8 Ways to Get the Perfect Pair of Levis Cutoffs for Summer

Jul 07, 2017

Goodness knows we’re all denim connoisseurs at heart. If you’re anything like us, then you’re constantly on the hunt for the perfect pair of Levi’s that evokes days spent on the boardwalk. With perfectly worn-in, high-waisted styles dominating the street-style scene, the time is now to get to the bottom of how to score the perfect vintage-style pair. Below, we’re dishing eight tips that will make your next denim thrifting experience as pain-free as possible.

1. Expect to try on plenty of pairs. Try, try, try, and try again. It may take 30 (or more) pairs before you find “the one.” Resist the urge to settle for a slew of meh jeans — it’s the one that fits in all the right places that makes the wild goose chase worth it in the end. Brit + Co Pick: Shop Future Levi’s Jean Shorts ($35)

2. Ignore the size label. Odds are, a majority of the vintage Levi’s you encounter will be men’s jeans — hence their irregular sizing (AKA, you can count on going up at least two sizes). Not to mention shrink-to-fit fabrics and tricky vanity sizing (an industry-wide practice of assigning smaller sizes to boost sales). When in doubt, wrap the waistband of the denim shorts around your neck; if the ends meet, then you should have a winner on your hands.

3. Know your denim styles. While fashion girls swear by Levi’s legendary 501s, the brand’s 505s and 551s are noteworthy in their own right. The 501s flaunt a roomy button-front fit, whereas the 505s have a zipper closure, meaning they tend to fit a bit more snugly. Petite gals will seek solace in Levi’s 551s — characterized by a high-rise, zip fly, for a true “mom jeans” fit. Brit + Co Pick: Vintage Levi’s Cutoff Shorts by What Goes Around Comes Around ($72)

4. When thrifting fails, try an online vintage clothing retailer specializing in denim. Meet the Denim Refinery, a one-stop shop for all your favorite vintage denim brands, including Levi Strauss. Special treatments — such as waxing, distressing, and softening — are utilized to preserve the fabric in its original state. Brit + Co Pick: Denim Refinery The Picnic Patchwork Distressed Back Levi’s Shorts ($89)

5. Be willing to spend an upwards of $100+ for a customized pair of Levi’s. If you’re looking for a bargain, then off to your local thrift store you go. For ALL the bells and whistles — namely, cool-girl flair — expect to fork over the moolah. Unemployed Denim’s online shop is a gold mine for a curated collection of vintage cutoffs that have been customized with paint splatters, frayed hems, and festival-ready patches. Brit + Co Pick: Unemployed Denim Lightning Shorts ($148)

6. Hit up Urban Outfitters for repurposed vintage Levis. Urban Outfitter’s in-house label, Urban Renewal, is known to churn out quite a few pairs of repurposed Levi’s. Whether upcycled from a pair of old vintage Levi’s jeans or spiffed up with a slew of playful patches (we see you, Mickey!) and one-of-a-kind distressing, no two pairs are alike. Brit + Co Pick: Urban Renewal Recycled Levi’s Cartoon Patch Denim Short ($59)

7. Reimagined Levi’s are all the rage. RE/DONE, your source for authentic vintage Levi’s, reimagines each handpicked pair according to contemporary fit guides and current market trends. By taking the vintage denim apart at the seams, they’re able to repurpose it into a new pair cutoffs while maintaining the heritage of your fave Levi’s. These overdyed shorts sporting a loose fit and tattered hem are as classic as they come. Brit + Co Pick: Re/Done Overdyed Short ($175)

8. Make your own denim cutoffs from scratch. Say you already have a beloved pair of Levi’s jeans in your possession that you’re willing to part with. Why not work some DIY magic by turning ‘em into some next-level cutoffs? You’ll have free rein to personalize them as you see fit — plus bragging rights when you get stopped on the streets for your mad seamstress skills. It’s a win-win.

Will you be investing in a pair of vintage denim cutoffs this summer? Follow us on Pinterest for more summer styling tips!

