It took me a little while to warm up to this book at first but I took a break and came back to it and found myself more motivated the second time round. While the plot was moving a little faster, I never felt like I really connected with the characters and it all felt very surface level in terms of the bonds and emotions throughout so it would have been nice to delve a little more into the relationships between these women vying for the prince's hand and the other relationships Ivy has in the book. There were some interesting moments but mostly I felt the foundations of the story and characters were lacking so I wasn't invested in anyone or any plot in particular. It also had quite a YA vibe, which isn't a problem as such until a scene later in the book which really didn't fit because of this (I had to skip forward as it felt so out of place, particularly with the lack of emotional or physical build up beforehand). Now, the end was where it got really wild. The author really threw me for a loop here, revealing a big plot twist that was completely baffling. There wasn't any foreshadowing at all and it also left me with a good few questions about character reasoning and logistics. I think I wanted this book to be more than it was from the start and overall it fell flat for me.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and honestly it did not disappoint. I devoured it in two sittings and I wish I could re read it for the first time all over again.

I was not really too sure what to expect but it gave me all the Bridgerton vibes and I absolutely loved it 😍.

Lady Ivy Benton is the FMC and at first I was unsure if I liked her as a character and actually instantly seemed to prefer Prince Emmett 😂😉.

For me their connection felt instant yet Ivy had a mission in her mind and that was to try to do what she could during her season to help get her sister back and to support her parents to find their way back into society. Ivy didn’t really want to marry but signing up to have the chance to marry Prince Bram meant that she would be able to get closer to the Queen and have a shot at helping her family.

However, this comes with an entirely different set of challenges and Ivy finds her season being overseen by the Queen whose methods at time are quite brutal.

There was so much I loved about this and I honestly cannot right now put it into words enough to do this book the justice it deserves.

Pick it up…,

Read it! 😂

The Cruel Prince / Bridgerton / The Selection comparisons are what originally drew me in to this book, along with the pretty cover. The comparisons were pretty apt! I definitely saw elements from each of those in here, so that was fun.

However, I mistakenly took this for a standalone and I almost wish it was — although I will save judgement until the story has been told in its whole. Although, based on this book alone, I feel it would have worked better as one instalment. It should’ve not bothered with the final plot twist and just continued with the plot at hand. I can’t say I cared for the twist.

I liked each of the characters, although Ivy sometimes grated me with her lack of care and I got irritated with her main character plot armour. Although it was revealed at the end that she did not get away with as much as she thought she did, it still felt awfully convenient to throw that “gotcha” in the end. But again, this may work out or have consequences in the future, I don’t know. But I just didn’t enjoy it much in this book.

I liked the Six and how they were all multifaceted characters. The addition of their POV (which appeared only once per characters) really helped to flesh them out and I think the timing of these chapters was always well paced and done.

The Rose Bargain is a fantastical tale about faeries, dangerous bargains and the love of sisters. Like in Half a Soul and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, this book takes place in an alternative history where fae exist and alter the world as we know it. In this case, an immortal fae queen has been on the throne of England for over 400 years. In Ivy’s time (1848 which would be the early Victorian era), the queen offers all citizens a bargain. Whilst the cost is unknown, theoretically they can have their heart’s desire. But the cost isn’t always worth it as Ivy’s sister Lydia reveals.

This book pulls you in from the very first moment and keeps you reading until the end. I particularly liked that we learn so much about the Queen’s tricky bargains in the first chapter of the book. In it, we see her make a deal with Edward (the would-be King who fought in the War of the Roses) which results in his ascension to the throne and almost immediate death. This introduction to the character allows us to understand her nature without her having to say a single word. I love when authors trust that the reader will understand their characters without having to explain their nature in excruciating detail.

Similarly, the world-building takes place naturally and slowly. There are bits of exposition but mostly we learn about the customs of this alternative England organically. The changes that come about from having a fae monarch include increased superstition, dangerous political plots against an immortal monarch and a strong focus on courtly dynamics. This is a dark and beautiful world.

In terms of writing and tone, I would say it has more in common with Once Upon a Broken Heart than The Cruel Prince. But as someone who loves Stephanie Garber’s series this is a compliment. The dialogue is fun and snappy, the world is full of marvels and the romance is just so good.

My only complaint is that this book includes a trope which I don’t like- a love triangle between brothers. Whilst you basically know from the start who Ivy will end up with, I feel uncomfortable when brothers get involved with the same girl. It’s been done before, and it rarely works well. I’ll only allow it in this case because Emmett is such a fun character and his banter with Ivy is what sucked me into the first chapter.

