The Rose Bargain

By: Sasha Peyton Smith

Narrated by: Emily Mount, Shiromi Arserio, James Meunier

*An instant New York Times bestseller!

Vying for the hand of one brother.

Falling in love with the other.

A new Victorian-inspired romantasy, perfect for fans of Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince.

“If you’re looking for the next YA sensation, here it is.” —Adalyn Grace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Belladonna

London, 1848—For four hundred years, England has been under the control of an immortal fae queen who tricked her way onto the throne. To maintain an illusion of benevolence, Queen Mor grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire.

As Ivy Benton prepares to make her debut, she knows that not even a deal with the queen could fix what has gone wrong: Her family’s social standing is in shambles, her sister is a shadow of her former self, and Ivy’s marriage prospects are nonexistent. So when the queen announces a competition for Prince Bram’s hand, Ivy is the first to sign her name in blood. What a bargain can’t fix, a crown certainly could.

Ivy soon finds herself a surprising front-runner—with the help of an unexpected ally: Prince Bram’s brother, the rakish Prince Emmett, who promises to help Ivy win his brother’s heart…for a price. But as the season sweeps Ivy away, with glittering balls veiling the queen’s increasingly vicious trials, Ivy realizes there’s more at stake than just a wedding. Because all faerie bargains come with a cost, and Ivy may have discovered hers too late.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven comes a tale that will leave listeners eager to bargain for a sequel.

©2025 Sasha Peyton Smith (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Great plot! I couldn’t put it down

Great read!!! If you like the selection series with a touch more magic you will love this

Enjoyable

Very enjoyable and entertaining. The readers were excellent and the story was very good. A good twist at the end and I’m looking forward to book 2.

Surprises at every turn!

I enjoyed this story immensely. Barnes and Noble described it as a cross between Holly Black's Cruel Prince and Netflix adaptation of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton and it did not disappoint.

Amazing!

While I agree, this story has the princess competition trope elements, the twists & turns, and complexities of the story divests itself from being typical, overdone, or boring. The story is vivid and pulls you in, taking you from one plot point to another with fluidity. I typically can sus out where the story is going, but this one kept me on my toes. The narration was excellent as well.
My only qualm is the romantic relationship between Ivy and Emmett. I felt like there was zero build up. One min, they're working together, next thing they're kissing. This wasn't a slow-burn or insta, it was just there like a magic trick. Even at the end, I didn't feel their chemistry. I just didn't buy it.
Other than that, this was a great ride and I look forward to the next book!

the bachelor but make it fae

wild and entertaining very cruel prince vibes the cliffhanger will make u want the next book asap

Breakneck twists and turns

This is one of my favorite books I’ve heard in over two years!! Can’t wait for the next

Right to the good stuff

I enjoyed every second of this book! I appreciated that there was no “fluff”- just the good stuff, constantly advancing the story. I fell in love with all the characters, even the ones that bugged me in the beginning. Such a fun, unique idea and I can’t wait for the sequel!!

Perfection

This got me out of my reading slump. I loved everything about this… jaw to the floor!!

Ughh why isn’t the second book out yet!!

Really good! One of those books that keeps you locked in! Wish the second book was already out.

Bridgeton with Fae

Loved it! Only mild spice. Good characters. Can’t wait for the next one. The performance was great. Appropriate for teens and adults.