4.5/5
WOW, this was so good and even better than I expected it to be.
I was lucky enough to get to listen to the audiobook of this ahead of its release and I'm so glad I went the audiobook route because the performance was so good. The narrator was perfectly cast for Briony and did a great job with voicing all the other characters.
I'm always really hesitant about reading books that were formerly fanfiction but I can totally understand why this was picked up to be traditionally published.
I loved the plot and little hints of romance throughout without the romance being the primary focus; I think that would've really downplayed the true horror and darkness of what Briony was going through.

4.5 !

This audio was great but I think it would have benefitted from dual narration with a male narrator.

Although originally a darmionie fan fiction I was engrossed in the plot and the story. The time flashbacks really helped you understand the relationship between the two main characters. It was a slow burn but the angst was so delicious I didn’t mind!

It does end on a cliff hanger. I can’t wait for book 2!

💗 Rose in Chains by Julie Soto

🌹 “𝑻𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.”
“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔?” 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔. “𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅.”

⛓️ This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, but it just wasn’t for me. 😭 I felt the world building was lacking at times, and there were SO many characters at first that I was lost.

💗 The world building- As a sister to a brother, I really felt no real connection to her brother that she was supposed to be close with. Also, how and when did the king die? That’s never explained. Why is the Mind Magic bad? Maybe these questions will be further explained in the sequel, but I was lost.

🌹 The flashbacks were good for background knowledge, but some chapters would let you know you were reading a flashback and others didn’t. This made it difficult to keep up with the story.

⛓️ The romance- The relationship between the two MCs was decent. It was certainly a slow burn, which I do enjoy. However, I felt like I never really understand his motivations for most things. Again, this might be further explained in the sequel.

💗 Overall, this was a decent listen, but I don’t know if I’ll read the sequel. I know SO many people love this, but it wasn’t for me. 🫣 I know that’s controversial.

Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Knowing the origin of this work, I was worried I would be listening to a thinly veiled mimic. However, Soto did an exceptional job converting this work into original fiction. The magic system was interesting, as were the relationships and for a dark romantasy which is for sure not my genre I found myself really enjoying it. I would’ve liked the world building to be explored throughout the story rather than so much of it being regulated to the beginning.

I think a large portion of that comes down to the narrator. They did an incredible job with the voices and the tone and emotions of the characters to delivery really interesting performance. I am unsure if I had read this as an e-book if I would’ve enjoyed it nearly as much.

I do have some complaints largely around the marketing of this book. I think this would have been so much better if I had not known its origins. I found myself wondering who each character’s counterparts were in the OG story it is based on. It was a huge distraction. Soto did such a good job divorcing herself from the original content that I would’ve liked that separation to exist in the marketing, covers, etc.

This was my first book by Julie Soto. I am interested now to read her contemporary books and compare the writing. A magical story of loss and fighting when you find yourself with little control even though you have always been one of the most influential and powerful. I am so excited to see where this story goes especially with the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and felt they took me on the journey and kept me there.

Thank you Hachette Audio for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I'm not sure I've ever been more excited to receive an ARC. As an avid fan of Soto's fanfic work, I've been stalking this release for almost a year.
Rose in Chains did not disappoint and was everything I hoped it would be.

Fans of a certain well-loved magical world may sense a slightly familiar architecture beneath the prose, but Soto's newest story transformation is effortless, losing nothing in the translation, but gaining heart-wrenching characters and a whole new magical landscape. The novel is bold, deeply resonant and fully realized. If you love a fierce and unflinching tale of survival, reclamation and love when love shouldn't make sense, I know you're going to eat it up as much as I did.

Note: the trigger warning list on this one is a long lady.. Take a peek before reading. It can be found on the author's website.

I loved, loved, loved this story!!!! Ella Lynch’s narration was perfection as she brought the heroine, Briony, to life. Lynch’s voice was spot on for a young woman of privilege who finds herself in captivity. The pace of both the novel and narration kept me listening — long after I should have gone to bed. I can’t wait to listen to the next installment in this series and I hope both the narrator and production team return for book 2.

Thank you to #HatchetteAudio and #NetGalley for the ALC. The opinions are all my own.

