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Love and Other Sins
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.
Content warning: sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.
Content warning: sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
27 people are currently reading
1752 people want to read
About the author
Emilia Ares
2 books83 followersEmilia Ares is an Armenian-American actress best known for American Horror Story and Bosch, co-producer of Burden and author of Love and Other Sins. Emilia graduated from UCLA with her Bachelor’s in Economics and a Minor in Russian. A California native, Emilia lives in Los Angeles with her husband, children, and 13 thriving plants. She is passionate about storytelling, community, and supporting organizations like NCMEC and RAINN. To find out more, visit emiliaares.com or follow @emiliaares on Instagram.
Author’s Note
Ten years ago, I embarked on a writing journey to tell the story I wish I could have read as a teen. A story that evokes the unparalleled rush of first love in all its dreamlike and naive complications, one that portrays a fiercely acerbic Russian American teenager, Mina Arkova, and her first-generation tough-as-nails mother. One that paints a very different portrait in its portrayal of Oliver Mondell’s life, a child abuse survivor who grew up in the foster care system and is moving to Los Angeles for a fresh start.
The Love and Other Sins series is a new beginning for me as a storyteller after spending many years telling other peoples’ stories through the craft of acting. Love and Other Sins is a contemporary young adult series about Mina Arkova, a good student with a nonexistent social life. Mina’s life is going according to plan until she is transferred into a public high school and gets held at knifepoint in an alley. Meanwhile, Oliver Mondell is ready to burn down his old life. Oliver wants to start from scratch—complete with a new name and emancipation papers. Oliver’s life is purgatory until he moves to Los Angeles and is on his way to becoming one of the most successful seventeen-year-old electronics hustlers in the country. Oliver and Mina develop a strong bond as the threads of their old lives begin to unravel, and they must reckon with a family history that violently refuses to remain in the past. Love and Other Sins follows the chaos that ensues when Mina and Oliver get caught between a brutal tug-of-war. Oliver and Mina’s distinctive identities are in jeopardy when the overpowering phenomenon—the tidal wave of first love—sweeps over them and triggers a compulsory shift toward codependency.
Love and Other Sins is a fictional novel inspired by extensive research, observations, and personal experiences. In crafting Mina and Oliver’s story, I rediscovered the madness ignited when the separate worlds of two vastly different young people collided for the first time. It was a stark reminder that although the yearning to be loved can distort previously unwavering principles, there is a deep-rooted significance in preserving one's unique identity.
Author’s Note
Ten years ago, I embarked on a writing journey to tell the story I wish I could have read as a teen. A story that evokes the unparalleled rush of first love in all its dreamlike and naive complications, one that portrays a fiercely acerbic Russian American teenager, Mina Arkova, and her first-generation tough-as-nails mother. One that paints a very different portrait in its portrayal of Oliver Mondell’s life, a child abuse survivor who grew up in the foster care system and is moving to Los Angeles for a fresh start.
The Love and Other Sins series is a new beginning for me as a storyteller after spending many years telling other peoples’ stories through the craft of acting. Love and Other Sins is a contemporary young adult series about Mina Arkova, a good student with a nonexistent social life. Mina’s life is going according to plan until she is transferred into a public high school and gets held at knifepoint in an alley. Meanwhile, Oliver Mondell is ready to burn down his old life. Oliver wants to start from scratch—complete with a new name and emancipation papers. Oliver’s life is purgatory until he moves to Los Angeles and is on his way to becoming one of the most successful seventeen-year-old electronics hustlers in the country. Oliver and Mina develop a strong bond as the threads of their old lives begin to unravel, and they must reckon with a family history that violently refuses to remain in the past. Love and Other Sins follows the chaos that ensues when Mina and Oliver get caught between a brutal tug-of-war. Oliver and Mina’s distinctive identities are in jeopardy when the overpowering phenomenon—the tidal wave of first love—sweeps over them and triggers a compulsory shift toward codependency.
Love and Other Sins is a fictional novel inspired by extensive research, observations, and personal experiences. In crafting Mina and Oliver’s story, I rediscovered the madness ignited when the separate worlds of two vastly different young people collided for the first time. It was a stark reminder that although the yearning to be loved can distort previously unwavering principles, there is a deep-rooted significance in preserving one's unique identity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
August 30, 2022
Thank you to LoveBooksTours for this ARC. I enjoyed this read overall and hearing the audiobook end on a cliffhanger has me intrigued for the next installment to the Love and Other Sins series. Please check the trigger warnings for this book. They were mentioned at the start of the audiobook which I think is important!