I would recommend this book to fans of Half a Soul and Once Upon a Broken Heart. If you like stories about cruel fae, competitions and magical, historical settings, you’ll definitely have a good time reading The Rose Bargain.

Thank you NetGalley and Farshore, Electric Monkey for this eCopy to review

From the moment I picked up The Rose Bargain, I was drawn into its lush, Victorian-inspired world. The story follows Ivy Benton, a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of high society in an alternate England ruled by an immortal fae queen. The premise itself is captivating: every citizen is granted one bargain from the queen, often at a steep personal cost. Ivy's journey begins with her entering a competition to win the heart of Prince Bram, a prize that could save her family from ruin.

What I loved most about this book was the intricate world-building. Sasha Peyton Smith masterfully weaves together elements of faerie lore and regency romance, creating a setting that feels both familiar and fantastical. The descriptions are vivid, making it easy to imagine the glittering balls and the dark, twisted bargains that underpin the society.

Ivy is very compelling. Her determination to save her family and her complex relationship with her sister add depth to her character. The romance subplot, involving Prince Bram and his brother Prince Emmett, is both heart warming and filled with tension. Emmett, in particular, is a fascinating character, and his interactions with Ivy add layers to the story.

The plot was quite predictable but still manages to capture my attention due to the wonderful descriptions and detailed characters.

In conclusion, The Rose Bargain is a delightful read for fans of romantasy and faerie tales. If you're looking for a story that combines romance, competition, and a touch of magic, this book is definitely worth your time.

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would - I was curious, and I’m so glad I strayed from my comfort zone for this book. I want more. There’s a sequel, right?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc.
Published 13th February 2024

4.5 stars.

WOWZERS - what an absolute ride that was!!!

This is a superb action packed, magical and romantic tale that encompasses elements from The Hunger Games, The Selection and The Cruel Prince (amongst others) but creates a brilliant story that has the potential to be a massive smash hit.

Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives 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.

Ivy is a fantastic lead and you can relate to her from the start. The journey she never wanted to make and the upper class society she never saw herself being a part of is such a captivating perspective for us as a reader. Her growing relationship with her fellow suitors is also a joy to read, and the chapters from their individual points of view really added to the story.

Bram and Emmett are perfect male protagonists who you will just adore from page one, as well as the mysterious Queen Mor (who despite being the villain is so captivating and unsettling to read).

The ending is NOT what I expected and I was shook to my core as I read it - and I love when an author can do this. It has made me truly ravenous for the intended sequel - I just pray it won't be too long before we discover what on earth will happen next.

The Rose Bargain captures the Regency England / Bridgerton atmosphere perfectly and I love the intrigue with Queen Mor and how she twists her words and bargains. The whole concept was really interesting and each pov of the girls competing for Bram's hand in marriage add a lot of emotional depth to their characters. I loved how they turned from competition to friends and sticking together. The author does well to convey the complexities of why each girl needed to enter or win. I felt Ivy was lacking in emotional complexities in comparison to the other girls. I liked Faith and how she changed from jealousy to becoming a real friend to Ivy.

The twist at the end with Bram was well-written and juxtaposed from his character, which a made this a shocking plot twist. It was also interesting how Lydia's bargain and secret is suddenly woven into this twist. I loved how everyone like Emmett, the Queen and Bram all have their individual motives. I think the trials were interesting, but were glossed over in parts despite showing how ruthless the Queen was as a fae. This also made the pacing slow down in the middle of the book and then speed up towards the end where everything was suddenly crammed into the last few chapters.

Overall, a really enjoyable read set in Regency England with a fee twist. I can't wait to read the next instalment in the series.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for approving me to read this early.

This was so good, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of this world and the uniqueness of the bargains with fae and humans. I was really rooting for the FMC even though she made some questionable choices along the way. I also loved Emmett, he was a great morally grey addition to the story.

I feel like the betrayal was somewhat predictable, but this doesn’t take away from the build up to the twist and there were some aspects you couldn’t see coming.

Really cannot wait for the next book in the story! I’m rating this 4.25/4.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a delightfully entertaining upper-YA read! A reimagining of regency-era England under the control of a cruel, immortal fae queen, a The Selection-esque contest to win the prince's hand in marriage, and a girl caught up in a dangerous plot. The Rose Bargain has it all: handsome princes, deadly fae, Bridgerton vibes, a host of great side characters and a brilliantly resourceful FMC in Ivy. Not only is the romance dreamy, but the themes of friendship and family bonds are written wonderfully too. My only issue is that I need book two basically now?

