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The Fox Bride
Not yet published
Expected 6 Apr 27From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Bargain duology, Sasha Peyton Smith, comes a sweeping romantic fantasy where Divine Rivals meets Six of Crows.
A marriage she never wanted. A boy she tried to forget.
When Cass is forced into an arranged marriage with the prince of Alcadia, she never expects to find her childhood best friend and first love waiting at the altar. But the boy she adored is gone, replaced by a cold stranger who secretly leads a notorious ring of magical art thieves called The Foxes.
Cass’s new husband tries to push her away, but her rare abilities may be his only hope of finding a magical painting said to show the end of the world. As Cass and Holden grow closer, attending sparkling parties and preforming daring heists, Cass attempts to solve a mystery of her own—why Holden disappeared from her life in the first place.
As their hunt for the painting becomes increasingly urgent, Cass and Holden realize they may be the only thing standing between their fragile country and ruination—if only they don’t destroy each other first.
A moody, historical-inspired romantasy that will leave readers swooningArranged marriage/forced proximityGlittering royal courts and political schemingMagical heists and secret identitiesThe lush romance of Once Upon a Broken HeartThe dark edge of Belladonna
A marriage she never wanted. A boy she tried to forget.
When Cass is forced into an arranged marriage with the prince of Alcadia, she never expects to find her childhood best friend and first love waiting at the altar. But the boy she adored is gone, replaced by a cold stranger who secretly leads a notorious ring of magical art thieves called The Foxes.
Cass’s new husband tries to push her away, but her rare abilities may be his only hope of finding a magical painting said to show the end of the world. As Cass and Holden grow closer, attending sparkling parties and preforming daring heists, Cass attempts to solve a mystery of her own—why Holden disappeared from her life in the first place.
As their hunt for the painting becomes increasingly urgent, Cass and Holden realize they may be the only thing standing between their fragile country and ruination—if only they don’t destroy each other first.
A moody, historical-inspired romantasy that will leave readers swooningArranged marriage/forced proximityGlittering royal courts and political schemingMagical heists and secret identitiesThe lush romance of Once Upon a Broken HeartThe dark edge of Belladonna
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 6, 2027
About the author
Sasha Peyton Smith
7 books2,776 followersSasha Peyton Smith is the New York Times best selling author of The Witch Haven and The Witch Hunt. She’s passionate about well-curated road trip playlists, soup recipes, and stories about complicated girls. Originally from Utah, she now lives in Washington D.C. with her partner and collection of porcelain hands.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Want to Read
September 20, 2026⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (9/19/2026): ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ I'm pretty sure Sasha Peyton Smith said somewhere on her IG in one of her Q&As for the book that the MMC in this book is somehow going to be a bigger yearner than Emmett in The Rose Bargain duology, and considering how much I consider Emmett to be a certified, Grade-A yearner...I'm sat.
Want to Read
June 26, 2026after the rose bargain im reading everything sasha writes.
also wdym WINTER 2027 that's over a year away???
also wdym WINTER 2027 that's over a year away???
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wholeheartedly enjoyed the new Sasha Peyton Smith book, even if it is a little different from her duology. The fox bride is a classic fantasy with a side of romance, whereas the rose bargain was a little more subversive, but both are very good.
I like the set up of an arranged marriage between stranded best friends, that friction of are they the same as their kid versions or are they too different now is really good. I also love the little heist plot line, it's a favorite of mine.
The writing is simple but it does the job perfectly, it's a fast read and action packed.
Ya fantasy at its finest.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
I like the set up of an arranged marriage between stranded best friends, that friction of are they the same as their kid versions or are they too different now is really good. I also love the little heist plot line, it's a favorite of mine.
The writing is simple but it does the job perfectly, it's a fast read and action packed.
Ya fantasy at its finest.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
what do you mean i have to keep spoilers to myself until APRIL.
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Want to Read
September 15, 2026After the Thorn queen I’m lowkey nervous but this seems so promising and her writing is so addictive so here I am😌
💚🦊Pre release🦊💚: I really want the cover🥹🥹🥹 I’m so excited I love the arranged marriage trope🤞 SASHAAAA petition to have a one bed in here😌
💚🦊Pre release🦊💚: I really want the cover🥹🥹🥹 I’m so excited I love the arranged marriage trope🤞 SASHAAAA petition to have a one bed in here😌
October 11, 2026
I loved this book so much 4.5 stars!
