Bargaining

The Thorner Brothers #1

by Sasha Lace

I promised not to fall. He’s making it impossible.

When Cole Thorner walks into my father’s funeral, I can barely breathe.

He’s the boy who shattered my heart a decade ago—now a ruthless billionaire CEO who shouldn’t be here. But Cole hasn’t come to pay respects. He’s come with a proposal: honor the pact we made as teenagers and marry him for one year. In exchange? Five million pounds and the chance to save my family home from ruin.

It’s meant to be a business arrangement—nothing more. Cole needs to soften his icy reputation, and I’m the perfect candidate: the lovely, charming girl-next-door. He’s made it clear he has zero interest in being a real husband, and I’m determined to protect what’s left of my heart.

But then he takes me to Rome.

The city I’ve dreamed of becomes our honeymoon backdrop, and suddenly the boundaries I’ve drawn start to blur. The chemistry between us is undeniable.

So why does falling for Cole Thorner again feel like the most dangerous bargain I’ve ever made?

Bargaining is the first novel in the Thorner Brothers series—a billionaire romance with genuine emotional depth that takes readers from grief and heartbreak to healing and hope, perfect for fans of T L Swan and Rosa Lucas.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2026

About the author

Sasha Lace used to be a very serious scientist before she ditched the lab coat and started writing kissing books. Sasha lives in the North of England and is a mom of two young boys. Everyone in her family is soccer mad, so she knows way more about soccer than she ever wanted to know. As a scientist and mom, her hobbies include: mulling over the complexities of the universe, treading barefoot on Lego, chipping dried Play-Doh from fabric surfaces, dried flower arranging (because you can’t kill something twice), and writing about herself in the third person.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Charlotte

This was different from the soccer romance series Sasha started out with, not in a bad way though. A billionaire, second chance, childhood sweethearts, small town romance. Strong character driven story with all their fabulousness and flaws.

I like how real the characters are.

Cole needs a wife to soften his image with the board that runs his company and who could be a better fit than Charlotte? It's only a minor matter that he hadn't seen or talked to her in 10 years. Right? Charlotte definitely isn't rolling in money like Cole is but she's shocked when he shows up on her doorstep with no warning and his less than romantic proposal.

What follows is funny, heartbreaking and real. Relationships are messy. If only we could all meet our forever partners when we were kids....

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite done with the book yet, but there's just something I couldn't get over: I think there’s something to be said about starting off your book with the statement that billionaires are bad and they shouldn’t exist, but then supporting Amazon by publishing your book with them. Are you not actively helping Amazon make more money here? Like “oh fuck billionaires, but support this billionaire’s company.” Idk, I’m confused.

As for my actual review, I ended up DNF-ing at 20%. Don't like either mc, and frankly, I don't care to keep trying. Not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book mixes a second-chance romance with a marriage of convenience trope. And it is done beautifully.
Yes these are classic tropes and Charlotte , the girl next door with a big heart, and Cole, the aloof billionaire, are classic characters.
But the author knows her craft : the writing is good, the pace is just right and there is not a moment in this book that didn't make me feel something.
Of course Charlotte had to take care of her dying father, of course Cole has a monster as a father, of course he has brothers that will shine in future books in the series.
And you know what? I am all for it. Because, when it's done well like it is done here, that's why I fell in love with romance books at the first place.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review from NetGalley!

If you’re looking for a light spicy romance read, this hits the spot.

Charlotte’s childhood crush re appears after her father passes away. The light hearted boy she knew is now a billionaire stone cold asshole. And he’s arrived with a business proposition for her. Marry me and be my wife for show, and receive five million pounds. Not what every woman wants to hear the day of her father’s funeral. But as they spend more time together, the edges blur for what feelings are real and what is pretend.

I think the tropes for this book were done very well! If you like a good grumpy vs. sunshine AND marriage of convenience… this is definitely your book! Oh, and it’s also spicy as hell. Perfect for a quick romance beach read!

[EKO_TheNeurospicyAfterDarkArchive Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Bargaining
Series: Book #1 of Thorner Brothers
Author: Sasha Lace
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Subgenres:
• Fake Dating Romance
• Billionaire Romance
• Second Chance Romance
⭐ My Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ My Spice Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: July 15th 2026

Tropes:
• Marriage of Convenience
• Billionaire MMC
• Second Chance
• Childhood Sweethearts
• Forced Proximity
• Slow Burn
• Sunshine FMC
• HEA

Content/Trigger Warnings:
• Death of a Parent
• Funeral & Grief
• Emotional Trauma
• Family Financial Hardship
• Abandonment & Heartbreak
• Discussions of Loss
• Anxiety
• Strong Language
• Open Door Sexual Content

The Quick & Dirty Rundown:

Emily's life is unraveling after the death of her father, leaving her facing overwhelming grief and the possible loss of her family home. Just when everything seems impossible, Cole Thorner i.e. the boy who broke her heart years ago and now an emotionally guarded billionaire CEO, reappears with an unbelievable proposition.

Honor the promise they made as teenagers. Marry him for one year.

For Cole, it's a strategic business decision to improve his public image. For Emily, it's the only way to save everything her father left behind. But what begins as a carefully negotiated arrangement slowly evolves into something neither of them anticipated as old feelings resurface, new wounds are exposed, and one year suddenly doesn't seem nearly long enough.

The Neurospicy Perspective: Okay…So…Hear Me Out…

I would say that what stood out most vibrantly to me about Bargaining by Sasha Lace wasn’t the billionaire lifestyle or even the marriage of convenience story arc, it was the honesty woven throughout the story. At its heart to me this book had strong themes in grief, overcoming conflict and learning to forgive with a complicated reality that sometimes the people who hurt us the most are also the ones who know use the very best. Maybe that’s why its so easy it is so easy for them to hurt us.