This book had me IN MY FEELS. Oh my goodness I can’t even explain THE TENSION. Obviously this book has dark subject matter, but in my opinion, it is on the “less dark” side of dark romance. If you are comparing it to its source material, The Auction fanfic, it is MUCH less dark, with certain scenes being altered or completely removed.

The world Julie Soto created for this story is interesting and rich with history. The magic system is unique and stands on its own. I don’t want this review to end up just being a comparison to The Auction so I will keep it short and simple: this book is amazing, the slow burn is to die for, the tension is top tier. The narrator for the audiobook, Ella Lynch, does a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. Her timing and delivery of certain lines had me both cracking up and wanting to cry. I am already ready to reread this!

This one was of my most anticipated reads of the year. I’ve read the auction and was so curious to see how Julie Soto would build her own world. While it is not exactly same, it still has the same dark elements and plotlines of the Auction. You should really check the trigger warnings before reading. As for myself, I loved this Romantasy. It was packed of action, political intrigues and a slow burn love. I really loved how the story was going back and forth between Briony’s time at the magical school and the aftermath of the war. I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy.

I wanna thank Hachette audio and NetGalley for sending me the audiobook early. It was really nice to listen. I loved Ella Lynch’s narration. She was able to put a lot of emotions in all the characters voices. The different voices were easy to understand and it made the listening experience better. I will definitely listen more audiobooks read by her !

I really enjoy the way that Julie Soto set up this story. I enjoyed the flash backs and how they directly relate to what is happening in the present day. As well as how they elude to different things that could happen in the future books without stating it outright. I also think the characters feel fully fleshed out, they have their own drive and have character flaws that make them more well rounded. The world is very interesting with a complex magic system but still understandable. I have enjoyed everything I have read by Julie Soto and Rose in Chains is no exception. I am looking forward to continuing this series when book 2 comes out.

Ella Lynch and the team that produced this audiobook did an awesome job. The emotions that the characters felt could be heard through the voice acting. All of the different characters had different voices but could still be fully understood. There were also no weird splicing where you could hear there were parts that needed to be re-recorded. Incredible job on the editors part. There are very few audiobook narrators that I search for books they worked on but, Ella Lynch has been added to that list.

A defeated princess is sold to her enemy after the war, but what she finds is unexpected loyalty, heartbreak, and a fierce spark of hope - and I was so obsessed with every second of it. I was hooked the whole time, totally swept up in the found family moments that even had me tearing up, and now I’m just sitting here wondering if I should hunt down the original fanfic to get my fix while waiting for the next book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC 🥀

Thank you to Hachette Audio for the gifted ALC!

Chains of Roses by Julie Soto is an intriguing listen that surprised me. I’ve never read any fanfic before, so I came into this story without any background or expectations and ended up enjoying it. While the beginning felt a bit slow, it quickly found its footing and picked up at a great pace. Once it got going, I was completely pulled into the world Soto created.

The story has such a cinematic quality that I kept thinking, this needs to be adapted for HBO. The tension, the world building, the high stakes, it all unfolded smoothly that I could practically see it on screen. The audiobook narration was strong and added real dimension to the characters, making the experience more immersive.

I’m genuinely hoping this isn’t the end of the story. I would absolutely read (or listen to) a sequel. There’s so much more potential to explore in this world. If you’re looking for something with a slow burn build, rich atmosphere, and a touch of drama, this is a great pick.

I am blown away. I cannot thank NetGalley, Julie Soto, Machete Audio, really thank you to whoever I have to thank for the opportunity to listen to this story. For those who aren't aware this is a traditionally published book based off the fan fiction called "The Auction". I have slowly been reading the fan fiction that is being adapted into traditionally published novels and I was so excited for this. Not to mention every other Julie Soto book I have read has been a knock out of the park for me. This book did not disappoint.

This book follows a princess named Briony as her kingdom falls and the path her life takes during this process. This is beautiful and tension filled and the emotions that it evokes are fantastic. There is so much passion that weens between love and hate with Briony and Toven. The flash backs and the draw they have towards each other is beautiful. At times the female main character might seem dim for being a little bit oblivious but the distant and distrust she has had toward him for so long adds the context needed to not get frustrated. The pacing of this book was great and I never found myself lulling and wanting to put it down. Quite the opposite really, I wanted to savor it while at the same time wanting to consume it all. I will definitely be continuing this series (I am eagerly awaiting the next book) and will definitely continue reading whatever this author rights.

