Thank you Sasha and Netgalley for this arc! I’m OBSESSED with this book! It’s SO GOOD!!! I felt like I was transported into this book. The plot is so interesting and it had my attention the whole time. The competition was so interesting and everything with the fae was so fun to learn about. I loved reading about these characters and seeing all their different motives for joining the competition. I enjoyed reading about Ivy and found her very relatable. The romance had me giggling and kicking my feet. It was so good and I loved every crumb we got of it. I wasn’t excepting to be crying my eyes out at 2am but I did. I had to put the book down multiple times because I couldn’t see through my tears. The emotional roller coaster I went on was crazy. The twists this that happened had me shocked and I can’t believe I didn’t see everything coming. The ending was incredible and I’m still recovering from the cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the sequel and I’m so excited to see where the story is going to go!

I must say this was a great book but just not for me. If you love a Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare you will love this. It’s very “old” faeries with the Seelie and Unseelie court which is not my favourite to be completely honest. However, I still enjoyed this book and I will say the romance will make you swoon. The ending is also a very good teasing for the next book.

This book started strong but ultimately left me feeling disappointed. It was like taking a ride on a steep slope—it started out promising and felt like it could really go somewhere great, but then things took a sharp turn for the worst and went downhill fast.

The start of the book was definitely its strongest point. The pacing was fast, and I found myself easily swept up in the story. I also really appreciated the regency-inspired atmosphere, which added a unique charm and helped set the stage for an intriguing world. Another one of the highlights for me was the side characters. I enjoyed how we got to learn their stories, which added depth to the overall narrative and made the world feel more expansive.

Unfortunately, the trials—one of the story's selling points—didn’t live up to expectations. They lacked tension and stakes, which made them feel like a chore to get through and whenever a trial began, I found myself wishing it would end quickly. It’s a shame because they had so much potential to bring excitement and depth to the story.

Even so, I was confident this would at least be a solid three-star read. But as the middle started wrapping up, things began to go off the rails. Relationships that felt barely developed were suddenly filled with “I love yous,” which made them hard to believe. The emotional weight just wasn’t there, and so all the confessions felt like more of a head scratchers than the usual satisfied feeling you get when characters admit their feelings for each other.

By the time I reached the ending, the story had gone so far off the rails that they weren’t even in sight anymore. The pacing became frantic, jumping from one scene to the next so quickly that nothing had a chance to resonate. Worse than that though, the plot took a predictable turn—the exact one I hoped it wouldn’t—which made the final twist feel underwhelming and, honestly, pretty eye roll worthy.

Not to mention there was a good old memory loss plot chucked in for no apparent reason other than to shock readers and create five minutes of angst before being resolved. That honestly should have been scraped completely because the story really needed the time to focus on the other things it was trying to pull off.

Overall, this book had a lot of potential, but it just couldn’t stick the landing. While I enjoyed the beginning and some parts of the middle, the story ultimately lost its way in favor of a twist I think I’ve seen attempted more times than I can count. If you’re drawn to the regency vibe or quick pacing, it might still be worth checking out, but for me, it fell short, and I’m honestly not interested in where the story will go from here as of now.


Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

~🅞🅥🅔🅡🅐🅛🅛 🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ . 75~

I really enjoyed this! After recently binge-watching Bridgerton, The Rose Bargain was just what I needed. Fans of Bridgerton will also enjoy this book, especially if they ever wished there was magic in the TV show or books. One thing that really stood out to me was the idea that the faeries were responsible for the outcome of the War of the Roses.
I liked our main character, Ivy, a lot, and the side characters, including the potential love interests, were great.

The Rose Bargain reads like nostalgic YA Fantasy, and I mean that in the best way. Fast-paced, addicting, with great characters-this is a book you'll want to have on your shelves. I loved the female friendship, the bargain magic, and of course the romance. I'm so glad I read this! This is sure to bust any reading slump.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 so I was really excited when I got approved for it. Although it was pretty good, it fell a little flat for me. I found most of the characters to be unlikable and the romance didn't feel authentic to me. It felt like one minute they didn't like each other and then as soon as they saw each other again they were immediately in love. There was no real buildup. Also, this was said to be an enemies to lovers book and I really don' t think it is. Like they mildly don't like each other in the beginning but it does not scream. enemies to me. The plot twist was pretty easy for me to guess BUT I think it was explained well and I think it will come as a shock to some. This book was fast paced and I wasn't bored at anytime through it although some parts didn't really offer much excitement. The one thing I didn't like is the POVs of the other girls. It's not that I don't think you can't have that in it, but I didn't see what it had to offer to the story other than their background. Plus it would happen in the most random places and would make the chapter feel out of place. I think this book is a really good first book if you want to start diving into books about faeries and it stays authentic to the myths.

The rose bargain:
“The fun of grace is to watch someone fall from it.”

Bridgerton meets the selection series sprinkled with magic. Overall I enjoyed this story and would likely read the next one.