September 29, 2021
I have to admit, it took me a minute to get into this book but I'm so glad I persevered because I ended up powering through it, unable to put it down. I really liked the story of Oliver and Mina, these characters are both so damaged, but they're certainly not bad people and they're good for each other, I wanted Oliver and Mina to be happy. Flawed people can be good and kind, they're more than the things that have happened to them and Love and Other Sins really does portray that so well. I wanted a happy ending for Oliver and Mina and I found Mina's mum and her broken English so endearing. I've read a few books where the characters come from an abusive background, but I think this might be the first for me where the character was male and I appreciate that, boys and men are survivors too and their stories deserve to be told. I was not expecting the cliffhanger at the end, I can't not read the second book now, I need to know what happens! Karissa Vacker and Will Collyer are amazing narrators, they really brought the story to life.
October 28, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the audiobook for a review.
Synopsis: 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.
My thoughts.
Wow WOW wow.
I don’t read many indie authors and this reminds me on why I should. This book was absolutely wonderful.
First, the character development is the absolute best I have ever read. The author took the time to really make sure we knew the important details of the two main characters. I was enthralled by both main characters and every page was better than the last. Mina reminds me of the song Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo.
Now- this book made me feel things. Like emotions that haven’t been unlocked since I was a teen - First real loves, teen angst, social norm being questioned, realizing the world isn’t as nice as we grew up to believe, and overall just being a teenager.
The audiobook is amazing. So worth the download. Both narrators have amazing voices. The female voice was my favorite because she was so soothing.
This a duet novel, so don’t get upset with the cliff hanger, it was stated and you have been warned.
This book is offered free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
I’m am pumped for the second book.
Content warning: sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.
Synopsis: 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.
My thoughts.
Wow WOW wow.
I don’t read many indie authors and this reminds me on why I should. This book was absolutely wonderful.
First, the character development is the absolute best I have ever read. The author took the time to really make sure we knew the important details of the two main characters. I was enthralled by both main characters and every page was better than the last. Mina reminds me of the song Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo.
Now- this book made me feel things. Like emotions that haven’t been unlocked since I was a teen - First real loves, teen angst, social norm being questioned, realizing the world isn’t as nice as we grew up to believe, and overall just being a teenager.
The audiobook is amazing. So worth the download. Both narrators have amazing voices. The female voice was my favorite because she was so soothing.
This a duet novel, so don’t get upset with the cliff hanger, it was stated and you have been warned.
This book is offered free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
I’m am pumped for the second book.
Content warning: sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.
October 9, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and to SERA Press for the ARC of this book.
When I originally started the Kindle version, it was apparent there were problems with the format of my ebook edition. Thankfully I powered through the glitchy text and missing letters, and was rewarded with an intense story of the love that can grow between fractured and broken people. (I've been told this is only the NetGalley version and the audio version as well as the physical copies are not affected).
Mina is an independent and fiercely smart high school senior who keeps her feelings close to the chest and doesn't often let people in. She has a love for her mother, who moved them from Russia for the chance of a better life, a love for dance, and a love for her best friend Nyah.
When Oliver moves to Los Angeles for a fresh start, he leaves behind a life of tragedy and neglect. With his newly obtained emancipation papers and a settlement that will set him up for potential success in this new life, he powers through his anger issues and flash backs to finally have a chance to live a normal life.
From the first moment Mina and Oliver meet, their mutual attraction is electric. The story bounces back and forth from their perspective POVs, which I appreciate in a book. I do think a lot of angst could have been solved early on if they had just been open and honest with each other from the start, but that's often easier said than done when the past is involved, so it can be understandable.
I think that this is a beautifully woven tale of overcoming tragedy and your fears, and while both characters are far from perfect, they somehow manage to find an amazing connection and chance at love.
4/5 Stars and I'm anticipating the release of the second book.
When I originally started the Kindle version, it was apparent there were problems with the format of my ebook edition. Thankfully I powered through the glitchy text and missing letters, and was rewarded with an intense story of the love that can grow between fractured and broken people. (I've been told this is only the NetGalley version and the audio version as well as the physical copies are not affected).
Mina is an independent and fiercely smart high school senior who keeps her feelings close to the chest and doesn't often let people in. She has a love for her mother, who moved them from Russia for the chance of a better life, a love for dance, and a love for her best friend Nyah.
