A mesmerising novel of erotic and romantic passion set amidst the trappings of riches to rags (an unusual twist of fate).
This book was wonderful. I wasn't sure about the premise at the start but intrigued by the idea of a bargain being struck and the details surrounding it.
I didn't expect to be so enthralled by the topic but I was completely taken unawares by the quality of the writing and completely immersed in both the major and minor story arc.
The main character is a spoilt, immature princess with a passion for music called Alexandra. She lives in a kingdom that is constantly at war with it's neighbour and there is social consequences to this.
Alexandra doesn't have enough experience or empathy to care about the people around her or what it takes to enable her pampered spoilt existence.
Enter the heir to rival kingdom, Tyram (Tom) who is also passionate about music but much more mature than Alexandra, as he's seen firsthand the cost of war.
Alexandra's mother and Tyram hatch a scheme in which Alexandra will either continue with her frivolous, selfish existence or ultimately become a mature, empathetic, responsible person which might possibly end up changing the course of the senseless war and diverting the path of both kingdoms.
I really enjoyed the relationship that evolved between Alexandra and Tyram, initially based on a shared love of music, but felt conflicted about the deception required to enable the initial stages of their relationship, as Alexandra had to overcome her prejudice towards Tyram and his origin and status in the rival Kingdom, so he lied about himself and his background to facilitate this.
There were moments when I thought the story line was a bit audacious and far fetched, as it relied on intoxication, unfamiliarity and subterfuge to disguise Tyram's appearance but then I suppose it's worked for the Superman comics for over 50 years so it is a traditional theme (ie beard or no beard, unkempt hair in comparison to neatly trimmed etc).
The book has been left open for a sequel and I for one would be eager to revisit these two characters and find out more about what happens.
I would also be interested in finding out what has happened to her brother King Bryan and if there is a future novel planned to detail his experiences whilst on his "Grand Tour" for a year away from the monarchy.
All in all I would recommend this book as it is diverting, interesting and a treat for the senses.

SUCH AN FUN AND QUICK READ!

The first smut scene kinda hit you in the face like a wet fish tho. That came out of nowhere. And it was also kinda unneccesarry. This book could´ve worked fine without it. Maybe this book would also been better if it would have focused more on the world building and the political intrigue. It had a good base for that. All in all still an enjoyable, quick read.

i received this as an E-ARC from netgalley. it had a strong start and was interesting within the first couple of chapters and fell through almost immediately. it was missing a slight spark. i wish i could say more, but i was not pleased nor enthusiastic about finishing this book. it is 1.5 star rating at highest.

I did not realize this book had already been released when I requested the ARC. I will read the published version.

The Bard's Bargain" was an engaging read, offering an intriguing story of a spoiled princess and her rival, who both experience life as commoners in a bard's disguise. The book's nonlinear and imperfect character growth added depth to the narrative, and I appreciated the realistic portrayal of Alexandra's occasional return to old habits during her development.

One aspect I found challenging was the rapid transition from mutual disdain to intense attraction between the characters. While acknowledging their initial physical attraction, the swift development felt somewhat rushed. A more gradual and natural progression of their connection would have enhanced the story.

Overall, "The Bard's Bargain" is a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of romantic fantasy and those interested in a retelling of "King Thrushbeard." I would recommend giving it a try.

I picked this up because I love a good fairytale retelling, especially one of a more obscure/less popular tale.

I found Alexandra to be a character who - being so spoilt, selfish and eager for war at first - I should have dislike but, somehow, I found her compelling from the start. Her behaviour made sense and she developed nicely over the course of the book, having experiences that forced her to grow in a believable way.

I also like Tom/Tyram. I thought he was clearly a very clever character, working for peace without his father's knowledge, reaching out and plotting with Morgause.

Tom & Alexandra's relationship was sweet. I'll admit, I was expecting more of a slow burn given the circumstances - them going at each other only around 30% of the way through, before they'd even reached his hut took me by suprise. But it all worked by the end and came together as a solid story and relationship.