The book had a good mix of characters. At first I didn’t particularly love when we started getting the POV of the other girls, but then it really became important to getting the whole view of the story. Especially Faith and Marion. What happened to Greer!?

I like how they mention other places in the world not ruled by this faerie queen. It helped establish the feeling that this occurred in the real world. The ending was a little hectic but was a good twist.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith is the first book in a duology, and I absolutely devoured it. I could not put it down.
The best way to describe this book is Bridgerton meets the Bachelor but with magic. There are only small bits of magic here and there throughout the book, but I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more magic in book two.
The Rose Bargain is based in England, which has had a fae as their queen for the last 400 years, and her fae son, that has only been in the human world for 4 years, is ready to take a human bride.
Ivy is one of 6 girls competing for his hand in marriage. But Ivy meet Emmett, Bram’s “brother” and things get messy.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and the twists are jaw dropping. I can not wait to read the next book; it will be a must read for me.

This is EXACTLY the kind of YA book I’m looking for!! I will be absolutely shocked if this doesn’t blow up in 2025 - it’s that good. The Rose Bargain has tons of whimsy, political intrigue, competition, and sneaking around. This story is incredibly unique and absolutely stands on its own despite the comparison to The Cruel Prince. We’ve got forbidden love, trials, courtly politics, and tricky fae all while trying to unravel a fae queen’s tyrannical rule. I will be biting at the bars of my cage until a sequel is released BECAUSE THAT TWIST AT THE END TOOK ME BY TOTAL SURPRISE AND I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!

Thank you to HarperCollins, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

This was quite a nice read. I loved the mixed elements of a period piece and fantasy. The characters were likable and it was cool to have a few chapters from the other characters point of view. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was nicely done. I LOVED the riddles and games that were played but wish there were more of them. With all that said, the ending felt a little rushed for some reason. Some parts of the book felt drawn out, like it was too much rambling and build up to a point that then erupted only the last 5 pages. So I wish that part was more drawn out (if that makes sense). I don’t want to give anything away with specific examples. I really am excited to see how the story plays out in the next book and hope to learn more about some of the villainous characters, hearing from their point of view would be really cool!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the arc. This was…mediocre. Smash together every YA Fae fantasy romance and they basically just look like this one. It’s not doing anything new, and im tired. -2 stars

Unfortunately I don't think historical fantasy is for me. I struggle with that writing style. That being said, this has the best cover I've seen in years and hope it finds its perfect audience!

Our story follows Ivy Benton who is debuting to society. Her family, however, has been labeled outcasts due to her older sister's debut season and the controversy that surrounded her. Ivy wants to help her family get back into society's good graces and finds herself in a competition for the hand of the Fae Queen's son, Bram.

This was a delightful young adult fantasy that was fast paced and easy to understand. While this book doesn't necessarily provide anything new, I was captivated by the writing style and the world that Smith created. I thought the cast of characters was fantastic. Smith did a great job putting the characters in a setting where we don't like those around the FMC, but giving them the space to grow. By the end, I was rooting for all of the girls in the competition. Speaking of competitions, I do love a good one. I thought the trials that the girls had to go through was clever and well done. The only complaint I had was the romance felt a little under developed but I ATE UP that yearning. Give me more of that please.

Also that ending?? Need book 2 immediately please.

I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys The Cruel Prince, Bridgeton, and The Selection!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

THIS IS THE YA BOOK OF 2025!!!!

I LOVED this book. I absolutely ate this up. I have been searching for a YA book for a long while and have FOUND IT. This is a wonderful mash up of The Cruel Prince, The Selection, and Bridgerton all rolled up in a nice bow. I love when fae are cruel, as I think it makes the the story much more interesting.

I was drawn in from the first page where we see an alternative history to the War of the Roses that involves fae. It does a wonderful job of setting up the alternative London that we are living in. The world building is subtle and very unique and you feel very eased into their high society and cutthroat world. The pacing is excellent and I was enthralled throughout the story because it blended magic and mystery so well. I could NOT put this down. I was riveted throughout the twists and turns and I didn’t know where the plot was going to take me.

The characters and their relationships were very well developed and relatable. Ivy is a fantastic FMC. She was clever, strong and was never afraid to do what was right. The book was mainly from her point of view and we watched her navigate through this tricky world. The story was interspersed with POVs from the other main girls in the story and it was a true delight to get their full backstory and their thoughts. Each character was unique and stood on their own, I never felt confused or mixed up the characters. These POVs enriched the story immensely and took The Rose Bargain to the next level. One of the most complex and interesting relationships in the whole book was between Ivy and her sister. Their bond is strong but also complicated and charged, which makes their relationship intriguing.

“Like you? Ivy Benton, I am obsessed with you. It’s going to kill me.”

The romance was PERFECT. There was pining, banter, tension, and it was the perfect combination of all of them. The chemistry was everything to me and it made the ending absolutely heartbreaking. You could call this a “light” love triangle and it was done well and it was very engaging to see Ivy caught in the middle of the competition but also being pulled another way.

Let it be known that I will be anxiously awaiting book two and book one isn’t even out yet. Thank you to NetGalley, Epic Reads, and HarperCollins Children's Books for this advanced copy! The Rose Bargain releases on February 4, 2025.

The Rose Bargain made me fall in love with YA books again. I haven't felt this way with a young adult novel since the Folk of the Air trilogy. I have seen many comparing the two and while I can see that I believe this novels stands in it's own lane and does it well.

I don't want to give away too much because I feel it's best to go in blind but I will say that Ivy is a strong main character who is willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. I loved that instead of changing completely, she grew into herself both in confidence and in cunning. I also quite enjoyed the cast of supporting characters, I felt the group surrounding Ivy really helped add to the story and the chapters in their point of view were some of my favorites. As for the romance in this book, at some points it felt like a subplot but it made it all the more sweeter when you got glimpses of it. It also kicks up quite a bit in the last 20% and I would advise more sensitive young readers to check content warnings for chapters 28 & 31.

Something else to note is that while there is fae and magical elements, the story is mostly based in regency era London with only a few passages of magic with the book hinting that . Also, (Non-Plot Spoiler) this book does end on a cliffhanger. These are minor details to be aware of but I don't believe that either of these things take away much from the book and it is still a very strong read.
Overall, I believe this book is a perfect read for any fan of both fantasy and historical fiction, It has aspects of The Cruel Prince, Bridgerton and even The Grace Year. I truly believe this has the potential to be the best YA book of 2025.

Be careful what you wish for.

In England, every citizen is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen, with rosy-cheeked debutantes using their wishes, or “Rose Bargains” to attract prized suitors and climb higher in society.

Ivy Benton’s debut season brings an unexpected twist: a competition to win the heart of Prince Bram, the queen’s fae son. Marrying the prince could save her family from financial ruin and free her sister from her own devastating bargain. But beneath the glamour of the contest lies a sinister scheme, the whole contest too “sickly sweet, like rotted fruit.”

There’s a truly incredible Grimm’s fairytale-esque vibe to this book that kept me at the edge of my seat, reading it into the late hours of the night. The villain reminds me of the witch in Hansel and Gretel. You never know if she plans to grant you your heart’s desire or stew you in a pot over the fire. As was alluded to several times, “she does love to play with her food.”

My sole criticism was not digging into the brothers’ contrasts earlier in the book. I had a hard time distinguishing between their personalities until much later in the book, whereas the introductions of the debutantes painted very clear comparisons which helped me to keep the cast of characters straight.

I need the next book immediately, pretty please and thank you.
I am so grateful to NetGalley, Sasha Peyton Smith, and Harper Collins for this advance reader copy of The Rose Bargain in exchange for an honest review.

Regency England meets Fae in YA Romantasy. This was quite the story to escape into. More to come…
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC.

I saw that Stephanie Garber loved this title, so with that racing review, I knew I needed to read this. It started off very well, and I could not put the book down. I found it get much like a cross between The Selection and The Cruel Prince and some Stephanie Garber world vibes. To be honest, this type of read is very much like a guilty pleasure. It may not be the strongest new story, but I couldn't stop reading it. There was a bit in the middle that was a tad but bogged down. I also didn't always live the decisions the characters made, but it strongest bring down my enjoyment level. I will absolutely be reading the sequel if there is one. Either way, this is an author that has made my radar.

The Rose Bargain
by: Sasha Peyton Smith

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This story truly is The Cruel Prince meets The Selection, and it is delicious! The Rose Bargain offers a fresh take on what happens when faeries and humans collide by adding a historical element to the narrative.

Our female lead, Ivy Benton, is easy to root for as a reader. She is strong and caring, if a bit morally grey. She enters the contest to become the prince’s bride entirely for the benefit of her family, but the lessons she learns while in the contest may just help her save her country from an evil they don’t know is lurking nearby.

There were some elements that I felt were lacking- I wanted more tension between Ivy and the main love interests, but the plot itself was compelling and kept me hooked. Overall, I enjoyed this book, which is the first in a duology.

A must read if you like:
🌹 Bridgerton Vibes
💍 Strong Female Lead
🌹”She’s Not For You”
💍 Kissing Lessons

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

As always, thanks to HarperCollins for sending me this ARC. This was one of the ARCs I was crossing my fingers and toes to have sent to me!
Bridgerton + The Cruel Prince + The Selection...romantasy...enemies to lovers...fae...does it get any better than that!?
I'm pretty sure this book checked every single box of a perfect YA story! I stayed awake til 4am flipping the pages, I couldn't close my yes until I was finished. I absolutely can not wait for the next book because the plot only gets juicier!
There were 2 things that kept this from being a 5 star for me. The first was the imagery wasn't as vivid as I would have liked. I could kind of picture everything but it took a little effort. The second was the singular chapters that the other girls got thru out the story. I don't think any of those chapters helped me to understand those characters any different because everything was beautifully told or found out thru discussions amongst the girls. Those chapters were quite short tho so it didn't keep me from the exciting stuff for too long.