Fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Holly Black’s Cruel Prince will devour this new fantasy romance by Sasha Peyton Smith. The novel starts off strong with the main character, Ivy Benton trying to locate her sister, who has been missing for two years. When she accidently encounters the crown prince, we set the story into motion and the hint at a possible romance between these two, which is a an absolute delight to read.

Filled with foreboding, Fae folklore, and a deadly competition to be the bride of the Fairy Queen's son, if Ivy wins, she not only would become a princess, but it would restore her families name in the gentry.

As for the romance there's a love triangle, which, if I’m being honest, I’m not to keen on. Plus, with the twist at the very end, I was trying to figure out how everyone would get untangled from the bramble of needle like thorns that is the romance between Ivy and the Fae prince Bram's human brother, and prince Bram and Ivy’s sister.

I’m looking forward to the next novel to answer some questions I had at the end.

If you love fantasy-romance definitely add this one to your TBR.

Plain and simple, I loved this book! So much fun! I think the time period and setting of this book was perfect, 1840s England mixed with faerie bargains and tricks made for a delightful read. I loved getting all the different POVs throughout the competition and seeing how different each of the girls were and what they wanted out of life. All of the relationships in this book, romantic and platonic, felt real and made you root for everyone involved. And the ending? Obsessed.

This was a great duology opener, and I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC!

Every year during their coming out into society, young women are expected to make a bargain with Queen Mor, whether it be better hair and teeth, talents in music and art, or improved memories and dance skills. In turn the Queen takes something of theirs.
The Rose Bargain follows Ivy Benton and five other high society girls who compete against each other for a chance to marry Prince Bram. However they must face cruel tests from the queen to challenge their desire and resilience to win.
First off, what a beautiful cover. As soon as I saw it I was intrigued by the book and the synopsis had me sold. There is a spicy scene in this book, so this is a content warning for those underage.
I found the character of Ivy Benton to be very charming and witty, with consistent demonstrations of bravery throughout the book. I adored the witty banter between her and Prince Emmett, though I felt it tapered off during the middle and ending of the book.
I did appreciate that we were able to read some points of views of the other girls competing for Prince Bram’s hand so we could see their motivations for competing and understand them on a deeper level, it definitely warmed me up to those characters and engaged me with the reading more.
The pacing of the book was done really well, I felt like every chapter had a point to it and it really did bring those Bridgerton vibes that I had hoped for.
I did manage to figure out the plot twist about halfway through but I still didn’t see some of it coming and when I reached the end I was still surprised. It was fun to realize where some of the hints had been given and I plan to go back and reread the book so I can find more.
There are two parts of the book that lost me. In chapter 11 when Ivy first meets Emmett she is depicted as having shoes on when she leaves the cottage (pg. 79), but then on pg. 81 she is barefoot and her feet are covered in mud. I know it’s a minor detail but it was enough to distract me from the reading.
I have a second issue with the plot point that revolves around the bargain Ivy makes with the Queen but cannot point it out as it is a major spoiler for the end of the book. I will include this specific critique in my Goodreads review where I can put a spoiler alert on there to avoid ruining this for anyone.
Overall, if you enjoy Fae, Bridgerton vibes, and historical fantasy, you'll have a great time with this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5!!!)

🌶️ 1 (pages 253-254)

🤬 1.5 (infrequent and sparse)

If the selection happened in a kingdom ruled by a twisted Fae Queen who has grown bored…all you need to know

This was by far my FAVORITE read off NetGalley. Speaking of a thank you is in order for them as well as HarperCollins!

This book starts off in a sprint and doesn’t slow down!! The characters are so well developed and you get to see development beyond just the main characters! Anytime I thought I had something guessed I was wrong!! The author does such a great job of keeping the reader on their toes!!

The lush descriptions and prose made this a book I quickly devoured!!

Don’t even get me started on Emmett 🤭
if you liked Jacks from OUABH then you will like Emmett he’s not as cold, but the banter???

And this has multiple POVs scattered throughout but not in a chaotic way. It helped you understand the character more in depth at the point in the story.

Overall I truly can’t recommend this enough! I plan on reading other works by this author as well!!

I really loved this! It’s always nice to see fae stories where they FEEL like fae— and this one is good at that. I loved the characters, and I particularly loved how much thought was put into everyone; the girls, despite being competition, never felt catty or like the author disliked any of them. It’s an unfortunate breath of fresh air— I wish more authors added this kind of nuance between girls who are rivals. And I really enjoyed the romance! PLUS THE TWIST??? Oh, I need book 2 expeditiously

I am a huge Plantagenet/Tudor history geek and I absolutely loved how the story began with the War of the Roses and the entire concept of a rose bargain. Smith’s world building was extremely well done - a fairy queen, an isolationist country, and a nobility who will do anything to keep their land and titles. I could vividly picture the city streets and landmarks!

