4.5 rounded up

Another amazing book by Julie Soto! I devoured this book. I’ve read her other two books and loved them, so going into this I knew it would be another I was going to enjoy. It did start off a bit slow but I was hooked. This was the kind of book that I had to take everywhere with me and wanted to avoid all my responsibilities because I could not put it down.

I found the magic system to be really interesting and liked the world building. Julie Soto also has a way of writing in a way that transports you into her books. I felt as If I was right there with the characters.

The tension, slow burn, and yearning in this book!! I ate it up. I loved Briony and Toven. I was hanging on to their every word and moment. They are true enemies to lovers and I’m here for it. I can’t wait to continue to see their individual character and relationship development.

I had predicted a piece of what would happen at the end which had me even more excited to see how this series continues..This feels like a series I will be obsessed with.

Please make sure to check TWs at the beginning of the book as the book has dark/heavy themes.

Thank you Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the arc!

I’m still reeling.

It’s a love letter to fans of The Auction, packed with moments that will have you screaming, crying, heartbroken, squealing, gasping, and kicking your feet.

The world-building is nothing short of extraordinary. Soto crafts a universe that feels both vast and intimate, with a magic system that’s as intricate as it is enchanting. Every detail is deliberate, pulling you deeper into the story until you’re completely immersed.

Rose in Chains is a triumph. It’s a story that will wreck you, heal you, and leave you begging for more.

I am absolutely gobbsmacked.

To preface: I am a Dramione girlie, I loved The Rights & Wrongs series, loved The Auction. My expectations were through. the. roof.

And somehow, even those expectations weren’t only met, but exceeded.

This book is so *perfectly* The Auction, while also being the quintessential Romantasy book. If you love The Auction, you will be kicking your feet, screaming at the moments that are so special from that fic that are in this book. If you’ve never read The Auction, you will be kicking your feet, screaming at the absolute perfection that is this book.

The world is beautiful, thoughtful, creative, perfectly unique and immersive with an intricate magic system and equally compelling characters.

Our FMC, Briony Rosewood, is captivating, with a strength and fortitude that rivals our Golden Girl herself. Like the rest of the book, it is so obvious that she is inspired by Hermione Granger in The Auction, yet she stands alone, on her own merit and excellency.

Our MMC, Toven Hearst, is, in a word, delectable. He's witty, intelligent, and controlled, perfectly displaying one of my favorite characteristics in a MMC--restraint. If you somehow mix "touch her and you die" with "I'm not touching her because one I start, I'll never stop," you get Toven Hearst. Delectable, I tell you.

And arguably one of my favorite relationships in this book, SERENA & ORION! I was gobbling up CRUMBS from them as much as I was from Briony and Toven. Such a worthwhile addition to this book.

If you like…
- forced proximity
- dark fantasy romance
- rivals to lovers
- PINING
- political intrigue & fantastic worldbuilding
- dragons !!!!!!!!!!
- slow slow slow burn
…then you need to read this book. Even if you don’t like those things, you need to read this book.

Biggest thank you to Forever Pub & Julie Soto for an early copy of this book. I am beyond honored to have had the opportunity to read and review this book.

***Please read trigger warnings and take care of yourself first and foremost. This book is dark and handles deep themes that are at the heart of this story.***

I haven't read The Auction or any substantial fan fiction, really, but I was excited to read Rose in Chains and absolutely think it holds up as its own work of romantasy. Honestly, I felt more callbacks to the Handmaids Tale (the name Serena didn't help) than the Harry Potter universe. It's definitely a first book of a triology as the climax feels much more like a break into the second act rather than a true climax, but I will absolutely be tuning in for books two and three. Furthermore, I am absolutely certain that the diehard romantasy readers at our store will be obsessed. Characters were excellent, the writing was solid, and I didn't hate the flashback chapters like I usually do, so that's a 10/10.

I can’t believe I read this so far ahead of release day, because I will be suffering for the next four months wishing I could talk about this with my reader friends! Rose in Chains in a traditionally published version of Soto’s fan fiction, The Auction.

This story is set in a world with magical and nonmagical people, with the magical people divided into two factions who practice different types of magic. When one kingdom falls, Princess Briony’s life is going to be much different - and much darker. I won’t say any more because you need to read it for yourself.

I haven’t yet read The Auction, but I absolutely will be reading it soon! My only downside is that I didn’t realize that this is the start of a trilogy and now I’m desperate for more.

Whether or not dramione fan fiction is of you, you’re going to love this. It’s excellently written dark romantasy, and honestly, the wizarding world is so removed that without context, I don’t think I would have realized it was a dramione fic.