The pacing was pretty fast and the plot was very interesting. All the action made it hard to put down. I loved Cass (the FMC) and the MMC’s relationship, childhood best friends to lovers is on top. I was looking forward to reading this and was so grateful to get it early, it did not disappoint. The whole undercover group of thieves was so fun to read about. The politics were very high stakes. And the romance was prefect.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC!
The pacing was pretty fast and the plot was very interesting. All the action made it hard to put down. I loved Cass (the FMC) and the MMC’s relationship, childhood best friends to lovers is on top. I was looking forward to reading this and was so grateful to get it early, it did not disappoint. The whole undercover group of thieves was so fun to read about. The politics were very high stakes. And the romance was prefect.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC!
October 13, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
This book was cute! I had read the author’s previous duology and was a fan, so when I saw the opportunity for an ARC of another book I snagged it immediately.
I love a good heist story and I definitely enjoyed that aspect of this novel. I was expecting this to be another duology, so I was shocked when I realized this would be a standalone. Because of that, I feel the pacing on this story felt way off. We spent a lot of time building up the group with minimal progress to the main plot, only for everything to feel extremely rushed at the end and it left me feeling underwhelmed. I feel that this story could benefit from either being longer or a but of the filler edited out to allow for more development of the plot points. I think that if the pacing were corrected, the stakes would feel higher and the tension during the climax of the story would feel more impactful.
Overall, a fun and quick read that I would recommend especially for younger readers as this was much more YA leaning.
This book was cute! I had read the author’s previous duology and was a fan, so when I saw the opportunity for an ARC of another book I snagged it immediately.
I love a good heist story and I definitely enjoyed that aspect of this novel. I was expecting this to be another duology, so I was shocked when I realized this would be a standalone. Because of that, I feel the pacing on this story felt way off. We spent a lot of time building up the group with minimal progress to the main plot, only for everything to feel extremely rushed at the end and it left me feeling underwhelmed. I feel that this story could benefit from either being longer or a but of the filler edited out to allow for more development of the plot points. I think that if the pacing were corrected, the stakes would feel higher and the tension during the climax of the story would feel more impactful.
Overall, a fun and quick read that I would recommend especially for younger readers as this was much more YA leaning.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
💖5 Star Swoon💖
🗡️5 Star Action🗡️
🥰5 Star Banter🥰
🪶5 Star Prose🪶
The Fox Bride is a stunning YA Romantasy that is, in a nutshell, ✨perfection✨
Sasha has woven a beautiful story filled with childhood soul mates, betrayal, magic, and the power of art that had me enthralled from the opening sentence!
Read in one sitting, I fell in love with the characters and was simultaneously excited to complete the story and sad as it came to an end!
The Fox Bride is a story I will be re-reading (and listening to on audio) time and time again 💖
Summary:
On her 18th birthday Cass is forced by her father to marry a Prince, but the Prince and the marriage are far different than what Cass expected.
As she adjusts to her new life, and her new husband, she is thrown into a world full of secrets, heists, magical art, secret groups, and unlikely relationships.
Cass and her new group’s goal is to save the kingdom from being destroyed, but which side is good and which is evil? Will Cass help save the kingdom or work towards destruction?
Language: None
Spice: Kisses only
Age Recommendation: 13+
💖Favorite Quotes💖
“Art makes everything else makes sense.” He pauses, thinking. “Or maybe nothing makes sense without art.”
“It’s torturous to be in love with a memory.”
“I am a daughter of the Wilds before I am anything else. These roots feel as much a part of me as my own bones. I don’t know who I’ll be if I’m not here.“
“Love used to be something we shared, but you’ve left me alone in it like a haunted house. Like I’m insane.”
“I was married to you the moment I met you.” My cheeks flush. I should open a window. “What do you mean?” Holden’s hand reaches for mine, grasping until he finds me. “I loved you before I knew what love was.”
“You want to know something?” he asks, so softly. “When I was a boy, I used to think I was born into this world to protect you. That the universe wanted us together so badly, it orchestrated a war to pull us together. That’s how strong my feelings for you were—and I was a child. Can you imagine how much more I feel now?”
😆Funny Quotes😆
“Cass told me you’d give me a lemon fizz if I delivered this.”
Classic Cass, making me pay her delivery fee for her.
“He won’t die. He’s too stubborn. Plus, the devil doesn’t want him.”
