Another Bachelor romance is in full bloom! JJ Lane, who vied for Kaitlyn Bristowe’s heart on The Bachelorette season 11, and Juelia Kinney — Chris Soules rejected her on The Bachelor season 19 — are officially dating, Lane exclusively reveals to Us Weekly.
“Jueles and I have tried keeping it on the down-low for some time now just because of the continued scrutiny we could potentially face and the challenges with Bachelor-related relationships,” the Denver, Colorado, resident tells Us. “We’ve hinted at it, obviously, but never [made] a formal announcement, as we never really felt it was necessary, nor did we desire or crave the spotlight.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIGs94zDI0v/
The pair met on season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise and remained close pals since leaving the Mexico resort in 2015. Since then, Kinney, mom to 3-year-old daughter Ireland, has completely charmed Lane, who has daughter Gemma, 4. “It didn’t get serious until two months ago,” the former investment banker, 34, says. “She’s an incredible woman and mom and one of the smartest people I have met! She puts me to shame in all aspects of the above.”
His daughter has also fallen for the San Diego-based jewelry designer. “Gemma loves her!” Lane, known for his infamous quip “Villains gotta vil,” tells Us. “We all love to FaceTime. She calls her Miss Juelia.”
Back in February, Lane told Us he strictly sees women outside of the ABC franchise, which has become known for its web of hookups among former contestants. “I have a rule: I don’t date Bachelor people,” he admitted. “It’s too incestuous.” But after all, some rules are meant to be broken!
