Thank you Hachette Audio for the free copyInstantly drawing you in amid a war, Rose in Chains is a captivating romantasy debut from Julie Soto. Raised to be a demure, dutiful princess, Briony finds herself alone after the fall of her kingdom. She ends up trapped in the home of her school enemy, Toven Hearst. In this world, her court is being siphoned of its magic and forced to help their captor. Many captors are abusive. This is a dark book. However, Briony and Toven have a history that threatens the power dynamics they are both expected to play. During her book tour, Julie Soto mentioned she was inspired by Beauty and the Beast, and I definitely felt that was an appropriate comparison. This first book felt like less romance, more build-up and I cannot wait to see how their relationship develops as the trilogy continues. Similar to her contemporary romances, Soto’s writing is full of exquisite anticipation, layered relationships, and multiple but easy to follow timelines. I enjoyed how Soto used flashbacks to help develop character relationships and also give context to the world-building. Her magic system was very unique, and I enjoyed that so much of the book related back to how magic was used, taught, and stolen. The narration by Ella Lynch was spectacular. She makes the dark atmosphere come to life with her gripping performance. I felt I was able to distinguish each character and follow the world-building. I know she elevated my experience, and I would definitely recommend the audio to those who enjoy books in this format. This book builds slowly and ends, unfortunately for us all, with a shocking cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book in the series. Note: This is a dark romance, and I recommend checking for potential triggers. If you are familiar with the original influence, this is IMO a strict departure.
- Book Review
- Rose in Chains
July 17, 2025
Rose in Chains
4.5
Ella Lynch (Narrator)
Length
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ISBN: B0DMH772NW
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5.0
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ABOUT:
Xiomara Batista is navigating a lot. Her first relationship, her connection to her twin, her mother’s religious convictions, and the way the world has suddenly begun to see her as an object rather than a person. Through her newfound love of poetry, she begins to explore these feelings and more.
MY THOUGHTS:
My first novel in verse and certainly won’t be my last!
Xiomara’s voice is refreshing, honest, and a fascinating look inside the teenage mind.
There is so much to touch on, but I particularly enjoyed the parts where she questioned the strict nature of her parents’ religion.
I grew up Catholic (school/church), but in a much more affirming way. I loved seeing this new perspective.
AUDIO:
Read by the author, her pronunciation and cadence made this an all consuming experience, and I highly recommend it on audio.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
For more YA Catholic guilt, read The Lesbian’s Guide to Catholic School
SHOULD YOU READ:
Absolutely recommend this to everyone. I also think it would be particularly powerful for high school teachers and teenage parents.
Fantasy
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Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, and MacMillan Audio, for the #gifted the advanced copies. #smpearlyreaders
ABOUT:
Told from the perspective of Lady Tremaine, or Ethel, Cinderella’s stepmother, we learn of a life full of hardship and heartbreak, and the difficulties women face to maintain their autonomy. Ethel must make difficult decisions not only for self-preservation but also to provide her daughters with successful marriages. It turns out there isn’t much she isn’t willing to save face and protect her children.
MY THOUGHTS:
This was SO GOOD. The book takes a somewhat dark tale and turns everything you know about it on its head.
The result: lush writing, a complex but ultimately entirely relatable view of womanhood, and well placed twists.
I particularly enjoyed the way expectations of women were explored. Despite all she does to push boundaries, women are forever existing in expectations “designed by men.”
I love a woman who pushes boundaries of what is considered proper, and Hochhauser’s Lady Tremaine does just that.
AUDIO:
The audio was absolutely beautiful. Bessie Carter did an amazing job of bringing Lady Tremaine to life. I found myself not wanting to stop listening.
Her voice acting is incredible, from castle guards to the prince himself; each character had a distinct tone.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This book is a little bit of Disney’s Descendants, but make it for adults, meets regency era scheming and matchmaking à la Shonda’s Bridgeton.
SHOULD YOU READ:
This book is made for lovers of strong women and reworked fairy tales, and it’s a debut that is not to be missed!