Emily and Cole both enter this arrangement with what I would say is years of emotional baggage but in very different ways. Emily has spent years trying to move on, to move forward while being guarded and protecting herself from being hurt again. To me I could feel that hesitation in nearly every interaction she has with Cole. Cole on the other hand has built his entire life around control, success, and distance from anyone that could spark an ounce of emotion or vulnerability within him.

The overall setting of the book deserves some recognition. I love reading UK authors because they usually incorporate European destinations or settings within their writing that I feel sometimes the US writers forget about because it isn’t as easy in the US to get to these places as it is for Europeans. Rome isn’t just a beautiful backdrop, it is an extension of the story itself. I have been to Rome many times, it has an emotional and charged energy that is perfect for shifts happening for our main characters, plus it allows them to step away from home, to make new memories in a place that isn’t overshadowed by their complex history.

As someone who often thinks about relationships through a neurodivergent lens, I found the story's emphasis on direct communication, consistency, and actions over empty words particularly satisfying. Trust isn't restored through one grand romantic speech; it's rebuilt through repeated demonstrations of reliability and emotional safety.

For many neurodivergent readers, that gradual rebuilding of trust may feel especially authentic.

Overall, Bargaining felt like a romance built on maturity rather than angst, drama and manufactured dreams. It delivered comfort of beloved romance tropes while grounding them in authentic character development and a heartfelt story.

The FMC: Emily Hawthorne

Emily was one of my favorite aspects of the story. Her strength is not loud, it is no obnoxious, I did not find myself wanting to smack her throughout the story, which is my pattern with main characters. We, the reader, meet her at one of the lowest parts of her life, she is grieving the loss of her father at the same time facing the overwhelming and terrifying possibility of losing the family home that represents so much of her connection with him. I would say that lesser stories may have used that grief as a simple plot device to justify the marriage arrangement, but Lace allowed Emily’s grief to exist as something real, messy, and ongoing. It influences her decision without completely defining who she is.

I quite enjoyed how emotionally intelligent Emily is throughout the journey. She recognized that rebuilding trust is not something that happens overnight, it doesn’t happen through promises alone, it happens through action and consistent commitment to rebuilding it. I liked that she asked the difficult questions, set healthy boundaries and did not allow herself to be completely swept away simply because all the old feeling were popping back up to the surface. She rebuilt her trust with Cole without losing her self-respect and sense of who she was. I really liked that.

The MMC: Cole Thorner
Cole was initially reading as the kind of hero who appears to fit that classic “billionaire romance mold.” As his story unfolded, it becomes clear that his polished exterior is just a cover for the man who has spent years of his life trying to oputrun his past, rather than deal with it. I didn’t feel his journey was about becoming “softer” due to love, I felt that it was about becoming better, more emotionally mature version of himself.

I enjoyed that his journey is one of accountability and confronting the things he has been trying to outrun his entire adult life. It made me swoon a bit that he doesn’t just fight to win Emily back; he actively works to become someone worthy of the trust and love he’s asking for. That elevated him in my eyes, beyond that cliché stereotypical billionaire hero and genuinely made him a favorite MMC in my eyes.

I enjoyed that the author chose to not make excuses for Cole’s past and his decisions he made that were less than stellar. Lace doesn’t ask readers to simply forgive just because he’s charming or a successful billionaire. Cole knows he caused real hurt, it’s part of why he is trying to outrun his past, it’s his shame, his guilt that he wears on his sleeve as a constant reminder. This shaped him into the man we initially meet, the success he cultivates is his shield.

The Chemistry Check: Cole & Emily

The chemistry between Cole & Emily is a huge strength of this book. It never relies solely on physical attraction and spice. Their connection is written to be significantly rooted in history, unresolved conflict and undeniable feeling that these two people have never been able to untangle from one another. They tried but were not successful.

Their chemistry evolved in layers, it was awkward, caution, distance in the beginning. Then it shifted into familiarity, comfort, undeniable attraction. The reader gets to experience every shift, every progression, making each small moment feel significant. It was the lingering glances, subtle act of care, or a conversation that revealed more emotion and vulnerability. These moments carried just as much weight if not more than the physical intimate scenes.

The Author’s Pen

Sasha Lace writes with a wonderfully cinematic style that I felt balanced the emotion, the conflict and the story without making it too dramatic or over the top sensationalized. Her prose is well-polished but it does not become overly flowerly and cutesy.

Her pacing works particularly well in this story, the romance isn’t rushed nor is an ending slapped together at the last minute. Dialogue between all the characters feels natural, emotion conveyed appropriately and realistically, overall maintaining consistent momentum making it extremely easy to keep reading. I muttered “just one more chapter” at least once.

The Neurodivergent Bottom Line
To me, Bargaining delivers exactly what I hope for in an second chance romance and that is believable characters, satisfying romantic tension with meaningful plot and two protaganists that I want to root for to get their happily ever after. This is a prime example of that.

While it absolutely includes plenty of swoon-worthy moments with undeniably chemistry between the two leads, it has the greatest strength lying in the truth that love isn’t simply about second chances, it is about becoming the kind of person capable of making that second chance work.

If you enjoy authors like T.L. Swan, Lauren Asher or Mia Sheridan plus the second chance and billionaire romance tropes that have genuine characters and growth rather than endless sometimes pointless drama…definitely add this one to your TBR.

Archive Status:
Filed under: One emotionally unavailable billionaire, one determined heroine, one marriage contract, and approximately twelve therapy sessions' worth of feelings.

Warning:Side effects of reading may include immediately Googling flights to Rome and believing fake marriages are an acceptable financial planning strategy.