The story was very appropriately billed as a mix of The Cruel Prince and The Selection, with political machinations and a bachelorette contest. The characters were all well developed, especially our FMC, and I loved the interludes with perspectives from the other girls, Lydia’s especially. She is such an enigma for most of the book - barely present on the page and yet she’s a part of the MC’s every thought and deed.

Smith does a great job exploring themes like sibling relationships, friendships, forbidden romance, and the thin line between love and hate. My only complaint is wanting more on page romantic moments. The story ended with a bang and I can’t wait to see where the plot goes. Perfect for historical fiction and fantasy lovers alike!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC of The Rose Bargain!

I’m normally not a fan of historical fantasy or alternate fantasy, but I am an avid reader of what I lovingly call “fae bullshit”, and this was top tier fae bullshit. The minutiae of wording, the lies within truths, bargains and bewitchments, something dangerous and sharp hidden within the most innocent of things. In my opinion, the events at the very end of the book happen a little too quickly and feel rushed, but overall, I enjoyed every moment of this book and hope we get a sequel. I’d happily read anything Smith wrote with fae in it, and I’m going to have to give her Witch Haven series a try as well. This was such an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes stories about the fae.

The Rose Bargain blossomed into my heart as an impactful story riddled with intrigue, romance, mystery, and a dazzling touch of magic.

Protagonist Ivy leads this tale with intention-- to save her family, at the cost of her own freedom, she looks to enter a magical competition to win the hand of a prince. But as things turn deadly, it's another prince who comes to her aid. Together they look to do more than just saving parents-- they look to save a world from ruin.

I enjoyed Ivy as a character, particularly because she is not flawless, rather she is flawed. She has moments of pettiness, anger, and bad decisions. I also enjoyed her vulnerability, as she faces her wrongs, addresses her hurt, and makes heartbreaking decisions. And I enjoyed her as heroine striving to correct wrongs, discover truth, and save not just loved ones but everyone from a presumed cruel future. She may be scared but she faces all fear with courage and a stubbornness that steels the spine and heart. She is the type of YA heroine I enjoy-- soft yet sharp, intelligent yet flawed, brave yet hesitant. It makes for a relatable protagonist to follow on the adventures ahead.

Admittedly, Ivy's romance storyline did not capture my attention, but her relationship with her sister Lydia very much did. My heart broke for the sisters, for the promises broken and a past shrouded in mystery. Lydia emerges as a character of note, one whose journey, were it to take the reins, I'd very gladly follow. Her presence helps to further layer Ivy's character and raise the stakes-- as did all featured POVs.

I deeply appreciated each supporting character POV interlude, it became a very welcome surprise. The POVs ensured all supporting characters became multi-faceted-- that they too have a price to pay in the competition. That their presence is not without consequence. This also helped to grow the camaraderie between the girls in the competition especially. It became not about wanting to see Ivy win, but all the girls fight together. Those interludes raised the stakes significantly, and it greatly broadened my appreciation for the clever, poignant, high-stakes plot.

As mentioned, Ivy's romantic subplot fell just short of expectations. I would consider this is the sole stumble in an otherwise exciting path. I would have enjoyed more development in that area, so the "I love you's" could land with more impact. However, this is not a standalone-- there is still story left to tell! Which came as a shock to me, I didn't realize this book is just the start of a grander story! Given this revelation, I remain very open-minded in terms of the romance, and hopeful it will progress with a more satisfying journey. I very much believe it will-- the overall plot already has me enthralled, and I can't wait to be further enchanted as it continues to develop, along with the romance that has so much more story left to tell.

If you enjoy magical competition, practice kisses, and a plot that balances beautifully between the realistic and the fantastic, then The Rose Bargain is absolutely calling to you! It certainly has to me!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5✨

“I was perfect so that you got to be everything else.”

“The Rose Bargain,” by Sasha Peyton Smith

What I loved:
-Story line. Fae but in regency time with marriage markets and all that.
-Marriage selection for the prince’s hand with trials and dates.
-When they go into the marriage market in the book, they get a bargain to help their prospects. What I loved most was the consequences of some bargains are hilarious like one got her wish but now vomit when sees a frog, lol.
-The characters! I adore the FMC; she was so determined. I also adored both of the prince’s and loved how they are so close and get along with each other.
-I loved loved loved the ending!!! I want more of this story so much.

