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.

To start, i liked this a lot more than I thought I would! Loved the worldbuilding, but the twist felt a lil flat for me and I didn’t love the development of a relationship between Ivy and Emmett. It felt obvious and also a little forced?
I’ll read the sequel for sure just to see what happens!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As a fan of both the Cruel Prince and the Selection from my youth, I was intrigued by this one. It is interesting!

*The Rose Bargain* is a spellbinding blend of heart-pounding romance and fierce competition! Sasha Peyton Smith has created a world where fae bargains hold both beauty and danger, and I was hooked from the start. Ivy Benton’s journey to save her family and sister, all while navigating the intricacies of high society and a dangerous competition for Prince Bram’s heart, made for a thrilling read.

The fae deals are fascinating—each one coming with its own chilling consequences—and the stakes are incredibly high. Ivy’s determination and the romance that blooms throughout the story kept me turning the pages, and the dark undertones added just the right amount of tension.

It’s a captivating duology opener that will leave you wanting more, perfect for fans of *The Cruel Prince* and *The Selection*. I can't wait to see where the next book takes Ivy and Prince Bram!

"The Rose Bargain" by Sasha Peyton Smith is an enchanting romantasy set in an alternate 1840s England, where a faerie queen reigns supreme. It's a perfect blend of The Cruel Prince and The Selection, making for an entertaining start to the duology.

In this alternate history, England is isolated from its neighbors - no one leaves, and no one arrives. Each citizen is granted one bargain from the immortal fae queen, though it always comes at a cost, whether it's a cherished childhood memory, a nail, or even a toe. High-society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will secure them a husband.

The story follows Ivy Benton, a young woman whose prospects of marriage are ruined due to a family scandal involving her sister. During her debut season, the queen announces a competition to win the hand of her son, Prince Bram. Ivy is the first to sign up, hoping to win and restore her family’s standing. Soon, 23 more girls join, but there can only be one winner.

The competition features maypole dances, balls, and dark challenges to weed out the weak. Meanwhile, Prince Emmett, Bram's stepbrother, has his own agenda. The stakes are high, and Ivy must use all her wits to stay ahead of the others.

The book is primarily told from Ivy’s perspective, with occasional chapters from other characters' points of view. The author does a great job of blending real-world elements with fantasy. The main characters are engaging, each with their own distinct backstories. Ivy Benton, in particular, stands out for her lively spirit and devotion to her family.

The tale depicts a tale of love, conspiracy, and Otherworldly courtly intrigue. I liked the way the author weaves the fae elements into the real England. The author’s integration of the War of Roses and its aftermath adds depth to the story. The characters, settings, and dialogue maintain a genuine Victorian feel. While the pacing starts slow, it picks up as the plot unfolds, and the writing is engaging enough to keep you hooked.

I especially enjoyed the character interactions and budding romances, which, though quick, held my attention. The blend of magic, mystery, and unexpected twists kept the story fresh. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m eager for the second part of this duology. With themes of friendship, family, sisterly bonds, and moral dilemmas, "The Rose Bargain" is a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy stories about fae in a Bridgerton-like world.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

4.2 ☆
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The cover art gave me "Beauty and the Beast," vibes, and it totally not this book vibe, lol. The Selection x Bridgerton x The Cruel Prince = The Rose Bargain. In this England society, every citizen is allowed to make a bargain with the fae queen. Ivy is our main lead and is about to enter society, with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin… and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her. This book was really good. During the middle, the pace was a little slow, but overall, it was a good read. The ending was a chief kiss and the cliffhanger. I need book two like now.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
•Young Adult Fantasy
•The Selection x Bridgerton x Cruel Prince vibes
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Harper Collins for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.

The Rose Bargain has a unique premise: every citizen of England is granted one life-changing bargain with their immortal fae queen. Pair this with the high-stakes competition to win the heart of Prince Bram, and I was hooked from the start.

I enjoyed our FMC, Ivy Benton. I found her to be honest, strong, and clever. While slightly naive at times, at just 18, this felt appropriate. Watching her navigate the complex web of bargains, high society pressures, and her family’s desperate situation kept me fully engaged.

