The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
If the show Bridgerton and the Cruel Prince had a child it would be this book!
Synopsis:
I absolutely loved Smith’s debut novel The Rose Bargain, it takes place in 1848, London. The premise if very unique, it was refreshing to read something new for once. An immortal fae queen rules over England, she won it through deception. And now offers each citizen one magical bargain to keep up the illusion that she’s generous. Ivy Benton is about to debut in society and need to find a husband because her family’s reputation is ruined. Her sister disappeared one day and when she finally returned she was never the same. The Benton family is also struggling financially. So Ivy is there last chance if they want to weather this storm.
When the queen announces a competition to win Prince Bram’s hand, Ivy immediately signs up in the hopes that a crown can fix everything a bargain can’t. Ivy starts to rise in the ranks all thanks to Prince Bram’s mischievous brother, Emmett De Vere who secretly agrees to coach her to woo his brother…but for a larger scheme.
My Thoughts:
The way I could not put this book down! It quite literally had me in a choke hold, I pulled an all nighter just to finish it. Read it in one sitting, it was so engaging and fast paced. There was never a dull moment. I loved Ivy because I think she’s so relatable. She was never described as the most beautiful, intelligent, or had a unique talent but she she was headstrong and determined. She was so apologetically herself, Ivy was truly a breath of fresh air after all the cookie cutter female main characters that have taken over all books.
I did like how the fae were not portrayed as humans but just with pointy ears. They were completely different, they had less humanity and tended to be more cruel. The queen especially saw humans as toys. This was very similar to the way the Cruel Prince portrays fae and I really love that. I also loved how all the girls who are competing for Prince Bram’s hand become a family, they were peak girlhood. They’re all like sisters who fight but still care for each other.
Now onto the romance, I typically don’t like a love triangle but this didn’t feel like one. I had my favourite from the very beginning. There are two types of girls in the world. Are you a Prince Bram girlie or Prince Emmett? Me personally I loved Emmett, he’s the rouge and mischievous prince who isn’t afraid to break the rules. Bram the typical prince he’s very gentlemanly and well mannered. But I will say the plot twist at the end did get me. My jaw was quite literally on the floor!
10/10 book definitely read it! And the sequel, The Thorn Queen, is coming out in April, 2026! Be sure to check out my ARC review of it coming soon! 🫣
And here is some beautiful art… enjoy! 🥰 (not my own images)
