Oh. My. GOD.

The way I have been WAITING for this book and it exceeded every single hope, dream, expectation I had. We bow to the queen! I have been a longtime fan of Julie’s and especially her magical stories and worlds, and I had the best damn time reading this. Was my stress level through the roof? Did I find myself holding my breath on multiple occasions? Did I lose sleep over this story? YUP, and I’d gladly go through it all again.

Julie’s storytelling is so masterful as she weaves elements of dark and light with magic and mystery. And no one writes tension better than Julie. Again, we bow to the queen.

I am counting down the days until we need the next book.

I finished this book last night, and still trying to process everything. This one is DARK and I would advise anyone going into it to please check the trigger warnings.
With that being said…. I loved it.
I loved the setting and the characters and the TENSION! The ending was fantastic although kind of predictable, it leaves you on a cliff hanger so buckle up for that.

I felt as if it was missing something, though, which is why I can’t give it a full 5 stars.
Highly recommend if you enjoy romantasy + enemies to lovers.

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of Rose in Chains by Julie Soto!! YOU CAME THROUGH WITH A 🔥 BOOK.

Where do I even begin? This book has many triggers that should be considered before starting. At first, I was worried the book wasn’t for me, but by 100 pages I was sucked in. I haven’t been this eager to read during every spare second I have in so long. I devoured this!!

In the book we follow Briony Rosewood as she is bargained at auction by the opposing kingdom that captured her people after a losing war. Briony finds herself sold to Toven Hearst, the one person who saw who she truly was during their years at school. The one person who despised her very being. There are secrets and tension up to the ceiling between the two, but they must live with each other to convince the outside that they are bonded. That Toven is using Briony to harness her power as a heartstring.

The magic aspect was fleshed out enough for me to believe it, but what really entrapped my attention was the insurmountable sexual tension between Briony and Toven. Why was I blushing every single time they were in a room together!!!! I didn’t know if I wanted them to fight or fuck their feelings out, but the way that the author weaved their dynamic kept me so entertained!!

Overall, I can see this book being misconstrued due to the contents of it, but I really loved it more than I expected. I will be following Briony back to Evermore for book 2 and I cannot wait!

YEARNING IS SO BACK. Julie Soto has done It and will continue doing IT. What an incredible time to have eyeballs to have read this and the ability to just read, in general. lol I really have no words, but here's my attempt:

I had an absolutely blast reading "Rose in Chains". I can't speak for the original source material (in comparison), I went into this novel knowing absolutely nothing about the lore and inspo but it's now my new obsession and I did a deep dive immediately after. I want to give major props to Julie's flow and story telling. I was continually hooked in the story, even with the flashbacks. Like each flashback served a purpose and then pulled the reader right back to the present. The magic system: heart and mind magic were so freaking cool. The characters (especially the Hearst family) were mysterious and intriguing, but I was still heavily invested to what will become of them. I think in classic trilogy format, I already know book 2 and 3 are gonna go so hard 🤧 This book had just the right amount of tension, yearning, and "WTF is gonna happen!!". This may just be (one of) if not, THE best Romantasy books of 2025. 🤭

thank you endlessly to Estelle @ Forever for the eARC 💜🌹⛓️

I am GNAWING AT THE BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE, THIS WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED IT TO BE AND MORE.

Every time I think I've possibly outgrown the standard romantasy formula, I'm hit with a fun new twist in the form of a subgenre that I didn’t know I needed until I had it in my hands — this time, dark romantasy. GIVE ME MORE MORALLY COMPLEX SITUATIONS. GIVE ME MORE HIGH STAKES PLOT. GIVE ME MORE EMOTIONAL DILEMMAS. GIVE ME MORE TRAUMA AND STRUGGLE WITH ONLY THE THINNEST POSSIBLE HOPE OF SALVATION. The higher the stakes, the more enjoyable that inevitable HEA will be, And friends, this was delicious, from start to finish.