🗡️5 Star Action🗡️
🥰5 Star Banter🥰
🪶5 Star Prose🪶
The Fox Bride is a stunning YA Romantasy that is, in a nutshell, ✨perfection✨
Sasha has woven a beautiful story filled with childhood soul mates, betrayal, magic, and the power of art that had me enthralled from the opening sentence!
Read in one sitting, I fell in love with the characters and was simultaneously excited to complete the story and sad as it came to an end!
The Fox Bride is a story I will be re-reading (and listening to on audio) time and time again 💖
Summary:
On her 18th birthday Cass is forced by her father to marry a Prince, but the Prince and the marriage are far different than what Cass expected.
As she adjusts to her new life, and her new husband, she is thrown into a world full of secrets, heists, magical art, secret groups, and unlikely relationships.
Cass and her new group’s goal is to save the kingdom from being destroyed, but which side is good and which is evil? Will Cass help save the kingdom or work towards destruction?
Language: None
Spice: Kisses only
Age Recommendation: 13+
💖Favorite Quotes💖
“Art makes everything else makes sense.” He pauses, thinking. “Or maybe nothing makes sense without art.”
“It’s torturous to be in love with a memory.”
“I am a daughter of the Wilds before I am anything else. These roots feel as much a part of me as my own bones. I don’t know who I’ll be if I’m not here.“
“Love used to be something we shared, but you’ve left me alone in it like a haunted house. Like I’m insane.”
“I was married to you the moment I met you.” My cheeks flush. I should open a window. “What do you mean?” Holden’s hand reaches for mine, grasping until he finds me. “I loved you before I knew what love was.”
“You want to know something?” he asks, so softly. “When I was a boy, I used to think I was born into this world to protect you. That the universe wanted us together so badly, it orchestrated a war to pull us together. That’s how strong my feelings for you were—and I was a child. Can you imagine how much more I feel now?”
😆Funny Quotes😆
“Cass told me you’d give me a lemon fizz if I delivered this.”
Classic Cass, making me pay her delivery fee for her.
“He won’t die. He’s too stubborn. Plus, the devil doesn’t want him.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the eARC
This book was so much fun! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in a whole day but I couldn’t put it down! Cass was a really well written character, she’s complex and has hopes and dreams of her own. Holden was a fun character as well and it was nice to see him evolve and his views change. The best friends as children and then break apart is one of my fav tropes and I just really enjoyed it. It’s learning who this new person is and reconciling that with who you thought they were and who you knew they were as a child. Cass must discover this about Holden and why he is the way he is. The side characters were fun too and made the story incredibly rich. The twists and turns of this book kept it super interesting and the betrayals were so well done it kept me guessing.
This book was so much fun! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in a whole day but I couldn’t put it down! Cass was a really well written character, she’s complex and has hopes and dreams of her own. Holden was a fun character as well and it was nice to see him evolve and his views change. The best friends as children and then break apart is one of my fav tropes and I just really enjoyed it. It’s learning who this new person is and reconciling that with who you thought they were and who you knew they were as a child. Cass must discover this about Holden and why he is the way he is. The side characters were fun too and made the story incredibly rich. The twists and turns of this book kept it super interesting and the betrayals were so well done it kept me guessing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO NETGALLEY FOR ALLOWING ME TO READ THIS ARC
Omgosh it’s SO GOOD! When I started my reading journey, it was with The Rose Bargain and The Thorn Queen and I fell in love! The Fox Bride is such a beautiful story, I couldn’t put it down! Sasha Peyton Smith, you’ve done it again! Your storytelling is amazing, the plot twists, the characters, I am in awe. I will definitely be buying a copy.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO NETGALLEY FOR ALLOWING ME TO READ THIS ARC
Omgosh it’s SO GOOD! When I started my reading journey, it was with The Rose Bargain and The Thorn Queen and I fell in love! The Fox Bride is such a beautiful story, I couldn’t put it down! Sasha Peyton Smith, you’ve done it again! Your storytelling is amazing, the plot twists, the characters, I am in awe. I will definitely be buying a copy.
future-releases
June 25, 2026This sounds really interesting!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC of this book!
“Art makes everything else make sense… or maybe nothing makes sense without art.”
This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint! The Rose Bargain Duology was incredible and when I read the description for this book I knew it would be just as good. Sasha knows how to write yearning, intrigue, and inspiring books about finding your place in the world.. You thought Emmet was a yearner in The Rose Bargain? Sit down and buckle up.