When Oliver moves to Los Angeles for a fresh start, he leaves behind a life of tragedy and neglect. With his newly obtained emancipation papers and a settlement that will set him up for potential success in this new life, he powers through his anger issues and flash backs to finally have a chance to live a normal life.
From the first moment Mina and Oliver meet, their mutual attraction is electric. The story bounces back and forth from their perspective POVs, which I appreciate in a book. I do think a lot of angst could have been solved early on if they had just been open and honest with each other from the start, but that's often easier said than done when the past is involved, so it can be understandable.
I think that this is a beautifully woven tale of overcoming tragedy and your fears, and while both characters are far from perfect, they somehow manage to find an amazing connection and chance at love.
4/5 Stars and I'm anticipating the release of the second book.
July 10, 2021
Sometimes, I read books that leave me in doubt. Stories that have an interesting premise and fascinating characters. Stories that, at the same time, make me furrow my brows and sigh. Stories that could be great but need (a lot of) improvement. Love and Other Sins is one of those stories.
In my opinion, there was something off with the writing and the structure of this book. I had two main issues. First of all, I didn’t like Mina’s POV, her chapters annoyed me, which made me sometimes skim read them. Furthermore, at the beginning of the story, the author dropped huge information bombs about triggering topics in Oliver’s POV. About his foster homes, about the trial, about his sex life. Why? I didn’t want to know all these facts! At least not immediately. I’d have liked to read little snippets throughout the story that left me guessing what Oliver went through and made me realize more and more what happened to him. Those information bombs, which were rather telling by the way, pulled me out of the story and made the story boring later on. I think I would have liked the story if the author wrote it from Oliver’s POV and made his story more mysterious by throwing those little snippets around. Now I just sighed too much. And trigger warnings are really necessary!
Other readers might have a different opinion, So, if you’re interested in this story, please check out other reviews.
I received an ARC from Smith Publicity (Sera Press) and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In my opinion, there was something off with the writing and the structure of this book. I had two main issues. First of all, I didn’t like Mina’s POV, her chapters annoyed me, which made me sometimes skim read them. Furthermore, at the beginning of the story, the author dropped huge information bombs about triggering topics in Oliver’s POV. About his foster homes, about the trial, about his sex life. Why? I didn’t want to know all these facts! At least not immediately. I’d have liked to read little snippets throughout the story that left me guessing what Oliver went through and made me realize more and more what happened to him. Those information bombs, which were rather telling by the way, pulled me out of the story and made the story boring later on. I think I would have liked the story if the author wrote it from Oliver’s POV and made his story more mysterious by throwing those little snippets around. Now I just sighed too much. And trigger warnings are really necessary!
Other readers might have a different opinion, So, if you’re interested in this story, please check out other reviews.
I received an ARC from Smith Publicity (Sera Press) and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2022
3.5/5 ⭐
ARC received from Netgalley and author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Love and Other Sins is the debut novel of author Emilia Ares. It's an ya book revolving around two teenagers Mina and Oliver.
While Mina is focused on studying, putting all her time and hardwork in school , Oliver is escaping from a haunted past. I advice you to read the tw before reading this book!
I loved the plot, and i think the author could have done wonders with it if it was a little more developed. Now, Mina was annoying ( im telling you this straight up) but we also have to consider she's SEVENTEEN! and is developing an interest in someone for the first time. We all do stupid stuff when we're younger, and we can't hold her on this too. She was opinionated and bold and sometimes very much wrong, but i love her nonetheless.I liked the relationship between Mina and her mother; it was sweet and very refreshing from the usual dynamics between book characters and parents we usually see in young adult books. We were shown that Mina's mother loved her deeply while also showing that she reprimanded Mina on her wrongdoings. It was the best of both worlds, i liked seeing a real relationship!
Oliver was broody, grumpy and going through so much, i really felt for him. He was a complex character!
I also liked the chemistry between Mina and Oliver. It was very apparent they both liked each other and i really loved their interactions together!!
The ending took me by surprise honestly! I want expecting it AT ALL! which is a plus point for me.
Can't wait to read the next book to see what happens bc I am really invested!!
ARC received from Netgalley and author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Love and Other Sins is the debut novel of author Emilia Ares. It's an ya book revolving around two teenagers Mina and Oliver.
While Mina is focused on studying, putting all her time and hardwork in school , Oliver is escaping from a haunted past. I advice you to read the tw before reading this book!
