I recently read a paranormal in a contemporary setting that featured a twenty-six year old virgin. Now, the majority of the time I find that the author can provide a solid and convincing theory for this phenomenon but others leave me scratching my head. It's all comical of course because while my brain believes the heroine to be a blood sucking vampire, it can't grasp her twenty-six year old virgin state without justifiable cause.
In both straight contemporaries and contemporary set paranormal, I find myself searching for the virgin card. It almost distracts me from the book at times because I'm wondering about: a) if the heroine will be a virgin and b) if she is a virgin, will I be able to believe in the reason given.
If the reason for the heroine's virgin state provides enough proof to the cause, then I can understand. For example: Gena Showalter's heroine in 'The Darkest Kiss', Anya, is a self assured, independent, gorgeous goddess but she's also a centuries old virgin. For those that haven't read the novel, I'm sure you're shaking your head over this. But Anya's virginity is justified. This goddess was cursed at an early age. If she were to allow a man inside her, she would forever be bound to that man and if he were to die, then she'd mourn him tragically forever. This I can understand. Proof positive.
Although, unfortunately even if the book has good cause, I still kind of want to say "come on already. Do we really need another book featuring a virgin heroine?" You know what I want? I want more virgin heroes. And beyond that, I want more sex from the hero's POV. But that's another discussion entirely. Back to the heroine. Why do we place so much importance on the virgin heroine anyway? Men, the same as woman, must loose their virginity at some point. Is it that we want our heroes experienced in the ways of pleasure? Do we want that fantasy where the man knows exactly where to move, touch and kiss to give the ultimate ecstasy? If so, why do they have to achieve this by sleeping with numerous women to achieve that perfect lover status? Why can't it just be instictual?
Now, with historicals, it's pretty much a given that the heroine will be a virgin. In almost no cases do you have a virgin hero. And both these facts are accepted practically universally. Although I've noticed, and much to my delight, that the historical romance market is introducing fallen women and widows as their heroines. Loretta Chase is and has been writing an entire series of fallen women. Anna Campbell has written two novels featuring courtesans (and one with a virgin hero. Yay!) and I've found myself becoming excited over these cultured and more experienced women. Is it because it projects the more modern woman? Perhaps, but I find myself being gravitated to this new historical heroine.
More to the point though, do we even want virgins these days? Does it make sense in contemporaries to have a virgin heroine? Understandably, historical romance authors have a perfectly valid excuse but again, is it virgins that we want to read?
30 comments:
what a cool post from both an author perspective as well as a reader perspective. As an author I like the challenge it would present, of writing a sexy virgin hero. In my reading pleasures however, I'm not generally turned on by the idea. I really have no desire to 'tutor' a man whether it be in fiction or real life! lol! Now, that said, I would read a book with a virgin hero if it came recommended by someone I trusted.
I like the aspect of a fallen woman in historicals because let's face it, there were many of those back in the day, and it makes for very good conflict as well as adding a touch of realism and a connectivity to the modern day woman.
In contemporaries, I'm much more choosy about those virgin heroines. I'm a labour and delivery room nurse and see a grossly alarming number of teenage pregnancies. Girls are doing it faar younger than women of my generation and my generation was doing it young enough! lol! So, it seems very unrealistic that a woman would be a virign at such an age in the 21st century.
Like you, I need a very compelling reason for her to be in that state. But, like you, I also question the validity of needing a virgin heroine.
Cool post and very thought provoking!
Hi VFG!
Awesome post and question...
As you indicated, I think if the "virgin card", works within the context of the story and in keeping with the heroine's history then it's appropriate. However, if the author makes her heroine a virgin, just 'because', then I ::scratches head:: wondering where that came from. lol
I think in the paranormal and historical subgenres a virgin heroine is much more believable than in contemps. Of course, there are always exceptions and when the circumstances surrounding the heroines virginity are clearly defined then it can work.
Virginity in today's romance I don't think is expected as much as previously. IMHO anyway.
Awesome pick by the way! lolol You ROCK...
Have a great day!
L
Yikes: I meant "Pic" as in picture, not "Pick". I'm a dork. lol
Thanks so much for the shout out VFG!
