The Rose Bargain
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The Rose Bargain
Buy Now for $26.99
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Narrated by:
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Emily Mount
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Shiromi Arserio
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James Meunier
About this listen
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.
"A deliciously dark and romantic fantasy. Full of clever surprises, twisted secrets, and bad decisions. Like the dangerous fairy bargains inside of its pages, the Rose Bargain delivers on its promises in heart-pounding and unexpected ways. I absolutely devoured this book!"
Stephanie Garber, #1 NYT bestselling author of Once Upon A Broken Heart
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 Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace.
©2025 Sasha Peyton Smith (P)2025 HarperCollins PublishersCritic Reviews
"Magic-infused alternate history at its finest. The Rose Bargain is the most beguiling drama unfolding beneath the sheen of a gorgeous, glittering world—and entirely unputdownable until the fiery end." —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights
“If Bridgerton and The Cruel Prince had a love child, it’d be this book. The Rose Bargain is a fantastically fun and addictive start of a new series that is sure to send readers into a frenzy. With sharp prose and an irresistible plot, I devoured this book like it was candy. If you’re looking for the next YA sensation, here it is.” — Adalyn Grace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Belladonna series
“Both lush and dangerous, like flower petals tipped with poison. With twists, secrets, and stolen kisses, I was riveted through every page—The Rose Bargain is a masterful and enchanting entry into the canon of romantic fantasy.” – Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning
“Sasha Peyton Smith expertly weaves the rich details and deceptive beauty of a fairytale into regency England, with lush world-building, breathless romance, and a playful yet twisty plot. Reading THE ROSE BARGAIN feels like biting into the perfect piece of fairy fruit—dark and deliciously sweet. An instant classic.” —Shelby Mahurin, New York Times bestselling author of Serpent and Dove
“You may lose your heart to this splendid story of deception, intrigue and cunning, wrapped up in a lavish bow of fantasy and romance.” – Nerd Daily
Enthralling pseudo historic fiction
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Overview
Described as The Cruel Prince meets Bridgerton, but personally? The blurb gave me The Selection vibes, and I loved that series back in the day.
Set in an alternate England where history shifted after the War of the Roses, every citizen is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen. High society girls use these Rose Bargains to gain advantages—exchanging childhood memories for musical talent, or their sense of taste for the perfect smile. But every fae deal comes with a cost.
When Ivy Benton enters her debut season, she expects nothing out of the ordinary & only hopes she can secure a respectable suitor. Instead, the Queen announces a competition to win the heart of her fae son, Prince Bram. The prize? A crown—and a chance to save Ivy’s family from financial ruin while freeing her sister from a devastating bargain. But as Ivy competes, she discovers that beneath the glamour of court life lies a dangerous game of secrets, deception, and dark magic.
My Thoughts
This book was SO much fun—it’s peak YA fantasy in the best way. If you love court intrigue, deadly bargains, high-stakes competitions, and found family, this book has all of that and more.
What I Loved:
✔ A fresh take on fae magic—Instead of a typical fae realm, we get an alternate England infused with eerie, high-society fae politics. The world-building felt unique yet familiar.
✔ The competition & court politics—The social scheming, hidden agendas, and backstabbing rivalries had me hooked. There’s one-bed tension, trials, and deception, and I ate it all up.
✔ Side character POVs—We get occasional chapters from key side characters, which helped me connect with them on a deeper level than usual in YA fantasy.
✔ The romance—Yes, there’s a love triangle (between brothers, of course), and while some parts were predictable, I was still fully invested.
✔ Ivy & Lydia’s sister bond—Their relationship is the heart of this book. It’s messy, emotional, and full of sacrifice, which made the stakes feel so personal.
What Could Have Been Better:
✖ The final 10% was CHAOTIC—I loved the twists, but they felt rushed. Some reveals (especially certain backstory details) could have hit harder if they had been explored more.
✖ I needed book two immediately—That ending was unhinged in the best way, and I still can’t stop thinking about it.
Final Thoughts
This book was fast-paced, addictive, and full of delicious drama. It’s perfect for fans of courtly intrigue, fae bargains, and morally gray characters. I loved every second of it, and I desperately need book two ASAP.
YA romantasy at its peak
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Meld of two favourite genres
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The Rose Bargain
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Tropes:
Fae Vs humans
Forced proximity
Secret identities
Marriage competition
Magic
Sisterhood
Betrayal
Secrets
Rivalries
Book Overview:
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.
Very enjoyable
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Really enjoyed the whole way through couldn’t stop listening!!
Enjoyed immense
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Great story. Had me hooked
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