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.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and Forever for advance copies of this book.

DNF at 16%.

I'm not stupid. I knew this was going to be dark because I knew The Auction was nearly pitch black. However I falsely assumed that it would have to be sanitized slightly to be ready for a traditional publishing deal and nope. Not even close. This thing was so dark that I started cringing at it as I went and then when they mentioned they were going to spay her (yes, they used that word about a woman) that I bounced and I'm not sorry about it.

I've read fanfiction turned original fic before and when it's done well it's seamless. You start to forget who the canon characters were almost instantly because the new ones take the story and run. This was not that. Every time a new character entered with nothing changed but their names to the point where they would enter and speak two lines and I'd mentally assign them their equivalent in the source material.

I do feel a certain way that in all the universe of Dramione fanfictions that were adapted for original publication this summer, both of them are completely saturated in violence against women.

But the one positive of course was Ella Lynch. If anything were to keep me reading this, it would have been her. Her pacing and panic kept my anxiety super high which fits for this story. I hope I get to try something else she narrates soon.

First. Thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette audio for the ARC of this audiobook. I do not know what I was thinking with this book. I had no idea it was a series and now I am here, sitting, waiting for the next book!!
The audio was done well. I was able to tell the characters apart and I just love a British narrator.
I also realized I may have read the fanfic version of this story and I love the way she was able to keep the story similar and make it very much her own. There was a good amount of world building and the flashbacks helped to build the story up.
This is a top tier fantasy romance but it is also dark. Be warned. Read the trigger warnings. By the end of this book, they are both still yearning for each other and have yet to admit they love each other. This is the yearning I want to see.

Talk about a SLOW BURN with both plot and romance. This really sets the scene for books that come next and I cannot wait to devour those too!

The narrator really brought Briony to life.