I already adored the book, so naturally I jumped at the chance to listen to the audio as well, and my God-- what are words?

Ella Lynch was the PERFECT narrator for Briony Rosewood. The emotions in her voice, the way she made every single word sound like poetry. I'm actually, legitimately obsessed. How she made Toven's voice so unbearably hot!? The small distinction between the past and present? This was a breathtaking experience. I cannot recommend both the audio and the book enough. The last three-ish hours are especially magical.

Finding out it was a reworked Dramione fan fiction AFTER I requested it was rough because if I had known that going in I probably wouldn't have requested it in the first place.

That said I have a lot of feelings about this book and I've done my best to fairly judge it outside of the original IP and author.

I had low expectations for this book going in after finding out it was based on fan fiction but I decided I would still try to give it a chance. The overall vibe of the book was higher than 2 stars for me in the sense that I was engaged and there were parts of it I enjoyed. I liked certain elements of the story and the way the author took what was obviously based on a magical world someone else created and then transitioned them into her own magical system. However, I think that also meant the magical system was sort of weak. There wasn't much explanation of how things worked or why it was just a quick cover up for figuring out a way to make the system its own thing.

There were characters I liked, though looking back I don't know if it was on Julie Soto's merit as a writer or because these characters were based on characters I previously loved from the other series. My biggest problem with characters is one 1 dimensional the villains were. Their motivations, their desires, the way they treated each other and the women in the story. There didn't seem to be much nuance where anyone was concerned, even the Hearst family.

My biggest beef with this was the slavery element. I don't get the appeal of including that in a romantasy. Maybe dark romantasy novels aren't for me because there's nothing I found appealing about any of the romance elements of this book given the scenarios the characters were in.

2 / 5 stars because there was some enjoyment here for me but overall I had a hard time getting over a lot of the tropes and how unbelievable I found some of the story.

4 / 5 stars on the audiobook narration, however. There were some aspects of it that were grating, one character's voice in particular, but I think that was the point.

Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

Well first off I didn’t know this book inspired by The Auction by Elci North(or that is what I’m seeing from other reviews), so now I want to read that book.

Anyways, this book was fine. I think that if you love romantasy you will LOVE this because it is mainly romance with aspects of fantasy throughout the book. If you already struggle with romantasy then I wouldn’t recommend this one.

I was sold on this book originally because of the slow burn and I do agree to agree that it is a slow burn, but I wish we had more little moments throughout the book. It didn’t really feel believable and I had a hard time with Briony because she seemed to have these badass moments, but it felt like she couldn’t decide if she wanted to stand on business or not.

Toven is fine as a MMC. He is broody, grumpy, and there is alot on his shoulders that he refuses to share.

This book does have a lot of women being raped and while the author doesn’t go into crazy detail, make sure you take care of yourself while reading.

Idk. This book was fine. The narrator did a great job, but I never felt emotionally invested.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC.

This wasn't anything that I thought it would be so I was a bit shocked when I started it, but I quickly became very invested and thought about it even when I wasn't reading it. I didn't know this story was about what it was, so I went in completely blind and I found out it was based on something else when I was about 75% in and it started making more sense.
I loved Briony. I loved the world building and the magic. I loved how strong she was and her friends and the other women that were around her. Was I rooting for Toven from page one? Absolutely I was. Did this book have me completely invested? Yes. Was I left with more questions than answers after this book ended? Also, yes. I will be reading the next book for sure. I wanted to sit with this review for a few days because I wasn't sure how to feel when I was done. Now that I have sat with it, I feel like I am still thinking about it and that has to say something.
The audio was fantastically done. 4.5 stars.
Thanks to Hachette, Netgalley and Julie Soto for an ALC.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the trilogy. I'm not a fan of the miscommunication troup and this one was done in the worst way, a lot could have been cleared up if they would have just communicated with each other. But I get for the books sake you can't give everything away right away. Also this girl needs to reign in her temper and actually listen.
SA was mentioned a lot in this book, but I do appreciate it not being described on page and the trigger warnings definitely let me know what I was going into.
For such a pretty cover, this should definitely be marketed as a dark romantasy.
But overall I did enjoy listening to this audio. It kept my interest and I was engaged with it. The writing was good. The narrator was great as well.

I have been a huge fan of Julie Soto and her writing for a couple of years now. I absolutely devour pretty much anything this woman writes. It’s no shock that I ravenously devoured every single word of this story.

