindness, he sees the woman inside and falls hard for her. Lorraine Heath does a masterful job of capturing the emotions, feelings and passions of not only a virgin hero, but a blind heroine as well. After Lee and Angela make love the first time, Lee feels proud because he hadn’t fumbled too noticeably and that Angela hadn’t guessed that he was just as inexperienced as she was. It was a very touching scene.
Another reason Lee is still a virgin is because of his age. He’s only twenty years old, which isn’t revealed until later in the book. Now, some of you may think that twenty is too young for a hero, but remember all that he has gone through in his young life. He was forced to grow up way faster that he ought to have. He has seen, done and gone through more in his twenty years that most men do in eighty. And the fact that he survived it all, shows the amount of inner strength he possesses.
I must say that I totally enjoyed reading Lee and Angela’s love story again after so many years. I used to reread a lot of my books, but just don’t seem to have time to do so anymore. I have to add that there is a huge twist towards the end of this book that you are given little hints to throughout the story until it’s revealed. It’s just a really great book!
Do you like “virgin hero” stories? If so, does it bother you if you know beforehand that the hero is a virgin or do you like to be surprised? Who are some of your favorite virgin heroes?
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heidenkind
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 1:13 am:
This sounds like a good book. Usually I don’t read Westerns, possibly because I live in the West (?). I might check this one out, though.
I wouldn’t say I like “virgin hero” stories… that is to say, I don’t have a preferance for them. But I don’t necessarily have anything against them; there just really aren’t that many of them out there. The expectation is definitely there with romance novels that the guy is going to be sexually experienced, so if the author is going to go against that, they need have good character/plot elements to support it.
Hmmm, my favorite virgin heroes are Sheene from Untouched (that was a great book!), and Edward from Twilight.
cyclops8
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 2:14 am:
I haven’t read many books where the hero was a virgin. Off the top of my head I can only name your book, “Untouched,” and Lorraine’s “A Matter of Temptation.” Matthew is definitely a fave. I think it’s refreshing to read about virgin hero.
Buffie
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 6:42 am:
Well done, Andrea! I haven’t read this particular book, but it sure looks like I need to try to find a copy
Stacy ~
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 6:50 am:
Sounds like an enjoyable book, and I’ve only read one of Heath’s book, and it wasn’t even a western. I might have to grab this one.
Like most readers, I haven’t read about a lot of virgin heroes. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a surprise or not though. My favorite would have to be Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon’s series. He is one of the most realistic, wonderful and amazing heroes ever. To have such a brawny, sexy guy be a virgin was definitely unique, but it fit his personality. I loved how it played out.
Marisa
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 7:27 am:
Andrea – great blog – and I couldn’t agree with you more. When I hear the term Virgin Hero I too consider it an oxymoron – like “clearly confused” or even “ethical bank”. Anyway. It’s true I want my hero to be alpha in and out of the bedroom, so a virgin hero is always a surprise. And I’m always wondering how the author will handle it. In The Outlaw and the Lady ( one of my favorite books) Heath handles this wonderfully. And as with all great Virgin Heroes – he is all alpha with a touch of vulnerability; great combination.
I think that the secret to a great Virgin Hero is having a heroine that the hero wants to please – a heroine he would move heaven and earth for – in and out of the bedroom that he takes the time to ‘listen’ and learn. And Lee desperately wants to please Angela, he wants her to have pleasure. Any hero – virgin or not – needs to want that for their heroine. (For those of you who haven’t read this book – I say definitely pick this one up.)
As for my all time favorite Virgin Hero – well – Phury from J.R. Ward’s Lover Enshrined of course. He is a MEGA alpha in every sense of the word and he’s definitely my number one pick. His choice to remain celibate for 200 years (damn that’s a long time) is filled with guilt, longing and self-doubt. His inability to believe in himself fuels his actions and yet at the same time he is the first person who would give you the shirt off his back. What I found particularly poignant was that the first time he does make love it certainly isn’t a “Hallmark Hall of Fame” movie moment. No strings playing in the background, no cut or fade to lovers clutching hands, no sighs in the night. In fact it is quite the opposite. And it isn’t until he ‘finds himself’ that he is able to give to the woman he loves what she needs both in and out of the bedroom.
There is also, as Stacy points, out Jaime Fraser, another of my favorite virgin heroes. I also just read Jodi Thomas’ Texas Princess and her virgin hero Tobin McMurrary is a new favorite of mine. Then there is Matthew in Untouched, the perfect Virgin Hero to my mind.
I don’t seek out Virgin Hero stories – and when I find out that the hero is a virgin, as I’ve said, I’m always a bit surprised. There is a moment when I pause and think, yikes how the heck is the author going to pull this off? The one’s who do it well create those *sigh* worthy moments – and in The Outlaw and The Lady – Lorraine does just that.
Gannon
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 8:10 am:
Love your blog, Andrea! I haven’t read this particular book of Lorraine’s, but I will definitely have to pick up a copy. I so enjoy her writing. I’m reading her ARC of BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND DESIRE, and I don’t want to do anything else, but read this book! It’s even better than the last. I love Jack Dodger, although he’s most definitely not a virgin hero.