The mystery surrounding Ivy's sister’s bargain was particularly compelling, leaving me eagerly trying to piece together the puzzle. The concept of trading precious aspects of oneself for advantages—like acquiring lands only to find the lands are barren—gave the narrative a chilling edge and underscored the deeper costs of these seemingly harmless bargains.

Both male leads were written wonderfully. Bram was captivating with his charm and bright demeanor, while Emmett exuded an air of mystery that kept me intrigued throughout. I found myself equally drawn to both, which added to the emotional tension of the story.

One of my favorite aspects was the alternating points of view from the other competitors. I thought it was a clever move on the author’s part, offering insights into the motivations and secrets of the other characters, all while further unraveling the mystery.

The ending was a plot twist I didn’t see coming, and now I can’t wait for the next book in the duology! Overall, The Rose Bargain was a fun, fast-paced read that had me hooked from beginning to end. I finished it in two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend it for fans of fae, fantasy, and high-stakes competition with a dark twist.

🌶️One intimate scene but VERY mild language - just a step past closed door

Thanks so much NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC!

Thank you, HarperCollins and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
While the story started off a bit slow, it gradually picked up momentum, and I found myself enjoying it more as it progressed. The plot itself was unique, blending elements of fae, bargains, romance, and princes. Ivy, the main character, was stubborn and full of rage, which made her journey both compelling and fun to follow. Prince Emmett, on the other hand, was quite the flirt. The banter between Ivy and Emmett was hilarious.
However, while their romance was sweet, I felt it lacked depth. There weren’t many truly meaningful interactions between them, which left the romantic element feeling somewhat underdeveloped. That said, the book still offered a fun reading experience overall, with several compelling side characters adding to the intrigue.
The writing was strong, and the author did a great job with plot twists, especially towards the end, which took me by surprise. However, the conclusion felt a bit rushed, and it left many questions unanswered. I suppose we’ll have to wait for the second book to get those answers!
Overall, it was an enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Sasha Peyton Smith for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

Fans of The Cruel Prince and The Selection rejoice as this book delivers on everything it promises. It is a fast paced battle for the right to marry the perfect fae crown prince Bram, but not all is as it seems. At every corner there is another twist and it kept me on my toes and enchanted the whole way.

I absolutely adored Ivy and Emmett from the start. Their witty banter is my exact cup of tea and I cannot wait for more.

This story was a bit slow to start, but once it started, it did not stop. The relationship between the girls was sweet to watch grow as well. I saw the twist coming about halfway through, but I am really good at pattern recognition. Cannot wait for the next installment to see how this concludes!

Ivy isn't exactly looking forward to coming out into society and her first London Season. First, she and her family have been shunned by polite society for her sister's unexplained disappearance - a mystery that she suspects has to do with the bargain her sister made with the undying fairy Queen of England. Second, she's not particularly looking forward to having to make her own bargain and deal with whatever price the queen demands. So when the queen announces a competition for marriage to her son, Prince Bram, she doesn't hesitate to enter.

This book has fantastic worldbuilding, incredible characters, a delightful take on faeries, and enough twists and turns to its plot to keep you on your toes. Like many readers, I often think ahead and try to figure out what was going on and guessed just enough to feel clever while still being surprised by how some things ended. A fabulous book and I can't wait for the sequel!

This was exactly what I was looking for while in my ACOTAR hangover. Described as The Cruel Prince meets The Selection, this YA romantasy was absolutely so much fun. Magical bargains, royal courtiers, fae princes - my gosh, what a delight this was. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Selection is one of my favorite series so this book really stuck out to me! I enjoyed it a lot!

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith is a captivating and richly woven tale that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of choices. Set against a backdrop of lush, atmospheric world-building, the novel introduces readers to a complex and enchanting world where magic and reality intertwine.