I want to first thank @hachetteaudio for early access to the audiobook for Rose in Chains. The audio was absolutely perfect and everything I hoped for. The story and this world were so easy to fall in love with. I want to congratulate the narrator and the remarkable team for an amazing production.

For the Saturday Girls…

I don’t know what words to use to describe my feelings after finishing this book. It was such an unbelievable journey and I was hanging on every word. There was so much tension and to be honest, I knew we were in for it but I never could have imagined how strongly these characters would affect me. I loved that we had a dual timeline so that we could fall in love with certain characters and understand some of the twists behind the plot of the story.

Briony, our FMC, is absolutely fierce. She has so many mental and physical hurdles to overcome and Julie did an absolute fantastic job of making her character a force. Toven Hearst, our MMC, just about gave me whiplash. Not only did he give us that possessiveness that we all know and love but he also gave us hope. This slow burn is so slow you have to blow on it to keep it smoking but man, is it WORTH IT.

This book has everything you could want: political intrigue, childhood crushes, forced proximity, touch her and X vibes, enemies to lovers and yearning.

I highly recommend you grab a blanket and a box of tissues, curl up and dive it. You’re going to devour this.

When a kingdom is overthrown by its rivals, many of those captured are killed, or sold into servitude. The fate of Princess Briony Rosewood, the last of her magical line, is to be decided at an auction for her ownership. She's sold into a family well known for its cruelty, but things may not all be as it seems...

When I started this, I didn't know it was an expansion/retelling of the author's previous Dramione story (Draco & Hermione romance fanfic) but I felt the vibes immediately and googled it and OMG IT IS! So, as soon as I confirmed that, I went on imagining Draco and Hermione as Toven and Briony. Of course, you don't have to view it that way though, and the book is completely unique and separate from
the actual HP universe.

I loved:
⛓️ Magic battles
⛓️Star-crossed/ fake lovers/ in denial situation
⛓️SO MUCH YEARNING 🔥
⛓️Book 1 of a trilogy
⛓️A mysterious prophecy
⛓️Creative magic system
⛓️Sexy scenes

This story has some really fun fantasy concepts, like mind magic vs heart magic, warring kingdoms, and complicated romance. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the trilogy when the next books come out.

The audio is super engaging and I loved the narrator's delivery of the story! Well done! I would recommend this to audio lovers.

Rose In Chains was one of my most anticipated books of 2025, so when I was approved for this audio ARC I dove into it immediately. It lived up to all of my expectations and more! I was afraid that creating a new backstory for the plot of The Auction would feel forced and wouldn’t have the same impact, but I shouldn’t have doubted Julie’s ability to write fleshed out, relatable, interesting characters. From fanfics, to contemporary romance, to thrillers, to dark romantasy, there is nothing Julie can’t write well. Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, Hatchette audio, and Julie Soto for the opportunity to listen to this book early!

Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Dark Romantasy, Audiobook
Warnings: reference to SA, forced sterilization

Loved this dark romance. Julia Soto took the slow burn to another level with this book. I was like 25% in and waiting for something to happen and yet we kept getting strung along in the best way. This world is brutal and something was always happening. There were some subjects that were hard to read about, but it was done tastefully. I liked how there were different timelines so that we learned about their history in bits and pieces. We still have so many questions unanswered, I wish we understood more Toven's POV but even at the end, we are left guessing to so many things. So many secrets, angst and betrayals. I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy.

The audio chapters didn't match the printed book. It is easier to keep track if the audio labeled chapters match the actual book. But otherwise it was a good narration. It was easy to follow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Hachette Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a book that I thought I would love to hear an Audiobook for, but I think I’ve learned that I need to have it all on the page for me to truly take it in. I look forward to supporting Julie as this book comes out and reading a physical copy at a later date. There’s a lot of information that I would need to see it on a page.

4 stars because none of my reasons for NRN-ing (not right now) are the author or narrators doing.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read this audiobook.

I honestly don't even know where to begin with this review. Rose in Chains blew away all of my expectations and solidified itself as one of my top reads of 2025. My goal is to keep this review spoiler free, while also expressing my absolute love and praise for this book.

First, Ella Lynch does an absolutely phenomenal job bringing not only Briony to life, but every other character as well. Her inflection and nuance had me squirming with discomfort when narrating some of the darker plot points. The trigger warning moments were made even heavier with her unflinching commitment to the characters that are enforcing the new regime. I was also extremely impressed with her characterization and narration for Toven. His raw vulnerability is evident through Ella's talent in voicing him.

