4 stars because this was exactly what the synopsis promised!

I enjoyed following our protagonist Ivy as she attempted to win the affection of Prince Bram and save her family from ruin. Her inner monologue was quite funny at times, and I was able to understand the motivations behind her actions and decision-making, even if her choices could be ?? We also get POV chapters of the side characters which allows for more insight, although there's only one chapter per side character. I'm assuming we'll learn more about the other in the sequel. I didn't mind the other POVs, but I found that the transition between those and Ivy's chapters (as well as between scenes) to be sometimes disjointed. However, this might also be due to the layout of the eARC.

I loved the schemes and trickery including the bargains and their payments (e.g: Ivy's mom asked for a perfect memory in exchange for her pinky finger), and it was definitely interesting seeing how society functioned in this alternate England. I loved the competition part of the book best, as that's what captured my interest when I first read the synopsis. I really wanted more of the trials/games, just to cringe at the cruelty and admire the determination of the girls as they tried to survive and win. The writing style was easy to follow and made me want to keep reading! However, I did find that some of the wording could be repetitive (e.g: using 'confection' to describe a gown, sleeping 'fitfully'), and the mix of casual modern and high society language — which, to be fair, did allow for smooth reading — to be occasionally offputting. One example I remember was when the word 'technicolor' was used, which I think originates in the 1900s, while the book takes place in 1848 London. Moments like that unfortunately did take me out of the story, but it wasn't too bad.

The romance did progress faster than I normally prefer, though I acknowledge that this is a personal thing. Despite that, I did love and look forward to moments with Ivy and the MMC. There were many great quotes I highlighted, including silly moments, sweet moments, romantic lines, tension during flirting/kissing lessons and the 'only one bed' scene (this trope may be overdone, but I still giggle a bit when the characters huff around but eventually decide to share the bed). The love triangle situation was predictable, but I still felt for Bram and Emmett as Ivy grew closer to both of them.

The ending was a bit of a rollercoaster! I did guess some parts of the plot twist, but not exactly, so it still surprised me. A bit info-dumpy (?), but
still intriguing and I'll definitely read the sequel.

Overall, the book is perfect for a quick, fun read! Even though there were parts I didn't love, I still had a great time with it!

This was a wonderful first book for a trilogy. It was a different take on Fae than most I've seen before and I greatly enjoyed it. Have an alternate England under Fae rule and having the high stakes competition of winning the prince's hand in marriage made for a great and enthralling read. It was very enjoyable and really added to the story to periodically switch POVs between Ivy and the other characters. I am excited to see what plays out in the next book.

I cannot fully articulate how much I loved this book, and it is without a doubt one of my new favorite romantasies! The Selection was one of my all time favorite series growing up, and this book truly felt like its sassier, stabbier older sister. It brought me that beautifully nostalgic feel while creating something so new and unique. The trials and challenges added stakes, and the romance brought the wistful, airy feel. It's a perfect blend of magic, heart, betrayal, and friendship that created a binegable and delightfully-intoxicating read.

Sasha Peyton Smith creates such an alluring version of regency England riddled with magic and glamour but containing a secretly dark underbelly, yet it never feels difficult to follow or immerse oneself in. The imagery was just stunning, and everything felt gorgeous and ethereal, but it still remained very grounded and Bridgerton-esque. The rules and strictures of the time were also a factor, which created added tension and conflict in the perfect way and made for some amazing tension and pining.

The magic system was also both intriguing and comical in how it was approached and carried out. It was so simple at face value but unraveled into something darker and deeper, and some of the bargains were so bizarre and really characterized the queen and her mental state. Ivy, herself, was such an engaging FMC, and she felt so relatable in her struggles and desires. As for the other characters, this was such a beautifully-executed full cast novel. One of the most compelling elements was the relationships the girls formed with one another and their respective character journeys. They all were very distinct, including the two princes, and I found myself attached to each for their own specific reasons. I loved the inclusion of differing POV chapters where we got to see each girls' motivations and inner world, and it added so much to the plot and to the chemistry between characters.

Speaking of chemistry... This book had the perfect balance of yearning, tension, and banter, and created a love triangle that was truly interesting, not infuriating (a difficult task, honestly!). I was immediately drawn in and held emotionally captive from beginning to end. There was such a sweetness and natural chemistry to the romantic relationships (one in particular that I am obsessed with but won't share for spoilery reasons...), and Emmett specifically had such a perfectly effortless comedic side that worked well with Ivy and her personality. It was all lighthearted and clever but not cheesy, and it played with tropes in a way that was comforting in their familiarity, yet so alluring in their actual (perfect) execution.