I loved the plot, and i think the author could have done wonders with it if it was a little more developed. Now, Mina was annoying ( im telling you this straight up) but we also have to consider she's SEVENTEEN! and is developing an interest in someone for the first time. We all do stupid stuff when we're younger, and we can't hold her on this too. She was opinionated and bold and sometimes very much wrong, but i love her nonetheless.I liked the relationship between Mina and her mother; it was sweet and very refreshing from the usual dynamics between book characters and parents we usually see in young adult books. We were shown that Mina's mother loved her deeply while also showing that she reprimanded Mina on her wrongdoings. It was the best of both worlds, i liked seeing a real relationship!
Oliver was broody, grumpy and going through so much, i really felt for him. He was a complex character!
I also liked the chemistry between Mina and Oliver. It was very apparent they both liked each other and i really loved their interactions together!!
The ending took me by surprise honestly! I want expecting it AT ALL! which is a plus point for me.
Can't wait to read the next book to see what happens bc I am really invested!!
July 12, 2021
Trigger warning: This book contains heavy information on topics such as abuse, the foster system and anger issues.
I don’t even know what to say, honestly. The premise of this book was interesting, but sometimes reading the description and the actual book are two very different things. As I mentioned in the trigger warning, this book deals with a lot of heavy topics and as much as the intention is good in doing so, it wasn’t well done.
I didn’t particularly like or connected with any of the characters. We get to know what went on in Oliver’s life in the first few chapters, instead of getting hints and getting to know him – like we did with Mina – throughout the book, which made me not really care about the story later on as I already knew a good part of what he was going to say to her. He had a lot of potential, but we didn’t really see any growth as the story progressed. Instead of having twice or thrice the pages in Mina’s POV, we could’ve seen more of Oliver getting to deal with his own trauma.
Speaking of character growth, what on Earth happened to Mina? She seemed this cool and determined girl that threw everything out the window the second she met a guy she actually liked. The way she was acting, specially towards her mother and best friend, by the end of the book was not it. And it’s not just the way she was behaving, it’s the fact that we didn’t see her realize her mistakes and do better. Everyone was just expected to forgive her because she was Mina.
This book was not it for me, although I’m curious to know what went down after that last chapter, but if you think you might like it, you should give it a try.
I received an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you SERA Press and Netgalley!
I don’t even know what to say, honestly. The premise of this book was interesting, but sometimes reading the description and the actual book are two very different things. As I mentioned in the trigger warning, this book deals with a lot of heavy topics and as much as the intention is good in doing so, it wasn’t well done.
I didn’t particularly like or connected with any of the characters. We get to know what went on in Oliver’s life in the first few chapters, instead of getting hints and getting to know him – like we did with Mina – throughout the book, which made me not really care about the story later on as I already knew a good part of what he was going to say to her. He had a lot of potential, but we didn’t really see any growth as the story progressed. Instead of having twice or thrice the pages in Mina’s POV, we could’ve seen more of Oliver getting to deal with his own trauma.
Speaking of character growth, what on Earth happened to Mina? She seemed this cool and determined girl that threw everything out the window the second she met a guy she actually liked. The way she was acting, specially towards her mother and best friend, by the end of the book was not it. And it’s not just the way she was behaving, it’s the fact that we didn’t see her realize her mistakes and do better. Everyone was just expected to forgive her because she was Mina.
This book was not it for me, although I’m curious to know what went down after that last chapter, but if you think you might like it, you should give it a try.
I received an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you SERA Press and Netgalley!
July 10, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Love and Other Sins in exchange for an honest review.
Love and Other Sins deals with a lot of really, really heavy themes not described in the description and I am of the opinion that if a book does explore those themes, it has to be really well written to keep it from feeling like plotfiller and Love and Other Sins just isn't well written. I know it's an ARC so some narrative things might change before publication, but it took less than a chapter for me to become annoyed with how clunky the narration and character speak was and I don't think another round of editing could possibly salvage it enough for this to become a book I liked. I'm sure the author had good intentions in exploring themes of abuse within the foster system, but good intentions does not always equal a good book.
Love and Other Sins deals with a lot of really, really heavy themes not described in the description and I am of the opinion that if a book does explore those themes, it has to be really well written to keep it from feeling like plotfiller and Love and Other Sins just isn't well written. I know it's an ARC so some narrative things might change before publication, but it took less than a chapter for me to become annoyed with how clunky the narration and character speak was and I don't think another round of editing could possibly salvage it enough for this to become a book I liked. I'm sure the author had good intentions in exploring themes of abuse within the foster system, but good intentions does not always equal a good book.
