"𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓪𝓬𝓬𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓶 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓵𝓵 "



I will admit that I was a little confused in the beginning and I wasn't overly sold on the writing style, however once I became invested in the story, that didn't seem to be as apparent anymore.
I never read that fanfic that this is based on, and honestly don't really see the dramoine reference but I enjoyed this story as it's own entity.
This is quite a dark fantasy, with some pretty heavy topics but it does feel entirely immersive.

🌹Forced Proximity
⛓️Different types of magic
🌹Familiars
⛓️Politics
🌹A dragon
⛓️Slooooow burn & angst

I don’t have enough stars for the book. Dark and twisty, it’s broken me and left me aching for more.

The war is lost the prophecy unfulfilled, her brother gone and now Bryony is held captive by her enemy.

The dynamic and chemistry between Bryony and Toven was perfect blend of will they won’t they angst and passion. Political intrigue and twists and turns. I need book 2 now.

The magic systems is a unique take that I loved.

Set in a world with opposing factions using differing types of magic, we follow Briony, a Princess from the Evermore line after her father, brother and army have been destroyed in a years long war. She is captured and put up for auction to be used as a 'Heartspring' to bolster her captors magic at the expense of her own mind & body.

She is purchased by Toven, son to one of the most influential men in Bomard and Briony's classmate before the war. (Though the two have never been on good terms) Rather than being made into a Heartspring, Briony is held hostage at Toven's family estate and we are left to wonder why?

Its definitely one for you to check trigger warnings for due to the content. The world is brutal but the seeds of rebellion are present despite everything. Having the story take place after the death of the chosen one is a fantastic decision and really sets this book apart. I look forward to seeing how the story progresses especially after that ending and hope we see more traction of Briony finding allies and fighting against Mallow.

The writing style was great and I flew through this book so fast. I have many questions about what's happening outside the estate where Briony is kept but I hope we get answers quickly in the next installment! The romance is very much slow burn which under the circumstances makes perfect sense and works well. It'll be interesting to see how/if the two end up together after everything that takes place.

Thanks to Netgalley & HarperCollins for this arc, I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Full disclosure for this review, I have read and loved the fanfic that this novel is based on., so my review can only be from that point of view.

It does feel like a bit of a risk, because a reworked fanfiction could totally change the feel of the work. Julie Soto has had to rework the whole magic system, and backstory around the reason for the war, but she has done it incredibly well. While the main plot beats are the same, there has obviously had to be some editing. What I’m not sure about is if I am filling gaps in my head from my knowledge of the fanfic or if it works as smoothly as I think it does.

I was in no way disappointed by this reworking. I feel that Julie Soto has done an amazing job opening up a specific fandom to be accessible to any reader. I plan to recommend this book to various friends who haven’t read the fanfic to see what they make of it.

My main problem is the cliffhanger the book was left on! It represented a significant departure from the fanfic so I am very excited to know where the story is going next given this development!

Absolutely loved it overall and can’t wait to see what comes next.

Well, this is very disappointing. I've enjoyed Julie Soto's work so far, but this just wasn't it for me. I immediately knew from page one this wasn't going to work for me because, by now, I know my taste very well. The writing was immediately a no because it was exposition galore from the jump, and it was clunky as hell and boring, the names of the characters were ridiculous, the worldbuilding was nonexistent, and it was so unimmersive and unengaging that I just couldn't finish it. The way that flashbacks are used here also slows the story down a lot and, worst of all, they're confusing for no reason.

I'm not familiar with the fanfic this is based on, maybe it's great, but I don't think the author did a good job turning it into an independent story. You just can't rely on people knowing the lore of the work you based your fanfic on if you're going to trad publish it.

First of all, Harry Potter is done. No one with a moral compass wants anything to do with it, so relying on people knowing HP when most don't even want to have read it in the first place because the author is such as piece of shit, is a little dumb to me. You're shooting yourself in the foot.

This was the opportunity to separate the story COMPLETELY and build your own world, your own lore, and Julie Soto just didn't. No honest, real attempt was made here IMO. She just throws names and random facts about this random world at the reader, and that's it. The characterization of these characters was also lacking to me. Briony was so immature, and this is supposed to be adult. Plus, they were both so boring. Also, why is this categorized as romantasy? The nature of this "romance" is dark; she's sold as a s*x slave, for God's sake. So much more could've and should've been done with this.

I don't know... This just didn't work for me at all, and I couldn't have cared less about anything in this book. It feels like such a cash-grab to me. So dead, so uninspired. Hard pass.

Rose in Chains is a dark, romantasy that kicks off a compelling trilogy. Set in a kingdom where magic is classified as either mind or heart—and where conquered citizens are auctioned off and drained of their powers—it’s both brutal and deeply emotional.

Former school rivals are forced together, slowly shifting from tension to trust, with a slow-burn romance that feels earned and gripping. The world is harsh, the stakes are high, and whispers of rebellion promise bigger things to come.

