Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So far, I’ve loved the books by Julie Soto that I’ve read, so I was curious to see what she’d do with Romantasy. I believe this used to be a fanfiction, but as I’ve never read said fanfic, I can’t confirm whether that’s true and how much has been changed.

First and foremost - this book is dark. Even though the blurb hints at it, I didn’t expect that after reading Julie Soto‘s fluffy romances. So please read the trigger warnings and heed them.
But it was good.

The book starts out with plenty of action and it’s brutal.
I immediately fell in love with Briony, who’s smart and strongwilled. I loved the flashbacks explaining the history and character relationships and while I don’t expect any fantastic reveals, I was happy to see that there were already plenty of ambiguous characters. Not everything is black and white. I do wish we had seen more of Briony outside of school, but before everything happened. She’s supposed to be 24 - but I sometimes felt like she was a teenager, even though she behaved very maturely, because most of the flashbacks are from her time at school.

The world building confused me for some time, but I got there. The magic was a bit hard to grasp, but I enjoyed the system.
The writing style was lovely and really grabbed me.

Over the course of the book, the characters were fleshed out even more. Some were a bit too cliche in my opinion, but it was fine. Briony did annoy me slightly with her infatuation. I wish there had been more hatred and a stronger will to get away from Toven. I really loved him though, he’s great.

The book does slow down after the beginning. There’s less action and the story is more focused on the relationship between Briony and Toven. However, while this book is Romantasy, I would say that there isn’t that big of a focus on the romance. I feel like the relationship is more about being allies and while there is definitely loads of tension, and we do get some romantic moments, this is not the kind of book that smothers you in fluff or spice. The story still continues. There’s politics and scheming and it was enough to keep me curious.

The ending was good. I wasn’t surprised by the twist and usually it’s the kind of thing that annoys me, but it worked.

I’d like to read book 2 please.

As a longtime fan of Julie Soto’s work, I thought five stars would be enough to sum up my love for "Rose in Chains"—but absolutely not!! This book deserves all the stars, a crown, and maybe a dramatic reenactment in the town square.

I’ve been following this story since its early WIP days online, refreshing my inbox for new AO3 updates like a literary addict. To now hold this brilliant, aching, gorgeously woven tale in my hands as a physical book? It’s a surreal dream come true.

Julie didn’t just meet expectations, she demolished them. I came in wanting to treat "Rose in Chains" as its own entity, and it absolutely stands on its own as a richly developed, addictively emotional fantasy romance. The worldbuilding is impeccably layered. The plot is utterly absorbing. The emotional depth? Enough to make even the coldest hearts feel something.

Briony and Toven’s dynamic had me in a chokehold. Dual timelines (flashbacks and present-day POVs) are used to masterful effect, building a slow-burn tension that’s both devastating and delicious. There’s nothing better than enemies to lovers - except enemies to lovers who pretend to hate each other while secretly burning up with longing, and protecting each other in ways they’ll never admit out loud.

I’ve seen some discourse about the pacing, but personally? I think it's spot-on. With two more books on the horizon, it feels like Julie is letting the story breathe and unfurl exactly as it should. I’m thrilled that certain plotlines have shifted from the original, and the fact that I don’t know what’s coming has me counting down the days until book two.

Thank you so much to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the e-ARC—it truly means the world. This one’s going to fly off our shelves.

📚 Recommending for fans of:
Star-crossed lovers and high-stakes longing
Court intrigue with a slow-burn twist
That perfect enemies-to-lovers tension
Characters who break your heart and stitch it back together

Do yourself a favor and pre-order now. Your bookshelf will thank you.

