✨ A Romeo and Juliet remix with guns, grit, and gorgeous prose.
Imagine falling in love just in time to get kidnapped—Mina and Oliver did. This book grabs you by the heart, rips it out, then hands it back with a poetic apology. It's like if The O.C. collided with John Wick and sprinkled in a bit of La La Land melancholy.

Dark, intense, and weirdly beautiful—perfect for readers who like their romance with a side of trauma and their thrillers with feelings.

I really enjoyed the Narration. However the story itself self felt slow. Also I didn't realise that this was a duology unfortunately

"Love & Other Cages" by Emilia Ares is a compelling exploration of love, confinement, and the struggle for freedom. The narrative weaves together poignant themes of personal growth and emotional resilience as the protagonist navigates the complexities of relationships while feeling trapped in her circumstances. Ares' writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a world where love can be both a sanctuary and a prison. The characters are richly developed, making their journeys relatable and impactful. With its blend of romance and self-discovery, "Love & Other Cages" offers a thought-provoking and engaging read that resonates long after the final page.

I don't remember too much of what I read but it was high-suspense with great stakes and character development. The romance was cute and the characters were well-fleshed out. However, I was kinda confused for most of the book because I didn't realize it was the second book in the series until after I requested it lol

Anyway, recommended for those who want an action-packed quick read with intense teenage romance

Once I got through the roller coaster ride I was bowled over by thre cliffhanger. Is it bad to read other reivews before you start a book? I propbably should have. I do not give good reviews to books with cliffhangers. I do not like them.

I did not get around to reading this one, I did start it but never continued due to how busy life got

Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Genre: New Adult | Thriller | Romance | Contemporary Romance
Theme: Dark | Violence
Author: Emilia Ares
Publication date: First published October 15, 2024
Book Cover first thoughts: Cute but I don’t love covers with people on them
Audiobook Narrator: Will Collyer and Emilia Ares
Audiobook Length: 15 hours 12 minutes
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 5/5

One Liner: Couldn’t put it down!

Trigger Warnings: Kidnapping / trafficking theme. 17+ age guide, the characters are in high school but the material is definitely not for teenagers in my opinion.

Story Review / Summary: I enjoyed this story! I ate it up. I always enough dual POVs so that is typically an instant 4 star for most books. I am bummed I didn’t realize this was the 2nd book in the series until I was half way through and went to look it up. I wish I would have read the first book first LOL but overall still an amazing read. I enjoyed all of Mira and Oliver’s story. I didn’t want it to end. The book ends on a cliffhanger so I am hoping that means there is going to be a book 3.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to #NetGalley and SERA Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of #LoveandOtherCages by #EmiliaAres
All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 15, 2025.
This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

This book is so incredibly different from the first one that it may as well be a different series. I kept seeing that this book could be read as a stand-alone. I got this one before I read the first one and started it. Let me tell you it can not be read as a stand-alone. Not at all. There is so much that happens in the first book that directly ties into this book that you will be lost. Which was why I had to stop reading this book and read the first book, because I was utterly lost. Where book one is a coming-of-age, budding romance of two figures who have had different but hard lives. This one has no romance; it says it's a romantic suspense. It isn't. Yes, Oliver spends the entirety of the book looking for Mina, and they think about each other, but they don't interact beyond a few pages. Why, you may ask? Because Mina is kidnapped and tortured, not light torture, electrocution, beating until near death, manipulation, etc. While this is happening, Oliver is digging himself deeper into the underworld to find the organization that took Mina. This is a book that I enjoyed, but could not begin to describe well. It somewhat reminded me of Natasha Romanoff's (from the Marvel movies version) Russian spy training, except way more torturous. The last book focused more on Oliver and his struggles, and this one focuses more on Mina, though we do see Oliver open up a bit more and develop some friendships, something he did not do easily in book one. No one is in school anymore, just quit that altogether, I mean Mina didn't have a choice....Anyway, this book still seems YA, but an older YA due to dark themes. It has the torture, the angst, two 17/18 year olds separated and one searching for the other while one tries to survive, but the thought of the other keeps both grounded. You have some Russian spy stuff and more C.J. and his wife. It's an entertaining story, and this one, much like the first, ends in a cliffhanger.

Love and Other Cages is a young adult novel with romance, suspense, and drama.
This book is the second in the Love and Other Sins series, though it can be read on its own, I think it’s better if you start with the first book to fully understand the story.

This book follows Mina, a girl that is kidnapped by a criminal organization. From that moment on, Mina’s life changes drastically, living a dangerous situation, she must not only fight for her life but also protect her mother.
Meanwhile, Oliver is looking for her. He does everything he can to rescue his girlfriend, facing risks and tough decisions along the way.
What I like about this novel is that it's told from both Mina and Oliver POV’s. This allowed me to understand their emotions, fears, and thoughts much better during the plot.
I truly love the dual narrative in romance books, because it builds a deeper connection with the characters and the reader.

The author is very good at explaining the atmosphere, writing in a very visual and emotional style, making it easy to imagine everything that’s happening.

The trigger warnings of this novel are: kidnapping, human trafficking, violence.
But Emilia Ares handles these topics with care and sensitivity, while still showing the seriousness of the events.
A think this book it’s perfect for readers looking for a realistic love story full of challenges, as well as a plot that keeps you on edge.

