Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
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. 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.
Is The Rose Bargain appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This Victorian fae romantasy features political intrigue, a love triangle, and the queen's 'increasingly vicious trials' which suggests moderate violence. Romance is central but likely fade-to-black or minimal detail given YA positioning.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, violence, and deception (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will love the glittering balls, forbidden romance with a prince's rakish brother, and high-stakes competition for a crown.