COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN! Briony is an amazing heroine, trying to survive when her whole world falls apart. I loved the flashbacks that gave us further development of both her and Toven at school and at the beginning of the war. This slow burn is still burning and I am so excited for the next book! Also, the epilogue was FIRE!

I also had no idea going into this that it was based on a Dramione fanfic, and the author did a great job making the characters feel unique.

This book is dark and fantastical in the most beautiful way, and I loved every minute of it!

Briony Rosewood and Toven Hearst were on opposite sides of the war and when the dark side had won, Briony is purchased in an auction and forced to live out her days as a piece of property by the one man she’s supposed to hate. As she’s expected to now find her footing in this new world, she manages to find hope in the unlikeliest of places.

Rose in Chains is absolutely everything to me. The magic systems and world building are creative, yet not overwhelming, and the enemies to lovers is so perfect I could cry (and I did). The tension between the characters had me absolutely swooning and begging for more! 🥵

As someone who read the original work, I was ecstatic to see some of my favorite scenes carried over and brought to life in an entirely new light. This was truly the perfecting reworking of the story.

My only problem is that I’m sat here fumbling for what the heck I’m supposed to do while I wait for the next books. I guess I can be patient, for Toven 💕.

I have so many good things to say about this book, but I’m also at a loss for words, because there aren’t even words to describe the mere perfection of it, and I think that’s very telling in and of itself. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes us!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was a beautiful audio narration. The narrators accent worked perfecrly with the story. She made sure to change her voice for different characters letting you feel fully emersed. The story was beautifully woven. It does contain heavy elements that I feel are approached more delicately than most dark romantasies. I feel this book left off on a perfect ending to expand into the next book in the series without leaving the reader in a slump. I loved this book and the narration, a very easy 5 stars.

I love a good enemies/rivals romantasy story, and this one did not disappoint. I had the opportunity to listen to Rose in Chains as an advanced listener copy (ALC) and I absolutely devoured this in one day.

The story follows Briony starting at with the day of an epic battle that her brother Rory will lead for Evermore in a war against Bomard where he is interpreted as a prophesied ruler twice over to end the conflict/restore peace. However, nothing goes according to plan and Briony and her friends find themselves in a castle overrun by enemy forces and ultimately in the hands of the enemy—Bomard led by Victoria Mallow.

As the story progresses, we get to see present activities along with a mix of flashbacks through the years showing the interaction between the Evermore (mind magic practioners) and Bomard (heart magic practioners), their educations, their cultures, the magic systems, the war, and more. It also lets us view the aftermath of a war where our main character’s land is not the victor.

Julie Soto expertly tells this high stakes, fast-paced story with just the right amount of world building at the right time. The characters are complex and their backstories are well-developed and the historical and present tension for Briony and Toven is done so so well. I appreciate the non-linear storyline that revealed just the right amount of information at the right time to have me engaged, invested, and theorizing about what could have happened/might happen next.

The narration by Ella Lynch was likewise so so good. The pacing, intonations, tone, and tension through the narration made this such an incredible listen. I have gone back and listened to parts again because of how much I enjoyed this audiobook.

I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the Evermore trilogy, because it was just that good. I’ve already ordered the deluxe hardback edition of this because of how much I enjoyed this book. It was incredibly well done all around and one of my favorite reads this year.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC.

I listened to the audio version of this book so for first part of this review I will talk about my thoughts on the audio. The narrator is really good but there were times where personally I didn’t love their reading of the MMC parts. The voice felt a bit breathy at times which pulled me out of the story from time to time.

Now onto the book - Overall the book was amazing and if I could do 4.5 stars I would. The reason it wasn’t a 5 star for me is because the beginning 15-20% felt a bit cluttered and confusing. It jumped from the past to the present while world building and it left me wondering what was going on a couple of times. The rest of the story sucked me in and I couldn’t stop listening at every free moment. The enemies to lovers, the forbidden romance, the slow burn building and the magic system were all doing it for me. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I had the honor of getting to listen to Rose in Chains as an ALC (advanced listening copy).

Rose in Chains is a high fantasy novel.

