Taylor Swift Just Released A "1989 (Taylor's Version)" Cardigan

Imagine this: you didn't get tickets to the Eras Tour during the first round of last year's Ticketmaster fiasco (or the second...or third), but now not only do you get to see Taylor Swift in the flesh, but Selena Gomez is the one sending you! Well, this is happening for at least one lucky Taylor Swift fan, and I think there's more to the story.

Rare Beauty sent out tickets to Taylor Swift's show on August 3rd ("Mine must have gotten lost in the mail," Abject_Okra_8520commented on Reddit), but the thrill didn't stop there — Swifties all over social media are also pointing out that the show date could be a clue for 1989 (Taylor's Version) and it turns out, they weren't wrong.

Will there be a 1989 Taylor's version?

Image via Neilson Barnard / Staff / Getty Images

Yes, we're (finally) getting 1989 (Taylor's Version)! The first couple of singles dropped last year during The Summer I Turned Pretty and DC League of Super-Pets, but we'll get the full album, the deluxe edition's added songs, and the vault tracks on October 27 at midnight. At 8am on October 27, Taylor also announced "Bad Blood (Featuring Kendrick Lamar) (Taylor's Version)." (Any song or album title with "(Taylor's Version)" beside it means that it's the version of the music that Taylor owns!)

"I still look back on this collaboration with so much pride and gratitude, for the ways Kendrick elevated the song and the way he treats everyone around him," Taylor says in the official Instagram announcement. "Every time the crowds on The Eras Tour would chant his line ‘you forgive, you forget, but you never let it… go!’, I smiled. The reality that Kendrick would go back in and re-record Bad Blood so that I could reclaim and own this work I’m so proud of is surreal and bewildering to me."

Is there a 1989 (Taylor's Version) cardigan?

Yes, there is a cardigan for 1989 (Taylor's Version)! Grab yours here. The design is the album's blue and white color palette, with some seagulls, which you can also see on the album cover. The singer began sending cardigans out in PR boxes with a note that read, "Oh hi! As I re-release and reclaim my beloved 1989 I wanted to send you some gifts to say Thank you for your support! Yours, Taylor."

Will Selena Gomez be featured on 1989 Taylor's Version?

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Considering Selena Gomez came onstage during the 1989 tour (and for reputation's, another albums Taylor has yet to rerelease) I really don't think it's a stretch for her to be featured on the rerecord. Before the August 9th show, Selena posted a selfie in a light blue tank top (the color for 1989), too!

In addition to hoping for a Selena collab, the newest theory on 1989 (Taylor's Version) features came after Taylor Swift began posting vault track lyrics to her Instagram story. One of her posts features the phrases "Aquamarine," "Moonlit Swimming Pool," "What If," and "All I Need Is You," and one TikTok user believes they could be surprise track titles featuring artists like Harry Styles and Lorde — written in each artist's handwriting.

"'Moonlit Swimming Pool' is 10000% lorde's handwriting," one user comments. "lorde's insta gives hints too."

"The w in 'What If' is absolutely 1000% Harry's handwriting," another speculates. "I have 'we'll be alright' tattooed, it's identical."

These lines ended up being lyrics to "'Slut!' (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)," but we can't deny that they are written in some familiar handwriting...

How many songs will 1989 (Taylor's Version) have?

1989 (Taylor's Version) will have 21 tracks in all — the original tracklist, the deluxe songs, and five unreleased vault track songs. In Taylor Swift's announcement on Instagram, she says, "To be perfectly honest, this is my most FAVORITE re-record I’ve ever done because the 5 From The Vault tracks are so insane. I can’t believe they were ever left behind. But not for long!"

In Taylor Swift's official vault track announcement, however, she only announced four — and saved "Slut! (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)" for a separate announcement. Considering so much of Taylor Swift's career has been marked by her boyfriends instead of her business, songwriting, and marketing genius, I love the way she takes control over the narrative. If "Shake It Off" taught us anything, it's that "haters gonna hate" and Taylor's just going to keep dancing.

