Watching a rom-com in real time

(The one where I'm overly invested in Taylor's love life)

Every romance reader and writer knows the beats by heart. The “meet cute.” Tension about whether they will get together. The bliss of a new relationship. And finally, the obstacles that the new couple must face.

I think that’s why so many of us are (overly) invested in Taylor Swift’s new relationship with Travis Kelce. It has all the hallmarks of a great rom-com.

Travis went to her concert and made a grand gesture to try to get her attention. Taylor eventually took him up on his offer to watch him play at Arrowhead Arena. He may have broken curfew to hang out with her. She brought all her besties to watch him play against the Jets. They confirmed their relationship by appearing together at the SNL after-party. The list goes on and on.

Many observers have said that this can’t be real because of the obvious positive impact of this PR on their careers. The hilarious “Taylor put Travis Kelce on the map” gags are proof of it.

The jury is out on whether this relationship will last—after all, Taylor is on a short break in her world tour—and it’s easy to be cynical. But many of us in Romancelandia hope there might be a real connection between them.

Travis has so clearly done his homework, whether it’s through friendship bracelets or by understanding that dating Taylor is a big f-ing deal and she should be worshipped as the megastar she is. He’s the first boyfriend in a long time to understand the assignment.

Romance readers and writers are often discounted. People say things like, the stories are so predictable and if you know there’s a happily-ever-after, it’s boring. But, crafting stories about the power of love is fundamentally a hopeful pursuit.

There’s plenty to despair about in the world. To give readers comfort is a beautiful thing.

I, for one, am hoping that Taylor gets her HEA.

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What I’m reading

Ashley Poston’s newest adult contemporary romance, The Seven Year Slip, is a beautiful exploration of grief and how we change over time. And it has some of the best pining I’ve ever read.

Erin La Rosa’s forthcoming rom-com, Plot Twist, is heartfelt and HOTT. Romance author Sophie has a terrible case of writer’s block and decides to reunite with her exes to learn why she’s never fallen in love. Helping her on her journey is her landlord Dash, a recovering alcoholic and former teen heartthrob. It’s out on November 14, 2023.

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What I’m Eating

Now that the weather has turned colder, I’m craving comfort food. One of my all-time favorites is the Barefoot Contessa’s weeknight bolognese. It’s the pasta equivalent of a fuzzy sweater.