October 17, 2021
Remy is my new favorite librarian. AND OMG THAT CLIFFHANGER ENDING! There's supposed to be a book two, though, so I'm not too worried. Also, I played the scene describing where Mina and her Mama spent time in their house on the balcony over and over again. It's such a cozy scene! I might redecorate my balcony the same way.
September 22, 2021
eARC provided by Netgalley
The audiobook was really fabulous with both voice talents, Karissa Vacker and Will Collyer, really embodying the characters with authenticity and vibrancy, making the story truly engaging. Highly recommended 🎧❤️
This story took me all the way back to my late teenage years, getting me reminiscing about those awkward, often self-centred, yet intense feels, where you're very much still learning about yourself and your own identity. Where your self is obviously still being formed and influenced by the swirling concoction of your upbringing, education, close friends, crushes, hopes, desires and passions.
This is not a light read and definitely recommended for young adults and up, it shines a stark, glaring light on the trauma that can be caused within the detention and foster "care" systems. All of the gentle hugs and love for Oliver, all of them.
I did zero research on this book beforehand, just found the cover and blurb appealing, and therefore had no idea that this was the first in a series until the very end of the book. It definitely left me wanting to know more about Mina and Oli and their burgeoning love. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
I read along with the eBook, which was much more successful in Netgalley Shelf than the ported version to the Kindle app which was missing so many characters it was barely legible, that might be useful info for other Netgalley newbies like myself.
#LoveandOtherSins #NetGalley @emiliaares @karissavacker @wcollyer
The audiobook was really fabulous with both voice talents, Karissa Vacker and Will Collyer, really embodying the characters with authenticity and vibrancy, making the story truly engaging. Highly recommended 🎧❤️
This story took me all the way back to my late teenage years, getting me reminiscing about those awkward, often self-centred, yet intense feels, where you're very much still learning about yourself and your own identity. Where your self is obviously still being formed and influenced by the swirling concoction of your upbringing, education, close friends, crushes, hopes, desires and passions.
This is not a light read and definitely recommended for young adults and up, it shines a stark, glaring light on the trauma that can be caused within the detention and foster "care" systems. All of the gentle hugs and love for Oliver, all of them.
I did zero research on this book beforehand, just found the cover and blurb appealing, and therefore had no idea that this was the first in a series until the very end of the book. It definitely left me wanting to know more about Mina and Oli and their burgeoning love. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
I read along with the eBook, which was much more successful in Netgalley Shelf than the ported version to the Kindle app which was missing so many characters it was barely legible, that might be useful info for other Netgalley newbies like myself.
#LoveandOtherSins #NetGalley @emiliaares @karissavacker @wcollyer
October 23, 2021
This is quite full on, full of trigger and difficult to address issues.
I do feel these issues have been dealt with well and in the right light.
Nina and Oliver are both complex characters, that were a pleasure to get to know better.
I enjoyed the audiobook, but was gutted it ended on such a cliffhanger. I will have to watch out for the next book in the series..
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I do feel these issues have been dealt with well and in the right light.
Nina and Oliver are both complex characters, that were a pleasure to get to know better.
I enjoyed the audiobook, but was gutted it ended on such a cliffhanger. I will have to watch out for the next book in the series..
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 9, 2021
An amazing story of two young people, Mina and Oliver, with hurt, and sadness in their past who tried to face the future with hope. When they meet for the first time in class their connection is powerful and even if they fight against it they will be better together. Great audiobook, the narrators make an incredible job with their characters
November 10, 2021
Thank you for NetGalley to provide this audiobook. For a brief synopsis, Mina is a Russian heritage high-schooler with a past issue and Oliver is also a high-schooler with past trauma about his foster homes. Both of them meet and have a spark that lights up throughout the way.
Because I listened to the audiobook, I feel like both of the narrator, Mina’s POV and Oliver’s POV did a very great job narrating this book. Especially when it comes to the emotions and the accent, very real it is. About the book itself, the flow is just right, most of the time it is not rushed about medium paced but it still captures the details of the scenes. But near the end, it got pretty chaotic and rushed everything that happened. I think the tip ending is not necessary, considering it can be left off easily with just a few paragraphs being erased, but if there is another book, it would be great.
The background of the character is what personally to me makes them interesting. From Mina and her Russian background and her trauma, also to Oliver and his pretty strong character. There are a few scenes that are not necessary for me and have zero impact on the plot, but it gives us more insight into the character’s feelings. Mina’s character is a bit messy, she changes throughout the book out of nowhere, and that makes her sometimes pretty unbearable. Oliver on the other hand is fine. This book can have more potential if the character’s actions sometimes make sense and have more depth.