If you are unfamiliar with how Rose in Chains came to be, I recommend doing some quick research. It was helpful to know the progression of where the story came from and prepared me for some of the trigger warnings. And although this story started out as something else, Rose in Chains is its own story that deserves all the recognition for originality, a sweeping fantasy world with unique magic, intriguing and. complex characters, and social commentary that is timely in a variety of ways.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the duel timelines. I love that the flashbacks allow us to learn more about Briony and Toven without feeling like an info dump. The flashbacks serve to bring us deeper into the world while also showing us the relationships between the characters and hint at character motivations and how everyone ends up on the sides they do, other than bloodlines.

And I cannot review Rose in Chains without mentioning our main villain Mallow. (Guessing on the spelling as I received the ALC.) I absolutely love a well-written female villain, and that is exactly what Julie has given us. I desperately want to know more about her motivations, and I'm hoping for that as we continue through the series.

Overall, Rose in Chains is one of my favorites reads and listens of 2025. I will 100% be reading a physical copy as soon as I have it in my hand.

I'd love to send a huge thank you to Hachette Audio and Forever for the eALC of this book! I have been a long-time Julie Soto fan (hello fellow AO3 readers), and this book has been on my most anticipated reads of 2025 list!

Having read (and made it my personality for a while) the original fan fiction (The Auction) that this book is based off of, I was hooked before the story even started!

I absolutely loved seeing the parallels to the fan fiction, but I enjoyed the differences even more and loved being able to see how Julie took her own words and made it so that romantasy readers all over can enjoy this world and these characters. The flashbacks, I feel, helped so much with setting the scene better for the readers, and I'm so nosy that I love getting the entire picture (seriously, give me ALL of the flashbacks!) for why Briony and Toven are the way they are towards each other. I love that we don't get instant trust between our two MCs, and that we get to see it build slowly on both sides, and that is something that Julie has done amazingly with this book!

I won't spoil anything for you, but if you enjoy any of these tropes, you may enjoy this read.

- Enemies to Lovers
- Touch Her and D**
- Forced Proximity
- Unique Magic System
- Dual Timeline
- Having your heart ripped out and enjoying the pain from it ending <3

The narrative stands out as truly exceptional—as is anything Julie writes—with remarkable narration that captivates the audience.

The clarity and crispness of the prose, combined with the emphasis on all the right words, make the dialogue resonate beautifully. It felt as though I was right there alongside the characters so thank you to Ella Lynch and Hachette Audio for the Aarc.

The wonderful Julie Soto has done it again. Rose in Chains exceeded all my expectations and then some. The world building and character development from past to present were executed flawlessly, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

This is an outstanding first installment of what promises to be a phenomenal trilogy—filled with magic and the captivating journey from rivals to lovers...

I could go on for HOURS if not days about Rose in Chains due to my obsession with it's origin (The girls that get it, get it) but I will just say it was perfect and it was so much fun going "Hey, I know that reference!" and squealing every time one of my favorite parts would come up... can't wait to continue the Toviony? Briven? Hornybun (haha) journey.

Thank you x1000 to Netgalley and Read Forever for the arc in exchange for a honest review!

Incredible! I was not expecting this to be this amazing. I was expecting incredible things, but I was still blown away! Thank you for the opportunity to read. I can’t wait to own this in multiple multiple copies. Is there anything Julie Soto can’t write?!?!

This was my first 'official' (idk does fanfic count??) Julie Soto book and it did not disappoint!

We've got Toven, a wealthy & broodish Bomardi MMC and he's exactly who he seems to be.. or is he? Our FMC, literal princess and do-gooder, Briony, notices when Toven doesn't participate in the mocking of her people, or the nasty comments his friends make. Could Toven be more than meets the eye?

When Briony is captured and auctioned off to the highest Bomardi bidder, she finds herself in a curious predicament.. she's owned by none other than Toven Hearst... but he seems to want nothing to do with her.

And that's only PART of the story - there are SO many layers here. Magic systems, politics, secrets, maybe a hint of dragons (iykyk), and tension for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley & Hachette Audio for the advanced copy!

Very nice narration, for a pretty damn good book. Might actually have to get myself a paperback copy ngl.

This book was fantastic. It pulls you in immediately and never lets you go. The storytelling and world building is amazing. The character growth between the FMC and MMC was the best. I truly can't wait for more. I am obsessed. Another win for the Romantasy Era. Absolutely loved the narrator. Her performance was chefs kiss.

Thank you, NetGalley and Hachette, for the Audio ARC!