Until next time... keep your coffee strong, your TBR dangerously overgrown, and remember: fictional emotional bargains are much safer than real-life paperwork.
-Dr. Neurospicy, MD
Curator of All Things Neurospicy After Dark Archive

ARC Disclaimer:
Thank you to Sasha Lace and the publisher for providing an Advance Reader Copy (ARC). I am leaving this review voluntarily and received no incentive or compensation to do so. Receiving an ARC did not influence my opinions either. As always, every thought, emotional breakdown, happy sigh, and rating expressed here is entirely my own.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do i convey how amazing this read was? I have to start with this, this was a gorgeous read, just beautiful. My emotions were all over the place, I kept clutching at my chest. Sometimes in anguish, sometimes in delight, sometimes with a smile. One thing I can emphatically say, ever since I read this author's debut series, I've been addicted to her writing style. I don't even realise how far in I am, until it consumes me. Completely. So much so that it's impossible to put down for a second.

Charlotte and Cole are childhood friends, both very ambitious in completely different fields. She is an artist, living a simple life, in a small town, dreaming of going to art school. Cole is the son of billionaire, sent to Ecclesdale by his abuse, controlling father. Their friendship is so lovely, their affection for each other is so charmingly appealing to the romantic in me. The author penned their banter, ease of each others company, and the hidden truth of what they truly felt for the other, exquisitely realistic. 18 year olds to perfection!

Oh golly, I loved Cole the moment he appeared. Jovial, rich and the best friend a girl could ask for, he's considerate, kind, super sweet and extremely supportive of Charlotte. At the tender age of 18, he makes a pact with Charlotte, an unusual one, which she laughingly accepts. Fast forward 12 years, and he's a ruthless businessman, in fact, he's known as "One of England’s richest men and most notorious a*seholes.” But there is so SO much more to Cole! My heart bled with him for what he'd been through, he'd lost himself in his quest to right a terrible wrong. A wrong at the hands of his father. Who's a complete sod! Charlotte is his whole life, even as an adult, he can't get her out of his mind. 'She was the first thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing when I went to bed.' The author showed the why, the how, piece by piece, of the damage done to Cole, so credibly, it nearly destroyed me. His facade is tougher than nails, but the vulnerability the author allowed to show through, well, heck, magnificent! He's on the cusp of losing the plot, both with his shareholders and with his father, he comes up with a plan. A bargain with Charlotte. A fake marriage. The Bargain loses meaning for him along the line and when he tells Charlotte, 'I want you as my wife because life feels meaningless without you. Nothing else matters. I’ve never loved anyone else, and I never will for as long as I live. Only you.' I sobbed.

Charlotte, oh my word do I adore her quick retorts, she makes me giggle like a lunatic! She's fearless, quirky, fun. She's also trying very hard to guard her heart, a heart Cole broke 12 years ago. So when Cole re-enters her life after the loss of her father, her emotions were as shattered as mine were. The 'arrangement' she has with Cole soon turns into a tug of war, of the heart kind, yet she still keeps her humour. 'I’m not missing out on a day in Rome just because the patron saint of rhinos has the horn.' Yes, you'd need to read the book to get WHAT she's on about. Once again, Ms Lace gave a soul wringing glimpse into Charlotte's feelings, the turn her life took when Cole vanished from her life and the devastating effect it had on her.

Oh my heck, I could write reams and reams about this splendid book , so much happens. So much is hidden between Charlotte and Cole but, trust me, once you start this book, you'll devour it in one sitting. This is a book that was divine, even as I was writhing in agony, of second chance, learning to let go of the past, learning to trust again, self discovery and allowing oneself to be vulnerable. And OMG did I LOVE the easter egg! This was just irresistiblely awesome!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An angles and perspectives romance

My Review: Bargaining by Sasha Lace is book #1 in The Thorner Brothers series. It is categorized as "...a billionaire romance." It was released TODAY (7/15/26)!

About the Book: "I promised not to fall. He’s making it impossible.

Cole Thorner...shattered my heart a decade ago...

He’s come with a proposal... It’s meant to be a business arrangement...

He’s made it clear he has zero interest in being a real husband, and I’m determined to protect what’s left of my heart.

But then he takes me to Rome.

The chemistry between us is undeniable.

So why does falling for Cole Thorner again feel like the most dangerous bargain I’ve ever made?"


In My Own Words: A first love. An incomplete past. An inevitable reunion. A unique arrangement. A love that lasts.

My Final Say: This novel was a more is more romance. Translation: More is going on than you'd expect. I genuinely liked the way the story came together.

I found the story to be sweet and angsty. It was also heartbreaking and challenging. It was passionate and painful. With all that said, it was real, even though a fake element was written into it.

What existed between Cole and Charlotte seemed to breathe. Their relationship had a life of its own. The longing, the possessiveness, the jealousy - it existed in both of their hearts. What made me so invested in their dynamics could be traced back to where things all started. It was so pure, innocent even. The life interruptions proved to be a loss for both of them. But more was going on and it caused a disconnection for a time.

I call this an angles and perspectives romance because the book beautifully shifts between the past and the present, revealing his story versus her story. Seeing the different ways they each viewed their relationship and shared experiences from highlights the heartbreaking disconnection between them.

Stories like this are the best because they draw you in through the emotional doorway. When that door is opened, it is hard to stop from entering in. I entered in and was able to see all the things.

This would be fantastic as an audio experience. I would pay to hear these two interact. The sparks and witty sarcasm alone would be worth it. The all-I-ever-wanted love would be a sigh-worthy experience.

Other: Readers who enjoy the following tropes may like this novel

Tropes:

💛 - Opposites (rich + not so rich)
🤍 - First love -> second chance
💛 - Childhood friends
🤍 - Fake relationship
💛 - Friends to enemies to lovers
🤍 - Dual-timeline/Dual-POV

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: ❤️‍🩹❤️🌶️
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Title: +

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Amazon Publishing UK | Montlake), and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review this work of fiction. I appreciate the opportunity.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: An easy read, but needed some more depth

Cole Thorner has gained a name as a ruthless billionaire CEO. He was the boy who broke Charlotte’s heart when they were teens. Now, he arrives at her father’s (who was also Cole’s mentor) funeral with a proposal: to honor the pact they made years ago. They would be married for a year, and she could leave at the end of it with loads of money to save her family from financial ruin. It was supposed to be a business agreement, but it feels less and less so as they get closer to each other.