I'm also intrigued for the sequel - which I'm guessing will follow Angharad & Bryan.

This story is a retelling of a lore. It is about Princess Alexandra of Linwen, a smart and ambitious woman, but was spoiled and had a lack of care for others. For a long time, Linwen has been warring with Norwen, and so for the sake of peace, the new ruler of Norwen and Alexandra's mother pushed Alexandra into a marriage of convenience. Alexandra refused this arrangement because the precious Norwen leader killed her father (also because her pride would not allow her to). Because of her stubbornness, the queen punished her to live with the bard as a commoner for a year. During this one year, Alexandra will change how she views the world and how she views herself. She even found love in the midst of it all.

At first, I cringed at the notion of a strong and ambitious woman having to be reprimanded and punished in order to mould them to be softer or more demure. This one book, as I understand it, could be summarized into a one big rehabilitation therapy for Alexandra. However. as the story progressed, I appreciate how the author made Alexandra with flaws that she needed to work on. I loved how the bard was very empathetic about why she was the way she was, and he was actually patient in dealing with her. He did not drastically change her, to my relief, because at the very core of Alexandra's heart, she was a good person. It was just her spoiled and privileged upbringing that caused her to have a bubble-like perception of the world. Her character development was endearing, especially as she interacted with the villagers in the bard's village.

The best thing about this story was the slow burn that truly BURNS. Their romance was so cute and sweet. At first, the pacing of the book felt too slow for me, but after the romance enveloped, it was such a joy to read all their banter and sweet interaction.

However, I failed to see the fantasy element in this book, there was only a tiny scene where magic was involved in this story. From the epilogue, I understand that the second book might be a more fantastical and adventurous story. But this first book was more in line with a cozy nuance historical romance in an alternate setting. This story is character-focused and written beautifully with immersive world building.

Also, I'd like to appreciate the beautiful cover!

Thank you to NetGalley and Vanessa Green for the copy!

First of, I want to say that was a gorgeous book cover that is! I think the illustration perfectly captured the book. It was a bit slow for me but I did enjoy it. And the fact that it was a retelling made it more enjoyable. Although some parts could have still been better, at some point the slow pacing made me bored but it was a good one nonetheless.

The perfect cozy, slow burn romantasy to begin Autumn. I read this snuggled up in bed and loved every second. You’re taken on a journey of extreme character development and love, while following a fallen princess forced to live as a peasant for a year alongside a seemingly poor bard.

While the pace was upsetting for some other readers, I actually loved how “slow” the book felt. It was almost like a metaphor for how Alexandra must’ve been feeling as the days as a peasant dragged on. I think it gave us the perfect opportunity to really get attatched to both characters and understand their motives, personalities and deepest desires. I feel like that was extremely important in this story. It also made for a slow and easy read, adding to the cozy atmosphere the book exudes.

Towards the end, there were twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, and I audibly gasped when reading the extra bit tagged onto the end. I had my suspicions but reading it was ARGH!!

I cannot wait to read book 2, and I am so happy I stumbled across this eARC on NetGalley.

This book was so wholesome, and felt like a much needed warm hug. I cannot recommend it enough. My favourite read of 2024 so far! (Also, the book cover is perfection!)

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Vanessa Green for giving me the oppurtunty to read The Bard's Bargain in exchange for my honest review.

Admitedly I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did but by the end I was totally engrossed by the plot and couldn't stop reading.
As a retelling of King Thrushbeard of Brothers Grimm it captivated me instantly since it was the first time I heard of even the original tale, which had me instantly interested in how Vanessa Green would deliver her own version of a retelling.
She delivered, and not only that but she left breadcrumps (pun intented) for a possible next story, which I love to see in a book.
A beautiful story through and through, it shows how Tom and Alexandra despite their dfferences meet and slowly the tension between them changes from loathing to falling in love. The spice was mild but well written and it just showed how the duo of our protagonists grew to love each other, until the truth was revealed and everything came to the crescendo of the storyline.