Thank you so much to the folks at NetGalley and Forever Publishing for granting me access to an advanced reader copy!

Another winner by Julie Soto! I do admit to reading the source material for this book, and I really like how she mirrored that story while also adding a lot of new elements. The magic structure was great and the tension between Briony and Toven was top notch. I will be highly recommending this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto follows a princess and her enemy who are thrown together during a war between their nations and their long-time chemistry ignites with their forced proximity.

I'm just going to say it--best read of 2025! As a huge fan of the Auction (the fanfiction this originally was), I had HIGH hopes going into it and Julie surpassed it. I'd say it's even better than the Auction. The scenes are cleaner, the tension between our two MCs is even higher, and the plot was faster paced and more cohesive. I actually really liked the magical aspect as well; it was such a fun exploration and felt very fresh and new.

I definitely don't think you need to have read the Auction to enjoy this, but I do think if you read the fanfic and loved it, you're going to be really happy with this revision. While there are a lot of favorite scenes that were revisited, there was also a huge twist/change at the end that wasn't in the original which I appreciated as it keeps the readers--even long-time fans--on their toes! Overall, a six-star read and absolutely my new favorite romantasy!

This is the best fantasy/romance/romantasy book I have read ever. I have never been so sucked into a book - making time stand still, but also pass so quickly. Reading Rose in Chains has put me into a reading slump like no other because of how fantastic it is. It reminded me of the fanfic I read at 13 where I would manipulate the AO3 filters in order to produce the most angsty piece of literature you could imagine. This is apt considering Rose in Chains started out as a fanfic.

I haven't stopped recommending Rose in Chains - which is a problem considering it doesn't come out for another four months. It is also a problem for me because I just want everyone I know to read it immediately.

Whenever I talk about this book, I quickly follow up with the fact that it has heavy themes of sexual assault and (sexual) slavery. This immediately throws people off, but I haven't quite worked out how to make that disclaimer, but also convey how special the book and relationships explored are. Like of course Briony and Toven have a special relationship that was so amazing to watch develop, but there are also the relationships between Briony and all the other women in the book, Toven and his allied, Briony and Toven's mother. The relationships in this book are so complex and worthy of praise and admiration.

I originally thought I would be reading Rose in Chains for the romance, but I actually became more fascinated with the plot. It was so strong and moved the book along so well. Don't get me wrong though, Briony and Toven's chemistry was INSANE. Literally had me gnawing at the bars of my encolsure... like... oh my god. But since this is book one in a trilogy, we don't really fully get into the romance (I'm also curious if there will really BE a romance).

I cannot believe how good this was. How much I loved it. I'm blessed to live in the same time as Julie Soto and her brain.

THE AUCTION AS ITS OWN FANTASY NOVEL IM SCREAMING!!!! The way this author was able to translate the story and the magic onto the page had me foaming at the mouth for more.

As a romantasy reader, I've noticed that there are many similarities between romantasy books. Although there were some elements that fell into the tried-and-true romantasy tropes, I thought Rose in Chains' plot was mostly innovative. I flew through this book! There were so many things that captivated me: the writing, the characters, the world, and the romance. Julie Soto's writing was fresh and easy to follow. I enjoyed the narrative and the way the main characters were written. The past chapters were sprinkled in appropriately and helped develop Briony and Toven's complicated past. A good part of the past scenes was set during Toven and Briony's school days. I wish their schooling was expanded on more. I felt like that aspect of the story was a little unclear. I just assumed it was similar to Harry Potter since this story started off as HP fanfic. One of my favorite school scenes was the willow tree chapter. Toven and Briony had qualities I like to see in romantasy characters. I liked Briony's character and her drive to save her people. The beginning of the book was very tough for her character and I liked her resilience. I did think that Soto could have expanded more on her grief. I wanted her grief to play more of a focal point in the story. Rory's death didn't play as big of a role with her character as I thought it would. Toven was brooding, protective, and mysterious. I ate up all of the information we got about him. Him having that green ribbon was adorable....I just wish there was a scene with the green ribbon. I imagine the future books will peel back the layers and mystery behind Toven and why he's resisting Briony. Enemies to lovers' fans will savor this book. There were a lot of side characters in this book. I did find it hard to track all of them at points. I liked the Hearst's, Larissa, and Finn. I did feel a little confused about Serena. Was she just in the house most of the time? Besides the stuff with her power, I wanted more clarification on what she was doing. I hope to see more of Larissa and Finn in the next book. There were times where Soto repeated plot points in the narration. Although it was a nice reminder of what was happening, it felt overdone at points. I found the magician world interesting. The politics of the world with the mind and heart magic was unique. The storyline with the Bombardi taking advantage of the heartspring was sad. I can't wait until everyone gets their revenge! I had some unanswered questions after finishing Rose in Chains. I still don't understand where non-magical people fit into the world. Are they all servants? I also thought the familiars could have been expanded on more. I would like the next book to have more information on familiars. I imagine we will learn/see more with that. I wasn't surprised by the ending of the book. I am eager to see what happens next. Despite there being some flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading this book again and continuing on with the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

THIS WAS EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you a million times to Forever for letting me read this book in advance. The ending put me into an actual coma though, and I think I’m going to be nonverbal for the time being.