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5 Fashion Trends That Will Define Spring & Summer 2025

This year’sspring and summer fashion trends are shaping up to be a stylish mix between beloved classics and newer forays into playful patterns and colors – think remixed boho pieces and trendy jeansalongside fresh springtime greens and summer-ready ginghams! I’m already so excited to get my warm-weather wardrobe going with some of these trends. No matter your personal style, you’re gonna love these spring and summer fashion trends, too.

These 5 upcoming fashion trends are set to define spring and summer 2025 in the most stylish way!

1. Lacy Boho

Free People

Free People Jae Knit Top

Boho feels like it’s been around forever, but we’re sure to see an uptick in all things lacy and frilly this year.

American Eagle

American Eagle Chiffon Bell Sleeve Ruffle Blouse

Where floral styles might have shined in years prior, more femme pieces will be huge in spring and summer 2025.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Lace Godet Maxi Slip Dress

Inspired by the resurgence of handcrafted aesthetics, lacy boho pieces like flowy maxi dresses, crochet tops, and ruffled blouses create an effortless, yet ethereal look that’s also ideal for warm weather days.

2. Athleisure As Everyday

Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective White Jane Boat Neck Tank

Athleisure isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, though practical pieces are starting to be worn more commonly as fashion staples.

Halfdays

Halfdays Sophia Leggings

Brands are beginning to craft garments like leggings, hoodies, and workout tops with luxe fabrics and tailored fits, making them that much more elevated.

Old Navy

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted StudioSmooth Skort

This trend reflects the demand for fashion to be both functional and stylish, which is important, no matter your personal style!

3. Skinny Jeans

Free People

Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans

That’s right – skinny jeans have made quite the quiet comeback to fashion for 2025! That isn’t to say looser, baggier denim fits aren’t just as trendy, but if you wear skinny jeans, your outfits will have a unique effect and place you ahead of the trend wave.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Super Skinny Ankle Jeans

Of course, it all depends on how you style ‘em – I personally love the look of pairing them with either tall boots or mesh ballet flats.

Nordstrom

AG Mari Mid Rise Slim Straight Leg Jeans

The everlasting return of Y2K-inspired fashion and the need for streamlined, classic pieces are definitely fueling the skinny jean revival.

4. Pistachio Green

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Madeline Textural Crew Sweater

Pastels are still springtime’s BFF, but shades of pistachio green are making their debut in a bigger way this year as a nice alternative to those expected pinks and yellows.

Anthropologie

Endless Rose Strapless Textured Column Midi Dress

This soft, muted green tone exudes a calming, natural vibe that’s just plain fun to wear!

Baggu

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

If you don’t want to go all-out in green, you can also easily accessorize with sunglasses, purses, and jewelry.

5. Gingham

Reformation

Reformation Petra Linen Low Rise Pedal Pusher Pants

Gingham is truly timeless, but we're going to be seeing a whole lot more of it come summer 2025. More and more retailers and designers are getting playful with the pattern, putting out pieces with larger prints or even wacky colors – and I adore it!

Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue Renee Smocked Maxi Dress

Gingham pants, dresses, tops, and accessories will be hot this year, and no matter how you wear it, you'll be putting on a look that’s undeniably nostalgic and youthful.

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This "Outdated" '90s Pasadena Home Got A Stunning Renovation — See The Before & After!

Letting more than a decade pass without updates can quickly leave a home feeling outdated. That was the case for this Pasadena home, which remained frozen in the '80s and ’90s — until Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison stepped in to beautifully renovate and reimagine it. Their goal? To lean into the home's French-country architecture and transform the dated and dysfunctional space into a modern, light-filled space with moody vibes, vintage pieces, and luxury materials.

See the before and after of this French-inspired Pasadena renovation!

THE BEFORE

Courtesy of House of Rolison

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

Gavin Cater

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Courtesy of House of Rolison

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

Gavin Cater

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Gavin Cater

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

Courtesy of House of Rolison

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

Gavin Cater

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

Gavin Cater

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Gavin Cater

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Gavin Cater

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Gavin Cater

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

Gavin Cater

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Gavin Cater

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Gavin Cater

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

Gavin Cater

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Gavin Cater

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

Gavin Cater

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

Gavin Cater

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

Gavin Cater

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."

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These 7 Amazon Fashion Picks Make The Easiest Summer Outfits

Are you packing last-minute for atrip? Have you been looking for the perfect cover-up but can't seem to find it anywhere? Well, don't worry, I've got you covered! You know how much I love Amazon over here. They not only have a million things to offer, but they have them at unbeatable prices.

Many pieces from mysummerwardrobe are from Amazon, because they always seem to have exactly what I'm looking for (and usually in 15 other colors too). There are so many good summer clothes to choose from, but I have sifted through some pieces that I think are perfect staples for your warm weather wardrobe.

Amazon

Anrabess Linen Palazzo Pants

These comfy pants are great for any summer activity. I love a good basic that you can style however you want! If you're going on vacation this summer, I highly recommend grabbing a pair of pants like these, because you will not regret having a good pair of breathable linen pants. You can find these in literally any color for $36!

Amazon

Cozyease Floral Embroidery Knot Front Cami Top

This $27 top looks like it comes straight from Urban Outfitters or Abercrombie & Fitch. Flowy tops are super trendy again, and they are flattering on everyone. I love the detailing on this white and blue top, but there are four other patterns to choose from. I can imagine walking around in Greece wearing this top, especially with these colors!

Amazon

Zqffb Swim Cover-Up

Don't miss out on a good swimsuit cover-up this summer. I used to just wear a big t-shirt to the beach, but I recently graduated to wanting to look a bit more put together with cover-ups like this one. This top is great to just throw over your suit and pair with some shorts or linen pants for a full 'fit! You can shop this cover-up in white or black for only $20.

Amazon

Light Dot Halter Neck Dress

I love, love, love this pattern! I recently ordered a dress from this brand, and the material is incredible. It's durable, yet very breathable. This halter dress is perfect for a party or date night. And can we talk about the neckline? So fun! If you want to incorporate more patterns and colors into your wardrobe this summer, I highly recommend checking out this $33 flowy dress.

Amazon

Ferbia Crochet Drawstring Shirt

I want this $25 top in every color. You can never go wrong with a knit top in the summer because they are so nice and airy. The drawstring is unique and allows you to adjust the top to your liking. You can wear it as a top or as a cover-up for the beach. Personally, I would love to style this with a long white maxi skirt.

Amazon

Mebius Womens Floral Mini Dress

Everyone needs at least one good floral dress in their wardrobe. They are so fitting for the spring and summer seasons, and you'll be wearing it all the time when it gets warm. I was immediately drawn to the shape of this dress. I love the criss-cross neckline and the stretchy waist. Dare I say, this is the perfect picnic dress! You can get this one for $32.

Amazon

SeekMe Linen Short Set

You can look so effortlessly put together with any matching set. But as we know, linen and summer go together like wine and cheese. You can style this set in so many different ways that one outfit can end up becoming six! If you need to pack light on vacation, get this $30 set – you will not regret it.

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The 10 Best Finds From The Whole Foods Hot Bar For An On-The-Go Meal

The Whole Foods hot bar is a buffet of delicious possibilities. It’s truly packed with fresh, flavorful dishes that make grabbing a quick meal feel like a total treat! From perfectly-seasoned roasted veggies to indulgent comfort foods like meatloaf and cornbread, you’re never missing out on good eats when you stop by the Whole Foods hot bar. If you’re wondering which options are worth piling onto your plate, these 10 picks are the best of the best!

Scroll on to discover the 10 best finds at the Whole Foods hot bar for a tasty on-the-go meal!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. Rotisserie Chicken

Whole Foods’ rotisserie chicken is a staple you simply need to try. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly-seasoned every single time! Some Whole Foods locations even give you a choice between lemon herb or garlic variations that add delicious depth of flavor. Plus, rotisserie chicken is always versatile – you can eat it on its own, shred it into salads, or pair it with any of the hot bar sides for a balanced, high-protein meal.

