Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 stars

The SLOWBURN? Yes please! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Ended up flying through 70% in one day because I just couldn’t. Stop. Reading.

I did see some of the twists coming but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. I could read another 600 pages of this, easy.

And now we wait (impatiently) for book two to be released..

Thank You NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC!

Honestly loved the book! It does feel like it starts of slow with the first half establishing the world, some background on the characters and events before and after the auction itself. I really recommend people reading the Trigger Warnings and check reviews if this is right for them. This is a dark romance with heavy topics that might not be suitable for everyone. As someone who has not read 'The Auction' I can say this book can be read without having to read the original piece this was inspired by, though that does leave a few things that leaves you scratching your head on. Overall it was a great read, with Briony questioning what to do for her and her people when her Brother, the one that everyone had hopes for, dies. The slow burn she has with Toven, from being cautious after the auction to slowly seeing the side he's hiding from her. My only real complaint is that the flashbacks disoriented the flow of the narrative at times, but overall was a great book!

Ella Lynch did an amazing job delivering the book! Some of the males voices sounded sleezy when they needed to be and gave that emphasis needed. Though, Toven and Briony's voices were something I had to get use to a bit, but after a while, I adjusted to them. Pronunciation was clear and nothing ever sounded out of place. Thank you for bringing us this amazing narration of the book!

Alas, I'm but a simple hoe-- and Julie Soto totally gets it.

Well edited, well produced, well narrated, easy to fall into and enjoy.
This was an absolute joy to read and will probably end up one of my favourites of 2025.

2.5/5

This was not for me. I try to venture out every so often when there are books with a lot of positive buzz, but this was not it for me.

The plot made little sense (if you take it out of the context of the original world this book is based on), the character relationships were rushed to be established while also painfully slow to go anywhere, and the contrast between serious issues and immature jealousy is jarring. Your friends were sold and are actively being abused for their magic and bodily autonomy, but sure, let's spend pages on how you are jealous that Tevon took someone else to those parties. Instead of being outraged that he protects you while using other women because he doesn't see them as worthy of the same respect, and that he can't communicate with you to save your life. Or even has a personality other than being obstinate, impractical, and, honestly, unimaginative.

It doesn't help that the writing doubts my intelligence. I don't need to be reminded three times that Toven lied that Briony had the pox. Not when we have Briony refusing to connect the dots that there is a rebellion brewing between the ruling class, or that Toven is attracted to her. There is a fine line between idiots in love and just plain idiots, and I fear Briony is on the latter side. I can suffer much for a good story, but I cannot do that while locked on an incompetent character's point of view. A character who doesn't care about anyone other than herself. It's the only conclusion I can gather when I am literally in Briony's mind, and I can't say anything about any of her friends, her brother, or even Toven. All I can say is that boys like Rahven are disgusting pigs who I know exist in the real world, but sound like lecherous and cartoonish villains with the cringey dialogue to back it up.

I honestly want to thank Ella Lynch for reading this book for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the reason I could make it through this book.

Welcome to your new romantasy series!! Julie Soto sets up an interesting premise where the bad guys have taken over and are enslaving the defeated. Princess Briony has been captured and is being sold for auction. Enter Toven, a former classmate of Briony’s, and adventure ensues. With a touch of spice and major character development, I can’t wait to see where this story goes! Make sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning.

Thank you, Julie Soto, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this audiobook! The sound quality was excellent. The narrator, Ella Lynch, did a great job bringing the characters to life!

"There is a lake with still waters."

If only you could've heard the scream that I screamt when I saw the approval email for the ALC.

Yes, Rose in Chains by Julie Soto is a reworked Dramione fanfic but for even the most diehard of Dramione readers, this book stood on it's own two legs as a brand new tale. This first book, of a trilogy, wastes no time and you are transported to the middle of a war between the warm, temperate lands of Evermore and the cold, harsh lands of Bomard. We are thrown into the critical moment where Evermore falls and Briony Rosewood (twin to the heir) is captured and stripped of her magic. From here, we follow her through her auction, and sale, to one Toven Hearst.

