This book reminds me of Bridgerton but with fae, magic, and trials. It was a little slow getting started, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. I did start to get a little bored after the 60% mark, but then the ending came and surprised me. I would recommend reading if you like Bridgerton, The Selection, and/or books with fae in them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This was amazing from start to finish, and I cannot wait to see what the next book brings! The author does a wonderful job world building, creating a duality of earth and the Otherworld of the Fae. Although this is a common plot line, Smith brings a refreshed perspective. The characters are all entertaining, and you get to know them well throughout their development. The tension and romance are well done, and readers will find themselves rooting for relationships throughout. If you are a fan of fantasy and romance, this is a must read!

The ending had me shookith y’all! I need more!!

Thank you to Harper Collin’s and Netgalley for approving me to read this E-Arc, The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith 💗 I was so excited to when I received the email about this since this one was on my top this for this year 🫶🏼

It’s very true when everyone says this gives off The Cruel Prince and Bridgerton or The Selection because this book gave you all those goodies! I loved every second of this book which is why I gave this one a 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story takes place in London, 1848 where your Queen is a faerie where she hosts these trials in order for the ladies to win Prince Bram’s hand and marriage. However, Ivy catches herself catching feelings for Emmett, the Prince’s Brother instead of Bram along the way.. 👀

The trials were so good in here as it kept you on your toes and I was just so intrigued by this story! I loved Emmett a lot he was funny and sweet and flirtatious and I actually liked Ivy as well, her character was great. She had some moments where I questioned her a lot but overall still liked her lol.

My favorite part in this book was the scene with Bram, Emmett, and Ivy where Emmett was trying to teach Ivy how to flirt/talk to Bram and when she mentioned the Shrimp comment and Emmett looked at her all horrified with big eyes 😂

Would highly recommend this one guys it was so good and I think you would like this to especially if you’re into trials, the queen is fae, and where the vibes give off Bridgerton or The Cruel Prince!

This is being released on Feb 4th so mark this on your calendar’s and pre-order in advance! 🥰🫶🏼✨💗

I really enjoyed Ivy's quest to marry the prince while hoping she could discover what her sister bargained the queen for. Ivy would do anything to help her sister gain back her memories, even if it means she will forfeit her future if she isn't chosen to marry the prince. Though things started off rocky with the five other girls in the competition, I loved how they learned to trust one another and build a friendship as they maneuvered the dangers of palace life with an immortal queen. The last few chapters felt rushed with too much happening, but at least I didn't suspect the twist. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC, I am excited to read the next book in the duology.

This is one of those books that you don’t realize how beautifully everything was set up until it all comes together.

To the comparisons being made to the Folk of the Air, that is apropos. These are far more traditional fae folk than most of what’s popular today, one of the epigraphs is even from Yeats.

The book feels slightly off kilter the entire time you’re reading, like you never know where you stand, and given the subject matter that seems right.

Set in a NOT Victorian 1840s (Faerie Queen Mor has ruled England since the War of the Roses), every citizen is offered a bargain, for a cost.

But as with any dealing with faeries, nothing can be taken at face value.

What starts as a bridal competition for the hand of the faerie prince becomes much more, with much at stake.

I am not typically one for love triangles but the balancing act, and the reasons for it, held my attention.

Prepare for games you aren’t even aware you’re playing, buckle up, and enjoy the ride.

Absolutely looking forward to the sequel.

I read and listened to this one, and just holy crap! It hooked me from the very first chapter and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was whimsical, dark, and completely captivating

The description of The Selection meets The Cruel Prince is very appropriate. This is the story of Ivy joining a contest for Prince Bram’s heart in an effort to help her family. Along the way, we witness the Queen’s evil streak, Ivy’s soft spot for her recently returned from the missing sister, and the connection blooming with the princes brother.
This book combines a lot of themes I enjoy. A group of girls competing. A Bridgerton feel with the court and community. Fae and enchantments. The characters are well described and I could visualize most of the book happening. The last 20%, though, is a loud crescendo. Things are well paced and building and then BOOM. A ton of things happen in a short period of time and it didn’t match the pace of the rest of the story. There would be one big thing and I’d think this is the cliffhanger for the next book. But then there were like four more. So there’s definitely a lot to address in book 2!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing with me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The comparison to The Cruel Prince and The Selection is fully warranted. As The Selection is a series I go back to time and time again as a comfort read, I was of course very eager to read The Rose Bargain! Throw in an alternate 1840s England, sneaky fae dealings, and we’ve got a winner.

This was a really quick read and I had so much fun with it! I loved the setting, it was very atmospheric and my imagination could easily paint a vivid picture.