L
Crap my post didn't come through!! It sounded something like this:
Attempt 2:
Virgin heroine's? Hhmmm, perhaps women like to read it because the heroine often has a first time that is with a man who knows his moves to give ultimate pleasure and often one or multiple orgasms.
It also can provide for a great chase, male big bad wolf going after female innocent little red riding hood, it makes for all that pent up need to explode between the sheets in some energizer bunny sex.
It is a classic set up of the dream we girls have been spoon fed by the world while growing up. You grow up, be a “nice girl,” fall in love, get married and produce a child or two. Now what if the world doesn’t work that way? What if life throws you a curve ball? Now those stories often interest me more. Like Anna Campbell, heroine’s who try to make the best of often a precarious situation and defy society but still remain with an innate elegance.
For me it leans heavily on how the author provides background or characterization, if it doesn’t fit the character traits or if there is not a reason provided I don’t need my heroine’s to be a virgin. Now a male virgin…that sounds interesting, I think Jamie from The Outlander was one?
Interesting topic! JR Ward had a vampire virgin (Wrath's first "untouched" wife) and I found that a bit hard to believe, but Ward did a fair job explaining the 'why' behind it- but I didn't personally care for that storyline.
Hi Sophie!
You know, I've only read one virgin hero book...that I can recall. There might have been one more... But anyway, the one I remember - 'Untouched' by Anna Campbell was A-MAY-ZING! Not just because it was unique but because it was just so beautiful. And yes the first "time" wasn't perfect but damn did Matthew learn fast and even better, he wanted to learn how to please and there is just something beautiful about being apart of that first time for him. I definitely recommend it Sophie if you're interested. Barbara has a review for it on her site. http://booklover125.blogspot.com/2009/03/untouched-by-anna-campbell.html
And me as well, I'm very critical of the modern day virgin heroine in contemporary and contemporary set paranormal. It breaks the spell, IMO, if the heroine is a virgin for an unrealistic reason. I don't want to be rolling my eyes at my book.
;) VFG
I'm with you. I have a hard time believing and relating to virgins in contemporaries (especially when they have that glorious orgasmic first timer sex!) But like you say, if there's a reason they're a virgin, esp. a great character reason, I'm there.
Hey Leontine:
You are quite correct, Jamie Fraser from Outlander was a virgin....
L
Hey Lea! You're very welcome for the pimpage. ;)
Yes, I agree. A virgin in a paranormal can be more believable based on the hindrence of their "powers". But I've noticed that it's shockingly prevelent. Why is that? Are authors intentionally penning paranormal virgin heroines? Is this something that the publishers want to see or is it reader influenced? I just find it interesting b/c I, personally, don't need my heroines to be virgins.
You don't see it very often in straight contemps, thank goodness. I'd need a damn good reason for it.
lol! You should seen the variety of different pics on photobucket for "virginity". It was a fun filled search.
;) VFG
Hey Leontine!
"Hhmmm, perhaps women like to read it because the heroine often has a first time that is with a man who knows his moves to give ultimate pleasure and often one or multiple orgasms." <- Good point and I do like this angle but how many times can you stand to read this plot? Maybe I've become desensitized to it but I'm bored with this one.
I also agree that it does represent the classic dream. And I also think that it will never go out of style, I just don't want to keep reading it over and over. You know, even if the reasoning is viable, I still kinda feel disappointed that I have to once again read about a virgin heroine. This most certainly could be entirely my own non-sensical rant but I just want something more than the classics. You know?
Have you read Campbell's 'Untouched'? I really want to read more virgin heroes like Matthew. And like Sophie, I don't necessarily want the heroine to tudor the hero (although I think it could be done in a really sexy manner), but more that I want it to be instinctual. I want those masculine animal instincts to just take over. YUM-EEEE! Oh yes, I want more of that.
I've yet to read 'Outland', although I have it in the TBR, but it's huge! And frankly the size terrifies me. Will it hold my interest for a 1000 pages???
;) VFG
Good post! Well, to be honest, for me, it all depends on the plot. If it's an important aspect in the plot, than no, I don't mind it.
