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

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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

[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!

[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.

[Dana Bleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is the first book I've read by Sasha Lace and it certainly will not be the last. Discovering Sasha by way of introduction to one of three Thorner brothers is was a double win.

This is an incredible second chance romance with a perfect amount of spice and alpha energy and a wonderful HEA.

Their journey starts at school as teenagers with a mutual crush, a smitten boy who learns a dead language to see his crush as much as possible and then heartbreak. Now Charlotte is turning 30 and unmarried. Cole is on a mission and needs to improve his image - a pact to marry each other at 30 if neither is wed is the perfect way for Cole to get Charlotte back in his life. What is supposed to be a business deal is actually the stars aligning to bring these two soulmates back together.

Sasha did an excellent job bringing Cole and Charlotte's emotions to life on the page.

I can't wait to read the next two books about his brothers, especially Theo. I have a feeling that is going to be a wild read.

[Liz Sturg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book an as ARC from NetGalley. The MMC needed to get it together and for probably 30% of the book I wanted to hit him upside the head and confess his true feelings for the FMC. Once they got it together only for the MMC to leave the FMC again for a business meeting and then she left him to go back home. I think he should have done more graveling to win her back other than giving her space and trying to win her back by being friends. The FMC had gone through too much from the loss of the MMC and the loss of her father that she just had to do everything alone. She wanted to be cared for and the MMC thought caring only meant monetary wise. I felt the end was a bit rushed once the FMC discovers he left due to her father asking him to and it felt more of a brush over in that part. It was nice that the MMC helped the FMC restore that house and left his job. That also felt out of place from him being a workaholic to just being a retired CEO.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bargaining was a solid read with some elements I really enjoyed and others that fell a bit flat for me. The marriage of convenience trope is always a fun one, and it worked well here especially layered on top of a second chance romance between two people who clearly never stopped caring for each other.

Charlotte had a passion for art felt genuine and added a warmth to her character that I found really endearing. Watching her find her way back to that part of herself was a highlight.

Cole was a bit of a mixed bag. His anger felt over the top at times he had a tendency to treat people harshly, which made it hard to root for him, even if he was perfectly sweet with her.

Unexpectedly, my favorite character ended up being Cole’s brother. He doesn’t get a ton of page time, but every time he popped up, he stole the scene.

If you enjoy billionaire second-chance romances, you will enjoy this!

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of tropes but it does them well. It establishes an ongoing series of the Thorner brothers, Cole, Lucas, Theo and Reuben, and I’m looking forward to reading them too.

Cole and Charlotte’s story features a lot of tropes. Cole is a cold billionaire and Charlotte is an everyday person, humbled by life but still quite positive. They are childhood sweethearts reunited by sad circumstances to enter into marriage of convenience, for reputational and financial perks.

Obviously, that’s not where the story ends for them. The characters have lots of growth (and i LOVE that Cole goes to a therapist by the end).

My only gripe with this book is I wish that he achieved some more balance with his life, that we saw the changes he was going to make in the company, and didn’t completely quit his job to be the better man. However maybe this is part of the greater plot and will result in Lucas Thorner running more of the business? We’ll have to find out.

[Shekki’s memoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest—since this wasn’t my first dive into the billionaire trope, this book was so good compared to them. But however, some of the genre quirks felt a bit far fetched at first. But the deeper I got into Bargaining, the more I realized I was totally hooked on the story.

Cole is the ultimate standout MMC. He has that classic hard facade, but underneath is a sweet soul who has been pining for his first love, Charlotte, from the very beginning. Watching him use "fake wedding vows" just to get closer to her? I was sold. I know he’s made mistakes, but his dedication to winning her back made me forgive him almost instantly.

The emotional tension in this second-chance romance is top-tier. Even though the billionaire lifestyle took some getting used to, the heart of the story—Cole and Charlotte’s history—is what kept me turning the pages. I’m officially ready to dive deeper into this trope!

[Racheal Eisaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Sasha Lace for the eARC of this story. All of the following thoughts are completely my own:

This is a second chance romance story that follows Charlotte and Cole. These two had a crush on eachother when they were younger but eventually Cole graduated and ghosted Charlotte after leaving town to becoming a billionaire CEO. She ultimately had to drop out of art school to take care of her sick father. They reconnect at her dad’s funeral where Cole offers her the option of a marriage of convenience to help boost his image and she’ll get paid 5 million pounds. After finally agreeing Charlotte and Cole face a lot of unresolved feelings from their childhood, family drama, and the struggle to decide whether you need to stay true to yourself or the need for revenge. I like the personal growth that both MCs go through in this story while also having some more intimate moments between them. Overall a great read!