The story comes in Cloe and Charlotte’s first-person POVs.

My Thoughts

This is the first book in a new series and my first by the author. Billionaire romances tend to be easy reads most of the time, and this wasn’t an exception. I could finish it quickly.

I like that we get some chapters from the past and a few scenes within the present-day chapters. These help in adding to the backstory of their connection. The dual POV in this subgenre is almost always a lifesaver coz the MMCs would be insufferable otherwise!

It takes a while to like the MMC. For someone who was supposed to be smart and make logical decisions, his major decisions were highly emotional and borderline desperate. I guess that’s what the author wanted to show, too—he was contradicting himself by being so obsessed with something that he continues to make mistakes.

The FMC was pretty decent and stood her ground when she should have. She doesn’t really have a support system (though she has a sister and they are close), but I feel we needed a couple more scenes from the past to delve into her grief of losing her father.

The side characters are nice enough. Rueben does look like a good guy. All the Thorner brothers will have their books, so he’ll get his turn (there are two others as well).

The romance had its moments, but I wanted more. It was very spicy (4ish), which should have been balanced a little more with similar levels of emotional connection (not individual monologues).

The pacing feels off because the story moves quickly at the beginning, then spends a major portion in Rome, and then covers weeks in the final quarter. In reality, there’s no dip in reading speed. It just feels that way.

The third-act breakup was bound to happen. There’s decent groveling, which is good. However, we needed another chapter between finding the truth and the ending. It just seemed a bit abrupt.

There’s no epilogue, maybe because we’ll continue to get updates in the subsequent books. Let’s see.

To summarize, Bargaining is a quick and easy read despite a few dark themes (parental death, parental abuse, etc.). It should work as a one-time read if you want something that doesn’t demand 100% concentration.

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #Bargaining

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bargaining by Sasha Lace is a gorgeous, deeply emotional read that I found impossible to put down. Ever since I discovered this author’s work, I have been completely addicted to her writing style; she has a way of pulling me into a story so thoroughly that I don’t even realize how consumed I am until the very end. This novel, the first in the Thorner Brothers series, is a masterful blend of second-chance romance, marriage of convenience, and a poignant exploration of grief and healing.

The story centers on Charlotte and Cole, who were inseparable childhood friends before their paths diverged. Charlotte is an ambitious artist living a simple life, while Cole was sent away by his abusive, controlling billionaire father. Twelve years after Cole abruptly vanished from her life, he reappears at her father’s funeral—not to offer condolences, but to propose a business arrangement. He needs to soften his icy reputation as a ruthless billionaire CEO, and Charlotte needs the means to save her childhood home from ruin. They strike a bargain: a fake marriage for one year in exchange for five million pounds.

Cole is a fascinating character—a classic, cold billionaire on the outside, but underneath the facade lies a man carrying years of regret, trauma, and undying love for Charlotte. Watching his protective side slowly emerge through the walls he built around himself was incredibly satisfying. Charlotte, meanwhile, is fearless, quirky, and quick-witted, even as she tries desperately to guard a heart that Cole broke a decade ago. Their banter is exquisite, capturing the ease of their past friendship while crackling with the unresolved tension of their present reality.

The narrative truly shines when the arrangement moves them to Rome, where the honeymoon backdrop causes their carefully drawn boundaries to blur. The chemistry is undeniable, but the story offers so much more than standard "rich people drama." It is a raw, soul-wringing journey through heartbreak, the devastating impact of loss, and the difficult process of learning to trust again. I found myself clutching my chest in anguish one moment and smiling through tears the next as they navigated the consequences of their bargain.

The audiobook narration by Kitty Kelly and John York is superb, bringing immense depth, emotion, and vulnerability to the characters. They perfectly capture the complexity of two people who have been wounded by life but are finally learning to be vulnerable with each other. Bargaining is a divine, addictive experience that reminds us of the grace found in choosing to heal. If you are a fan of second-chance romances that pack a real emotional punch, you will want to devour this one in a single sitting.



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ Audiobook Review — Bargaining (Throne Brothers #1) by Sasha Lace
Narrators: Kitty Kelly & John York
Drops July 15
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Listener Copy.

💕 Tropes
- Billionaire Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Friends to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- Second‑Chance Vibes

💭 My Review
This one caught me off guard in the best way. I’d never heard of Sasha Lace before, but I love taking a chance on a new‑to‑me author and Bargaining delivered a story that felt messy, human, and surprisingly tender under all the billionaire gloss.

Cole is the perfect example of what happens when you let revenge and resentment sit in the driver’s seat for too long. He’s spent a decade convincing himself he doesn’t need softness, connection, or the people who once mattered. And honestly? It shows. He’s powerful, polished, and emotionally constipated but underneath all that, he’s still the boy who used to sit on her childhood rug and let her draw him. He just buried that version of himself so deep he forgot how to reach for anything real.

And then he shows up at her father’s funeral with a marriage contract. The audacity. The chaos. The plot.

The heroine is grieving, overwhelmed, and drowning in the fallout of her father’s illness and hoarding. She’s not looking for love she’s looking for a lifeline. And watching her navigate that choice, that grief, that old heartbreak? It felt real. It felt grown. It felt like someone trying to survive while life keeps throwing bricks.

The pacing works, the emotional beats land, and the narration is genuinely strong. Kitty Kelly gives the heroine that tired‑but‑still‑fighting softness, and John York nails Cole’s cold exterior with just enough cracks to make you lean in. Together, they make the tension feel lived‑in instead of dramatic.