Here's the 1989 (Taylor's Version) tracklist so far:

  1. "Welcome to New York (Taylor's Version)"
  2. "Blank Space (Taylor's Version)"
  3. "Style (Taylor's Version)"
  4. "Out Of The Woods (Taylor's Version)"
  5. "All You Had to Do Was Stay (Taylor's Version)"
  6. "Shake It Off (Taylor's Version)"
  7. "I Wish You Would (Taylor's Version)"
  8. "Bad Blood (Taylor's Version)"
  9. "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)"
  10. "How You Get The Girl (Taylor's Version)"
  11. "This Love (Taylor's Version)"
  12. "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)"
  13. "Clean (Taylor's Version)"
  14. "Wonderland (Taylor's Version)"
  15. "You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)"
  16. "New Romantics (Taylor's Version)"
  17. "'Slut!' (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)"
  18. "Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)"
  19. "Now That We Don't Talk (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)"
  20. "Suburban Legends (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)"
  21. "Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)"
  22. "Bad Blood (Featuring Kendrick Lamar) (Taylor's Version)"

What are the song lyrics?

Image via Taylor Swift on Instagram

The songs we know and love from the original 1989 should stay the same, but Taylor Swift just posted a sneak peek at some lyrics we've never seen before. In an Instagram story on October 24, she uploaded a photo of a notebook with lyrics that read, "Let's fast forward to 300 takeout coffees late / I see your profile and your smile on unsuspecting waiters."

Some of us are guessing it's "Now That We Don't Talk (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)," while I'm wondering if it's "Suburban Legends (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)." We'll find out on October 27!

When are we getting 1989 (Taylor's Version)?

Now here's where the Easter eggs get a little ~crazy~. After announcing Speak Now (Taylor's Version) at one of her concerts, the era officially began with the album's drop on July 9th, a month before her final American Eras show on August 9. But on July 27, Taylor switched her social channel themes back to Midnights, something she usually does to signal the end of an era (literally).

All in all, she gave us the Speak Now TV era for 19 days. Pair that with the final show date (8/9) and you have...wait for it...1989. And during the surprise song segment of the August 9th show, she announced that 1989 (Taylor's Version) would be out on October 27!

Not only did the numbers point to the 1989 TV announcement, but so did a lyric from"When Emma Falls In Love" (a Speak Now TV vault track about BFF Emma Stone). The line "she's so New York when she's in LA" had fans guessing that Taylor would wait until her LA shows to announce the rerecord.

Is Matty Healy going to be on 1989 (Taylor's Version)?

No, according to Daily Mail, Taylor's new rerecord 1989 (Taylor's Version) will not feature Matty Healy or his band The 1975. According one of Taylor's reps, "neither Matt Healy nor The 1975 are on this album."

What does the cover look like?

Image via Beth Garrabrant/Taylor Swift/Republic Records

The cover of 1989 (Taylor's Version) is definitely my favorite part. Taylor has been very vocal about how the 1989 era was a very difficult era in terms of mental health and her personal life, and a lot of her lyrics talk about anxiety or the public's negative perception of her. The original cover emphasizes those themes because of the way it cuts off her eyes and doesn't allow us to see her whole face.

But on the cover of 1989 (Taylor's Version), we get to see her whole face *and* she's laughing! It feels like a reclamation of an era where she spent a lot of time hiding, and I am so excited for her.

How do you unlock the Taylor Swift vault?

On September 19, fans noticed that if they Googled "Taylor Swift," the search engine provided them with a word scramble game. The answers were filled with memes, song lyrics, titles, and other references that fans would know from over the years. After the Speak Now (Taylor's Version) vault tracks were leaked without Taylor's permission, it makes sense that she'd want to give us something extra special for 1989 (Taylor's Version)!

There's a good chance if you google "Taylor Swift," you'll be able to see her announcement now that the vault is unlocked.

Where can I buy 1989 (Taylor's Version)?

You can preorder the album on Taylor Swift's official website, and there are a bunch of different versions you can get! Here's the full list:

You can also get four special edition deluxe CD's (all for $15) until August 18:

What's with all the blue?

