When a hero is given the label “The Duke of Slut”, it can mean in the literal sense where he will bed any women in walking distance. But in some cases, the Duke of Slut label can also mean how the hero lives his life. When I think of a Duke of Slut I think of an alpha male who oozes sexuality and where their personality is one of self assurance. He has a certain lifestyle that screams power and money. He also has incredible fashion sense. He is a man all other men aspire to be and where a woman would do anything just to have one night in his arms.
The one man who comes to mind that fits this role perfectly is Roarke, that Irish rogue from J.D. Robb’s In Death series. Now I expect some argument with picking this certain character, which is understandable. But if you think of it, Roarke has all the traits a Duke of Slut has.
A perfect example of Roarke’s Duke of Slut attributes is in chapter two of Naked in Death, the first book in the In Death series. Eve, the heroine of this series and who will end up being Roarke’s future mate and wife, is investigating a murder where Roarke is a suspect. When she brings up his picture, the description says it all:
He was almost ridiculously handsome: the narrow, aesthetic face; the slash of cheekbones; and sculpted mouth. Yes, his hair was black, but the computer didn’t say it was thick and full and swept back from a strong forehead to fall inches above broad shoulder. His eyes were blue, but the word was much too simple for the intensity of color of the power in them.
Even on an image, Eve could see this was man who hunted down what or who he wanted, bagged it, used it, and didn’t bother with frivolities as trophies.
Roarke exudes power and lives for the hunt whether it is for money or to seduce a woman. And when he decides on Eve, he won’t let her go. He takes control of situation and expects to be obeyed because he is so used to having everything he wants. Roarke may have risen from nothing, but as he made his way to the top, he has done everything he can to achieve what he desires. He is methodical from the way he runs his business, from the woman he will chooses to plunder, to even deciding on the perfect suit to wear.
Roarke doesn’t have a last name, which lends to the sensual mystery of this character. He admits that he has had many women, but just like Eve forgives him for those past indiscretions, the reader does also. Because everything Roarke has learned and experienced is for one woman and one woman alone. Roarke’s Eve accepts him as he is as he does her. The way Roarke is with Eve will never be reciprocated ever again with another woman. And when Roarke says he would go all the way to hell and back to be with Eve, he means it with every part of his being.
Has Roarke been reformed? Certainly. Even though something dark and feral still lurks under his skin, waiting to be unleashed. It is a good thing Eve is the only one who can take care of all his sluttish behavior in the bedroom (or on top of a desk, on the floor, in a car or in their pool of choice).
Has Eve really tamed Roarke? Are there any other Duke of Slut like attributes Roarke may have that I haven’t mentioned?
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Kati
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 11:55 am:
*SIGH*
I love Roarke. Why? Well, he is most certainly an alpha male. But more than that, he is absolutely a care giver. He adores Eve ridiculously and even as he’s horrified that he’s married to a cop, he bends over backwards to help her. Even at times subjugating his instinct for her wants. But he nurtures her and brings the sweetness to the forefront. Roarke is thoughtful and caring. He’s a good friend, he’s loyal and kind. Then again, he’s a total badass who has no patience for those who gets in his way. He can be ruthless and hard, he’s not afraid to use every power available to get what he wants. He’s tough enough to stand up to a wife who is alpha herself, and not only that, but he’s often able to get her to apologize first. No mean feat, I tell ya!
There is truly NOTHING about Roarke that I do not adore.
It’s probably why I picked him first when I drafted my heroes.
OK, that was mean, I know, Kate.
Shell
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 12:41 pm:
One of the things that I find so attractive about Roarke is his absolute loyalty, fidelity, and acceptance of Eve. He is a fierce defender of Eve and really of all the people that he cares about. He stands up for what he believes in and does what he thinks is right no matter what. He and Eve do not see eye to eye on everything and he respects that fact. These may not be “Duke of Slut” attributes but they certainly are alpha.
Eve hasn’t tamed him by a long shot, but she certainly has changed him.
