Rose in Chains by Julie Soto (July 8, 2025) Huge thanks to @HachetteAudio and @readforever for the #gifted advanced listening copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year – and it far exceeded even my very high expectations! #hachetteaudioinfluencer
Briony Rosewood always believed her brother was destined to fulfill a centuries-old Eversun prophecy and unite the long-warring Eversun and Bomardsun kingdoms. But after a devastating battle, her brother is dead, her people are stripped of their magic, and Briony is sold into servitude to the enemy.
After a bidding war, Briony is purchased by Toven Hearst, a dangerously powerful heart-magic wielder, the heir to one of the cruelest families in Bomardsun, and the infuriatingly attractive former classmate who torments her. With her freedom gone, Briony must play a dangerous game of resistance and survival, even as old enemies, new alliances, and forbidden feelings blur every line she thought she wouldn’t cross.
OH. MY. HEART. I was absolutely consumed by this story from start to finish. The world-building is rich and immersive, with just the right balance of lore and action. Soto doesn’t shy away from the incredibly dark realities of power and control (especially by powerful men over women) and she handles those themes with nuance, tension, and care (note: content warnings are provided by the author, please read them).
Briony and Toven? Searing tension. Emotional complexity. SO MUCH PINING. I am obsessed. The found family dynamics, the quiet rebellions, the dark magic, the political intrigue – it all just works. I already need book two.
Bonus: Buddy reading with @dr.bookmom made this even more fun – there’s nothing better than screaming over a book with a friend!
🎧 Audiobook Notes: Ella Lynch is PHENOMENAL. She embodies Briony with power and vulnerability, and her Toven (especially at the end of Part Two) gave me literal chills. (Runtime: 16h 1m)
⭐ Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 