Captured as her castle is overrun by the enemy, Briony Rosewood knows that the world as she knows it is changed forever. Stripped of her Mind Magic and her freedom, Briony and the other survivors are quickly auctioned off to the highest bidders in an auction – and as the heir-apparent’s sister, she fetches the highest price.

After a fierce bidding war, she’s sold to none other than Toven a high ranking Bomardsun – and her long-time and ill-fated infatuation. Scion of a family known for their cruel control of Heart Magic.

Now she must learn her role in this dark new world.

REVIEW:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Fantasy series often get bogged down with heavy world-building and drawn-out magic systems, but Julie Soto absolutely nails the balance. The pacing was perfection—things were always happening, characters were growing, and the story never felt like filler.

And the tension between Briony and Toven? Exquisite. The slow burn had me internally (okay, sometimes externally) screaming, “JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY!”

This was such a strong start to the series, and I can’t wait to see where their journey goes next. Count me hooked.

It’s just unbelievably good. I don’t know what else to say. I loved The Auction and Rose in Chains is somehow inspired by and yet completely different in its own right. I had high expectations and holy cow were they blown out of the park. I will be completely normal and reread my physical copy as soon as it arrives in just a couple of weeks. AHHHH!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Hachette Audio for a complimentary advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

If I could include a gif with this review it would be the one of Homelander saying, “It was perfect. Perfect. Down to the last minute detail.”

This was a great first book of a series and I cannot wait for the rest of it.

Story aside, the writing itself was well crafted and detailed, making the settings easy to visualize.

The pacing? Excellent. The story didn’t feel rushed and it didn’t feel like it was dragging either.

The story? Phenomenal. I loved the dynamic between our FMC and MMC and their personalities, they were depicted so well, and the tension between the two was delicious. Additionally, plenty of foreshadowing and clues were sprinkled in for plot twists, making the story feel well planned out.

The book was five stars for me as it was but if it had been four stars for whatever reason, the epilogue alone would have earned it the additional star to make it five.

I received an ARC for this book from Edelweiss and as an ALC from NetGalley so I’ve been fortunate to be able to indulge in the written format of this story as well as the narrated audio version.

I really enjoyed the narrator and the single narrator format worked well for this book. I enjoyed the voice the narrator used for the MMC as I felt it matched his overall energy well. I would gladly listen to more book narrated by her. The quality of the audiobook was great!

Firstly Thank NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ALC of this book. Please note this gift has not affected the way in which I have reviewed this book.

“He is her Greatest Enemy, and her Deepest Desire!”

#RoseInChains by #JulieSoto is book one in the #TheEvermoreseries a 5 ⭐️ read.

The Audiobook is out on the 08th July 2025

The war is over, the dark forces have won, and the hero who was supposed to save them is dead.  

Captured as her castle is overrun by the enemy, the world as Briony Rosewood knows it is changed forever. Evil has won, and her people face imminent servitude, imprisonment, or death.  

Stripped of her Magic and her freedom, Briony and the other survivors are quickly sold off to the highest bidders in an auction, and as Evermore's princess, she fetches the highest price.

After a fierce bidding war, she’s sold to none other than Toven Hearst, scion of a family known for their cruelty.  

—:—:—:—:—

This is the first time I’ve read anything from Julie Soto, and boy what a step into her mind this is. Rose in Chains is a rewrite of Julie’s fanfic The Auction which is a Hermione x Draco story.

I have not read the fanfic, so went into this book blind with an open mind and it did not disappoint.

This She falls first, but he falls harder hit the spot for me in so many ways! At first I have to say I wasn’t sure if this book would work out for me. The warnings were gearing me up for not wanting to read it just now. However … I’m so glad I kept going and did read it.

The slow burn… the yearning… the fighting…. And the darkness was all so well written that I couldn’t stop myself from devouring this story.


Favourite Quote: “She still has quite a bit of fire left in her. I look forward to watching it doused.”

Spicy Level - 🌶️🌶️

Note: Please read and review all trigger warnings before reading any recommended book. We love to read for our pleasure, so keep your mind, and emotions safe!

