The Bachelorette Blog: Hometown dates weigh on everyone's minds

JoJo falls apart in emotional farewell

SAN ANTONIO – Oh man! It’s the week before hometown dates and everyone knows there’s a lot on the line.

Alex and James Taylor were especially on edge, and for good reason. They essentially got pity roses at the last rose ceremony. I was really curious to see if they would be able to step it up, or crack under the pressure.

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Alex had a chance to build a stronger connection when he got his first one-on-one date. Alas, even though they made progress, their playfulness didn’t translate into romance. When he told her he was falling in love with her, I couldn’t help but cringe.

All of America could see it on JoJo's face that she was not feeling it. They’re goodbye was super awkward. He couldn’t even look her in the eye. Yikes! If it was that uncomfortable to watch on my couch, I can't imagine what it must have been like being there! Honestly, I’m surprised she kept him around this long. It just never seemed like they had much of a connection.

JoJo couldn’t keep her hands off Jordan during their third one-on-one date. That’s right, three dates! Here’s a quick summary of their date: lots of kissing, lots of touching, lots of cuddling, did I say lots of kissing? The most interesting moment came when he talked about his brother, football star Aaron Rodgers. He said he wouldn’t be part of their hometown date. It was shocking to hear about how they don’t have a relationship, and he wasn’t even sure if Aaron knew he was on the show. Say what?! Talk about family drama.

The group date was rained out so they had to get creative. I couldn’t help but chuckle when Robbie ran through the hall in his boxers during truth or dare. I just wanted one of the hotel guests to open their door for an eyeful!

Things took a deeper turn during JoJo’s alone time with Robbie. He admitted he broke up with his last girlfriend just a few months earlier after a four year relationship. 

He said he was ready to move on, but man that’s a huge red flag! They were together for years! That’s intense. I think he has a lot more explaining to do. You’ll understand my shock when Robbie got the group date rose. I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ve heard about his past.

There’s not much to say about Luke’s one-on-one date. I feel like I keep saying the same things, their chemistry is electric and they have a strong connection. I have to admit I don’t blame her for falling hard for this Texas hunk.

The rose ceremony tough to watch. James Taylor got the boot and had the most emotional goodbye this season. Even though I felt it coming, I couldn’t help but hurt for him.

Next up, Jordan, Luke, Robbie and Chase all get hometown dates.

As for where this is all going, I’m sticking with my prediction that Jordan and Luke will be the last guys standing!

The season is winding down so don’t miss a minute of the romance Monday at 7 p.m. on KSAT 12.


About the Author:

Joy Presley is the GMSA Executive Producer at KSAT. She is passionate about morning news and has worked the overnight/early morning shift since 2010. She has a degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and has covered a wide range of stories, including the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. She loves going to the beach, movies and road trips.