Basic info:
- Fantasy romance/Romantsy
- Single POV, 3rd person, double timeline
- Part of a series (a trilogy as of the date of this review)

Tropes & hooks:
- Initially it was a Dramione fanfic
- Two rivaling nations and types of magic
- FMC sold on an auction + captor/captive
- Prophecy/Chosen one

My opinion:
- I haven't read the original fanfic, but I do know a lot of people love it. Since I haven't red it I can't make any comparisons on that front.
- The writing is very simple, you can really see this came from a fanfic. I do believe the writing is different form other Julie's books.
- World-building. The base of the word-building is interesting: two rivaling nations with two different types of magic. I'm not sure though if it was explained well enough. There are things I don't understand and have question about. Like for example how you determine what type of magic are going to be using? Why each county have chosen exactly that type of magic? Can everyone use both type of magic, or is this something unique? Why do both nations hate each other? And this are just some of my questions. I don't know if it's me or the book.
- Characters. There are so many characters, I sometimes just get lost especially in the battle scenes or any other scenes involving a lot of characters. "Who is who?" and "who is where?" were my constant questions. I believe in the original fanfic this is not a problem since we already familiar all the characters.
- The romance. The romance is still developing, we don't get anything definitive in this book. It really looks like we are getting a slow burn here. We see how Toven and Briony interacted years before when they were in the school and their interactions nowadays, when she is his property so to speak. I can see that Toven is ready to do anything to protect Briony, but I'm still not sure I saw or understood how or why they actually fell in love. We might get more on this in the next book.
- I do need some more explication on all the actions taken by Toven and his family and especially on their motives and what is their final goal. Why are they on the side they are on? I can deduce some of it, but I need confirmation to see if I understand everything right. I do believe it could be something we expand in the next books on.
- All in all, despite everything I told before, I did enjoy reading this book and I'm interested in continuing the series. The plot kept me invested in reading this book.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, my thanks to everyone involved in ARC distribution,

Not my favorite in fantasy but I enjoy It, I think is something releate in the type of writting.
For a romantasy is good if you like enemies to lovers

So so goooooood!!!

This was my first time diving into a Dramione-inspired story, and what a way to start. The world-building is dark and immersive, blending the intense emotional tension between the leads with a completely fresh magical setting that pulled me in right away.

The story doesn’t waste any time — it throws you straight into the action, with flashbacks that add depth and context without slowing the pace. While the plot tackles some very heavy topics like slavery and sexual violence, it’s handled with a sensitivity and realism that adds weight without feeling gratuitous. Don’t let that scare you off — it’s powerful and well done.

All in all, this is the slowest of slow burns wrapped in a haunting romantasy world, and I’m beyond excited to see where the rest of the series goes!

I love that all of the dramione fanfics are being published and keeping us FED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Briony Rosewood is a princess of Eversun, and her twin brother is the chosen one - prophesied to save them all. Except Briony is more magically powerful than him and has been secretly boosting him for their whole lives. But when their kingdom is invaded by their former allies, Briony is captured, auctioned to the highest bidder and sent to live with the blonde and brooding Toven Hearst - her school rival who she's always secretly had a crush on.

'Rose in Chains' is a reworking of a popular fic called 'The Auction' with new characters and a new fantasy world. I enjoyed some of the new elements but there were a few aspects I struggled with. There were a LOT of characters in the beginning - which was tricky as I couldn't remember who everyone was. I also couldn't take a villain called 'Veronika Mallow' seriously - it doesn't seem a very intimidating name and I kept imagining Veronica Mars saying, 'I'm a marshmallow'.

A lot of the plot elements were identical to the original fic - apart from the ending which diverged in preparation for a sequel. An enjoyable read, and I liked Briony and Toven, but I don't think this was as successful a reimagining as 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' - which I loved.

Rose in Chains is an incredible romantasy that ticks all the boxes—intriguing politics, royalty, extraordinary powers, and a tantalising slow-burn romance. Initially, I thought this would dive into the darker side of romance, but to my surprise, it unfolded into a beautifully crafted slow-burn romantasy. The plot captivated me from the very first page, effortlessly drawing me into its world.

One of the elements I adored most was the seamless interplay between the present and the past. Writing time shifts can be tricky, but the author executed them flawlessly—I never felt lost. It was fascinating to see the contrasts and connections between the current events and the past.

Ah, Chapter 33—pure brilliance. It’s the one you’ll want to savour; trust me on this.

The emotional depth in the storyline and the dynamics between the two main characters were phenomenal. Their journey was so gripping that I genuinely couldn’t put the book down.

I would recommend Rose in Chains to fans of ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, or These Twisted Bonds. It will stay with you long after you finish reading

Absolutely delicious!

I haven't read anything based off dramione before so this dark world was the perfect introduction, it kept all the key angsty aspects of their relationship whilst totally forging a whole new world with spell-binding magic and characters who just immerse you in the story.

