* will be posting the review to the blog soon*

I flew through this book! As a sucker for fae and court life, this seemed right up my alley. I became entranced by the atmosphere, the court, and the bargains. The bargains were unique. The Queen really put these girls through hell just for her amusement. The level of viciousness in some of the queen's actions was sometimes shocking. Speaking of shocking, the plot twist towards the end surprised the hell out of me.

I liked Ivy well enough. The relationship between her and her sister Lydia was done well. It showed how complex relationships dear to you can be. Ivy had resentment but also love for her sister and seeing her go back and forth with it was humanizing. Along with that relationship, the bond between the girls competing for the prince was also well done. They came a long way from jealousy and backstabbing to coming together against the queen and also developing relationships.

We got a few chapters in POVs of the other girls vying for Bram and it was a good added touch. You got to know them more and learned their reasons for accepting this deal and also the more complex issues they were dealing with.

You're probably wondering why I didn't rate this five stars. That's because of the romance and it not being marketed as a duology. From the blurb, you could tell there would be a love triangle of sorts and it was. It was easy to see who Ivy would be with and I have to admit that relationship was BLAND. The author even added an on-page sex scene and I'm still looking for the chemistry to this day.

Also, I didn't realize that this was going to be a duology until I got to the end and was like where's the rest? I first saw this on Netgalley back in August of last year and it wasn't marketed to be more than a standalone at that time.

Overall, if you like fae court and mind games then pick this one up. After the ending of this one, I might pick the next one up.

The Rose Bargain is a great example of why I continue to read YA fantasy at my age. It’s absolutely beautiful. Ivy is the younger of two daughters. But after her older sister mysteriously disappears only to return months later under questionable circumstances, it now falls to her to restore her family’s reputation and status through entering a competition to marry the Fae queen’s son.

While the plot is clearly a 19th century “Bachelor ” I was not prepared for how many twists this book would take, each one raising the stakes and pulling me in further at every step. Sasha Peyton Smith’s writing is immaculate, plunging you into all the aesthetics of a Victorian era romance, but with an evil Fae Queen at the helm to cause chaos and angst.

But the true highlight of this story is the character depth achieved in such a short novel. Not only is Ivy someone who brings us instantly into empathy and understanding of her impossible position, but Sasha peppers the narrative with a POV chapter for each of her fellow contestants, humanizing each of them in the midst of such a dehumanizing spectacle, and allowing the themes of the novel to find an impressive feminist root that takes the themes of the story to another level, all without overstating the case or pulling us out of the world.

And yes, there are not one, but two princes, and the love story itself is a slow burn love triangle executed with perfection (at least in my humble opinion). Think a mix of The Cruel Prince meets Emily Wilde with the lyrical prose of Rebecca Ross.

Books like Divine Rivals, A Study in Drowning and the The Rose Bargain are precisely why I continue to read YA fantasy. They may not hit as often as I’d like, but when they do, it’s like nothing else.

An AMAZING introduction to this author for me. To be able to write a cast of characters who are ALL individually complex and layered is no easy feat and Sasha does so seamlessly while also driving the plot forward in an interesting and engaged way. I cannot WAIT for book 2 and I think this book can (and should!!) be read by those of all ages regardless of its YA category.

EDIT (wanted to rave even more):
Sasha Peyton Smith you absolute GEM.
Smith's writing perfectly encapsulates the beauty of writing and the joy of storytelling in an accessible and humble way. She took a cast of characters and gave each of them such distinct voices and histories and still managed to have a perfectly paced plot and story and I am in awe of how well I feel I know these characters in just under 400 pages.

I love me a sad boy and Emmett..... you have my heart. I wish I had better words to describe how big my feelings feel about Ivy's relationship with the girls and her sister and Emmett. All I can come up with is that I finished this book feeling like I was there with her and every character I met. I cannot wait for the next book.

I really enjoyed it. Wasn't anything ground breaking, but I stayed interest and it's nice when they bring back the fae that are more evil than beautiful. Makes me happy

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

I went into The Rose Bargain expecting a solid YA romantasy, and it delivered! This book has a little bit of everything—intrigue, romance, high-stakes games, and a heroine who has to navigate a world full of deception. If The Cruel Prince, Bridgerton, and The Hunger Games had a bookish baby, it would look something like this.