It is more believable ina historical romance, because generally most women married young back then and in fact were virgins. I find that it's harder for me to believe a woman in a contemp can be a virgin.
I TOTALLY dig the virgin heroes!!!! But again, it has to fit the plot.
Hey MsMoonlight!
I know exactly to whom you are refering, although I was able to believe the reasoning behind Marissa's virginity. To an exent... I suppose though that it doesn't make sense that Wrath didn't "take" her. Hmm...you've brought up a good thought there.
Hi Carolyn!
LMAO!!! Exactly!! I've never met a woman whose first time was orgasmic. And maybe that's the reasoning for the fantasy but personally, I think it's false advertising for all those virgin girls reading romance. It should start with a warning or something. What are we telling these girls? Could there be a coorilation between romance novels and teenage sex? Hmmm....
;) VFG
Hey Barbara!!
I agree, I think it all depends on the plot and IF it is important.
And it's definitely easier to believe in historical romance. I totally expect it for the very reason you pointed out. "most women married young back then and in fact were virgins."
It's mostly that I'm just craving something different.
Oh, ME TOO! I'm so into the virgin heroes. Do you know of any other books that have that, Barbara? All that's been mentioned is 'Untouched' and 'Outlander'...
(((hugs))) VFG
Hey VampFanGirl
This is a wonderful and truthful post.
I just finished reading some of Elizabeth Amber's novels and in the first one & third one, the heroins were both virgins. But the time was set back in the 1800's. So, that is beleivible, because like you said, so much was put on virginity back then. And there is a difference with paranormal because like Anya in Gena Showalter's book, she has a damn good reason not to give it up. So, with powers like that behind the reason, I believed her. But today, I have a hard time accepting the fact that many women at late 20's are still a virgin - in todays time. So, the reasoning needs to be explained and beleivible. Now for a hero to be a virgin, I have not read any of those... yet; but I bet that makes for some interesting reading material. I would believe it boils down to what the reader can handle. Because like you said, how many times can you read the same "story" over and over.
I want a fantasy book, yes, but I also want it to be believible as well. Is that too much to ask, I think not, because we all would love to close our eyes and imagine our knights in shining aromour coming to resuce us (even if it is your husband who snores ever so loudly.) I want to be able to picture that happening, that is what imagination is all about... but I also want it real.
I hope you are having a great day!
Quote:"Hhmmm, perhaps women like to read it because the heroine often has a first time that is with a man who knows his moves to give ultimate pleasure and often one or multiple orgasms." <- Good point and I do like this angle but how many times can you stand to read this plot? Maybe I've become desensitized to it but I'm bored with this one.
Precisely! When I read Anna Campbell I sighed a breath of relief, she is one of the authors whom ignited my flame for the historical novels again. I have read all three novels and I am over the moon she is delivering us a second novel in October I think. At one point in my life I had enough with virgins who are chased by rogues, rakes and scoundrels, have some sort of altercation and forced to wed. Although this is very basically said and many variations are out there it is authors like Sherry Thomas, Anna Campbell, Lisa Valdez etc who give a new voice to the genre. And a hero doesn’t need to go all the way to “know” how to pleasure a woman, it doesn’t have to go clumsily.
My examples where more reasons why I think women might like virgin heroine’s and how our society might fuel that dream :D I on the other hand go for the unusual and absolutely loved Untouched and Matthew.
This is a quote from my review, how could one not fall in love with matthew?
Quote Matthew in thoughts:
You’re a scientist: Approach this with your brains, not your balls.
I rest my case.
VFG,
I'm on the bandwagon with everyone else. LOL
I don't read many historicals - but I can believe that the female in the story is a virgin - that was just the times.
In my usual paranormal romances I can see the point of Anya's virginity and even Marissa's - and the chick in Passion Unleashed, can't remember her name - but if she lost her virginity, she transferred her immortality to her lover and then she would have died. I can see holding out in the case. :)
But in a contemporary romance - honestly it just doesn't come across as believable. In this day and age, with sex everywhere - it is just too hard to believe that a grown woman would still be a virgin - unless it came down to religious beliefs - but then they wouldn't give it up as easily as they seem to do in the books. :)
As long as the point of the virginity is believable it doesn't slow the story - but if it's not, then it just seems to be a distraction. :)
M
Hey Cecile!
