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 💕

There is something amazing about fanfics getting picked up by editors. In this case the story was so much better than I could expect. Beautifully narrated as well. A must read/listen

I adore Julie Soto's contemporary romances so this romantasy is a change of pace for me. Briony Rosewood is the heroine and is fighting for her people - and the kingdom. After losing her twin brother, and a war, she's purchased in an auction by her old school nemesis, Toven Hearst. There's complicated world building with warring families, and some serious (and very cool) magic. Hearst Castle, where Briony is kept, is the bomb! The novel is violent and brutal at times - check TWs please. Briony is super clever, and a powerful and talented magician but also credulous to a point where I wondered how she could do even half the things she gets away with.

The novel is very fast-paced, and feels a bit YA, especially in the dialogue, and it's a slow burn.

Narrator Ella Lynch did a wonderful job with Briony, creating an appealing young woman who is trying her best in terrifying circumstances. The whole book is female-centric, with the males basically providing villainy and threat. Unfortunately the ways that Ella voiced the males made them sound like cartoon characters - or baddies in a pantomime. I wanted to like tortured Toven, but there wasn't enough of him being other than threatening or secretive.

Thank you so much Julie Soto and Hachette Audio for the ALC. Opinions are my own.

Having seen so many people talking about this as a fanfic, I was really intrigued to see how it translated to a traditionally published work, and I have to say I do think it stands well on its own!

I went in expecting a dark romantasy with some pretty heavy themes, and it definitely delivered on that, especially in the first 20-30%

This book is intense throughout and It’s got many tropes most people enjoy in romantasy:

• enemies-to-lovers (with slow-burn tension),
• morally grey characters
• and a fantasy world that’s lush, cruel, and pretty immersive

The timeline jumps around a bit, going back to when the characters were in school which threw me at first, but once I got the rhythm, I loved how it deepened the story and gave Briony and Toven’s connection so much more weight. I didn’t fully buy into it however it was interesting to read as it was complicated, painful, addictive. And for the most part I shouldn’t want them together but there were moments that made me feel like maybe they could? Jury’s still out on that for me.

That said, I need to express that this is DARK. Definitely look up content warnings before diving into this one (war, trauma, power abuse, etc.).

As mentioned a couple of things didn’t fully land for me, such as the emotional shifts in the romance, but I really enjoyed the writing and found the world and plot to be immersive and rich and with the ending, I’m intrigued to see where the story goes in book 2.

Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Oh wow! I don’t know where to begin. The first thing that caught my eye was the cover, which is simply stunning and intricate. I usually don’t enjoy people on covers, even when they’re animated or drawn, but this just worked so well.

The ambiance of the story was amazing—dark and suspenseful. I’m always wary with audiobooks about how well they can project the vibe into the narration, but this one was done phenomenally. I adored the narrator, Ella—she did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.

The story follows a war between two kingdoms, told across two timelines that eventually converge to provide a full picture. I was a bit apprehensive about the trigger warnings, as some (e.g., sl..ery, r@pe) are very difficult and upsetting to read about. That said, they were handled with care and sensitivity, given the severity of the story.

Overall, I think I’ve found a great romantasy to recommend! This was a great first book in a planned trilogy, leaving room for the story to unfold and the romance to bloom in future installments without overdoing it in the first. I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy as soon as it comes out.

Goodreads rating: 5 stars

I found this one really difficult to give a star rating. Some parts were really enjoyable, and others were confusing and felt unnecessary. I don't think it started off on the best foot since I really didn't enjoy the narration of this one. I know some people will have enjoyed this style of narration, but I think this narrator would really suit a YA book more so than an adult book. I found the voice felt quite fake and enhanced at times and grated on me a little, so I wasn't able to focus on the story quite as much. I think this left me confused in places, because I found myself zoning out of the book. I really wanted to enjoy this one, and I think the massive hype set the bar too high. I don't think it's a bad book in any way, and I can understand why so many people have raved about it. Probably just not a book for me!

Don’t let the cover fool you, this book might look soft and romantic, but it deals with some really dark themes. There’s human trafficking, captivity, references to sexual assault, forced sterilization, and our FMC, Briony, is trapped and powerless. If you're expecting a swoony romance with palace intrigue and just a hint of danger, you're in for something much darker.

This book left me torn. I really wanted to enjoy it. I was interested, invested at times, but I was never really hooked. I was missing the chemistry between the main characters, the longing, the emotional tension. Emotional moments are often shown through actions or looks, instead of letting us really feel what the characters feel.

And while a lot happened plot-wise, I often felt confused. The non-linear pacing made it hard to keep track of where we were or what was going on. The tempo felt uneven, and I felt like the flashbacks disrupted the flow.