Taylor Swift has a color associated with each of her albums, and for 1989 and 1989 (Taylor's Version), it's light blue. On August 9th, she came out onstage in a blue dress for the Speak Now (Taylor's Version) set, the folklore set, the 1989 (Taylor's Version) set, and the surprise songs! If there was any debate over which color the album has, she put it to rest.

What 1989 songs have a Taylor's version?

Image via Christopher Polk / Staff

So far, we have "This Love (Taylor's Version)" and "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)," both of which you can stream on Spotify! Even though "Bad Blood (Taylor's Version)" is featured in DC League of Super Pets, it hasn't been released to the public yet.

Is 1989 by Taylor Swift about Harry Styles?

1989 is widely thought to be about Harry Styles, from the "long hair, slicked back, white T-shirt" he had at the time to how Taylor says her 1989 ex and her were "two paper airplanes flying" (Harry and Taylor wore paper airplane necklaces while they dated).

Are you excited for 1989 (Taylor's Version)? Which song from the original is your favorite? Let us know on Facebook.

Lead image via Beth Garrabrant/Taylor Swift/Republic Records

Somehow, we have reached the 20th anniversary of A Cinderella Story. (2004 really was THAT year. The Notebook, A Cinderella Story,Mean Girls). Behind the scenes of an interview with the Today Show, Chad Michael Murray (who played Austin Ames in the movie opposite Hilary Duff's Sam) teased some kind of celebration coming our way!

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Replying to @Mystery bagel tw: emotional ‼️ one of the most iconic scenes #cinderellastory #chadmichaelmurray

"Do you realize this July is the 20th anniversary of A Cinderella Story?" Chad Michael Murray asks the camera. "Next week, we're going to do a little Austin Ames wink and nod to at the fans. You'll see."

There are literally so many things Chad could do in honor of the anniversary, which is happening July 16. The actor has played basketball at his One Tree Hill reunions, so maybe he'd play some football. He could also break out his old costume or reenact the iconic "Waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought. Useless and disappointing," scene with Hilary Duff — but TBH I hope whatever he does, he does it with Hilary. This would be the reunion I've been waiting for!!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Chad Michael Murray has talked about the fun of filming A Cinderella Story in the past — and how hilarious it is his character supposedly couldn't recognize Hilary Duff in the mask. "If you go to masquerade mall and a girl you see almost every day is wearing a small mask and her entire face is exposed and you still can't recognize her, you should probably see an eye doctor... among a few other doctors," he jokes with E! News.

How will you be celebrating the anniversary of A Cinderella Story this July? Let us know on Facebook!

Lead image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Oprah Winfrey is much more than a legend. She's one of the reigning stars of daytime TV, creating such a memorable empire that just her first name carries weight. She's full of wisdomand loves celebrating the success of others. Excuse me, that's grounds for a standing ovation.

In addition to all of the things she's accomplished, Oprah has steadily added books to her book club list since 1996. To date, there are 105 titles she's read and chosen to share with others. If you're thinking, "That's a lot of books" then I agree. But, her goal is to highlight both seasoned and new writers who dare to weave together fiction as well as nonfiction works.

After going through the list, here's everything we think you need to add to your at-home library.

Image via Oprah Daily/Eli Schmidt

Yesterday, Oprah announced her book club's 105th pick On OprahDaily.com and CBS Mornings, where she appeared with author Colm Tóibín to discuss his newly released book Long Island. She had nothing but praise for the novel and said, "I was captivated. Tóibín builds the story around a woman whose life changes seemingly overnight with the news of her husband’s infidelity. It opens the door to her own secrets, grappling with choices she made long ago, urging her to break free from the silences she built around her life. A wonderful page-turner to start your summer reading.”

Image via Cody Love for Oprah Daily

On OprahDaily.com and CBS Mornings, Oprah Winfrey excitedly shared her book club's 104th pick: The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin. In a touching video, Oprah can be seen surprising Hardin in what feels like a "full circle moment." While trying to process her book being chosen as Oprah's next book club pick, Hardin can be heard saying, "I'm just overwhelmed right now. I'm so grateful."

It's a memoir that details how Hardin's past addiction to opiates caused her to make dire decisions that led her to serve jail time. Not only that, but Hardin eventually finds a way to show herself grace as she reconnects with her children and becomes an ally for other women who are incarcerated.

