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Shades of Lust (The Carnal Tower Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 984 ratings

“The path to paradise begins in hell.”
― Dante Alighieri


On a small path leading to nowhere sits a looming cathedral, once-abandoned, now hosting the most dangerous of pleasures.

And Stone Brice is the most dangerous of all: Lust. A former acrobat, Stone’s life was changed dramatically after an accident, and now he runs The Carnal Tower, a place where people can go to have their deepest and sometimes darkest fantasies realized.

Stone is a man who is rarely taken by surprise, so when he meets the artist, August Ashley, he doesn’t expect to trip and fall at his feet—literally. But there’s something about the quiet stranger in the park that Stone wants to take apart, and that feeling only gets worse the more Stone gets to know him.

Stone is well aware he can’t mix business and pleasure, but when August comes to him with a proposal for a trade—seven paintings for seven nights with Lust—he can’t say no. Not when it means he’ll be able to have August exactly the way he wants him—even if it’s just for a week.

Stone has every plan to strip August down to his very soul, but the longer the week goes on, the more Stone comes to realize that August might very well be
his undoing.


Shades of Lust is the first book in a new series. It features a bi-awakening, high heat, low angst, and the human embodiment of a seven deadly sin whose sole purpose is to make sure his client never forgets their week at The Carnal Tower. Each book in the series can stand on their own, and all contain no cheating, and a happily ever after.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09JHMLNVH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (February 2, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 2, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3655 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 984 ratings

About the author

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E.M. Lindsey
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E.M. Lindsey is a non-binary, MM Romance author, an ancient historian, and avid lover of nerdy things.  They live on the East Coast of the United States. 

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
984 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the characters compelling and complex. They describe the book as a cute read with an engaging story that captures their imagination. Readers praise the writing quality as well-done and talented. The book is described as a great start to a series, heartwarming, and sweet.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the compelling characters and their portrayal of disabilities. They appreciate the complex individuals and vulnerability expressed between them. The characters represent the seven deadly sins and are likable.

"...Character development from beginning to end for both MCs. Great side characters and intro to them - can’t wait to read theirs...." Read more

"...The characters were fascinating and I adored getting to know them and watching them fall in love...." Read more

"...This story is fairly low-angst with a host of big personalities and a diverse found family - all the things I love most about her series...." Read more

"...There was a ton of character building with the introduction of the other sins, and there was a lot of world building with the descriptions of the..." Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it cute, enthralling, and genius. The author is wonderful, and the dogs are adorable.

"...And there are dogs! Such cute bay-bees…" Read more

"...I did really enjoy this book, and fell in love with the dynamic between August and Stone. But everything felt very rushed and under developed...." Read more

"E.M. Lindsey is a wonderful author. The book was well written and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fantastic. Recommended." Read more

"...it was a cute read. not much sin was going on here but i think it had a perfect blend of sweet and sexy. might read about the other sins." Read more

16 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story and narration. They find the stories relatable and engaging, with a good storyline around the seven deadly sins. Readers appreciate the author's storytelling style and enjoy the love story. However, some feel the premise is different from her other storylines.

"...There was a strong erotic theme throughout the book, and it was done so well that every steamy scene kept me on the edge of my seat...." Read more

"...This story is fairly low-angst with a host of big personalities and a diverse found family - all the things I love most about her series...." Read more

"...This made them very relatable. That neither man let their shortcomings dictate their ability to have a full life was a great inspiration...." Read more

"...The intimate scenes were steamy and well written and were a bonus to the characters themselves...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They praise the author's talent for creating beautiful, flawed yet perfect characters.

"E.M. Lindsey is a wonderful author. The book was well written and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fantastic. Recommended." Read more

"...The intimate scenes were steamy and well written and were a bonus to the characters themselves...." Read more

"I love this series, it's exciting and well written (as always)." Read more

"Great story and author. This is different from her other storylines. This was genius. I thought well done...." Read more

7 customers mention "Series start"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series start. They find it a great beginning, though some felt the ending was disappointing.