"But today, I have a hard time accepting the fact that many women at late 20's are still a virgin - in todays time. So, the reasoning needs to be explained and beleivible." <- So, SO, true. I think virgins in their twenties are few and far between.
And like you, I want the fantasy but I also need that fantasy to have some link to reality for me to believe in it. To be able to connect.
;) VFG
The hero is Ward's short, The Story of Son was also a virgin. I loved Matthew from Untouched. Sigh...I think authors should pen more virgin heroes if you ask me.
LOL Leontine! You crack me up. And yeah, I felt the same sigh of relief when reading Campbell. She offered something new and controversial which in and of its self draws me like a moth to a flame. I thrive on controversy.
And I totally agree that a virgin hero doesn't necessarily have to be portrayed as clumsy. It's all about the primitive instincts baby!!
;) VFG
Hey Michelle!
"But in a contemporary romance - honestly it just doesn't come across as believable. In this day and age, with sex everywhere - it is just too hard to believe that a grown woman would still be a virgin - unless it came down to religious beliefs - but then they wouldn't give it up as easily as they seem to do in the books." I'm so in agreement with you here. Out of all the sub genres of romance, pulling off a virgin heroine in contemporary romance is the most difficult. And for exactly the reasons you listed.
Barbara! That's right! I knew I'd read another story with a virgin hero. Why do I see a trend though where the male only stays a virgin because he's locked up....? Food for thought.
;) VFG
LOL! VERY TRUE!!!
I guess unless a man is locked up, ain't nothing getting between him and some va-jay-jay. :P
LMAO!!!! Men! They're animals!!
lol - va-jay-jay! That's one of my faves. I won't tell you the one that really makes me laugh cause its really, REALLY, bad!
LMAO!!!! :P
Well, I will really make you laugh when I tell you that I have just learned that that was the name of it!! And my daughter is the one that taught me that one. I didn't know what the hell she was talking about.
I guess we just expect our men to lose their virginity at an early age. Its not fair to us women... but still, its what society would expect for them. Sure, men would love for the woman they touch to be a virgin. I have actually heard that, but then again... I am sure us as women would have to have a couple of "men" under our belt as well... You know... for comparison reasonings LOL!!!
I like reading books with heroines and heroes as virgins. I also like reading about characters that are experienced.
What is compelling is the protagonists stories. It may be just as interesting to read about a heroine that has been with many different men, as it is to read about a woman who has been in a convent for 20 years. In both cases, the heroines may experience "awakenings". Maybe the more experienced h has never been in love or her love has been lost and she has a second chance. Maybe the virgin heroine has compelling reasons why she hasn't supped, such as her background or religious upbringing.It really has more to do with the skill of the writer and the way the story is told.
In short, I don't find virginity passe. It is a condition that everyone at one time has gone through and losing it is a universal condition that I think deserves to be explored in books.
Hey VFG..
A little late - but here is my two cents worth
I don't mind who is the virgin, hero or heroine but as you said it's more common place to see female virgin rather than male..
I agree with Barbara it depends on the plot and how much angst and emotional investment that the author places on the protags so the virgin status does not make a difference..or do i stress about it to be honest.
Johanna Lyndsay and Ghurke are probably two of those author who amp up the angst - so without even an explanation, you sort of just take it for granted that the heroine would be virgin. Whether we leave them in that state is another matter...
Contemps virgins, very rare and i don't mind - however - when an author gets, the plot, the protags, the tension right - it a read that's so worth it... A good example is probably Rebecca Vickery, and most of the better contemps i have read that does it well are hefty read as to get it right - a fair amount of explanation is delved out.
Fallen women - Oh yes - I like... First Samantha Kane, I like her heroine...In as much as it was prettying (is that even a word) high class prostitution.... but I like her heroine.
Love your post...
Good to think about why the lads never come with their zippers in tact...
E.H>
Best BEST best virgin hero book, for me, would be Linnea Sinclair's "Games of Command." Dear GOD he's a sexy hero! And a virgin! And sooo sweet. The whole first sex scene is a gender reversal where he's completely vulnerable and scared and the sexually experienced heroine is dedicated to introducing him to pleasure.
