Bachelor in Paradise‘s Season 9 premiere tackled introductions, toe sucking, and love triangles. So Episode 2 is turning up the heat with fresh faces, a dramatic bonfire, another memorable date, and the first Paradise rose ceremony of the year.
After tears were shed, truths were revealed, and traumas resurfaced, three women headed home, leaving the remaining contestants more hopeful than ever about the potential of Paradise.
Looking for a recap of Bachelor in Paradise Season 9, Episode 2? Curious who joined the cast? Who went on a date? And who went home? We’ve got you covered.
Aven’s Hoping To Find His Haven
We kicked off the episode with Paradise‘s big premiere cliffhanger: Aven Jones, a 29-year-old Bachelorette alum and Rachel Recchia’s ex, walked down the stairs, prompting Kylee and Olivia to (almost literally) drool. After Aven explained that he and Recchia were on good terms, host Jesse Palmer handed him a date card and he walked down into the lion’s den.
Remember in the premiere when Kylee said Justin Bieber could walk down those stairs and Will would still be her man? Yeah, well…here are the first words out of her mouth when she laid eyes on her Instagram Crush, Aven: “Oh my god. This is the exact moment I’ve been waiting for. Aven has arrived in Paradise. Aven’s my #1 guy. There’s so much buildup around us meeting, we’ve only known each other through social media. There’s been liking of Instagram pics and a fire emoji — that’s it. I was literally having an out-of-body experience just now.” Olivia, determined to date Aven after Kylee wound up with her man Will, simply said, “Aven is fioneeee!” And the games began.
Aven pulled Kylee first, and the two gushed over finally meeting. Then he called Olivia, who tried to tell Aven that Will and Kylee were a couple, but that man didn’t care. He asked Kylee on the date, leaving Will and Olivia predictably crushed. Say what you want about Kylee, but at least she gave Will the pre-date conversation he didn’t give Olivia.
Aven And Kylee’s First Date Recap
Kylee, who went from never having a one-on-one date to snagging every date in the first two episodes of Paradise Season 9, was ready to focus all her attention on Aven. But sadly, after the two settled on a yacht and grabbed a bottle of champagne, all of Aven’s attention was on the cork he was furiously struggling to remove. After a genuinely lengthy stretch of cork drama, the two talked thirst traps, life stories, and first date feels. They kissed the day away, and Kylee said, “He’s my man. 10 out of 10. For sure.” Sorry, Will. (And Justin Bieber.)
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Paradise‘s Season 9, Episode 2 Love Triangle: Aaron B, Eliza, And Mercedes
Despite the Aven/Kylee/Olivia and Kylee/Olivia/Will drama, the love triangle of Episode 2 was between *drumroll* Aaron B, Eliza, and Mercedes! Remember when Aaron kissed Mercedes in the premiere? Welp, a day later he was fully ignoring here and attached at the hip with Eliza! Not cool, dude! While Mercedes spent a chunk of the day upset over Aaron’s poor communication, Eliza was crushing hard on him because she had no idea he was involved with another girl! In the spirit of transparency, Aaron finally decided to tell Eliza about his Night 1 connection with Mercedes, which sent Eliza spiraling, because she worried history (her terrible Season 8 love triangle with Rodney and Justin) was repeating itself. Eventually the two talked things through and got themselves back on track, but Mercedes deserved better, Aaron. Get it together!
Is Hannah Brown Dating On Paradise? Buckle Up For A Bonfire And Tea Time
Perhaps the biggest burning question ahead of Paradise Season 9 was whether former Bachelorette lead Hannah Brown would be on the beach to date. And we got the answer in Episode 2.
As someone extremely familiar with Brown’s recent engagement to Adam Woodward, I didn’t consider her a possible contestant for a single second. But when “Hurricane Hannah” walked down the Paradise stairs with a date card in hand, everyone on that beach was worried she was about to join the cast for good. After quick introductions, she pulled all the starstruck guys aside and grilled them on their connections. Meanwhile, Kat was breaking out in stress hives and several women decided to throw in the towel if the Bachelor Nation Legend joined the group. But instead of asking one man on a date, Brown assured them she was already in love and invited everyone to a tea-spilling Paradise bonfire later that night.
Once a smitten Aven and Kaylee returned, Hurricane Hannah’s destruction commenced. She asked Cat who she’d like to connect with in Paradise and Brooklyn who she’d like to kiss. They both said Peter. Awkward. She asked Sean how he felt about Rachel and he said great, but then revealed he initially had eyes for Jess. Yikes! Jess said she was feeling really good about Blake, but Blake said he’d be open to meeting someone new depending on who joined the group. Kat echoed that sentiment, which left Brayden stressing. Then Kat took things a step further by saying she’d be interested in meeting Tyler Norris or Tanner Courtad. BRAYDEN ARE YOU OK?! On the bright side, Aaron B told the entire group he only had eyes for Eliza. But Aven and Kylee crushed Will by confirming their love connection. (Though Aven said if he had to choose someone else to date it’d be…OLIVIA. AHH!) Olivia took shots by telling Hannah that Kylee is the one person she’d send home if she could. And with that, the Paradise bonfire came to an end.
Paradise Season 9, Episode 2 Rose Ceremony Recap:
The group spent the night doing bonfire damage control and strengthening connections ahead of the rose ceremony, and in a delightful twist, Mercedes pulled a heartbroken Will aside and told him she had feelings for him. A teary-eyed Will called her his “ray of sunshine on a cloudy day,” and with his rose accounted for, the only one up for grabs belonged to Peter.
Greer, Cat, Olivia, and Brooklyn spent the night trying to secure Peter’s rose, but Peter decided to make a play for Aaron S’ connection, Sam. The two Bachelorette Season 20 alums had a verbal throwdown on the beach, which ended with Aaron S saying,”I have zero respect for you. I think you’re a piece of shit.” And with that, it’s time for the rose ceremony recap.
- Kat accepted Brayden’s rose
- Jess accepted Blake’s rose
- Eliza accepted Aaron B’s rose
- Mercedes accepted Will‘s rose
- Rachel accepted Sean’s rose
- Kylee accepted Aven’s rose
- Sam accepted Aaron S’s rose
- Olivia accepted Peter’s rose
Who Went Home On Bachelor in Paradise Season 9, Episode 2?
New episodes of Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 air on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. on ABC. Next-day streaming is available on Hulu.
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