I would recommend this to any fantasy lover who wants some tension and intrigue with a slow burn. Thank you so much NetGalley I will recommend this book any chance I get.

Thank you to Hachette audio and NetGalley for the ARC!

I’m not a fan of Dramione, so I judged the book independently of the fanfic.

I was intrigued by the book, and at first, everything was fine, but then I lost interest, it became boring, and I didn’t particularly like the main character.

The chemistry didn’t hook me either, even though it’s my favorite slow burn.

The book touches on dark themes, so sensitive readers should be cautious and check for triggers! The atmosphere is magical, and the idea is good.

I listened to the audiobook, and it was pleasant to listen to, so I’ll give an extra plus for that.

Most likely, the book and its themes just aren’t for me.

⭐️3.5/5
4 for audio

•Dramione fanfic inspired
•Revenge Plot
•Political Intrigue
•Forced proximity
•Heart bonds & animal familiars
•Slow burn
•Warring countries

If you're a fan of dark fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, slow burn tension, and unique magic systems, this book absolutely delivers.

Rose in Chains follows Briony, the Evermore princess, after her kingdom is viciously attacked and she’s captured by the enemy. Along with other survivors, she’s auctioned off to the highest bidder. When her turn comes, it’s none other than Toven Hearst—a feared figure known for his cruelty—who claims her. But Briony and Toven share a complicated past, and their story unfolds through a dual timeline that adds emotional depth and layers to their connection.

This book is dripping with tension. Julie Soto masterfully balances forbidden romance with dark, intense themes, creating a narrative that’s both heartbreaking and magnetic. I especially loved the magic system—divided between heart and mind magicians—which felt fresh and original.

As for the audiobook narration, Ella Lynch was outstanding. She brought every emotion to life and perfectly captured Briony’s strength and vulnerability. Her performance drew me in completely, enhancing the entire experience.

I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC.

Note: This book includes dark themes—please check content warnings before reading.

Thank you to Hachette audio and NetGalley for giving me an ALC.

**Spoilers Ahead**
I went in really wanting to like this book. I think some of my issues may be due to the fact that as I’ve gotten older, I have grown a strong distaste towards stories of people falling for their captor/abuser.

To talk about the good first, the book flows nicely. I didn’t feel like it was too fast or slow. I loved the portrayal of the victims of the new regime, how the women try to support each other in whatever way they could. The strength in their small acts of resistance and support for each other really tugged at my heart. I have to commend the narrator of the audiobook, she did a great job.

My big issue with the story is that the FMC exists in a setting where women like her are constantly being SA’d and r@ped but she somehow finds it in her to just after her captor. The quote “It had been so long since she’d been touched in anything but force or imprisonment” comes to mind when thinking about this issue of mine. Although he is meant to be “one of the good guys”, the MMC still physically abused the FMC and the MMC seem to go out of his way to be cryptic which doesn’t help the FMC’s mental and emotional state. At one point the FMC is stripped in front of the MMC and she is turned on by the MMC staring at her starved body, wanting him to touch her. The MMC also gets jealous when the FMC is forced to kiss/be SA’d by other members of his society. It really irked me.

I also feel like the author really leaned on the misunderstanding trope to advance the plot and to get the characters to do what she wants. I find this quite frustrating mainly because it seems like the characters choose to misunderstand each other rather than the story actually hiding information from them and causing the misunderstanding.

Overall I think this is an ok read but lacks the nuance to reach the desired depth.

DNF
Although there was a trigger warning at the beginning of the audiobook, I feel like there should have been a trigger warning clearly stated in the synopsis. Especially considering this is supposed to be "new adult". I was not expecting this to be as dark or have such dark aspects. Do yourself a favor, and look up the triggers before reading or starting this book. It is definitely not for everyone. There is SA and human trafficking

Ya’ll… this was amazing! It completely blew my mind. Is there a way to give more than 5 stars? I’m not sure how I’ll get through the wait for the next 2 books. Holy book hangover…

I read via audio, so I’ll review the writing and narration separately.