For a sneak peek of what you can expect in the novel, read an exclusive excerpt on OprahDaily.com!

Long Island by Colm Tóibín

Long Island tells the tale of Eilis Lacey and the discovery of her husband's infidelity. Things start off well enough with Eilis and her husband Tony Fiorello living near his family. The family spends a lot of time together and it feels like they have a quintessential bond that can't be broken.

But when Eilis discovers that a man's wife is carrying Tony's child and they don't want anything to do with the baby, she begins to start looking at her own desires as well as the things she's kept secret for the sake of her marriage. She ends up journeying to a familiar place to rediscover herself and it ignites an inner flame that she thought she lost.

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

According to OprahDaily.com, here's the reading schedule for The Many Lives of Mama Love that'll take place on Oprah's book club's Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok channels.

Week #1: Chapters 1–8

Pages 1 to 103

Discussion begins on Saturday, March 9.

Week #2: Chapters 9–14

Pages 105 to 206

Discussion begins on Saturday, March 16.

Week #3: Chapter 15–End

Pages 207 to 304

Discussion begins on Saturday, March 23.

Be sure to grab your copy of The Many Lives of Mama Love so you can join the discussion!

Let Us Descend

Also listed on the Amazon top books list, Let Us Descend is a masterful tale that views slavery through the lens of a young girl who makes powerful discoveries as along her journey. When Annis is sold by her father — a white slave owner — she finds herself thrust into a world at a sugar plantation. Guided by otherworldly spirits, she finds herself coming to terms with who she is despite her circumstances.

"Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver Has Something Big To Celebrate

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Last year on Instagram, Oprah's book club announced that Demon Copperhead by Barvara Kingsolver was celebrating a longstanding run on the NYT Bestseller list. This is surely a testament to the way Kingsolver weaves emotion into her written work for readers to feel.

Read our synopsis of "Demon Copperhead" below!

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

It comes as no surprise that Demon Copperhead continues to give a name and face to the perils the young face while growing up. In this case, Demon is learning to come to terms with his upbringing along with the feeling he's not being seen.

Wellness

Oprah's latest book club pick is written by the talented Nathan Hill. Hill paints a picture of the how the idealistic view of marriage and life can feel out of touch with reality. After falling in love during their college days, Jack and Elizabeth are shocked to discover things feel vastly differently decades later. Forced to either turn from each other or peel back layers of hidden things they've never addressed, they make a decision that'll change the course of everything they've known.

Bittersweet by Susan Cain

Bittersweet tackles an emotion we know all too well — sadness. Susan Cain calls for readers to acknowledge that they don't always feel positive, especially when heartbreaking things occur in life.

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

With the odds seemingly stacked against them, siblings Kiara and Marcus do what they can to survive while also helping a young neighbor. However, a chance encounter with a stranger grants Kiara with a job that helps sustain them — until she's caught up in a web of secrets that begins with an investigation. Found out what fate has in store for her in Nightcrawling.

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker

Robert Kolker takes a look at how six of the Galvin children were diagnosed with schizophrenia while the other four weren't. Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family details how a 'perfect' example of a nuclear family grappled with secrets and mental illness, something that sounds all too familiar.

Olive, Again byElizabeth Strout

Olive is all at once stubborn and lovable in Olive, Again. From an odd birth experience to her reluctance to accept an inheritance, Olive's life goes through a series of ups and downs that readers will be able to resonate with.

Wild byCheryl Strayed

In a different take of Eat, Pray, Love, young Cheryl decides to go on a hike of more than a thousand miles after the death of her mother and dissolution of her marriage. Her journey is one of self-discovery and healing all at once.

Sula by Toni Morrison

Two friends, Nel and Sula, have a strong bond that takes them through many stages in their lives. But when a betrayal rocks their friendship, they find themselves on opposing sides. Learn what their outcome is in Sula.