Gannon
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 1:18 pm:
Oh, Roarke, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. *sigh* Really, what’s not to love. Roarke possesses all of the qualities of an alpha hero and then some. Eve hasn’t tamed him, but then I don’t think he’d be the same Roarke if she did. Of course, he hasn’t tamed her either.
katiebabs
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 2:14 pm:
Kati, we may still have a cat fight on the island over him. Roarke is the man. My ultimate fantasy lover!
katiebabs
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 2:14 pm:
Now everyone is going to think I am a lush because of the drink I am holding in my hands. Hmmm cosmos…
orannia
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 3:01 pm:
Thank you Katie! There is one line I have that, for me, personifies how Roarke feels about Eve. (Apologies, I can’t remember which book this is from):
I would have found you, even on the darkest road.
That one line tells me that it doesn’t matter what Roarke has had to go through, he knows in the depths of his soul that he would find Eve…because he is meant to be with Eve. *SIGH*
Michele
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 4:11 pm:
What is there not to love about Roarke? Strong and powerful, yet fiercly loyal and protective. He loves so completely and passionately that he’s the perfect man for Eve.
And I just want to say that in the last book he showed just how wonderful he is in two scenes. First, when he and Eve went shopping for Louise’s bridal shower gift at the linergie store and Roarke made sure Eve got some support tanks knowing that she prefers them over frilly underwear. Second, when he gave her a new car and didn’t have to fight her tooth-and-nail to give it to her like he might have in the past.
KristieJ
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 5:33 pm:
I love Roarke to pieces too – though I would never consider him a Duke of Slut type character. To me that implies a hero from a privileged background (duke) who will nail anything in skirts (slut) until he meets the heroine. He certainly didn’t come from a wealthy background and though I’m sure he had many lovers before Eve – I’m equally sure he was very discriminating in his tastes in women. Otherwise he would have nailed the Senators granddaughter from the first book.
jmc
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 6:42 pm:
I’m of the same mind as KristieJ: while I think Roarke is a fascinating and well-written character, classifying him as a Duke of Slut bothers me, because it is a pejorative term for me. To me, that phrase describes a hero who takes his wealth/position/privilege for granted, and uses it as an excuse to screw as many women as possible, without regard for their emotions or anything else. (I’m a duke/prince/magnate/vampire alpha, so I can do whatever I want without thought of consequences; it feels good for me, so I will do it.) Roarke, however he may have gotten around pre-Eve, doesn’t seem to have been careless about the women in his past, even if they were only temporary.
stacey
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 6:46 pm:
Fabulous post Kate
*sighs loudly at the thought of this particular Irishman*
‘Even though something dark and feral still lurks under his skin, waiting to be unleashed. ‘
And that’s the core of it. That it’s absolutely clear that despite his refined surface, that Duke of Slut/Bad Boy is still just below the surface. And no, Eve hasn’t tamed him … but we like it that way
Marisa
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 6:52 pm:
Oh, you picked one of my all time favorites!!
I don’t think Eve tamed Roarke and I don’t think Roarke tamed Eve – together they make a whole. The missing pieces of their lives snapped into place when they met each other. One of the things I love about these two as a whole – is the Ms. Roberts has given them some realistic issues to face during the past 20 something books. They don’t always agree, they don’t always like each other – but they always love and respect each other.
And yes, he is all that AND more. Nora broke the mold when she created Roarke.
Stacy ~
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 7:26 pm:
The button. Just that alone made me fall in love with Roarke. He’s beautiful, powerful, unbelievably rich, arrogant, yet Eve got to him without even trying. She was just his other half, and I love that he was the one to realize it first, and act on it. I love how he would do anything for her but lets her do for herself, even if it kills him to do so. I never get tired of reading more about Roarke, or his ladylove, Eve.
PJ
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 7:50 pm:
And still more books to add to my tbb list. Terrific blog, Kate!
Marisa
on Mar 19th, 2009
@ 8:10 pm:
Stacy – that button makes my heart melt.
Caitlin
on Mar 23rd, 2009
@ 2:26 pm:
LOVE the series..good post
Stacy
on May 13th, 2010
@ 1:57 pm:
Ahh…the button! love it..!!