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!

One of the major things I like about this book might be a major spoiler so I am having a hard time talking about it! But anyways, did you like the Selection? Or did you not like the Selection because its badly written but found the concept intriguing so you hate read the whole thing? EITHER WAY: You might like this.

Its fun! Its better written than The Selection! It has fae being sketchy as hell and creepy bargains and cruel competitions. It has a totally fine central character but a pretty great romance storyline. It has twists and turns that had me surprised with where it was going. Especially with something that again, I don't know if its a spoiler so I can't talk about it but was interesting!

Anyways, I liked this one. It was what I want out of YA fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this book and i can't wait to see where the author goes in the future with their writing.

WHEWWWW I flew through this one! I finished it within 24 hours, the plot was that addicting.

"The Rose Bargain" is set in London in the 1800's where when you turn 18, you can make a bargain with the Queen (who is fae and also stole the kingdom hundreds of years prior) where she will grant you a wish, but at a cost. Only this year, her 18 year old son (Fae Prince) is entering society to find a wife. With this, there are new stakes and a pool of girls join in a "The Bachelor" type of situation to attempt to win the prince's heart. Our FMC, Ivy, has nothing to lose and joins in hopes to right some wrongs with her family.

This book was addicting from start to finish! My main complaint is that the dialogue was lacking and did not read like you would expect 1800's London high society. It was quite modern. Also, some of the characters were cringe at times. Other than that, I loved every second of it. It was messsssyyyy omg

Tropes to expect:
Forbidden love
Love triangle
Betrayals
One bed

Okay also I had NO IDEA that it was going to be a series?!?! I got to the end and was shocked beyond belief for it to end on a cliffhanger. I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel's release.

Thank you, HarperCollins and NetGalley, for access to this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the concept of this story, very unique storyline. Which had me hooked. However after getting a quarter way through I became very frustrated and upset by the situation the main character was in with the Queen (as well as the other girls). I could understand a few trials but it just got too excessive for me to endure reading. In general I didn't like the direction the story took.

Ahhh and here I thought I didn’t like YA fantasy that much anymore! This book is described as the cruel Prince meets Bridgerton and also the selection. In this world, there is a Fae queen who is ruled for many centuries and whenever a girl turns 18 she gets to make a bargain with that queen. We are following our main character Ivy, who’s older sister made a bargain that she can’t remember and she has gone missing for two weeks and can’t remember where she was during that time. Ivy‘s goal is to figure out what happened with her sister and then when she goes to make her bargain with the queen she finds out that the queen’s son the prince is going to find a bride this season. So Ivy, along with some other girls sign up to compete for the prints. Ivy does not have to do this alone as the younger prince vowed to help her be chosen to be princess.
I have traditionally not love trial books anymore because they’re so repetitive and the feel so similar. I did not have that problem with this book and I also love how the Fea were handled. Because again the Faye is becoming a very slightly overdone plot point and so whenever it’s done differently it’s done so well. This really feels like an older type of fantasy book that you might’ve read when you were a kid. This book does kinda get left on a cliffhanger and I really hope that this just turns out to be a douogly because I feel like that would be the perfect length for the series.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

I really did enjoy this one quite a bit.
Queen Mor has reigned and ruled England up to four centuries now. As a Faerie and former Queen of the Otherworld. England is ruled through bargains. In exchange for something you must give of yourself, she will grant your wish. Although be careful what you ask for, the prince may be too steep.

The daughters of nobility make their bargains with The Queen when they are presented to society at the start of The Season. Most make bargains to make themselves more attractive prospects as wives called Rose Bargains. They're supposed to be more frivolous bargain, because what could daughters of nobility truly need?

Ivy Benton's family is in trouble, her sister disappeared during her season, father has financial problems, and now that her sister is missing, she could be ruined. She's doing to best to try to locate Lydia, but to no avail. It's like she's vanished. And now Ivy has to clench the perfect season and match to pull them back into polite society. What did Lydia bargain for?
She finds herself with a unique option. Prince Bram, Queen Mor's son from the Otherworld needs a wife.
But with all fae, they are all deceitful at heart, humans are playthings when you live forever. If you're not careful you may find yourself the entertainment.

I really did enjoy this one!
Ivy is tenacious, and finds herself competing for Bram's hand and heart. But if she loses, she will lose it all. I had a suspicion at the twist, but it didn't happen exactly the way I thought it was going to go. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ivy and Lydia handle their respective roles. I don't want to say much more than that.

