There are characters whose virginity shapes their entire being. The power of a vow of celibacy and the fear of consequences upon engaging in sexual activity, for example, can fundamentally alter how a character views and reacts towards the world.
But consequently, there are characters whose virginity is shaped by other circumstances, where their attention towards other aspects of their life makes even considering sex a secondary thought. To me, Brandon Noble, the hero of Sara Reinke’s Dark Thirst is this type of a Virgin Hero.
“He shook his head. He drew his hands reluctantly away from her and sat back somewhat to sign. I’ve never…he began, feeling foolish. His fingers hesitated, then moved again, his right index finger tapping his upturned left thumb. This is my first…he started to sign, but still he couldn’t manage the humiliating admission.”
Whoa. Even if we know nothing else about Brandon Noble, from this paragraph we learn he’s already had a LOT to deal with. At the very least, we learn that he cannot speak and moreover, he is embarrassed about the fact that he’s a virgin.
A simple glance at the back cover teaches us that Brandon is also “one of the Brethren, an ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Like other Brethren families, the Nobles …never marry outside of their kin, never leav(e)the isolated Kentucky farmlands where they live, undetected, among their prey.”
In no way does the description on the back cover of Dark Thirst, and the way Reinke goes on to treat the kind of vampire Brandon is, match any kind of vampire that I’d ever seen before. The most telling passage, and what made me fully get where Sara Reinke derived her vampire mythology, takes place during a zoo visit.
“Wolves are highly social animals, the placard in front of the exhibit read. They spend their entire lives in organized packs of two to twelve individuals. The social structure within their close-knit communities is a strict hierarchy based on the dominance of the strongest or “alpha” male. Younger members must constantly assert themselves in order to improve their status among the pack hierarchy.
Sounds like home, (Brandon) thought.”
So Brandon has escaped the wolf-like Brethren, fighting the rules the elders had set down, and generally trying to do what he believes is right. This is his core. Sex? Waaay down on the existence scale. Fantasies? Of course. But no sex. Nothing.
Until, that is, he literally runs into the object of his childhood fantasies. Angelina ‘Lina’ Jones, his tutor’s sister, now a cop. She is also human and has always been expressly forbidden. Seeing her reminds him of the carefree days of his childhood, when he took lessons from her brother and was able, for a little while, to relax. But now, she is kind when most are not, understanding when his recent life has been full of nothing but pain.
The time that Brandon and Lina spend together, even as Brandon starts to worry that his family is coming after him, serve as a calm before the storm we all know is just a few pages away. But it allows them to get to know each other as they are now, to see the other in a new light.
“This doesn’t have anything to do with my job, Brandon, she signed back, slapping his hands aside, her brows narrowed. That’s not why I want to help you.
He blinked at her, meeting her gaze and suddenly realizing. He didn’t even have to open his mind to her to understand. He wasn’t a little boy to her anymore, one of Jackie’s students, the teenager whose hair she ruffled after a hard fought game of basketball five years ago. She saw him differently now, just as he saw her, too. And she wanted to help because she cared about him.”
Like Brandon Noble did, all virgin heroes have their reasons for remaining virgins. But when love, in the form of Lina Jones, returns to his life, he cannot help but surrender despite impossible odds and the uphill battle he knows they must climb.
Question: Of all the virgin hero stories you’ve read, which is your favorite…heroine 
What qualities do you like to see in the woman who claims such a hero?
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heidenkind
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 2:21 am:
This book sounds great! I’m going to have to check it out.
Marisa
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 7:18 am:
Ah, Stacey – I too am a fan of Brandon and Sara Reinke’s book has a very unusual twist/mythology which makes Brandon’s plight even more compelling.
The heroines who have to deal with virgin heroes, and as we’ve talked about, ‘tortured’ heroes, must have some very strong character traits in order to be equal to the task of having a successful relationship. They must be able to listen – not only to the hero but to themselves. To get past any self- doubts and stay the course. This is not an easy road to travel and the authors who can successfully craft a heroine who can stand on her own and still share her strength and intelligence are veritable magicians in the world of writing.
Some of my favorite heroines who have achieved this are Claire in Outlander – she is a match for Jamie in every way. Her strength and courage are formidable.
But one of my all time favorite heroines in a virgin hero story has got to be Angela Bainbridge from Lorraine Heath’s The Outlaw and The Lady.