Romance
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5.0
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ABOUT:
After being widowed four years ago, Sloane is finally enjoying the success of her interior design business. However, suddenly she finds herself working on a project with her late husband’s best friend, Dominic.
Unfortunately, they have never gotten along, but it appears Dominic may be harboring feelings all along. They must navigate their grief, guilt, and years of animosity if they want things to work.
MY THOUGHTS:
First off, this book was extremely hot. Dominic and Sloane have a lot of complex feelings, and they sort most of that out in the bedroom.
If you’re looking for top-notch spice, I would definitely pick this up. That said, I think I could have done without a few spice scenes to bring down the length.
I am typically hesitant towards love after loss themes, but I loved the way her late husband’s family still loved Sloane. Seegars did an excellent job of contrasting Sloane’s relationship with her mother-in-law with her own mother.
Sloane is smart, successful, and navigating life after loss. I loved how Dominic was confident, used his privilege to spoil Sloane, and was working hard against the demons of his own
Overall, an excellent book for high spice with complex, layered characters.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This reminded me a lot of Natasha Bishop’s Only for the Week in terms of spice levels and difficult family members.
SHOULD YOU READ:
This is for those love stories where heartbreak leads to a second chance at love.
Romance
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4.0
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Thank you to Hachette Audio and Forever Pub for the gifted audio and e-copies
ABOUT:
Sloane Donovan, a music journalist currently freelancing, finds herself with the opportunity of a lifetime: a once-in-a-decade interview with one of her favorite bands. The caveat: the frontman, Dax Nakamura, previously broke her heart.
As Sloane and Dax slowly find themselves back to each other. Sloane worries that she’ll be unable to separate her feelings from her desire to grow her career. But Dax is not willing to let her go again.
My Thoughts:
I had a lot of fun reading this book!
There’s something about the way Erin Connor writes that just adds so much charm to her characters. While this was single POV, we got interview clips that helped us understand Dax and the backstories of the secondary characters.
Dax and Sloans have so much chemistry, of that I had no doubt. Where I struggled a bit is with Sloane’s development. It felt like her and Dax were faced with the same obstacle that broke them the first time, and it was addressed so late. Physically, though, their attraction was clear.
Erin Connor can write the heck out of a steamy scene, and like her debut, this was hot and tension filled, and definitely will make you blush.
Overall, I really loved the music scene setting here, and I loved that it took place in the 2010s, when I was also a young 20-something. It just felt so nostalgic, and I squealed when they mentioned an iPod; those truly were the good old days.
AUDIO:
The full cast, Karissa Vacker, William DeMerritt, Donald Chang, James Fouhey, Robb Moreira & Greg Chun, knock this audio out of the park. The behind-the-scenes narrative was brought to life by their production.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This takes Erin’s debut Unromance and adds a Daisy Jones and the Six vibe that is hard not to enjoy!
SHOULD YOU READ:
This is a love letter to early 2000s music, kids, and second chance loves, so if that’s your vibe, pick it up.
Thriller/ Horror
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4.5
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Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the free advanced listening copy.
ABOUT:
When Joy Moore goes missing, Benny Abbot immediately spirals into panic. Joy is his best friend and podcast co-host, and there appears to be a decent strain in their relationship. Benny’s unease is compounded by the fact that Joy’s husband, Xander, is also missing. As the days pass, Benny becomes a subject himself. It is only through Joy’s POV that the truth begins to come to life.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is one heck of a debut. I love that this thriller also had this huge friendship/romance subplot. Genre-bending lovers, this is for you.
The writing is sharp, the pacing near perfect, and the reveals are shocking. Crum easily propels this narrative forward in a way that left me excited every time I picked this book up.
In particular, I enjoyed the feeling of not knowing whom to trust, and Crum did an excellent job of casting doubt in the reader’s mind about what was happening.
The dual timeline- dual POV helped feed my ever present suspense while also giving me enough information to keep me fully engaged!
Plus, the Los Angeles hills vibe was immaculate, which always makes me enjoy a book more!
