Here’s How Justin Bieber’s Mom *Really* Feels About Selena Gomez

When Selena Gomez reunited with ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber last month, there was likely no one more happy than Bieber’s mom, Pattie Mallette. The 23-year-old’s parent has made no secret of the fact that she thought her son’s on-again flame was the one that got away in the past, wishing the “Wolves” singer a happy birthday during their split, and even ‘liking’ fan comments which clung to hope for Jelena. Now, Mallete is sounding off about Gomez once more, with nothing but sweet things to say.

As Mallette told Peopleat a Justice Speaks Holiday Benefit Luncheon in LA, she thinks the 25-year-old is “precious.” “I don’t know so much about their personal relationship, because he doesn’t share a whole lot, but I love her,” she admitted. “I support anything [he does], if he loves her, I love her,” adding, “I can’t speak to their relationship, that’s between them.”

More than that, however, the Biebs’ mother says she also likes the 13 Reasons Why executive producer on a personal level. “I’ve met her, and we have a special bond, so I think she’s precious.”

She also spoke to Bieber’s personal development, noting that he’s “keeping his focus on God” and the rest of life’s most important aspects (like, say, Gomez). “I think he’s trying to be somehow normal in such an abnormal world, trying to find that balance” she said. “I feel like he’s growing up, and I’m really proud of him.”

There may be good reason for that — as Mallette noted, “I think anyone with real love in their life is more grounded. I think there’s so much confusion and façade in this Hollywood world, and it’s so important for us to find the ones that care and truly stick with them..” Awwww!

Here’s to hoping that this time around, they do just that.

Do you get along with your significant others’ parents? Share with us over @BritandCo.

(Photos via Christopher Polk + Jason Merritt/Getty )

My S.O. will probably tell you that I randomly belt out, "Baby you're a firework" several times a day because I can't get enough of the way Katy Perryactively encourages people to b their full selves. It's something she strives to do in her career and personal life as evidenced by her public relationship with the actor Orlando Bloom. Yes, the same man who deliciously played Legolas in The Lord of the Rings and Will Turner in The Pirates of the Caribbean.

Now that I'm done catching my breath, it's recently occurred to me that these two are still in the wedding planning stage despite getting engaged all the way back in 2019. I'm certainly not knocking it, but I thought it'd be fun to revisit their relationship timeline to see how their love story began. Let's get into all things Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom!

Katy Perry And Orlando Bloom's Relationship Timeline

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

January 2016

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom met in 2016 while attending an afterparty once the Golden Globes ended. Per People, the “Firework” singer bonded with an American Idol contestant and excitedly shared how her paths crossed with Orlando. “So I had my security guard grab 10 In-N-Outs and all of a sudden I see my boyfriend’s hand — he wasn’t even sitting at our table — he just swoops in and he grabs it and I was like, ‘Hey that my burger,’” she recalled.

Orlando later revealed a little more about that moment when talking to The Times in 2018. He revealed he wasn’t really aware of her work before meeting her.

February 2016

Things apparently went well for the two because Orlando didn’t waste time introducing Katy to he and Miranda Kerr’s son Flynn. A source revealed to Peoplethat the two attended the birthday party of Robert Downey, Jr.'s son at the time.

"They were laughing, playing music and joking around with Flynn...Katy looked very comfortable at the kids party," according to the source.

May 2016

Right before the summer of 2016, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom announced their relationship via Instagram. As evidenced by her caption, “We cannes’t,” the couple were enjoying the bliss of being in Cannes, France at the time.

August 2016

One half of this lovely duo was spotted in the nude during another vacation and it’s an understatement to say the pics went viral. While Katy chose to don a bikini, Orlando decided to let loose — literally — and those sneaky paparazzi captured him in all of his glory.

He told Elle UK in 2017, “We’d been completely alone for five days. Nothing around us. There was no way anyone could get anything. So I had a moment of feeling free.”

Image via Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

February 2017

Sadly the couple broke up in 2017 and this caused their reps to release a statement to People in order to control any narratives that may have stemmed from it. “Before rumors or falsifications get out of hand, we can confirm that Orlando and Katy are taking respectful, loving space at this time,” the statement said.

Two sources gave different reasons for their split, but E! News reported that an insider said, "...they did discuss a future together during their relationship. They had an enormous amount of love for one another."

Despite their breakup, Orlando Bloom insisted there wasn't anything horrible about their breakup in his Elle UKinterview. "It's good. We're all grown-up. She happens to be someone who is very visible, but I don't think anybody cares what I'm up to. Nor should they. It's between us. It's better to set an example for kids and show that [break-ups] don't have to be about hate"

April 2018

Time does heal wounds in some instances because Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were seen spending more time together again. The singer shared an Instagram photo of them greeting Pope Francis and showing their support for The Cura Foundation with her fans.