It's definetely a story I would recommend to someone that wants to read lesser know story retellings and I really can't wait to see what Vanessa Green will write in the future.

I love this and before I read it. I didn’t realise it was a retelling. The cover was what drew me to this book and. I wish there more illustrations like it in the book. Over all an enjoyable read.

Book reviews, but make it a ✨haiku✨ Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ebook!
Secrets aplenty
Please humble yourself princess
Holly tea is great😏

It might be a shock to hear that I wasn't familiar with the fairytale of King Thrushbeard before reading this book, but I absolutely loved this retelling! The two leads genuinely want what's best for each other day in and day out, and Alexandra's willingness to learn and grow throughout the book? I loved it.

The cover art for this book was beautiful. I found myself wishing there were more illustrations in this style throughout the book .

I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book and was really happy to be provided with a copy.
The character development is on point when it comes to Tom and Alexandra. Their connection is organic and I was really involved while reading about their relationship growing and changing.
Unfortunately, I didn't really connect to any of the other characters, so much so that I don't think I even remember their names.
The politics and the world building is very well done.
I am looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
I liked the slow pace of the plot and enjoyed following Tom and Alexandra on their travels through the two kingdoms. However, it became a bit too slow towards the middle. It felt like some characters and plot lines were not really necessary and are maybe even stalling the plot. But, as I reached the last fifth of the novel, the pace picked up and I was literally unable to put my Kindle down.
Also, I wasn't familiar with the fairytale of King Thrushbeard, but thanks to Vanessa Green I am going to look into it as well.
Thank you to the author and to NetGally for the opportunity to read this very entertaining, enjoyable and well written piece.

**The Bard's Bargain** offers a captivating and gritty retelling of the classic fairy tale "King Thrushbeard," blending romance, personal growth, and mature themes into a compelling narrative.

The story begins with Princess Alexandra, whose rejection of all suitors at her debut incites the anger of various royals and her formidable mother. As a consequence of her pride and perceived arrogance, the queen strips Alexandra of her royal title and forces her into a year of poverty, paired with Tom, a young bard of lowly status. The condition of this harsh punishment is that Alexandra must live as a commoner for the year, demonstrating her ability to survive and adapt if she wishes to reclaim her former position as regent.

The novel excels in portraying Alexandra’s transition from a life of privilege to one of hardship. The stark contrast between her former opulence and her new existence as a peasant provides a strong foundation for character development and emotional growth. The journey to the neighboring kingdom of Norwen, where she encounters the suitor she previously scorned, adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue to the story.

Tom, the bard, serves as both a guide and a foil to Alexandra’s character. His lighthearted and charming nature contrasts sharply with Alexandra’s initial bitterness and sense of entitlement. Through their interactions and the shared struggles they face, Alexandra begins to learn empathy, resilience, and selflessness. The evolving relationship between Alexandra and Tom is at the heart of the novel, offering moments of tenderness and romantic tension amidst the backdrop of their challenging circumstances.

**The Bard's Bargain** is notable for its mature content, including strong language and explicit scenes. This aspect adds a raw and realistic edge to the fairy tale, distinguishing it from more traditional retellings. While the mature themes may not appeal to all readers, they contribute to a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the characters and their struggles.

The author’s writing is vivid and immersive, effectively capturing the emotional and physical challenges faced by the characters. The pacing of the story balances introspection with action, keeping readers engaged as they follow Alexandra’s journey from a self-centered princess to a more compassionate and self-aware individual.

Overall, **The Bard's Bargain** is a bold and engaging reimagining of a classic tale. It combines romance, personal transformation, and mature themes to create a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. For readers who enjoy fairy tales with a modern twist and a focus on character growth, this novel is a compelling and memorable read.

the synopsis or the description of this book was well done but then when i read the story it kind of lost that thrill and i lost my interest as well. i thought it was going to be adventurous and exciting but then ii was not so i didn't really liked that. but still, i get that some people will love this and i am just not one of those people.

thank you to NetGalley for this ARC and to the author as well for creating this book.

