April 14, 2009
Hero Archetype: Sexy Nerds
Congratulations to
Once upon a time, the heroes I read about in mainstream romance novels fell into two categories: The Playboy or the Jock. Nerds were either sidekicks or impotent foils to the hero. They generally weren’t considered “leading man” material, in fiction or in film. However, in 1987 something happened to change my mind.
Two words: Patrick. Dempsey (a.k.a. McDreamy).
In Can’t Buy Me Love, Dempsey plays Ronald Miller, a high school student obsessed with astronomy and with winning the heart of the most popular girl at school. After seeing him in his infamous car washing scene (see below) I knew I had to rethink my opinion of nerds.
Carwashing never looked this good
So what exactly makes up a “sexy nerd”? Here are my picks.
Top Four Reasons Why Nerds Are Sexy:
They have great imaginations.
Lewis from Revenge of the Nerds said it best: [After making out with his sorority girl crush Betty] “Jocks only think about sports; nerds only think about sex.” Combine this with the fact that many “nerds” are quick learners, and you have the perfect recipe for passion.
They might secretly be superheroes.
Think about it. Peter Parker, Clark Kent, Bruce Banner, Hiro Nakamura – all nerds. Coincidence? I think not.
Okay. So in real life, this doesn’t really apply. However, in fiction this possibility opens up the door to unique plot twists and character development.
They have better sperm.
Seriously. A 1985 study conducted by researchers led them to the conclusion that “brainy men do have better sperm.” This study was later referenced in a December 2008 paper by London scientists whose findings concluded what I’ve known all along: intelligence is sexy.
Intelligence.
Romance depends on more than animal attraction. A true “happily ever after” relies on the hero’s ability to connect with the heroine on an emotional and intellectual level.
Who knew stargazing could be this hot?
When I created the hero for Starstruck: Hunter, ex-star hunter Noah Benson, I realized he had a lot in common with Patrick Dempsey’s character in Can’t Buy Me Love: they are both highly intelligent astronomy buffs with dark good looks and a tendency to brood. Plus, they both look great with their shirts off. Unlike Dempsey’s character, Noah is jaded as he struggles to make amends for his past – even as old enemies return to threaten his newfound love with the woman he’s sworn to protect.
The sexy nerd trend isn’t just popular in Hollywood. It’s also a growing trend in romance. Author Vicki Lewis Thompson has a bestselling series featuring sexy nerd heroes. And today, you have the chance to win one!
TO ENTER: Leave a comment telling me your favorite sexy nerd (either in film/television or in romance) and why you love him, and you could win a print copy of “Nerd in Shining Armor” by Vicki Lewis Thompson. Please leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be announced at the top of this post and in the comments section by 9 pm EST.
*NOTE: This is part of my “Nerd is the New Sexy” series.
Filed under: Contests, Writing
11 Comments
April 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I love an intelligent man! Smart is definitely sexy. Can you believe I still haven’t seen “Can’t Buy Me Love” even though I love McDreamy? I need to make a trip to the video store because it sounds great.
April 14th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I have to agree with McDreamy of course, I loved his nerdy movie and he was geeky looking when he was younger, but boy did he blossom! But… Even though he is WAY too young for me, Jonah Hill from Superbad ( I saw it with my teen son and laughed thru the whole movie!) is my choice. He is cuddly, sweet and seems like he would also be your best friend. All of those factors are important when youth and good looks fade and what is inside is what counts
April 14th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Nerds are sexy. Have you ever seen the show Chuck, sweet,loyal, honest and giving. How sexy are those qualities.
And intelligence is the sexiest trait of them all.
April 14th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I think Seth Green is one of my favorite sexy nerds. I think he is so funny. I loved him in Rat Race and just about everything else he has been in. Sexy to me, is FUNNY!
lastnerve2000@gmail.com
April 14th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Fascinating!
Intelligence turns me on big time in a man. In fact, I could never be with a man who wasn’t at a high level of intelligence.
Although, I’ve never equated intelligence with being a nerd.
And, as a confesstion, nope, I’ve never been on the nerd bandwagon.
April 14th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Seth Green is my favorite nerd! I loved him on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There’s just something about his quiet intensity and intelligence that I find appealing.
April 14th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Yes! I LOVE Chuck. He’s definitely a buff “nerd.” I’m so glad to see more sexy nerds on TV.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Congratulations to Val! You won a print copy of Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd in Shining Armor. I’m emailing you now with the prize info.
June 30th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
[...] 4/14/09 Four Reasons Nerds Are Sexy & Book Giveaway [...]
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
[...] is part II in my “Nerd is the New Sexy” series. See previous installments here and here. [...]
July 7th, 2009 at 6:07 am
[...] is part III in my “Nerd is the New Sexy” series. See previous installments here and [...]