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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Guest Post with Author Shana Galen and Giveaway


Today I am super happy to welcome back one of my favorite authors, Shana Galen. Shana is gearing up for her newest release When You Give a Duke a Diamond, (out Sept. 1) and has stopped by to chat. I hope you all will give her a very warm welcome.

Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of numerous fast-paced, adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books are published all over the world and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city.

Now she writes full time. She’s happily married to an incredibly supportive man she calls Ultimate Sportsfan, and she has a beautiful little girl she calls Little Galen.

Places to find Shana:

When the Heroine is Not a Virgin

If there’s one staple in romance novels, it’s the experienced hero and the inexperienced or virginal heroine. I’ve written it a dozen (okay, well, ten) times. My ninth book, The Making of a Gentleman, had a virgin hero and my twelfth book, which releases September 1st features a heroine who is a courtesan.

I got the idea for the Jewels of the Ton series, a trilogy about glamorous courtesans—the celebrities of their day—after reading a book called My Lady Scandalous, about the life of a real courtesan, Grace Dalrymple Elliott.

The idea excited me because I could foresee writing about sumptuous evening gowns, romantic balls, and, of course, danger and intrigue. There was only one problem: I knew my editor wasn’t going to like a heroine who was a courtesan. I was trying to think of how to make her palatable to my editor (and now I’m thinking how to write this without any spoilers for you, dear reader), when we met up at the RT Convention in Los Angeles. I promise you, I went into that meeting with absolutely no intention of pitching this series to her.

But she has this way of making you pitch without it seeming like you are really pitching…

And, to my surprise, instead of saying, “That’s never going to work!” she said, “What if…?” And my series was born.

It’s interesting, though, that readers prefer virginal or inexperienced heroines paired with experienced heroes. I have heard readers remark that too much experience in a hero is a turn-off, and I have to agree. If a guy has been with dozens of women, there’s a certain ick-factor that creeps in. Especially if we’re talking historical heroes. There were a lot of diseases without cures in the early 1800s. Chances are he would have picked one up.

As a reader myself, I have to admit, I prefer virginal heroines. There’s something about the first time that is special and sweet. First times can also be humorous. I remember reading Lisa Kleypas’s Love in the Afternoon and laughing for a good ten minutes when Beatrix and Christopher first find themselves in an intimate position and Beatrix assumes she knows more than she really does (if you’ve read it, you know the part I mean, right?).

But maybe the virginal heroine is just a hold-over from pre-feminism male chauvinistic attitudes and double standards. As a romance writer, I worry about that too. I don’t want to perpetuate negative attitudes, which is another reason I chose to write about a courtesan in When You Give a Duke a Diamond. Juliette’s position may give her fame, but it causes her plenty of heartache and difficulty too.

What do you think? Do you prefer the virginal heroine or do you like reading about heroines with experience? Why?


First in the Jewels of the Ton series

He had a perfectly orderly life...

William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual, securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that's the way he likes it. But he's in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossip papers link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn't begin to describe what happens next...

Until she came along...

Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It's disruptive to have the duke who is the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William's darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide...

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Indiebound |

1 lucky commenter (International Shipping Available) will win a copy of When You Give a Duke a Diamond

To Enter:
  • Please leave a comment answering Shana's question: What do you think? Do you prefer the virginal heroine or do you like reading about heroines with experience? Why?
  • Fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  

Good Luck =)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

149 comments :

  1. Well, to be honest, I prefer virginal heroines. Maybe I just love the novelty ;)

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    1. And I totally understand that, Aline. I will always enjoy writing virginal heroines.

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  2. as long as it well written i don't mind if the heroine has loved ( or thought she was in love)before but i don't like those who just plays

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  3. I actually like both. I think a non-virginal heroine adds more depth to the story.

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    1. I think sometimes that can be true, Melody. Sometimes a heroine who has a history--who has been hurt before--can have complex issues.

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    2. Melody, you may see this twice. I agree. Sometimes when a character has had a bad experience in the past it can add a lot of complexity to his or her character.

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  4. I usually prefer virginal heroine, call me old-fashioned but I don't like my reading with heroine has around the block. but the story is good or bad doesn't depend if the heroine is virginal or not, it's just my personal taste. ^^

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    1. Izz, I totally understand. I agree that just about anyone can be redeemed if the writing is good.

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    2. Izz, we all have our personal tastes, and I'm always interested in what historical readers enjoy. It often feels like i work in a vacuum. I love it when I can lean across the table (virtually) and say, so what do you think about...?