The plot kept me engaged, with twists and turns that made me want to keep flipping pages. I loved the courtly drama mixed with survival elements, and the tension between the characters was fun to read. The romance had its moments, though I wanted a bit more depth in some places. The writing style was easy to get into, and the world-building, while not groundbreaking, had enough intrigue to keep me invested.

Overall, The Rose Bargain is a great pick for fans of YA fantasy who enjoy scheming royals, slow-burn romance, and a heroine who refuses to back down. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, I had a good time with it and would definitely check out more from this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the concept of the book. I felt that the connection between the two characters was a bit rushed but I loved the plot twist at the end. I will definitely be picking the next one up as soon as I can. Thank you to the publishers for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for providing me with an ARC Kindle copy of "The Rose Bargain" by Sasha Peyton Smith, in exchange for a sincere review.

The Rose Bargain started with a lot of promise—especially with its premise and the initial chemistry between Ivy and Emmett. I was drawn to Ivy’s character from the start. She’s strong, cunning, and determined, which made me excited to see her navigate the high-stakes competition. However, as the story unfolded, I felt that the romance between Ivy and Emmett didn’t fully deliver. While their banter was enjoyable early on, the lack of buildup between them made their connection feel flat. Despite some chemistry in the beginning, the lack of emotional depth and chemistry throughout the story left me feeling like Ivy’s romantic choices were driven more by plot than genuine character decisions, which was a bit of a letdown.

The plot itself was fast-paced, and the writing style was engaging enough to keep me hooked, despite some of the underdeveloped elements. While I appreciated the easy readability, I was disappointed with the way the trials, designed to test the girls' worthiness, fell flat. Although the stakes were undeniably high, the trials didn’t match the intensity I expected from the plot. This led to some frustration as the story’s tension seemed to fizzle rather than build. However, the twist at the end—though somewhat predictable—did offer a satisfying moment, and I can’t deny that it left me intrigued for the next book.

One of the book’s weaknesses was the underdeveloped fae world. While the setting in England made sense for the story, it didn’t feel immersive, and the fae were presented in a way that didn’t bring anything new to the genre. It felt like a missed opportunity to create something unique and layered, and I’m hoping the transition to the Otherworld in the next book will offer a more fleshed-out, compelling world. The lack of strong world-building made it difficult to feel fully enveloped in the story, but there was just enough description to picture the scenes, even if the setting didn’t quite draw me in the way I’d hoped.

Overall, The Rose Bargain was a fun, easy read, but I was left underwhelmed by its potential. The characters, while likable, lacked the development and depth I had hoped for, and the plot didn’t live up to its premise. While the writing itself was smooth and engaging, the emotional connection between the characters and the world-building were areas that fell short for me. That being said, the twist at the end has left me curious about the next book in the series, and I’m hopeful that the transition to the Otherworld will bring more intensity, richer character development, and a more immersive setting.

If you’re a fan of The Cruel Prince and enjoy a quick, easy read with some romance and intrigue, this book might still be enjoyable for you. However, if you’re looking for more depth and emotional complexity, this might not fully meet your expectations.

This was brilliant. I couldn't put it down. The combination of fae and history and the tension of bargains known and unknown made things so tense and propulsive. I was riveted the whole time and each of the girls had a compelling motivation and flaws that made them relatable. I can't believe I have to wait for the next book *cries*. Thank you to net galley and the publisher for this early copy. My thoughts are my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ummm hello?! Miss Sasha Peyton Smith, MA’AM. You're just going to do us like that. Likeee I need the 2nd book yesterday!

🌹Plot: Every English citizen can make one bargain with the immortal fae queen. High in society wealthy ladies often bargain for qualities that will help them find suitors. Introducing MFC Ivy Benton her debut season includes a competition to win the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram, but Ivy’s sister, Lydia has done something to make them the talk of the town so rather than Ivy asking for a bargain she’s not there to play games, she wants to know what happened, and in order to do that she’s going to need some help from the inside, AHEM AHEM enter Emmet, the brother of prince Bram, it should be easy right? He helps her win his brother's hand everything turns out good and in return... well Emmet gets nothing...hmm well that just won’t do.

🌹What to expect: Slight love triangle. Political scheming & PLOT TWISTS

🌹TW’S: One scene in Ch 29 (non-explicit lovemaking occurs)

🌹 Age rating: 18+

🌹 As always thank you to Sasha Peyton Smith for this ARC stay blessed everyone 😊🙏

Thank you to @harpercollins Children’s Books for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

“When one makes a faerie bargain, one must be prepared to pay the price. There is one silver lining. I have nothing to lose.”

