Thank you so much for the NetGalley!

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton & The Cruel Prince, The Rose Bargain is a historical Romantasy that centers around the time of the War of Roses but with Fae.

Ivy was a strong FMC and I adored her relationship with her sister.

This book was so good & I can’t wait to meet Sasha on her tour!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! I went in with no expectations, and found that this was delightful! The Selection x Bridgerton x the fae. A great YA fantasy with romance, bargains, and female friendship. This was an easy world to jump right into and an emotionally layered narrative. I was even surprised to find that I enjoyed the mini POV chapters sprinkled throughout to get to each of the other ladies. It leans into the tropes of the genre and executed them wonderfully. My only regret is that getting an ARC means I have to wait waaaaay too long to see what happens!

A fun fae fantasy that is reminiscent of the cruel prince without a mix of Bridgerton. This is a strange one but hear me out, the whimsy of the characters lend themselves to a plot wherein the fae characters are feeling as if they belong in another era that is similar to this world. The modern aspects of the cruel prince are heightened as the human world these fae, non human or have some humanistic elements make the worldbuidling seem as other and yet still fantastically, the rose bargain is a fantasy with some romance on the side.

I don’t know that I have the words to accurately describe how much I loved this book. First, it felt like Bridgerton with Faeries and well that was a perfect combo that I want more of immediately. The rose bargains between the Queen and the girls entering the season was so addicting, I wanted to know the costs of every one of them especially the six girls running for the Prince’s bride.

Ivy is looking for the reason her sister went missing and runs into the King’s son, who’s she quickly ends up in a master plan with to take down the faerie queen. It’s a whole don’t fall in love with me scenario and it worked perfectly for these two cause Emmett fell faster and harder. I loved the six girls in the competition and the darkness of the trials, it was so dark and twisted but kept me hooked from start to finish.

Finally the ending, without spoilers, but wow I was shocked. I would have given the books all the stars if I could. I predicted like one thing out of the many and the rest shocked me to the core. I’m still sitting here just shell shocked, I can’t wait for the next book and hate that this book just came out. But it’ll be a February fav that’s for sure!

4.5⭐️ rounded up.

The Rose Bargain is the closest thing to a fantasy based Bridgerton that I've come across. I was completely engrossed from the beginning and just fell more and more in love with the book as I read on.

I thought the trials were unique, appreciated the camaraderie amongst the girls, and even found myself swept away by some swoon worthy moments. The ending landed the perfect punch by leaving us eager for more.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

This book is such a fun read! I loved the world that was created, as well as the characters. This is an excellent YA book for romantasy lovers, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed The Selection or The Cruel Prince, and to anyone who has always loved stories of faeries.

This book is Bridgerton meets The Selection WITH FAE.

Every citizen gets one chance to make a bargain with their queen, something they want in exchange for something they lose. At first it seems great, anything you want in exchange for something like your happiest memory, your fingernails, your ability to smell flowers. However, I think this book did a great job showing the negatives of the bargain, how it never really seems quite worth it. Losing your childhood memories in exchange for better business dealings ends up coming back to bite you because you can no longer relate to anyone or join in while reminiscing about the 'good old days,' slowly rendering your bargain a net negative.

I loved the world-building, how it would feel like 1800s England, with promenades around the park, modistes, garden parties, debutante seasons, etc. and then all of a sudden something would happen that seemed perfectly ordinary to the characters but makes you as the reader stare at the page in shock and you remember you're in a dark fantasy world.

Our main character Ivy enters a competition for the prince's hand in marriage, with the stakes that the ladies who lose may never marry for the rest of their lives. She quickly realizes that it won't all be tea parties and etiquette lessons, with the fae queen arranging brutal and painful tests for the women competing, all while threatening them and their families if they don't go through with everything she asks of them. I wish the trials had been slightly more high stakes, with more eliminations occurring than just the initial whittling down.

I did feel like the pacing was a bit slow but at the same time I feel like it reflected what was actually happening. The characters had to keep attending balls and parties and sporting events, all while the painful trials and death threats and schemes were going on at the same time.

I did NOT see the ending coming. I figured there was more to Bram than met the eye, like maybe he knew what Emmett was planning and was on his side, but I was not expecting him to be the king of the Otherworld!! I guess I was right that he wanted to take down the queen but I did not expect the twist of WHY.

I feel like the ending set things up to hear more about Lydia or even get Lydia's POV in book 2, which I'm extremely excited for. I also hope we see more of Faith, Greer, Marion, Emmy, and Olive. The friendships formed between the six ladies was an unexpected but lovely part of this book.

I knew I was going to love this book, but I had not idea how much. This was such a wonderful read that gave me all the Bridgerton x These Hollow Vows. I dare you to not fall for both princes ❤️‍🔥

This book had me talking to the book and kicking my feet the whole time. It is rare to enjoy a read this much!! All the swoon, all the betrayal, all the mess in a proper society 🔥 The competition for the Prince’s heart was wild and dangerous and I didn’t know whether to be horrified or laugh.