Inspired by the popular fanfic "The Auction", this book stands on its own with vivid characters and rich, dark worldbuilding. A strong start to the series that hooks you from page 1.

Loved it! I’m happy I went in blind without knowing much about the fanfic or anything HP shaped (yuck) and I could take this book for what it is. I adored it. It was slow at times but just setting up the series I imagined but I’m ready for book 2!!

I read The Auction and absolutely loved it, so I came into Rose in Chains with very high expectationsand honestly, Julie Soto delivered.

This book is dark, intense, and emotionally gripping, with a richly imagined world and characters that feel layered and real. Briony’s journey from a sheltered princess to a fierce, resilient woman is heartbreaking and empowering, and Toven? Lethal, complex, and the perfect foil for her in every way. Their slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic had me hooked from the start. The plot is non-linear and keeps you piecing things together in the best way.

That said, some echoes of The Auction were noticeable (not a flaw, but something I clocked as a returning fan), and the subject matter is definitely heavy this is not a lighthearted romantasy. But if you're here for dark magic, emotional stakes, and a romance that smolders with tension and pain, you'll find this unforgettable. I’m already desperate for book two.

Rose in Chains is dark, intense, and completely addictive. The enemies-to-lovers romance is twisted and full of tension—Toven is terrible, but somehow you still root for him. It’s emotionally heavy with some tough scenes, but the story and world pulled me in hard. I’m already desperately awaiting the sequel.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and HarpersCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn’t read The Auction so I came into Rose in Chains completely fresh - I do love a Dramione ship so this has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year!

I tore through this book at lightning speed, it’s really addictive! The characters are compelling, and the world-building is immersive without being overly complex. I loved how Briony’s personality starts to shine more towards the end; early on, she reads a little younger and more reserved, but as the plot unfolds, her development becomes more layered and satisfying.

The pacing overall is steady. There was a section in the middle where things slowed down a bit, and I found myself wondering where it was all heading, but it picks up again and finishes strong. And I did not see that cliffhanger ending coming - the epilogue is everything an epilogue should be!

I went in expecting some darkness, and while the book definitely touches on heavier themes (I'd recommend checking trigger warnings), it's mostly in references and atmosphere than graphic detail.

Briony and Tovan’s relationship is the crux of the narrative - and I was here for it! The slow-burn and emotional depth of its development is well done, and the flashbacks added so much richness to their dynamic. I’m already can’t wait for the next book to see where their story goes and how their relationship continues to evolve!

Rose in Chains is a new romantasy book by Julie Soto and fans of the fan fiction titled The Auction might be familiar with this book. The story follows Briony Rosewood who is captured when her castle falls. She is stripped of her magic and auctioned off. She is sold to Toven Hearst who she has had a long term crush on. She will have to play a role to survive alongside Toven who might not be as bad as she thinks.

This was alright. Firstly to start with the positives I can see many people who are fans of romantasy books enjoying this. To say this story originates from a fan fiction I think the world building was well done in this and whilst I haven’t read the fan fiction, the characters in this do feel fleshed out and real. The book was written well and the situations Briony was in felt real and I could easily emphasise with her. That said romantasy books just don’t seem to work for me. I struggled to stay engaged with this and that’s definitely my problem and not the books fault.

Ugh - so so so good! My book of the year no doubt. Everything I wanted it to be and more, I need the next book like right now. RIGHT NOW.

This book ripped out my heart, stomped on it and then shoved it back in only to go, lol, to be continued…

Julie Soto proves she can write whatever genre she puts her hands to in this first book on a new dark romarancy trilogy.

Following the end of a war, Briony is captured from her home and sent to auction to be a ‘heartsrpring’ for her enemies. Enemies who would pay a lot of money to have the Princess of their rival kingdom for themselves…

The first third of this book took me a while to get used to. There were a lot of similar names, jumps between places and a magic system to understand - but oh boy, once I got to grips with it all I WAS HOOKED!

There are some very dark moments in this book, but there’s so much excitement, drama, romance and just overall twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The slow burn is so slow it’s barely an ember but omg you know it’s going to become explosive. The yearning, oh goodness the yearning!

The ending needs the TikTok sound of ‘that was rude’ to play with it.

I would like the next book now please!!!!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

This was the dark and sexy romantasy I didn't know I needed!

Rose In Chains was much darker than what I usually read (please check TW and take care) but I LOVED it! I was immediately sucked into this world of magic and deception, of politics and fallen kingdoms, of war and slavery, and I couldn't get enough!

I loved the world-building and the unique magic system! Especially everything about the "Heartsprings" fascinated me, how one can share their magic with a partner, willingly but also sadly, against their will. I don't want to spoil, so that's all I'm going to say about that!

I loved the MCs, Briony and Toven, and the tension slowly building between them. I was definitely looking forward to every interaction between the two, and I was definitely ready when things start to heat up!

From what I've gathered, this book orignally stems from a Dramione (Draco x Hermione) fanfiction called "The Auction". I'm not a fanfiction reader myself, but I can tell you this book stands on its own as a completely new and special romantasy.