I wasn't a fan of "Untouched" as a whole, although the loss-of-virginity sex scene was pretty awesome (although the other bloated and redundant sex scenes were less entertaining).
I dunno about the importance of virginity. I guess it all has to do with background. If a heroine or hero is religious, or if the heroine or hero is really shy and doesn't date much, if at all, then I have no problem believing they're virgins. If they don't date or have trouble connecting with people, why is it so easy to assume they'll still have having sex with them?
I'm always innately disturbed by the idea that a man (or, increasingly, a woman) is "weird" or "defective" if they're still a virgin by a certain age. I think that's an unfair blanket assumption that doesn't take into account the familial, psychological, environmental, religious, and moral factors that are different to everyone's lifestyle.
That being said, within a narrative, if the heroine's sexual experience or lack thereof is important enough to garner a mention, then you have to be able to back it up.
lol Cecile! Being a fan of stupid and sometimes gross humor, my husband has rattled off all the different terms used for the female anatomy. It was an interesting five minutes...
I agree that society still accepts males loosing their virginity at an early age and persuing many partners. It's interesting that this part of modern society still reflects the age old society law that women are to remain pure until marriage. While it's not a crime for woman to have sex before marriage, I still get the sense that its frowned upon.
;) VFG
Anonymous, thanks for joining the discussion.
"In short, I don't find virginity passe. It is a condition that everyone at one time has gone through and losing it is a universal condition that I think deserves to be explored in books." I'm in agreement with this statement. Virginity does deserve its place in romance. My rant is more in line with my own personal dilemma of having grown bored with this plot devise and how if used, especially in contemporary settings, then it should be believable.
;) VFG
Hey E.H.!
You're right, of the few Johanna Lindsay books I've read, the heroine was a virgin and I recall there being a good reason why. Oh and yes, so much angst! I haven't read Ghurke yet but I do have a couple of her books in the ole TBR.
And I agree with both you and Barbaram that the plot and emotional investment does a lot. If there is enough of that, then the virgin card isn't so much in debate.
Sometimes I seriously feel like I'm desensitized to the importance of virginity in romance. And like above, if the book has an excellent plot and my emotions and heart are involved, then I'm all for it. Maybe it just comes down to good writing.
;) VFG
Hey AnimeJune!
Oooo I'm going to have to check out 'Games of Command'. Sounds good. Thanks for the recommendation!
"I'm always innately disturbed by the idea that a man (or, increasingly, a woman) is "weird" or "defective" if they're still a virgin by a certain age." <- Hmm, I hope you didn't gather that that was my thought... If so or if not, I think you brought up an excellent point. I'm all for a twenty-six year old virgin as long as the reasoning is believable b/c really, in this modern age, its not common. But truly if the heroine was waiting until the right one or due to religion or personality, then I can ralley behind that. I just want it to be believable.
And it's no slight against virgins or virgins in romance, I'm just pointedly bored with it is used as a plot device.
;) VFG
Hi VFG!
I recently discovered Judith James, her heroines are not always virgins and they're historical romances. And her hero was raised in a brothel and had male as well as female clients. So how different is that? I was surprise to say the least and I enjoyed the novel immensely.
I do like my heroine to be virginal but I don't know why. It maybe that I like my hero to be the first to experience the wonder that is our heroine. Or maybe I want her to be perfect for my hero, I just don't know.
Virgin hero is an interesting thought, I wouldn't mind having an innocent as my hero, someone unknown to the wonders of the world. It is a refreshing idea actually, I have read story where the hero is a virgin, but there's always a reason for the virginity. With women, there doesn't necessarily have to be a reason. Being a virgin is reason enough.
Dottie :)
Hi Dottie!
I've heard of Judith James. In fact, Barbara sent me her debut to read. The poor hero, it sounds like he's very tortured.
"I do like my heroine to be virginal but I don't know why. It maybe that I like my hero to be the first to experience the wonder that is our heroine." I also think there is something magical with that first moment. And a lot of cases, the heroine being a virgin is intregal to the plot. But why do boys get to have all the fun? lol!
;) VFG
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