AUDIO:
If you are an audiobook fan, you need to listen to this book. The production quality is through the roof. Whelan and Hopkins complement each other so well! I wanted this podcast to be real. The snippets we got were so excellent!
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This reminded me of None of This is True, but that might just be because it’s a podcast. This was (thankfully) a little less dark.
SHOULD YOU READ:
This Might Save Your Life will be a hit for fans of thrillers and contemporary fiction alike.
Fantasy, Romance
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4.0
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ABOUT:
Owen Mallory, scholar, reluctant soldier, and lifelong fan of the legend of Sir Una the Everlasting, the hero of Dominion. He finds himself part historian, part time traveler and quickly falling for the lady knight he spent a lifetime studying. As history both changes and repeats itself, Una and Owen fight to find a time when their love can flourish and survive.
MY THOUGHTS:
I approached this book with huge expectations, and unfortunately, it fell short.
This is a slow burn in every sense. I felt the world-building was slow, the romance was slow and drawn out (mostly complimentary), and the action was reserved for the last third of the book.
Personally, I had a really hard time with the second-person voice of this story, so much so that I almost put the book down around 30%. While I can appreciate a unique approach, the initial investment required to reach the action was almost too much.
That said, I think I might be the only person who did not love this book, and man, that’s a weird feeling.
However, I am not a true hater; I did appreciate the ethereal illustrative nature of the writing. It felt like an epic romantic poem. I found the time-travel portion of the plot fascinating, and the eventual reveal both shocking and satisfying. I also loved that Owen was “weaker” of the two, not trained in battle, and one who expressed more emotions, yet he was the one wielding the pen (likely more important than strength).
The last 40% of this novel had me riveted as I (and our hero and heroine) desperately searched for a solution to prevent their fate. It was the construction of the final act that ultimately redeemed this book for me and helped me to see why so many others were obsessing over it.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This is part Outlander, part knight in shining armour fairy tale with yearning that rivals The Second Death of Locke.
SHOULD YOU READ:
Honestly, you should probably ignore me and listen to the hundreds of five star reviews, but my DMs are open for those that also in the “I don’t get the hype club”
Historical Fiction
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5.0
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ABOUT:
Set in the winter of 1789-1790 in Maine, we follow Martha Ballard as she becomes entangled in a murder and assault trial in her town of Hallowell. Throughout the winter, we also get the day-to-day experience of her life. midwife, her experiences of being middle-aged with adult children, and a look into her passion and trust-filled marriage.
MY THOUGHTS:
Martha Ballard a woman of honesty, multiple layers and a fierce protector of other women. I found her frankness refreshing and her approach to patient care highly relatable. I enjoyed that she stood her ground for what she believed in. The discussion of midwifery was fascinating, and I enjoyed how Lawhon incorporated so much about medicine and motherhood.
At the core, this is a story of believing women. Believing that the work they do in the home is important, believing them that bearing children and raising them ins work, and believing them when they state a man has hurt them. Finding value in their existence.
I think that speaks to the essence of womanhood for so many. The invisible force sustaning so many.
While there are many challenging themes (read the CW if you need them), Lawhon handles them with care while also remaining true to the attitudes around women, sex, and the power of men that prevailed in the 1790s.
Finally, I adored the relationship between Martha and her husband Ephraim. The intimacy and passion between them helped soften the edges of this otherwise raw story.
A sensational portrayal of winter and womanhood, this is not to be missed.
AUDIO:
Jane Oppenheimer absolutely nailed the audio. I found the characters easy to distinguish, and her emotionally charged performance enhanced my entire reading experience.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
I absolutely loved Lawhon’s book Code Name Hélène, which offered gripping storytelling, heartbreak, and a woman not afraid to challenge the status quo.
SHOULD YOU READ:
This an outstanding historical fiction. I also think this would make an incredible book club pick!
Non-Fiction
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4
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Spotify audio and library borrow.
Read as part of Sharon McMahon Book Club.
