4.01 AVERAGE

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4.75/5🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ WOW!!! This book took me by surprise! This was a perfect way to take concepts from other works (I.e. The Selection and Cruel Prince) and form a whole new world that is entirely your own but draws from inspiration. I LOVED the selection series and when it was over I desperately wanted something like it. This didn’t exist at the time but I sure wish it had! 

The Rose Bargain was a spellbinding blend of romance, mystery, and enchanting world building that hooked me from the first page. It’s set in a world where magic and contracts intertwine and betrayals seem like only a page turn away. The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twists were satisfyingly unexpected, while the romance provided just the right balance of tension and tenderness. 

Lastly, what I think sets The Rose Bargain apart from other stories like The Selection and The Cruel Prince was its emotional depth and the way it explores power dynamics, choice, and the consequences of desires we can't fully control. The characters felt real, flawed, and easy to root for, making every decision they faced feel all the more consequential.

I kind of already wish I could read this again for the first time. Where’s Queen Mor? I may need to make a bargain 😉 who needs a pinky anyways. 

I may even change my rating to 5 stars…idk yet! 

4.2 ☆
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The cover art gave me "Beauty and the Beast," vibes, and it totally not this book vibe, lol. The Selection x Bridgerton x The Cruel Prince = The Rose Bargain. In this England society, every citizen is allowed to make a bargain with the fae queen. Ivy is our main lead and is about to enter society, 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. This book was really good. During the middle, the pace was a little slow, but overall, it was a good read. The ending was a chief kiss and the cliffhanger. I need book two like now.
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The Bachelor meets Survivor with Fae? I was skeptical at first, but I immediately became enthralled by the relationships and betrayal and hope for a better life. The plot twists were fun and kept you guessing how the story would progress.
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Listen… this is such a fun read! Regency era Bachelor vibes but with an ominous twist. Very much leaning into the traditional lore about the Fae and what they want from humans. Very excited that this is a duology and I will absolutely be reading the next to see what happens. 
emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No