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  5. I love the virginal one when there is lots of seduction but if the heroine isn't to pushy or hussy like I don't mind experience. Especially if the man doesn't have a lot of experience, it turns the tables...LOL. lsscarchuk@att.net

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    1. LS, this might be the book for you! I think when the tables are turned, that makes it a lot of fun too!

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    2. I completely agree! It's fun to see the tables turned. I recently read a book with a pushy hero, and it turned me off. I felt like the poor heroine was being pressured into sex. That's not secy when it's the man or the woman.

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  6. Most of the time, it is not whether the heroine is virginal, if the hero is studly, the girl is beautiful, or if the money flows. No; to me, instead, it is how well it is written.
    If you ever read Outlaw Viking from Sandra Hill, you will see that none of this matters because I was laughing through the whole book so much so, that when I moved to England I HAD to visit Jorvik and York just to be a part of the book. I went to Lincoln Cathedral JUST to see Katherine's tomb after reading her book wrote by Anya Seton.
    I guess deep down, in all the girly girls of us, we prefer the sweet innocent virgin succumbing to the strong warm male who is of course her Knight in Shining Armour riding that beautiful white steed and they live happily ever after.
    -Ti Colluney

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    1. Ti, I think you are absolutely correct! It is about the story. Most readers can forgive anything if we get wrapped up in the story.

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    2. Ti, you're absolutely correct that it's the story we want. The best historicals sweep us into another world that we do not want to leave.

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  7. Personally I like the heroine to have a little experience. Most of the stories I read about virginal heroines make me wonder how does she really know that the man she's with is really that amazing! I mean really? Yes, they may have chemistry and he may be the love of her life, but what does she have to compare it to? Most of the virginal heroines have only been kissed a handful of times. So for all they know, the man they think is rocking their socks really isn't!

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    1. That's a good point, Patricia! I guess it's all about the fantasy.

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    2. LOL, Patricia! That's a good point. In reality, most of the guys back then probably weren't all that great, but in Romancelandia, all the heroes are fabulous!

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    3. Oh how I wish I lived in Romancelandia!

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  8. I like heroine with experience, sometimes its all the same with virginal reaction on bed....but always got some various reaction when the heroine was NOT virgin....I found it's quite interesting reading ms Hoyt's Thief of Shadows when the hero was a virgin....and the heroine was expert in bedsport...interesting

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    1. Lelyana, I found that reversal interesting too. I just read it and was intrigued! (Oh, and I'm giving a copy away on my FB page too!)

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    2. Lelyana, I know I replied to this, but I'll do it again! I said, in my earlier reply, that i recently read Hoyt's book too and found it interesting for the same reason. And...I'm giving it away tomorrow on my FB author page.

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  9. virginal or experience, both are fine by me. just don't make them stupid. i can't stand stupid or dumb heroines.

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    1. LOL! Yes TSTL heroines are the worst (and I may have written one or two).

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  10. Either/or, it's all about the story for me. If the storyline is plausible, I'll accept either.

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    1. Me, too, Beebs. If it makes sense for the character, I'm okay with it.

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  11. It depends on her situation. I think authors know what their readers will and won't accept.

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    1. That's true, Sheila. And authors have given their readers an expectation they have to fulfill.

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    2. Sheila, you may see this twice. I replied earlier but it hasn't shown up. I agree with you. Authors who have written more than one or two books have set an expectation with readers and know what their readers are expecting.

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  12. I don't mind a non-virgin as a heroine, as long as she's not too slutty. I think that the hero should have some experience, as then they (the H & H) can blend well together, and discover new and exciting things together.

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    1. Diane, that makes sense to me. I do think some heroes have a little TOO much experience. There's an ick factor there.

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    2. Diane, you may see this twice, as I replied earlier and now don't see it. I agree about the slut-factor for both characters. I think we can all appreciate a hero who knows what he's about :-)

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  13. I like to read both. Both are true in the real world, so it is nice to see both sides. However, I would like to see the same with the hero. :-D

    Karin
    AquarianDancer at gmail dot com

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    1. Karin, I definitely don't like reading books where either character is shown with other partners. It's kind of icky to me.

