It was a fun ya read. I think this can be perfect for fans of the cruel prince and the selection. The pacing did felt slow at times and I felt like nothing was happened but i did enjoyed it at some parts. I would've definitely appreciate this more in my teenage years.

When I tell you I literally went through every emotion possible for a human being I mean it. I am talking actual physical reactions to this book. I fear I will never recover.

I was instantly hooked on this book when it was marketed as a Cruel Prince x Selection novel. As a huge fan of the Selection series, I sprinted to request this on Netgalley so fast Usain Bolt started crying. Thank you to the Netgalley gods for approving me because this is a top book of the year. The writing is fantastic. I was especially impressed with how Smith incorporated fantastical elements into Victorian England.

The characters are fantastic. I can't say too much without spoilers but I love them all. Even the antagonists in the story are so hard to hate because they are so well-written that they feel like real people.

I'm ending the review here so I can go cry into a pillow while I wait for Smith's next book. Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC!

I had so much fun reading about this first off as a bit of a geek for war of roses type stories. This starts off with Queen Mor entering into the thick of the war of roses and the claim to the English throne between the Lancasters and the Yorks. She eventually becomes the immortal Queen of England who will bargain with her citizens…. For a price. Ivy is set to enter into society when the Queen puts a twist on the season, not only will bargains be offered but her fae son will pick his bride.

If you combined Bridgerton and the Selection that’s what this book feels like. I finished it in one reading session, the book kept me interested in what was happening next and kept a steady pace. 4⭐️

**Review**

Set against the lush backdrop of Victorian London infused with fae magic, this romantic fantasy offers a dazzling blend of intrigue, romance, and peril. The story plunges readers into a world where England is ruled by an immortal fae queen whose bargains promise to fulfill desires—but always at a cost.

The protagonist, Ivy Benton, is an immediately relatable and compelling character. Her determination to restore her family’s tarnished reputation and her willingness to stake everything on winning Prince Bram’s hand make her journey both thrilling and emotional. The competition for the prince’s heart is deliciously reminiscent of *The Selection*, with high-stakes glamour and underlying tension that keep readers hooked.

What truly elevates this tale is the presence of Prince Emmett, Bram’s roguish and enigmatic brother. His unexpected alliance with Ivy brings an irresistible dynamic of flirtation and mystery. As their partnership grows, so does the chemistry, complicating Ivy’s mission in the best possible way. The tension between duty and desire is masterfully woven throughout their interactions, adding depth to the romantic subplot.

The fae queen, Queen Mor, is a fascinating antagonist. Her menacing presence looms large, and her bargains add an ever-present sense of dread and unpredictability. The trials Ivy faces are as dangerous as they are dazzling, serving as both physical and emotional crucibles that push her to her limits.

The writing is evocative, transporting readers to glittering balls, shadowy courts, and perilous trials. Themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the consequences of desire are deftly explored, making the story resonate beyond its enchanting surface. Fans of *Bridgerton*, *The Cruel Prince*, and *The Witch Haven* will find much to love in the lush romance, sharp dialogue, and intricate world-building.

**Verdict:** A spellbinding romantasy that combines the opulence of a Victorian court with the danger and allure of fae magic. With unforgettable characters, high-stakes intrigue, and a swoon-worthy romance, this story is an unmissable treat for fans of love, power, and enchantment.

4.5 / 5.0

The Cruel Prince? Yes.
The Red Queen? Yes.
The Selection? Yes.

A completely unique plot idea set in the decadent Regency Era of England, with all the trappings of an episode of Bridgerton, plus the crafty bloodthirsty dealings of faerie? Yes.

This is a YA story, and there are some breaks of theme and modern vernacular in the writing, but overall the author paints a comprehensive and interesting story. I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. The buildup from the first 60% to 70% of the book resolves very quickly and ends on a considerable cliffhanger, but it was entertaining and easily readable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC edition,

While historical books aren't my usual read, the blurb on this kept calling me back to take a second look.

Ivy is searching for her sister who made a bargain with the Fae queen but can't remember it and then disappeared. Bram is secretly plotting and hoping for the love of a family. Together, they plot to right what they feel are wrongs and create a new world. While they are scheming, Ivy is also competing for Brams hand in marriage. While the triangle was a little played out, I did enjoy the twist that put an end to it but didn't completely expect the conclusion.

Is there another book coming or does the mini cliff end the story?