Let’s be for real, if it’s written by Sasha Peyton Smith I’m going to read it. You better believe I ran to @Netgalley as soon as I saw this was available. The only thing I regret? Not reading it sooner.

This book had everything I love - faeries, a competition, even better it was a competition to marry the prince! Bargains, questionable camaraderie, lessons 🧐…the list goes on and on. And I get it, that’s a lot. Some of which you wouldn’t expect to work well together, but this was SO GOOD! I’m already ready for a reread and biting at the bit for the next book. I can absolutely see this being a comfort read.

While this is book one in a duet, and it leaves questions unanswered, the end does not leave you with an excessive book hangover. 💃🏼

Read if you like:
🥀London in the 1800s
🥀Young Adult
🥀Faeries
🥀Romance Lessons
🥀Strong Female Lead

I enjoyed everything about this book. Was it perfect? No. But was it perfect for me in the time I read it? Oh, yes. I absolutely loved the whole idea of the bargains--it kept giving throughout the whole book. The characters were great. Each of the girls was their own person, and their friendship was one of my favorite parts of the story. Ivy was angry, and I liked that about her. Her simultaneous love and rage for her sister felt very true. The romance was sweet and felt like it came about naturally. And the ending? Look, I knew it was all too good to be true, but I was still shook at the way it all played out. The true depth of betrayal went far beyond what I had guessed. I can't wait for the next book!

In the beginning I thought perhaps I wasn’t going to enjoy this book as much as I ended up liking it. In a genre that is far too over saturated at times it felt very original and I am looking forward to reading more by this author and hopefully in this series too!


Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my review.

Goodness but this was an addicting read! A darker version of The Selection but make it the Regency Era, this book was filled morally grey characters (I trusted NO ONE lemme tell you), unlikely friendships, and a splash of forbidden romance!

Loved the eerie faerie bargains, and watching the mysteries unravel as I devoured the pages. The ending felt a little rushed til I realized it was going to keep going into another book which Im gonna need, like, yesterday.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in return for an honest review.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I was definitely surprised at some parts in the end but also saw some things coming. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. Will definitely pick it up to see what happens to everyone. If you are looking for Bridgerton meets Fae vibes, this book is definitely for you! Sasha never disappoints!

At this point I think I am all fae-ed out! "The Rose Bargain" was unique in its own fae way, but you know it really was just the usual; other worldly beings dabbling in violence and trickery. Being a YA story, I think it was pretty decent for what it was. The world building is what I expect from this genre. Honestly, it didn't get interesting to me until the 50% mark, but it did prove to be entertaining enough to binge.

Sometimes when I read young adult books, I get confronted about my ideals of what YA should be. I keep trying to put YA in a box when it comes to mature themes but YA ain't having it. Basically, I was kind of shocked at the sex scene that was thrown in here. Idk why I am always shocked. I mean, they were cutting off toes, pinkies, and stuff, so I guess sex isn't too far of a reach. My question is though, how are you riding as a virgin and it's just a blissful experience for you? Girl, you know it had to sting a bit. Like, you are at a level 0 at this and it just a rodeo to you. Okayyy.

I did not see the plot twist coming as I wasn't really looking for a twist, but I think it was done well. I am going to keep it real honest though. I am not reading the next book. I think more books need to be standalones. It may be unfair to the authors but it's like, if it ain't something new or fresh can we keep it to one book?

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

The Rose Bargain, set in an alternative England where the queen is fae, follows Ivy Benton as she enters a competition for the prince's hand in a desperate bid to uncover the magical bargain her sister made with the queen.

I'm always wary when books make a promise as lofty as The Cruel Prince meets The Selection, but The Rose Bargain actually delivered on this for me. I found myself feeling exactly the way I felt when I read The Selection for the first time, exactly the way I felt reading The Cruel Prince for the first time. These were both series I tore through voraciously, and The Rose Bargain had me glued to the page in an identical way. And the ending! I'm really hoping this is, in fact, a series, and that there will be a second book, because I'm not sure how to move on at this point.

While I certainly have some qualms with it overall -- some of the early pace felt odd, a couple of the more action-y moments didn't quite land for me, and ultimately the comps did make some aspects of the ending feel rather predictable -- I think this was just a super solid YA romantasy that I hope will find its home with teens the way The Selection did for me when I was younger.

