Love & Other Cages by Emilia Ares was simply too much for me to handle. From the beginning, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the violence in this story, and the lack of romance, which I usually look for in books like this, left me feeling disconnected. It didn’t quite meet my expectations, particularly when I was anticipating a more balanced emotional experience with a romantic core.

Another important point that frustrated me was the fact that this is marketed as a standalone, but it absolutely doesn't feel like one. This is the second book in the Love & Other Sins series, and without having read the first, it’s incredibly difficult to connect with the characters or feel any real empathy for their backstories or their love story.

If you’re diving into this without the context of the first book, you might feel lost or disengaged, like I did.

DNF'd at 48%

Unfortunately, I had a lot of trouble staying engaged with the story. Don't get me wrong, I think Emilia Ares is a very talented writer. But because I didn't read the first book, I found it a bit difficult to keep up with the story world.

Thank you SERA Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

I started reading this book and something felt off. I kept thinking in the back of my mind why does some of this seem similar? then I remembered I read book one (which you don't need to read for this book) It's been a few years since book 1 came out and I did not like book 1 so I thought I'd give this book a chance. Even though I said in my review I would not read book 2.. I made it about 15% and I couldn't so with regrets I DNF this book.

Thank you NetGalley for this Audio Arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

I wasn’t paying attention when I requested this on netgalley. It’s a book 2 and probably would have liked it more if I had read the first book. It didn’t feel super necessary but probably would have been rooting harder for the romance.

Mina and her mom have moved back into town but immediately get attacked by some Russian gangsters to keep her father in line. She ends up getting taken and her boyfriend Oliver is searching for her.

Dual pov between the couple and to be honest sometimes the switch was a little jarring. Like i definitely liked Mina’s perspective better so when we’d go back to Oliver’s I would remember he existed lol.

It’s a series and definitely am curious about what will happen next.

Thanks to netgalley and sera press for an alc

Very fun and entertaining read, but a bit predictable and vaguely familiar.

First things first. I did not read the prequel nor did I realize there was a prequel when starting the book. That being said you don’t really need the prequel to get the gist of this book.
This book reminds me of the star-crossed trilogy by Alexandria Lee but with a Russian spy twist. This is a good and bad thing because I love love loved the plot of the star crossed series. I do want to continue this story and obviously the ending leaves us with a lot of questions so I’m excited for the next book. And I want to read the prequel eventually.
I LOVE Mina! She is so strong and developed as an FMC and you can tell if for whatever reason she stays with the agency as a plot twist she would absolutely crush it. On the other hand I did not like Oliver and kind of dreaded his chapters… I didn’t really get the sort of cheating but not really side plot that kept getting brought up and he kinda just annoyed me the entire book. I wouldn’t mind a spin off for Havi and Naia. (Sorry idk if that’s spelled right I listened to the book on audio) what I’m really rooting for is a love triangle between Mina, Oliver, and one of the Russian spy mentors.. low key.
Lastly! As mentioned I listened to the audio book version and let me tell you it was INCREDIBLE! The accents! The drama! The random lines of Russian! Definitely a big selling point for me. It definitely added to the reading experience and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for an exciting fast paced thriller with a touch of romance

4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and SERA Press for a copy of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First things first - when I picked up this ARC I didn't know it was the sequel to another book, and therefore the second book in a series. To be honest I didn't realize this before looking up other reviews in the midst of looking up content warnings in the middle of the book. Therefore I don't really think I missed a lot from the first book to understand the context and happenings in this one, and I will say it works okay as a standalone.
Love and Other Cages wasn't anything I expected, and it's been hard to write an actual review on the book, because it's so hard to place for me. I contemplated DNF'ing this book for the first 20-30% every time I listened, but the latter half of the book captivated me completely. If someone had told me this would turn into a Russian spy novel, I wouldn't have believed them.

When I picked up Love and Other Cages I thought I would end up with a YA-ish contemporary romance between two young people and their personal hardships. Instead I ended up with a book full of very strong characters with well-written personalities, some very dark scenes and a lot of action. While Oliver captured me from the start, Mina took a little longer, but I ended up loving her and all the qualities she represented. I love strong and willful women, and I think Mina fits nicely into that box, while Oliver is the friend and boyfriend everyone deserves in their life.

I won't lie and say I didn't miss the romance I was expecting, but I was very impressed with the action and the emotional turmoil presented. Emilia Ares does an amazing job framing each scene with the right descriptions and emotions shown, while still keeping the book true to it's identity. I did struggle a little with finding the plot believable at times, even in the book setting, which also made the book feel like a classic YA book, which stood at a juxtaposition to some of the darker scenes in the book. (Torture and rape attempt.)

I don't think I will pick up the first book of this series, but I might just be intrigued enough to look for an eventual continuation of Love and Other Cages. You might be too, if you like reading action-packed books with spy elements and colourful characters.