Smith's writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a realm where every choice has profound consequences. The characters are deeply developed, with personal stakes that make their journeys compelling and relatable.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of relationships—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—and how they influence and shape the characters' destinies. The pacing is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged with a blend of suspense and emotional depth.

Overall, The Rose Bargain is a beautifully crafted novel that will resonate with fans of fantasy and contemporary fiction alike. It’s a story that challenges its characters and readers alike to consider the true cost of their decisions, making for a thought-provoking and memorable read.

This book felt like a YA Bridgerton meets Sarah J. Maas in a great way.

When Ivy Benton enters into her debut season of society, she also enters a contest to win the hand of the faerie prince. But dealings with faeries, and the heart, are never that straightforward. To save her family and her beloved sister, Ivy might have to save the kingdom.

This book was fun all the way through. The book features a few POV changes that start off as jarring, but each becomes more illuminating as the book progresses. Other than that, my only note would be that Edward IV could not have been crowned at Hampton Court as it wasn’t built until the time of the Tudors and Henry VIII. The palace is mentioned several times, but wouldn’t have been built in this version of England where the reign of Tudors never happened. Other than a small history correction in a book about faeries, I would recommend this book. It could very well be the YA faerie food you’ve been looking for.

Ivy Benton's journey through her debutante year is the captivating center of this novel, which stands out for its refreshing take on the young adult female protagonist. Ivy's character development is profound and satisfying, diverging from the typical archetypes found in the genre. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of complex characters, each with their own detailed backstories and ambitions that enrich the story. The dynamics of Ivy's friendships and her burgeoning relationship with the Prince are crafted with care, adding depth to the tale. The setting is a character in its own right—an alternate England where the fae rule instead of humans, bringing a fascinating twist to the world-building. The magic system is ingeniously devised, with debutantes bargaining for skills and qualities in a mystical exchange that adds a layer of intrigue to their societal debut. This year, the stakes are higher than ever with the fae queen's son as the ultimate prize, elevating the competition to thrilling new heights. The book's pace is relentless, with unexpected plot twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Smith's world-building is a standout feature, intricate and vividly described, allowing readers to easily visualize the enchanting scenes. The novel is a testament to the author's skill in creating a world that is both fantastical and tangible, a place where the reader can lose themselves in the magic and machinations of debutante life in a fae-dominated England.

A fierce competition, unexpected friendships, and one jaw-dropping twist—this book had me hooked!

The story revolves around Ivy, a strong and likable heroine who is thrust into a competition that’s filled with unexpected turns and alliances.

While the stakes are high, the heart of the story lies in Ivy’s growth and the relationships she forms!

Okay, I need book 2 right NOW!

Seriously, this was one of the most unique reads I’ve had in a while, and it's quickly become one of my new faves.

The plot had me hooked from the start, but the ending?! Talk about a plot twist! I didn’t see it coming, and now I’m dying to know what happens next.

Ivy is such a fantastic character—super relatable and so easy to cheer for.

Every single minute had me glued to the pages, and now I’m impatiently waiting for the sequel!

Fans of The Selection who crave something fresh and unique are in for a treat.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Children for this ARC

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Read this if you like: Competitions, Fae, Plot Twists, The Selection/ Bridgerton vibes, unique setting

I really enjoyed this book. For one the setting was so interesting being set in an alternate England but where characters and queen are fae, not human. The magic system is also very unique, debutants each year bargain qualities or skills with each other. However this year was a bigger prize, the fae queens son. The competition aspect was so exciting, the book had lots of plot twists and was fast paced in a good way. Smith’s work building was intricate and well done, very visual and easy to picture.

The book follows Ivy Benton during her debutante year, I really liked her character she wasn’t the typical YA female lead and had a lot of character growth throughout the book. All of the characters were complex and had their own back stories and goals that were well explained. Her friendships and relationship with the Prince were very well established.

There was a plot twist at the end that kind of abruptly cut the story. Which isn’t necessarily bad but for me sometimes can be too much of a cliffhanger.

Overall really enjoyed this book, a unique twist on some of the tropes people really love while written well and not being too generic