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  14. I read both types.I think it has to do with the type of book you are reading. Most historical romances you expect the women to be a virgin. In some contemporary romances I expect the women to be more experienced. They both have their time & place.
    kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

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    1. Kaylyn, that's a good point. Historically, most women were virgins before they married. .Nowadays, it would be a little far-fetched to have a woman of 28 or so have had no experience

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  15. I like to read both actually. Depending on the storyline, either one could be reasonable which is important. the variety also helps keeps books from being "the same story over again". I also enjoy reading the occasional virginal hero to really switch it up a bit ;)

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  16. It's not so much a matter of preference. It has to fit the situation. There are examples of sweet first times between the hero and experienced heroine. I think the sweetness of the first time of an inexoerienced heroine stems from the gentleness of the hero of not wanting to hurt her. It's really hard to decide what I like more!

    Exitingstageright@gmail.com

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    1. But I agree, Astrid. there are so many different ways love scenes can be written, and we've all read ones we love where the hero was inexperienced or the heroine was a virgin. It just depends on the characters.

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  17. I like both types. It's all about the story line and what works best. As long as its not overdone, it works for me.

    bderosa at rochester dot rr dot com

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  18. I don't mind either virgin or experience but probably because culture or education so i'm still prefer virgin with a lot of skill lol

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    1. So maybe she's read a lot of books, Eli? A skilled virgin...hmmm. I'll work on that :-)

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  19. Thanks for a fun post and congrats on the new release! I'm not really partial to either. I guess whatever fits the story the best. I'm just along for the ride :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Erin. Sounds like you just enjoy a good book.

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  20. I generally prefer an experienced heroine. It makes her more interesting.

    However, I am only with virginal heroine too as long as virginal doesn't mean stupid. :)

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    1. May, very well put! It's all in how the story is written.

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  21. My preference comes into how the author portrays the interaction between the heroine and the hero as opposed to the heroine being a virgin or having some experience.

    I think part of my outlook goes back to my early childhood when I had a friend whose twin sister was mentally impaired. I can still remember how upset I got when she was treated differently by some of our classmates and they could see what a beautiful person she was on the inside.

    I can still remember my father taking me aside the night it happened and telling me that I had a right to be upset but just as those children were judging someone that I was also judging them!

    When I'm reading a "love" story now I "judge" by how the author has written the circumstances and don't judge my the "title" that may be given to the characters.

    As my Dad said to me "judge not that you be not judged" so if I'm reading a story where the heroine is a courtesan I hope to find out background information which would be an explanation of "cause and effect" or "reason and outcome" for the decisions that have been and will be made.

    PS: This applies to the "hero" as well!

    Question! Do we hold heroines up to a higher standard than the heros?

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    1. Jeanne, that was what I was wondering, as well. Are heroines held up to a higher standard? I think they are in some respects. My editor always says she wants a heroine she can relate to and a hero she can fall in love with. Readers might forgive a flaw in someone they love, but we are always harder on ourselves. As far as writing about either characters' previous sexual experience, I try to be vague unless it's necessary to the story.

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  22. for me it doesn't matter if the heroine is experienced or not. but i DO agree w/ a lot of ppl when it comes to her not being stupid..IMHO she CAN be virginal but like have an idea of the mechanics of it all lol

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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    1. Laurie, I think we don't like stupid heroines because we want to imagine ourselves as the heroine, and who would want to imagine themselves as stupid?

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  23. While its more the standard to read about a virginal heroine with the experienced male, I like to read the stories where they are both inexperienced or both have had a partner which is more realistic. As long as the characters though are likeable and their bedroom past fits their character, I don't have an issue with it.

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    1. I agree, Jennifer. It's really about what works for the character. I don't think a virginal courtesan would work very well. By the same token, I sometimes raise my eyebrows at the virgin widows.

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  24. I don't really care as long as the story is good. It's unfair to lose interest on a certain book upon knowing the situation of the heroine.

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    1. You're so right, Lory. Sometimes I have picked up a book I didn't think I would enjoy because of one reason or another and found I loved it and put it on my keeper shelf. So I try to read with an open mind.

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  25. The heroine will always be endearing to me, disregarding the status of her "virtue", as long as love guides her choices.
    minadecaro@hotmail.com

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    1. I could not have put it any better, Mina. Bravo!

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  26. In general, I much prefer heroines with experience as I find them much more interesting if they have some life experience. However, I've certainly read plenty of virginal heroines (that was the social standard after all), and as others have mentioned, as long as they aren't TSTL, and it fits the story line, it's fine with me. Your new trilogy sounds right up my alley. I'll be looking forward to it.

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    1. Jen, all of my heroines in this series have some experience and for some of them it's been life-altering. You'll have to let me know what you think.