House of Sand and Fogby Andre Dubus III

Living with roommates can prove to be tricky but one thing's for sure - stories and lives often intertwine. House of Sand and Fog weaves a tale of strangers whose lives do just that and then some.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible follows the Price family, led by devout Evangelist Nathan, as they travel to the Congo in 1959. Determined to save souls, Nathan's fierceness and stubborn nature lead to tragedy that changes the trajectory of the women in his life.

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

When Astrid's mother is sentenced for committing murder, she faces herself immersed in the foster care system in Los Angeles. As the things she faces changes from each home she's placed in, Astrid comes of age and somehow finds her footing.

The Pilot's Wifeby Anita Shreve

When Kathryn's pilot husband dies in a crash, the peaceful and predictable life she'd been living is upended. What happens when she begins to doubt her husband's identity? Find out in The Pilot's Wife.

The Way of Integrity: Finding The Path to Your True Self by Martha Beck

Martha Beck paints a case of what it means to live a life that aligns with our true self in The Way of Integrity: Finding The Path to Your True Self. She also shares what happens when we fall out of that alignment but offers attainable ways to figure out who we really are.

Bewilderment by Richard Powers

When astrobiologist Theo Byrne finds himself coming to terms with his wife's death and their son's troubled behavior, he finds himself willing to do whatever it takes to get him the help he needs. Faced with a chance to try a neurofeedback treatment that features the brain patterns of his late wife, Theo decides it's worth trying in Bewilderment.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Reverend John Ames decides to write to his son about his family's history - particularly that of his father and grandfather in Gilead. It's a tale that weaves together spirituality, wisdom and more.

More titles on Oprah Winfrey's Book Club List:

  • The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
  • Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
  • That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters
  • Finding Me by Viola Davis
  • The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
  • The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
  • Home by Marilynne Robinson
  • Lila by Marilynn Robinson
  • Jack by Maryilnne Robinson
  • Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Deacon King Kong by James McBride
  • American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins
  • The Water Dancer: A Novel by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Becoming by Michelle Obama
  • The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
  • An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
  • Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
  • Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle
  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
  • Ruby by Cynthia Bond
  • The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
  • The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
  • A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
  • Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
  • Say You're One of Them by Uwen Akpan
  • The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
  • A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
  • The New Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
  • Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
  • Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
  • The Road by Cormac McCarthy
  • The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier
  • Night by Elie Wiesel
  • A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
  • Light In August by William Faulkner
  • The Sound and Fury by William Faulkner
  • As I lay Dying by William Faulkner
  • The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
  • Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
  • The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
  • One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
  • Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck
  • Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald
  • A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
  • The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
  • Cane River by Lalita Tademy
  • Stolen Livens by Malika Oufkir and Michėle Fitoussi
  • Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio
  • We Were The Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates
  • Drowing Ruth by C/hristina Schwartz
  • Open House by Elizabeth Berg
  • While I was Gone by Sue Miller
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell
  • Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
  • Gap Creek by Robert Morgan
  • Vinegar Hill by Manette Ansay
  • River, Cross My Heart by Breena Clarke
  • Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
  • Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes
  • The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
  • Jewel by Bret Lott
  • Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
  • What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage
See Oprah Winfrey's entire book club list here.

Which book(s) are you going to add to your kindle or bookshelf? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates!

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Lead image via Cody Love for Oprah Daily

This post has been updated.

If there's one word to describe Bridgerton, it's romantic. The costumes, the makeup, the press tour moments between season 3 leads Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton — all of it leaves me giggling and kicking my feet. And apparently, love might be in the air for two other Bridgerton cast members: Luke Thompson and Harriet Cains!

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Luke Thompson (who plays Benedict Bridgerton) and Harriet Cains (Philippa Featherington) were spotted at the Vanity Fair EE BAFTA Rising Star Party together, and they were getting cozy. The deeper I go into the rabbit hole the more I find and suddenly, this is my favorite (potential) celebrity couple!

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These besties are clearly so comfortable around each other, and aren't afraid to get up close and personal. (A fact that might scandalize Harriet's character Philippa Featherington. It seems pretty par for the course for Benedict Bridgerton). Luke Thompson and Harriet Cains might be the couple I'm rooting for, but fans are also hoping to see Benedict find love with Sophie Beckett in Bridgerton season 4. And Luke is expecting to learn even more about his character the longer the show sticks around.

