Beyoncé Cocktails That Celebrate Queen B’s New Country Album, “Cowboy Carter”

Meredith Holser
Mar 28, 2024
Beyoncé Cocktails

Coming off hot from her latest release, Renaissance, Beyoncé truly left us quaking and shaking in our boots when she announced an Act II, titled Cowboy Carter. Sharing more about the new country album (set to drop on March 29), Queen B acknowledged that the making of Cowboy Carter wasn’t an easy feat.

Beyoncé said that diving head-first into the historically white genre as a powerful Black woman “forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me… I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop.”

We already know this new music is gonna hit hard! To celebrate the release of Cowboy Carter, we’re sharing some iconic Beyoncé cocktails inspired by the album and country as a whole (with plenty of whiskey and bourbon to go around). Prepare to swap your metallic outfitsfor fringe and cowgirl boots to sip happily on these Beyoncé cocktails the moment Cowboy Carter comes to life!

Grand Marnier Ranch Water Cocktail

Ranch water is a staple when it comes to classic cocktail recipes, and it reminds us of the country vibes that Beyoncé is putting out with Cowboy Carter. This version from Grand Marnier elevates the OG recipe in the tastiest way! To make it, mix 1.5 oz Espolon Blanco tequila, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice in a Collins glass. Top it off with Topo Chico and a lime wheel to get to sippin'. (via Grand Marnier)

Bee's Knees

Beyoncé is Queen B after all, which is why the Bee's Knees cocktail is the perfect celebration of her queendom! Crafted primarily with gin, lemon juice, and honey, you and your squad will be buzzing to try this zesty Beyoncé cocktail. (via Mixop)

Snake River Sour

Using whiskey hailing from Wyoming, this drink taps into some serious wild west energy. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup over ice. Then, remove the ice and add 1 egg white to the mix, and shake. Strain into a coupe glass, add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, then garnish with a few cherries to seal the deal. This boozy libation will have you yellin' "yeehaw" in no time! (via Wyoming Whiskey)

Photo by Madelynne Grace of @BitesandBevsMedia

YoCo Vodka's "Texas Hold ‘Em"

This rootin'-tootin' Texas Hold 'Em cocktail is filled with vodka and bourbon for an extra-special kick. To make it, stir 1 oz YoCo Vodka, 1 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 0.5 oz Amaro Nonino, and 2 dashes of cinnamon bitters over ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry! (via YoCo Vodka)

The Hoedown

This fruity Hoedown will wanna make you throw down! Infused with a tasty ginger-cinnamon-balsamic syrup (you can also just use freshly-grated ginger if you're not into crafting your own syrup mix), it's sure to get the Cowboy Carter listening party goin'. To make it, shake 1 oz High West Double Rye, 1 oz Ancho Reyes, 0.25 oz Fernet Branca, 0.5 oz ginger-cinnamon-balsamic syrup, 0.75 oz strawberry juice, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 3 dashes mezcal over ice. Strain and serve over large ice cubes to keep things country-cool! (via High West Whiskey)

Berry Bourbon Lemonade Pitcher Cocktail

Channeling the energetic zest of Beyoncé's Lemonade era, this batched cocktail is such an easy make for a bigger crowd. If you're hosting some friends ahead of Cowboy Carter, this berry-filled bourbon concoction will satisfy everyone at the party – and also pump the vibes up. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Smoked Whiskey

Giddy up, partner! 🤠 Whiskey is undeniably cowboy-esque, and this smoked version is even more so, bringing forth woodiness and a boozy bite in every sip. If you don't have the proper wood chips to lend the smoky effect, you can also burn rosemary, cinnamon, sage, or vanilla to offer unique flavors! (via Mixop)

Cowboy Coffee

Wake yourself up with this coffee cocktail that channels the lively hoedown vibes of "Texas Hold 'Em"!This Beyoncé cocktail is a simple build with 4 ingredients total. To make it, add 0.5 oz simple syrup and 1.5 oz High West Bourbon to a mug. Fill with brewed coffee and top with whipped cream! (via High West Whiskey)

Photo by Madelynne Grace of @BitesandBevsMedia

YoCo Vodka's "Cowboy Carter"

Hold onto your cowgirl hat, because this bev is one heck of a good time! Here's how to make it: in a shaker with no ice, shake 1.25 oz YoCo Vodka, 0.75 oz Mezcal, 0.5 oz Licor 43, 0.5 oz lime juice, 1 egg white, and 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters together. Then, add ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass and top with bitters! .(via YoCo Vodka)

Boulevardier

🎶 Lay your cards down, down, down, down 🎶 with this relaxing cocktail that's strong on the bourbon. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.75 oz Campari over ice until chilled. Strain into a glass and garnish with lemon! (via Wyoming Whiskey)

Express Rider

Get ready to slip into your boots and saddle up for wild ride with this whiskey-based drink! To make it, mix 0.5 oz High West Double Rye, 0.5 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz Highland Park 12, 0.5 oz sherry, 0.25 oz Campari, 0.75 oz blood orange-infused Carpano Antica, and 2 dash chocolate bitters in a glass with ice. Tastes even better with Cowboy Carter playing in the background! (via High West Whiskey)