September 2018

By the fall of 2018, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were definitely an item again. They appeared on their first red carpet together at The Global Ocean Gala and looked stunning. Elle even reported the two took a picture with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

December 2018

In a hilarious turn of events, Katy Perry found herself winning a date with Orlando Bloom after she outbid an eager fan during the One Love Malibu Festival charity auction. A fan account on Instagram shared a video of the Katy saying, "You can do a motorcycle ride with him to a lunch destination to have lunch with Orlando freaking Bloom. That also means that when you are on the motorcycle with him you’re holding him in a way that I am not excited about."

Honestly, same Katy.

Image via Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images for Louis Vuitton

February 2019

The pair must've joyfully rang in the New Year in 2019 because they Katy happily took to Instagram to give fans a close-up look at her engagement ring from Orlando. She wrote, "full bloom" as her caption so there was no mistaking that she and Orlando were taking their relationship to the next step.

Katy opened up about how his proposal went when she appeared on Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp a few months later. "It was Valentine's Day...[Orlando]'s, like, clean-shaven. He's not wearing tennis shoes. I was like 'Ah, sh*t, something is going down,'" she happily shared.

March 2019

They moved in together right after getting engaged and this seemed to work better for everyone. A source told People, "Since they are engaged, it was just a natural step for them to live together."

June 2019

It wasn't long before people began wondering what Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's wedding plans were, but the two have never been in a rush to walk down the aisle. Instead, Katy had this to say during an appearance on KISS Breakfast With Tom & Daisy: "One step at a time. Definitely trying to lay the good emotional foundation for the lifetime of commitment, which is like a big deal"

August 2019

Orlando shared Katy's sentiments and reiterated them when he stopped by the Today show in 2019. He told Willie Geist, "It’s important to me that we are aligned — I’ve been married and divorced and I don’t want to do it again..."

Image via Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

December 2019

While the couple were never in a rush to have a wedding, they ultimately decided to push things back as reported by US Weekly. A source told the outlet, "They changed the timing due to the location they want," and that makes sense. Planning a wedding often involves making sure venues, caterers, and more will be available during the time a couple is thinking about getting married.

February 2020

Things carried on as usual for the couple with Katy sharing a snapshot of the two on Instagram a couple of months later. They were celebrating a year of being engaged and her caption reads, "one year ago I said yes to a life of love and evolution... and definitely never a dull moment 😜."

March 2020

The next month is when Katy Perry revealed that she and Orlando were expecting their first baby together! She shared a brief video clip of her single "Never Worn White" on Instagram and basically let fans know she was pregnant. It's hard to miss her soul-deep smile and glow.

April 2020

The video for "Never Worn White" seemed to hint at the gender of Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's baby, but the singer officially confirmed it on an Instagram post promoting her single "Daisies." She wrote, "🌼 The first single from #KP5 is called #DAISIES and she’s coming MAY 15, 2020 🌼," in her caption and the crowd went wild!

Image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Variety

August 2020

Later that year, UNICEF posted a photo of Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom holding their newborn's hand on Instagram to announce she'd arrived. The organization told fans via their caption that the couple were overjoyed about their daughter's birth. "We are floating with love and wonder from the safe and healthy arrival of our daughter," the organization shared in its caption.

Orlando couldn't help but gush over his little girl during a brief virtual appearance for The Ellen Show. He said, "...she sort of looked like a bit like my mum so then I got a little bit confused because Katy's breast feeding this mini-me/my mum/who’s she going to look like next."

January 2021

And when Katy Perry performed during Joe Biden's inauguration, Orlando was right there cheering her on! He gleefully shared a BTS clip of her on Instagram and wrote, "One day our little girl will grow up and see her mother play her part in a moment in history that we hope will heal, we hope will unite, we hope, we love ❤️ One proud partner here with a tear of joy 🇺🇸🎆🙏." BRB, I have to grab tissues.

September 2021

When Katy Perry accepted a prestigous award at Variety's Power of Women in 2021, she gave a heartfelt message that spoke of the two greatest loves in her life — Orlando Bloom and their daughter Daisy. "....[Orlando] an incredible father [and] an example to our greatest gift ever, our daughter Daisy — a future powerful woman. I pledge to you to do my best to be an example of one, to never put limits on your dreams, to lead with love, never through fear, and to always be your lighthouse in any darkness..."