I love that we started straight off into the action with the flashbacks to the build-up set the scene perfectly, the whole premise of the book is quite dark, involving slavery and heavy topics of SA and r4pe but it was handled in such as way it felt real and sensitively done so don't let this put you off! Briony was such a standout FMC for me, she was strong, clever and so determined to figure out what was going on and fan the flames of a revolution she didn't even know was still burning. And TOVEN, my man my man, I just know I'm going to love him already. He's very clearly different from the rest of the bomardi boys (as is his family!!) but there are layerssssss to unpack here.

Overall, this was the most delicious, slowest of slow burns in a dark, twisted romantasy world, I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the series!

Rose in Chains is an incredibly addictive read. It is a dark romantic fantasy with a interesting magical world. It is inspired by Dramione fanfiction and although I have not read any Dramione fanfiction you can definitely see the basis of that world within this book yet it is also something new and unique. The book follows Briony, the Evermore Princess, as she is taken prisoner when Evermore lose a war with the dark forces and auctioned off to the highest bidder. We also get flashbacks to Briony's time at school before the war when both countries were educated together. I loved the character development of both the main characters and also the glimpses we get of the wider cast and the role they may play as the series progresses.
The pacing is so well done in this book and the tension and build up between characters is brilliant. It has the slowest of slow burn romances and I am dying to read the next book. I haven't stopped thinking about this world and the characters since I finished this book.
Absolutely loved this book and am desperate to read what happens next!

Fantastic read with difficult subject matter. Will definitely be reading the next in the series - it would have been 5 star if we had a little more of the story in the first book and less build up

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
I had to get into the world at first. But after that, I really enjoyed the story. It was magically dark but also romantic. I am looking forward to book two!

With a slow-burn romance to die for, this high-stakes romantasy will leave you breathless and begging for more.
I was once again blown away by Julie Soto's writing - she fully immerses you into her stories and makes you feel all the feelings alongside her incredible characters.

We love a strong FMC, and with the added female friendships - I was sold on this empowering cast.

The slow-burn was s l o w, but done incredibly well.

Whilst I do still see some similarities to the fanfiction, it has been adapted enough that unless you're in the know, you won't be affected much.

I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy, and whilst I am impatiently biding my time, a reread is definitely in order!

A fantastic fantasy romance story with a lush fantasy setting and a heart stopping romance. I am a huge fan of the original fa fiction this was based on and was eager to see how Julie would adapt the story and I can wholeheartedly say it’s just as incredible as the fanfiction. Prepared to be obsessed with Toven and Brinoey. I can’t not wait to continue on with this series.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This book was a wild ride! This is my first Julie Soto book and I don't think it'll be my last. This book was intense, lush, and from the 40% mark onwards had me hooked. The last 100 pages? Could not put this down! It was very easy to read and very easy to binge. I found the worldbuilding to be solid, the characters well written, and the magic system wasn't overly complicated.

This book was very atmospheric and there were so many little moments I loved. The ending was good and perfectly set up the next book, which I can't wait for!

I do wish that the pacing was a little better. I found the book hard to get into at the beginning, however once we hit the 40% mark I was fine. I also found that the changes to flashbacks took away from the main story a little as it would happen after "big" moments in the main story. I did enjoy the flashbacks! I just wish they'd been integrated a bit more smoothly in to the story.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm eagerly anticipating book two!

.Enemies to lovers
.Forced proximity
.Mutual pining
.It's always been you
.Slowburn
.Morally grey MMC
.Virgin FMC
.Single POV
.Dual timeline

These are the rumbles of a sleep deprived woman, so bear with me. I have so many conflicting emotions after reading this book, and I've been thinking a lot about how to review it.

So, dear reader of this review, if you didn’t know: this book is a rewritten version of a very popular Dramione fanfic (Draco/Hermione from the Harry Potter series). As a huge Dramione fan, I’ve read and loved the original. I’ll try to stay neutral and not go too much on comparisons, but let’s be honest, that’s easier said than done.

Preface over. I have to admit that this book had a bit of a rocky start. The world building and magical system were a bit silly, and the whole heart-versus-mind conflict felt convoluted. So, the fantasy part of this romantasy? Not great.