Foodie Factor / PEXELS

2. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is superior when it comes to comfort food, and Whole Foods’ recipe is no exception! It never fails to be rich, velvety, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and freshness from the basil. It’s a fan-favorite because it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled cheese to pasta.

Public Domain Pictures / PEXELS

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These aren’t the bland, mushy veggies you avoided as a kid. Whole Foods roasts their Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection, oftentimes serving them up with garlic, a balsamic glaze, or some Parmesan cheese! If you’re looking for nutritious, yet flavorful options from the Whole Foods hot bar, you’ve just gotta scoop up some of these sprouts and witness the magic for yourself.

FOX / PEXELS

4. Grilled Salmon

Whole Foods’ grilled salmon is a standout item on the hot bar because of its buttery texture and slightly-smoky char. It pairs exceptionally well with the aforementioned Brussels sprouts or even a grain-based side like quinoa!

Angela Khebou / PEXELS

5. Mac & Cheese

Whole Foods fans go nuts for their Mac & Cheese. It’s nothing but rich, creamy, and of course, loaded with cheese. It’s ooey and gooey, but typically, the top layer boasts a slight crispiness from baking. Yum. It makes the ultimate comfort food for picky kids and hungry adults alike!

Whole Foods

6. Classic Meatloaf

Don't knock meatloaf – especially Whole Foods’ meatloaf from the hot bar. This home-style dish is made with high-quality beef, flavorful seasonings, and a tangy tomato glaze that keeps you going back for more. And more! Shoppers love it so much because it brings back that nostalgia for a hearty, homemade dinner.

Whole Foods

7. Chicken Tikka Masala

This ready-to-eat Tikka Masala is so delicious. The chicken is always tender and absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully, making it a perfect dish when served over basmati rice. It’s a great way to enjoy Indian flavors without having to visit a restaurant (and pay restaurant prices).

Nadja M / PEXELS

8. Fried Rice

Whole Foods’ fried rice can’t be beat. Often made with fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a touch of soy sauce for umami depth, it's a great side to scoop up for lunch or dinner.

Nano Erdozain / PEXELS

9. Baked Ziti

This comforting mix of al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and ricotta for extra creaminess is one of the best items on Whole Foods’ hot bar. Cheese lovers, make way!

Valeria Boltneva / PEXELS

10. Nashville Hot Chicken

For those who can’t resist a little heat, the Nashville hot chicken at Whole Foods delivers a perfect balance of spice and crunch. Each bite is also slightly-sweet, so you’re going to get a balanced meal every time you stop by.

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The Libby Awards Just Announced Their Winners — & Tons Of Our Fave Books Made The Cut

2024 saw the rise of celebrity book clubs and BookTok favorites, but we were waiting for the Libby Awards to announce their top picks this year. Finally, our wait is over because they announced their winners! According to PEOPLE, a record-breaking number of librarians sifted through 2024's most-anticipated books and we're delighted to see some of our favorite reads made the cut.

Whether you see reading as a hobby, a way to escape or a form of resistance, having organizations and librarians who encourage it is truly golden.

Scroll to see which of our favorite books made the Libby Awards list and the top runner-ups from adult fiction to romantasy!

Best Adult Fiction Book

Amazon

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah's The Women deserves the acknowledgement it continues to get because it such a well-written novel. It introduces readers to Frances "Frankie" McGrath, a nursing student, who believes she and other women have something special to contribute to the Vietnam War. Enlisting in the Army Nurse Corps allows her to follow her brother and show how much she's serious about her desire to do more. But, she doesn't expect to be surrounded by so much mayhem upon her arrival and return back to the home she left behind.

Amazon

James by Percival Everett (Runner-Up)

Huckleberry Finn's story has always been readily available, but the runaway slave who accompanied him during his journey was overshadowed. Seeking to change that, Percival Everett wrote James as a way to give Jim a purpose-filled voice.

Prior to forming a friendship with the "wild child," Jim's worst fears come true when he learns his master wants to take him away from his family. Unwilling to let that happen, he escapes to Jackson Island where he crosses paths with Huck Finn. Both are aware they're running from volatile situations which leads them to make a perilous journey to find a taste of freedom.