And when they get to Rome? Whew. The chemistry sharpens, the walls crumble, and suddenly this “business arrangement” starts looking a lot like two people remembering who they used to be and wondering if they can be that again.

This is a billionaire romance, yes, but it’s also a story about grief, resentment, childhood promises, and the way love can get buried under everything you never said. I really enjoyed this one, and I’m absolutely ready for book two.

[Mare · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️/5

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC. All opinions are my own

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

This book follows Charlotte and Cole who used to be friends and had a kiss before Cole left her. 12 years later and Cole returns with a proposal - become his wife and she 'll receive £5 million. She agrees and the more they're around each other, the more the feelings they once held become stronger.

Sasha Lace is one of my favourite authors and I love billionaire romance with a marriage of convenience and childhood friends to lovers tropes so I thought that I was going to enjoy this but instead I kept wishing for it to be over as I felt so bored and frustrated the entire time.

I felt no connection to or between the characters. The supposed romance felt so forced and Charlotte deserved so much better than how Cole treated her. He was an asshole. He treated his staff awfully and threw his money at everything. even when Charlotte said she didn't want it. He had daddy issues so big that it didn't even feel resolved by the end of the book. Cole felt like he was his issues and nothing more. He ignored her and put his work before her yet he says how much he loves her but never showed it. Charlotte was slightly better than Cole but even she fell so flat. Her grief for her father was so strong that she felt like she was those feelings. One thing I did like was that she used art to express how she felt. Cole was a dick to his brothers and to Ruben who just wanted to be part of the family. Charlotte's sister was kinda annoying too.

I didn't like that there was a spicy scene 35% into the book and it felt so off as did every other scene. It felt like they were having sex for the sake of it and I wanted to skip those chapters.

I LOVED the Gabe Rivers and Calderdale ladies team cameos. They were the best parts of the book.

The narration was fine. I preferred the female narrator more as the male one sounded like he didn't want to be voicing Cole at all.

Overall, I would not recommend or re-read this book. I did enjoy the writing and will pick up another of this author's books.

[Alm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is not only a second chance romance, but for me it shows how grief can change us. I finished this story in a day. Cole and Charlotte were childhood friends and first loves. Cole one day up and leaves without a word to Charlotte for over a decade, until Charlotte’s father passes. Cole’s position within his company is looking unstable. Seeking moves to rectify it he offers Charlotte a proposition. Charlotte is facing uncertainty in her future. Her father’s passing left the only inheritance in her childhood home. A home that through the years is in shambles. Charlotte put aside her life and her dreams to take care of the man who raised her. Without him she doesn’t know what to make of her life. Her sister is demanding the sell of the house to ease her own financial burdens. Charlotte just can’t part with it. The memories of her father’s studies, the laughter, the love she felt. She also can’t afford the upkeep or to buy her siter out. Cole offers Charlotte a way. Marry him for a year and he will pay her $5 million and give her the money up front to cover her sister’s share in the home. But things are never that simple, are they?
There were times in this story I wanted to pull Cole, by the ear and tell him to wake up to what was in front of him. He allowed his anger and grief to cloud his judgement and lose out on life as it should be. I also wanted to do the same to Charlotte. She let her grief consume her. Not the grief of her father, but that of a broken-hearted woman. The laughter and love these two shared was beautiful. The entire time it made me think of what we become when we never allow ourselves to heal. The life we lose. The beauty in it that we forget. It was a reminder to allow ourselves some grace and chose to heal.

[Wendie Zasowski doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Bargaining by Sasha Lace in exchange for my honest review. This book is scheduled for release on July 15th.
Bargaining is a second-chance romance centered around young love, heartbreak, and the complicated emotions that resurface when two people are brought back together years later. After being ghosted for years by the man she once loved, Charlotte is forced to confront her past when the Cole unexpectedly reappears at her father’s funeral. What follows is a story filled with unresolved feelings, family ties, loyalty, and the struggle between love, revenge, and personal integrity.
I thought this was a good read overall. I really liked that the two main characters had a deep history together, which gave emotional weight to their reunion. I also enjoyed the connection between the Cole and the Charlotte's father, as it added another layer to the story and helped explain some of the emotions and motivations behind their relationship.
One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing the Charlotte stand firm in her convictions. I was glad she was strong enough to walk away and choose herself over the financial gain she could have received by fulfilling the contract. That decision made her character feel strong and believable.
In the end, I appreciated that the Cole finally realized there was more importance in living his life fully than remaining consumed by business and revenge against his father. While there were definitely emotional moments throughout the story, I enjoyed watching both characters grow and come to terms with their past.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this one a 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​I was a bit torn initially because Bargaining by Sasha Lace is my first billionaire book ever, and some of the genre's typical elements felt a bit weird or even far-fetched to me. But as I got deeper into the story, I realized I loved it too much to give it anything less!

​A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author Sasha Lace, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

​I absolutely loved Cole as the MMC. He has that sweet soul hidden behind a hard facade, and he is clearly still pining for his first love—our FMC, Charlotte. It takes him some fake wedding vows to fully realize it, but the fact that he just wants to win her back from pretty much the beginning just does it for me. I was rooting for him the whole book through! Yes, I know he made mistakes, but honestly? I don't care—I totally forgive him.
​The Good:
Cole is the ultimate standout. His dedication to winning Charlotte back makes for a very compelling second-chance romance. The emotional tension during the fake wedding vows was a major highlight that really brought their history to the surface.
​The Not So Good:
Being new to the billionaire trope, there were some moments that felt a little "ick" or unrealistic for my personal taste. I’ll definitely be reading more of this trope soon just to get used to those specific genre quirks!

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sharing this ARC read!

This book is a lovely pick me up if you’re in a reading slump ,and looking for something easy to read, while still interesting.

Cole and Charlotte have obviously always been end game, but as it happens, life gets in the way.