The romance, on the other hand, was chef's kiss. The tension between Briony and Toven gives me life. They are clearly two idiots in love and too afraid to say it out loud. Supposed rivals, yet constantly saving each other’s asses. I need more of them.

There are a LOT of side characters; so many that at times it’s hard to remember who’s who. I blame this on the fact that it was originally a fanfic, where readers are already familiar with all the characters. But in this version, when they’re all introduced within the first few chapters, it becomes a bit of a mess to keep track of.

That said, I really enjoyed the story once it found its rhythm. It took a while, around 40-50%, but when it finally hooked me, I was all in. The pacing is slow, but it moves, and I’m invested.

Now, for those wondering how this compares to the fanfic… it doesn’t. And before anyone comes for me, I get that changes were necessary for publication. But some of them just don’t work.

First, the shift to a historical setting feels underdeveloped. Second, the magical system is messy and could have used clearer rules. And third (and biggest frustration), Briony is not as badass as Hermione. She’s older, yet somehow more naive? I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up. Toven, on the other hand, is perfection. So is his mother.

There are new scenes that I absolutely loved, and the flashbacks to their school days really solidify their love/hate dynamic. Toven is hiding so many secrets, and he’s the classic brooding giant who locks everything away. But when those secrets come out? Oh, it’s going to be good.

One last thing, I promise. I was hoping they’d change that one plotline from the fanfic. You know, the virginity ritual. But nope. It’s still here. And it still makes me cringe. Hard.

So, romantasy readers, what can you expect? A tension-filled romance, a rivalry between two tangled magical systems, a huge cast of characters, and an undeniable urge to keep reading. If you’re here for the fantasy? Lower your expectations. If you’re here for the romance? Go for it.

This was incredible and so addictive, I spend all my weekend reading this book, I coulnd't stop.

The pacing of this book was inmaculate, the tension between the main characters was chef's kiss. Julie Soto knows how to write romance, no doubt about it. If you love enermies to lovers, force proximity and slow burn tropes you are gonna love this book.

I can't wait for book two!!!

I definitely recommend pre-ordering this book, don't miss out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/Magpie for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 ⭐️

Arc review

Wow! I just inhaled this book, the first I’ve read by the author. I’ve heard it’s based on “the Auction” but I went into it blind without reading that - and I don’t regret it.

I loved the unique magical system, and the world building was just right. Quite a few names to get a handle on but once that’s sorted the world just grew.

Briony is an interesting FMC, a princess forced into the shadow of the twin brother she adores. Sheltered yet with a hidden strength and power of her own.

It was a delicious slow burn, Toven is a MC who’s despicably cold and aloof and the tension was sizzling.

I simply can’t wait for book 2 and have already rushed to pre-order my copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the arc copy.

I'm not surprised I enjoyed this book! As a Dramione fan growing up it definitely ticked all the boxes for me. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I will say, I'm not usually a 'dark romance' reader, as it tends to make me feel a bit uncomfortable in places. However, while this was dark and disturbing, the author also did a great job of not making me root for anyone despicable - which I feel some dark romances try to do. Toven - like Draco in almost all Dramione fanfics - was more asshole than evil, and I appreciated that it was clear from the start where his loyalties lay. Briony, as well, was an interesting character to view the story from.

The only downside I had, which I find in most fanfic turned to publications I read, is that I sometimes find I want more character development. We know these characters because we know Draco and Hermione, however, I felt that if they were fresh on a page, I wouldn't quite grasp their backstories and personalities as much as I could because it was a fanfiction previously.

Despite this, as I said, I really enjoyed it. It's a super romantasy, with enemies-to-lovers/romance/plot, and I will most certainly buy the next book. Kinda mad I got an arc because now I have to wait even longer!

4 stars! xx

Where to start? At first when I started reading this book I thought 'I'm not sure about this' as it seemed quite dark which I am not normally a fan of. However, as I kept reading, I kept wanting more and more and towards the end of the book, I was hooked! I really enjoyed this book and how it constantly keeps you in anticipation of what will happen next. i would definitely recommend this book to any romantasy and enemies to lovers fans and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to net galley, the publisher, and Julie Soto for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.