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  27. I like both. If it is a good,believeable story then I go where the author takes me. I also love anything that is different from the normal kinds of romance books.

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    1. Mary D, it is nice when you read a book that switches things up a bit.

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  28. I prefer virginal heroines. I like to think that most fictional women at least, have a great time the first time they have sex. In real life, it's not usually that way. Don't interrupt my fantasy, pease!

    Thank you for the opportunity to win this first book in an exciting new series.

    annfesATyahooDOTcom

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    1. Soft Fuzzy sweater, I am not about to interrupt your fantasy. That's what romance is all about!

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    2. I won't ruin your fantasy, Soft Fuzzy Sweater. I love romance because of the fantasy element!

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  29. Hi

    When I first started reading romances (many years ago) I like the virginal heroine however now I enjoy reading about heroines that have some experience in life which may include some bedroom experience :) I actually love reading them all!

    Thanks for the chance
    Pam
    tpibrew@msn.com

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    1. Pam, it's funny how our tastes change. We want the heroines to grow and change with us.

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    2. Pam, I am kind of the same. I always liked virginal heroines, but I'm much more willing to read about experienced heroines now too.

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  30. Reading about the virginal innocent miss seems more authentic when dealing with historical romance, but I do like reading about those with experience especially in how it is so different for women during that time period.

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    1. Yadkny, it definitely is more true to reality when looking at historical fact. Of course, there were plenty of babies born out of wedlock, so it wasn't always the case!

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  31. I like both but I like reading about the virginal heroine the most. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  32. Hey Chicks!

    Got the book on my Kindle and will read it by the end of the month ;D


    I like them either or...virginal characters [men included] if written well, are interesting to watch and follow their awakening, yet the more experienced characters are just too fun to read about because of their 'knowledge' of passion as they 'implement' it..

    Melanie
    PS: We need to book you soon for b2b

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    1. Yay, Melanie. Can't wait to see what you think. I'm happy to come back to b2b either for this book or my March release. Thanks!

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    2. Good point, Melanie. I didn't think about that with experienced characters. That could actually be a fun scene--a battle of techniques!

      I'd love to come back to b2b, either for this book or in March, when my next book comes out.

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  33. I think as long as it is well written it doesn't matter one way or the other. It is just a different style and I like them both. Carin
    mawmom at gmail dot com

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    1. Carin, it's all about how well the book is written. I agree!

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  34. I prefer the heroine to have little or no experience.

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    1. bn100, if you read this one, I'll be interested to hear what you think.

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    2. If you read this one, bn100, you'll have to let me know what you think of Juliette.

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  35. I prefer the virginal heroine, because I'm reading to escape. I don't expect women to remain virgins until they find their 'soulmate' in real life, but there is - as you said - something special about the first time being with the hero they end up with. That said, although I do worry that people see it as a chauvinistic conceit that demands a woman be innocent and a man be experienced, I also enjoy the trope of the virgin hero.

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    1. I wrote a virgin hero, Miss Sigh, and it was very well received. It was tough to write, though. It's not what I'm used to.

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    2. I worry about that too, Miss Sigh. And I am cheered that more virginal heroes are being written.

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  36. I kinda perfer the virginal heroine, but it then again it totally depends on my mood. I think the innocent flirting is cute.

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    1. Sophia, I like the innocent flirting too. There's not enough of that in books these days!

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    2. I like innocent flirting too, Sophia. There's not enough of it in books lately!

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  37. I like both, but it depends entirely on the story. It is fun to see a virgin tease the hero without knowing what she is doing to him. It is also fun to see a woman with experience who is determined not to succumb to the hero's charms.

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    1. Oh, Cathy, you need to help me plot. I love those situations too, and you've given me so many ideas!

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  38. PS: My email is kscathy@yahoo.com

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  39. Shana,
    I'm flexable when it comes to my heroines - if anything, be she virginal or experienced, I want it to be natural to the story.

    Enjoyed the blog post very much and most of my ideas come from a "What-If" spin on ideas and plots, too. For me, they're the most fun - to explore the "what-ifs." :)

    I enjoy your writing and it's great to find you on your blog tour. You know I'd love a copy of "When You Give a Duke A Diamond." :)

    Congrats on the new release!
    Smiles
    Steph

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    1. Thanks, Steph! I completely agree that it has to be natural to the story. For me, that's really the most important thing.