I loved every single aspect of the book, 5 out of 5 stars.

-Fae
-Regency
-Magic/ Bargains
-Marriage Selection
-Multi POV

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

“She’s easier to love when she’s not in front of me. I like her so much more when she’s not around.”

“Why is it I can only hate people if I love them first?”

“No one tortures you like you do to yourself.”

4.5★

This was so easy to sink into and forget about anything else. I had a lot of fun. The plot followed a clear goal, had an interesting mystery tucked in from the start, and an absolutely WILD climax. I wasn't aware it's going to be a series, so I think the plot twist hit even harder, because I thought we were nearing the ending.

100% recommending to anyone who loves games and trials, forbidden love & fae.

I DIDNT KNOW THIS WAS GOING TO BE A SERIES. Ivy and Emmett hold my whole heart. This book was so easy to see yourself within, and delightful and anxiety inducing all at the same time. I cannot WAIT to get my hands on the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The Rose Bargain was the first book in a heartstopping duology by Sasha Peyton Smith about a competition to win the heart of the fae prince, which gives our heroine Ivy a way to save her family. The book follows Ivy Benton in her point of view but it offers occasional points of views from side characters. It was an interesting style of writing I didn’t necessarily find them that appealing but I appreciated the point of view that we received from the love interest.

Another aspect that I enjoyed is the lack of a love triangle present. There is nothing I hate more than a love triangle and there was not even a whisper of one in this book. The romance in this book was SOOOO good the chemistry was off the chart, the way that the love interest thought about her was so beautiful and the way that they loved was so deep.

I thought that I knew how the book was going to end but the plot twists that were present at the end of the book were jaw-dropping the cliff hanger and the end of the book made me want to read the next book immediately I cannot wait for the next book to come out and see if they could fix the problems that were made.

THE ROSE BARGAIN will be the perfect recommendation for readers who loved Stephanie Garber, Holly Black, and Victoria Aveyard's RED QUEEN. The world-building is rich, yet accessible, and I relished the (spoiler) choice for all the girls to come together eventually. We are done with pitting women against each other. Instead, let them rise up and fight back!

There is some minor drinking (which is in a party atmosphere and the assumption is these girls are of age in this world), and there is sex near the end. Otherwise, a very clean read for those patrons who care or ask. It ends on a killer cliffhanger, so I am excited to see where it goes!

Book Review: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Rose Bargain" is a mesmerizing fantasy that beautifully intertwines romance, magic, and high-stakes competition. Set in a world reminiscent of high society England, it explores the complexities of relationships against a backdrop of fae enchantment.
At the heart of the story is the debutante competition for the fae prince, where young women compete for a chance to win his hand in marriage. This contest not only elevates the stakes but also amplifies the pressure on the protagonist, who is torn between her desire to secure her family’s future and her genuine feelings for another prince. The forbidden romance adds palpable tension, complicating her ambitions as she navigates the fierce competition and her heart’s true desires.
Magic is central to the plot, with each character making a bargain that comes at a cost. These deals create intriguing dilemmas and moral questions that drive the story forward. The presence of the fae queen adds an air of mystery and danger, elevating the tension as the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices.
As the girls face challenges together, they navigate rivalries and alliances that deepen their bonds in unexpected ways.
The unpredictable twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the blend of romance and intrigue left me wanting more. Sasha Peyton has crafted a compelling tale that deftly explores the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the price of ambition. I can't recommend this book enough for anyone looking for a thrilling escape into a beautifully imagined world!

Welcome to your next YA romantasy obsession.

The Rose Bargain is a mix of The Selection and The Cruel Prince. Set in an alternate history version of 19th century England, it has “Bridgerton” vibes, only the queen is a cruel, despotic fairy. It has tropes like only one bed and a love triangle between two brothers. The pacing is fast, and there are twists and reveals to keep up the intrigue. The prose is simple, and somewhat modern - don’t expect Austenian language.

I really like Emmett, one of the MMCs, who is a sad puppy of a character, but the romance here is a touch too instalove for my taste. We don’t see enough moments that develop the relationship between the FMC and the MMC, and so the moments at the end that should have punch land softer than I’d like.

I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel, as the first book does end on a cliffhanger. I think readers are going to love this.

I absolutely loved The Rose Bargain. This was a fun, enticing start to what I know is going to be a new fan-favorite romantasy duology (waiting for the sequel is going to be a trial for me!). Smith does an excellent job keeping the world-building and magic system simplistic enough that it isn't confusing but interesting enough to keep the world immersive and exciting.