All the characters were great in their own way, but the chapters with the other girls pov really didn’t add anything to the story for me. I feel like those chapters could have been utilized by better developing the romance…While I adored the MMC and ate up the angst between the two, their romance definitely did feel a little underdeveloped. I hope we will see more interaction between them in book two!

The standout here really is the relationship between the FMC and her sister, Lydia. They have a strong but fractured bond that will be interesting to explore moving forward. I found Lydia and the mystery surrounding her extremely intriguing and can’t wait to see more of her story unfold!

And lastly, that ending! *mind blown* I truly didn’t see all of that coming and boy am I anxious for the next book now!

Overall, I thought this was a great beginning to what I expect will be a beautiful duology. It’s a fun, light read with just enough intrigue, that will have readers enamored.

Really enjoyed this one! I loved the courtly competition with the fae twist. It was fun to see all the bargains people were making and the repercussions to them. I think my favorite thing though was actually the relationships between the 6 girls and how they started as enemies and became friends throughout their shared experiences. I will say, the romance was a little 2D and I personally thought some of the romance was too adult for a YA book, but I'm definitely intrigued and can't wait for book 2!

The Rose Bargain
by Sasha Peyton Smith

A Victorian inspired romantasy that I couldn’t put down. I loved Ivy! She’s so brave and went after what she wanted. I also loved the bond between her and her sister Lydia! Family is so important and if you have a close bond with them, you are so lucky! The love triangle was crazy! It made the book so interesting! There was so much going on in the story, I was never bored. I just kept wanting more! I’ve never read a Victorian inspired romantasy so it was very cool to read something different. I’m looking forward to the next book!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Sasha and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the ARC!

Publication Date: February 4th 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#NetGalley #TheRoseBargain

This book started off strong and just didn't stop! This story starts with an unexpected twist for a group of young ladies who are entering society and ends with a twist that I am still reeling over!


A few key highlights: muddy maypole dancing, midnight dance lessons with the wrong brother, bargains that become a logistical nightmare, tunnels of love/hate, and a group of ladies who just need to learn their lessons!


Can ivy use this competition to bring her family back to society, or will she live to regret it?


And where the heck has Lydia been?!


Begging for book two at this point.

The Rose Bargain is set in the Regency era, where "every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen." I loved the concept of the bargains and the risk each carried. The trials throughout the novel became a bit too intense for my taste but I can see how some readers may find it compelling. I would have also liked more build up to the romance. However, I was intrigued from the very beginning, and I'll definitely be reading the second book when it's published.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

"Vying for the hand of one brother.

Falling in love with the other.

A new Victorian-inspired romantasy, perfect for fans of Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince.

London, 1848 - For four hundred years, England has been under the control of an immortal fae queen who tricked her way onto the throne. To maintain an illusion of benevolence, Queen Mor grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire.

As Ivy Benton prepares to make her debut, she knows that not even a deal with the queen could fix what has gone wrong: Her family's social standing is in shambles, her sister is a shadow of her former self, and Ivy's marriage prospects are nonexistent. So when the queen announces a competition for Prince Bram's hand, Ivy is the first to sign her name in blood. What a bargain can't fix, a crown certainly could.

Ivy soon finds herself a surprising front-runner - with the help of an unexpected ally: Prince Bram's brother, the rakish Prince Emmett, who promises to help Ivy win his brother's heart...for a price. But as the season sweeps Ivy away, with glittering balls veiling the queen's increasingly vicious trials, Ivy realizes there's more at stake than just a wedding. Because all faerie bargains come with a cost, and Ivy may have discovered hers too late.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven comes a tale that will leave readers eager to bargain for a sequel."

Oh, no, I'm smart enough not toe bargain for a sequel. No faerie bargains for me.

LOVED!!!! This was unique and so fun! i love that it’s set in high society with faeries and bargains! The love triangle was painfully wonderful 😫

Did I suspect the ending? Somewhat but the full weight and reality shocked me! I need book 2 like I need air.

Highly recommending this to my audience!

Whew where do I even begin? First, let me say the comp titles for this book were spot on because it was giving everything I expected and more.

I loved Ivy, our narrator, so much. She was so fierce, so brave, and felt so responsible for reclaiming her family’s good standing in society that she was willing to do whatever it took to win. As a sister myself, I understood deeply the war she felt within herself about how much she loved her sister but also hated how much responsibility fell on her own shoulders.

Honestly, I thought the romance was great. Intriguing and…a few other words I could use that I think would be spoilery so I’ll refrain. But I somehow loved the friendships that developed between the girls competing for Bram’s hand more. The found family aspect was unmatched.