Being the son of a self centred billionaire, Cole has not had an easy childhood.
While he finds his only solace in Charlotte, he has to make one of the toughest decisions of his life in letting her go.
Cole’s new personality revolves around a personal vendetta, and the loss of his greatest loves.

Charlotte is sunshine and sparkles most of her life. She loves art and wishes to become an artist herself.
When her dad gets sick, she leaves everything to look after him, unfortunately loosing herself in the process.

I loved how the two reconnect, as well as the way grief is portrayed throughout the book.
There were parts where I really did ache for them.

The only downside for me was that while some conversations around Charlotte’s dad, as well as hers and Cole’s past, are very well made; some aspects of their new life as a couple felt a bit rushed.
I appreciated Cole’s internal debates and his coming to terms with his feelings, but I didn’t feel he shared a lot of this with Charlotte, and I just wished we had a bit more angst between the two of them.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, and will absolutely read more from the author

[Ecem Esen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH an emotional, tension-filled book and I was obsessed from the first chapter . Read it in literally 4 hours😭🖤

Second chance romance + marriage of convenience + unresolved heartbreak. Yeah this book was literally made for me.
The emotional tension between Cole and the FMC was SO good because you could feel all the history, hurt, and lingering feelings between them in every interaction. The whole “we loved each other once and now we’re forced back into each other’s lives” trope absolutely gets me every time and this book did it perfectly.

And Cole. He was the classic cold billionaire CEO on the outside but he was secretly carrying years of regret and feelings underneath. I folded IMMEDIATELY 😩. The way his protective side slowly starts showing through all the walls he had built up had me kicking my feet.
I loved that this wasn’t just rich people drama and romance because there was actually real grief, heartbreak, healing, and vulnerability throughout the story. It made everything hit harder . The romance felt intense but also genuinely emotional.
And THE CHEMISTRY??? The things they did in rome??? The tension??? I was unwell honestly.

If you love:
🖤 second chance romance
🖤 marriage of convenience
🖤 billionaire romance
🖤 emotional tension
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 cold MMCs secretly obsessed
🖤 grief & healing
🖤 slow rebuilding romance

…you need this on your TBR immediately.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mairi Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Childhood sweethearts
*Billionaire
*Grumpy/sunshine
*Betrayal
*Emotional
*Marriage of convenience
*Second chance
*Redemption

Charlotte and Cole are childhood friends and each other's first love. He finally kisses her only to ghost her for over a decade until Charlotte's father's funeral. Cole comes back and makes her an unexpected proposal, to get married. He needs to placate his shareholders and she needs the money to keep her childhood home. Though hesitant at first Charlotte agrees despite knowing that her feelings are in jeopardize and she can't afford another heartbreak. After getting married Charlotte has her hopes up that maybe there's a chance for them until Cole puts his job first and fails her.
Charlotte was a compassionate and such a sweet heart for everyone. An artist in soul who had to abandon her dream because of her father's illness she was heartbroken but still willing to see the good in other people.
Cole was a gentle soul but circumstances in his childhood made him harden and set a purpose in his life that eventually would be his downfall.
I loved their chemistry and how their friendship was the foundation in their relationship. The writing was so smooth and had such a flow that I couldn't put it down. The feelings were intense and my heart ached for both of them with how life was treated them. And Cole's devastation...I can't say more cause spoilers.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childhood best friends. Years apart. A marriage of convenience. Say less.

Charlotte and Cole were supposed to be each other’s forever, until Cole’s father turned his life upside down, forcing Cole to leave England for New York. Years later, Cole is successful, guarded, and carrying more resentment than he knows what to do with, especially when it comes to his father.

When Charlotte loses her dad, the last person she expects to see at the wake is Cole. As she’s grieving and trying to figure out what comes next after years of putting her own dreams on hold to care for her father with dementia, Cole proposes a marriage of convenience. He needs the image of a stable marriage to help secure a business deal, and the money will allow Charlotte to save her childhood home and finally rediscover herself.

Of course, pretending to be married gets a lot more complicated when old feelings and the friendship they never truly lost begin resurfacing.

This story put me through every emotion. There was grief, healing, anger, forgiveness, and so much heart. I appreciated that Charlotte didn’t let Cole walk all over her. She stood up for herself, challenged him when he deserved it, and refused to lose herself in the process. Watching them rebuild not only their romance but also their friendship made this such an emotional and satisfying read.

Tropes:
Second Chance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Billionaire
Marriage of Convenience
Forced Proximity

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Charlotte were star crossed high school sweethearts of a sort, then life got in the way. And by life I mean Cole's jerk of a father. The scenes that are shown from their past as teenagers are everything I wish I had at that age. They clearly already felt so much for each other.

Fast forward to being 30 and Cole is now the jerk billionaire. When news of her dad's passing puts Cole back in Charlotte's life he tries to collect on their marriage pact. Lottie eventually agrees, and a fake marriage is born, complete with a contract.

This is a really cute story. Charlotte and Cole have great chemistry and such love for each other. It is fun seeing them find their way back to it even after years. The spice between them is plenty hot, their interactions are fraught with tension as well.

But my favorite is after Cole inevitably screws things up, and Charlotte gives up on him to go back to her dad's house. Once he gets his head out of his rear end, the ways he makes it up to her are just perfect. I loved seeing him make steps to bring about what is important to him in his life.

There are also a lot of really sweet moments of grief for Lottie's father, who they both loved. He had such a huge impact on both their lives, and it's easy to see why when you hear them speak about him.

This book kept me hooked so much that I could not put it down. I absolutely loved it!

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Rady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was highly entertaining, so to say.
Charlotte and Cole met in high school. Full of future expectations and dreams. They made a pact, when they won't be married by 30, they will marry each other.

Cole has been taken off of school vy his ruthless father and they haven't seen each other in years.

They meet each other years after, sadly at Charlotte's father's funeral. For Charlett finances has been bad and Cole has an a@@hole image and needs to improve it in front of the board.