Audio Book Available
Publisher: HachetteAudio | Forever
Narrator: EllaLynch

Publication date: 08th JUL 2025

Well, crap.
This might be my favourite book of the year… and we’re only halfway through 2025.
The characters are so complex, flawed, and painfully relatable that the story became instantly gripping. There’s a little spice (minimal but explicit), but the yearning and tension leapt off the page and hit me square in the face.
While I typically fall into the “duet narration is always better” camp — this? This was a 10/10 solo narration. The narrator’s voice pulls you straight into Briony’s world, from her accent to her tone. You can feel Briony’s emotions and distress in every scene.
Speaking of Briony… our FMC has her world completely ripped apart. After her country falls, she’s sold at auction to a former school rival — where she’s forced to serve as her master’s magical power source. From princess to slave, she’s thrown into a brutal new reality.
The magic system and worldbuilding are easy to follow but still feel fresh and unique compared to what you usually find in fantasy romance.
Plot-wise, this lands much more on the dark fantasy romance side than traditional romantasy. There are heavy, dark themes here — and they play a major role in the story.
I’m honestly devastated that I received this ARC. Because now I have to wait even longer to rehook this to my veins.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook arc!
I have been following Julie Soto’s work for years and she has leveled up on this book.

This adaptation is fantastic with a unique magic system based on heart or mind magic. I loved the world building and this is a dark fantasy with romance. Please check trigger warnings as this may not be for everyone.

Just beware that the first few chapters around 20 characters are introduced, don’t get discouraged or panic if you can’t keep up with who is who. There will be flashbacks with more details on everyone’s background.

I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the rest of the series!
Prepare to be sick of me talking about this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Julie Soto for the opportunity to read this story.

Briony's world has collapsed. Taken into captivity, her life gone along with her magic, her only choice is to survive. I am a HUGE lover of Julie's other published works. Forget Me Not, Not Another Love Song, and The Thrashers are all top tier reads for me. Julie has a talent for writing such beautiful, visual emotions on the page giving you a strong connection to her characters. This story is no different. Discovering this world along with Julie's beautiful writing is an emotional experience. The narration is perfection, balancing so many voices while keeping me engaged with the main characters. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this story plays out. Thank you a million times over for this story Julie.

For those who love a slow burn, this story is for you

Thank you so much for the chance to listen to the audiobook. I already loved this story when I first read it, but the audio somehow made the experience even better.

The narration was fantastic. The narrator brought so much emotion and energy to the story, and it felt really natural and easy to listen to. I was instantly pulled back into the world and completely wrapped up in the characters all over again.

Toven Hearst somehow ruined me for a second time. The pining, the tension, the build-up, it all hit just as hard, if not harder, in audio. Hearing it performed added a whole new layer of feeling and made me love the story even more.

I really enjoyed this listen and will definitely be recommending the audiobook to others. It’s such a great way to experience the book, whether it’s a first read or a re-read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Such a gripping and emotional read throughout with and amazing world and characters! I absolutely devoured this and loved every minute 💜

⛓️forced proximity
🌹Enemies to Lovers
⛓️Dark Fantasy Romance
🌹Morally Grey MMC
⛓️Past and Present timeline
🌹Magic
⛓️Slow burn

June has become my Dramione month 😂

I haven’t read The Auction or The right thing to do and was worried I wouldn’t understand the lore/ back story or that this wouldn’t make sense to me. But my god… Julie Soto is a queen and this story flowed so freaking well and made so much sense if even if you didn’t know it was originally a fanfic… the characters were fantastic and the story flowed and made sense completely 🥹

The world building was thorough but not overwhelming allowing the story to flow and me to immersed into the world.

This story was an absolute emotional rollercoaster and had me chained (yes pun intended) to this book. I devoured it within 24 hours and loved every single moment. I was unable to focus on anything else except making it back to this book. I fear I have developed separation anxiety now it’s over.

Briony’s character growth throughout the story was incredible. She really came into her own and took charge in a lot of situations. Which made me fall in love with her even more. Going from the girl who thought her brother needed her to becoming a boss ass bitch and knowing she can stand on her own 🥹 QUEEN ENERGY!!

Toven… ugh what a man… brooding and grumpy energy making him a deliciously grey MMC!

There are so many emotional scenes within this book but Julie Soto did them justice and handled them with such care and respect. (I was still an emotional wreck which is always expected)

The narrator was phenomenal! Keeping me gripped into the story and delivering it in an immersive and engaging manner! I loved the audiobook so much and would recommend it.