Think of this book as The Selection but with Fae! The queen has ruled for hundreds of years after she ended a bloody war. Now, every citizen in England is granted one wish from the fae queen. Girls bargain for a gift to help them make a good match and men bargain for wealth and status. However, each gift comes with a price (like the tip of a pinky finger or a few teeth). This year the stakes are the highest because the fae prince is looking for a wife.

Ivy needs that match more than ever. Her sister made a bargain she cannot remember, and it has nearly destroyed her family. To save her family from ruin, Ivy will compete with other women to win the prince's heart.

Why Jackie loves it

I immediately wanted to read this when I heard "The Selection", but this book is sooo good with its unique storyline. I love the alternate English history rather than a dystopian setting. The characters in the book are fun to read and I could not put this book down. There were some unpredictable elements in the story that made it even more fun and I am already dying to read the next one.

Trials/competition, fae, and court intrigue with a little romance……yes please! Loved this so much that I’m preordering a physical copy!

Thank you Harper Collins for granting me an ARC!

RATING AND OVERALL THOUGHTS:

2.75 stars. This was a middle of the road read for me until the last 15-20% where it went off the rails and ended in an unsatisfying way which greatly impacted my enjoyment. I won’t be reading the sequel. This reads very much on the nearly tween side of YA (despite the characters being 18ish?) but it was still mildly enjoyable for the Bridgerton vibes alone and the drama.

SOME SPOILERS AHEAD

---

“It looks like we’re both exactly the same kind of stupid.”

WHAT I LOVED:

- The vibes - The Bridgerton vibes were all there and for that alone, it was fun to read. There was some drama and tea and I ate it up. Really I just keep thinking that if this was a TV show or a movie, that my mum and I would be spending hours watching/talking about it so it created some fondness there.
- The Queen - She is an icon and I would 100% make a reckless human bargain with her. That prologue set her up so well and she really showed the hubris of men and then later faeries. Honestly could read a whole book about her and if there was ever a spin off about her past, I would pick it up in a heartbeat. She really gaslight, gatekeeped, and girlbossed and we love that about her.
- The bargains - I actually thought the bargains were interesting and a clever way for the Queen to keep the populace under her control.

WHAT I DISLIKED:

- The characters - With the obvious exception of the Queen, none of the characters felt distinct or had any substance. Like I really couldn’t tell you the difference between most of them. They also all acted like they were 13-15 and not the 18+ year olds they were said to be. No one including the main MC had any real personality and I’ve forgotten nearly all of their names. Part of this is the prose which I will get to next.
- The choppiness of the prose - There was a ton of “We do this thing and then this happens and then we do this and then…” over and over. There was lots of telling and no showing as well as not having any proper transition scenes. It just ended one abruptly and then we were somewhere else doing a new thing. The dialogue and banter also needed improvement, none of it felt natural.
- The ending - The thing about doing a twist ending is that you do have to foreshadow that ending or the possibility of that throughout the book. You can’t drop a red herring once and not drop a few more otherwise it causes frustration when something else happens that wasn’t telegraphed at all or at least not well. Done correctly, the reader is already invested in the story so the rose tinted glasses come on and while the subconscious might clock the hints as you read, the other part glosses over it until the end when it becomes a “omg! thats why this happened!” in shocked excitement and not confusion or frustration. Other than the main POV character in the beginning making assumptions on Bram only because of the fact he was the Queen’s son (which wasn’t the wrong thing to assume), there was no other hints as to Bram’s true nature throughout. It was quite the opposite actually, over and over again it was reinforced that he was a decent guy in a shit situation. EVERYONE believed it, even the Queen, which made the revelation all the more frustrating and confusing. I also thought this was a standalone and was expecting a wrap up when this came out of left field.
- The graphic scene - The sex scene between the two MCs was a bit too graphic in my opinion especially for a novel that throughout, had a very pre-teen feel to it. It is already a little too graphic for upper YA in general.
- The marketing - Again I need marketing departments to stop comping to titles just because of one aspect. Just because it has fae/faeries does not mean it is similar to The Cruel Prince or that if you read that then you will enjoy this. This title misses all of what made The Cruel Prince what it is. The Cruel Prince has strongly developed MCs, an engaging plot, twists and turns, and cleverness. The Rose Bargain missed the mark on all of that.
- The POV switches - Honestly nearly all the POV switches felt out of place. On one hand, it was nice to get some of the other girls perspectives, but all of it could’ve been better utilized in the main narrative already. There was already a disconnect between the FMC and the other girls anyways and it would’ve been better to mesh them together as they got closer.