I was nervous for Julie's first foray into original fantasy content, but she NAILED the creation of an interesting world and history, and a unique magic system that made this story feel brand new. Not to mention it has my kryptonite trope — the slowest of slow burns, and more complicatedly, under less-than-consensual situational circumstances. While this definitely won’t be a book for everyone, there are so many emotional layers and a complicated, nuanced history between these characters that's revealed piecemeal over the story that made this an engrossing, unputdownable experience. I DEVOURED IT. I WANT MORE.

Rose in Chains is emotionally compelling, dark and twisty, and slow paced enough to force you to savor the details — and while this definitely won’t be a universally beloved book due to the darker themes of the story (and perhaps also its history as a fic), if you’re a romantasy fiend who loves a Gray Area™️, and a childhood-nemeses-to-lovers story where the nemesis in question has a complicated web of secrets and history and feelings for our main character, pick this up when it releases regardless of whether you’ve read it in its original form.

I loved every second of this, and am writhing with impatience for the sequel. Pick this up if you’re in the mood for something dark, complicated, and with painfully resonant ‘holy shit the world is so bleak’ vibes that women in today’s political climate will feel acutely, along with a much-needed message: we're not alone, not if we're fighting together.

This book scratched a part of my brain in such a pleasant way. One of my most anticipated books of 2025 and it truly did not disappoint.

When Julie Soto announced that she was going trad pub with one of my favorite fics, I knew it was going to be stellar. If you're familiar with the source work in anyway, I think you're going to be so PLEASED with the aspect that were kept the same and the changes that were made.

Following the end of a war, where the dark side wins, the women of the losing side find themselves part of The Auction. Men buying women to siphon their magic and much, much worse. But even with the horror around her, Briony finds herself still hoping that good will persevere. When the one person she wished for actually purchases her, Briony finds that she may just find help in the least likely of places.

This book is dark - you need to know that going in. That said, there is still room for light and romance that is refreshing to read.

Briony and Toven were EVERYTHING. Their relationship, their past, even with everything dark that's going on, you can't help but root for them. Toven is man of mystery and restraint, but you can tell he's down bad. Briony is SO smart and resilient.

And the ending!!?!? Cruel. I need more.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Forever Publishing and Julie Soto for an eARC. All thoughts are my own!

Wow!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, this was a highly anticipated read for me - I want to thank Forever publishing and Netgalley for the chance to read this early. This was my first book by Julie Soto and I really enjoyed her writing style. I highly recommend this for readers who enjoy magic and enemies to allies! Please check the content warnings though, this book did cover some darker content but was addressed at the beginning.

This book had several elements that I enjoy making it a four star read. I genuinely liked both the FMC, who was strong against everything she was dealt, and the MMC, who was mysterious and my favorite…morally grey. The tension and pull between the two was addictive. The romance was just one aspect to the book that kept me intrigued - the plot and magic system was well built and had me wanting to continuously flip to the next page. The concept of characters basically being auctioned off to supply those in power feels relevant which made the story even more impactful.

I will be recommending this book and eager for the next of the series to be released.

OK WOW. I have loved every Julie Soto book, but I had never actually read the fanfic this is based on!!! I read this book and then IMMEDIATELY read the full fanfic. As a huge fan of the source material, I thought I'd probably like the fanfic better, but that's not the case - the changes of character relationships, setting and world building was really well done. I enjoyed every second, and the ending had me GAGGED.

Idk why I had any doubt in my mind this would slap. One of my most anticipated books of the year and I’m genuinely distraught that it’s over. :,)

Let’s address The Thing. Rose in Chains is a reworked story that was originally Dramione fanfiction. That fanfiction is in fact god tier but I rest my case.

Can you read this book without first reading the fanfic? Obviously you can. Fics pulled for trad pub can and should stand on their own as stories without the context of the fic / source material of the fandom.

