Returning to reading has been one of my greatest joys in the past couple of years. Finding time to read again and forcing myself to carve out time for new stories has become an important part of my life. It’s fueling my writing and creativity and brought so much joy to my life. So when I find a new book that I love, I have to share it here with you.
And today, that is the Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith. And here are my top reasons you should read it:
5 reasons to read The Rose Bargain
- You like fae romantasy stories.
- You love Bridgerton/Regency era England.
- You’re a fan of The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air series) and The Selection.
- You like YA Fiction (suitable for 14+).
- You like stories that have trials/ marriage competitions.
Summary of The Rose Bargain
Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen. High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.
But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin… and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.
Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart, and at the centre of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything.
Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthral readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace.
My Review of The Rose Bargain
Four Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but this time I couldn’t help myself, it was too pretty not to! With a gilded spine and beautiful roses on the front cover and end pages, it is one of the books that makes my bookshelf just that bit brighter.
That’s before we dive headfirst into a regency era London and meet Lady Ivy Benton. Although only young and naive to some things, she is a character with grit but is still very obviously still young, with some slightly overly sweet thoughts.
I loved the marriage trial trope in this, finding it a fascinating thing to have in a YA Romantasy. It’s usually a topic involved in much older darker stories but it was done well here. I did enjoy the (slight) love triangle. The romance was good but I felt it needed a little more depth.
I didn’t expect to like the two princes as much as I did. There was some fun, teasing banter and some real romantic moments that are perfect for a teen romance. I’d say this book is suitable for around fourteen plus, a good first step into the world of Romantasy novels.
This is a great read with a good mix of fantasy and historical fiction and the twist and last few chapters had me in shock!
The pacing isn’t perfect and there are a few scenes that aren’t long enough for my liking. Scenes where I wanted to really delve into that moment for pages were rather short and other things dragged on. I also found the random jumps into other characters felt a little strange on first read but after thinking on it, it was interesting to see how different characters were treated and reacting to the same scenarios. It’s the sort of writing that could make this easier to take from page to screen.
It has set me off on wanting to read the Selection now.
I cannot wait for the second book. Books like this are why I still read YA at my age.
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