Because I listened to the audiobook, I feel like both of the narrator, Mina’s POV and Oliver’s POV did a very great job narrating this book. Especially when it comes to the emotions and the accent, very real it is. About the book itself, the flow is just right, most of the time it is not rushed about medium paced but it still captures the details of the scenes. But near the end, it got pretty chaotic and rushed everything that happened. I think the tip ending is not necessary, considering it can be left off easily with just a few paragraphs being erased, but if there is another book, it would be great.
The background of the character is what personally to me makes them interesting. From Mina and her Russian background and her trauma, also to Oliver and his pretty strong character. There are a few scenes that are not necessary for me and have zero impact on the plot, but it gives us more insight into the character’s feelings. Mina’s character is a bit messy, she changes throughout the book out of nowhere, and that makes her sometimes pretty unbearable. Oliver on the other hand is fine. This book can have more potential if the character’s actions sometimes make sense and have more depth.
August 15, 2022
These are my just my notes and not a review as such.
I don’t like Oliver. Arrogant. Really unlikeable.
I know he’s been through a lot, but just can’t ‘vibe’ with him.
Looooong chapters. Hate long chapters.
Penultimate chapter when we find out about Oli. Needed sooner, might have made his character seem a little warmer. I don’t know, but it’s too late to discover the real truth behind why Oliver is how he is.
So self righteous yet got a dodgy side business.
He himself is an abuser. He plays with Mina’s emotions. He is controlling.
Seems to glorify guns as the only means of a girl defending herself!
A pet peeve of mine is when there’s constant pop culture references. Just bugs me.
I found it a cliche that just a simple look/interaction Mina and Oliver, 2 closed off and untrusting people just suddenly connect.
So annoyed that that there will be a sequel!
I would like to have known going into it!
I don’t like Oliver. Arrogant. Really unlikeable.
I know he’s been through a lot, but just can’t ‘vibe’ with him.
Looooong chapters. Hate long chapters.
Penultimate chapter when we find out about Oli. Needed sooner, might have made his character seem a little warmer. I don’t know, but it’s too late to discover the real truth behind why Oliver is how he is.
So self righteous yet got a dodgy side business.
He himself is an abuser. He plays with Mina’s emotions. He is controlling.
Seems to glorify guns as the only means of a girl defending herself!
A pet peeve of mine is when there’s constant pop culture references. Just bugs me.
I found it a cliche that just a simple look/interaction Mina and Oliver, 2 closed off and untrusting people just suddenly connect.
So annoyed that that there will be a sequel!
I would like to have known going into it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2021
I receive this for honest review. Thank you so much!
This is my first time reading from this author and it was a other wonderful amazing read.
What a great read. This novel had everything in it.
This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect.
This is my first time reading from this author and it was a other wonderful amazing read.
What a great read. This novel had everything in it.
This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect.
October 23, 2021
There are lots of content warnings, but they are discussed in the blurb and within the book before the prologue. They are in the past but appear pretty vividly at times.
I looooved this book! It pulled my heart in all the ways. The characters all felt alive and their pain was so powerful. Everything was written in a respectful way and I never considered the struggles with mental illness to be ‘faked’ or ‘forced’ like some other YA books. I highly recommend! The audiobook version had a great narrator for the Russian accent and it really sold the mother/daughter relationship and the prejudice experienced by those characters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.
I looooved this book! It pulled my heart in all the ways. The characters all felt alive and their pain was so powerful. Everything was written in a respectful way and I never considered the struggles with mental illness to be ‘faked’ or ‘forced’ like some other YA books. I highly recommend! The audiobook version had a great narrator for the Russian accent and it really sold the mother/daughter relationship and the prejudice experienced by those characters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.
September 3, 2021
I like the dual narration on the book between Mina and Oliver. I did find the premise of the story interesting,
I thought some of the dialogue between the characters was forced at times. I did enjoy how the characters developed and the story progressed. I wasn't ready for the abrupt ending, but I'm hoping she is using it for another book!
Trigger Warning: The book describes physical and sexual abuse involving children.
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought some of the dialogue between the characters was forced at times. I did enjoy how the characters developed and the story progressed. I wasn't ready for the abrupt ending, but I'm hoping she is using it for another book!
Trigger Warning: The book describes physical and sexual abuse involving children.
