the path to paradise begins in hell

this was exactly what I expected from this author. it was about two men who had rough passed, the romance was lovely as I knew it would be, Lindsey always writes about being a safe space for the person they are falling for, they don't want them to change just know the other person is there for them. as always there is disability rep, this one had an amputee and anxiety disorder (also notes blindness, deafness and addiction - and I apologies profusely if I say any of those wrong). and it was narrated well,

TW for religious themes, and sex work, along with multiple sex scenes outside the main couple

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wicked, captivating, sinful!

The sun and the sinner, lust at it's core, an artist's inspiration made whole.

This story is unique, vivid and passionate. It is dynamic and engaging and as an artist it's quirky and inspiring! I want to go paint some sinful fallen angels myself!

I loved the diverse representation of various disabilities. I especially loved Stone and who he is. He has embraced the fact that he lost his legs in an accident. He is no longer troubled by it or at least that is not the main focus of his story. I like that he was a man who fell in love and just happened to be an amputee. I hope the other Sin's stories might follow a similar way but from introductions there is so much that could happen and each man has their own past and story, I can't wait for more.

I found August so endearing. His limited filter, his passion and artistic eye, his cute mannerisms, he was the perfect counter point for Lust and the perfect match for Stone. I hope we'll see more of August as he gets to know the other Sins for his paintings!!

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I just finished Stone and August’s book by EM Lindsey and I am so excited for the continuation of this series!

From a devastating accident he suffered a long time ago, Stone gained a huge settlement he put into building the Carnal Tower, a place where all your deepest desires can come to life, for a price.

I am so intrigued by all of the Sins, I can’t wait to get to know them better and see them get their HEA.

I’ve read a few romances with s*ex workers MCs and I found that a lot, even with the best of intentions, tend to have a negative look at the profession and tend to end in them giving up that life for love. While that’s completely fine, I always felt like that shouldn’t be the only story to be told. I really appreciated how this book treated the subject, with August seeming to understand Stone and that his job is separate from their relationship.

I think I was a bit surprised by the end, I felt like there was space to expand the story and grow their relationship, but I’m sure we’re going to get glimpses of them in future books.

I felt like both Stone’s and August’s disabilities were written with care and research. Thank you for including imperfectly perfect characters, like all of us!

Great audiobook performance by Kirt Graves too!

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook, thank you to the author and GRR

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Amazing

I was intrigued by this story from the beginning and listened to the audiobook in just two days. The author E.M. Lindsey has created with August and Stone two sympathetic and at the same time very profound characters that I have already taken into my heart after a few pages.
Stone is successful in his job, he runs a high-priced brothel. But at what price? Can his secret desires ever come true? And then there's the accident that cost him his legs many years ago. By chance, Stone meets August, a very talented artist who lives a very secluded life and is also very shy. Two total opposites meet here and the way the story developed was really well done.
I absolutely loved the concept of Carnal Tower and I'm looking forward to more audiobooks from this series.
The theme of lust runs through the book and embedded in between is a beautiful love story. Of course there are steamy scenes as well.

Kirt Graves is a very talented narrator who did a brilliant job. He lives the characters and the story and he takes this story to the next level with his narration. It was a pleasure to listen to him.

I requested a free copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion that I am volunteering

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Beautiful expression of emotion, caring, and love

I really enjoyed this story and the MCs. I love when a man who believes he is incapable or unworthy of love finds just what he needs in another injured soul. August's sexual awakening was sensual, suspenseful, sweet, and so tastefully done. I also found it poignant and appropriate that most, if not all, of the sins have disabilities or challenges that would make some in society think they are weak or less than (lost limbs, blindness, hearing loss), yet here they are putting men on their knees, making them cry, beg, etc. It really did deliver a message of empowerment, and I liked how strong and self-assured, yet vulnerable they were. That may seem like a contradiction, but if you listen to the story you will understand. I loved the love story between Stone and August who accepted each other as they were. I loved the way their jagged and misshapen pieces fit together, and I am looking forward to the stories of the other sins.

The narration by Kirt Graves was fantastic, as always. Such beautiful expression of emotion, caring, and love.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

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Amazing

This was a sexy biawakening romance.

I absolutely loved Stone and August's story

This was dark, angsty and so very compelling.


I had a blast listening to this one


The narrator performed an amazing audio delivery and narration.

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What a World!!! Kirt Graves is Fantastic

Oh WOW! This world that E.M. Lindsey has created in their The Carnal Tower series is amazing. The first book, Shades of Lust sets it all up, so start with this one, and if you're a fan of audiobooks - Kirt Graves delivers a stellar perfomance in this one!

I literally can't wait for the next one to come out in audio!

an audiobook copy of Shades of Lust was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

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A book about longing and belonging, and lust

It could have been about lust. But though lust is a delicious and compelling part of the story, to me the longing to belong is the real main theme of this book. Kurt Graves' measured, mellow reading gave it even more pull, even August's panic attacks were given a certain gravitas.

I love it when mental illness is presented like this, as something very real yet ordinary. Like Stone's missing limbs or Jet's blindness, it is a reality that must be handled. And though love does not heal any of these afflictions, support and understanding does alleviate the inconvenience and isolation.

I suspect I will enjoy every single book in this series.

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Enjoyable

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.

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I enjoyed this immensely

The characters in this book have depth and personalities that you can believe. The seven sins all seem to be tortured souls in one way or another, hiding away in the Carnal Tower,
Stone Brice, the owner of The Carnal Tower and Lust, has a past that haunts him, and because of it feels that he's not relationship material. That was until he met August.

August is another person hiding away from life, highly anxious and a virgin at 43. Life passes him by until his dog knocks Stone over in the park. His life changes for the better.

The story is so bizarre, but at the same time, very believable. I love that everyone has such a backstory. You can imagine this building and what's going on inside there.

Kirt Graves did an excellent job narrating this book. However, I did speed up to 1.15 on audible. Clear and concise, a great listen.

Shades of Lust
The Carnal Tower, Book 1
By: E.M. Lindsey
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
Series: The Carnal Tower, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.

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