Julie Sotos writing is phenomenal, exceptional and gripping. With so many twists and turns throughout the story I was really able to picture the world and characters Julie created.

I am already so so excited for book 2 🥹🫣

Thank you so so much to Netgalley, Julie Soto and the publishers for the ARC of this book. 💜

5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️

Wow. Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Julia Soto for the ALC. I am a fan of Julia Soto but I was not expecting this level of fantasy excitement in her first fantasy book. People are going to froth at the mouth when this comes out. Six star read.

This is a perfect example of yearning, rivals to lovers, unique fantasy scheme, and balanced world building. People need to be SUPER prepared for a SLOOOWWWW burn. Like… glacial, but in the best way.

I often find FMCs in fantasy books to be overplayed or absolutely insufferable, but Briony has a quiet strength that isn’t overblown but is present. And do not get me started on Toven. Swoon. New book boyfriend chart topper alert! He is going to be a favorite for folks. The way he loves is so pure and soul deep. Also, his parents. That family gives major Malfoy vibes if they weren’t all so insufferable in the real books. You love every member of the Hearst family for varying reasons.

Let’s just say I stayed up WAY past my bedtime to read this one and I don’t regret a darn thing. I am so excited for others to get to swoon over this read and am already ready for book 2!!!

3.75 ✨

🥀⛓️🥀⛓️🥀⛓️🥀⛓️🥀
Having read The Auction till the 50% mark I kinda knew what to expect and I feel that was one of the reasons I wasn't so hyped up reading it.
Nevertheless I really enjoyed the story and I appreciated the changes that have been made to pair with the new fantasy world! The magic system was one of my favourite things, heartsprings💓 & mind magic🧠, but I still saw the inspiration in some aspects from the Harry Potter magic system, which tbh didn't find utterly bad.

The characters were interesting but I feel the female protagonist was a bit naive for her own good in some points in the book. The miscommunication trope was also something I didn't enjoy, I mean when I as a reader can decipher if everything the MMC does is for the good and he secretely is pinning for her and it's THAT obvious, then I expect the FMC to catch it also at some point.

The end was what I REALLY loved and specifically the POV from the last chapter!🐉 I'm excited to read what is coming and I feel like I wanna read more from the POV of this character!

𝐀 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.

4.25 Stars! Rose in Chains was wild — a complexly layered story that I’m almost certain I’m still missing pieces of. Either way, it was incredibly engaging and entertaining; I finished it in one sitting. 😂 It delivers a fresh and different take on dystopian fiction that immediately drew me in with its originality.

I loved the found family dynamic — it felt healing and warm, and Momma might just be my favorite side character. 😉💕 The contrast between soft care and fierce protection in Toven was so well done and easily one of my favorite aspects of the book. 🤌🏽✨

There’s a lot to appreciate here: the political intrigue, layered world-building, dystopian narrative, and emotional undercurrents all gave the story depth and momentum. That said, while it was pitched as dark, I didn’t really feel it landed that way — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. It was complex, yes, but not overly intense or uncomfortable in its delivery. Similarly, the spice level felt more in line with an upper YA novel, even though it’s categorized as NA — I wouldn’t have minded a more mature lens from the main characters, who did come across as a bit immature at times.

And I know it’s book one, but this line, “..her eyes burning with the fire of a revolution”, was fucking amazing and I want desperately to feel more of that feminine rage in subsequent books. 💪🏽✨💕🔥

Still, this was a really enjoyable read. I wasn’t familiar with its fanfiction roots or nods to HP going in, but even with that knowledge, it stands solidly on its own. Then that ending and that little taste of what to expect in the next book? It absolutely had me thinking. 👏🏽

Bonus points for the narrator — a solid performance that helped distinguish the characters and added to the experience.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Julie Soto for this ALC.

Thank you NetGalley & Hachette Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

This book shouldn't have worked for me - I'm no longer the target demographic - but I was approved for the audiobook so in I went with trepidation and low expectations. I had moved on from the romantasy genre because I found most - particularly those that are hyped - to be cut from the same cloth and unique stories were few and far between. It's ironic then, given the books origin as FanFiction, that the book managed to be something different.