WHAT I AM NOT SURE ABOUT/WANTED MORE OF:

- Tween young YA feel - Not much to be said about this other than none of the characters act their age, they actually act very young in comparison so it gave the overall feel of the novel to be that of a middle schooler or a freshman in high school and not the 18 year olds out in society now.
- The trials/games - I honestly wanted more of these. It was the most interesting parts of the novel and I feel like it was severely underutilized and glossed over. It felt very, “we got here, did thing, and now its over.” There weren’t really any stakes or consequences. It was brushed over quickly in the narrative. This could also be my bias for the Queen talking.
- The back half of the novel (until that 80% ish ish mark) felt like it was more strongly written than the front half (with the exception of the prologue which I thought was a really good one). It was a pretty stark difference like the ending was written first and then the author wrote the beginning to try and connect the two but ran out of steam.

Thank you Sasha Peyton Smith, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved this book from the beginning to the end. The writing is beautiful and captivating. The fae queen reminds me of the fae queen from The Magicians show and I was all for it. There were plot twists I didn't see coming for once. That's a big deal for me. There were some mirror plot holes for me but nothing that ruined it. I can't wait for the sequel!

Review: The Rose Bargain

There were so many things I enjoyed about The Rose Bargain. The Bridgerton-esque setting, with its lush, regency-inspired world, immediately drew me in, and its resemblance to books like The Cruel Prince promised all the intrigue, drama, and tension I love in a fantasy romance.

However, while the premise and world-building were captivating, I felt the execution fell a bit flat. The writing lacked the depth and sharpness needed to fully bring the story and its characters to life. The romance, while intriguing, didn’t quite deliver the emotional pull or complexity I was hoping for. I found myself wanting more tension, chemistry, and development between the leads.

That said, the unique elements of the setting and the initial premise were strong enough to hold my attention, and I do think readers who enjoy light fantasy romances with regency flair might find a lot to love here. For me, though, it didn’t quite hit its full potential. I’ll be curious to see how this author’s writing evolves in the future!

What a whirlwind. I inhaled this book. Set in a Victorian style England with a reigning fae queen who makes a bargain with anyone of age with expected consequences. If you know any fae lore you know there’s always a price. Ivy is searching for her sister who has gone missing and finds herself wrapped in a plot to save her family’s reputation and status. She must compete against the other eligible girls of the ton for the hand of the fae prince. If you enjoy fae bargains and trials, court politics and intrigue, love triangles and sisterhood this book is for you. I’d rate it a 1 out of 5 on the spice meter I imagine it’s a YA book. There’s 1-2 scenes but not overly graphic. All in all a solid start to what appears to be a series.

If you took Bridgerton, threw in a dash of fae, magic, and trials, you’d get The Rose Bargain. It’s such a fun mix of debutante life with a magical twist. In this world, deals with the fae queen are common but always come at a cost. While some sacrifices seem minor, I’m hoping the next book reveals their true significance to the queen.

The story mostly follows Ivy, but we also get chapters from the perspectives of the other girls and one of the princes. I loved this! It was so satisfying to get little peeks into their backstories and motivations. I expected all kinds of drama and backstabbing between the girls (since they’re competing for the prince’s hand), but instead, they actually form real friendships. Watching them work together and support each other was such a nice surprise.

Now, about the romance—it’s fine, but it didn’t totally win me over. It’s not full-on insta-love, but it’s pretty close. There’s a love triangle, and while I was rooting for one guy, the relationship felt rushed. I wanted more time to see their feelings grow instead of just being told they’re suddenly in love. Fingers crossed for more development in the next book.

The twist at the end caught me off guard in the best way. It sets things up for what I think will be a darker and wilder second book. I’m calling it now: there’s going to be a redemption arc, and a character we thought was gone might come back.

Overall, The Rose Bargain is a solid read. It’s not perfect, but the strong female friendships, fae bargains, and a twisty plot totally worked for me. Plus, it’s a duology, and honestly, that’s the best series length. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!

Thank you netgalley and Harper Collins for my EARC!

If you like🧚🏼‍♀️……

-faeries🧚🏼‍♀️
-bridgerton vibes
-magic bargains✨
-1840 England
-Trials for a Marriage
-sisterhood 💕


Ivy Benton is just a girl who has to enter the season for the wrong reason… her family’s life is in social shambles because her sister did not debut well in her season and then ran away only to return with a story that never made sense to Ivy🤔✨

Entering the season was even crazier and scarier this year because the Fae prince is in search of a bride 👰‍♀️ so a challenge and trials ensues! I wont spoil the challenges but they are extremely vile but to the fae queen this is normal….