"...Definitely the start of a great series!" Read more

"I love this series, it's exciting and well written (as always)." Read more

"...I thought well done. It's worth reading this book and the series. Enjoy 🌻💞🥂..." Read more

"Great start, I had to take away a star because the ending felt a little bit rushed. But as always love E. M. Lindsey and this was a good read!!" Read more

5 customers mention "Heartwarming"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and touching. They appreciate the kindness, gentleness, and caring conveyed through the writing. The characters are described as wounded souls and made families. However, some readers felt the emotional angst was too intense to finish the book quickly.

"...It was awkward, kind, and sweet...." Read more

"...There's a lot of emotional angst and it took me a bit longer to finish because I actually had to take a break in the middle - I was feeling too much!..." Read more

"3.5stars, that’s heart touching to see all the kindness and gentleness conveyed through the story, well written and intriguing but have some..." Read more

"...It has all thing ive come to enjoy about their writing, wounded souls, made families, and of course hot sex." Read more

5 customers mention "Sweetness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sweetness. They describe Stone as Lust as sinfully delicious and August as anxious, curious, and sweet.

"The sweetness and sin in this book was chef’s kiss! Character development from beginning to end for both MCs...." Read more

"...It was awkward, kind, and sweet...." Read more

"...not much sin was going on here but i think it had a perfect blend of sweet and sexy. might read about the other sins." Read more

"...Stone as Lust is sinfully delicious and August is anxious, curious and sweet. Both are lonely and find each other and accept each other as they are." Read more

3 customers mention "Anxiety level"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's emotional and gripping story. They find it emotionally intense and a good read.

"The first third of the book,at least, is exclusively angst (that is the point at which I skipped to the end)...." Read more

"...It's emotional, it's gripping, it will have you glued to your kindle as you discover love right with the characters in the book." Read more

"...Stone as Lust is sinfully delicious and August is anxious, curious and sweet. Both are lonely and find each other and accept each other as they are." Read more

Dark and lust-filled
4 out of 5 stars
Dark and lust-filled
This was a sinfully perfect start to what will be a fantastic series! We have two beautifully damaged main characters who find solace in one another while entertaining thrilling fantasies at the same time.I loved both Stone for his strength and understanding and August for his vulnerability. Together the two of them are pure fire.Stone, an acrobat, bound to a wheelchair after a horrific accident runs a dark and lusty club where people can go to fulfill their darkest of fantasies. August is a quiet and introspective artist with severe anxiety. And when they meet and strike a business deal, with Stone commissioning August for 7 paintings, the two end up mixing business with pleasure.This was a really intense but fantastic romance filled with firsts, compassion and a character growth.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024
    The sweetness and sin in this book was chef’s kiss!

    Character development from beginning to end for both MCs. Great side characters and intro to them - can’t wait to read theirs.

    And there are dogs! Such cute bay-bees…
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022
    Shades of Lust is the first book in The Carnal Towers series, a contemporary romance series revolving around the seven deadly sins. Stone, aka Lust, is the founder and owner of the Carnal Tower, a brothel that indulges the deepest desires of its patron. The only problem is that Stone’s deepest desire - finding a lasting love - seems impossible. And then he meets August. Gentle, artistic August is everything Stone didn’t know he needed in his life. If only they can both trust their hearts.

    This was a beautiful romance of love found later in life. There was a strong erotic theme throughout the book, and it was done so well that every steamy scene kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were fascinating and I adored getting to know them and watching them fall in love. I’m definitely hooked on this series and look forward to the next book in the series.

    The audiobook was narrated by Kirt Graves who does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. I was so engrossed with the story and narration that I didn’t want to pause the audio. The audiobook production was well done and I enjoyed listening to it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023
    I loved the premise of this story - 7 men who embody the 7 deadly sins from Dante’s Inferno. In an abandoned and renovated cathedral, they work in a legal brothel that caters to desires and fantasies specific to each sin. But each Sin is still a man, damaged and broken by life, who doesn't know their HEA is waiting for them out there. Shades of Lust is Stone’s story, the man who started it all. He is tattooed, muscular, and intimidating - the embodiment of Lust. When he meets a reclusive artist, neither man walks away the same. This story was so darn sweet. Stone is so kind to August and their meet-cute immediately set the tone for the whole story. It was awkward, kind, and sweet. While this story could have been a smut-fest, it’s not quite that and if that’s what you are looking for, this book isn’t it. This is a sweet story with some spicy scenes about finding love when your life doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

    As a former acrobat and for his current profession, he takes his fitness very seriously. On a run in the park, Stone is tripped by a dog and meets August. August is terrified the intimidating man is going to be furious, but Stone is far from that. Sparks immediately fly and neither man can stop thinking about the other. When August proposes a trade, 7 nights with Lust for 7 paintings, Stone can’t say no. 7 nights is all anyone ever gets with a Sin, but walking away when those nights are over may be impossible.