Writing -
Briony Evermore is used to making herself less in order to make her twin brother, Rory, more. She’s been trained her whole life by her father to do so. After all, Rory is the heir to Evermore and she’s destined for only a politically advantageous marriage or to support her brother from the sidelines. But when her brother is killed, her lands overthrown and her people taken captive, she starts learning to become SO MUCH MORE. Toven Hearst is her counterpart, and while we still don’t know why he’s determined to save her and her bloodline, we have some guesses.

Be warned, this is dark. Briony and Toven’s relationship isn’t, but the world they live in features enslavement, magical and physical rape and forced sterilization. Check your trigger warnings.

I found the world building to be fantastic, and flashbacks were used so well in order to show the world and to advance the narrative. There were so many flashbacks that featured Briony’s memories of episodes with Toven and I really hope we get to see at least some of these from Toven’s POV in future books. Briony is such an easy character to root for and empathize with and Toven is the kind of male lead we love in romantic fantasy. He keeps his secrets close, his entire existence is devoted to keeping her safe and we still don’t know why!

Side characters - I loved the Hearst family. They’re in this together and they’re doing what it takes no matter what they have to give up of themselves. I hope we see a lot more of Larissa and the enduring sisterhood of women in the future. The bad guys are SO bad - looking at you, Raven, Cole, Mallow, etc.

Narration - Ella Lynch positively nails it. Briony’s confusion, devastation and determination are so well portrayed. This is the kind of narration that immediately has you searching for other works the narrator has done, but I’m honestly not sure if Lynch could ever not be Briony for me now.

Some predictions for the future? Briony is the one mentioned in the prophecy, the Hearsts know this, the dragon will end up bonding with Briony and she’s going to rain brimstone and fire down on Mallow (that last part might be wishful thinking. She’s probably more benevolent than I am).

Thanks to NetGalley, Hachette and Soto for the ALC! All opinions are my own.

DNF @ 45%

The female audiobook narrator’s voice was a bit too high-pitched for my ears, but oddly enough, her narration fit this awful story.

My face was in a constant state of sucking on a lemon.

The way females were treated in this book—like actual cattle, being bid on, sold, and branded—was horrifying. I’ve never understood the appeal of Dramione, and I really wanted to feel what everyone else does… but once again, I just didn’t get it.

The MMC was foul. The setting? Vile. The constant emphasis on virginity was bizarre and deeply uncomfortable. The MMC literally put a collar around the FMC’s neck to suppress her magic, called her 'his property,' backhanded her, and belittled her. Then—suddenly—he’s kind? Feeding her with his hands, checking on her while she’s sleeping -which is creepy, btw-, and stroking her hair. Like… DUDE, pick a lane.

I think this is my sign to stop giving Julie Soto another chance.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Another day another book..... Thank you so much Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC 🫶🏻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story & narrations
🌶️🌶️
🌶️ Chapters: 32 & 33

“That heartspring is mine. Her mouth is mine, her magic is mine, her skin is mine.”

You will enjoy this book if you like:
* Dark fantasy romance
* Low spice but high tension
* Revenge Plot
* Political Intrigue
* Forbidden Romance
* Heart bonds & animal familiars
* Cliffhangers

Elle Lynch did a fabulous job narrating Rose in Chains. She managed to bring all the characters’ raw emotions and personalities alive. I can’t wait to hear her again with the next books.
Now, the story. I was wary of this book because the Auction is one of my beloved fanfics. But I went into the story with an open mind and tried not to compare the two. And I was NOT disappointed.
Julie Soto did an amazing job making Rose in Chains its own entity while slightly aligned to the Auction. Now that is magical! 💕
And I might be biased being a crazy Draco fan and all, but I was swoooooooning over Toven. Actually, no, I am biased to all pale blonde MMCs. But Toven has my heart. He was trying so hard to save our girl, Briony, in this dark, violent world. And Momma Hearst, she is precious. Love her.
Briony is fierce, smart, and powerful. I can’t wait to see her get the revenge they all deserve!

If you have read the Auction, then you should know how dark this book can get, so please take the triggers seriously. If you have not read the Auction, then I’m telling you to take the trigger warnings seriously.

Book Publisher: Forever
Audiobook Publisher: Hachette Audio
Publication date: July 08, 2025
Print length: 457 pages
Audiobook length: 16h 1m
Narrated by Ella Lynch

*disclaimer: my darkness and spice rating might not be the same for you. Please do your own research before reading*

Thank you, Hachette Audio for my gifted ALC 💕