Does this story stand on its own? For the most part yes. If there’s one thing Julie Soto knows how to do, it’s romance. I’ll admit that’s what I came here for and the relationship development between Briony and Toven was phenomenal and everything I hoped it would be. The yearning is truly sickening. The chemistry maddening. World building wise… there was enough to hold up the story but I could see others finding it a bit clunky/ lacking. I think I am a bit biased because my brain just automatically filled some details in. Thoughts on character work and plot below.

Will you enjoy this more if you’ve read The Auction or The Rights and The Wrongs series? That feels like reader’s choice but for me personally, yes. I loved seeing Soto try her hand at creating a completely new world while rebranding beloved characters and shifting plot bones. Is it perfect? No. I think we could have used the flashback scenes to make us care more about the secondary characters. In fics we don’t need much development to know and love characters, we already do. In RiC, while I knew which characters were loosely veiled Harry Potter personas (they could never make me hate you Larissa cough Pansy), I did try to look at them with fresh eyes. I don’t think we got enough time with several characters to feel sufficiently attached to them. And it is important to feel attached, because this story is really fucked up. Things happen to these characters that should devastate you.

Let me emphasize that. This story is DARK. It’s uncomfortable. It’s TW galore. Please be careful before diving in. This isn’t a feel good romantasy. There will be a war that breaks out between opposing kingdoms. The losing side will have its magical wielders captured and sold to be used for their magic. The women, as you can imagine, are not treated well in this process. Absolutely vile and degrading content (SA) will be on page.

Do I recommend this book? Yes but with obvious caution. For me, it ended my 3 month reading slump, it was that captivating. I also knew where the yellow brick road was leading because of my experience with the fic, but the unexpected twists and turns? The spots where Soto painted the road in red instead? YUMMMM. I was sat, I was disturbed, I was enamored by this story.

I know there was flaws but in terms of personal enjoyment? I am admittedly biased but, 5 stars. I NEED BOOK 2 DESPERATELY and thIS HASNT EVEN COME OUT YET.

Thank you for this ARC!

I did go into this book knowing it originated from a Dramoine fanfic, but never read said fanfic.
Knowing this story originated from the Harry Potter world I think had its pros and cons.
The world and its alterations to detach it from that lore were really interesting- conceptually, I was pleasantly surprised.

The beginning really throws you in and gets you hooked- but does slow down quite a bit.
Yes, she is a 'rose in chains'- but after the exciting start to the book we spend most of the story sitting in a cage.

The world building/lore/magic system was unique and interesting, but sometimes vague. I wanted more depth/explanation but sometimes something was just like that for convenience it felt like.

As far as the relationship- I love when our main characters are on opposing sides of a war and seeing what the other sees BUT our FMC seemed like a walking plot flaw... We talk about how smart she is for so long but the she continues to be so whiney and naïve the whole time.
I did enjoy the villain a lot though- sometimes a story can be saved by a well written/motivated villain.

All in all though- I still really enjoyed the romantasy balance- I got my romance fix without feeling like there was zero fantasy to explore.

Rose in Chains was everything I wanted and more. From the moment that I found out The Auction was being rewritten for Traditional Publishing, I have been waiting with bated breath for this release. Julie Soto has a way of making me feel things in a way that few other authors have accomplished and Briony certainly made my emotions run the gauntlet.
I'll admit that I was initially skeptical of how the relationships would translate from a story based on character development from a seven book series, but I should have known better than to question Julies process for even a minute. The way that she crafted the history between Evermore and Bomard with the dual timeline really helped to further the anticipation and set the stage for what was to come, while simultaneously creating deep seated endearment and resentment. The fact that Rory and Briony were twins further contributed to the deep bond they shared and the despair Briony felt when Evermore was lost.
Theres no other way to say it, I devoured this book. I tried to convince myself to take it easy because I knew that the ending was likely to be a cliffhanger I wasn't ready for, but I couldn't bring myself to stop. The magic system was new and completely unique, immediately drawing me in. I really enjoyed the comparisons between heart and mind magic and the implications of using each. I thought the pacing and plot progression were extremely engaging and the subjugation of the heart magicians pulled at my heartstrings. It felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion and I couldn't even think of tearing my eyes away. The flashbacks of Brionys past only added to this feeling, as the idea of her being unaware of the horrors she would experience made it impossible for me to sit still. The care she showed for her people, even while deep in the trenches herself, was inspiring. Her desire to protect and the tenacity she exhibited made me want to stand up and cheer, even amidst the horrendous odds against her. The political aspects of the story were frightening in their own right, made even more so with the parallels in recent history.
Regardless of the initial inspiration for Rose in Chains, Julie has created a world that stands proudly on its own. This was a brilliant foray into Romantasy and an outstanding start to an epic new series. My mind will not know peace until I have the next book in my hands.

