TW: sexual assault, mentions of non consensual sex, buying and selling of humans, forced sterilization, forced termination of a pregnancy, torture, gore, I'm sure there is much more...this is D-A-R-K!

Well! I'm kind of speechless as to what to say about this book so this will be a jumbled mess I'm sure. It's much darker content than I usually expect from Julie Soto but I do love her writing so I needed to go for this.

Briony Rosewood, Evermore Princess, has lost her brother, twin and king, Rory. After a failed prophecy their kingdom has fallen to their enemies. Their people are being rounded up and sold at auction to be enslaved for their magic. Briony has been purchased by Toven Hearst...a boy she's had nonsensical crush on for years. He's always run with the cruel and crass crowd and he's shown just enough to fit in with them but he's also shown her glimpses of something else. She can't help grab onto those glimpses and hold them in the deep depth of her heart. Being a captive of Toven Hearst isn't what she thought it would be. In fact, his entire family seems to be doing things in secret unbeknownst to their new overlord. Dare Briony hope that she might actually restore her country one day?

Okay let me get my disappointments out of the way first. I've read other Dramione fanfics turned traditional works before and I can say easily that the source material DOES bleed through on this one. If I did not know where it came from I would be disappointed with the world building because there's not much of it. Yes there's magic and there's witches and evil people and perceived good people but I felt that we were dropped into the middle of things and just expected to know how everything came to be. Also the characters. Some were way too easy to recognize and there were way too many to keep track of. Also, this is really dark. Seriously. The content warnings are for real. I cringed so many times, oof! It was hard to get through at times and I had to stop for a break at least twice.

BUT this is Julie Soto. Of course you are going to devour this. Even with the dark themes I did gobble this up. Honestly I did not want to pause my audiobook. I usually listen while doing mindless work things and even after work I continued to do stuff around the house just to keep getting more from this book. It just sucked me in and did not let go! The romance is SUPER slow burn, like a snail's pace, I don't even think we are burning at the end of this book maybe just a tiny spark...seriously slow! But I love that type of torture so I ate it up! There are familiars used in this magic system which was neat and there's a dragon towards the end which is always cool in my opinion. I loved the character of Serena, Toven's mother. She was so kind and caring and treated Briony like a daughter instead of a prisoner right off the bat. She has such power she keeps close to her chest and I can't wait to find out what she's "seen". I really hope she survives this whole thing because I will be devastated if she doesn't.

I was gifted an ALC of this book and Ella Lynch blessed us with this narration. Her light and airy voice was music to my ears. The pacing was perfect at my usual 1.25X and while it took me a second to get used to her Toven voice, it did end up fitting his pompous and terse self.

I will definitely be continuing this series as there still so much left unfinished and that reveal at the end has me on the edge of my seat! Thank you so much to Hachette Audio and Forever Publishing for gifting me an ALC of this book, y'all are the best!

This book is literal perfection. I was utterly captivated by the story the entire time. I just finished reading it and I want to start reading it again right now. I truthfully expected this book to be a lot spicier than it was. Maybe it’ll come in the next book, but in terms of spice, this one wasn’t obvious. A lot of things were implied.

I thought the world building was great and it was adapted well to feel unique and not just like we’re rehashing the same characters

I never actually read the auction, but this makes me want to immediately.

Also, I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did such a great job. I was so engaged the entire time, and I could always easily differentiate who was speaking because of the attention to detail and care she put into the voices. I thought she did a really great job

Wow, what do I even say? This book broke me and then broke me some more and then kind of put me back together again? IYKYK. I loved the magic, the story, the characters, fantastic! The slow burn is SLOW and yet so delicious. The sneak peaks we get have me wanting more. I can’t wait to see how everything comes together because this book definitely set up what’s to come so well. If you are a fan of slow burn, forced proximity, interesting magic system, political intrigue, dramione vibes then I highly recommend this one. The audiobook narration was fantastic as well! I want to thank Hatchette Audio and Forever publishing for early access to the audiobook for my honest review.

I thought the audio performance was really well done and kept my attention. I was quickly sucked into the story and finished it over 2 days. Looking forward to the next book as it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. My only critique is there are so many character names thrown at the reader and the backstory or intent of the secondary characters is not always clear.

This was soooo good. I’m completely obsessed. I read and loved The Auction so I’m not really surprised but I still wasn’t sure what to expect. Rose in Chains is like a leveled up version of The Auction. I’m truly in awe of Julie for being able to write so well across genres. I’m going to be thinking about this one for a while as I impatiently wait for book 2. This was a slowwww burn which is typically not my favorite but for Briony and Toven I’ll make an exception. There’s so much tension and the stakes are high. I will say to check the content warnings since there are some heavier topics in the book.