    I was once again wowed by EM Lindsey. This story sucked me in and had me into all the good feelings. This story is fairly low-angst with a host of big personalities and a diverse found family - all the things I love most about her series. She never fails to capture my imagination and suck me into her stories. August is so easily likable and Stone is just the man he needs to take him apart and put him back together. I adore how EM Lindsey never shies away from diversity in her characters and I love how she writes unique stories that never fail to get me all into my feelings. I’m really looking forward to more in this series.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2024
    I have read some of your other books but this is by far my favorite! Can’t wait to read the next book! Thank you!
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
    This was not what I expected and I’m struggling to figure out if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. I think what is working against this book is that I recently read, and loved, the Sons of the Fallen series by Jaclyn Osborne which also has the seven sins depicted as men. I really tried not to compare the books while reading this but it is almost impossible not to. I found the characterization of “Lust” just didn’t work for me, which made it hard to connect to Stone’s attachment to his role in the Carnal Tower.

    I did really enjoy this book, and fell in love with the dynamic between August and Stone. But everything felt very rushed and under developed. There was a ton of character building with the introduction of the other sins, and there was a lot of world building with the descriptions of the Carnal Tower and the property. All of those great descriptions however really took away from Stone and August. Their sessions were a bit of a let down and while I understand someone like August wouldn’t be able to just jump in head first, they didn’t feel important enough to the characters and story.

    I enjoyed the simpler moments between August and Stone. When they talked about August’s paintings or when Stone would help him with his anxiety. This book did a great job setting the scene for the future books and characters but I feel too much of a disconnect to the MCs in this book to give it a higher rating.

    And while I appreciate the effort Lindsey put into separating Stone from Lust in order to make a relationship possible for him, it’s completely personal preference that I wish Stone wasn’t still having clients while being with August.

    Tropes: Sexual Awakening, Older MCs, First Times, Anxiety Disorder Rep, Disability Rep, Dual POV
    Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
    Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
    Relationship: MM
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
    E.M. Lindsey is a wonderful author. The book was well written and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fantastic. Recommended.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Stephanie Beverly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Steamy
    Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2023
    The spice in this book was hot as fire.

    My one critique is the author tried to separate the man "Stone" from the sin "Lust" but I didn't see a huge difference.

    The romance was sweet. One character had on the page anxiety attacks, which were written well.
  • sarah mitcham
    5.0 out of 5 stars Many Words For love.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2022
    MM, bi awakening, Contemporary, Romance. Easy to read page-turner with great characters, high heat, low angst and a well deserved guaranteed HEA. First book in the series but all the books read as stand-alones with no loss of enjoyment or understanding. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
  • RyooT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome start to a new series
    Reviewed in Germany on February 5, 2022
    Really cool setup for new more risqué stories about seven men of a family of choice. Each embodies one of the seven sins working in a ultra high-end brothel owned by Stone, the protagonist of this story. Stone has denied himself attachments because of his fear of rejection and feeling it would be unfair to a potential partner and incompatible with his calling. Yet, when he meets August, a lonely artist whose life is ruled by severe anxiety, both of them discover that they might just be the missing pieces of each other.
  • Booktravert
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2022
    This was a really different read to what I was expecting but certainly enjoyable. I loved that the characters represented different disabilities and mental illness. I immediately fell in love with August and felt his anxiety was written in a way I related to as someone with anxiety. Stone was great as well and I enjoyed how he was almost fathering the others. I do question how long term a relationship would work with someone working in the sex industry and am curious if this will be addressed in future books.
  • NNC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2023
    I’ve not heard of this author before but her book was suggested in a facebook group.
    I really enjoyed it, great atmosphere, good character build, steamy and an endearing love story. I’m excited to read about the other sin’s.

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