All said, I’m entirely obsessed with this book. SPS SLAYED this one, and I can’t wait for what’s next 🤭

Wow, wow, WOW. This was just the book I needed to read at the start of 2025. There was something so beautifully reminiscent about this book. As soon as I read the synopsis I just needed to read this book. It felt like I was being transported back into something so nostalgic, with faeries and magic. It was SUCH a good YA fantasy romance. Like there was the yearning, the drama, the angst, and the STAKES. This is just what I needed and more, and I need the next book right NOW!!

One of the things I loved the most about this book was the dynamic between Ivy and her sister Lydia. I felt so connected to their bond. I also loved the stakes in this book, as Ivy had make it through the competition to help save her family from ruin. Like it made things just even more nerve wracking. I honestly wish there were more games and to make things more thrilling.

I was truly transported into this book and this world and the twists and turns that came along with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for gifting me a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review!

“I think it was always going to be you for me.” 🩷

I absolutely adored this book so much! It had me hooked right from the beginning and I had no doubt it was going to be a 5-star read for me. It’s also easily going to be a top read of this year for me! I definitely am going to need to discuss this book with everyone once it’s released because there are so many great things to talk about (including that ending)!!

I will admit that I’m not always a fan of love triangles, but this one was done extremely well!! It was hard not to fall for one of the princes in particular when he’s genuinely such a good guy! Team Emmett for the win!! 🫶🏻

What surprised me the most, however, was how much I loved all the girls who were competing against Ivy for Bram’s heart! After the trauma they were all put through, it’s no surprise they all came out stronger in the end. I can tell they will all be really good friends going into the next book! (RIP Greer though 💔)

From about 80% onwards, this book was an emotional roller coaster. I genuinely sobbed reading Ivy’s letter to Emmett. The plot twists were also shocking! I expected some betrayal to happen, but I did not see it coming from Bram!! He truly tricked everyone, even the queen!! The cliffhanger made me want to scream because things were left in utter chaos. I desperately need book two!

“Have you ever been in love?”
“Just once.”
“What did it feel like?”
“Like getting run over by a carriage” 😭💗

I love these characters and this world so much and will be shouting from the rooftops for the foreseeable future for everyone to read this book!

Thank you so much to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the advanced copy! The Rose Bargain releases on February 4th, so run to preorder it or add it to your tbr. You do not want to miss this one!

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!! Such an interesting story with so much drama and suspense. Love the Bridgerton and Selection vibes with fae. Sarah Peyton Smith did a great job with the foreshadowing and drawing in the emotions. I was engrossed the whole time reading and now I need a sequel…that ending was insane. Please make it a movie or tv show

4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely devoured The Rose Bargain, a magical YA romantasy. A perfect blend of The Cruel Prince, Bridgerton, These Hollow Vows, and The Selection, it delivers a high-stakes romantic competition with a dark fae twist.

Set in a Victorian-inspired world, the story revolves around a cruel faerie Queen and her son, Prince Bram, who is searching for a bride. Ivy, one of the girls competing for his heart, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Bram’s human brother, Emmett, creating a deliciously forbidden love triangle. I especially loved the strong, evolving friendships between the girls. By the end, they’d formed a tight bond after surviving the unpredictable trials they were thrown into. While the pacing was a bit slow at the beginning, the last 30% is intense. There were lots of twists I didn’t see coming, so excited for the next book!


👑Political intrigue
🌹Forbidden love
👑Friends to lovers
🌹Slow burn
👑Love triangle-brothers
🌹Female friendship
👑Found family
🌹Faerie Bargains

Imagine a world where Edward the IV doesn't become King of England after the War of the Roses. Instead, he dies shortly after winning, and the Fae Queen, who helped him, takes the throne, cutting England off from the rest of the world and ruling for hundreds of years. This is the world Lady Ivy is born into. The Queen has ruled for hundreds of years, granting bargains to her subjects in exchange for something else. Ivy wants no deal or marriage, but with her family on the verge of financial ruin and because of a scandal involving her older sister, she has no choice. When the Queen announces her son, the fae prince Bram, will select a wife this year, she eagerly signs up and is one of six ladies chosen to compete for his hand. He seems charming, and with the help of his step-brother, the human prince Ivy is determined to win and overthrow the evil queen in the process. But she never expected to fall in love, and not everyone is who they seem to be.

It is a beautifully told story, mainly from Ivy's point of view. There is love, adventure, betrayal,
finding family, friendship, and so much more. I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves a good fantasy story with just the right amount of romance. The cliffhanger has you holding your breath and anxiously awaiting book two's release.