Romancing the Nerd: The Sexiest "Geeks" in Romance

Romancing the Nerd: The Sexiest Geeks in Romance

*This is part IV in my "Nerd is the New Sexy" series. See previous installments: The Hottest Geeks in Film ; The Nerd Next Door: TV Edition; and Four Reasons Nerds are Sexy.*

All July, I'm counting down the hottest nerds in romance, television and movies. Today, I'm sharing my picks for the sexiest nerds in romance novels. For a special treat, I'm also doing a fantasy casting call for who would play them on the big screen.

Also, I'm giving away PRIZES! So buckle up and enjoy the ride!

**UPDATE** Congratulations to Rebecca and Jasmine! You won autographed STARSTRUCK: HUNTER bookmarks. Email me HERE to claim your prizes.

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HARRY AMBREWSTER (The Nerd Who Loved Me; as played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Fans of author Vicki Lewis Thompson will appreciate why I've chosen Harry as one of the sexiest nerds in the romance genre. The son of a scientist, Harry is a shy accountant at a Las Vegas casino where he meets love interest and showgirl, Lainie.

Nerdalicious^TM Factor(s): What's not to love about Harry? He's smart, witty, and great with kids. Far from being the "typical" paper pushing nerd, Harry isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and appoints himself as Lainie's protector when her ex-con ex returns to make trouble.

Also? Harry has a great sense of humor, as seen in the following excerpt from the book:

Excerpt:

"Happy populating." Dudley headed off across the golf course.

"Happy populating?" Lainie turned to Harry. "What on earth did you tell him?"

"I said this was your fertile time."

"My what?"

He shrugged and looked sheepish. "He picked up on the chemistry between us, so I decided to play on that to get rid of him. I said we wanted to give little Dexter a sister or brother, and your broken glasses were really no problem because I planned to keep you in bed with me the rest of our stay here, so whether you could see well didn't much matter."

"Oh." She wondered if he had any idea how a statement like that turned her on. "I guess we should go inside. I wouldn't want to make a liar out of you."

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Dr. REUBEN WHITFIELD
("Reunion" in the Living Large anthology; as played by Brian J. White)

Nerdalicious Factor^TM (s): This was one of the first romance novels I read that featured a sexy, African-American nerd. Needless to say, I LOVED it!

Author Rochelle Alers did a fantastic job creating this character. Reuben is a former social misfit turned successful dentist with his own practice. During school, he was so intellectually-advanced that he not only graduated early but went by the nickname "the Scientist."

I loved that this was a reverse on the typical "ugly duckling turns into swan" story I see in fiction (those usually feature the nerdy girl getting a makeover into a McHottie). Reuben gets buff but he never forgets about his high school crush, a beautiful, plus-size woman. They meet again as adults for a ten year reunion, and the chemistry jumps off the page as seen below:

Excerpt:

"Reuben." His name was a breathless whisper.

"Yes," he whispered back, angling his head and moving his mouth over hers. He kissed Elaine without touching her. Kissing her was what he'd wanted since reuniting with her.

"Reuben? We shouldn't be doing this."

"Why not?"

"Because we're friends."

"Haven't you known friends to kiss each other?"

"Not like this, friend."

He chuckled deep in his throat. "Perhaps we can give a whole new meaning to friend."

You want to date me?"

"I do."

"Because you like me?"

'Yes."

Her lids fluttered wildly "Can we do this?"

"I believe we can."

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OLIVER (The Accidental Virgin; as played by Wes Bentley)

**Sorry, but even going back through the book I couldn't find Oliver's last name. ** For those of you who haven't read this romantic comedy (emphasis on the comedy) by author Valerie Frankel, you're missing out on a treat. It's a slightly-older woman and younger man romance (he's 27 to her 32) - one of my favorite novel themes.

Nerdalicious Factor^TM (s): Oliver is the sexy computer hacker next door to the titular heroine, Stacy Temple. At first she isn't sure about him, but the more she sees him, the more drawn in she is. His sex appeal is subtle but intense; he's bold when he needs to be and is willing to fight to win her heart. The banter between them is great, too, as seen below:

Excerpt:

"I've had a few girlfriends, but I wasn't preoccupied by any of them."

"Is that how you know you're in love?" Stacy asked.

Oliver said, "Thinking about her all the time, imagining her reactions, trying to figure out what she'd think of things or what she'd say...That's love. That's the nature of love. When you're not with the person, you think about her. And when you are with her, you look at her and can't believe how lucky you are."

"I'm jealous," she said finally. "I don't have a working definition of what it means to be in love."

"You can use mine. To notice the signs."

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NOAH BENSON (Starstruck: Hunter; as played by Justin Theroux)


Nerdalicious ^TM Factor (s):

Noah Benson is a favorite of the heroes I've written. His story is a twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. I love sexy nerds with edge and he is definitely that.

He makes it on the list for several reasons: he's an astronomy buff and is amazing with his hands - in and out of bed. Definitely the kind of geek I love: smart, but dangerous.

The scenes between Noah and Miranda (the celestial star he inadvertently knocks to earth and later must protect for hunters) were great fun to write. There is vulnerability and guilt to his character that's balanced by his sense of awe, protectiveness and attraction for Miranda, as seen in their first meeting below:

Excerpt:

"Is this heaven?"

The question surprised a laugh from him. Noah shook his head. "Far from it, sugar. This is Neptune."

"Oh. What constellation is that in?"

His blood froze. "What did you say?"

She touched the bruise on her temple. "Something hit me. I must have fallen." Her expression morphed from confusion to terror as she stared at him.

"Where do you live?"

She pointed a trembling finger at the sky, cementing his suspicion: she was the star. His eyes closed. Of all the places she could have landed, why here?

"Where am I?"

"Earth. I guess you've heard of it?" he said drolly when she gasped. He got the feeling that she would have run if she'd had the strength. "Don't worry; you're safe with me. What's your name?"

"Miranda."

"My name is Noah. Whoa!" He caught her as she fainted. He scanned the area, realizing for the first time how exposed they were. "Come on, sugar. Let's get you inside."

He carried her up the fire escape to his room and settled her on the bed. With grim resolve, he focused. Ten years ago, he'd failed to protect a star. He would not repeat that mistake. He would protect this one no matter what. His lips ghosted over hers.

"You're safe with me. I promise."

Thanks to everyone for joining me! Visit my site Saturday, 7/25 for a special event in my Nerd Appreciation month: I'm counting down The Sexiest Comic Book Nerds. Don't miss out on the fun!

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CONTEST QUESTION:

Who is your favorite nerd in romantic fiction and who would play him in a movie?

Answer both parts of this question in the comment section of this post for a chance to win autographed bookmarks from my multicultural sci-fi romance, Starstruck: Hunter.

The post will be revised July 14, announcing the winners. I will also contact them via email. Happy reading!