This is one of those books that pulls you in with its shimmering premise and then quietly reveals a darker, more dangerous heart. The setup is irresistible: every person in England gets one bargain with the fae queen, and high-society girls trade away pieces of themselves for beauty, talent, or charm to better their marriage prospects. Into this glittering, treacherous world steps Ivy Benton, a heroine who is not only fighting for her family’s survival but also for her sister, who has been broken by the very system Ivy is now forced to play into. Right away, Smith sets the stage for a story that blends sharp social commentary with lush romantic tension.
What makes this book so compelling is how it balances the glamour of ballroom dances and court intrigue with the unsettling truths behind the bargains. Ivy is a relatable protagonist—determined, vulnerable, and caught between her longing for independence and the crushing expectations of her world. The competition for Prince Bram’s hand is not just a backdrop for romance; it’s a cutthroat survival game where every smile hides a secret, and every deal exacts a cost. The fae in Smith’s hands are as alluring as they are cruel, and that unpredictability keeps you hooked, never quite sure who can be trusted or what Ivy will be forced to sacrifice.
At its core, The Rose Bargain is a story about choice, power, and the hidden costs of desire. Fans of Holly Black and Stephanie Garber will feel at home in its intoxicating mix of beauty and danger, but Smith adds her own haunting voice—one that lingers after the last page. It’s a book that asks how much of yourself you can give away before there’s nothing left, and whether love can truly survive when bargains and betrayals lie at its foundation. Both swoon-worthy and spine-chilling, this duology opener promises a tale that’s as enchanting as it is devastating, leaving readers eager for the next installment.
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