January 2022

Orlando also showed his support for Katy when she was in Las Vegas for her residency. He shared a goofy picture of him BTS with her on Instagram and wrote, "There’s a new act on the #vegas strip @katyperry so proud of you. Let’s all go#play 🍄🚀 HNY❤️," as his caption.

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

May 2022

Appearing on Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea, Katy got real about her and Orlando attending therapy together. "We love it because it keeps us in tune...and so when you want to come back to being normal in a domesticated world where you have a child and stuff like that, you have to really learn how to be kind of different out there in the big and in the small," she said.

We love a couple who attends therapy together!

February 2023

Orlando also revealed to Flaunt that things can be challenging for the couple. He said, "Her pool is not a pool that I necessarily understand, and I think my pool is not a pool that she necessarily understands. Sometimes things are really, really, really, challenging. I won’t lie. We definitely battle with our emotions and creativity."

April 2024

Now here we are in 2024 and the blushing couple are still very much in love. They attended the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Event earlier this month and look elegant in their black-tie outfits.

As far as their wedding plans are concerned, Katy Perry shared what she plans to do once she leaves American Idol. Per Parade, she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and said, "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season forIdol. I mean, I love Idolso much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat."

She didn't explicitly talk about when she's getting married to Orlando bloom but we'll cross our fingers for a beautiful wedding either this year or in 2025.

Do you think Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom are getting married soon? Let us know in the comments and follow the conversation on Facebook!

Lead image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Variety

Thanks to Challengers and The Watchers, I can already tell 2024 is going to be a year of shocking movies (and shockingly good movies), and that trend is going to continue thanks to Verity & Colleen Hoover. While It Ends With Us might be the most popular Colleen Hoover book, Verity is arguably the craziest, and The Hollywood Reporter just confirmed that a movie is officially in development! While we wait for more news, browse the Colleen Hoover merch you can wear to opening night ;).

Is there a movie about the book Verity?

Image via Amazon

Yes, a movie based on Colleen Hoover's Verity is officially on the way! The movie's in development at Amazon MGM Studios (the studio behind Florence Pugh's A Good Person and Zendaya's Challengers). Hillary Seitz is currently writing the script for the film, and Eat the Cat's Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund are producing.

What is Verity about?

Image via Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

In Verity by Colleen Hoover, Lowen Ashleigh is a writer struggling to make ends meet. That is, until she's offered the job of a lifetime by Jeremy, husband to the ultimate it-girl author, Verity Crawford. The thriller writer is no longer able to finish the remaining books in her series, and Jeremy wants Lowen to pick up where she left off. While Lowen is over the moon to step in (both into the job and their huge family estate), a secret manuscript and family secrets lead Lowen to realize Verity's hiding a lot more than she's letting on. B+C editor Haley Sprankle says this is one of the craziest books she's ever read, and I know this is definitely going to be one of the craziest movies we've seen!

Who's in the Verity cast?

Image via Mike Coppola/Jon Kopaloff/Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Since the movie is just now in development, we don't have an official Verity cast list yet. But considering It Ends With Us is starring beloved actors like Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Jenny Slate, I'm confident the cast of Verity will feature some incredible names.

Popular fancasts for Verity include You's Victoria Pedretti or The White Lotus' Alexandra Diddario as Lowen, Rosamund Pike or Margot Robbie as Verity, and Shia LaBeouf or Theo James as Jeremy. Without a doubt, the cast of Verity needs to be warm and welcoming at first glance, but also have an unexpected edge that reveals itself as we move through the story.

One Reddit user points out that the characters need to offer "just toxicity but also feigned innocence," and each of these actors do exactly that, which makes them incredible picks for the movie. If Blake wasn't already in It Ends With Us, I know she'd do a great job because she proved her thriller acting chops in A Simple Favor!

When did Verity come out?

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

Colleen Hoover self-published Verity in 2018, and in 2021, the book was acquired by Grand Central Publishing. It sold more than one million copies in 2023, and has more than 340 thousand Amazon ratings and over two million Goodreads ratings. Talk about a hit!

What movie is similar to the book Verity?

Image via Lionsgate

If you love thriller books like Verity, then I'd recommend checking out other relationship-centric thrillers like Gone Girl, Rebecca, and A Simple Favor. For period drama fans, I cannot recommend Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton's Why Didn't They Ask Evans enough!

Follow us on TikTok and YouTube for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on Verity & Colleen Hoover's other books!

Lead image via Amazon.