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  40. I enjoy the variety of both but I really like it when both the hero and heroine don't have alot of experience. As long as it works with the story, I'm good :)

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    1. Lisa, I haven't read many where neither have much experience. I think that would be a fun read, though. Maybe I'll write one!

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    2. Lisa, I haven't read a lot of books where neither have experience, but that gives me an idea for a book proposal...

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  41. Depends on the story but I like one that is a little more experienced because they seem to be a little more sassy

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    1. I definitely felt as though I could make Juliette a bit more saucy. She is not crude at all, but she's more confident of herself.

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    2. Julieann, I agree. I was able to make Juliette a little more sassy because she was more confident in herself.

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  42. I like reading about heroines with experience because they know what it's all about and usually have learned some life lessons that make it a little harder for them to fall for the hero - that makes things interesting.

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    1. Oh, yes! Anything that creates some conflict or tension between the hero and heroine is welcome, Barbara!

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    2. It's interesting how as we get older or gain life experience, we want our heroines to grow up and gain experience too. Thanks, Barbara!

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  43. for historical romances I prefer the heroine to be virginal

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    1. Di, it's definitely very authentic as historically most upper class women were probably virgins when they were married. Thanks for checking in!

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    2. Di, you'll have to let me know what you think if you read my new book. I'm really interested.

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  44. I always read the virginal heroine, so I prefer the virginal heroine for Historical Romance genre.

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    1. Filia, I'll be interested, if you read my book, to hear what you think. Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. I generally do too, Filia. But if you read this one, let me know what you think of Juliette and how I handled her "experience."

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  45. I do enjoy reading about the virginal heroine. It's the innocence & self-awareness I love.

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    1. Marybelle, I also like the innocence and awakening aspect of writing a virgin heroine. There is just something very sweet about that first time falling in love, being kissed, and so on.

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  46. It would depend greatly on the story, and the time setting of that story. Virginal heroines are much more common in historicals because that was what society expected of women, and they often were married at very young ages. I am sure that many of the women throughout history were not virgins on their wedding day, but it was much more common than today.
    But if I am reading a contemporary or even futuristic story, I expect the heroines to generally have more experience. And I do enjoy when the heroines have some experience or if not, that there is a logical reason for her to still be a virgin, especially if she is in her 20's or older.

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    1. June, I agree with you 100%. I find it weird if I'm reading a contemporary and the heroine has no experience at all. Even if she had no experience, if she watched TV for 10 minutes, she'd know a lot! Maybe the reason we like historicals is it really is the last bastion of the innocent young lady.

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  47. I enjoy both depending on the story and how it unfolds. I'm reading Undone by Lila DiPasqua right now and the heroine wasn't a virgin. The story wouldn't be the same any other way. Why limit yourself to either one or the other. Each story is what it is and to have it any other way wouldn't be true to the characters and how they become who they are.

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    1. Leah, don't you love the cover for Undone? I have it on my e-reader, but Lila sent me a copy for a swag bag, and I really think I'm going to have to get the print version. Yes, I can't imagine that book if the heroine was a virgin. It wouldn't work. Good point!

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  48. I see all my lost comments showed up this morning! Yay! Some of you got 2 responses :-)

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  49. Great post. Congratz on the new release Shana! Would love to read this book.

    I don't have any preference on sexual status either the hero or the heroine. It depends on the storyline and characters background. Though in historical romance the heroine usually a virgin, but in contemporary more often the heroine had some experience. It would be more interesting if the hero was the one with no experience (rarely found this kind premise).

    thanks for the giveaway

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    1. Adisty, there are a couple of recommendations for inexperienced heroes in the above comments. Also, my book THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN features a virgin hero.

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  50. I prefer a virginal heroine even tho I've read both types & it really depends on how the writer has written the story & characters.

    Love your books Shana!

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    1. Thanks, Linda. I agree. It really has to do with how the story is written. Thanks for stopping by!

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  51. I don't have a problem with either, as long as the characters are well written. Congrats on the new release. Can't wait to read it.

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  52. I prefer virginal heroines. I love when they find a new side in themselves, new sensations and emotions.
    tessa.bamberg@kolumbus.fi

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    1. Tessa, that is definitely one of the things I love about writing virginal heroines. The love scenes can be very sweet.

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  53. I like heroines that aren't afraid to go get what they want - doesn't matter if they're virginal or experienced.

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    1. Jasmyn, that's my favorite sort of heroine too1 I like a woman--or man--who isn't afraid to risk it all.