“I am a daughter of the wilds before I am anything else.”
Cass Tattershall awakes on the morning of her arranged wedding to meet none other than the only boy she’s ever loved, Heath, now Holden, the crown Prince of Alcadia. But he is not the familiar companion she grew up with, and on top of the marriage and leaving her home (which is now at risk), Cass feels adrift, and the one person she trusted more than anyone else is a stranger. I loved her character, how determined and confident she was in her convictions and feelings and how resilient she was in the face of all of the changes and new things she learned during the story. She is not a naive FMC, she thinks things through and understands the repercussions of her actions and knows when to change them. Her needling of Holden and all the comments and barbs she threw at him were so amusing, I loved her sense of humor.
“If you plunged a knife into my heart, I’d just be pleased to momentarily have your attention.”
Enter Holden Atherstone, #1 Yearner.
Holden Atherstone arrives at his own wedding to his childhood best friend and man is this boy in PAIN! Where Cass’s life was mostly untouched by the war, his life has been completely shaped by it and he is not the same, save for one thing ;). Getting to see and feel his love for art, his country, and the foxes over the course of the story was great. While not always perfect, his decisions felt so real for a young boy thrust into leadership and trying to find his place in the recovering, war-torn world. One of my favorite moments was when he conveniently glossed over the first thing he ever stole (IYKYK, hehe). But the yearning and love was so intense, there were so many swoon-worthy moments that had me kicking my feet.
And The Foxes! The heists! The art! The magic!
The magic system was great and the juxtaposition between how it was woven into art and war was so interesting, and how Cass was so connected to it all. I loved the emphasis put on art as not only a reflection on the past, but how preserving and prioritizing it can shape the future. While the foxes all had their own reasons for working together to procure art, the passion and love within the group was palpable, and it made the ending all the more incredible.
Overall this was an enchanting coming of age story of love, growth, and finding where and with whom you fit into the world.
Note** All quotes are from the ARC and may differ in the final print copy.
“Art makes everything else make sense… or maybe nothing makes sense without art.”
This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint! The Rose Bargain Duology was incredible and when I read the description for this book I knew it would be just as good. Sasha knows how to write yearning, intrigue, and inspiring books about finding your place in the world.. You thought Emmet was a yearner in The Rose Bargain? Sit down and buckle up.
“I am a daughter of the wilds before I am anything else.”
Cass Tattershall awakes on the morning of her arranged wedding to meet none other than the only boy she’s ever loved, Heath, now Holden, the crown Prince of Alcadia. But he is not the familiar companion she grew up with, and on top of the marriage and leaving her home (which is now at risk), Cass feels adrift, and the one person she trusted more than anyone else is a stranger. I loved her character, how determined and confident she was in her convictions and feelings and how resilient she was in the face of all of the changes and new things she learned during the story. She is not a naive FMC, she thinks things through and understands the repercussions of her actions and knows when to change them. Her needling of Holden and all the comments and barbs she threw at him were so amusing, I loved her sense of humor.
“If you plunged a knife into my heart, I’d just be pleased to momentarily have your attention.”
Enter Holden Atherstone, #1 Yearner.
Holden Atherstone arrives at his own wedding to his childhood best friend and man is this boy in PAIN! Where Cass’s life was mostly untouched by the war, his life has been completely shaped by it and he is not the same, save for one thing ;). Getting to see and feel his love for art, his country, and the foxes over the course of the story was great. While not always perfect, his decisions felt so real for a young boy thrust into leadership and trying to find his place in the recovering, war-torn world. One of my favorite moments was when he conveniently glossed over the first thing he ever stole (IYKYK, hehe). But the yearning and love was so intense, there were so many swoon-worthy moments that had me kicking my feet.
And The Foxes! The heists! The art! The magic!
The magic system was great and the juxtaposition between how it was woven into art and war was so interesting, and how Cass was so connected to it all. I loved the emphasis put on art as not only a reflection on the past, but how preserving and prioritizing it can shape the future. While the foxes all had their own reasons for working together to procure art, the passion and love within the group was palpable, and it made the ending all the more incredible.
Overall this was an enchanting coming of age story of love, growth, and finding where and with whom you fit into the world.
Note** All quotes are from the ARC and may differ in the final print copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I really enjoyed this book. I think it's clear that the setting of The Wilds and characters, Cass and Heath (Holden) were very inspired by Wuthering Heights, even including a quote from that book at the beginning of this story, and I was so here for it. It felt gothic and romantic and hopeful.
But further into the book we get other elements - magic, art heists and found family. I definitely think the art heists made the book so much more fun and took away from the seriousness of the angst between the love interests.
Cass and Holden were childhood sweethearts, but a misunderstanding leads to them reuniting four years later as adults with Holden treating Cass coldly and like a stranger. To be honest, I'm not really a fan of the miscommunication trope but because there's so much else going on in the book, I'm choosing to forgive it this time, especially because while I was rooting for the romance, it wasn't my main focus. I'm also glad there was no spice in this just because of the young age of the characters.
I loved the mystery of the artist and her paintings and the side characters of Holden's friends too. The book was so fun and twisty and the epilogue was perfect.
Thank you to Harper Collins, Edelweiss and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion
But further into the book we get other elements - magic, art heists and found family. I definitely think the art heists made the book so much more fun and took away from the seriousness of the angst between the love interests.
Cass and Holden were childhood sweethearts, but a misunderstanding leads to them reuniting four years later as adults with Holden treating Cass coldly and like a stranger. To be honest, I'm not really a fan of the miscommunication trope but because there's so much else going on in the book, I'm choosing to forgive it this time, especially because while I was rooting for the romance, it wasn't my main focus. I'm also glad there was no spice in this just because of the young age of the characters.
I loved the mystery of the artist and her paintings and the side characters of Holden's friends too. The book was so fun and twisty and the epilogue was perfect.
Thank you to Harper Collins, Edelweiss and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion
October 13, 2026
Wow wow wow. I had high hopes after The Rose Bargain, and let me tell you, Sasha Peyton Smith has officially become an auto buy author for me after this book.
First of all, the yearning on both ends was to die for. Within the first chapter you know Cass is holding out for her childhood love and you know that Holden is in love with her but holding back. Timing never feels quite right until it does, with the journey making it even more worth it all. Wanting to know why Holden was acting the way he was had me turning page after page (it’s the romantic in me).
Then we bring in the magic system and how it’s all be destroyed in the war but that magic has had a way of quietly living through the paintings. I won’t give too much away but with that being a major plot line was so different and fascinating - I was obsessed. Yet another reason I could put it down.
And the foxes, how could we NOT love them? They grew on me fast and I must admit there were a few moments where they made me laugh. The friendships were effortlessly done.
I can’t wait to purchase this book when it’s published, it was for lack of better words, so magical and whimsical. And while I was borderline hoping for a sequel I was pleasantly surprised when it was all wrapped up into one achingly beautiful story. I loved it.
First of all, the yearning on both ends was to die for. Within the first chapter you know Cass is holding out for her childhood love and you know that Holden is in love with her but holding back. Timing never feels quite right until it does, with the journey making it even more worth it all. Wanting to know why Holden was acting the way he was had me turning page after page (it’s the romantic in me).
Then we bring in the magic system and how it’s all be destroyed in the war but that magic has had a way of quietly living through the paintings. I won’t give too much away but with that being a major plot line was so different and fascinating - I was obsessed. Yet another reason I could put it down.
And the foxes, how could we NOT love them? They grew on me fast and I must admit there were a few moments where they made me laugh. The friendships were effortlessly done.
I can’t wait to purchase this book when it’s published, it was for lack of better words, so magical and whimsical. And while I was borderline hoping for a sequel I was pleasantly surprised when it was all wrapped up into one achingly beautiful story. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley & publishers for the arc of this book 🌹🩷🍀🗡
⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔
"When I was a bov, 1 used to think 1 was born into this world to protect you. That the universe wanted us together sc badly, it orchestrated a war to pull us together. That's how strong my feelings for you were-and I was a child Can you imagine how much more I feel now?'
Childhood lovers, hiest, Art, predicted doom and magical world and of course painful angst, this book has everything!!
Cass what a protagonist you are, so loveable but so strong and fierce how she wanted to marry her Childhood love but arrange marriage was her fate and when she is at the altar low and behold her Childhood love is there, as a Prince of a nation and now better known and holden but so cold and distant she does not recognise him.
But the way story flowed and we get to know how down bad he is for her and how much he yearns for her and the misunderstanding as kids just made him want to he distant yet he had to marry her even if it was through political influence made me go crazy, and the way they just wanted each other but things held them back, the uncle and predicted end of the world and how it was totally predicted in a different way, I absolutely devoured this book in no time.
⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔
"When I was a bov, 1 used to think 1 was born into this world to protect you. That the universe wanted us together sc badly, it orchestrated a war to pull us together. That's how strong my feelings for you were-and I was a child Can you imagine how much more I feel now?'
Childhood lovers, hiest, Art, predicted doom and magical world and of course painful angst, this book has everything!!
Cass what a protagonist you are, so loveable but so strong and fierce how she wanted to marry her Childhood love but arrange marriage was her fate and when she is at the altar low and behold her Childhood love is there, as a Prince of a nation and now better known and holden but so cold and distant she does not recognise him.
But the way story flowed and we get to know how down bad he is for her and how much he yearns for her and the misunderstanding as kids just made him want to he distant yet he had to marry her even if it was through political influence made me go crazy, and the way they just wanted each other but things held them back, the uncle and predicted end of the world and how it was totally predicted in a different way, I absolutely devoured this book in no time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
if there’s one thing Sasha Peyton Smith’s gonna do, it’s give us a fun little band of friends who are up to some antics.
Truly, the friend group in this stole the show, and I could read another book just full of more of their shenanigans!
The romance was less center stage to the story than I was expecting; it does rely pretty heavily on the miscommunication trope, and our main characters are not on the same page for a good portion of the story. It’s definitely part of the tension of the plot and I thought it worked, but it was frustrating at times when you just wanted them to work it out! However, as I reminded myself, at the end of the day they’re 18, and I was also a dramatic idiot at 18.
I really loved Cass and her strong will. And, as a girl who at 14, lamented in her diary that she’d never meet one direction and thought that was the worst thing possible, I can relate to 14 year old Cass catastrophizing about her childhood love.
Do I wish we got more childhood flashbacks? Yes. But did I have fun with this story? Absolutely.
(A final note, I hope the epilogue is a little longer in the finalized version because I have at least one unresolved question…)
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishing team for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Truly, the friend group in this stole the show, and I could read another book just full of more of their shenanigans!
The romance was less center stage to the story than I was expecting; it does rely pretty heavily on the miscommunication trope, and our main characters are not on the same page for a good portion of the story. It’s definitely part of the tension of the plot and I thought it worked, but it was frustrating at times when you just wanted them to work it out! However, as I reminded myself, at the end of the day they’re 18, and I was also a dramatic idiot at 18.
I really loved Cass and her strong will. And, as a girl who at 14, lamented in her diary that she’d never meet one direction and thought that was the worst thing possible, I can relate to 14 year old Cass catastrophizing about her childhood love.
Do I wish we got more childhood flashbacks? Yes. But did I have fun with this story? Absolutely.
(A final note, I hope the epilogue is a little longer in the finalized version because I have at least one unresolved question…)
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishing team for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins and Sasha Peyton Smith for the ARC!
Wow. After Rose Bargain I had high expectations,and this did not disappoint! A brilliant standalone.
Magical Art Heists, I'm immediately interested.
The yearning, the relationship between Holden and Cass was exquisite, Smith really knows what she's doing when writing fantasy romance. I adored the characters, the world building, so expertly done I couldn't help but finish this in a day.
I found it so satisfying that, finally, a YA novel with not only a likable, but rather mature FMC that avoids the "I'm going to keep everything away from you because plot convinience". No, Cass made a bargain, releases it's naive, and actually tells Holden instead of the whole last minute reveal by Martingale and it's a massive betrayal.
I'm so grateful I got to read this ARC it was truly whimsical, magical and beautiful. The plot was great and kept me interested and the characters were great to follow and the betrayal at the end was not what I was expecting!
I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy whimsical magic, a great plot with Heists, mystery, with a sprinkle of an epic love full of pining.
Wow. After Rose Bargain I had high expectations,and this did not disappoint! A brilliant standalone.
Magical Art Heists, I'm immediately interested.
The yearning, the relationship between Holden and Cass was exquisite, Smith really knows what she's doing when writing fantasy romance. I adored the characters, the world building, so expertly done I couldn't help but finish this in a day.
I found it so satisfying that, finally, a YA novel with not only a likable, but rather mature FMC that avoids the "I'm going to keep everything away from you because plot convinience". No, Cass made a bargain, releases it's naive, and actually tells Holden instead of the whole last minute reveal by Martingale and it's a massive betrayal.
I'm so grateful I got to read this ARC it was truly whimsical, magical and beautiful. The plot was great and kept me interested and the characters were great to follow and the betrayal at the end was not what I was expecting!
I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy whimsical magic, a great plot with Heists, mystery, with a sprinkle of an epic love full of pining.
October 11, 2026
I 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 this. 4.5 stars ⭐️
Set in the aftermath of a magical war, Cass is forced into an arranged marriage with a prince. But at the alter, Cass finds herself faced with the boy who was her childhood best friend and first love. The boy who left four years prior without saying goodbye.
The boy she loved came back for her, but seemingly not the same boy at all. Colder, darker, withdrawn and definitely taller than when she knew him - Cass finds herself hating the boy she once thought she loved.
Together they must work together to find a magical painting that is said to depict the end of the world.
This YA romantasy standalone was captivating, lighthearted, emotional, funny and well written.
The relationship between Cass and Holden is charming.
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘺, 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺, 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.“
The plot kept me interested (finished this in one day) and I was truly unable to predict the ending.
I had a great time reading this ARC.
Thank you @sashapeytonsmith, @netgalley and @harpercollinschin for the opportunity to read this amazing story.
Set in the aftermath of a magical war, Cass is forced into an arranged marriage with a prince. But at the alter, Cass finds herself faced with the boy who was her childhood best friend and first love. The boy who left four years prior without saying goodbye.
The boy she loved came back for her, but seemingly not the same boy at all. Colder, darker, withdrawn and definitely taller than when she knew him - Cass finds herself hating the boy she once thought she loved.
Together they must work together to find a magical painting that is said to depict the end of the world.
This YA romantasy standalone was captivating, lighthearted, emotional, funny and well written.
The relationship between Cass and Holden is charming.
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘺, 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺, 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.“
The plot kept me interested (finished this in one day) and I was truly unable to predict the ending.
I had a great time reading this ARC.
Thank you @sashapeytonsmith, @netgalley and @harpercollinschin for the opportunity to read this amazing story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🦊 I knew I was going to love this book as soon the plot twist happens right from the start, and I was utterly captivated the entire time.
Sasha Peyton Smith flawlessly weaves the adrenaline of high stakes thievery with a deeply YEARNING romance (my goodness the intensity and not a drop of spice was needed.) The slow burn mystery and steady leaking of secrets being revealed had me finishing this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. The betrayals had me so utterly shocked.
The present blended with reflection of the past in both POVs is beautifully written in the story to evoke so many emotions in the reader. Though our FMC Cass & MMC had a jagged journey with hurt and misunderstanding, I found their love story to be so immensely beautiful. Sasha Peyton Smith is so incredibly talented to be able to write in such a way that evokes such intense emotions in the reader. An unforgettable masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.
PS - I love Gideon and that man deserves happiness in his own book 👀 I beg.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Collins/ Harper Collins children for the ARC- I am so extremely thankful.
Sasha Peyton Smith flawlessly weaves the adrenaline of high stakes thievery with a deeply YEARNING romance (my goodness the intensity and not a drop of spice was needed.) The slow burn mystery and steady leaking of secrets being revealed had me finishing this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. The betrayals had me so utterly shocked.
The present blended with reflection of the past in both POVs is beautifully written in the story to evoke so many emotions in the reader. Though our FMC Cass & MMC had a jagged journey with hurt and misunderstanding, I found their love story to be so immensely beautiful. Sasha Peyton Smith is so incredibly talented to be able to write in such a way that evokes such intense emotions in the reader. An unforgettable masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.
PS - I love Gideon and that man deserves happiness in his own book 👀 I beg.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Collins/ Harper Collins children for the ARC- I am so extremely thankful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Fox Bride is a gothic fantasy that will leave readers swooning from the yearning while keeping them on the edge of their seat from the mystery. Cass is being married off to the prince of Alcadia even though her heart yearns for the boy, Heath, that she fell in love with as a young girl. When he left, there were promises to write and for him to return to her when they became of age only Cass has not heard from him since he left. Cass discovers that the man she is marrying is Heath, but now goes by Holden, when she finally stands beside her groom. Only Holden does not act anything like Heath did and Cass doesn't know what to do. In her search for the boy she knew, Cass becomes entangled in mysteries, dangerous plots, and betrayal.
I absolutely flew through this book. The story kept me engaged the entire time and the yearning was top tier. The romance between Cass and Holden, was perfect. The banter between them was great and the amount of time it took for them to really see each other was realistic. There are no open door scenes in the book and only kisses on the page. I would recommend for any high school.
I absolutely flew through this book. The story kept me engaged the entire time and the yearning was top tier. The romance between Cass and Holden, was perfect. The banter between them was great and the amount of time it took for them to really see each other was realistic. There are no open door scenes in the book and only kisses on the page. I would recommend for any high school.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and HarperCollins for this ARC.
Oh, but I loved this! Sasha builds the most magical, vivid worlds. I can see the Wilds, smell the sea air, feel the breeze on my face. The lost love of our main characters sets up this beautiful arc that this story follows. And the way Sasha doesn't stick us with this horrible, story-ending miscommunication trope makes me so happy! This story shows true love, which is built in trust and forgiveness and an understanding of what "forever". means. Thank you so much for this arc. I read it in two days and feel all warm inside at the story you have given me.
Oh, but I loved this! Sasha builds the most magical, vivid worlds. I can see the Wilds, smell the sea air, feel the breeze on my face. The lost love of our main characters sets up this beautiful arc that this story follows. And the way Sasha doesn't stick us with this horrible, story-ending miscommunication trope makes me so happy! This story shows true love, which is built in trust and forgiveness and an understanding of what "forever". means. Thank you so much for this arc. I read it in two days and feel all warm inside at the story you have given me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's publishing for allowing me an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE Sasha Peyton Smith and dare I say she has done it again! I am an avid fan of the Rose Bargain series, and I clicked so quickly when I saw this set to read now on NetGalley. Words cannot do this book justice! I finished it so fast and fell in love with the characters and the setting. This is perfect for fans of fantasy, long-lost love tropes, and friends to enemies to lovers themes. My only complaint was I wish we got more from Gideon in this book, but perhaps there will be a spin-off....
I LOVE Sasha Peyton Smith and dare I say she has done it again! I am an avid fan of the Rose Bargain series, and I clicked so quickly when I saw this set to read now on NetGalley. Words cannot do this book justice! I finished it so fast and fell in love with the characters and the setting. This is perfect for fans of fantasy, long-lost love tropes, and friends to enemies to lovers themes. My only complaint was I wish we got more from Gideon in this book, but perhaps there will be a spin-off....
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Publishers for blessing me with this beautifully written ARC!
It was so refreshing getting to know Cass . She is funny, smart and a bit dramatic in a hilarious kind of way.
The banter between her and Holden is top tier and I love some good banter.
The world building is amazing. This is my first book of Mrs. Sasha but it definitely won’t be the last.
If you love second chance love, forced marriage , banter, world building you will definitely love this book.
It was so refreshing getting to know Cass . She is funny, smart and a bit dramatic in a hilarious kind of way.
The banter between her and Holden is top tier and I love some good banter.
The world building is amazing. This is my first book of Mrs. Sasha but it definitely won’t be the last.
If you love second chance love, forced marriage , banter, world building you will definitely love this book.
October 11, 2026
I enjoyed exploring Alcadia in this release. Cass is a strong female character with a great love for the Wilds. Holden was a frustrating fellow, but by the end I could understand where he was coming from. Loved the banter and bond of the Foxes. I wish there had been more from Cass and Holden(Heath)‘s childhood. Overall I would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I finished this book in 10 hours! I love a good YA romance. This book was a perfect little read. Two childhood sweethearts reconnecting in early adulthood was so heartwarming. This book had lots of plot twists that I didn't see coming! And the yearning from the MMC! *chefs kiss*
It was such a sweet story! I love everything that Sasha Peyton Smith writes.
It was such a sweet story! I love everything that Sasha Peyton Smith writes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a fun book! I’ve loved all of Sasha Peyton Smith’s books, and this one is no different! The character development was amazing, and I thought the plot was super unique and very interesting! Was hooked from beginning to end!
Want to Read
September 16, 2026hoping with my soul that it will be on netgalley. I love Sasha and her books-she's the queen of aesthetics🎀👑💕
anticipated-release
September 19, 2026Can’t wait to read this !
October 13, 2026
the fact i’m not allowed to talk about this MASTERPIECE of a book until April is enough to make a grown man cry (sneak peek at how much your gonna love it, i read the book in a day)
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