Best Adult Nonfiction Book

Amazon

The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Erik Larson's The Demon of Unrest takes readers back in time to understand how fraught Abraham Lincoln's election and the Southern Confederates' relationship was. It was clear far right thinking was seeking to dismantle any idea of democracy for all and it seemed that nothing would change until the fateful events that took place at Fort Sumter.

From Major Robert Anderson to William Seward, readers will relive a time period where many lives were lost as the quest for power created bloodshed.

Amazon

By the Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle (Runner-Up)

By the Fire We Carry also revisits a time in history where injustice prevailed, but this time the focus is on American Indians. Beginning in the 1830s, the Muscogee people were forcibly removed from their land to unknown territories. Though they believed they would receive retribution, it became evident it wouldn't happen when Oklahoma took over their home. And when treacherous murder happens, the new state refused to step in for years.

It wasn't until 2020 that the Supreme Court reached an overdue decision that didn't seek the best interests of the American Indians, proving injustice is embedded in American history.

Best Young Adult Fiction Book

Amazon

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

AIZ knows life isn't fair as she's grown up poor in Kegari, but it hasn't stopped her for wanting revenge for something she's never forgotten. Her rage puts her in an even more dangerous situation and it threatens to overtake her. Then there's SIRSHA, a tracker with magic in her veins. She hasn't had a stroke of luck in a while which makes her accept a job of punishing a child murderer. Lastly, there's the reluctant prince QUIL. He's seen the effects being in control has on others and doesn't want to meet that same fate, but is forced to make a decision when the Empire is threatened. Each will have to make decisions that play a role in their final fates and it's impossible to know who will survive.

Amazon

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds (Runner-Up)

Aria met Neon two years ago because her dog decided to have its version of fun by chasing the latter. It was a fateful meeting that put them on a path of love and everyone knows it. Talks about intimacy have led to more conversations about having sex for the first time, but readers will see how complicated it is for the teens.

However, Aria and Neon make a plan to do the one deed they can't stop thinking about. But guess where Neon is?

Hiding in a bathroom because his nerves are all over the place!

Best Debut Author

Amazon

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

When a civil servant receives a job she's been dreaming about, she's overjoyed and gladly accepts its conditions. She and others will help "expats" adjust to living in the present after their time travel journeys. That's how she meets Commander Graham Gore ("1847"). The last thing he knew was that he lived during the 1840s so he experiences shock that things are so different from what he remembers.

Nevertheless, he and the civil servant begin to respect each other in a way that leads to the one forbidden rule for their situation: they're never meant to fall in love.

Amazon

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (Runner-Up)

Jolene finds herself in hot water with HR when her snarky emails about co-workers are discovered. In order to keep her job, she has to complete training with Cliff and even has to follow email protocols to make sure she doesn't repeat her mistakes. But then she becomes aware of other employees' emails and realizes she's not the only one who's been writing things that can be seen as red flags. It's how she finds out a company-wide layoff will be happening soon.

Torn between wanting to protect herself and see the humanity of those she works with, Jolene will have to decide how vulnerable she wants to be in both situations.

Best Book Club Pick

Amazon

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Margo Millet was born into a precarious situation given the fact her dad used to wrestle professionally while her mom waited tabled at Hooters. Despite her lack of examples, the young adult starts taking classes at a junior college while wondering how she's going to make ends meet. Somehow, she has an affair with a married professor that leads to a very unplanned pregnancy that everyone thinks she should terminate. But something awakens in Margo and she ignores everyone's "advice."

In order to take care of herself and her young child, she starts an OnlyFans account that garners more attention than she thought it would. Suddenly able to afford her bills, Margo leans into her new "job," until someone close to her does the unthinkable.

Amazon

Real Americans by Rachel Khong (Runner-Up)

Rachel Khong's Real Americans decodes what happens when a young woman named Lily Chen meets a wealthy man named Matthew. Though it's clear they were in love, readers eventually discover the two are no longer together when they see her raising her teenaged son alone. Refusing to explain what happened to his father, Lily places her son in a tough spot where he resolves to uncover his heritage without her.