I got about half way through this audiobook and unfortunately am having to DNF. While I love the female narrator, I cannot stand the male. In addition, while the cover and premise of the story is beautiful, the story itself I find to be lacking and flat. I often enjoy stories that drop you in the middle of the action but this feels a little jarring and I cannot connect with any of the characters or find it in me to be interested in them.

I'll not leave a public review on this out of respect for the author.
Thank you for the opportunity to listen and review this book, I really appreciate it!

The narrator of 'Love and Other Cages' was great, and I just know that it's going to find its audience and they will LOVE it. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I'm sure it will be a star on library shelves, and win over young people's hearts, just not mine.

DNF’d at 40%

Whoever said you can read this as a stand alone lied. I tried sooo hard to get into this but I was genuinely so confused. The writing was good no notes there but the plot itself was so hard to understand without reading the first one.

1 star
The suspension of disbelief went out of the window with this one. As someone who has read dozens of mafia romance books in their life, this was not it. Especially since this is apparently a new adult thriller, so let me tell you the absolute shock I had to find myself listening to on page SA.
But removing that, the characters are one dimensional with no personality. The plot was messy. And the romance wasn't good either.
The thing I liked was the characterization/acting from the narrators. It was fantastic.
Overall, it's not my favorite read.

Okay so didn’t know that this was book 2 🙈. But luckily that didn’t seem to matter. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrators were awesome fitted the story so well. I honestly think this would make an amazing movie. Dual pov and loved both of the main characters. Perfect thriller that keeps you on your toes with plenty of action. Now I need to go and read book 1!

This book can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone—I read it that way myself, unaware it was a sequel. Now that I know, I can’t wait to go back and read the earlier one! If you are looking for a book that has all the twist and turns read this! I did not realize I was going to be on the edge of my seat the whole time I listened. Mina and Oliver are adorable and I want to say that I would protect them at all costs however I don't think I need to. I love that the female narrator is the author herself which I feel added to the experience! This does end on a cliffhanger and I am so excited to read the first and next book in this series!! I definitely need more!

Thank you to NetGally for letting me get a sneak peak into this book. I listened to the audiobook version.
A home robbery has deadly consequences. Can there two love birds make it work after a life changing event.

Love and Other Cages
By: Emilia Ares
Published by SERA Press
10/15/2024
Narrators: Will Collyer and Emilia Ares

WOW!!! I might be slightly shocked by how much I enjoyed this read. Let me also share that I went into this not knowing this was the second book in the series…TBH, this read well as a standalone…now I need to read book one, Love and Other Sins.
Stars: 4
Spice: 1 (Closed Door--but it was hot)
Format: Audio- Dual POV(Narration was fantastic, and I was so impressed to see that Emilia (the author narrated Mina the FMC). I did turn up the listening speed, which helped add a bit of excitement/intensity.
Review: I didn’t expect much from this read, but it was an unexpected triumph. Love and Cages is a gripping young adult thriller that delves into the harsh realities of human trafficking and the impossible choices facing the youth caught in its web. The story follows Mina and Oliver, two characters whose lives are torn apart by this dark underworld and whose courage and resilience are put to the ultimate test. This isn’t your typical YA thriller—it confronts the terrifying truth of modern-day issues and explores the devastating impact on those involved
Pros: Fantastic Narration!!!
Favorites Moments: The romance scene between Mina and Oliver was pretty hot, considering it was a closed-door.
Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): Absolutely!!! This is a Mystery/Thriller/New Adult/Romance
Thank you, NetGalley and SERA Press, for allowing me the opportunity to listen and share my thoughts on this reading experience.


#LoveandOtherCages #NetGalley.

⭐️ Not for me--pass--do not recommend.
⭐️⭐️ Not my cup of tea, but it might be yours.
⭐️⭐️⭐️Good read. I would recommend it--I can imagine many people would like this read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely enjoyed it! Would recommend! Add to TBR immediately!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! I want to shout it from the rooftops!!! EVERYONE READ THIS NOW!!!

The narrators are very good – dual POV. They give the audiobook and amazing experience. The descriptions are wonderful and interesting.
Mina is strong, resilient and determined, a survivor and she was very pleasant to read.
It’s a strong book, the descriptions of her torture were verry strong – so be advised.
The pace of about 30 % of the book is slow, to detailed on certain parts and then in the last 10 % a lot happens at the same time and the resolution for the big problem was done quicky and it seemed rushed.

The end was kind of underwhelming (I need another book to know what is going to happen).

This was okay! But the plot didn’t move quick enough for me and I wasn’t so keen on the narration! Definetly darker than I was expecting but I don’t mind that so much

Mina and her mother are attacked in their home due to Mina’s father’s criminal connections. Mina is then taken prisoner and forced to make choices to save her injured mother. In the meantime, her boyfriend, Oliver, searches the streets of LA for her, having no clue that Mina is another country being turned into another person entirely.

Heed the content warning because there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the book as Mina is tortured into behaving for her captors.