It truly sounds like something out of a movie, but Scarlett Johansson met her husband, Colin Jost, 14 whole years before they got married. The duo first connected on the set of Saturday Night Live, but didn’t kindle a serious flame until about a decade later. Their story is definitely admirable when it comes to celebrity relationships! Scarlett and Colin now share a son and have been happily married since 2020. Let’s dive into their relationship timeline!

Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for American Cinematheque

January 2006: First meeting

Scarlett and Colin actually met for the first time behind the scenes on the set of SNL. Colin had been a writer for the show when Scarlett hosted.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

May 2017: The relationship kicks off

Now let’s transport to nearly 11 years later! Though they’d known each other for a while, it wasn’t until May of 2017 that Scarlett and Colin had sparked rumors about their relationship.

Scarlett had guest starred on the SNL season finale and joined the cast and crew for a celebratory afterparty, in which Colin was in attendance.

According to Page Six, the duo were seen talking, flirting, and canoodling.

At the time, Scarlett was going through a divorce with a French journalist named Romain Dauriac, with whom she shares one daughter.

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

September 2017: No more rumors

Colin confirmed the rumors that he and Scarlett were dating at the 2017 Emmy Awards, telling Entertainment Tonight: "She's pretty cool… it's hard to have a lot of complaints, she's pretty awesome. I'm very happy. I feel very lucky."

They made their very first public appearance together that November at the American Museum of Natural History Gala in New York City.

Scarlett had settled her divorce and custody over her daughter with Romain Dauriac around this time as well.

Neilson Barnard / Getty Images

May 2018: Scarlett and Colin attend the Met Gala

Scarlett and Colin stepped out together to many events in 2018, but they looked exceptionally elegant at the 2018 Met Gala. The theme for that year was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”

Scarlett wore a Marchesa dress with a deep red gradient while Colin sported a classic black tuxedo.

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

May 2019: Scarlett and Colin get engaged

Scarlett’s publicist confirmed her engagement to Colin toAP in May 2019.

Scarlett herself later addressed the engagement during her sixth time hosting SNL, sharing: "This place means so much to me. I have so many friends here and I met the love of my life here.”

Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

October 2020: Wedding time

Scarlett and Colin kept their wedding party fairly small, as the effects of COVID-19 carried on into the fall of 2020.

Their ask for a wedding gift was that attendees and fans donate to Meals on Wheels America amid the pandemic. Meals on Wheels America shared the news in an Instagram post, the caption reading:

“We’re thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over the weekend in an intimate ceremony with their immediate family and loved ones, following COVID-19 safety precautions as directed by the CDC. Their wedding wish is to help make a difference for vulnerable older adults during this difficult time by supporting@mealsonwheelsamerica. Please consider donating to celebrate the happy couple by clicking the link in our bio.”

Arnold Turner / Getty Images for Netflix

August 2021: The couple welcomes their first child

Scarlett gave birth to their first son, Cosmo, in August 2021. The couple had kept the pregnancy quite private beforehand.

Several months later, the two were very happy to share more about their first child. Scarlett told Entertainment Tonight, "I feel very fortunate that I've been able to take this time to really enjoy the early stages of my motherhood with our son. It's been wonderful. I'm in a 'baby bliss bubble.'"

She later explained the name Cosmo on The Kelly Clarkson Show, saying that she and Colin had "just threw a bunch of letters together."

"It just seemed like a refreshing — it's so charming,” she said on the show. “Our friends all liked it.”

Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images

May 2023: The pair goes to Cannes

Scarlett and Colin attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, where her film, Asteroid City, premiered. The two looked stunning together, as Scarlett donned a pink gown and Colin wore a sleek tux.

Paul Morigi / Getty Images

April 27, 2024: Scarlett and Colin attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Scarlett and Colin pulled up to the 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Colin hosted the event held in Washington, D.C., opening the event with a hilarious monologue, roasting members around the room. He sometimes faced a tough crowd with the jokes and jabs he made, though he finished on a sincere note, emphasizing the importance of the media's role in democracy.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

April 29, 2024: Scarlett opens up about her life on the TODAY show

Scarlett hopped on the TODAY show to chat about what she’s currently doing, including her children and her new skincare line, The Outset.

She admitted her daughter, Rose, shares her love for skincare.

“My daughter comes on set sometimes,” Scarlett said. “She knew I was coming into The Outset office today – I think my daughter is more excited about The Outset, to be honest with you,” she joked.

Scarlett also opened up about being off of social media entirely.

“I think social media’s a great tool, it’s a wonderful way for people to connect, but I feel personally – I think I’m just too fragile for it,” she said. “It’s hard to look through other people’s lives and not compare your own.”

