Taylor Swift is a force to be reckoned with, I mean the pop star sensation has literally boosted economies. Her emotional songs continue to touch listeners and inspire artists. Not only do musicians note Taylor Swift as a common sort of influence, but her affecting lyrics have stirred authors. References to the cultural icon have made their way into numerous novels, particularly in romances whose love stories parallel those Taylor Swift writes about. Here is a round-up of some heartwarming romances for all the Swifties out there!
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Martha’s Vineyard is a magical place for Meredith Fox and her family, who visit the island every summer. But when Meredith returns for the first time since her sister died, and for a wedding nonetheless, she doesn’t know how she’ll cope. A still grieving Meredith must deal with her entire extended family and put on a happy face for her cousin’s nuptials. She won’t even have a date to help her get through it, since the jerk dumped her out of nowhere two weeks before. The one she has going for her is the epic game of Assassin her entire family plays every summer. She decides to throw herself into the game, determined to get her target, one of the groomsmen. Meredith is determined to swear off relationships, but the groomsman is cute, funny, and may just be worming his way into Meredith’s fragile heart.
Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti
Daniella Daisy Maria is an avid rom-com watcher, and always knew she was a hopeless romantic. What she didn’t know was that her great love would come in the form of her childhood best friend Levi. Unfortunately, he didn’t reciprocate her feelings; they haven’t seen each other since. So when she runs into him on a night out in the West Village, and the still stunningly handsome Levi asks Daniella to be his fake girlfriend, she finds herself saying yes. She’s determined to use this opportunity to mend their friendship and shove away her feelings for Levi once and for all. But as the pair put on the performance of a lifetime for Levi’s sister’s wedding, Daniella’s no longer sure she’s up for the task.
Here With Me by Brooke Montgomery
Noah thinks she’s having a normal one-night stand when she goes home with the charming Fisher after a rodeo. But after discovering his last name in the morning, things get a whole lot more complicated. Not wanting to face it, she sneaks out, content never to see him again. Her plan is foiled when he begins to work as the new farrier on her family’s ranch. He may be in her life now, but there is absolutely no way they can become more than just friends. To begin, there’s a large age gap between them and they work together. Most importantly, however, he just so happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s father. Their connection continues to deepen, and they begin a secret relationship when their feelings can’t be suppressed anymore. However, in the small town of Sugarland Creek, things don’t stay secret for long.
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Idealist romantic, Liz Buxbaum is utterly devoted to her childhood friend Michael. Unfortunately for this rom-com lover, he moved away before they could have their happily ever after. But when he returns to town, Liz is determined to turn her crush into a reality. In order to do so, she befriends her frustrating, prankster, and unfortunately attractive next-door neighbor, Wes Bennet. He drove her crazy throughout childhood, but when he becomes friendly with Michael upon his return Liz sees the pest of a boy as her way to get closer to Michael. But the more time Liz and Wes spend trying to help her get Michael, the more they fall for each other.
I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers
Senior Sunrise is supposed to be the funniest part of the year, the pinnacle of the high school experience when the senior class spends a night at the beach. But for Natalia and Ethan, the fun school tradition is marked with awkwardness. It’s the first time the pair of best friends have seen each other since the events of junior prom, a night they let their feelings take over and put their entire friendship on the line. They haven’t spoken all summer, and while Natalia wishes to continue ignoring the whole thing, Ethan is desperate to restore their friendship.
It’s a tradition at Senior Sunrise to write a letter to yourself, sharing your dreams and ambitions for the year if they were their bravest selves. The entire class privately bares their souls. But when Natalia clumsily scrambles to grab her confession of a letter, the wind blows seven notes across the beach. Ethan and Natalia must join each other again, working to uncover the scattered letters before their and their classmates’ secrets become exposed.
If you want to read a heartwarming, adorably charming, and swoon-worthy love story, these romances all fit the bill. Make sure to listen to some Taylor Swift in the background, as it will enhance the abundant references to the singer you’ll come across in each novel. Enjoy your Taylor Swift-inspired reading (and listening)!
To explore a stunningly accurate matching of Taylor Swift lyrics to iconic fictional crushes, click here!
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