Honestly, I've been excited for this book ever since Julie announced it's publication - and it did not disappoint. I fell in love with the characters and was captivated by the unique magic system.This world Julie has created feels like coming home and I cannot wait for the next book!

Please note, Rose in Chains contains some dark themes. Please take care and review the trigger warnings as needed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for my ALC.

To say I was obsessively hooked on this book is an understatement. First off, that cliff! I am now desperately waiting for book 2.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Ella Lynch. She truly brought this romantic fantasy story to life. The way she read Briony and Toven had me hanging on every last word!

This is a world with two rival magical peoples, Bomardis with heart magic and Eversuns with mind magic. The story centres around Briony Rosewood and her twin, Rory, who start off the story as the princess and prince of Evermore. They attend a magical training school together with the other Bomardi and Eversun children. In this magical school setting we are introduced to Toven Hearst, a rich Bomardi teen and talented magician, who quickly becomes Briony’s bully and enemy and makes her days at school difficult.

A war breaks out between the Bomardis and Eversuns and Briony is captured, her magic inaccessible and she is sold off to the highest bidder to be used as a magical boost. The winner of that auction is revealed to be Toven and Briony cannot believe her luck that she has ended up in the hands of her school bully, for him to siphon her magic as he pleases.

High stakes drama, slow burn tension and forced proximity unfold as Briony and Toven’s stories are revealed and they both pursue their own goals, which seem more and more similar as the book races towards the cliff.

Read this book if you love:
🪄 Interesting magical system
❤️ Enemies to lovers
🪄 Forced proximity
❤️ Dark romantic fantasy
🪄 Hermione x Draco fanfic
❤️ Morally grey MMC
🪄 Politics and scheming
❤️ Slooooow burn
🪄 Strong familial ties

Thanks to NetGalley, Julie Soto and Hachette Audio for the ALC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Are you kidding me!?! Julie Soto kudos to you! I absolutely enjoyed this book! The world building and the angst it was across the board the best. The slowburn romance scorched me. I love how we see Briony truest self and how mysterious Toven continued to be. I cannot wait to uncover more secrets and missions in the next book.

I fear I might be too obsessed with this book, I literally requested and got an ALC too, just so I can reread it!

I loved this book so much! It was everything I hoped for and more. I AM OBSESSED!

After her kingdom fell and her brother was killed, Briony, along with other survivors of the attack, was captured and sold in an auction to the highest bidder. She gets sold to Toven, a enemy she knows all too well. Thrust into a new world full of horrors, she will soon find that not all hope is lost.

I loved the way Julie set up the world and the flashbacks where we discover more of her history with Toven and the war.
The tension between them and the painful slow burn was everything, it was so well written. Seeing Briony be so smart yet so stupid was both maddening and entertaining. I need more of them. I absolutely loved Toven, the way he protected her, as well as his family.

I really liked the audiobook, the narrator did a great job. Honestly, the dark elements of this story hit even harder listening to the audiobook.

That ending though, I need book two immediately!
I'm so excited to see where this story will take us.

Julie Soto never disappoint. Every book I’ve read is like gold. I was obsessed with the option of this book but this book of Rose and chains is on a next level. I’m so glad I got to read this.

Incredibly honoured and immensely thankful to have been approved by Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC.

***

The world of this book is dark and grim, the future uncertain. The hope is taken from us right from the start. The evil has won, the darkness took over, but somehow in all this - Briony Rosewood managed to keep her spark. Purchased at an auction, by a man, an enemy, who she had a crush on in school, she tries to navigate this new reality, where people are used as Magic sources against their will and where one innocent memory can be the difference between life and death.

All is not lost, as Briony keeps noticing other sparks of hope and rebellion, yet fails to see that the sparks inside her and around her shine the brightest.