I loved our lead Ivy and her loyalty and love for her family, as well as her budding friendships with the other girls.

The twist at the end was what I expected but I wasn't upset that I guessed it as the build up was still so adventurous and fun.

My only caveat is that I didn't feel like there was enough development between Ivy and Emmet for their feelings to feel earned to me but I still love them together, and I am so stressed to find out what happens to them in the end.

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

4.5/5 stars! I flew through this book. The protagonist's voice is lively and easy to jump into as the reader, which pairs perfectly with the immersive, highly unique world that Peyton-Smith has created. The combination of Regency England & faerie court is ingenious; the rigorous societal rules, keen focus on vanity and wealth, and ruthless competitive nature of the two are combined seamlessly and amplify the brutal reality of both settings. This is perfect for fans of THE CRUEL PRINCE and THE SELECTION as pitched, and I would also add Amazon's recent adaptation of MY LADY JANE; the romantic dynamic mirrored the irresistible chemistry and frequent banter of the show's leads. This was a large cast of characters, so I especially appreciated that each competing girl got a highlighted chapter for detail on their backstories and motivations. My only wish is for more detail and expanded description between scenes; the transitions sometimes felt rushed and I wanted to be able to sit in each scene a little longer. Really enjoyed this and I am looking forward to the sequel!

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

I could not put this book down! Talk about page turner! After reading two epics, I was looking for an easy read and this was just that and more. I love the premise of a royal competition, akin to the Selection. Throw in a Fae Queen and that bleeds into our timeline and I'm golden.

The characters were so believable whether they were lying or actually telling the truth! I really felt that each character was a real person. They had thoughts and motives and stories that intertwined and added to the story. Everyone had a purpose for being where they were and for behaving the way they did. Nothing felt unplanned or left up for interpretation.

I thought because this storyline seemed familiar and comfortable that I'd be able to guess what would happen next and that was rarely the case. From the very beginning the plot was undpredictable and extroidinarily paced. The world building was done through character interactions and descriptive writing and I felt fully immersed.

I cannot recommend this book fast enough to anyone who will listen and I'm not-so-patiently waiting for the next part of this duology to arrive!

"'I must admit I was a little nervous, given the venue, but you're better than anything I could have hoped for.'"

The Rose Bargain was a wild ride. I could literally not put this book down. It was addicting, well-written, and the pacing of the story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The Benton family was once a noble and distinguished British family until the 1800s (when the story takes place). They were all but living in poverty, when Ivy Benton is presented to the queen with the opportunity to make a fae bargain. She enters herself into a deadly contest to secure Prince Bram's heart...only to fall in love with someone else in the process.

I loved Ivy, Emmett, and Bram....and all the other girls who competed with her in the contest (especially Greer). I cannot wait to see where the second book in the series goes.

Anytime I see a book marketed as “The Cruel Prince” meets “The Selection”, I’m sold. Just take my money. Who needs financial stability when you can have pretty books?

There’s so much to like about this story. It’s set in the Regency era (think ballgowns and horse-drawn carriages), has a Bachelor-style competition, and contains mysterious bargains with wicked fae. There’s also a male love interest who has a soft spot for dogs. Ivy better watch out because I may or may not be planning to steal her prince for myself.

One of my favorite things about “The Rose Bargain” is the characters. I like how the author makes them well-rounded. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the side characters or the love interests act like props in the main character’s story. I’ve read books where a cardboard cutout had more personality than the protagonist’s friends. I was worried the royal competition would introduce a lot of side characters and fall victim to this, but I was so wrong! Faith, Marion, Emmy, Olive, and Greer feel like real people. I love it when stories make you feel like you’re catching up with old friends.

I also really like the Regency-era historical fantasy setting! It’s reminiscent of “Pride and Prejudice” (AKA one of the best classics of all time). I think the girls’ debut season is a perfect setup for the competition, and I love the historical details sprinkled throughout the story.

The only reason this isn’t a 5-star read for me is because I’m not quite sold on the romance. I think the characters fell for/trusted each other too easily, and I would have liked to have seen more of an emotional connection leading into the slow-burn romance. I also wish we got to see more of the fairy Otherworld, although I have a feeling that will change in book two!

Overall, I really enjoyed this atmospheric addition to the YA fantasy genre. I think this book is perfect for someone who loves “The Selection” with a fae twist. 4/5 stars and a solid recommendation!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.