We’ve come a long way since She’s All That. Nerds don’t need makeovers to be lovable anymore. In fact, it’s preferable to most of us nerdy readers if they don’t have to compromise who they are for a romantic relationship. The nerds have won, but not in the creepy Revenge of the Nerds way. It’s more that nerdy romance novels are now written by people who understand nerd culture, with all its joys and pitfalls.
The mainstreaming of nerd culture in the 2010s could have something to do with these novels: comic-cons and niche fan events became widespread and more well-documented on social media. The success of Marvel properties, shows like Game of Thrones, and the dominance of video games were also instrumental in nerding out becoming a less shameful, mockable activity. Romance novels that focus relationships in nerdy subcultures now also focus on the shortcomings of nerd culture, especially when it’s exclusionary. It’s nice that a lot of these books can push forward important discussions about critical thought, even in enthusiastically nerdy communities.
Another subgenre making waves is STEMinist romance. Women who work in math and hard sciences were a welcome addition to the genre, constantly trailblazing. Geniuses deserve love, too. Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient and Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis are critical entry points for this side of nerdy romance.
Take these nerdy romance novels for a spin and embrace your excitable, hyper-fixated side.
Celebrating Geeks, Nerds, and Dweebs
The Countess Conspiracy (Brothers Sinister #3) by Courtney MilanThis is one of Milan’s novels that brings together one of her past degrees and her facility for historical romance. Mega-rake Sebastian Malheur has a reputation: he’s infuriatingly good at science. But the source of his genius is actually Violet Waterfield. As a widow, she spends her days joyfully studying and uses Sebastian as a mouthpiece for her scientific discoveries. Sebastian wants to stop the pretense, but Violet has to convince him to stick with it, as it’s the only way for her to share her intellectual pursuits. |
 A Con Affair by Joe GlassFalling in love on the chaotic floors of a comic-con is one of the most perfect nerdy meet-cutes. Arran is a comic book author with a devoted group of fans, and Cameron is an accountant who lets his creativity out in cosplay. But when Arran gets a major publishing contract, he gets swept up in his own doubts, while Cam tries to support him through the ups and downs. |
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