I definitely recommend this book if you love dark romantasy, with a unique magic system and interesting politics! I'm EAGERLY wating for book 2 (this is a trilogy)!

Thank you net galley!

This was a 4.5 for me, I really like Julie Sotos writing and have enjoyed everything of hers I have read so far, this is different though, it’s much darker than I think I was expecting but the story telling is so good! I could not put it down towards the end!

Loved the use of flashbacks to flesh out the story and the world, in the beginning I felt like I needed more information on the magic system but you do eventually get it!

Looking forward to book two

If you are a dark fantasy lover then this one is for you! And if you like sexy scenes and sizzling romance this one is also for you. The story centers Briony, a princess that has to navigate intrigues and many adventures throughout the book. This is an enemies to lovers romantasy and they say it is a Dramione inspired fanfic. It is a pageturner and it ends with a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next one ❤️

So glad this has now been traditional published, Julie Soto is becoming one of my auto read authors and this didn't disappoint!

A story that really throws you into the deep end of family hierarchy, two kingdoms waring (lots of political scheming but also magic battles), forbidden feelings and a whole loads of angst.

What I always love about Soto's writing is her characterisation, you get such a good grasp on each of the characters and even side characters (hello Serena Hearst), plus the story jumps from past to present which allows for so much richness in the story and context of the relationships you see unfold.

Briony our FMC is on a journey of finding her feet in a world she was not expecting, now the sole heir to the Eversun kingdom after her twin dies in battle, she is captured and sold at auction by the Bombardi forces, she knows herself but has never been allowed to truly be herself .... will the person who she has always thought was against her, and now owns her, Toven Hearst, remain her enemy?

I can't wait for book 2 & 3, although I'm hoping we get some true Soto spice!

Warning - this book does deal with some darker tropes so check the trigger warnings before reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, & Magpie for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I do not have enough words in my vocabulary to stress just how much I loved this book. It was everything I hoped it would be, and more. The world is cleverly crafted, Briory and Toven are deeply intricate. The magic system is creative, but not so overly complicated that it took me half the book to understand.

I would love to sit here and write an entire love letter to this book and how much I loved it, but I'll be honest; I am now dealing with a book hangover that won't leave me for at least 7-10 business days. If that doesn't convince you, then I don't think anything else I could write would change your mind.

I tried going into this book with as little expectations as possible, having never read “The Auction” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but within the first 10% of the book I knew it was going to be a 5-star read: I was hooked, giggling, and completely head-over-heels for both characters!

Don’t get me wrong, there are darker themes and you should definitely read the trigger warnings, but I was expecting much worse. It is clear from the beginning that Briony and Toven have been pining over each other for YEARS, and it is such a slow burn that I was going insane by the end, begging them to just kiss already!!

I love how the author reworked the story to make it original: we are thrown in basically at the end of the story, the hero has lost and we are here for the aftermath. There are high-stakes, there is yearning (A LOT of yearning), emotional scenes, the tension between the MCs is hot enough to melt… basically everything you could want in a romantasy. The ending was surprisingly happier and less cliffhanger-y than I was expecting, but I need, neeeeed the next book right now! I think it’s safe to say I won’t be shutting up about this book anytime soon!

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins and the author for the arc copy!

I knew before I’d even started reading that I would adore this book. I first read The Auction in 2023 and it has been on my list of all time favourites ever since, I’ve reread it several times. I can’t believe I got to experience one of my favourites for the first time again like this, it’s an absolute dream!

For those that have already read The Auction, all of those significant moments that made it so special were still there, with the addition of new characters and plot surprises to differentiate it and keep the reader on their toes. For those that haven’t, Julie Soto has created a unique world with its own political intrigue, magic system and original characters that made this an incredible story in its own right.

Rose in Chains is set in a land experiencing a recent division between two kingdoms, one with heart magic and the other with mind magic. To ensure peace was kept between them they previously educated their young adults together, so when war breaks out, the enemies the characters are fighting against are their classmates. After being captured, protagonist Briony Rosewood is purchased by her nemesis Toven Hearst in an auction of Prisoners of war and the story follows her as she adapts to life as a captive in his home. Along with scenes from the war you see flashbacks to their schooldays and gradually learn that relationships between the opposing sides aren’t as black and white as you’re led to believe.

The romance here is a true slow burn. There’s so much tension and yearning between Briony and Toven but almost everything remains unresolved at the end of book one. There’s so much further to go with this relationship and you can tell that the author will do a brilliant job of keeping the romance plot interesting throughout the entire trilogy. The side characters were great, especially Larissa, Serena and Orion who each added so much to the story. I really enjoyed the addition of the familiars, I would love to see more of Vesper in future books.

As someone who has never felt the need to highlight or annotate a book before, I highlighted 34 quotes while reading this. The dialogue was wonderful and the ending was so intriguing and went in a direction I wasn’t expecting. Rose in Chains absolutely lived up to my expectations as one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I cannot recommend it enough to every romantasy reader that enjoys a story with darker themes!