The Rose Bargain blossomed into my heart as an impactful story riddled with intrigue, romance, mystery, and a dazzling touch of magic.

Protagonist Ivy leads this tale with intention-- to save her family, at the cost of her own freedom, she looks to enter a magical competition to win the hand of a prince. But as things turn deadly, it's another prince who comes to her aid. Together they look to do more than just saving parents-- they look to save a world from ruin.

I enjoyed Ivy as a character, particularly because she is not flawless, rather she is flawed. She has moments of pettiness, anger, and bad decisions. I also enjoyed her vulnerability, as she faces her wrongs, addresses her hurt, and makes heartbreaking decisions. And I enjoyed her as heroine striving to correct wrongs, discover truth, and save not just loved ones but everyone from a presumed cruel future. She may be scared but she faces all fear with courage and a stubbornness that steels the spine and heart. She is the type of YA heroine I enjoy-- soft yet sharp, intelligent yet flawed, brave yet hesitant. It makes for a relatable protagonist to follow on the adventures ahead.

Admittedly, Ivy's romance storyline did not capture my attention, but her relationship with her sister Lydia very much did. My heart broke for the sisters, for the promises broken and a past shrouded in mystery. Lydia emerges as a character of note, one whose journey, were it to take the reins, I'd very gladly follow. Her presence helps to further layer Ivy's character and raise the stakes-- as did all featured POVs.

I deeply appreciated each supporting character POV interlude, it became a very welcome surprise. The POVs ensured all supporting characters became multi-faceted-- that they too have a price to pay in the competition. That their presence is not without consequence. This also helped to grow the camaraderie between the girls in the competition especially. It became not about wanting to see Ivy win, but all the girls fight together. Those interludes raised the stakes significantly, and it greatly broadened my appreciation for the clever, poignant, high-stakes plot.

As mentioned, Ivy's romantic subplot fell just short of expectations. I would consider this is the sole stumble in an otherwise exciting path. I would have enjoyed more development in that area, so the "I love you's" could land with more impact. However, this is not a standalone-- there is still story left to tell! Which came as a shock to me, I didn't realize this book is just the start of a grander story! Given this revelation, I remain very open-minded in terms of the romance, and hopeful it will progress with a more satisfying journey. I very much believe it will-- the overall plot already has me enthralled, and I can't wait to be further enchanted as it continues to develop, along with the romance that has so much more story left to tell.

If you enjoy magical competition, practice kisses, and a plot that balances beautifully between the realistic and the fantastic, then The Rose Bargain is absolutely calling to you! It certainly has to me!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5✨