I really liked it and I liked the concept but I felt there was maybe a part or paragraphs missing or something . I just felt that I wasn’t convince in Ivy and Emmett’s love, too insta love for me. I definitely think people who loved the cruel prince will love it and I did find the twist at the end interesting and enjoyable.

I know it’s only January, but I predict this will be one of my top reads of the year!

Around 20% into this book I knew it would be a 5 star read. And 50% in I was so obsessed, I was pre-ordering a physical copy.

As a hardcore Cruel Prince fan, when I saw this was advertised as a mix of CP meets Bridgeton, I was like “well that’s a kiss of death” as what big shoes to fill! But omg this book has done it and I inhaled it in 24 hours!

🌹✨🌹✨

Premise:

In 1800s England, a fae Queen sits on the throne, offering bargains to her human subjects.

On the day of Ivy’s debut into society, the Queen announces a competition to marry the Prince, Bram. Despite Ivy never having wanted to marry, this might just be the chance for Ivy to save her family from ruin.

Ivy’s chances are slim, but when the adopted human prince, Emmett, who Ivy despises, offers his help for his own conniving reasons, suddenly Ivy has a chance of becoming a princess!

🌹✨🌹✨

I. ADORE. IT.

There are so many aspects that had be falling in love with this book, but if I had to narrow it down:

✨ PRINCE EMMETT. Tortured and starved of love, with a rakish reputation. Well of course I was going to love him. Ivy has way more self control than I would! Plus the “practice flirting with me” elements! I’M. IN. LOVE.
🌹 The fae lore. I love that this book intertwines the old English faerie tales and how the fae were perceived. And all the cruel bargaining and loopholes! Queen Mor was a good villain, as well, I must say!
✨ Ivy’s character. As soon as she wore beat up boots to her debut, I was like, she’s fun! And I completely relate to her childish obsession with faeries! And her determination and grit!!
🌹 The side stories. Faith’s PoV in particular had me sobbing! But all the characters are so well fleshed out and I love that the book found a way to follow the Bridgeton way of diversity. In that everyone who bargains with the Queen has a place in society, meaning that we had contestants with Ghanaian and Japanese heritage in 1800s England! Plus many of the girls were shown as such strong and independent characters!
✨ Just everything! The book had me gasping with shock! And laughing! And squealing and practically highlighting every bit of dialogue between Ivy and Emmett.

I will 100% be rereading this and I am so excited to see how the world develops. The ending was fab, but cruel as I have no idea how long I have to wait for the next book!

I really enjoyed this book. It was so beautifully written, the characters were developed wonderfully and I really liked the writing style.
Couldn't put this book down!
That you NetGalley for the digital arc of this book!

The Rose Bargain is such a fun book. It hooked me instantly and took a turn that I did not see coming at all.
The intrigue of Bridgerton but with the magic of the fae.
The story is told mainly from the POV of Ivy, who I really like as the main character. I really enjoyed the little snippet POVs of the other characters, as it helped to understand where they were coming from and why they act as they do.
That twist towards the end....it completely blindsided me.
100% need the next book!

This book was DEVOURED in one sitting. It’s like if Bridgerton met The Selection meets The Cruel Prince. The regency era vibes set in London was perfect, combined with fae, political intrigue and TRIALS!!! I loved it. Thank you so much for the arc!

This was a quick enjoyable read, if a little predictable.
I still enjoyed it even though I knew where it was heading as the characters were interesting and had complex relationships & friendships which kept me wanting to read more.
I liked how the faerie lore was included in a regency setting, it was a really interesting alternate England where an immortal fae queen rules & everyone gets to make a bargain but it comes at a cost.

BEST BOOK EVER. hands down my top read it has everything I love in romantasy and the writing was superb.

5 ☆☆☆☆☆

I need this now in everysingle format ever

Cruel Prince meets Bridgerton meets the bachelor.

Set in what should be Victorian England, this book has an alternate-reality setting where the War of the Roses ended with a faery queen on the throne, and who has been ruling for the last 400 years. Every English subject gets to make one bargain with the queen, but the higher the bargain, the bigger the price. For example, someone who wants shinier hair might lose a toe. Ivy is supposed to make her bargain this year, but when she gets up in front of the queen, the queen announces that her son wants to marry this year, and the debutants can enter in a competition for his hand in marriage. The catch: anyone who loses is forbidden to marry someone else. And since these are women living in a time when they weren’t able to financially support themselves, there is a lot for these girls to lose. But some do enter the competition and most fall at the first hurdle, but Ivy and five other girls make it to the last round and now have to endure the queen’s sadistic games. If you like Cruel Prince, you will love this book, but just know, this book is more psychologically disturbing than Cruel Prince, which I think makes it worse (and so much more entertaining).