When he asks Charlotte to marry him for a year for five million pounds she doesn't know what to do. Safe their family home and marry Cole, but for what price, to watch him being as ruthless and business driven? That wasn't the sweet and thoughtfull Cole, she once had known.

Yet with that sum Charlotte could be finally debtless and do, what has been on her mind when she carried for her sick father.

They give the marriage a try, both rekindle their old feelings but Charlotte can't stand a
Cole's competitiveness with his father for an old hotel in Rome that his mother had loved. When they spent their honeymoon in Rome, she can see that anything at all was for her but served the purpose to meet the owner of that hotel before his father can get his fingers on it.

She decides to end the marriage and try to forget that Cole existed.
Can Cole overgo his feelings, let the ravange be and be someone Charlotte is worth of?

[Jus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reseña de ARC


Si buscás una lectura corta, ágil y disfrutás de lo predecibles que pueden ser estas historias, este es el libro ideal. En general, la obra está bien; aunque no presenta nada que no se haya leído antes en el género, está bien escrita y logra atrapar al lector desde el inicio.

Lo que me gustó:
• El estilo de la autora: Tiene una narrativa fluida y no pierde el tiempo en descripciones innecesarias.
• La química: El vínculo entre Charlotte y Cole no tarda en aparecer, algo fundamental en una historia de este ritmo.
• Manejo del contenido spicy: Aunque temía que el libro cayera en un exceso de escenas explícitas, la mayoría de los momentos de intimidad tienen una razón de ser dentro del desarrollo de la pareja, salvo algunas excepciones.

Lo que no me convenció:
• La protagonista y el duelo: Me resultó muy repetitivo el tratamiento de la muerte del padre. Al ser un personaje con el que el lector no llega a conectar emocionalmente, las constantes alusiones y el llanto recurrente de la protagonista terminan volviéndose densos y cortan el ritmo de la historia.

Conclusión:
Es una lectura amena y rápida. Si te gustan los tropes de matrimonio por conveniencia con un toque spicy y buscás algo ligero, cumple su función perfectamente. No es una historia novedosa ni la mejor en su rubro, pero es ideal para pasar el rato.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Bargaining" is an oddly titled but fairly simple romance.

Cole Thorner is a demanding, icy boss who sits upon a huge family fortune. His father is one of his main rivals.

Our heroine, Charlotte Akroyd, is a down-on-her-luck artist who has recently lost her beloved father. Said father was actually Cole's tutor back in his childhood, and their household was a refuge for Cole from his brutal father's world.

Best friends as children, they've long been parted--but the death of her father, and Cole's business needs, bring them together again. In particular, Cole believes if he had a nice partner, part of a nicer overall reputation for himself, his shareholders would rally around him more than they do. And thus Cole casts his eye on the grown-up Charlotte.

The book itself was a straightforward romance (with a lot of fiscal wish fulfillment. Exotic trips, fancy wardrobes, money to burn--you get it.) It's a business-infused version of a beach read, essentially, with all that implies. It's light, it's a fast read, it's not going to give you unique characters or a particularly complex plot. And that's fine, so I'm giving the book the Goodreads rating of 2 stars for being just okay.

With gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Joines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bargaining is an emotional second-chance romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story follows two young lovers whose lives are torn apart by a controlling father. He takes his son away, molding him into someone hardened by duty and expectations, while she spends years believing she was abandoned by the only person she ever truly loved.
When they unexpectedly reunite after her father’s funeral, old feelings quickly resurface—but so do years of hurt, unanswered questions, and resentment. A contract marriage forces them back into each other’s lives, creating plenty of tension, slow-burning chemistry, and emotional moments as they confront the past and decide whether their love is worth fighting for.
I loved how the story explored forgiveness, healing, and finding your way back to the person who always felt like home. The characters had believable emotional growth, and watching them break down the walls built over years of separation made the romance even more satisfying. The contract marriage trope blended perfectly with the second-chance romance, making every interaction feel meaningful.
If you enjoy emotional romances with childhood sweethearts, forced proximity, marriage-of-convenience, family drama, and a well-earned happily ever after, Bargaining is definitely worth reading.

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotion absolutely pours off each page of this book. I swear at times I felt my heart being ripped from my chest and used to mop up tears from the floor. It's intense and raw and hopeful all at the same time and one of the best things I've ever read.

I love each and every one of Sasha's books because they are an inspiration for positive change. There is always character growth and a message that who a person starts out as is not who they have to remain. That means so much to me.

These characters feel incredibly authentic. Sure, I'm not a billionaire but the writing is absolutely rock solid, letting me experience all the ups and downs and understand motivation and action. It was brilliant spending time with Lottie and Cole and watching them together, creating sparks or doing everyday run of the mill things.

Ms Lace is so clever with her wordsmithing. I love sentences like the one about Malala Yousafzai buying Lottie's house and needing to knock down walls to fit in school desks, and another about finding an undiscovered edition of Pride And Prejudice with a bonus Mr Darcy chapter. Then there was Cole complaining about his brother because "...he was annoyingly cheerful and his nose was too straight.". They add flavour and humour and colour to each image.

This is going to be a series and I can't wait for more!

[Rashi Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Emotional, Dual-Narrated, Spicy Masterpiece! ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Bargaining by Sasha Lace is a beautifully written, high-emotion romance that hooks you from the very first chapter. Sasha Lace’s writing style is accessible, engaging, and flows seamlessly. And yes—the spice was absolutely spicing! 🥵

The Story & Characters
This childhood-sweethearts-to-lovers story is packed with deep history, shared trauma, and intense chemistry.
* Charlotte: Gentle, poised, and deeply passionate. Despite navigating the devastating grief of losing her father, her emotional maturity and understanding of Cole are beautiful to witness.
* Cole: Wonderfully sexy, but heavily damaged. Misguided by his father's past abuse, he constantly lets that toxic internal voice dictate his life, causing him to get in his own head and act out.