Emilia Ares writes Love and Other Cages as a limited series television show. I can totally see FX or Hulu making it. Now, once again, I should have paid attention to the blurb because I didn’t realize this was the second book in the “Love and Other Sins” series. I think reading the first book would have given me a better foundation as to who these characters are and made me care for them more as a couple.

Will Collyer and Emilia Ares do an excellent job narrating. I felt the emotions and tension in the dialogue. Their tones are nice to listen to. I would definitely get another book if they are narrating it.

Mina’s character arc is an interesting and engaging one. She is put through her paces and her inner core is amazing. It’s her fight for survival that kept me engaged. Oliver’s story seems a little over the top, but once again I didn’t read the first book so I don’t have the full scope of Mina and Oliver’s relationship.

Ares does a great job of creating layers to set up the next book. The ongoing changes and twists kept the story moving along. Love and Other Cages can be read as a standalone, but to get the full picture of the main characters I would recommend reading the first one before tackling this one.

The gripping young adult thriller Love and Cages by Emilia Ares is available in audiobook. Perfect for young adult fiction lovers and audiobook enthusiasts, this fast-paced narrative explores the tormenting realities of human trafficking and the explores moral dilemmas faced by youths who are caught in this unforgiving life.

Highlights of the Audiobook
• Fast-Paced Storyline: Experience the electrifying pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• Compelling Themes: Delve into a young adult thriller that tackles the unsettling issue of human trafficking and the tough choices some young people are forced to make.
• Immersive Narration: Get lost in the story with top-notch performances by the voice actors portraying Mina and Oliver.

Why Should You Listen?

Love and Cages isn't just another young adult book—it's a gripping tale that confronts real-world issues affecting today's youth. The audiobook version enhances this experience with immersive narration that brings every character to life, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves thrilling, emotionally charged stories.

Meet the Characters
• Mina: Voiced by [Emilia Ares], Mina's courage and resilience will inspire you. She encompasses vulnerability, and an unyielding dream being reunited with her mother. Would Mina be having this terrifying experience if she had just stayed with Oliver? Who knows? But, Mina notices, the longer that she stays in captivity, the less she recognizes about her true self. She is forced into being a spy and scamming people is the opposite of her personality and moral compass. Yet does some side of her enjoy the hustle of playing someone else? Is it possible that Mina could have been saved from this? Absolutely. A three-letter agency allowed and encouraged this to happen.
• Oliver: Voiced by [Will Collyer], brings depth to Oliver’s struggle and determination. He has a young man’s voice which really defines Oliver’s innocent and trusting character. The poor kid has lost his only true love (Mina) and will do anything find her. Unfortunately, he is easily manipulated by many unsavory characters including police authorities.

My Thoughts about the audiobook:

Although the audiobook is an exciting fast-paced presentation, it is a poignant commentary on a very serious issue. Only now, the public is slowly being allowed to hear about stories of human trafficking. It has been hidden from us for so long; yet it is in everywhere from small towns to big cities. Yes, slavery is alive flourishing throughout the world. Learn the signs, do something if you can, no matter how small it is. You may be saving a life. And for goodness’ sake, do not become a victim.

Be the First to Listen. Don't miss out on this captivating Audiobook release. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where every choice could mean the difference between freedom and entrapment.

Thank you to Netgalley and SERA Press for providing me with a free audiobook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own because it is my first amendment right as a United States citizen. I suspect the human traffickers portrayed in this audiobook do not respect my rights’.

This was so much darker than I was expecting, which I didn’t mind but I think it’s something to be aware of if you’re going in with very little idea of what the book entails. I’m actually glad that it was darker than I was expecting because it definitely helped to hook me in more and get me invested in the characters. I enjoyed the male narrator but it was unfortunate that the female narrator sounded very damsel in distress and whiney because the FMC herself was not a damsel in distress or whiney and that did have a negative impact on my reading experience.

I think this series has a lot of promise and the author is talented but this felt a lot like a very long prequel and I wish that the pacing had been adjusted a little. The pacing in the last 10% was spot on and I had wished that the other 90% had hooked me in the same way. I also want to point out that I wouldn’t promote this as a ‘romance’ because the romance is definitely the sub-plot and they spend most of the book separated. I am very intrigued about what’s going to happen next however, and I have a feeling this series will be pretty fantastic once the pace picks up a little and the storyline progresses.

Thank you to SERA Press for the audio ARC ❤️

I would recommend it if you’re looking for a bit of a thriller with a side of romance and intriguing supporting characters.

4 of 5 stars.
When I began listening to this book, I was unaware that it was the second in a series. While there was initial minimal confusion - I recall thinking “some background story would be nice” - this did not impede being immersed in the story.
About 40% of the way in, I almost DNFed - SO GLAD I didn’t!
Thrilling and secretive and adventurous.
Will be going back to read the first book.
The cliffhanger ending, of course, has me looking forward to the next installment as well!