This was a fantastic alternate reality England, if you like fae, The Selection or watching Bridgerton you'll probably enjoy this!

Fans of Kiera Cass’ Selection series will EAT this UP! A perfect romantasy for those newer to the genre, Smith mixes the realm of Fae with the 1800s, making this novel have a historical fiction vibe going that I LOVED. Bridgerton with a little Bachelor action. Give me some trials, a love triangle, a strong female character… I’m there.

While I did find parts of this book rushed (I mean, it’s already 400 pages, what’s another 50?), I really enjoyed it. I wish the trials portion were more fleshed out and the ending felt very rushed pacing wise. Overall, it’s a very solid first book and had me effectively hooked to need book two immediately, please!

Thank you Sasha Peyton Smith, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for the ARC of this new romantasy book out 2/4/2025!

A solid 4.5
I enjoyed The Rose Bargain, a blend of historical fiction and dark fantasy. Set in a reimagined 1840s England, the story follows Ivy Benton as she navigates a world of fae bargains and courtly intrigue.

Smith's world-building is good, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The narrative is engaging, with a balance of tension, romance, and fae magic. Ivy's relationships, particularly with her sister Lydia, are a highlight.

While the romantic subplot is sweet, it feels a bit rushed. The competition could have been expanded to heighten stakes and deepen character dynamics.

Despite some minor shortcomings, The Rose Bargain is a solid read for fantasy romance fans. With its unique premise and vivid world-building, the novel sets the stage for an exciting sequel.

Recommendation: For fans of fantasy romance, fae bargains, and courtly drama.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins, Sasha Peyton Smith for providing me with this E-ARC in exchange for my review.

I loved how unique this storyline is in a sea of Romantasy books that center around the Fae! The idea of each debutante making a bargain with the Fae queen in order to secure the best match? And honestly Sasha does an amazing job at sticking to the fact that each bargain made is rotten at its core. Then you have Ivy, who loves and resents her sister at the same time but who is also willing to do anything to take care of them. She is such a well written and complex character, we get so much of her inner turmoil and explanations about her past in ways that feel perfectly balanced between showing and telling. I think she’s a great main character and can’t wait to see how her story continues.

Not to mention, the way romance and longing is woven together with humor and shocks of cruelty makes this story phenomenal. I really enjoyed how Sasha addressed the cruelty of the fae and the explanations other characters had for it because honestly it made sense and I had never thought of it that way!

This is one of those rare times when I am going to say that the synopsis on the back got the feel of this book 100% right without giving anything away. About 13% of the way into this book, I started telling my fiancé that if this book kept the momentum and vibes going that it was going to be a new bestseller. After having finished the book, I feel confident in stating that this book is going to be huge with Stephanie Garber and Holly Black fans.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

My review will be posted to Goodreads on 12/28/24.
My Instagram review will be posted on 12/28/24.

“The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae”

As a Cruel Prince fan I was ecstatic to pick this one up! However, I am so torn about how I feel about the book. There were a lot of good elements that captivated my attention but there were also parts where I felt that the story was dragging. The story was repetitive at times and in turn I felt myself getting distracted often. I also thought the storyline was a little hard to follow and I didn’t see as much character development as I usually enjoy.

All that being said I do think is being marketed appropriately. A lot of the blurbs mention Stephanie Garber and Holly black. I definitely see readers that enjoy books by these authors enjoying this book.

Thank you Harper Collins for the eARC!

Ivy Benton's debut season coincides with Prince Bram's search for a bride. With her family's reputation in tatters due to her older sister's fall from grace, Ivy sees the competition as a chance for redemption. The rules are clear: win Prince Bram's hand or remain unmarried. Determined to restore her family's fortunes, Ivy enters the contest.

This was a fun time and I found myself flying through the pages. Ivy’s relationship with the other girls in the competition was heartwarming and the romance was enjoyable, though I could’ve used a few more scenes with Ivy and her love interest. Their relationship felt rushed toward the end but overall I thought it was well developed.

While the overall story arc is satisfying, the ending fell flat for me and the direction the story seems to be headed in does not interest me. I will likely pick up the sequel since this is only a duology but I'm not eagerly anticipating to see what happens.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am screaming. There's no way I could not at that ending. I read and raved about this to anyone who would listen in the house - I'm pretty sure my husband thinks this is the only book I read this year because I would not stop talking about it to him.

The Rose Bargain combined a lot of my favorite things: competition, fae princes, ugly dogs, familiar obligations etc. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a romantasy to dip their toes into.