Don't get me wrong - there are absolutely still the classic romantasy tropes. Forbidden romance. Enemies to lovers. Touch her and die. But it wasn't insta-love (my beloathed) - Briony and Toven have a history (albeit possibly unrequited from Briony's POV) and we get to explore that past and how it complicates their current situation through carefully placed flashbacks.

I think it takes a lot of care to execute a book that contains the content this one does the way Julie Soto did. I don't want to say tasteful, because I don't think there should be anything tasteful about themes of sexual assault / sexual slavery - but it isn't done for shock value and we don't linger on it. We're aware it's happening - and of course we, the audience are appalled so we want to see how the story is going to unfold to fix everything.

And the story is unfolding, but slowly like a rose trying to bloom in winter. I think the pacing of the book struggles - I understand it's a trilogy and this is certainly a set up for the rest of the series but I would've liked a little less pining and a little more world and story building. We're given glimpses - Orion's parents and their roles in everything, who is loyal and who isn't, I think more interactions with Mallow - or at least a bigger exploration of how *she* specifically took power - would have benefited the story. We're shown too much of these aspects for them to be teasers, it just seems like the author doesn't know how to leave hints leading to a big reveal.

I appreciate that a content warning list was provided at the start of the audiobook as I went into this pretty blind. The audiobook narrator Ella Lynch was enjoyable, but I disliked the voices that were put on for masculine characters. They were a bit distracting at times and kind of pulled me out of the story, Easy to understand, even at 2x speed.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will likely continue the series via audio and I look forward to seeing how the story progresses and how Julie Soto progresses as an author of her own merit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars!

Overall I really enjoyed this book, I did struggle a lot with the first 25% which introduced a lot of characters rapidly and had some flashbacks to Briony’s time at school that really dragged for me. I did wonder if that section didn’t resonate as much as I haven’t read the fanfic that inspired this book.

I was so glad I kept listening though as the world gets much more interesting, I finished up invested in the romance but more particularly in the storyline about the prophecy and I love a sassy dragon. While this book was a 4 star for me, I can see the next in the series being 5 star.

Ella Lynch’s narration was perfect for Briony, her voice is sweet, proper and proud in equal measure which perfectly suited a sheltered princess. She struggled a bit with the male voices, particularly the villains, but this did not affect my enjoyment of her performance. This is one that I will re-listen to.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.

🎧 Audiobook, narrated by Ella Lynch

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – New adult sci-fi fantasy romance

I’ve been hanging for this book. The second I saw it on NetGalley, I hit request so fast I think I sprained a finger — and bless Hachette Audio, they approved me a couple of weeks ahead of release. Worth. Every. Second.


The story?

Briony Rosewood is the exiled princess of a conquered kingdom, now sold at auction to the supposed enemy. That “enemy” is Toven Hearst — heir to a powerful family closely tied to the regime responsible for her downfall, and the son of the man tasked with wiping out the rebel support that still fights for her. But things aren’t exactly black and white.

Briony and Toven have a HISTORY: they went to school together and shared a rivalry that was part snark, part spark. Reading between the lines, it’s clear Toven’s been into her for a long time — not that Briony realises it. So when she’s sold to him, and expected to be a political pawn for his family’s gain, she’s caught in a mess of guilt, defiance… and inconvenient desire.

The vibe?

It’s part political intrigue, part forbidden slow-burn, part “oh no, he’s hot” energy. Briony is strong, smart, and trying to navigate a world where everyone has an angle. The tension between her and Toven simmers from the start and gradually turns 🔥.

Also: cliffhanger alert — turns out this is book one of a series. Cue internal screaming.

Real talk?

There were definitely moments where I wanted to shake these two. Toven could have shared a little more without giving away everything, and Briony should’ve picked up on a few things a bit quicker. I found myself mentally yelling, “Just talk to each other, guys!” But honestly? It didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed the story — if anything, it made me more invested.

The narration?

Ella Lynch does a brilliant job. She brings Briony to life with the right blend of vulnerability and determination, and gives each character a distinct voice — including Toven. The audio production was clean and immersive, making it super easy to binge-listen.

Final thoughts?

Five stars. Sharp character work, compelling world-building, and romantic tension that hurts. I loved every minute of it and cannot wait for the next instalment.