A virgin hero in a story is a nice surprise, but I don’t necessarily look for those stories on purpose. Jamie is hands down my favorite virgin hero. I love EVERYTHING about him, which is why he’s my chosen hero for my blog tomorrow. Matthew is another worthy hero. Anna did such an amazing job with him. *sigh*
Andrea
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 8:34 am:
Thanks, ladies! I love virgin hero stories and will say that I really love to be surprised by his virgin status. I was totally surprised when I read The Outlaw and the Lady the first time and when I read Untouched. I’m one of those readers who when I read a good, meaty part (like virgin status revelation, a declaration of love or a ‘big reveal’), I go back and read it again right away. And perhaps that’s why I can’t read a book very fast. LOL
Andrea
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 8:37 am:
Marisa said: I think that the secret to a great Virgin Hero is having a heroine that the hero wants to please – a heroine he would move heaven and earth for – in and out of the bedroom that he takes the time to ‘listen’ and learn. And Lee desperately wants to please Angela, he wants her to have pleasure. Any hero – virgin or not – needs to want that for their heroine.
Absolutely! Lee wants to please Angela more than anything and I love that he doesn’t ‘tiptoe’ around her blindness. He treats her just as he would if she could see. *sigh* I just love him.
Andrea
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 8:39 am:
Gannon, I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying Between the Devil and Desire! I cannot wait to read Jack’s story!!
Those of you who haven’t read The Outlaw and the Lady should definitely pick it up! It’s really a great book with an amazing twist!
Kati
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 8:55 am:
Hi Andrea! Terrific blog!
Well, I’m a sucker for a virgin hero. I love that they can be completely alpha outside the bedroom and then more or less innocent in the bedroom.
Favorite virgin hero? Oh man, I guess Jamie Fraser from Outlander, although I loved Matthew from Untouched as well. I think it’s the poignancy and sense of wonder that they bring to those first sex scenes that make the virgin hero so enticing to me.
Marisa
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 9:28 am:
Kati – that’s so true, it’s the alpha’s vulnerability that will get me every time. He’s kicking ass, taking names walking through fires and then, when he has that ‘moment’ with the heroine when he’s all about her and he lets his guard down… it’s poignant and endearing. Written well, it’s off the charts sexy.
LisaK
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 10:22 am:
Oh my, Gannon, how can a book be even better than “In Bed With The Devil”? I’m soooo looking forward to BTDAD.
As for virgin heroes, I’ve only read one book with one yet, and that’s Eloisa James’ “When The Duke Returns”. I absolutely loved this book! You knew from the very beginning that Simeon was a virgin (in fact, that rather was the linchpin of the story) and Isidore, his heroine, is quite upset about it and can’t understand WHY. The reason why Simeon still is a virgin – he’s been in India and Africa for a long time and accepted some religious-spiritual way of living better and not giving in to your feelings – is quite plausible and you can – from his point of view – absolutely understand it.
There first tíme together wasn’t that romantic and also not very good, it seems, but what I really liked is that the two of them are able to learn together, and in doing so become a real couple.
katiebabs
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 12:15 pm:
This is my absolute favorite book by Lorraine. The scene where Lee feeds fruit to Angela is too good for words
Anna Campbell
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 12:49 pm:
Oh, this book of Lorraine’s sounds absolutely wonderful. I’ll have to check it out! Hey, thanks guys for all the strokes for lovely Matthew (am I allowed to say I thought he was lovely? He really was a sweetheart to write about! And I honestly feel I didn’t invent him, he just set up home in my brain!). I find virgin heroes really compelling if they’re done well – as you said, it’s that mixture of alpha strength with absolute vulnerability. It can be so utterly heartwrenching! And sexy!
Maria Lokken
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 1:15 pm:
I have some virgin hero favorites; Jamie from Outlander and Matthew from Untouched.
As far as virgin heroes in general – well we all have to start somewhere. What I love about virgin heroes in romance is their vulnerability, yet they each have an aspect of their lives where they totally take charge. I love watching them grow.
I’d not read this book by Lorraine Heath – but your description makes me totally want to find it and read it.
Karin
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 2:01 pm:
I can’t think of any virgin heroes I’ve read off the top of my head, though I find the idea of a virgin hero rather intriguing. This book sounds really interesting so I think I’ll have to put it on my list.
Andrea
on Dec 9th, 2008
@ 7:31 pm:
Thanks for the comments, ladies!
It looks as if a lot of you love Jamie Fraser and I’ll admit that I’ve never read Outlander or its sequels. I guess I’m missing out. *sigh* So many books, so little time…
Heather Massey
on Jun 11th, 2009
@ 8:41 pm:
Great post, and I know I’m waaay late to this discussion, but I wanted to nominate another great virgin hero–Admiral Branden Kel-Paten from Linnea Sinclair’s GAMES OF COMMAND.
Kel-Paten is a cyborg, so he’s stronger and smarter than anyone around him, but because of his physical state he’s been shunned left and right. He’s a powerhouse on the outside but a very tortured, vulnerable man on the inside. Sinclair did a great job with the love scene and Kel-Paten’s character arc was very moving.
Another virgin hero on the horizon (as I write this) is Soren from Jess Granger’s BEYOND THE RAIN (August 2009). Soren is sweet and very romantic. I like how Granger handled the lovemaking scenes because the emphasis was more on the emotional bond between him and the heroine rather than Soren’s inexperience.