Who said romance is dead?

Romance is often perceived as a modern fantasy, an ideal we chase that’s shaped by the sweeping narratives of romantic novels like those from Mills & Boon. The vivid scenes of candlelit dinners, passionate embraces, and grand gestures fill our imaginations with visions of perfect love. Yet, this cultural imagery can raise important questions: Do these stories genuinely reflect the depth of real emotions and authentic relationships, or are they simply idealised dreams crafted for our entertainment? There’s a subtle tension between what we read and what we experience, often creating a divide between fiction and reality. This tension invites us to look inward and reflect on our own expectations—what truly makes romance real, and what are we willing to accept as fantasy?

Funnily enough, it was Olivier—a successful architect from Paris—who gave me a glimpse into everything classically French and irresistibly romantic. When his appointment appeared on my schedule, I felt a wave of anticipation. There’s something captivating about the idea of a Parisian lover: the charm, the accent, the effortless style. The prospect of seeing this gorgeous man again sparked a familiar blend of excitement and curiosity, a sense that something extraordinary might be in store. With Olivier, the line between fantasy and real emotion always seemed to blur—each encounter promised the thrill of a storybook romance, but with the sincerity of genuine affection.

A Dream Date in Paris: Luxury, Language, and Intimacy

Our first real date together was something out of a dream. Olivier surprised me by whisking me away on his private jet to Paris—the city of love itself. Until then, we had met only in London, always at my apartment, each visit carefully planned with thoughtful themes and little touches to delight him. But this trip was different: it was spontaneous, bold, and utterly romantic.

Olivier confided that he occasionally longed for the authentic "girlfriend experience"—not just the polished fantasy, but moments of genuine connection and affection. He wanted to share his native language of love, to show me Paris as only a true Frenchman could. The thrill of stepping onto that jet, of flying toward a city so steeped in romance, was matched only by the anticipation of exploring Paris together, hand in hand.

We wandered hand in hand along the banks of the Seine, the city glowing with the golden light of evening. Olivier led me to a tiny, family-run bistro where the owners greeted him like an old friend. Over a leisurely meal, we shared stories and laughter, the conversation flowing as freely as the wine. There was an intimacy in those moments—shopping in hidden boutiques, pausing to admire street artists, and exchanging soft glances beneath the Parisian streetlights.

If it sounds like something from a film, that’s because it felt that way: the perfect soundtrack would have been a gentle violin, with hearts and flowers floating in the air. Some might call it corny, but for a client to reveal such vulnerability and joy in his own country—and to share it so openly—felt deeply authentic. For me, that’s when I know I’ve succeeded: when the experience is as meaningful for my client as it is for me.

I have had many a client think they are showing me romance by wining and dining me in the most upmarket restaurant and buying me jewels on shopping trips, but this is to show off and prove how big their bank balance and egos are. Not entirely what I believe in my heart (I do have one), what romance should be like if I were ever to endeavour to find it for myself. Romance, to me, is relaxing in each other's company over a nice meal and a bath run. It could be a note on the fridge with sweet words and sentiment. Fortunately for my clients, I can take the phoney kind and their presents and play along like the professional London escort I am, because that is where I am right now.

Fantasy, Inspiration, and the Art of Romance

I often turn to my imagination—or a well-worn Mills & Boon novel—for inspiration when it comes to passion and desire. There’s something delicious about slipping into a flowing nightgown, letting it fall gracefully to the floor, and embracing the role of the romantic heroine. These moments are as much about play as they are about feeling, each encounter a mix of fantasy and reality.

What’s truly fascinating is how every experience becomes a lesson. Clients like Olivier may not realise it, but the tenderness, language, and gestures they share with me are absorbed and woven into the connections I create with others. Each date, each story, is another brushstroke on the canvas of my romantic life. And, if there’s one thing I know for certain—it’s how to make a man feel genuinely special, whether I’m drawing on fantasy, reality, or that mysterious space in between.