This will pull all your heart strings and give you all the feels. Did I yell “What?!?” out loud and have my whole family staring at me? Yes, I definitely did hahaha so many times that my husband even said “I’m going to need to you to quit talking to that book.” 😆 I have read so many books that it’s hard to shock and surprise me and this book did just that. I didn’t see that twist coming!

👑 Princess Competition
👑 Evil Fae Queen
👑 Royal Brothers
👑 Fae x Human
👑 Political Intrigue
👑 Rebel MMC
👑 One Bed
👑 Regency Romantasy
👑 Fae Bargains
👑 Love Triangle

5+⭐️ 🌶️ (low spice, open door, only slightly descriptive) read

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Young Adult Fantasy book so I was ready to enjoy this one. It’s a cross between “The Cruel Prince” and “the Batchelor” with a cruel Faerie queen and a wronged prince trying to overthrow her with the help of a stubborn debutante. I really enjoyed the mix of English history and the faerie realm. I also loved the interplay between the girls competing for the faerie prince’s hand in marriage. Otherwise, there wasn’t anything super unique about this book and I’m one the fence about continuing the series. I received a digital copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this! It was so atmospheric and rich, and I felt like the plot was well-paced. I got a little lost through the twist at the ending but it sets up great for book 2!

The Rose Bargain unexpectedly swept me into a whirlwind of elegant society, secret bargains, and tender yet turbulent romance. With its light, fantasy backdrop and a world that feels both familiar and delightfully unique, Sasha Peyton Smith’s novel is a perfect gateway for readers new to the fantasy genre.

Set in a high society where debut seasons and social contracts govern the lives of its characters, the novel introduces us to a world where the fae and the humans intertwine. As the fae Queen’s son, Prince Bram finds himself burdened with both expectations and desires, a suitor must be chosen from a carefully orchestrated debut season.

Ivy Benton enters her debut season with hopes of securing a future with Bram, but is forced to navigate not only the competitive trials but also her own conflicted emotions. Adding even more depth to the narrative is Bram's brother, Emmett. His role in aiding Ivy's quest is layered with its own conflicts between duty and an emerging, unspoken attraction that blurs the lines between friendship and something more. The internal conflict provides one of the novels most intriguing plots, adding both angst and tenderness to the overall romance.

What truly sets the book apart are the twists and turns in its conclusion. Just when you think the social games are understood, new developments reframe everything you thought you knew about love, loyalty, and the true cost of bargains.

Sasha Peyton Smith has crafted a tale that marries the elegance and drama of high society with the unpredictability of young love and magical intrigue. Whether you're a fan of Bridgerton-style romance or a newcomer to fantasy, this book promises an engaging, twist filled journey that leaves you both delighted and hungry for more. In a world where every bargain comes with a hidden cost, The Rose Bargain reminds us that sometimes the risk is worth the reward.

Thank you HarperCollins and Sasha Peyton Smith for this ARC of The Rose Bargain :)

This book reminded me of why I love ya fantasy books so much.

The way that this book was written was so well-thought out, and it made for such a wonderful plot. From the beginning, you are introduced into the overall conflict of this world. There is a clear balance to how this magic system works, and on the surface, the plot feels pretty straight forward.

HOWEVER, there is so much more going on in this book. There are so many side plots intertwined into the main plot that lead for such an intriguing story. These characters have depth that you only get to see the more you get to know them. The twists are twisting, and the many good times were had.

I read this book in one sitting because I was so invested to see what would happen next! Ah - it was just so FUN and interesting, and I am pumped to see how this series continues!

Sasha Peyton Smith managed to sweep me off my feet with The Rose Bargain! From the first page I got immersed into the atmosphere and setting of the story. I like how even before the first chapter I already understood the background of the version of London the author created. As mentioned, this book did deliver on a great combination of vibes from The Bachelor, The Selection, and Bridgerton. Although for the majority of the novel, we see Ivy's point of view, it was so unique how the author decided to incorporate only a few chapters from other points of view! It was done at just the right points of the story and was accomplished in a clear way without causing confusion for the reader. I have not encountered this approach before and was pleasantly surprised by this! Thank you, Sasha Peyton Smith, for your dedication and research to the time period you set this beautiful story in! All the dances mentioned were aligned to the 1800s and how beautifully were the scenes described! The elegance, romance, intrigue, and the dangers of fae bargains twirled me in a beautiful Viennese Waltz through the realms of time! I can't wait to continue this dance when the next book comes out, because the ending left me wanting more!!!

Thank you netgalley and HarperCollins for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!!!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Yet another YA book I was pleasantly surprised by. The plot feels familiar but fresh, redesigned. Like all the furniture in a house, rearranged to create a completely different layout. And honestly, this kind of story with the excellent writing feels so rare these days.

What I loved most about the Rose Bargain is that as a reader, you can easily predict what might happen. It’s right there, but then as the words unfurl you get mislead until you’re discarding the prediction as impossible. Until it happens. That’s exactly was the Rose Bargain did, the plot twist was such a subtle impact that it was perfect. And it left off on a delicious hangover as well.

I truly am looking forward to the next installment. When we meet Ivy, Emmett, and Bram again- but this time on an entirely new playing field. The entire read was a wholly immersive experience, and that is such a rare gift.

As a caveat, it’s a solid 3 stars due to some pacing problems, and an entirely unrealistic intimate moment.

“There are two truths I didn't know then that I know now.
The first: there is no greater insult to a faerie than tricking him.
The second: once they love you, they will not let you go.”

If you love bargains at a price, cruel fae, a regency setting, high-stake competition, politics, and forbidden romance, then definitely put this book on your TBR. This book captured my attention from the beginning, and the last 25% had me staying up all night to finish.

In this alternate history (1840), England is ruled by an immortal Fae Queen, and its citizens are granted one bargain with her for a price. Ivy Benton’s debut season has arrived, and she is determined to save her family from ruin. As the season is set to start she learns that there is a twist this season. There will be a competition to secure the heart of the Fae Queen’s son, Prince Bram, but this competition may be more than she bargained for.

"There's no possible universe in which my sister's heart stops beating and I keep on living, unaltered."

I found Ivy to be loyal, determined, and strong, with a deep love for her family, especially her sister. She would do anything to protect them, but navigating this world of deceptions and tricks may prove to be more difficult than expected.

“Somewhere, across time and space, there's a version of me and a version of you, wearing matching rings, tangled up in front of a fireplace, together.
“In another life, it would have been us, but not in this one.”

I adored this romance and how it developed. We get a touch of forbidden love, and you can just feel the tension and longing between them. But these are two people who would sacrifice themselves to do what is right. Side note, I just want to give Emmett a hug.

Throughout the story, the author incorporates a single chapter from each girl in the competition's POVs. I love this because it added so much value to the story. It helps the reader learn about each girl and form a connection. It helps to understand the friendship that forms between them all.

I did guess some elements of the plot twist, but it didn’t deter my enjoyment of the book, and there were enough surprises that I deeply enjoyed it.

Final thoughts, I loved so many elements of this book. It’s an enchanting story with well-developed characters, strong female friendship, great banter, a dark political plot, and the romance was just the chef’s kiss.

“Know how desperately I love you.”

ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

The Rose Bargain is a YA fantasy romance set in an alternate 1840s England. Prince Bram is in search of a wife this season and the Queen holds a competition for the girls interested in becoming his bride.

This was a really cute book! The competition aspect kept me interested, and it helped the pace flow nicely. The competitions themselves, were twisted but a little bit silly. I loved the fae bargains and could read about those endlessly. By the end of the book, I had an idea where it was going, but still enjoyed how chaotic it became. The romance was very sweet, and I’m interested to see where it goes. My favorite aspect was the relationship between the competitors and I hope we get more growth there. I cannot wait to pick up book 2 in this duology.

The Rose Bargain comes out today! February 4th, 2025

Thank you #netgalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this earc.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Ms. Peyton Smith for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

There's fairies, and then there's fae. I picture fairies as sweet and cute and magical, whereas fae wield beauty and cunning like knives. I feel like fae (of late) have migrated far from their (occasionally) bloodthirsty roots: they talk a big game but they're reasonable, fair and - under their sharp-edged exterior - cinnamon rolls.

Not these fae.

The fae in the Rose Bargain are bored, cruel and diabolical; I got some Cruel Prince vibes for sure. A bargain made with England's fae Queen Morlen costs you something: your childhood memories, a toe, your ability to smell flowers. The price is decided purely by Morlen's whim and caprice. Ivy, who as part of her debut is attending an audience with the Queen to ask for her bargain, is instead given the opportunity to compete for Morlen's fae son Prince Bram's hand in marriage and thereby redeem her ruined family. She has nothing to lose and enters the competition, except, nothing is really as it seems.

I really loved the portrayal of the fae here. These are not kindly Others who enter into an even-handed partnership with humans. No: humans are their cattle, their toys, their afternoon's entertainment. There's also a lot to enjoy in the relationships between the competing girls. Girls/women can so often become adversarial in a really petty way and while things start off that way, the dynamic between the girls changes fairly quickly.

The twist at the end was really well done. I'm sure a reader who likes to parse out the plot will figure it out faster than I did, but I was fairly surprised. I would have liked a little bit more of Lydia's story to have been fleshed out but that's a very minor quibble.

Overall this was *really* good, and I'm very much looking forward to the followup.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am so glad that I will be getting a special edition of this in a book box because this is my new found OBSESSION!

I will admittedly say as a level 10 love triangle hater I was weary of this one but it was phenomenal. I’m so so excited to see more from this author.

hmm i feel a bit conflicted. while it was entertaining, i felt like we could’ve gone DEEPER into the politics, deception, and romance plotlines. it felt like something was a bit lacking the entire time, giving it a flimsy feel *but* i enjoyed it for what it was and i will be checking out the sequel!!