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down. I really enjoyed the story and the multiple POVs. Oliver’s character was excellent and I would have enjoyed more details on how martial arts was helping his anger management.
I thought the ending was quite abrupt, though - had I not had a percentage of the book showing I wouldn’t have realized it was ending when it did. Hopefully there is a second one!
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the ending was quite abrupt, though - had I not had a percentage of the book showing I wouldn’t have realized it was ending when it did. Hopefully there is a second one!
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2021
Love and Other Sins is a ya contemporary love story about Oliver a foster care system abuse victim who turns entrepreneur and Mina the daughter of Russian Immigrants.
My book club and I looooooved this book. There were so many exciting moments and their connection was so worth the wait.
This is my honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of the book from Netgalley. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
My book club and I looooooved this book. There were so many exciting moments and their connection was so worth the wait.
This is my honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of the book from Netgalley. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
October 31, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for letting me listen to this book. From the moment the narrator started I was interested in the book. Mina and Oliver come from two completely different places however, they get each other. Mina just wants to succeed in school and Oliver just wants to be able to start fresh after abuse & the foster system. Overall, great book; the author along with the narrator made the experience a great one!
October 15, 2021
I was hesitant to read this because of the content warning but so glad I did because the heavy topics were handled so well and I honestly couldn’t stop reading. That ending though! Can’t wait for book 2.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2022
In the beginning, I feel it took me a few pages to get into this book, but before long, found myself completely engrossed and I couldn't put it down.
The dual POV worked really well in this predominantly Yong Adult story, as we follow Mina & Oliver as their very different worlds collide.
This is not your usual YA romance, as it carries much darker undertones throughout, with discussions of child abuse, sexual assault, suicidal ideation as well as miscarriage.
Oliver wants to escape his past and start anew, whilst Mina's family may have darker secrets than she, or we expect.
I couldn't put this book down after I reached the half way point. As expected due to the age of the main characters, there is more of the miscommunication trope throughout than I usually like to read, however given the characters age their pining and lack of communication was to be expected.
*Potential Spoiler*
If you want a book with a comfortable resolve, this is not the one for you - i'm hanging on the edge of this cliff awaiting book two! I physically gasped at the end.
Thank you, Love Book Tours and Emilia Ares for the opportunity to read this captivating novel, I cannot wait for book 2!
The dual POV worked really well in this predominantly Yong Adult story, as we follow Mina & Oliver as their very different worlds collide.
This is not your usual YA romance, as it carries much darker undertones throughout, with discussions of child abuse, sexual assault, suicidal ideation as well as miscarriage.
Oliver wants to escape his past and start anew, whilst Mina's family may have darker secrets than she, or we expect.
I couldn't put this book down after I reached the half way point. As expected due to the age of the main characters, there is more of the miscommunication trope throughout than I usually like to read, however given the characters age their pining and lack of communication was to be expected.
*Potential Spoiler*
If you want a book with a comfortable resolve, this is not the one for you - i'm hanging on the edge of this cliff awaiting book two! I physically gasped at the end.
Thank you, Love Book Tours and Emilia Ares for the opportunity to read this captivating novel, I cannot wait for book 2!
December 23, 2021
1,5 stars.
Not for me. I found it hard to follow Mina and care for her. She changed and gave it all up for a random boy she suddenly liked. Plus The fact that we got everything about Oliver dumped over a few chapters instead hints and bits and pieces here and there and then slowly get to know him. The book had lots of topics such as sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.. I don`t feel the book handled it well. I see some reviews that likes this, but not for me.
I got this eArc From netgalley.
Not for me. I found it hard to follow Mina and care for her. She changed and gave it all up for a random boy she suddenly liked. Plus The fact that we got everything about Oliver dumped over a few chapters instead hints and bits and pieces here and there and then slowly get to know him. The book had lots of topics such as sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.. I don`t feel the book handled it well. I see some reviews that likes this, but not for me.
I got this eArc From netgalley.
July 26, 2022
There is nothing I love more than a story about broken people who heal each other through love. There were so many helpful quotes that I saved for future reference. The line by Oliver was a powerful one for the character as it conveyed a powerful message about what the character was striving for. It consists of two narratives, with Mina narrating one and Oliver narrating the other. There is not much social life outside of Mina's best friend, as she is an intense student focused mainly on school and dance. The hardships and traumatic events that Oliver has experienced throughout his childhood barely scratch the surface of what has happened to him. He is ready to become emancipated and start anew with his life. A strong bond forms between Oliver and Mina, which makes it difficult for the two of them to stay apart for an extended period of time. By the time Love and Other Sins was finished, it transformed from a book with a simple plot to a book that had me wondering what the hell I just read. The reader will fall in love with Oliver, a heartbreaking main character. It took me a moment to realize what was happening to Mina's character as she transitioned from being quiet and shy to being off the rails. After getting off to a positive start and being engaging enough to finish in one sitting, the last few chapters of the book just seemed a bit bizarre. This book will appeal to different types of readers, and the cliffhanger ending leaves the door open for a follow-up.
