“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
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
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.