[Lynsey Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from NetGalley
From the start, I was hooked by the emotional drama, all the unresolved heartbreak, and the crazy chemistry between Cole and Charlotte.

The second-chance romance was so real and layered. After twelve years apart, you could feel all the love, hurt, regret, and unfinished business in everything they did. Charlotte’s been putting her dreams on hold for years to take care of her dying dad, and now she’s grieving not just him, but also the future she thought she’d have. Meanwhile, Cole’s carrying around all this baggage ,anger and resentment from a rough childhood with regrets for leaving her behind. Watching them slowly find their way back to each other through this fake marriage thing was honestly an emotional rollercoaster—messy, intense, and addictive.

What made this story stand out was how it mixed funny banter and with the grief, healing, forgiveness, and opening up. The romance wasn’t just hot and tense—it carried a lot of real emotion with it. And the chemistry? Insane. Every scene between them was full of tension, especially when in Rome.

[thisgirliereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, where do I even start Sasha Lace has done it again with another magnificent book this time it’s the first in the new billionaire series.

Bargaining follows the story of two childhood friends Cole and Charlotte and the pact they made many moons ago.

This book had me feeling all the feels, I spent most of the book with my hand over my heart swooning. I can normally read with a poker face but with bargaining my face gave away everything I read. Bargaining had me swooning, kicking my feet, laughing out loud and I even had a little cry.

Bargaining was a book I just didn’t want to put down, I was so sad as I got close to the end as I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

If you want great characters, funny one liners, a chance to feel like a fly on the wall and of course some wonderful spicy scenes then this is the book for you.

A must for all Sasha Lace fans and billionaire lovers.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bargaining had me hooked from the start - second chance romance + marriage of convenience + billionaire drama?? Say less, I ate that up in one sitting. 🫶

BUT… let’s be real for a second.

The whole billionaire aspect felt kinda… questionable??

Also — there’s a LOT of spice. 🌶️
Not unbearable, but definitely more than I personally needed. I feel like one or two scenes would’ve done the job just fine, but if you’re here for the tension + smut combo, you’ll probably be happy. 👀

That said… if you switch your brain off a little and just go with the vibes, it’s actually a really fun read. Rome setting?? Dreamy. Chemistry?? There. Emotional moments?? Surprisingly decent.

So yeah - not the most polished or realistic romance ever, but still addictive and easy to binge. 📖✨

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. 📚

[Bobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bargaining by Sasha Lace had a strong premise—second chance romance with that billionaire edge—but it just didn’t fully come together for me.

There were parts of the story that worked. The idea of revisiting a past relationship with all the history, tension, and unresolved feelings is there, and you can see the potential for something with that.

But overall, I struggled to stay engaged. The pacing felt off, and at times it seemed to drag a bit too much for me.

I also found the emotional pull wasn’t quite as strong as I was hoping for in a second-chance story. Those usually rely heavily on depth and chemistry, and this one didn’t fully hit that mark for me.

I did finish it, but it took some effort. Not a bad read—just one that didn’t quite land the way I wanted it to. I appreciate the early read from NetGalley on this one.

[vicsbookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

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My rating: ★★★☆☆

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Netgalley and Sasha Lace for the eARC.

This book has all the ingredients I usually love: forced proximity, fake marriage, and boy-next-door, but I never fully felt the spark between Charlotte and Cole. There were moments of tension here and there and I enjoyed the glimpses into their past much more than their present. I would have loved more of an emotional pull and longing to really deliver on the second-chance aspect of their relationship.

I did enjoy the ending and Cole's character growth. Watching him realize that there's more to life than business and reputation was the strongest part of his character arc and gave the story a satisfying end.

This is a straightforward, billionaire romance with some emotional moments but the chemistry just didn't hit as hard as I wished.

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Bargaining, I love how it started off and then over time we see the lifes of our main characters develop and then come back together. I love the fake dating trope so much and even though it's a marriage in this instance it worked perfectly. Charlotte was a great character and I really enjoyed how she developed as well as Cole Thorner. He came off as a bit showy at first but I liked how multi layered he was and how we found out those layers as we got further into the storyline. Bargaining had everything in a Billionaire romance I wanted, writing that brought the characters to life and plot developments that were unexpected but realistic at the same time. Spice, a lot of spice which went with the storyline and felt organic rather than forced and obviously a great read.
Sasha Lace's Bargaining is not one that you wanna miss!