Briony Rosewood's brother is dead and her life is about to change forever. Briony and her people, the Eversuns, are about to be taken or killed and there's nothing she can do to stop it. She was so certain that her brother was supposed to save them all in the war against Bomard that she didn't even say goodbye. She's quickly captured and auctioned off to the highest bidder and finds herself unable to access her mind magic. Now she is owned by Toven Hearst, the boy she went to school with and couldn't quite get out of her mind. Toven's family is high-ranking amongst the Bomardi people and they have strong control of their ruthless magic. But nothing is quite as it seems in her new home and she's starting to see that maybe not all hope is lost.

As soon as I saw Julie Soto announce this book, I knew I needed it. I went into this story almost completely blind and I didn't want to put it down. This was the ultimate slow burn, enemies-to-lovers dark romantasy (don't forget to check trigger warnings before reading). The magical system was really intriguing and the politics really kept me guessing as to what was really going on in this world. The tension and chemistry between Briony and Toven were undeniable and I couldn't get enough. I will be thinking about it for months to come.

The narrator, Ella Lynch, did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life! I really enjoyed listening and I highly recommend the audiobook.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Forever for the ALC!

Whether you’re here for the slow burns, the forbidden tension, or just the pure nostalgia, Rose in Chains is not your average romantasy. This is just one of the iconic Dramione story getting the traditional publishing treatment in 2025.
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It’s dark, intense, and emotionally loaded- with a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance that smolders. If you love the “touch her and die” trope, moral complexity, and protagonists that feel like they’re one breath away from combusting, this book delivers. 🔥
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We follow Briony, a fallen princess sold into servitude after her kingdom is conquered. Her captor? Toven, the boy she once knew, now a powerful enemy, wrapped in secrets and slow-burning regret. What unfolds is a high-stakes tale of war, survival, and a romance that simmers beneath layers of political intrigue and personal betrayal.
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Yes, the world-building is lighter than some high fantasy readers may prefer, but the emotional stakes? Off the charts. Julie Soto weaves past and present together with sharp tension, longing, and trauma that never feels gratuitous. The fanfic roots (originally The Auction) are there if you know, but Rose in Chains absolutely stands on its own.
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This is book one in a trilogy, and it feels like it—setting the stage for something much bigger. If you’re craving a romantasy that keeps you guessing, breaks your heart, and barely lets you breathe? This one’s for you.
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Read if you love:
🖤 emotionally charged slow burns
🗡️ enemies-to-lovers with history
🧠 heart vs. mind magic
👑 fallen royalty & forced proximity
🫣 secrets, betrayals, and that cliffhanger
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Thank you @netgalley and @hachetteaudio for the ALC!
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#RoseInChains #JulieSoto #RomantasyReads #EnemiesToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #DarkFantasy #FanficGlowUp #TovenAndBriony #FantasyRomance #BookstagramRecs #BookishFavorites #NewFantasyRelease #TouchHerAndDie #dramione #fanfictiontofiction #booktok #bookstagramchat #dramioneforever #fandomtobooks

Briony Rosewood is the princess in a patricarchal society who spends her time boosting her pretty useless heir to the throne twin brother, Rory's magic and pretending she is not a very powerful magic user in her own right for REASONS (the patriarchy). The story cuts timelines from the present day back through years of schooling and her pining over the handsome Toven Hearst who is from the other branch of magic that for some reason I'm assuming historically (it's sort of gradually hinted at through the book) they split and although the teenage children are educated together as a sort of mutual exchange of hostages on an annual basis. Then after that the good guys are captured and sold off to the highest bidding bad guys.

There are obviously questions about what the heck has gone on previously - and the fact that Voldemort, sorry Mistress Veronica Mallow only appeared on the scene about 6 years before a massive magical war began is one of them.

So I've read the fanfiction that this was reworked from (The Auction) and although the story is largely the same, I think that enough has been changed and added that it stands on it's own. My main complaint is that it was split into a trilogy (obviously due to the size and length of the fan fiction) but that at the end of part one all we've had is one kiss?!?!

Anyway I think that as a complete trilogy these things will be addressed and it's a great opener but difficult to read on it's own merit when I'm so familiar with the base material. Still love you though Julie and will be back for book two!!

The narration was a bit jarring to be honest - I think the plummy affectation put on for Briony's thoughts and voice didn't help her be seen as a sympathetic character, more as a snooty princess as the opposing side of the war is trying to paint her as. It got better as the book went on but I'm not sure if that was more due to me being used to it or her character developing a bit more?