Buffie
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 7:40 am:
Wow, I haven’t heard of this book, but just reading this blog and the passages included in it make me want to get the book. Great job Stacey!
Gannon
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 8:00 am:
Wonderful blog, Stacey! I see I have another book I have to add to my list of TBB. It sounds fantastic!
Marisa hit the nail on the head. The heroines who love our virgin heroes must display strength and courage, but also great sensitivity and compassion. Bravo to the authors who write these amazing women.
Claire, of course, is one of my favorites. She is incredibly smart, brave and strong–a worthy partner for her beloved Jamie.
Bella is another excellent example. She has a lot of baggage of her own to deal with, so I think that makes her better able to understand and relate to Zsadist. Even though he’s the “scariest” of the Brothers, Bella has never been afraid of him. Her love and compassion for him is so complete. Together, they make a very “sigh-worthy” couple!
Stacy ~
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 8:00 am:
Wow, just when I think I cannot imagine another fascinating take on the virgin hero, you’ve gone and blown that theory out of the water, Stacey. Brandon sounds incredibly tortured and carries quite a burden, and the type of heroine Lina seems to be is exactly the type of woman that belongs with him. I think you need to have a strong heroine, but also a deeply caring one. Someone who will fight to be with her man, but also take the time to initiate him in lovemaking and not let his reluctance hold him back, but encourage him.
Like Marisa, I also like Claire a lot. She was definitely not a dreamer, but more of a no nonsense type of heroine, very practical, yet they shared such a deep, abiding love. They were a perfect match.
I’m definitely adding this book to my list….
stacey @ work
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 8:10 am:
I’m so glad you guys like the blog
The book is fabulous and I hope you all enjoy it when you pick it up.
I’m also liking the characterizations of the heroines. A strong heroine is necessary, as well as one who’s understanding. I’ve always had a soft spot for Sass from ‘Games of Command’ and Callie from ‘Born in Sin.’ Not just because I adore both heroes they’re paired with(well yeah I think that’s got a LOT to do with it) but more importantly, because I love the PAIRING, of the way both heroines complement their heroes.
Stacey
who’s heading back to work
Andrea
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 8:33 am:
Terrific blog, Stacey! I’ve not read this book, but you certainly make me want to!
As for my favorite heroine in a virgin hero story, I’d have to say Angela Bainbridge from Lorraine Heath’s The Outlaw and the Lady. She’s a strong heroine who overcomes a lot of odds to finally get what she wants.
Have a great day at work!
Kati
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 10:27 am:
Great blog, Stacey! I’ll be buying this one. Vamps and Virgins? Heck yeah!
Karin
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 1:54 pm:
Stacey, this was yet another great blog. Along with all the other books with their virgin heroes discussed this week, this one is going on my list.
PJ
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 1:58 pm:
Great blog, Stacey! I’ve heard about this book but hadn’t gotten around to buying it. Now I will!
katiebabs
on Dec 12th, 2008
@ 8:56 pm:
WOW. A man who says, take my untouched body because I have been waiting for only you!
Me likey
Sara Reinke
on Dec 13th, 2008
@ 10:44 am:
Hi, Stacey! Thanks so much for including Brandon in this discussion of virgin heroes! I’ve really enjoyed following along this week, not to mention adding to my personal TBR pile with all of the great suggestions of the other books and authors profiled!
Brandon was a fascinating character to write — and continues to be so. (I’m about 20k into “Dark Passion,” the third book in the series, which will be out sometime early next year from its new publisher, Double Dragon.) I think it’s his unflappable combination of innocence and dogged determination that makes him so appealing to me. I had the original idea for “Dark Thirst” probably 10 years ago, if not more, and more than anything else, it was the character of Brandon in particular that kept it on the back burner of my mind all of that time. I knew I wanted to write about him; there was just something unique, intriguing and engaging about him. I think I fell in love with him a little bit along the way… (shhh! don’t tell my husband, LOL)
When I was writing him, I had a picture of Orlando Bloom that I used as a character reference, but last year, when I saw “Prince Caspian,” I realized the young actor who played Caspian, Ben Barnes, would be a perfect physical fit, age and appearance-wise, for Brandon.
Thanks again for this opportunity! I’ll keep you posted on my progress with “Dark Passion!” So far so good!
*hug*
Sara