All in all, I am wholly obsessed with this book, and after that *wild(!!!)* ending, I need the next book immediately. Until then, thank you to Sasha Peyton Smith, NetGalley, and HarperCollins and HarperCollins Children's Books for the chance to read this amazing ARC!

I have been anticipating this read since last year, and it met every one of my expectations. The romance, deception, magic, mystery, and chaos was perfectly blended together. I adored all the characters and their very human traits, the chaos that surrounded all of their lives that lead them to this moment of fighting for the princes hand in marriage. The battle of it all was so fun to read and the schemes being planned along the way had me invested in what happened next. As much as the ending of the book left my jaw to the floor it was a perfect way to get me excited for the next book

Not going to lie, I had pretty low expectations going into this book. I've been burned by YA romantasy a lot lately, so I was skeptical of this one despite the early buzz that it seems to be getting. But I'm an absolute sucker for Regency Fantasy, so despite my reservations, I found myself hitting 'request' on NetGalley.

I'm happy to report that I was very pleasantly surprised by The Rose Bargain!

Along with The Bachelor comp, this book feels strongly inspired by the recent Bridgerton craze. Combined with the wickedly tricksy fae that feel straight out of Elfhame, The Rose Bargain made for a fast-paced and juicy read that was difficult to put down.

I loved that this story was set in an alternate-universe England, where the War of the Roses ended with a brutal bargain with a Fae Queen. It's familiar yet fantastical, and Smith was able to create a darkly decadent world for our characters to inhabit, where members of the aristocracy are able to make a bargain with the Queen - for beauty, for wealth, for power - but always for a price.

My one complaint was that the first-person present-tense style was not my favorite. The perspective changes a couple of times and the voices for each of the characters didn't feel very distinct as a result. I found myself having to double check which character I was following several times. This is mostly a personal preference though, and it didn't impact my overall enjoyment of the story itself.

This was such a fun read and I can't wait for the next one!

This book was INCREDIBLE. It was the perfect mix between The Selection, Red Queen, The Cruel Prince, and Bridgerton but make it more of a dark fantasy. I could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting. For any fantasy lovers this is a must read.

This has everything I love in one book so when I read the blurb, I KNEW it was meant for me. Read it in one day!!! Couldn’t put it down. The perfect blend of Bridgerton + Powerless + The Selection. I thought the entire premise was so creative and the storyline was extremely fun to read.

okay so basically the last 10% was me just saying WHAT?! repeatedly because truly that took a turn i did not expect at all. its killing me not to say anything and maybe it was obvious but i genuinely didnt see that situation coming.

overall though this was definitely a book worth reading!! although it couldve helped that i went in with absolutely zero expectations because i requested this on netgalley on impulse so? but im glad i did because i had so much fun!! the trials were absolutely insane in the most crazy and interesting ways, im so used to fae in most books not being that scary (or the FMC just isnt scared of them) but here? oh theyre definitely *fae*... i actually kind of wish we got more of the trials but also its not a huge complaint because what we got was really good!!

honestly my favourite part of this book had to be the girls competing against one another to be bram's bride and their relationship with one another!! 1) it was so funny, and 2) it took a surprising turn that i really liked and i very much hope that this is explored more in book 2? although with the way book 2 is set up i dont think thats as likely but hopefully im wrong!

and then the romance !! okay so i will say that even though it couldve been developed a little more, THE ANGST?? THE LONGING?? omg. the having to share a room at an inn because they had no choice... the way they convince one another it means nothing😭 that whole scene was so >>>

also i could NOT stop picturing the MMC as one of those sad lost puppies with big eyes staring at you, truly he's so sweet. i liked the FMC's personality (though she did irk me at times with her decisions) but honestly i have to say after a certain point im soo curious about the FMC's sister, i need more than what we got !!

this was such a fast-paced and enjoyable read, i cant wait for the 2nd book (which will be awhile considering im reading an ARC of this💔) that ending really was insane!! I do wish it wasn't as rushed with all those plot twists (like for example getting the story we wanted behind someone) but I so need to know what happens in the next book ASAP


<I>Thank you HarperCollins for sending me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!</i>

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.