"The more you stay with a character, the more you start to see the chinks in the armor, a bit of vulnerability," he told Vestal Mag in 2022. "Benedict is no exception this season, no matter how blasé he seems to want to be."

I love seeing how Benedict isn't afraid to be his goofy self, and how much he looks out for his siblings (particularly Eloise, which is my favorite relationship on the show!), but things might change once he really, truly falls in love. I don't think Sophie will make him act any less himself, but I'm excited to see how she brings out different parts of his personality we haven't seen yet — and emphasizes the aspects we know and love.

Check out our Bridgerton season 3 interview for more news on your favorite show, and see if the Bridgerton World Tour is coming to a city near you!

Lead image via Netflix

I'm no stranger to romance and smut books — thanks to my sister's secret stash — but I've finally given in to the "romantasy" genre that's floated around BookTok lately. And yet again, my sister is at the center of my newfound reading interest, gifting me (voluntarily this time) Fourth Wingand Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. I know I may be a little late to the party, but these books are dominating my reading interests this summer. It's like I just can't get enough of all the romance, fantasy, challenges, and spicy scenes!

If this sounds like you, here are the top 10 romantasy books to jump start your journey into the genre. Just be sure to sit in front of a fan while reading some of them, though — they can get pretty hot and spicy! 🥵

The Best Romantasy Books

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

*Sigh* Where do I start? This book squeezed my heart and cradled it at the same time. It also stoked an inner fire that felt eerily similar to a couple of scenes in the book that I've bookmarked 👀.

Meeting Violet Sorrengail was like peeling back the layers of thoughts I had about myself as a child. She initially thinks she's too fragile to be a gifted dragon rider like her siblings Brennan and Mira, but her mother — General Sorrengail — isn't easily swayed. So, off Violet goes to train or die trying.

From enemies who are more than willing to kill her at a heartbeat to developing a deep bond with two dragons — something that's unheard of — Violet finds herself realizing she's more powerful than she's given herself credit for.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

I'm still trying to make sense of the way Iron Flame took my emotions on the wildest ride. Although I'm still recovering and yearning for more, I have to commend Rebecca Yarros for giving us two of the best Romantasy books of our time.

When we catch up with Violet Sorrengail again, she's managed to enter her second year at Basgiath War College without dying. Although she's a lot more resilient than she gives herself credit for, she knows there's still so much to learn.

The lessons she's learning are harsher and it seems like she's still being targeted for several reasons. As she tries hard to navigate the things she needs to learn in order to survive, she begins realizing there's an internal threat that's far greater than anyone could've imagined.

It'll take all of her allies, her dragons, and her greatest love to eliminate this threat. The problem is that nothing will ever be the same once it's all said and done.

Deep Is The Fen by Lili Wilinson

If you're looking for a romantasy book that's a little less spicy, Deep Is The Fen is a great read!

It centers around Merry's reluctant interactions with the magic she's been trying so hard to stay away from. When she finds out that her best friend Teddy is joining the Toadmen, she makes it her personal mission to stop him. What she doesn't think anyone knows is her ability to see the swirling magic that surrounds all life forms.

It's this same second sight that comes in handy as she joins forces with her sworn enemy Caraway Boswell. Together, they attend the famed Toad ritual in Deeping Fen and it's only until it's too late that Merry realizes the Toadmen are more sinister than she thought.

And they've been waiting for her.

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

If you have a taste for more magic, you'll love reading The Midnight Bargain.

Unlike our heroine in Deep Is The Fen, Beatrice Clayborn embraces that she's able to use magic, but she has keep it hidden lest she be confined by a 'marital collar.' If you just shuddered, I'm here to tell you it's as bad as it sounds.

Our dear Beatrice wants to become a Magus, but her family is more concerned with making sure she's prepared to secure an amazing marriage. In other words, women aren't supposed to be able to wield magic as powerfully as men. There's also the fact that her family isn't exactly wealthy so her getting married would truly help them.