***

Firstly, AAAAAAHHH! While waiting for my physical pre-order to make its way to me, I noticed the book on Netgalley and shot my shot. As always, an audiobook is a completely different experience to silently reading a book. And wow, what an experience! This was my first Ella Lynch audiobook and I must say I am now a forever fan. The way she could make me believe it was Toven speaking, then Briony, Orion, the others. Amazing acting overall... or she actually might be a very talented magician putting her spell on me! I cannot wait to hear her narrate the rest of the trilogy.

This is one of my highly anticipated releases this year, so I never doubted its quality, and it certainly did not disappoint. The story captivates from the first chapter, and it won't let go for days or weeks after you finish. This book will be on a close shelf in my mind and I will gladly open it up from time to time until we get the whole trilogy. Then I'll bind it all together and cherish it forever.

I love the way this story is written, from the tiniest details to the big image. The characters, however small, seem to have lives and dreams of their own. That makes it especially difficult when anything bad happens to them. The main characters are complex. I would gladly read books from their POV just so I could dive into their minds, see what they see, and be privy to their plotting.

I often find myself disappointed when a time jump occurs in books, but not here. The chapters are tied together seamlessly, the important details hidden in the past are worth it.

I find it hard to summarize my thoughts for a review when my mind is screaming AAAAAAA and MOOOOREEEEE, but it is a testament to how good the book is and how much I enjoyed all its elements. I truly cannot wait for the other two books.

2025 is the year of Dramione and I'm so here for it, especially when we're getting books like Rose in Chains that make you stay up until 2am because you simply cannot. Stop. Reading. I'm calling it: this is one of my top reads of the year.
Julie Soto's masterful storytelling immerses you in the story from page one. There's familiarity in the bones of the book (iykyk) but everything from the heartsprings to the boosting is entirely new, and it's a breath of fresh air in the romantasy genre. I love the way this story treats its darker elements with the care they deserve, while also pushing into deliciously scandalous waters that will have you screaming into your pillow. I'm just saying..if Toven Hearst wanted to enter my mind, I'd fling open the doors.
Sometimes I find flashbacks can interfere with pacing, but in this case, the flashbacks were my FAVOURITE aspect! Getting to see Toven and Briony's history at school made their interactions in the present so much more intense, and I love that we also get to see how much Briony has sacrificed to help her brother shine. She's such a layered protagonist; she has great power and intellect but will protect her family above all else, even at the cost of her own happiness and future. Julie Soto really gave us top tier character development AND a perfect budding enemies to lovers. Chef's kiss.
Having read The Auction when it was on Ao3, I had high expectations for Rose in Chains, but it blew my mind in the best way. This reworked version maintained the core elements that fans know and love - the complex relationships, dark plotline, addictive tension - while weaving the rest into a fresh story that expands on the original fic and..dare I say...is better? Briony and Toven were the beating heart of this story, and I'm already obsessed with their romance - I know it's just going to keep getting better as the series goes!
I also have to commend Julie for the way she flawlessly established the world. We were never bogged down in worldbuilding, or lost in unfamiliar jargon; she guided us with expertise, allowing the reader to absorb information about Evermore and Bomard but never feel overwhelmed by the politics or intricate magic system.
The romance had depth. The world held a darkness. Everything was gloriously twisted and kept you guessing. Rose in Chains is the perfect start to a fantasy series, and book two cannot come fast enough.

😌such a great start to this trilogy. Julie Soto has done it again with her addictive storytelling— I was totally absorbed and extremely eager to unravel this new world and magic system.

The dark tone (check TWs), curious magic, political intrigue, and mysterious and morally grey characters realllllly had me completely and utterly hooked. I couldn’t stop until I was finished— singularly focused on disentangling this wonderfully twisty story.