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  54. In a historical romance novel it's preferred that the heroine be virginal due to the time period which is fine but like most of the other comments said, I don't like stupid virgins. There's a bit of a stigma with virgins even in today's day and age that they're ignorant, dumb and fearful. So not true. So as far as historic romance goes, I don't mind as long as she's smart as a whip, tough and knows what she wants and goes after it, er, him. However, I've read a few historical romances where the roles are reversed (Elizabeth Hoyt's Thief of Shadows) and it has worked with fantastic results.

    If we were talking contemporary romance I'd have to say 100% no way to the virginal heroine. I'm just a modern woman that way.

    Adria

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    1. Adria, someone else mentioned Elizabeth Hoyt's Thief of Shadows, and I agree! She did the reversal well. I'm so glad so many of you are open to reading different scenarios.

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  55. I don't have a preference for either kind of heroine. Virginal ones bring in interesting naïveté in most cases, but with experienced ones, there's all sorts of room for fun double entendres. Each kind has its place in books, and so long as they're used well, I'm happy :-)

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    1. Sarah, who doesn't love a fun double entendre! Great points.

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  56. It would have to depend on the story...a virginal heroine is ok if t idoesn't go overboard to the point she is ready to faint at first sight. But an experienced heroine, it's more an equal coming together, not..Close your eyes and think of England.....and do your duty! yuck!

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    1. Joy, the heroine definitely has to be passionate. If she's so virginal that she's terrified, that's not romantic.

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  57. I never give so much attention to the heroine's virginity. ;)
    I rate a book based on the plot, and overall story.
    I love when the heroine is brave, smart, femme fatale, and really know how to control things.

    ladymilano

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    1. Lady, I like smart, feisty heroines too. Someone told me I write strong but vulnerable heroines. I liked that description.

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  58. I think both types of heroine are good. We can enjoy both POV's and learn and experience a bit of them. And I always enjoy a book when the heroine is strong, smart and likes to kick butts a bit. Lol!

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    1. Gisele, I like those kick butt heroines too!

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  59. I love reading about experienced heroines because it shows a little bit of a rebel in her! And I love that in a heroine!

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    1. Brittany, that's a good point. It definitely was a rebellion of sorts. I like that in a heroine as well!

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  60. I don't mind if the heroine is a virgin or not. I think it is refreshing to have a woman that is not a virgin all the time. I think the virgin sex scene is awkward anyway...

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    1. I agree, Sheryl. I do like writing virgin heroines, but sometimes I like a change, and I'm sure readers do too.

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  61. I prefer innocent heroines. The women with experience are always written as somewhat jaded and aloof.

    penfield716(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  62. Kim, that's true in a lot of books. Experience can make a woman jaded and aloof. Hopefully, the hero can get through to the heroine and make their falling in love even sweeter.

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  63. Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me. As long as the heroine interests me and the story is good.

    SnowWhite258(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. hmgarrison, I like that approach. A good story and interesting characters are the most important thing.

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  64. I'm resigned to most historical romance women being virgins, especially since it is pretty much expected for upper class, but I do honestly would like to read more experienced heroines.

    Mel Brock

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    1. Mel, interesting. Most people seem to prefer the virginal heroines. Thanks for the comment.

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  65. i prever virginal as a heroine in books...
    i don't like experience women..except widow...widow it's ok :)
    thx u shana...

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    1. Interesting! Juliette isn't a widow, but she has a similar situation. Thanks for stopping in.

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  66. I like both types of heroines but I want them to be believable. I don't believe a virginal heroine with a lot of confidence in the bedroom.

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    1. Maureen, that makes sense to me. How would a Regency virgin know enough to be confident? Good point!

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  67. Do you prefer the virginal heroine or do you like reading about heroines with experience? Why?

    I don't mind for both heroine because they have their own characteristic in the story. If the heroine is a virgin, I like the way she maybe not on her purpose seduce the hero and the hero maybe has to restrain his lust. Hahahahha..

    While if the heroine with experience, maybe they have some background (life lessons) why they were not virgin anymore and maybe they will hard to fall in love with the hero. There's the story will be interesting =)

    Overall, I really don't mind as long as the story and the characters were intrigued me. Oh, I like the heroine if she's smart, tough, brave, and witty. Hahahahaha..

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  68. Phie, both types of heroines really do have interesting attributes and make for interesting stories. There really is something for every taste.

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  69. Thanks again for hosting me, Danielle! And thanks to everyone who stopped by. I learned a lot from your comments.

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