Still, Beatrice decides to keep pursuing a desire to become a Magus though her plans are almost ruined when another sorceress steals the one thing that'll secure her position. Desperate to have it in her possession again, Beatrice does a bit of conjuring that leads her to a crossroads.

Will she choose her dreams over her family's future or will she give up everything — magic, who she is at her core, and her goals — to save them?

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

I highly recommend that you read The Foxglove King before starting this book, but it's on the list because it's my favorite out of the series!

The Hemlock Queen picks up after the twisted king August has died, but his influence is still felt among the royal court. They're not exactly thrilled that Prince Bastian and the trusted Lore are trying to change what they've become used to, creating a lot more unruliness than they were anticipating. It's in the midst of this that Lore can sense a coldheartedness growing in Prince Bastian that wasn't there before.

As time passes, something begins beckoning to Lore to pay more attention to things around her. It wants her to find the truth about herself and what's in front of her.

She'll have to race against the time to find the answers before she loses Bastian and everything else she loves.

The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg

Lark has spent years hiding from her overly domineering father and hasn't found a place to call home yet. The thing that's kept her safe is her ability to cause anyone to feel fear in her presence which has come in handy. With no other options, she decides to seek refuge among the trolls in Cagmar.

She's quickly accepted into their society because they realize she's not like most humans that are in Cagmar. The only rule she has to follow is to never kill a troll even though the most powerful one utterly despises her for being human.

She'll have to learn how to survive in a brand new way while figuring out things about herself, her past, and the family she grew up in.

A Court of Thorn and Rosesby Sarah J. Maas

I slipped and hit my head on a rock because I clearly forgot to add the first part of Sarah J. Maas' The Court of Thorns and Roses series to our 'romantasy' books roundup. I get it now and have one thing to say: Feyre was stressing me out in the beginning of the book. But, I know it's only because of the circumstances she was forced into.
Not only is she the youngest of three daughters, but she's also the only one who seems adept at making sure her family survives the life of poverty they've been forced into. As much as she wishes things would change, she didn't anticipate how drastically her surroundings would change after killing a lone wolf in the woods.
When a terrifying 'beast' comes searching for the killer of the wolf, Feyre accepts her fate and begins living where the once revered faeries live. She goes from plotting her escape to becoming fond of her captor — the highly beautiful and terrifying Tamlin.
As something much deadlier than he is threatens his world, Feyre must do everything she can to stop the threat before it spreads into the mortal world she used to inhabit.

The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

I think it's clear we love a good series at Brit + Co, especially if it's one of several 'romantasy' books.

Oraya's not only adopted, but she's also the 'daughter' of the Nightborn vampire king. It's not lost on her that her humanness makes her a target, so she decides to compete in a deadly tournament that the goddess of death has put together.

Oraya's only shot at winning comes from an unlikely rival — the vampire Raihn. Besides his sheer killer instinct, he's also an enemy of the Nightborn vampire king and this makes things incredibly complicated. There's also the fact that's wildly attracted to him.

Despite the fact Raihn clearly reciprocates her feelings, the tournament is unforgiving and has no room for anyone who can't control their emotions.

If you love vampire folklore, you'll thoroughly enjoy reading The Serpent & the Wings of Night!

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Poppy's Maiden path was chosen for her before she was able to form any thoughts and it's meant to be for a noble cause. Yet, it's a lonely task that essentially forbids her from interacting with others or forming intimate relationships. The problem is that Poppy doesn't want to ascend. She wants to fight.

Still, she's bound to her role as a Maiden and tries to do what's expected of her. It's just that her guard Hawke is so attractive and their desires are so hard to ignore underneath the tension that rests on their surfaces. If that wasn't enough to send her way off track, the rising threat of a once forgotten kingdom is looming.

Poppy will have to juggle her own ambitions and desires to make choices that will upend more than just her Maiden path.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Paedyn is an Ordinary girl which means a lot in the kingdom of Ilya. Decreed by the King, those who are Ordinary are essentially mortals who weren't gifted with any special powers and have a completely different reality than those who were — the Elites.

She's incredibly smart and knows how to pose as one of the Elites, but her abilities are put to the test when she saves a prince and is determined worthy to participate in the Purging Trials. It's meant for the Elites to show off their powers, but that's what Paedyn lacks.