All in all, I had a great time reading this, even though didn’t completely satisfy me. Definitely read the trigger warnings before you pick it up. I will be reading the sequel!

Rose in Chains is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat—and your heart—and doesn’t let go. Julie Soto’s first foray into published romantasy is nothing short of masterful. I thought I wasn't the same after reading her fanfics but this has taken it to a whole other level. With a deeply immersive world, dual timelines that cut like a blade, and a romance built on unspoken glances and unbearable tension, this is a book that leaves you aching for more.

At its core, this is a story about power: who holds it, who loses it, and what it means to reclaim it. Briony Rosewood, a fallen princess stripped of her mind magic and sold as a magical familiar, is a heroine you can’t help but root for. Her resilience in the face of captivity, grief, and betrayal is heartbreaking and inspiring. And then there’s Toven—enigmatic, brutal, and inexplicably tender. Their shared history, revealed in devastating flashes of the past, makes every moment between them in the present feel electric and dangerous.

The magic system Soto has crafted—two rival magical lineages, mind vs. heart—is as intricate as it is compelling. The auction premise is dark, yes, but it's also a vehicle for exploring autonomy, complicity, and the morally grey spaces people occupy in times of war. And somehow, Soto manages to balance that with soaring romantic tension that never veers into melodrama.

If you’re looking for tropes, this one delivers: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, captor/captive, dual timeline, magical bonds, court intrigue—plus dragons, secret rebellions, and a cliffhanger that will leave you utterly bereft.

I listened to the audiobook, and Ella Lynch’s narration deserves its own standing ovation. Her ability to convey nuance, especially in the quieter, charged scenes between Briony and Toven, was impeccable. Each character had their own voice and presence, which made the world feel even more alive.

Whether or not you’re familiar with the fanfic roots of this story, Rose in Chains stands completely on its own as a sweeping, emotionally resonant fantasy. It’s dark, sensual, and beautifully written—perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, The Prison Healer, and Heartless Hunter.

Book two cannot come fast enough. I’ll be re-reading until then.

I NEED BOOK TWO IMMEDIATELY. This was such a fast paced, good read!! I really enjoyed myself. Thank you so much for the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review. 🌹

Rose in Chains is IMMACULATE. I truly have no notes; it is perfection.

Rose in Chains begins with Briony coming to terms with her people, the Eversuns, losing the war and becoming subjugated to the Bomardsuns. Briony and the remaining Eversun survivors are stripped of their Mind Magic and sent to be auctioned off to serve as heartsprings, which are human familiars whose magic is shared or taken. The Bomardsuns practice Heart Magic, and heartsprings are a cruel, inhumane way for them to boost their magical powers. Toven is a high-ranking, powerful Bomardsun, and he participates in a contentious bidding war for Briony at the auction.

Briony has ambivalent feelings regarding Toven, and their complicated history together is revealed in flashbacks throughout the story. Although demonstrations of explicit kindness toward Briony were uncommon from Toven when they were in school together, she still found herself infatuated with him, a feeling that persists even at age 25. The yearning burns slowly and the tension continues to build as you learn more about Toven and Briony's past and present. The longing is palpable and what makes the romance phenomenal.

Since the second book in The Evermore Trilogy will not be released for some time, I will have to content myself with re-reading Rose in Chains. I will absolutely be buying this book to add to my shelves.

Regarding the audiobook specifically, Ella Lynch does a phenomenal job narrating. Her inflection and character voices are fantastic and make you feel immersed in the story.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Forever, and NetGalley for the audiobook advanced reader's copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own. Rose in Chains is set to be released on July 2, 2025.

Oh my god *Bob Belcher voice* Oh my god, oh MY god, OH my god, oh my god. Oh my god. I listened to this from start to finish with nary a pause or glimmer of remorse about it. The fanfic it was inspired by is one of my favourite fics across the entire internet so I was looking forward to Rose In Chains but assuming it would be a mostly same-same story as what I’d already read. Not only did I not anticipate it could get better, I didn’t anticipate it could get THIS much better, where the world building and characterisation are so much more impressive than the source material the fic was inspired by and the fic itself. I am obsessed with this magic system. I am obsessed with every mean and/or sexy thing Tovyn says. I am livid I have to wait for the next book when I know roughly from the fic what might happen yet don’t know at the same time but also need to know now. It’s like I got hooked on LovesBitca8 and Julie Soto is microdosing me as a form of torture. And the narration? Sweet jeebies. How is Ella Lynch pulling off Tovyn’s whole presence like that? I honestly didn’t think solo narration would be able to do it but it did.

I feel like I owe my soul to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for giving me in exchange for an honest review.