Ivy finds her self teaming up with the human prince Emmett which is quite scandalous😌 for the time so they are left sneaking and meeting in secret because they both want to unseat the queen!

This is where I will leave you with my summary and on to my review✨

This was absolutely amazing! This authors writing style just ebbed and flowed so easily I was so entertained🧚🏼‍♀️, I was also so scared on edge most of the story, I definitely got fooled towards the end which is way better than figuring out the whole story before the end!

Ivy is so obviously my favorite character💕 a cliche I know but she did everything for her family and especially her sister. She had the most to conquer!

But i will say another one of my favorite parts was reading from every single girls POV, some made me cry some left me speechless 😶, although fictional characters women and girls go through a lot of these things every single day and its extremely relatable just made me love the world and the characters so much more♥️

Overall, this is a unbelievable book that all fantasy girls will really enjoy 🥰

Quotes: Spoilers Ahead ‼️ dont go further unless you have finished the entire book!

“Are you impressed?” His eyes rake down my body, then back up again to my face. I shiver, as if he’s just touched me. “You look like a fallen star.”

“Let me in,” he breathes. “Take it.”

“Emmett looks up at me. “I’ll be in hell when I see you on his arm, when I picture you in his bed, but I will watch, and I will burn for the rest of my life if this is the only way I get to have you,” he says.”

“I brush a sweaty lock of hair off my forehead and take the deepest breath I can muster. “I want you to make me forget Prince Emmett.””

“In another life, it would have been us, but not in this one. I can’t have you in the way you deserve to be had.”

THE BOOK OF 2025!!!!

I devoured this book! It’s been ages since I’ve found a YA fantasy that completely swept me off my feet and had me audibly gasping, and The Rose Bargain did just that. It’s the perfect blend of The Cruel Prince, The Selection, ACOTAR, The Hunger Games, and Bridgerton. This is one of the most breathtakingly magical romantasy books and will claim a top spot for books this year. This book masterfully combines intrigue, politics, magic, romance, and drama in a gripping, heart-wrenching, and utterly unforgettable way. This story was made for romantic lovers—brimming with court intrigue, fierce friendships, and a love triangle so sharp it leaves a scar.

Let’s talk about Ivy, our main girl. Ivy is a phenomenal main character—clever, brave, and unyielding regarding standing up for what’s right. Born into a modest life, she’s thrust into a glittering but perilous world where every step is a gamble. Her quick wit and sharp tongue make her a standout in the competition, while her fierce loyalty to her family. Ivy’s complex relationship with her family is interesting. Ivy’s dynamic with the five other girls—each of whom is so uniquely strong and supportive—is a standout element of the book. This group of women feels like a true sisterhood and I cannot wait to see where they go next.

The story primarily unfolds through Ivy’s perspective, but the additional glimpses into the minds of the other girls (and a boy) bring the narrative to life. Each perspective was distinct, and their unique voices enriched the story tenfold. Learning about their backstories and seeing their motivations laid bare was so satisfying. This was a unique element that I was excited to see in each of the other character’s chapters.

I adore when fae are depicted as cunning and ruthless—it adds such depth and intrigue to the story, making every interaction and plot twist feel razor-sharp. Which brings me to the Queen. Whew. She is a force of nature. The faerie queen is deliciously cunning, her schemes laced with danger and allure. Ivy’s bargain with her—“When one makes a faerie bargain, one must be prepared to pay the price” The Queen carries this air of danger throughout the book that makes you want to take her down! However—you can’t look away because you know she’s playing a bigger game than anyone realizes.

Speaking of bigger games, let’s talk about Bram and Emmett, the two princes who couldn’t be more different yet equally captivating.

Bram is the golden retriever of the story, with his easy smile and heart of gold. His moments of devotion, like when he says, “I’d do anything for you, Ivy”, make him impossible not to love (and believe me I did fall in love and drew hearts around his name). You can’t help but feel sorry for his situation.

And then there’s Emmett, the rack who absolutely gives Cardan and Anthony Bridgerton vibes with his sharp wit and magnetic charm. His lines—“Flirt with me… for practice” and "I know my way around a corset" are dripping with playful tension. Emmett’s gentlemanly demeanor hides a depth of yearning that’s impossible to resist. His declaration, “Ivy Benton, I am obsessed with you. It’s going to kill me”, had me swooning!!! Ugh I think I might be Team Emmett (but don’t tell Bram).

