The Rose Bargain made me fall in love with YA books again. I haven't felt this way with a young adult novel since the Folk of the Air trilogy. I have seen many comparing the two and while I can see that I believe this novels stands in it's own lane and does it well. I don't want to give away too much because I feel it's best to go in blind but I will say that Ivy is a strong main character who is willing to sacrifice everything for the people she loves. I loved that instead of changing completely, she grew into herself both in confidence and  in cunning. I also quite enjoyed the cast of supporting characters, I felt the group surrounding Ivy really helped add to the story and the chapters in their point of view were some of my favorites. As for the romance in this book, at some points it felt like a subplot but it made it all the more sweeter when you got glimpses of it. It also kicks up quite a bit in the last 20% and I would advise more sensitive young readers to check content warnings for chapters 28 & 31.
Something else to note is that while there is fae and magical elements, the story is mostly based in regency era London with only a few passages of magic with the book hinting that . Also, (Non-Plot Spoiler) <spoiler>this book does end on a cliffhanger.</spoiler> These are minor details to be aware of but I don't believe that either of these things take away much from the book and it is still a very strong read.
 Overall, I believe this book is a perfect read for any fan of both fantasy and historical fiction, It has aspects of The Cruel Prince, Bridgerton and even The Grace Year. I truly believe this has the potential to be the best YA book of 2025.