Scarlett said her personal struggles with skincare inspired her to create The Outset:

“I’ve just had this long road of struggling with acne and irritation and sensitivity forever, ‘till I was in my mid-20s. It was my own frustration that led me down the path of what has now become The Outset.”

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Lead photo by Paul Morigi / Getty Images.

Personal style is personal for a reason. Whatever you wear is a complete reflection of who you are, and this is especially true for what shoes you slip into every day. Everyone’s got their go-to sandals, but sneakers are an entirely different game, I tell ya.

If your fave footwear brand is New Balance and you just so happen to be in the market for some squeaky-clean sneaks, I’ve basically done all the research for you to help you find your perfect pair. This list of the most popular New Balance sneakers details not only each style’s practicality, but their personality, too.

Ahead, find your perfect New Balance sneakers – based on your vibes!

New Balance 9060: The ‘Fit Flexer

If you just can’t resist dressing to the nines every single day, the New Balance 9060s will fit right into your fashionista flair.

These “proudly futuristic” New Balance sneakers deliver on Y2K aesthetics beyond compare. The wider base is reminiscent of Nike Shox – very tech-y and otherworldly. The upper part is made from mesh and suede, supplying a super elevated vibe.

The white and cream white coloration is so easy to pair with most every ‘fit. They’ll match with cargo pants, vintage jeans, or even mini skirts and denim shorts.

Reviewers of the New Balance 9060 are glad they invested in this $150 shoe because it's so versatile.

One reviewer toted the 9060’s for fitting into “all aspects” of their lifestyle. Another said that the arch supports “unreal,” so though they’re more fashion-forward than other New Balance kicks, they’re still uber-comfortable for a range of activities.

New Balance 990: The Thrift Shopper

The New Balance 990s are straight-up dad sneakers to the core, so if you gravitate towards the thrift store (or all things vintage-y), you’ll find that they go swimmingly with most outfits and will stand up to long thrift trips.

While they were originally manufactured for running (and they still are), the 990s scream streetwear to me. They appear more elevated than your average athletic running shoe, thanks to the smooth pigskin and fine mesh.

The inside is fitted with a bouncy FuelCell midsole cushioning, and the shoe is available in 4 different widths. The range!

The New Balance 990s are very similar to the New Balance 993s, which is less performance-based.

New Balance 574 Core: The Weekend Warrior

Whether you're hitting the club or the farmer’s market on the weekends, you want to be comfortable (I mean, who doesn't?). The New Balance 574 Cores are made for the weekend warriors.

New Balance describes this signature shoe as “uncomplicated, rugged, durable, and comfortable.”

Though the 574s are pretty basic, they’re earned themselves icon status. You’re sure to see at least one pair when you go out.

The outer layer is made from suede and mesh materials dotted with 100% recycled polyester details.

New Balance 550: The Sneakerhead

These New Balance sneakers aren’t just black and white. They’re “sea salt” with “gray matter” and “magnet.” So yeah, if you consider yourself overly particular about your sneakers, the New Balance 550s are the shoe for you.

These were revived from the late 80’s and early 90’s then re-released full-time in 2021, and they’ve been a modern fan-favorite ever since.

The flatter soles on these sneaks mean they’re not as practical for running or walking long distances, but since they have a history with basketball, you might be able to rock ‘em on the court. More than anything, they definitely give basketball vibes, which is perfect for any streetwear ensemble.

The mixed materials and chunky approach to the classic New Balance logo give these an unmistakable air.

According to New Balance, these best fit people with an average arch height. The thick sole and cushy ankle padding work the hardest to support your feet, rather than an arched insole.

New Balance 530: The Gym-Goer

The New Balance 530s are giving Erewhon baddie. They’re giving I drink smoothies for breakfast. They’re giving I live and breathe pilates.

The stark white colorway of these sneakers reminds me of the clean girl aesthetic, and they’re so pretty, you may have a hard time getting them dirty.

Though very stylish on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts with the New Balance 530s. They’re fitted with an ample midsole section that cushions and compresses your step.

New Balance Fresh Foam: The 10K Steps A Day-er

For the more athletic among us (hello, hot girl walks!), the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers are the way to go. They’re designed especially for walking and running, so you can count on them to be comfy.

They have an extra-soft cushioning for a cozy step, and every aspect of the footbed is intended to stabilize the foot.

This shoe especially supports walkers or runners with the tendency to step heel first, a bonus co-signed by the American Podiatric Medical Association – this pair received their Seal of Acceptance.

The upper part of the shoe is made of mesh, so it’s highly breathable, even on hot days. They’re great for high arches, too!

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Images via New Balance.

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 6 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.

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Lead images via Amazon