Despite being a page turner, this book unfortunately missed the mark for me.

What I liked:
- I found myself pretty invested in what would happen next
- This is a TRUE slow burn

What I didn't like:
- Tbh, I felt like the rose in chains for most of this reading experience. The pacing felt so off. The first 25% was way too slow, and then every time the plot picked up there was a flashback that deflated the tension. It is too long for the amount of events that happened vs. things we actually learn in the book. It's unfortunate because at the more fast-paced parts, I found myself really interested.
- The dialogue didn't feel natural to me and was almost too generic at times. I didn't get a real sense of characterization. Also sometimes the characters had British accents and sometimes they didn't??
- Overall, the characters felt pretty flat. And Toven as the love interest was not very exciting
- I think the the auction/ownership dynamic is just not for me. I was a little too put off at times by the way the women are treated in this book, even though I know that’s the point
- The dynamic between Toven and Briony just wasn't giving me enough throughout the story. The key point of tension between them is something that could be solved with answers Toven simply refuses to give Briony, which just felt...annoying. Again, unfortunate, because I didn't totally hate their dynamic
- The ending felt too abrupt and unfinished.
- Can we stop putting dragons in romantasy novels???

Bottom line is that I wouldn't jump to recommend this to a friend, but I also can't promise I won't pick up the second book.

Thank you to Forever, Julie Soto, and Netgalley for a digital copy of Rose in Chains in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

I’m not sure what it is about Julie Soto’s writing, but it is so addictive!

I could not put this one down, and I’m not even sure how many books will be in this series, but I need them right now!

I have not read the original fanfic, but I have read the authors other traditionally published works. All have been superb.

I think we’re in it for the long haul with Briony and Toven. The slow burn was real with this book, but the tension between the two was top notch. There’s enough suspense and twists in this book alone that we’re all going to be taken for a ride with this series.

I'm forever and always a Julie Soto fan, and it was so neat getting to see her fantasy side! This definitely was a departure from the Soto I have known through contemporary books, but it still had the same engaging characters and tension between them that makes her other work so engaging.

I initially had a little bit of a tricky time getting into the book and understanding all of the politics and world building. I know that this was initially Harry Potter fanfiction, and I can see a lot of the ties and how that was possibly adapted. When I read through that lens, it definitely made it easier, but those who are not familiar with Harry Potter might feel at times like something is maybe missing. It's never enough to take me out of the story or not enjoy it, but it felt like the world was not as dynamic without that context. Regarding the politics, again, while confusing at times, it was not distracting. Soto did a great job of reiterating anything that was super important, and once I got it, I found it easy to follow along.

I always love Soto's characters, and there were many to enjoy in this one. Briony and Toven's relationship was filled with tension, and I appreciated seeing it develop over the course of the novel. The side characters were also engaging, the females especially. This book had such a significant and beautiful emphasis on friendship and sisterhood, and it had many truly moving and heartfelt moments.

The book started slower for me, but that last third really took off! I was hooked and found myself really engaged with all that was happening. I'm curious to see where the next installment goes.

It's important to note that, generally speaking, this is a very heavy book and topic. It is very adult and addresses lots of difficult themes and events. Please be cautious before reading and read all subject and trigger warnings.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this highly-anticipated arc!