Actually ugh I can't decide which one I want!!

The plot twists are mind-blowing! The games they play for the prince’s hand are exciting! And the ending? Perfection!! That twist I will not be able to live not knowing when the next book comes out! This book isn’t just a romantasy; it’s an experience. A hype you don't want to miss!

Favorite Quotes:
“Thank you for believing I might be someone worth bleeding for, Lady Ivy.” – Bram
“I know my way around a corset, Ivy.” – Emmett
“I cannot wait to be your husband.” – Bram
“My girl.” – Emmett

So the real question is not if you should pick up this book but rather which team are you on?

This was one of the best YA Fantasy books I’ve read in a long while. Fans of A Cruel Prince and A Darker Shade of Magic will enjoy it. I was engrossed from the very first chapter. It was a fast paced read, that leaves you checking for news of book 2 by the end.

My largest gripe with it was there were times where I questioned the logistics/reasonings of character’s actions based on the established magic system/rules.

I have no doubts it will be one of the most popular books this year.

Thank you the NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

In this captivating duology opener, Ivy Benton must navigate a dangerous competition for the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram, which could save her family and free her sister from a ruined bargain. In a society where citizens trade memories for magical talents, Ivy’s involvement in the high-stakes contest uncovers a dark plot that threatens everything she holds dear.

Never have I been more upset that a book is not a standalone - not because I wanted it all to fit in one book, but because the second isn't yet released. What am I supposed to do without the second book??? This was exactly what I needed to get out of yet another reading slump and I tore through this book in a matter of days during the busy holidays. Set in the 1800s, this book has echoes of Bridgerton with the ton and the season's balls. I loved every moment of this read and the pacing was well-done, giving readers just enough information to keep us guessing before throwing us into a ruthless game invented by the queen. I especially loved the extra chapters that gave a different POV and more insight into the other girls vying for Bram's hand - this was unexpected and something that made this book for me. I never saw the ending coming and now I'm waiting not-so-patiently for the second book to come out!!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Sasha Peyton Smith for giving me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Rose Bargain lives up to its comparisons to The Selection and The Cruel Prince.

In an alternate version of 1840s England, Ivy Benton's world is ruled by the expectations of Victorian England but in an England ruled by an immortal fae queen. Magic is real but rare outside of bargains with the queen, which everyone is expected to make at the price of the queen's choosing. Ivy plans to use her bargain to redeem her family name, but the announcement of a competition to win the prince's hand turns Ivy's world on its head. Thrust into a battle for a heart she's not sure she wants to win, Ivy nonetheless finds herself making unexpected allies and dangerous deals to become a princess, even if a crown means losing her heart and her life.

Smith has created a fascinating story with tons of expected historical elements all wrapped up in the magic of an alternate, fae-ruled England. Ivy's life is much like that of real Victorian debutantes, but the magical aspects make this story unique. The use of magic in this story is quite interesting; the bargains are as beneficial and as horrific as you'd expect from bargains with the fae, but the fact that they're commonplace makes it somehow more horrific.

What really stood out to me was the friendship that developed between The Six--the six girls who win the chance to compete for the prince's hand. I expected lots of bickering and backstabbing, but Smith chose to develop true friendships between Ivy and her competitors, and I loved how they often worked together for all of their benefit. The girl power was good, especially given the Victorian England time period, and I liked the single chapters from the other girls' points of view that gave a bit more insight into their motives and dreams.

What worked less for me was the romance. There's a bit of a love triangle, and while I was certainly rooting for one boy more than the other (no spoilers!), there's not enough development to the relationship to make it feel real. It's not quite insta-love, but it's close, and I'm hoping for more development in the next book. Yes, there's (at least) a second book. I thought this was a standalone, but the closer I got to the end, the crazier things got, and I knew there wasn't enough time to wrap everything up. The twist at the end was genuinely surprising, and I think the next book will be darker and a lot crazier, but I didn't see anything saying this was a first book, so I was a bit annoyed at that.

Overall, however, The Rose Bargain was a fun read. It's not perfect, but the strong female bonds, twisted fae games, and blossoming romance make it a win in my book. I'll definitely be picking up book 2.

Interesting concept. It was more "historical" than I thought it would be, but ultimately the storyline was interesting and I would love to read more.

I loved this book! I definitely recommend it to any tomantasy lovers!!! The story was so unique and sucked me in immediately. I loved the characters too!