THE ROSE BARGAIN - Sasha Peyton Smith

Genre - Fantasy, Romance

Goodreads rating - 3.96/5 
My rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 

It is a lush, darkly enchanting romantasy that blends fae intrigue with high-stakes competition. Ivy Benton, a young woman desperate to save her family, enters a contest to win the hand of Prince Bram, the fae queen’s son. But in a world where bargains come at a steep price, Ivy quickly realizes that survival in this deadly game requires more than charm—it demands cunning, sacrifice, and an unwavering will. The novel’s atmosphere is rich with tension, weaving together romance, deception, and the eerie beauty of fae magic.

What makes Ivy compelling is her determination—not just to win, but to unravel the secrets that have shaped her world. The competition is brutal, with rival contestants willing to do anything to secure their future. Yet, beyond the glittering façade of courtly romance lies a deeper conflict, one that threatens to upend everything Ivy thought she knew. The presence of Prince Emmett, Bram’s human brother, adds another layer of intrigue, forcing Ivy to navigate not only the dangers of the contest but also the tangled emotions that come with forbidden alliances.

Smith’s storytelling thrives on its balance of romance and suspense. The fae bargains, each laced with hidden consequences, create an unsettling backdrop that keeps the reader on edge. The novel’s pacing builds steadily, leading to moments of breathtaking revelation and heartbreak. For fans of The Cruel Prince and The Selection, The Rose Bargain delivers a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of power—one that lingers long after the final page.