Redemption Pear & Spiced Old Fashioned

Dig into country music's rustic roots with this warmly-spiced Old Fashioned from Redemption Whiskey! To make it, stir 2 parts Redemption High Rye Bourbon Finished in Cognac Casks, 0.25 parts allspice liqueur, 0.25 parts Monin pear syrup, and 3 dashes chocolate bitters in a glass with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a pear slice, if you wanna be extra! (via Redemption Whiskey)

Wyoming Mule

Bourbon and ginger beer are a dream come true in this country cocktail. To make it, stir 2 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, 0.25 oz lemon juice, and 1 dash Angostura bitters over ice. Top your glass off with cold ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wedge to complete the drink! (via Wyoming Whiskey)

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Lead image via Beyoncé / Instagram.

This post has been updated.

These "Bridgerton" Stars Might Be Dating IRL

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

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Oprah Announced Her Book Club's 105th Pick!

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!

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

Lead image via Cody Love for Oprah Daily

This post has been updated.

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15 Paloma Cocktail Recipe Ideas That'll Help Quench Your Thirst This Summer

We can tell summer is on it's way because we're seeing temps rise quickly. To keep cool this weekend and fight the heat index, we are just planning on kicking back with some *seriously* cooling cocktails. There are tons of amazing cocktail recipes, such as delicious daiquiri cocktails and extraordinary mojito cocktails to choose from, but if you are a little more picky and want a mix of bubbles and fruit, then Palomas are the boozy drink for you.

Whether you stay classic with tequila or mix it up with some bourbon or gin, you need to check out these 15 unique Paloma cocktails that are perfect for sipping on at yourpool party.

Frozen Paloma

Step up your Paloma cocktail recipe game by turning this classic cocktail into an icy slush. It’s perfect for an afternoon by the pool or your next backyard barbeque. (via Blender Happy)

Mango Paloma Cocktail

Mango is the fruit of the summer, so why not put it in your favorite cocktail? Pull out this stone fruit and a little grapefruit to create this zesty and colorful drink. (via Summerfield Delight)

Blood Orange Bourbon Paloma

Bourbon lovers, this one’s for you! Give your Paloma cocktail recipe a little boost with a touch of bourbon and some blood orange for a citrusy touch. (via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen)

Spicy Paloma

Beat the summer heat by adding just a little more heat to this drink. Top this classic cocktail off with a jalapeño for a *lot* of flavor with just one tiny pepper. (via Alice and Lois)

Sauvignon Blanc Paloma

Wine lovers REJOICE. We have found you a cocktail that boasts the amazing flavor of white wine with the sweet-and-bitter bite of grapefruit. (via This Mama Cooks)

Pineapple Palomas

Wishing you were sitting on a tropical island? Well, now you can drink like you are! These delicious sips are sure to have you feeling the ocean breeze. (via Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Boozy Paloma Popsicles with Tequila, Grapefruit, and Lime

Cocktail pops are popping up everywhere, but this recipe is sure to stand out. Topped off with a little lime, this Paloma cocktail recipe will easily become your summertime go-to. (via Feast in Thyme)

Blood Orange Thyme Paloma Cocktail

Herbs in a cocktail are always a good idea. Add a savory side to your robust drink by adding some thyme and salting the rim of your highball glass. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist this drink. (via Salt and Wind)

Paloma Mimosas

Sunday would not be complete without this cocktail. As much as we love the classic mimosa, this drink brings a whole new side to brunch. Whip it up to leave your BFFs asking for another glass (and the recipe, of course). (via Delish)

Hibiscus Paloma

Floral flavors? Yes, please! This tart recipe creates a seriously delicious drink that has amazing aromas and gorgeous colors. (via Honey and Birch)

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Tea-infused cocktails aren’t everyone’s favorite cuppa, but this one won’t disappoint. Grab your shopping bag and head to your local market to find the fresh ingredients that make up this lovely Paloma cocktail recipe. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Honey Paloma

Talk about a seriously yummy and sweet sip. This recipe switches simple syrup for honey to give a little extra flavor to a drink that you will want to savor every single day. (via The Little Epicurean)

Sparkling Rosemary Paloma

Rosemary cocktails are a serious game-changer. This yummy cocktail only takes 12-minutes to make and is perfect for your next girl’s night in. (via Style Me Pretty)

Spicy Raspberry Paloma

It’s time to spice things up. Mix together this bright and colorful drink for the perfect summer sip. Pro Tip: Make a full pitcher, then bring it to your next beach day for you and your gals. (via Heather Christo)

Classic Paloma

We couldn’t leave out the drink that started it all. This amazing concoction is one that should be in everyone’s cocktail armory. It should probably even be the star, we think. (via BS in the Kitchen)

It’s time to get sipping! Follow us on Pinterest for more summery cocktail ideas.

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated.

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Chad Michael Murray Teases "A Cinderella Story" Anniversary Surprise

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

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Let Your Imagination Run Wild With These 10 Romantasy Books

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!

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Lead images via Amazon

This post has been updated.

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