'The Rose Bargain' by Sasha Peyton Smith

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

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.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace."


My Review:

Really enjoyed this one! It's YA Fantasy set in Regency England with court intrigue, rumors ruining girls' futures, and magical fae bargains costing everyone a finger, a toe, or a tooth (or similar).

At the center is Ivy, second daughter of a family struggling financially after her older sister's Season went badly. Ivy and her sister are close and genuinely care about each other, and it was so sweet to see.

Ivy competes at the palace to become the Fae Prince's bride against 5 other girls, complete with beautiful gowns and accessories, etiquette lessons, and a chaperone for time spent with the Prince. It was a very pleasant surprise to me how well fleshed-out these secondary characters and how developed their backstories are, including that each had a narrating chapter of their own.

Releasing February 4th, grab a copy!

#TheRoseBargain #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.