Ivy decides to join the competition because her sister had a bad debutante year, cannot remember what her bargain was or what happened to her, and ended up ruining her family. Ivy wants to help her family by becoming queen, because then no one would dare to shun her family. But everyone has their own reasons for wanting to win. I love that we get snippets from each character’s POV because it just adds to the tension and excitement, because I don’t just want Ivy to succeed, I want everyone to succeed. And then there’s Emmett, the human brother to the faery prince, Bram. He has his own reasons for wanting Ivy to succeed.

This book was fast-paced and packed full of emotions and twists. I might have guessed the big twist at the end, but it really didn’t matter because the journey itself was exciting enough to keep me reading. If you like a romantasy with a sinister undertone, you need this book in your life.

I am not exaggerating at all when I say that I WILL NOT KNOW PEACE UNTIL I HEAR MORE ABOUT BOOK 2!!!!
Omg that freaking ending blew me away, I did not see it coming at all and I can’t believe that the author hid what was really happening so well!!! Ugh it was such a good last chapter and threw everything that I thought I knew on its head. I am just hoping with every fibre of my being that by the end of this series most of the characters will get a happy ending (because they deserve it after everything that they had to go through!)

Aside from that, this book sounded so intriguing!! Who wouldn’t want to read about regency England being ruled by a fae queen who made bargains with her subjects when they came of age? It sounds so interesting and unique, and it was masterfully pulled off too!
I think that If you’ve watched Bridgeton or anything else set in regency England you’ll have a really pretty visual and a really accurate visual in your head for what everything is meant to look like, all of the clothes and locations. I only say this because the author doesn’t really go into a great deal of detail describing everything, but I really appreciated it because sometimes all of the descriptions can make the book drag. Just bear that in mind if you decide to pick this up.

I think the pacing of this one was ok. It was really interesting at the very start with the prologue being probably the most captivating chapter until a third of the way through, but that makes sense with all of the set up and character intros that needed to be made.
I feel like the pacing slowed down a few times and actually dragged a little bit, but not enough to be that noticeable or take away from just how enjoyable this was to read.

There were so many different things constantly happening, so many characters to get used to, multiple POVs and a lot of scheming/backstabbing. In all honesty things started off really fluffy and tame but as the story progressed, the trials that all of the girls were competing in got harder and there were more mentions of the fae and trying to unseat the Queen, things got so much more cut throat and intense.
It really felt near the end as if the line between good and evil was being blurred and like each of the humans were being more fae than the fae were.

I don’t want to give anything away because there is just so many good plot twists that happen in this book that I think it would really take away from just how enjoyable it is, but the romance was out of this world (even if it is only YA), the banter between Ivy and the prince had me giggling so much, things aren’t at all how they seem at first, and prepare yourself for the ending and how insane things actually get.

Again, I can’t wait to see where the author goes with this story in the next book but I have the feeling that its going to be even more insane than this one was!

When I say I INHALED this book!!! Sasha Peyton Smith notes that this is the book her 15 year old self would have loved to read and I couldn't agree more! Think Bridgerton meets the Bachelor, with an added sprinkle of magic and of course trials! I could not put this down and was fully invested. The forbidden romance was *chef's kiss* and I loved the banter and the feeling of not being able to help falling in love despite desperately trying not to (the heart wants what the heart wants etc). Ivy is a great MFC and I found her lovable (her love for her older sister and family really shines through), relatable and her character development was very well presented/executed. Emmet is the classic Regency rake and it did not take much to be swayed by the 'bad boy's' good side. I also really enjoyed that it wasn't made super clear where the story was going. The story is mainly given from Ivy's POV but the intermittent standalone POV chapters were a clever device and I found it quite original and made all the side characters so much more realistic. The world building is not complex and very easy to follow. The ending felt a bit abrupt and the tying of everything could have potentially been made a little bit better (it felt a bit like turning onto the next page, only to read the last couple of last paragraphs and then - the end) but at the same time it made me 100% excited to read the next installment.
Overall this was a SUPER FUN read and I can't recommend it enough, you will have the best time reading this. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.