emilia ares

LOVE AND OTHER CAGES

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.

Can Oliver and Mina rewrite destiny's script? Is the radiant beacon of their blossoming connection bright enough to guide them through a world steeped in uncertainty? Or will they forever wander as seekers of the elusive symphony of joy?

Editorial Reviews

“Ares' prose is both lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in the emotional depths of the story.”

-Readers’ Favorite

“A heart-wrenching thriller with multiple twists that will keep readers hooked until the final page.”

-Kirkus Reviews

"Can a love forged in peril break the chains of fate?"

“A young woman in love makes an impossible choice in Love and Other Cages, a fascinating thriller.”

-Foreword Clarion Reviews

“Ares' prose is both lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in the emotional depths of the story.”

-Readers’ Favorite

“A captivating examination of intricate relationships and human growth.”

-Indie Reader

“Vivid bursts of action, and adeptly descriptive language immerses readers.”

-Blue Ink Review

Content warning: violence, dark themes

For fans of Mia Sheridan and Karin Slaughter’s Pieces of Her.

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LOVE AND OTHER SINS

Mina’s life is going according to plan; she’s acing AP Calc and is perfectly content with her nonexistent social life. Though only a high school junior, Mina knows time is an investment, and she’s putting all her capital into academics. Oliver, a child abuse survivor who grew up in the foster care system, is ready to burn down his old life and start from scratch—complete with a new name and emancipation papers—in L.A. When the two are thrown together through circumstance and develop an unexpected connection, they discover how hard it is to keep the past in the past.

Love and Other Sins is an emotional coming-of-age YA drama about family, love, violence, and the residue of abuse set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles. When Mina meets Oliver, you'll remember your own first love and just how fast it swept you under.

What were the bonds that bound us?

Was it purely physical attraction?

Circumstance?

Or perhaps it was a mutual gravitation toward inevitable pain.

Love and Other Sins is a moving story about what it means to be young and vulnerable in today's society. This YA romance will make you laugh and cry and give you hope for tomorrow because there are people like Mina and Oliver who refuse to let themselves be defined by their pasts or circumstances.

Great for fans of: Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless, Katie McGarry’s Pushing the Limits, John Green’s Looking for Alaska or Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why.

Content warning: sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.

Editorial Reviews

“A sincere, voice-driven portrayal of teenage life…always balancing a sharp cynicism with tender emotions.”

—Booklife, Publishers Weekly

"Ares displays a gift for capturing the complex inner lives of teenagers through Mina’s and Oliver’s alternating first-person chapters…A well-written and emotionally involving teen tale with fine characterization."—Kirkus

Kirkus says Ares' characters "struggle with believable, significant internal and external conflicts; and they’re thoughtful about fate, the future, and each other."

“The teenagers in the beautiful, candid romance novel Love and Other Sins face personal burdens, but also have hope that helps them to heal.”—Foreword

"A touching coming-of-age novel: When circumstance introduces brilliant high school junior Mina to Oliver, a teen seeking emancipation from the foster system, they develop an unexpected bond — and fall in love — as they navigate their changing worlds."—BookBub

"From the moment the book started my interest was peaked…overall, great book.”—IndieReader

"A story that is impossible to put down…powerfully emotional.”—Readers' Favorite

"This is a well-paced, intriguing story…a nuanced and slightly dark YA romance”—Blue Ink Review

“I really enjoyed Love and Other Sins it grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put it down. Mina and Oliver are two great characters and their story was so captivating...”—Angela Borgo (Librarian)

"My new Book of the Year..."—Gina Viarruel (Librarian)