Please note trigger warning for descriptions of physical and sexual abuse involving children: this should really be mentioned in the summary or beginning of the book.
Please note trigger warning for descriptions of physical and sexual abuse involving children: this should really be mentioned in the summary or beginning of the book.
August 12, 2021
I couldn’t put it down. I have to know what happens next. When Mina meets Oliver, she loses her mind a bit but that’s exactly what happens sometimes. Mina isn’t a perfect main character at all but that’s what makes her real. And Oliver’s story is absolutely heartbreaking. You’re routing for him from the beginning. That’s partly because he is charming and smart but mostly because you have a clue as to what he has overcome in his life from the start. The author doesn’t use Oliver’s background as some sick secret that she divulges slowly, she warns us right away that his past will not be easy to swallow. But only in the end is the full horror of it fully divulged and fleshed out. Love and Other Sins is not for everyone. But it has this special way of making you feel exactly the way you did when something special was happening in your life: that fluttering in your stomach sensation. It’s an own voice novel about youth and immigration. From what I saw on tiktok, Emilia Ares wrote this right after high school. It’s a fresh and unique perspective full of interesting dialogue, complex dynamics between mother and daughter, and the romance has you pining.
November 1, 2021
I don’t know what it was about this book but it was like so different and fresh in a weird way. Like at some point I couldn’t believe it was real. I like the fresh take on Los Angeles, a city that’s usually a joke or a cliche in most books. But this felt like the real LA. A story about real, messed up, confused, flawed teens in a real school dealing with real problems not talking about it because that’s what happens in real life and making everything worse by escalating drama like real people always do. I don’t know where she’s going with this book in book 2 but i will be buying a ticket for the ride. So fun to read this book I finished it before I even realized. I inhaled this thing in almost one sitting.
September 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and SERA Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book sooo fast. More than anything it got me out of my reading slump. I’ve been having a hard time getting through books lately they all have felt a bit formulaic and Love and Other Sins was such a different read. The characters are different than any I’ve read in a Ya before and they engaged in conversation and activities that were surprising and new. I can’t wait for the second one because I definitely didn’t get enough of Oliver and Mina.
I read this book sooo fast. More than anything it got me out of my reading slump. I’ve been having a hard time getting through books lately they all have felt a bit formulaic and Love and Other Sins was such a different read. The characters are different than any I’ve read in a Ya before and they engaged in conversation and activities that were surprising and new. I can’t wait for the second one because I definitely didn’t get enough of Oliver and Mina.
November 1, 2021
What a rollercoaster of a book! This book has me wanting more and learning more about each character.
Mina and Oliver are the two main characters. Mina is a girl that seems to have it all, her whole life planned out. Until Oliver arrives in town. Oliver has the bad boy image but a dark deep and hurtful past. Once they get to know each other, you keep routing for them.
I did not like how the book ended... But maybe there is a part two coming! Great book all around.
Mina and Oliver are the two main characters. Mina is a girl that seems to have it all, her whole life planned out. Until Oliver arrives in town. Oliver has the bad boy image but a dark deep and hurtful past. Once they get to know each other, you keep routing for them.
I did not like how the book ended... But maybe there is a part two coming! Great book all around.
October 19, 2021
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley and SERA Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I can't deny the fact that I listened to about 70% percent of the audiobook in one sitting. I found both of the perspectives pretty interesting but preferred Oliver's. I actually wish more of his development was explored more in-depth.
Thank you to Netgalley and SERA Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I can't deny the fact that I listened to about 70% percent of the audiobook in one sitting. I found both of the perspectives pretty interesting but preferred Oliver's. I actually wish more of his development was explored more in-depth.
October 15, 2021
Read this with my Netgalley book club and we're obsessed! This story was so addicting and unique. We Stan Oli and Mina so hard and when is book 2 coming?
I received the Advance Reading copy from Netgalley and Sera Press in exchange for an honest review.
I received the Advance Reading copy from Netgalley and Sera Press in exchange for an honest review.
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