The characters were good but not great. I didn't feel attached to anyone and i only liked the Villian queen. I felt like her story and background had such good bones and history.

The world building was definitely lacking, but it could improve in the next book, so i wasn't too critical of this point.

The pacing was good but there were some very repetitious scenes. Most of the trials felt the same with only a few tweaks.

The dialogue was fine but nothing particularly special or creative.

I liked getting to know the other ladies through their POVs but i also felt like we were wasting precious time that could be spent on improving the main relationship and world building.

The romance is where this really fell flat. It's crystal clear how the romance will play out once you meet the two MCs. I didn't see any emotional connection. It all felt superficial, and the love declarations had no foundation.

The love scene felt rushed, and not in the least bit romantic for me.

.

***Slightly spoiler below......

She has quick sex with brother 1 and then right afterwards, she's telling him she has to go marry brother 2. Lover boy 1 is supportive and lets her go but then the next day he's desperate to stop her? Make a decision and stick to it please.***

I'm so tired of the same tropes.

The ending surprise was also predictable, (simply because this type of twist is always used in romantacy lately) but i liked the direction the story is taking. I think the next book will be even better than this one.

OVERALL: this book is good and has so much going for it, but im just not sure if YA/NA romantacy is meant for me anymore. If you loved The Selection, The Bachelor and Victorian England vibes, then you should give it a try.

ROMANCE: Open door/descriptive intimate scene.
CONTENT: LGBT representation, mild violence and mild language.

Thank you to HarperCollins for this e-ARC of The Rose Bargain in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. It's truly not often that the comps for the book describe a book so perfectly, but Bridgerton meets The Cruel Prince nails it. If you've read Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington, it's very similar to that as well, but obviously with pretty dresses like you see in Bridgerton. The author truly nails IVy's naiveté, and the characterization, alongside the way she explores their pitfalls in this book, were so well done. It truly felt like a coming of age story, something that a lot of YA fantasy are lacking. Emmett's character was a little corny, but I have to give him some grace as he's only 18. That was the best thing - the characters were young and felt like it, but they were all making decisions where you could see WHY for their age.

Sasha Peyton Smith's pacing was also excellent, and I was SO immersed in the world that she described. I loved the backstory of why there was fae in London, with it being both simple and easy to follow as well as mesmerizing. I truly saw this world come to life with Sasha's writing. I loved this book and I can't wait to delve more into the fae world in Book 2! This book definitely deserves its roses.

The perfect combination of Cruel Prince, The Selection and Bridgerton. This is a hit!

I am incredibly impressed with this debut.

What I liked:
+ the characters are well written and fleshed out
+ different POVs
+ the stakes feel real and make sense
+ easily digestible setting - basically Bridgerton/regency era
+ the mysteries that unravel organically throughout the story
+ the tension filled romance *definitely check out B&N bonus chapter*

I have not been able to stop thinking about this since I finished! The tag line is spot on, it really is The Selection mixed with Cruel Prince, and it’s very well executed! The fae in this defiantly scratch the Cruel Prince itch, which imo is very hard to do. My favorite part though was the character journey we see the MFC make along with the other girls competing for the hand of the prince. I don't want to spoil anything but there's real heaviness that some of them have to unpack. The romance and yearning was also chefs kiss!! I usually don’t like love triangles but this one didn't bother me. PS there is a bit of spice!

Can’t wait for book two! That ending had me spinning!

This book had an intriguing premise—Regency-era British royalty mixed with the dark magic of a ruthless Fae queen—but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential. The idea of debutantes striking dangerous bargains for beauty or intelligence, with sinister and unpredictable prices, was fascinating, and Ivy’s motivation to restore her family’s reputation added depth to her character. The high-stakes twist of competing for Prince Bram’s favor, with dire consequences for losing, set up plenty of drama.

However, the trials lacked intensity, and the romance felt flat and underdeveloped. Ivy’s decisions often seemed driven by the plot rather than her emotions, and the shifting points of view disrupted the pacing without adding much value. While the writing was smooth and the world creative, the ending lacked the impact I’d hoped for, and the story left me wanting more depth and emotional resonance.

Overall, it’s a decent read with some enjoyable elements, but it didn’t quite live up to its intriguing premise.