If you’re like me and you’ve read The Auction, I was really interested to see what was the same and what was changed for Rose in Chains. I think that added to the excitement for me while I was reading it. So while it is great for fans of The Auction, it can absolutely stand alone for people who haven’t read it.

I was lucky enough to get both the eARC and audio ALC so I read and listened at the same time at the beginning of the book while I was getting to know the world and the characters. I switched over to only audio for the rest of the book and the narrator was great! Totally drew me into the world and characters. I was so engrossed that I wasn’t paying attention to how close I was to the end, and when it stopped i reflexively said noooo out loud despite being the only person in the room.

Honestly I just want to talk about this book forever. 100% recommend and then come back and scream about it with me once you’ve read it.

What an incredible read. I haven't gotten to read the fanfic that this was based on, but the Dramione vibes are definitely coming through.

I loved every single moment of this listening experience. The pacing was so well done, I was hanging on the edge of my seat the whole time. You know it's truly great when you loathe to put it down. The perfectly timed flashback chapters truly helped to slowly build that timeline and slowly reveal how much they yearn for each other without saying anything. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

The narrators did such an amazing job on this title. She captured the essence and tone of the story so well in her performance! 10/10

4.75⭐️ Rounded Up

I was not prepared for the book to end when it did. When the narrator said “epilogue” I genuinely started because I couldn’t believe I was that far in. This story just flew by in a blur of action, tension, and intrigue. There was a brief section in the middle that felt like it dragged a little, but even then I was still hooked. Please note: This is a dark fantasy and I advise checking the trigger warnings prior to reading, as certain scenes might be unsettling to some.
The slow burn/unrequited love vibes are SO delicious. Toven is a mysterious I cannot wait to keep unraveling because I am positive he is going to be like Pandora’s box and I am ready for that chaos. I love Briony as the main character. She’s tough, capable, downtrodden, empathetic, and a tiny bit naive. I think she’s going to have a fantastic character arc.
There are so many other characters we see on the side whose stories I would love to delve further into as the series continues.
This plot leaves you on your toes and questioning everything. The ending has me even more curious and eager for more.
Ella Lynch was amazing in her narration. I loved her voice and accent in general. I feel she matched Briony’s character really well, and did a great job depicting the other characters and emotions as well. I hope she narrates the rest of the series, and I will definitely be continuing with the audiobooks if so.

Audiobook review:
I enjoyed this audiobook SO MUCH! The narrator did an amazing job with such a dark, emotional story. The parts where Briony discovered a new secret or experienced a heartbreaking moment were so well read, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Her diction was so good, I felt like every word was crisp and so easy to understand.

Book review:
HOLY CRAP. I NEED BOOK 2 IMMEDIATELY.

I went into this book completely blind-like, I didn't even read the blurb-and I am shocked. All I knew is it was a romantasy and the cover was fire so I said y'know what? Hell yeah. I was in for a RIDE. Gosh this book was epic. I am honestly still processing half the things that happened because SO MUCH happened. Literally every single chapter was integral to the plot and I was hooked on every word. *GIVE ME BOOK 2 SOON PLEASE I AM BEGGING*

From the first chapter we are thrust into chaos, Briony, our FMC just lost her other half and is running for her life trying to stay hidden from her enemies. She then proceeds to be caught along with her friends and oh my god this book was dark. I had no idea who I could trust or what she was even supposed to do to help her situation, it all felt so hopeless and even to the end of the book, I have no idea what's coming next, I just know I neeed to keep reading.

I'm typically not someone who enjoys a dual timeline because I hate being torn out of the present and shoved back to years ago to get backstory, but every *past* chapter was SO good. Just as the action was getting good in the present, there'd be a record scratch in my brain and then BOOM *5,6,7 years ago* it was cruelllll (and I loved it.)

<b>“You can’t just sit in a man’s lap and kiss his neck, Rosewood!” She blinked at him, breathing quickly as he dragged a hand through his hair. “And why not? That is precisely what happens at Biltmore—” “That’s Biltmore!” he snapped. “This is here, in my house!”</b>

I am rooting so hard for Briony, I just know she's gonna keep growing and become even more of a badass than she already is. Toven Hearst was (and still is) an enigma. That man was a literal walking contradiction lol. On one hand, he'd immediately answer ANY questions Briony had, while on the other hand, he kept a tight lip on important information that Briony had no idea to even ask about. (Yes, I love him regardless lol) he just tried so hard to avoid letting Briony get caught in the crossfire, which I can’t be mad at him for!

Serena Hearst is MY GIRL. I was so unsure what to think of her-or any of the Hearst family tbh-but man this woman is a badass and I can't help but love her. Julie Soto, please keep my girl safe, I beg.

The epilogue????????? I was shook. I think I know exactly what's going on with the prophecy, but that reveal at the end had me stunted. I NEED BOOK 2 PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE!