ABOUT:
With only 107 days remaining until the general election, Kamala Harris was informed that President Biden was dropping out of the Democratic race, making her the de facto nominee. What follows is a hard-fought yet ultimately unsuccessful run for president of the United States.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is an exceedingly difficult review to write because while I loved how frank Kamala was in this book, her honesty left me feeling disappointed in both the leaders of the Democratic Party, the political machine, and the American people.
Harris provides the reader with essentially a day-by-day description of the craziness required to run a campaign and the toll it took on her. I appreciated her discussing the amount of money, stress, and scheduling difficulties required to acquire endorsements, meet with constituents, and prep for a debate, all of which help to point out how crazy US politics are.
What I loved: every moment with Tim Walz, and the love she has for her team and family. The way it was clear she never wavered on who and what she represents.
What I disliked: her tiptoeing around her relationship with Biden, her assertion that her term would have been different from Biden but never saying how. Also, the lack of self-reflection (yes, media sucks, yes, you were given a short time frame, but come on).
I was hoping this would leave me feeling hopeful, but it mostly left me feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work it will take whoever runs for the Democratic nomination in 2028.
AUDIO:
Harris does a wonderful job voicing her memoir, and intonation adds an emotional element.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This is similar in tone to A Promised Land by Barack Obama.
SHOULD YOU READ:
I think this humanized Kamala in a way many will appreciate, and it helped me see that politics is so much more than the candidate.
I am attending a zoom book club meeting with the author(!!!) later this month so will report if my feelings change!
Fantasy, Romance
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4.5
ABOUT:
Kier and Gray, mage and power source, childhood friends, both devoted and longing for each other, find themselves at the army’s outpost fighting a war for their kingdom.
When the opportunity arises to accompany an enemy prisoner, they find themselves leading an expedition and their secrets coming dangerously to light.
Will they be able to protect each other, and will either have the bravery to act on their love and will they confront their past and the war around them?
MY THOUGHTS:
Hello, Lady Knight, I am obsessed with you.
This book is a slowly unwinding yearn- fest, and I was here for it. The way these two are interconnected is so riveting, and the childhood friends-to-lovers was incredibly well done. Devotion is almost too small a word for the way these two care for each other!
I appreciated that their backstory was slowly revealed, allowing you to become increasingly invested in the outcome of their present.
It was atmospheric, with detailed battles, well-explained complex magic, and rich side characters.
Additionally, this world was so queer affirming, and I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on that. From the use of pronouns to Kier’s parents, there was something really special about how Bovalino incorporated queer identities; it was so lovely to read.
This was my first Lady Knight book, but it will certainly not be my last!
SHOULD YOU READ:
If you are into lady knights, soul mates, and slow-burning fantasy, this is not to be missed!
Romance, Thriller/ Horror
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4.5
Rival writers snowed in days before Christmas at an English manor with a murderer on the loose and a woman missing, and delicious banter make 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳 one of my tops reads of the holiday season!
I would not say I am a mystery person, but the short chapters, the bits of Ethan’s POV (it was delightful, and I screamed in delight when it changed unexpectedly), and the mysterious clues had me hooked from the beginning
Maggie, a mystery writer coming off a rough divorce, is delightful. She deals with the trauma of her ex while doing the work, which feels both believable and allows the reader to become invested in her heart.
Ethan Wyatt is a “leather jacket guy”—aka a best-selling thriller writer heartthrob who is actually a golden retriever with a complicated past. I loved the snippets we got into his POV, and the way he wanted Maggie was top-notch!
This fades to black but has enough tension. I didn’t miss the lack of “more.” The romance here is sweet and endearing, and I loved that it is almost the background to the mystery playing out! The banter is perfect!
(slight trope spoiler ahead)
There is (perhaps my new favorite thing) two different tropes running parallel in the romance. It is enemies to lovers for her but more like an unrequited crush for him.
I tend to love everything Saskia narrates, and this was no exception! Her vibrato is perfect for the mystery element, and I enjoyed her in the moments of Maggie’s self-reflection! The audio was well done, with some moments of playing recordings and some sound effects! If you like audio, that is the way to go!
Overall, this well-hyped book was worth all the hype! It is not Christmasy, so I recommend you pick it up ASAP!