Phenomenal, outstanding, unreal, perfection…I had to stare at a wall upon finishing and realizing book 2 still needs to be written. The most amazing part of this story was that while it stayed true to the Auction in so many ways it masterfully told its OWN story at the same time. Julie Soto brought to life these new characters and gave us an entire new world of magic and evil and INTENSE PINING!! Phew

In so many instances this book proves why we need to be SHOWN characterizations rather than told. We get flashbacks often showing how these characters have developed the relationship they have now, and what kind of people they are. And so many times we know things, like know how dense Briony (my sweet girl) is being regarding Toven, but you can also see why she was a bit oblivious about his feelings.

Getting to the final chapters my stomach was in my throat and I wanted to speed to the end while also wanting to go at such a glacial pace and savor every word on the page!

Also the dragon POV at the end? Love, give me more!

Beautiful, stunning, stellar! HIGHLY recommend. (But also proceed with caution and take care to check trigger warnings because this book deals with dark themes)

Thank you endlessly to Forever pub and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book…and thank you Julie for existing and writing and sharing your stories!

I have been thinking about this book nonstop since I finished it. I need the second book like yesterday. 😭

This novel was adapted from a Dramione fanfic previously written by the author, The Auction, which I haven’t read but definitely want to now since I just can’t get enough of this story. If you haven’t read it, you won’t be missing anything because a new world has been created here that is just as interesting.

Now, just a warning that this is a DARK romantasy. Definitely read the content warnings before starting - the plot has some Handmaid’s Tale-esque elements that may be sensitive for some readers.

Two kingdoms with different magic sources (heart magic and mind magic) are at war, and when one side captures many of the other, an Auction is held where heart mages can purchase mind mages to own and basically siphon their magic and increase their own power.

Briory (this might be the only part of the book that annoyed me - weird ass name that sounds too much like Hermoine! 🤣) is purchased by Toven Hearst (Draco viiiiiibes), with whom she has a complicated history. But things are not as they seem in Hearst Hall and Briory must navigate her new reality with care.

And that’s all I will say so as to avoid spoilers! Just know this book is full of interesting magic, misogynistic villains, and the SLOWEST OF ALL SLOW BURNS. The yearning. The tension. Oof. Oh, and a dragon.

Out July 8th!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

4.5⭐️ - This was fantastic! I was a little worried the emotions wouldn't translate without the HP backstory, but the way the new world was woven was fantastic and the flashbacks added the depth needed.

THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME!!!!!!! I have never devoured a romantasy faster than I did with this book. I truly hope Julie Soto continues to write in this space as she was born to write angsty hot villains.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for an ARC!

Wow! I absolutely loved Rose in Chains! The slow burn romance is exactly how it should be done, and I really loved how Briony started coming into her own. Toven is such a delicious mystery, and I can't wait to see where his and Briony's story goes. And that ending!!!??? I can't believe I have to wait so long for the second installment. A thrilling read that was hard to put down.

(4.75 ☆)

“Sometimes I have to act without your approval to do what’s best for my family! Not just you, all four of us!”

Rose In Chains by Julie Soto is a dark romantasy that follows Princess Briony Rosewood and high ranking bomardsun Taven Hearst.

The parallels between this and The Auction was astronomical. Julie had me on my knees the entire time because wow. Everything was chef’s kiss—the. Characters, the writing, the smut, etc.

If you can’t tell, this is a rewrite of the popular Dramione fan fiction The Auction, and I honestly didn’t think it could get any better but it did. Trust me it did!! It brought the vibes, the references, the scents, the quotes, and so much more.

Not going to lie there was a time where i started confusing the characters and places because so much was going on, but besides that everything was interesting. Julie wrote it in a way where she had you in a chokehold.

Forever grateful that I got to read this in advance, but sad at the same time because I have to wait even longer for the second book. Anyways, for all my Dramione lovers, be prepared for this one!! Also, if you get the quote, I literally love you <3

*Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and to the author, Julie Soto, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*