The sizzling chemistry between the MCs had me on the edge of my seat. The slow burn was slow burning. Exploring the MCs’ dynamic was such a treat and I’m beyond excited to delve deeper into their relationship in the next book. Beyond the two MCs, getting to meet and slowly understand all of the side characters was a whole adventure on its own. Figuring out allegiances, morals, and values of all the characters nearly called for a spreadsheet 😆— it made my brain work and was such a good time.

The audiobook narration by Ella Lynch was so engaging and emotive. The performance had me totally entranced and I’d love to check out Ella’s other work.

The audiobook for Rose in Chains is great for anyone who loves a British accent.

That being said, this book dragged for me and I could not get into it. I was a little bored, unfortunately. This one wasn't for me, but I'm sure many other people will love it.

I wasn’t ready for this book—and I definitely wasn’t ready for it to end. And now I’m in the agony of waiting for book two with no timeline, no closure, no peace. I will be feral until I get it. This is an instant cult classic for me.

Rose in Chains consumed me in the best way. Even without reading The Auction, the Dramione fanfic that inspired it, this stands on its own as a masterclass in dark romantic fantasy I feel. Julie Soto builds a brutal, beautiful world where magic has been stripped away, power has shifted into terrifying hands, and hope feels like rebellion. Check your trigger warnings, some not so easy topics touched on in this book, but still in a way that beautifies the impact of the story rather than deter you away from it if that makes sense.

Briony is fierce, sharp, and aching beneath her fire. Toven? Equal parts cruel and compelling, with just enough cracks in his armor to make you spiral. Their dynamic? Absolutely electric. It’s less enemies-to-lovers and more enemies-to-I’m going to lie to myself about how I feel about you and silently suffer in that until it nearly destroys me-to-lovers and it’s tense. A slow-burn that’s laced with longing that cuts deep.

4.25⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend to anyone that likes slow burn, dark romantasy with a strong FMC and morally grey mmc. I went into it blind without any knowledge of the story's history. When I read the description, it sounded intriguing, so I was excited when I received the ALC.

This is book one of a series. This book contains both the present timeline as well as flashbacks. With the exception of the very beginning, I felt it flowed smoothly and without confusion. I actually really enjoyed this aspect of the story telling. 

The start of the story was a little rough for me. Normally I'm able to keep up, but with the multiple timelines, a bunch of new character names to remember, and a big action sequence all within the first 1/4 of the book, I had to take a breath and rewind a little. 
The magic system was unique, but I feel like it was not fleshed out enough. I would love to know more about what makes each country use different types of magic and how that magic system works. I hope we will learn more in the second book. 

Ella Lynch did a excellent job of creating different voices and inflections for each character in this audiobook. The narrator makes or breaks it for me. If I don't vibe with them, I have a difficult time getting through the book. I did not have that problem at all. She was fabulous. I will definitely listen to more of her audiobooks. 

I recommend checking out the trigger warnings as this book does include auctioning of humans as property, implied rape and abuse, as well as some other topics that could be concerning for some individuals. 


Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC.

What drew me in was the stunning cover but don’t be fooled, Rose in Chains is a dark, intense story that hits the sweet spot for romantasy fans. While I usually avoid dark romance, Julie Soto balances it perfectly with political intrigue, action and a slow-burn romance. Briony, a princess thrown into chaos after her people are enslaved, makes for a gripping lead in this fast-paced fantasy. If you’re into Fourth Wing, this one’s even better.
Just check the trigger warnings first—then dive in!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Julie Soto, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC and Hachette Audio for an ALC of Rose in Chains in exchange for an honest review!