The Audiobook Performance
The audiobook narration by Kitty Kelly and John York was flawless! The duet narration format elevated the entire experience. Their incredible accents and dynamic delivery added so much depth, sending literal tingles down my spine—especially during those highly anticipated spicy scenes! 😉

Final Verdict
If you love sweet, deeply emotional, second-chance romances with a high amount of spice, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me with this audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara’s Booknalysis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Sasha Lace, but her writing style grabbed me straight away. There’s something about it that just drew me in & held my attention.

I didn’t particularly like either of our lead characters for much of the first quarter or so of this book, but it was the sort of annoyance that makes you want to keep watching to see what will happen next. But even while I was actively disliking them both, I was fascinated by their story, it was still making me feel all of the emotions, and I wanted to know more.

Once we got to their honeymoon, the intensity of the story really ramped up for me, and any lingering peeves with them faded away. We got more and more glimpses under Cole’s hard shell and behind Charlotte’s sadness. The way the author built these two just took me along for the ride.

I really enjoyed the little I unexpected moments of quiet chuckles and surprised bursts of giggles that came up the most unpredictable moments, too.

I loved this book and would have read it in one sitting, if it wasn’t for the pesky need to sleep and work having gotten in the way.

Thank you to the Sasha Lace for my copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed are my own.

[L C · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of billionaire romance, second chances and grumpy vs sunshine then this is a must read! Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy which I absolutely devoured.

At just shy of 300 pages it’s also the perfect palette cleanser if you find yourself in a bit of a slump.

Charlotte is such an endearing character and I found myself a bit inspired by her to be honest, giving up everything to look after her ailing father. This includes herself, as anyone who has cared for an unwell loved one knows sadly too well. Through unfortunate events for both she is brought back face to face with, Cole, who let her go years ago through one of the toughest decisions he ever had to make.

Neither of them are the same people they used to be, but will Charlotte be able to throw out the now frosty Cole?

Whilst this is a romance, it is also a story of grief, healing and vulnerability that had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the realistic portrayal of forgiveness and learning to love again. You could feel that the chemistry had never gone and couldn’t wait for these two to find their way together again.

Highly recommend.

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire romances and I have not been getting along lately, so I went into Bargaining with my expectations managed. Sasha Lace surprised me — not a lot, but enough to make it worth the read.

Charlotte is the heart of this story. Her grief after years of caring for her ailing dad, her dreams delayed and her ability to stand up for herself even while she's falling (again) for someone she doesn't fully trust anymore. It's all written with care and feels real. Cole is grumpy bordering on mean, and I got a little tired of it in the middle. He had to work to change and it seemed like he did.

The thing that frustrated me most was the secrets. Cole is sitting on two of them, and the book keeps gesturing at their weight without giving us enough to decide if they're worth keeping. Charlotte circles back to the ghosting and no-contact again and again, but the repetition emphasizes the mystery without moving anything forward. The pacing drags as a result. Also, the billionaire element is more label than substance; it's stuck onto the story rather than baked into it.

A solid 3.75 rounded up.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I can get into the book itself. I wanted the audio review to focus on how the story changes with the narrators. Charlotte Ackroyd and Cole Thorner used to spend time together when they were younger. Cole spent time with Charlotte’s dad at their house which is how Charlotte and Cole started spending time together. Cole needed a good male figure in his life. Charlotte’s father filled in nicely. Cole’s father started putting pressure on him to come back into the fold. Cole left without a word and left Charlotte wavering for what to do next. Charlotte was hurt. She thought they were working towards something. One day Cole was there and the next he was gone. It hurt. Before he left they jokingly promised that if neither was married when they turned 30, they would marry each other.

Flash forward 12 years. Cole is not married and getting pressure from his company’s Board to settle down. Cole has gotten a reputation. He needs someone beside him that will even him out. When he found out Charlotte’s father had passed and that she was not married, Cole decided to bring up the agreement. Despite it being 12 years later, Charlotte was still very hurt. Seeing Cole and having him proposition her was the last thing she could think about. Cole, unfortunately or fortunately, made Charlotte an offer she could not refuse.

Now she is stuck in a fake relationship with a man that she is still very much attracted to. Cole, though also very attracted to Charlotte, had to focus on the business. That was the whole reason for the marriage, right? Cole was focused on revenge. He could not see past his vendetta with his father. The vendetta that was going to make him lose everything he always wanted.

Cole had the ability to make me mad and feel sorry for him at the same time. He will definitely have readers just as confused as Charlotte. I do love that Charlotte did not let Cole take away her agency. She was going to be who she was and no one was going to take that away from her. The characters are wonderful. Ms. Lace pulls readers into a story that we never want to leave. Oh let me not forget to mention that some of our beloved characters from previous books show up. You know I love previous characters’ updates. This book is not your typical fake marriage book. Readers will not be able to put this one down.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance that is born from a promise not fulfilled and then thrown into a fake relationship that is forced to mature and claim with a deadline.

Cole and Charlotte had a relationship in the past, one that seemed to be headed to forever but cut short. The heartbreak was devastating for Charlotte, while Cole went onto become a billionaire. When he returns to bury his grandfather, he is also back to ask Charlotte to fulfill the promise she made years ago, a marriage. He asks for a year of fake stability in exchange for payment -that will solve her debts-, but also takes her onto an adventure that fulfills more than what she expected! A foreign country honeymoon, the guarded and damage heart Cole tries to hide behind his icy facade, her warm and dreamy personality, and an attraction that borderlines love are the framework for their passion that turns to protection, possession, and a love that feels fragile and compound.

The story is fast paced, steamy, heartfelt, and bittersweet. Thank you NetGalley and the author for the book, this is my personal review