Dakota Mortensen and Shinia Powell Take Their Romance Public – Taylor Frankie Paul REACTS

Dakota Mortensen and Shinia Powell appear to be taking their relationship to the next level — and their latest photos have fans talking.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars were recently photographed getting cozy during a getaway to Island Park, Idaho, with one particular moment grabbing everyone’s attention: Dakota leaning in to kiss Shinia on a mountain overlook.

Shinia shared the photos on Instagram on Saturday, August 8, captioning the post, “Soaking up our last bit of summer,” alongside a series of pictures from their trip.

The couple didn’t exactly hide their affection. In addition to the kiss, the photos showed Dakota and Shinia cuddling and smiling together as they enjoyed the outdoors.

For fans who have followed the Mormon Wives drama, however, this isn’t just another reality-TV romance.

Shinia’s connection to Dakota has been at the center of major drama involving Dakota’s former partner, Taylor Frankie Paul. During Season 4, Taylor accused Shinia of having an affair with Dakota — allegations that became one of the season’s biggest storylines.

Dakota and Taylor had been in an on-and-off relationship for years and share a young son, Ever. Their relationship later became entangled in a highly publicized custody and legal battle.

According to reports, Dakota and Shinia’s relationship began as a friendship before eventually developing into something more. PEOPLE previously confirmed that the two were dating, with the news arriving amid Dakota’s ongoing custody dispute with Taylor.

And their public appearances suggest the pair are no longer interested in keeping things particularly private.

In July, Dakota and Shinia were spotted together at a baseball game in Utah. The two reportedly cuddled throughout the evening, with witnesses describing them as comfortable showing affection in public.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s first reaction? ⬇️

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Now, the mountain getaway — and that kiss — appears to be another sign that their relationship is continuing to move forward.

Of course, the romance comes with plenty of complicated history. Shinia was friends with members of Taylor’s circle, making her connection with Dakota particularly controversial among fans of the show.

The situation has already caused fractures within the Mormon Wives friend group, with Shinia’s friendship with Miranda McWhorter also becoming part of the fallout surrounding the drama.

For viewers, the biggest question may now be what happens next — especially with more Secret Lives of Mormon Wives drama on the horizon.

With Dakota and Shinia becoming increasingly public with their relationship, the kiss could mark a new chapter for the pair. But considering the complicated history involving Taylor Frankie Paul, it’s unlikely this storyline is going to disappear anytime soon.