I was so excited for the premise of this book as it's one of my favourite fairytales and you don't see many retellings about it.
Sadly I couldn't connect with any of the characters, it was totally expected how the FMC is but even the MMC was just not it.
I finished it but I would not read the second book that's about the brother of the FMC.
Thank you for providing the book.

A lesser-known Brothers Grimm fairytale gets new life breathed into it in the first book of The Bard’s Bargain Series.

Cast out from high society for being too picky, Princess Alexandra must spend a year living the life of a commoner to take her rightful place on the throne. Thinking it would be an easy year, Alexandra learns quickly how difficult her kingdom has to work for her cushy lifestyle. Fortunately, she grows close to a young bard named Tom. Tom teaches her to joys of a simple life and the joys of….other things..ifykyk.

With the year drawing to a close, Alexandra must make a choice, Tom or her kingdom.

The original Grimm’s fairytales are noted for their dark tone and the same vibe follows into this re-imagining of the story. Vanessa Green does a wonderful job of creating Princess Alexandra, an overall unpleasant character and transforming her into a beloved character worthy of the attention of dashing young Tom. This book debutes the series and leaves the reader anticipating the next phase of Alexandra’s adventure.

Vanessa Green's novel, The Bard's Bargain, is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, adventure, and passionate romance that kept me spellbound from the very first page. A retelling of the story of King Thrushbeard, I couldn't put it down and finished this captivating tale in one day.

Set in a vividly imagined world where magic and music intertwine, this book weaves a tale of love, introspection, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling that will resonate with readers. It is a captivating romantasy with a slow burn leading to a nice level of spice and passion.

The story follows the journey of Alexandria, a spoiled, self-centered princess, as she embarks on a quest to save her kingdom from an unlikely betrayal and unknowingly, her own selfishness which threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Joining her on this journey is a talented bard with a mysterious past, Tom. He is kind but very poor and from the enemy Kingdom of Norwen whom she must live with for a year to complete her mission. It is with Tom, that Alexandria learns to navigate treacherous landscapes filled with dangers, secrets, and unexpected allies, all while grappling with the consequences of a fateful bargain that could cost her everything she loves or possibly gain more than she ever bargained for?? I shall not tell!

One of the highlights of The Bard's Bargain is Green's rich and evocative prose, which brings the world of the story to life with vivid detail and lyrical beauty. From the bustling markets outside of the castle grounds to the quaint cottages of poor farm life, each setting is rendered with such depth and authenticity that it feels as though you could step right into the pages and join the characters on their journey.

Speaking of characters, Alexandra and Tom are characters with a love story worth rooting for - vulnerable and deeply human. Alexandra's relationships with the other characters in the story - are complex and nuanced, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

But it's not just the characters and world-building that make The Bard's Bargain such a compelling read. Green also weaves together a taut and suspenseful plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Each twist and turn in the story is expertly crafted to keep you guessing, while the pacing is brisk and engaging, ensuring that there's never a dull moment.

At its heart, The Bard's Bargain is a story about the power of self-sacrifice and love in its truest form - to inspire, heal, and transform kingdoms. Through Alexandra's journey, Green explores themes of identity, destiny, and the choices we make that shape our lives, all wrapped up in a thrilling and magical adventure that will leave you breathless.

In conclusion, The Bard's Bargain is a must-read for fans of romantasy and adventure alike. With its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and gripping storyline, Vanessa Green has crafted a tale that is sure to enchant and delight adult readers. I cannot recommend this book highly enough - it truly deserves every one of its five stars.

A big thank to #netgalley and #vanessgreen for the digital ARC in exchange for my own opinion. I look forward to owning a hard copy of this book for my collection.