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this amazing audiobook! I am obsessed with this book! I loved the writing style, the narrators, the characters and this story so much! Nina and Oliver’s relationship was so beautiful and the way my heart was breaking for them throughout this story. The story took such a turn during Nina’s kidnapping, I was obsessed with knowing what would happen next with Nina throughout this story and watching Oliver fight so hard to find her! The ending has me needing the next book right now! I can’t wait to see what will happen next with these two and will try my best to patiently wait for the next book! Thank you again to NetGalley!📚💕

DnF at about 50% I’ve picked this one up several times and I just haven’t been able to get into the right head space for it. The Narrators do a great job and the audiobook.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy! This one wasn’t for me or the right fit for my mood at the time.

Love and Other Drugs is a true testament to what you would do for the ones you love.

Rating;⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice; /5

Mina and Oliver, have already tested the waters with past traumas in love and other sins. But what happens when trauma occurs and they cannot save the other at this points.

We start the book with Mina witnessing the most terrifying crime a child could go through. Only to have to step up and get blood on her own hands.

Oliver rushes to her aid. But was too late as the roots of the scars have sunk in.

This book is beautifully tragic in every way! From murder to sex trafficking, Oliver’s love does not diminish or weaver… but will he make it in time to save her?
.
I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Genre : YA, thriller
Format : Audiobook
Rating : 3.75 stars

Summary :
In the intricate dance of fate, Mina, a diligent high school senior, is abruptly torn from her ordinary life by an underground criminal organization, thrusting her into an unfamiliar and challenging world. Oliver, a man who has recently emerged from the shadows of abandonment, grapples with the harsh reality of Mina's abduction. The unexpected loss of their intense love jeopardizes Oliver's newfound hope for a better life, even as their extraordinary connection ignites amid peril and enigma.

Review :
This book has a very interesting storyline. I've never read anything quite like it. The audiobook had great narration, with Will Collyer narrating as Oliver and Emilia Ares narrating as Mina. I think the pacing could have been improved a little, in the sense that some scenes were a bit drawn out, but overall, I think the plot was well-structured. I liked that we got to follow Mina and Oliver separately through a dual POV. The threats the protagonist faced felt tangible, making the tension and intrigue entirely credible. I will say, though, that I was a bit disappointed by the ending. For me, it fell flat and left me wanting more.

Characters :
This book definitely has great main characters and side characters. I think the author did a good job of capturing the characters' feelings and accurately depicting anxiety.

That being said, I sometimes felt a little cringed out by some of the dialogues. In my opinion, some dialogues didn’t feel natural and came off as a little forced.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

Love and Other Cages by Emilia Ares is a gripping YA romantic thriller that follows high school senior Mina, who is abducted by a Russian criminal organization, and her boyfriend Oliver, who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her. The novel alternates between their perspectives, delving into themes of love, resilience, and survival under extreme circumstances. Ares crafts a tense narrative with vivid characters. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of intense, character-driven suspense.

This was so good,
I could not ut the story down.
AND THIS CLIFF HANGER!
the writing was really easy to read wonderful writing.

I had no idea that this one was a second book in a series but the author mentioned that it can be read as standalone. Still read the first book to have some idea about the characters. This is a YA romantic contemporary thriller with so much going on and darker themes . It is a dual POV which is my favourite and it is quite fast paced as well.
I was unaware about certain things due to not reading the first book but the narrator did amazing job while narrating the story. I loved the ending!!

Love and Other Cages surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a romance with a bit of drama, but this book had a lot more depth and heart than I was ready for.

The story hooked me from the start — complicated characters, messy emotions, and that constant feeling of something hanging in the air. It’s one of those books that feels quiet in moments but hits hard when it wants to.

I really liked how it explored love in so many forms — not just romantic, but love tied up with guilt, fear, and hope. The relationships felt raw and complicated in a way that felt real.

And of course, it broke my heart a little (okay, a lot). This moment especially got me:

“We happened.
‘Always,’ whispered the universe.”

Such a simple line, but somehow devastating and perfect at the same time.

Definitely recommend if you like stories that are a little messy, a little painful, but ultimately hopeful.

Rating 2.75⭐
Spice 0.5🌶️

Soooo I don't even know how to feel about this book. I was intrigued at first, then bored, then picked up again.....only to leave me disappointed.

Like sure, we get a "secret" Russian mafia industry. That's pretty cool, and interesting, but gosh WHY DID IT TAKE SO DAMN LONG?! LIKE I DONT UNDERSTAND.

Also why was this book was about 15 hours long?! And, and and......Why was each chapter for the POVs about an hour each?! OMG, it was driving me nuts and I felt I was ready to move onto Mina's or Oliver's side.

I still the think the romance was rushed, because they were a part for majority of the book, which granted thats fine, but I hated the push and pull.

I have forgotten yet again, they were still considered minors....Let's just let that sink into our heads.

I received the ARC through Netgallery. And thought my reviews is honest and true, I wish the author the best of luck

Def makes for an interesting listen. The narrators were great, but the story itself needed some work.
Well, the pacing. Things were either happening too fast or not fast enough at all. There was a lot of filler that wasn't necessary at all, it just made the story drag on and I lost interest in some parts. The audio book is about 15 hours long... I feel it could have been shorter with "tighter" writting...
I also suggest you read part 1 to better follow along.