The Rose Bargain

By Author / Illustrator

Sasha Peyton Smith

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Electric Monkey

ISBN

9780008701581

Format

Hardback

Published

13-02-2025

Synopsis

The Cruel Prince meets Bridgerton in this captivating fantasy 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 centre of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Lauren Roberts, Stephanie Garber, and Sarah J Maas.

"A deliciously dark and romantic fantasy. I absolutely devoured this book!" STEPHANIE GARBER, #1 NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART. "If you're looking for the next YA sensation, here it is." ADALYN GRACE, #1 NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BELLADONNA. "Both lush and dangerous, like flower petals tipped with poison. With twists, secrets, and stolen kisses, I was riveted through every page."AVA REID, #1 NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A STUDY IN DROWNING. "The Rose Bargain will enthrall you with its cruel beauty and lush violence; I loved every minute of it." - Allison Saft, NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT.

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Reviews

Linda

The Rose Bargain is a thrilling and atmospheric dark fantasy set in 1848 England, where high society's yearly tradition of bargaining with an immortal fae Queen takes a sinister twist.

This captivating novel explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and love within a beautifully crafted regency-inspired world, and it's impossible to put down once you start. The plot follows Ivy Benton as she enters her debut season with a surprising twist - an intense competition to win the heart of the Queen's fae son, Prince Bram. The stakes are high, as this union could save Ivy's family from ruin and surely free her sister from a devastating bargain. However, things take a complicated turn when Ivy's feelings begin to shift toward Prince Bram's brother, Emmett. Who will Ivy choose; family loyalty or a blossoming romance?

This is an enchanting new series which is full of twists and turns, along with exceptional layers of mystery that will keep many 14+ readers of this genre totally engaged. I truly did not want this to end. The characters, along with the plot, are well developed, making it so believable and immersive. The cruel competitions that Queen Moryen has created, which pitch the six winners against each other, are central to the plot and although they are cruel, I wished we could have had a few more of them as they created so much drama and tension.

While the story deals with themes of death, mild gore, and abuse, the scenes are carefully handled and never overwhelm the plot. Instead, they enrich the dark atmosphere and increase the emotional stakes in this fairytale version of regency England. Oh, and I must mention the ending … it sets the stage perfectly for a sequel that promises to explore the mysteries of Ivy's world even further.

The Rose Bargain will certainly appeal to readers who love a good mix of romance, mystery, and dark fantasy. I wish I had book 2 in my hands already so that I could continue this adventure.

400 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian