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Vanessa

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The Rose Bargain (The Rose Bargain, #1)

by Sasha Peyton Smith (Goodreads Author)

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read in May 2025

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Vanessa said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

" Set in an alternate 1848 London ruled by the immortal fae Queen Moryen, The Rose Bargain follows Ivy Benton, the second daughter of a disgraced noble family. With her sister Lydia’s mysterious disappearance and return leaving their family’s reputatio Set in an alternate 1848 London ruled by the immortal fae Queen Moryen, The Rose Bargain follows Ivy Benton, the second daughter of a disgraced noble family. With her sister Lydia’s mysterious disappearance and return leaving their family’s reputation in tatters, Ivy sees the queen’s announcement of a competition to marry her son, Prince Bram, as a chance to restore their standing. Entering the contest, Ivy navigates a world where young women make perilous bargains with the fae queen, trading precious parts of themselves—memories, abilities, even body parts—for qualities that might help them win the prince’s favor. As Ivy becomes a frontrunner, she forms an unexpected alliance with Prince Emmett, Bram’s human half-brother, who offers to help her win the competition in exchange for her assistance in his own quest against the queen. But as the season progresses, Ivy realizes that the stakes are higher than she imagined, and every choice comes with a cost.

This novel was a five-star read for me—an enthralling blend of romance, intrigue, and fantasy that felt like Bridgerton meets The Bachelor with a magical twist. Ivy’s journey is compelling; she’s a headstrong and clever protagonist whose determination to protect her family leads her into a web of courtly politics and fae bargains. The multiple points of view, including those of other contestants like Olive Lisonbee, Marion Thorne, and Emmy Ito, add depth to the narrative, showcasing the diverse motivations and backgrounds of the characters. The London setting is richly imagined, with glittering ballrooms and dark trials that highlight the story’s blend of elegance and danger. I was particularly drawn to the complex relationships and the simmering tension between Ivy and Prince Emmett, whose alliance adds layers of intrigue and emotion. Sasha Peyton Smith’s writing is immersive and lyrical, making it easy to get lost in this world. I can’t wait for the second book in the duology and highly recommend The Rose Bargain to fans of romantic fantasy and historical drama. ...more "

May 25, 2025 02:34PM · see review