I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator; her voice and inflection brought the story to life beautifully.
This was a compelling, often intense read and a good start to The Evermore Trilogy. Briony’s growth from captive princess to strong, determined heroine had me rooting for her, and Toven’s hidden kindness and complex layers added so much depth. The slow burn, angst filled tension between them was perfection.
That said, the dark themes — especially the treatment of the captured women — were difficult to read at times. Still, the character arcs and romantic tension really stood out, and I’m eager to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Forever for the ALC.

Screaming, crying, throwing up!!!!!! How am I supposed to live without book two immediately?!
This was dark, twisted, and visceral but we also get the yearning, the banter, the TENSION! I could not stop listening and wanted to just lay in my bed and cry and be in this world. I love Briony, she’s so strong and has such complex character development. And Toven- the development we get with him is chefs kiss. I am frothing at the mouth for book two and I’m so thankful to have been given the opportunity to listen to this early!!!

Rose in Chains is a brutal, spellbinding descent into the darkest corners of romantasy. Julie Soto doesn’t ease you in—she throws you headfirst into a world where survival means sacrifice, and love is anything but soft.

Briony Rosewood was born a princess, but we meet her in chains—stripped of her title, her power, and nearly her will to fight. Sold in a horrifying auction, she’s purchased by Toven Hearst, a man tied to her family’s destruction. And yet… the real tension isn’t just in the cruelty—it’s in the undeniable pull between them.

The relationship between Briony and Toven is tense, complex, and drenched in slow-burn agony. It’s not the kind of love story you root for with hearts in your eyes—it’s the kind you survive. It’s morally gray, emotionally raw, and will absolutely challenge your sense of right and wrong.

Soto’s writing is razor-sharp. The non-linear structure was bold but worked beautifully—I was never bored, only increasingly invested. The world-building is laced in shadow and political unrest, but never so heavy it slows the pacing. And while some parts were hard to read (emotionally and content-wise), it all felt intentional—never gratuitous, but hauntingly honest.

📚 What I Loved:
• The razor-wire tension between Briony and Toven
• That perfectly executed enemies-to-lovers arc
• The quiet softness tucked between so much brutality
• Beautiful, aching prose
• A fantasy world that feels real in its darkness

⚠️ Caution:
This is not a light read. There are strong content warnings: violence, coercion, emotional and physical trauma, and themes around captivity and bodily autonomy. Read with care.

✨ Rose in Chains is devastating, magnetic, and unforgettable. It’s not for everyone—but for those who love their fantasy messy, dark, and emotionally consuming, this will absolutely leave a mark.

I read this via audiobook and listened at 1.5 speed and it was perfect. Normally I would prefer a duet but this was great with only one voice.

This book was perfectly balanced with gut wrenching trauma and hope. The world building was intricate but I was never overwhelmed by it.

My only complaint was that it ended. Bring on books 2 and 3.

🧚🏼 thank you to netgalley for the audio arc 🧚🏼

dnf june 2025 @ 20%
One of my most anticipated reads of the year because Julie Soto is one of my fave romance authors, so I figured it would be easier to get into this fantasy because of her. Here are my two main issues with this:

1. The narrators. I didn’t realize this would be british for one (ik it’s HP fan fic okay). I couldn’t stand the female narrators voice, and the way she narrated the male voices, ESPECIALLY Toven, made my skin crawl it felt so off.
2. Too many characters!!!! So so so many names are mentioned in every single chapter and i just could not keep up at all. I don’t even think half the names mentioned will end up significant to the story but she’s trying to give back story but just name dropping tooooo much.

I overall just found this book to be so confusing. I only got to 20% but the timeline jumps and the backstory on what was happening just felt muddled. I did not want to pick it up whenever I stopped listening, which is a tell tale sign that i shouldn’t be reading it! I will 1000% still read Julie Soto’s releases in the future, this just sadly was not for me.

I love Julie Soto and I was so excited to start reading this book! It always impresses me how versatile Soto is with her writing, always excelling whether she is writing a rom-com, a YA thriller, or a fantasy book! This book captured me from page 1 and I wouldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more of this series to come out. I highly recommend this book!

First of all this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint!! A million stars. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hachette audio for an advanced audio copy, I was beyond excited when to be getting this. I loved everything about this from the narrator to the story itself. I read the auction and so I was so excited to read this one. I just love Julie Soto’s writing and you just have to read it. I cannot wait for the next book.

