Comments on: Andrea’s Take on the Virgin Hero

By: Heather Massey

Heather Massey — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:41:08 +0000

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.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:31:21 +0000

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…

By: Karin

Karin — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:01:17 +0000

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.

By: Maria Lokken

Maria Lokken — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:15:55 +0000

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.

By: Anna Campbell

Anna Campbell — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:49:04 +0000

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!

By: katiebabs

katiebabs — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:15:49 +0000

This is my absolute favorite book by Lorraine. The scene where Lee feeds fruit to Angela is too good for words

By: LisaK

LisaK — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:22:42 +0000

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.

By: Marisa

Marisa — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:28:46 +0000

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.

By: Kati

Kati — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:55:36 +0000

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.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:39:53 +0000

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!