I have no words, no thoughts at the moment, except for wow! And, that was exceptional! And, ANOTHER!! IMMEDIATELY!! Please!!!!!!!!

Please check the TW’s though, my friends. This book was as heavy as it was well written.

OBSESSED. WILL DIE FOR THEM.

To be fully upfront, I have read all of Julie's fanfics. So safe to say when I saw the Auction was being trad published I stalked NetGalley like an obsessive weirdo until it showed up. This is very similar to the Auction, in fact some of it is scene for scene the same, however, as it is no longer a Dramione fic, Julie got to change the world and I love how she did it. The heart and mind magic sources are intriguing to me, and the prophecy and twist at the end have me on the edge of my seat to know what happens next.

The angst and pining that is in this book is unmatched. This will forever be the epitome of "it was always you" and I will be waiting for book two with huge anticipation. Also for anyone who is unaware, this book is dark, and I do recommend looking at the content warnings.

Oh my God! This book was incredible. I haven't read Romantasy in a really long time. It kinda started to feel repetitive and boring, but THIS! THIS was a fresh take. New unique magic systems and world building without being too much. The flashback chapters are definitely really helpful for more context. This one is dark but i assume there will be trigger warnings. It is most certainly not YA. I am obsessed with Briony and Toven and this whole world and I cant wait for the second book

Julie Soto can write anything she wants and I will devour it! Rose in Chains is the perfect romantasy to read.

I could not stop reading this the second I started, I could not put it down because the plot, tension, chemistry and world building is amazing. Slow burn, dark and steamy, political intrigue and lots of pining, tension and rival kingdoms? Oh I am obsessed. I love Julie Soto's writing but after this one? I need all the romantasy from her. It's witty, dark, full of tension and theres an auction? Briony and Toven were everything and I need them back immediately. I loved that we get to see how it all starts, the rivalry between the kingdoms, the lore of world and its world building, I love that it's easy to follow and page turner. Briony and Toven's dynamic and relationship and how it progresses had me down bad. I am in love. Highly addictive and a must read! You truly have to go into it blind and let it take you for a ride because it's so good! I am so excited for the rest of the series!

Absolutely yes, OBSESSED.
Nobody does it like Julie Soto! The tension the longing the characters!!

I loved this so much I never wanted to put it down and wanted to immediately read it again, which I’m sure I will do very soon.

This fantasy world filled with unique magic and the aftermath of a war that turns everything upside down. It’s dark, and magical, and yet that romantic element shines in the most subtle slow way, I need the next book NOW!

For lovers of dramione, and even those who aren’t! This book was PERFECT

Thank you so SO SO SO SO much to Julie Soto and Forever for sending me this ARC. I always say that Julie can get me to read her grocery lists if she wanted to, and this is surefire proof. It is very hard for me to get into Fantasy, and while I was a big fanfic girlie back in my day, Dramoine isn't necessarily something that caught my interest. I think I had a fun and interesting take to really enjoy Rose in Chains BECAUSE I'd never read the auction, and my GOD was I instantly taken with this story!
Soto has this incredibly special ability to write CINEMATICALLY. Perhaps it is her background in playwriting, but there are few books in this world that I can read and clearly see every single scene play out in my head like a movie. Her focus on the character's expressions, the nuances in their facial muscles and eyes that convey emotion so much deeper than simple words on a page. Toven and Briony are living, breathing creatures that grow muscle, skin, and bones the further you read. The circumstances are dire and terrifying, even infuriating at times (the way a post-war world in which women are reduced back to simple objects to suck energy out of), but every character you encounter glows with a sense of HOPE. From Finn to Larissa, to the women who share grapes at parties, this series is a beautiful and complex web of secrets. The heart of a revolution beating so slow and soft under the belly of the dragon that the dragon herself does not know what is coming.
Toven is much more than a Draco alternate. He is a character all his own. A product of his upbringing, with a sense of control that you are simply waiting for it to break. His obsession with Briony is obvious to everyone except her, but only because she is so big-hearted and wears that big heart on her sleeve that she cannot see him until she is trapped. I have loved frew FMCs the way i absolutely adore Briony. She is walking goodness, stubbornness, ultimate power that has been forced to hide and boost others for so long she doesn't even realize that SHE is the gem.
I will be thinking about this book for the rest of my life. I will be agonizing over the next book until I have it in my hands. julie Soto is a force to be reckoned with. Everything she writes is gold.