5/5⭐️
1/5🌶️

Her brother killed, her castle taken by enemies, Briony Rosewood has been stripped of her magic and taken to be sold in an auction. The winner? Her long-time crush, Toven Hearst, who comes from an enemy family. Initially, it seems as though Toven wants nothing to do with her. Close proximity takes its course, however, and the Hearst family is not all that they may seem…

I absolutely BARRELED through this book. I immediately was all about Briony, desperate to hear that there was going to be some joy back in her life. This book was giving verrrrrry clear Manacle vibes… and while this is marketed as a romantasy I think that I would say it’s more a dystopian fantasy with a sprinkle of romance. It was very YA, so lots of tension and a lot of spicy talk, but not a whole lot of action. DON’T GET ME WRONG… what we got was fabulous and I was eating all the crumbs! I found the plot fascinating and Briony’s journey incredibly enticing. It’s definitely dark, so check your trigger warnings for this one!! I highly recommend.

What I Loved About This Story:
✨Dystopian fantasy romance
✨Enemies to allies… to more?
✨Fun magic system focused on specific types (e.g., Mind, Heart)
✨Rebellion & opposing sides
✨WHAT WAS THE ENDING OMG!!!!

I received an Advanced Listener Copy of this book via the Netgalley, but my review is all my own.

i feel like knowing that it was a harry potter fan fiction took me out of it a lot - which sucks because i love absolutely everything that julie soto touches but this wasn't for me unfourtunately

Thank you Hachette Audio for my gifted Audio copy!

4.5 Stars!

I could NOT put this dark fantasy with Dramione vibes down!

The world has two types of magical people, the Bomard and the Eversuns. Children from both sides attended an academy together until the Bomard waged a war.

Now the dark forces of Bomard have won the war, and Briony Rosewood has been captured in her castle and forced, along with the other Eversun girls, to have their power stripped and forced into an auction where the highest bidder will own them and channel their magic to become more powerful.

Because Briony is a princess of the Eversuns, she is sold at the auction for the highest price to her school Rival, Toven Hearst.

The story flashes back to memories of their time attending the academy together to build the background of their story. The magic system was unique and entertaining. You'll find politics, corruption, and plot twists!

Briony is brilliant, beautiful, and clever, and although she's in this terrible situation, you feel so much hope from her will to continue making the best of her situation and find ways to fight the dark side. Toven comes from a powerful family, and I can't wait to unravel all of their secrets! The biggest one being how he's secretly obsessed with Briony and she has no idea! This is the slowest of slow burns ever, and the tension is soooo good!!

This story was originally written as Dramione fanfic, and I loved the whole vibe!! I was able to preview the audiobook, and they matched the narrator so perfectly with the story! She brought out the personality and cleverness in Briony through her narration, and I did not want the story to end!

This is a dark fantasy that won't be for everyone. Please check the trigger warnings!

Romance Content: 1 Open-door scene, but other references without details

Closed-door modification: Ch. 36

"Rose in Chains" by Julie Soto captivated me from beginning to end; it wouldn't let me put it down, and the entire time, I had to know what was going to happen next. It's on the darker side of Romantasy, in my opinion, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This book takes a look at what happens when the 'big bad' wins the war, not the 'chosen' hero. I feel deeply for each of its characters and the terrible post-war world they suddenly find themselves trying to survive in. I think the pacing is good, it's filled with high-stakes, magic-packed action, and political intrigue, and it had me constantly considering who to trust. I was never bored.

Then there's the delicious tension between our two main characters Briony and Toven. Schoolmate rivals turned opposite sides of the war enemies, and they suddenly find themselves living under the same roof and navigating their new circumstances. This is an adult romance; it is not YA (please read the content warnings), but it's definitely a slow burn. I suspect that the romance and spice will increase with each book. To be honest, with the secret yearning and the amount of sexual tension between Briony and Toven it did not FEEL like a slow burn. I was giggling and kicking my feet throughout the entire book. The romance girly in me was very much fed and satisfied. Some of the tropes or micro-tropes I loved most about this book include: touch her a die vibes, possessive mmc, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, good girl/bad boy.

The audiobook narrator did a great job in my opinion. Even though it was single-person narrated, I did not have trouble distinguishing between characters. Hachette audio, the narrator and the whole production team did a great job.

I cannot wait for the next book! I genuinely enjoyed Rose in Chains and I will recommend it to everyone.

I really have to applaud this narrator because, while I usually listen to audiobooks at 2x speed, if the narrator has an accent, I almost always need to slow it down to 1.5-1.75x for clarity. However, this narrator was so clear and enunciated that I was able to maintain my usual speed without sacrificing any of the story. Not to mention, it was an excellent performance. Kudos!

I’m not sure why I had it in my head that this was a YA book, but boy, was that wrong. Any book that can make me feel and keep me this engaged must be at least 4 stars, but I was surprised at how much of the book felt like a “sex club for dummies” introduction. And so much pining with minimal-no resolution! We are excellently set up for a sequel, but I was left a bit unsatisfied at the end. That said, I’ll definitely check out the sequel when it inevitably comes out.