As “Love Is Blind” continues to unravel its dramatic journey, Minnesota’s connection to the show grows deeper. It’s been so exciting to finally see so many iconic Minneapolis spots featured—from the intimate setting of Luna & the Bear to the fun vibes at Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater. It’s great to watch local gems become a part of the show’s drama and romance, giving viewers a taste of what makes Minnesota such a unique backdrop for love stories.
Spoilers ahead! The past few episodes (10-12) have left fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a breakdown of the latest twists and turns that took place between the emotional highs and heartbreaks of our favorite couples, all set in the heart of Minnesota.
Dave and Lauren: A Heartbreaking Goodbye
The tension between Dave and Lauren is palpable as they meet up for a bowling date at Bryant-Lake Bowl in Minneapolis. The couple, who had been working through their issues, continue to struggle with trust. Lauren’s honesty about seeing someone right before the show doesn’t sit well with Dave, and as their conversation continues into the next episode, it’s clear that trust may be an insurmountable obstacle.
Dave is emotional, acknowledging that his heart is telling him to walk away. Plus, he gets one last jab in by saying he doesn’t want to waste his family’s time by meeting Lauren in person. In the end, Lauren and Dave make the difficult decision to break up, marking the end of their journey to the altar. While their breakup is painful, it shows the reality that sometimes, no matter how strong the connection, trust (and narcissism) can make or break a relationship.
Monica and Joey: A Sweet Engagement Gift and Love in the Air
On a lighter note, Monica and Joey are living their best lives as they embark on a sweet photo shoot—a gift from Monica’s sister. This heartwarming moment shows the couple sharing the joy of being engaged, something that feels genuine and real despite the chaos surrounding them. Monica and Joey’s relationship continues to shine, with their deep connection on full display. (We loved that they stopped by Smash Park to dabble in some friendly pickleball fun, followed by a romantic dinner at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory). But does he love her enough to follow through? We shall see.
Courtesy of Netflix
Sara and Ben: A Walk Down Memory Lane
Courtesy of Netflix
Sara and Ben’s relationship takes a more reflective turn as they meet up at LUSH in Minneapolis to meet Sara’s sister, Lisa, and her girlfriend, Kelsie. As Sara opens up about her past and her growing love for Ben, tensions rise over the word “acceptance,” with Sara’s sister cautioning her that this whirlwind romance may not be as real as it seems. But despite the doubts, Sara insists on moving forward, hoping that their connection is strong enough to weather the storms.
Later, in a more somber moment, Sara and Ben attend church together, but Ben’s exhaustion (LBR, he looks like he’s about to fall asleep) seems to reflect the emotional toll this journey has taken on him. Still, they’re determined to push through.
Devin and Virginia: Meeting Family and Facing Reality
Devin and Virginia’s relationship continues to evolve as they meet with Virginia’s mom at Luna & the Bear in Minneapolis. Virginia’s family dynamics are put under the microscope, but the couple remains confident and optimistic about their future. Any concerns about her coming from a divorced family are quickly brushed aside, with both parties looking ahead.
However, it’s clear that for some couples, the weight of family history and external expectations is not so easily brushed off. Devin’s and Virginia’s connection seems steady, but will it hold up in the end?
Courtesy of Netflix
Daniel and Taylor: Love and Fun Times
Daniel and Taylor’s relationship continues to flourish, with moments of lightheartedness sprinkled throughout the drama. They have a memorable meet-up at Puttery, where they chat about their first dance song and joke about Daniel’s nickname—“Danny Balls” (cringe). The playful banter between them is refreshing, especially in contrast to the more intense drama from other couples.
Their love is also reflected in their Christmas-themed photoshoot, where they plan to give out Christmas ornaments as wedding favors. This charming, festive vibe stands in stark contrast to the tension that many of the other couples are facing.
Courtesy of Netflix
A Wild Night of Tubing and Drama
A nighttime tubing outing at Buck Hill with the entire group—including Sara and Ben, Monica and Joey, Taylor and Daniel, and Virginia and Devin—turns into a whirlwind of drama. With drinks flowing, the girls share a shot ski, followed by the guys, but things take a turn when Lauren shows up, followed by Molly and Brittany. Conversations turn heated as Brittany and Devin discuss his immaturity, while Molly accuses Dave of pushing Lauren away.
Courtesy of Netflix
The tension escalates when Madison walks in, followed by Meg and Mason, who reveal they met up after leaving the pods. Madison shares her ick factor about Mason’s behavior, and the evening turns awkward as Alex arrives, leading to a confrontation. Madison, ever the straight-shooter, doesn’t hold back, calling Alex a “massive liar.”
Courtesy of Netflix
Wedding Preparations: Dress Shopping, Suit Fittings, and Bachelorette Fun
As the couples gear up for the big day, the drama heats up with some lighter, fun moments. The ladies have a memorable bachelorette party at Mall of America, with an “elder-themed” celebration after hours, while the guys enjoy custom jerseys and amateur frolicking at TCO Stadium in Eagan. These moments of camaraderie and fun lead into the final push toward the wedding days. However, despite the excitement, there’s still a palpable sense of unease, particularly from Sara, who expresses doubts in a confessional about her decision to move forward.
The Cliffhanger: Weddings on the Horizon
The episode ends on a tense cliffhanger, with Sara’s doubts lingering as her wedding to Ben approaches. The finale, set to air on March 7, will bring clarity to the future of Sara and Ben, Monica and Joey, Devin and Virginia, and Daniel and Taylor. But with Lauren and Dave’s breakup and the ever-present doubt in Sara’s mind, it’s clear that not all love stories are meant to end with a happy “I do.”
Courtesy of Netflix
Bonus Couple (!!!)
Brian and Kylie, one of the engaged couples from “Love Is Blind” Season 8, may have flown under the radar with zero screen time during the show, but they’re proving love can still thrive off-camera. Over a year after filming wrapped, the couple has just revealed they’re still together, defying the odds and staying strong. Their low-key journey to love reminds us that sometimes, the most enduring relationships happen away from the spotlight.
Courtesy of Facebook