As the walls close in on her, she'll have to figure out a way to continue her ruse or deal with the consequences that come once it's realized she's Ordinary.

What's your favorite romantasy book? Let us know in the comments, and check out our storefront for more fab reads!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

This post has been updated.

Life is all about the little treats that keep you going. For me, it’s either a sweet dessert or a biiig cup of iced coffee – but those purchases can really rack up, especially when I’m making weekly (or TBH, twice- or thrice-weekly) Starbucks runs. I know I’m not alone in wishing there were more Starbucks deals that’d save me a buck or two each visit.

Wish no more – there are actually tons of ways to snag some Starbucks deals. I’ll even dish on how to get free Starbucks right now. Read on for the coolest coffee deals around!

Does Starbucks have discounts?

Yes, Starbucks has discounts often. They usually depend on the day and time you visit, or seasonal offerings that the chain decides to promote. You can easily find Starbucks deals in the Starbucks app, and check back here for current offers!

What is the cheapest thing to get from Starbucks?

If you still want a drink (but want to spend the least amount of money), a kids-sized steamed (or cold) apple juice is the cheapest thing to get from Starbucks at $2.25. Typically, any kids-sized drink will save you some dough!

How does Starbucks Rewards work?

You earn 1 Star per $1 spent at a Starbucks location with Starbucks Rewards after scanning the Starbucks app and paying with cash, debit card, credit card, or select mobile wallets. You can earn 2 Stars per $1 spent after making a purchase with a preloaded Starbucks Card linked to your Starbucks Rewards account as well. Once you earn enough, you can spend those Stars on freebies like a drink customization, a hot brewed coffee, or a handcrafted drink like a latte!

1. Look out for flash deals

Starbucks regularly runs deals that depend on the day and time you visit – you just have to check in the right places. More often than not, they’ll be posted on the Starbucks app.

Right now, they’re offering several deals for May 2024:

  • 50% off one handcrafted beverage on May 17, 24, and 31 only from 12-6pm local time
  • Personalized offers released in the Starbucks app on May 13, 20, and 27 only

Plus, new Starbucks Rewards members who join during the month of May will will receive 50% off any handcrafted drink during their first week as a member. All they have to do is download the app, join Starbucks Rewards, and click the ‘New Members Get 50% Off’ link!

2. Use Starbucks Rewards

Like I mentioned before, the Starbucks app is a pretty easy way to know what deals are going on when. Signing up for Starbucks Rewards will get you on track to get free Starbucks even easier. Their rewards system operates via Stars – you’ll earn 1 Star for each $1 spent when scanning the Starbucks app and paying with cash, debit card, credit card, or select mobile wallets, or 2 Stars per $1 spent when you pay with a preloaded Starbucks Card in the Starbucks app.
  • 25 Stars earns you a free drink customization
  • 100 Stars earns you a free brewed hot or iced coffee or tea, a bakery item, or a packaged snack
  • 200 Stars earns you a free handcrafted beverage or hot breakfast item
  • 300 Stars earns you a free sandwich, protein box or a bag of coffee beans
  • 400 Stars earns you free Starbucks merch (select items only)

If you’re a regular customer, signing up for Starbucks Rewards will definitely pay off! Learn more here.

3. Opt for a personal cup

When you use a personal cup at Starbucks, you receive a $0.10 discount. For regular visitors, those savings can rack up! Furthermore, if you're a Starbucks Rewards member, using a personal cup, you'll receive 25 Stars. Now, you can use a clean (this is key!) personal cup in Starbucks cafes, in the drive-thru, and even when you order ahead on the app.

4. Don't forget about birthday rewards

Starbucks deals also include birthday freebies, in which you’ll get one free handcrafted beverage, OR one free food item, OR one free ready-to-drink bottled bev.

All you have to do to take advantage of the free Starbucks is register for a Starbucks Rewards account and ensure your birthday date is associated with your account, then once the big day comes, show it to your barista. They’ll take care of you!

Sign up for our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks deals!

Images via Starbucks.

This post has been updated.