“I see Sparks Fly whenever you smile.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we’re thrilled to welcome book content creator and Bookish Bestie Lauren Rowe (@rowe.reads) as we explore the romance novel-worthy worlds of Taylor Swift’s songs. We learn how Lauren reviews books and the connections between Taylor’s songs and romance novels. Then we break down the romantic themes and tropes in Sparks Fly, Holy Ground, Starlight, and Dress, drawing connections between Taylor's storytelling and beloved romance novel tropes like forbidden love, second chances, and enemies to lovers. We explore why Taylor’s songs resonate so powerfully with romance readers, how she creates vivid narratives through her lyrics, and why Swifties and romance lovers alike connect so deeply with stories of love, loss, and longing. 

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Mentioned in this episode: 

Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads on Instagram

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 

E32: Love Story 

A Cinderella Story

The Notebook

Always Be My Maybe

The Prince & Me

The Seven-Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You’ve Got Mail

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 

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Episode Highlights: 

[00:41 ] Introducing Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads

[07:29 ] How Lauren reviews books

[12:55 ] Parallels between Taylor’s marketing and book series marketing

[17:00 ] The song that made Lauren a Swiftie

[19:16 ] “Sparks Fly” Speak Now

[24:44 ] “Holy Ground” Red

[32:00 ] “Starlight” Red

[38:40 ] “Dress”  Reputation 

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.