Along the way, the past, present, and future converge in a way that makes readers ponder about classism and more.

Best Fantasy Book

Amazon

The Spellshopby Sarah Beth Durst

Kiela has a people problem, but she bypasses it for the most part as she dutifully takes care of the Great Library of Alyssium with Caz the magical spider plant. However, their perfect paradise comes crashing down when someone destroys where they work, forcing them to evacuate to a place Kiela grew up. Once there, Kiela's visited by her meddling and attractive neighbor who takes a liking to her. Still, she has to do something to bring money in which is how she begins growing berries to create delicious jam.

Her only obstacle is that she's using magic illegally to making a living, leading to a spellshop that will change the island she's on forever.

Amazon

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (Runner-Up)

Luzia Cotado spends her days doing back-breaking work as a scullion and would've perished had it not been for the small amount of magic she uses to get by. Things take a wrong turn when her powers are discovered and she's forced to use more to help the family she works for. Hot on her heels is Antonio Pérez, a secretary to Spain's king who needs as much good luck as he can find. By discovering Luzia, he feels he'll be able to rework his way into the good graces of the man he serves.

The only way she'll be able to evade him is by becoming acquainted with others with magical powers and relying on the immortal familiar Guillén Santángel.

Best Horror Book

Amazon

Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle

Misha's big moment in Hollywood has finally come in the form of a worthy Oscar nod. The only thing standing in his way are the executives who want him to stop pushing the "gay narrative" on his TV series. Though he admirably rebels against their demands, he soon finds himself and loved ones being haunted.

Amazon

I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (Runner-Up)

A young teen's life takes on a drastic path when he's forced to become a killer. Tolly Driver has always stayed out of trouble, but tragedy pushes him to do something that's out of character while living in Lamesa, Texas. Instead of being written off as another psychotic murderer, Stephen Graham Jones wrote I was A Teenage Slasher from Tolly's POV.

Best Romance Book Of The Year

Amazon

Funny Story by Emily Henry

We all know and love Emily Henry's work, but Funny Story still remains one of the best novels she's written. She allows readers to get to know Daphne's tragically hilariously plight as she realizes her fiancé's been in love with his best friend Petra the entire time they've been together. It blindsides her in more ways than one and leaves her wondering how she's going to afford rent.

As luck would have it, Petra's ex Miles Nowak is in need of a roommate too so he and Daphne decide to share a space. Most days they ignore each other until one conversation leads to a friendship and the perfect idea: pretend to date each other to rub it in their exes faces!

There's no way Daphne or Miles could fall in love with each other for real, right?

Amazon

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava (Runner-Up)

Ember Lee Cardinal is in a tight spot because she's yet to secure a job despite the many times she's submitted her resumé with applications. Deciding to experiment, she embellishes a few things and stops checking the Native American box. This method works, leading her to secure a role as an accountant.

She does well and even begins dating IT guy Danuwoa Colson despite their job's strict policies. No one suspects a thing until someone sees them during a company trip and threatens to make everyone aware they're together. Now Ember's in a odd situation where he dream job has become a nightmare and she beings telling small lies in order to save her neck because telling the truth has consequences she doesn't want to deal with.

Best Romantasy Book

Amazon

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan's been out of Midgard for sometime and is looking for ways to get back to what feels familiar. She never intended to go far away, but it's not so easy to get back to where she was. Plus, she has to watch her back because she doesn't know who's friendly or not.

Hunt Athalar's fate is no better because he's back in Asteri's dungeons and doesn't know where Bryce could be. Though he's helped her in the past, he's unable to intervene this time because he's trapped and doesn't see a way out.

Amazon

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi (Runner-Up)

Yeeran's life has been consumed by battle and she knows that's probably where she'll die. She fiercely serves in the elven army while her sister Lettle spends her days as a diviner. But when Yeeran's kicked out of the Elven Lands, she and sister are forced to face the unknown of the fae court. Having been hidden in plain sight, it begins to pull them in opposite directions from which they may never recover from.

Amazon

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