Oh, okay, oh okay, yeah. UM. JULIE?? HOW DO I GO ON?? QUEEN???
This is my most anticipated read of the year, and I’ve finished it. Where is my will to go on? Have you seen it? Can I borrow yours?

This is the year of Dramione, folks—get in or get out of the way. I’ll be honest, this feels like a safe space; I’ve never read fanfic before. I’m absolutely not opposed to it—it’s just that I wasn’t aware of it until I was older. Sheltered. However, I have read the material this fanfic is based on. The beginning of the book had me comparing characters to see the similarities, but I’d rather mentally separate the two. Fortunately, Julie is a super genius and has created a world, a magic system, and characters that stand on their own. My only hiccup was that my brain can only keep track of, like, a maximum of five characters' names at a time. I felt that the first 15% of the book introduced so many names and characters that my head was swimming.

I knew (rightfully so) that I was going to love this book, so I soldiered on. I enjoyed the time jumps, which gave us context at just the right moments, helping to shed light on the uncertainty. This added more weight to the complicated interactions between Briony and Toven. There were plenty of characters to adore and despise (check the CW). In romances, supporting characters can sometimes just be there to move along the main story. I was happy to see several characters stand out on their own.

I loved Briony—she’s so smart and so dumb (said lovingly). She’s strong and gets things done, but she’s not rash. I felt like she always made the best choices she could when faced with obstacles.

The romance. Briony and Toven. I just want to bonk their heads together! The way Julie writes her male love interests? Perfection. Girl gets me. Toven obviously wants to worship at the altar of Briony but can’t, and she’s convinced he thinks she has cooties. The banter was amazing, and the two prove to be very worthy adversaries. While the book ended sooner than I wanted, I know it sets the stage for an even more anticipated next installment. I need to get inside Toven’s head.

I CAN’T WAIT for the next book. I actually can’t. Help me!

I won't lie, this book took me a minute to get into. However, I think it was completely worth the wait. It picked up significantly in the second half of the book and after that I genuinely could not put it down.

This is the definition of a SLOW burn. Maybe the slowest of burns but trust me, the TENSION is there. This is also a very true enemies to lovers. Although, the yearning and longing for one another is still present always. Additionally, the romance scenes were sexy and spicy and I was eating them up. Briony and Toven are definitely some of my new favorites and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!

I honestly would describe this book as the romance being more of a sublot underlying the main themes of war, politics, power dynamics/hierarchies, and the vulnerability of women in the hands of powerful forces (such as men).

Overall, I really enjoyed how it ended and where this story is gonna go.

My apologies Julie I wasn't familiar with your fantasy game!! This wonderful woman has given me one more thing that's going to keep me up at night waiting for the rest of the series.

I love a kickass first line, this one got me. There is so much to go through and I'm going to need everyone to pick this up as soon as it gets delivered by baby angels to your local bookstore. The world building was clever and straight to the point and the characters were compelling. I think the power structure and line succession was a little bit confusing at first but it makes sense once you start meeting all the characters. I'm surprised by how well it was paced while not feeling like im losing the juicy bits, especially considering how long fanfics normally are.

Read if your books are missing any of the following: magic duels, women in power (baddies), morally grey characters, mind games, shocking flashbacks, sexy tension btwn hot people, teen angst, and adult pining!!

I ate this book up, Dramione girls rise up!!

Thank you Netgalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing, and Mrs. Julie Soto, for this scrumptious read, going to need the next two books ASAP (respectfully)!

This book has my heart!! A new favorite!

With her kingdom in ruins and her brother gone, Briony has lost her magic and is sold to the highest bidder. Her new owner, Toven, is powerful with ties to her past.

This book took everything I loved about the fanfic and elevated it to an entirely new and original level.

I loved the tension. Keeping us out of Toven’s head made every glance, every word, and every charged silence between him and Briony even more intense!! The chemistry between them was incredible.

The cliffhanger was brutal in the best way! I am so excited to see how she does the rest of the series!

I will be thinking about this book for a long time!

Thank you NetGalley, forever publishing, and Harper collins UK for the ARC