WOW- I tore through this book, I could NOT put it down! This is a book where checking the trigger warnings is going to be very important, the content covered multiple heavy topics. This book absolutely was setting up for the remainder of the series (I believe it’s supposed to be a trilogy?), so it was a tad slow with the world building, providing background information, and setting up the main plot. I personally really enjoyed that- but I know not everyone does! Briony is such a smart and capable FMC, but because she spent all of her time making her brother look good while growing up, everyone seems to underestimate her. She is just the future kings twin sister who is often times an afterthought in regards to her brother Rory. I look forward to seeing how she continues to reflect on growing up in Rory’s shadow as she begins to own her power in the fight to regain the freedom of Evermore. This book didn’t reveal much in regards to Toven, and I honestly can’t wait to see more of him. I hope that in future books we even begin to get his POV, but clearly everything he has done seems to be for Briony even if the specifics haven’t been revealed yet. I don’t want to be too detailed in my review because I don’t want to include any spoilers for a book that’s not out, but I’d definitely say if you’re okay with the trigger warnings this is a must read! The ending?! Diabolical. I NEED more haha, I will eagerly be waiting for the next book!

As for the audiobook I was initially skeptical about Ella Lynch just for the tone of the book, but wow- she did a fantastic job! I think my only thing is I’d have loved dual narration for Toven, but since he doesn’t have any POV chapters I understand why that didn’t happen. Now if I could get this on graphic audio? That would be AMAZING!

magical, sex slaves… (i was not aware😭) forbidden love (in my opinion its not that great), enemies to lovers, and forced proximity. i absolutely love the cover and the start of this book. i was so invested and enjoying it highly! however, as the story continued, i found myself not interested anymore as my expectations were not met and some new themes were introduced which i hate. 😔

Dark magic, dangerous politics, and a love that cuts deep—Rose in Chains is Julie Soto at her boldest and most ambitious.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the audiobook ARC of Rose in Chains! As someone who devoured The Auction back in the day, I was so curious (and a little nervous) to see how Julie Soto would rework that fic into an original world. The result? A richly layered gothic fantasy romance that absolutely stands on its own.

The first thing that blew me away: the double timeline. It’s so well integrated—effortless and emotionally devastating in the best way. Watching Briony and Toven navigate the past before the events of the main timeline gives the present-day angst so much more weight. Their past is warm, fragile, and somewhat hopeful… and then you’re thrown into this cold, brutal “after” where nothing is as it was. The contrast hurts, but in a way that makes every stolen moment feel that much more precious.

And let’s talk about that worldbuilding. Soto has taken the bones of her fanfic and split it open to build something entirely new and complex. The magic system—centered on individuals who wield either heart or mind magic—feels vivid and immersive. The concept of "Heartsprings" as a form of magical control adds a chilling layer to the political structure, and the Auction is reimagined not as a sexy trope, but as a terrifying tool of authoritarianism. The line between power and subjugation is razor-thin in this world, and Soto doesn't let you forget it.

The politics are just as intricate as the magic. You’ve got a ruling class terrified of rebellion, a resistance on the rise, and a religious system clinging to tradition by weaponizing purity and control. Every choice Briony and Toven make is shaped by this larger web of fear, secrecy, and power—and that tension hums through the entire novel. It’s not a light read, but it’s one that rewards patience and attention.

Briony Rosewood is a standout protagonist. She’s fierce, stubborn, and deeply principled, even when she’s uncertain. I loved how Soto gave her space to question everything—her past, her faith, her feelings—and still remain grounded in who she is. And Toven Hearst? He’s one of the most emotionally complex male leads I’ve read in a while. There were moments I wanted to shake him, moments I wanted to hug him, and moments where I didn’t know what I wanted—just that I couldn’t look away. His care for Briony is twisted up in guilt and control and longing, and somehow it still feels devastatingly tender.

If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing can get a little sluggish in the middle, especially as Briony and Toven circle each other in their emotional purgatory. But the prose is gorgeous, the tension never fully lets up, and the payoff—both plot-wise and emotionally—is worth it.

4 stars for a beautifully written, genre-bending story that turns a familiar concept into something utterly new. Julie Soto proves yet again that she knows how to write heartbreak, healing, and the messy space in between.

For fans of: morally gray romances, consequential magic systems, gothic fantasy, layered timelines, and emotionally wrecked characters you can’t stop rooting for.