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The Carnal Tower #2

Waiting On Forever

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“Heat cannot be separated from fire, nor beauty from the Eternal.”
-Dante Alighieri


Of all the Sins, Sloth is the most deceptive. A baby face and a disarming smile hides the dangerous pleasures lurking beneath.

Jet Denton has always been the sort of person who knows what life will offer.

Unfairness.
Inequality.
Abandonment.

Blinded as a teen, Jet quickly accepted that life was what you make of it, and that’s how he handles all his clients: delicate care at arm’s length, with a power he relinquishes to no one.

And then he meets Taylor.

There shouldn’t be anything special or appealing about the nervous photographer, but Jet can’t seem to stay away. Taylor is everything he’s ever wanted, and it’s in those still, quiet moments Jet realizes that for this man, he may just be willing to wait forever.

Waiting On Forever is the second book of the Carnal Tower series. It features a man of utter indulgence who brings his clients to their knees, a photographer who is just about done with every screaming child that ever crossed his path, a cat named Thursday, comfort snacks, and the steamiest happily ever after.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2022

84 people are currently reading
324 people want to read

About the author

E.M. Lindsey

142 books1,374 followers
E.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.

EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.

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359 (43%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,980 reviews24 followers
September 21, 2022
3.5 stars but rounding up.

i think i enjoyed the first book more, not sure if it was down to the narrator, Michael Dean narrated this book, he did a good job but i think i enjoyed Kirt Graves a little more.

I was looking forward to Jets book but it felt a tad underwhelming especially with the stalker/bad client, felt like more could have been done with that, instead of what just happened in the beginning.

also for a brothel story with the 7 sins there wasn't a lot of sex, which don't get me wrong i didn't mind since it was more character oriented but it was an interesting choice. i do love how the author shows different disabilities, Jet is blind and Taylor has arthritis and some anxieties from previous relationships.

i am very excited to see how the rest of the series continues, i think the next book doesn't come out until this upcoming march soo it will be a long wait. I would say that you could very well read this as a standalone, but you won't get the whole backstory on the cathedral turned brothel haha but overall a good addition to the series.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,294 reviews314 followers
July 10, 2024
3.5⭐️ this series is fantastically diverse (disability, queer, sex work, etc) and just an insta-lovey good time.
Profile Image for Ky.
589 reviews89 followers
April 28, 2022
* 4 stars *

Okay, second book in the series and just as good as the first one.

This time, it's Sloth's turn.

Jet is one of the seven Sin's in Carnal Tower. He likes his life but sometimes he feels a little lonely, so he started hanging out at the mall. He also made some friends there, including Taylor who is a photographer.

Jet is blind, he lost his sight when he was sixteen and has been living without it almost as long as he had lived with it. He's content with his life, doesn't resent not being able to see and has structured his life in a way that makes him self sufficient and independent.

I haven't read many books with a blind MC and it was very interesting to read his chapters. The author managed to convey what he experienced in his scenes and how he depended on his other senses to navigate through life.

Taylor had been burned from a past relationship and was reluctant to give another one a chance. But their attraction couldn't be denied.

I liked their interactions and how Taylor had to readjust his view of things and take into account Jet's loss of sight. He had to check himself and learn to always use his voice or touch to communicate and to give up visual signals when addressing Jet. It's something that comes naturally for most people; the shake of a head to deny something or a nod to agree, a shrug to convey indecision. But Taylor had to teach himself to combine those with other signals that Jet could pick up. It's such a small thing, something we do without thinking but I'm sure it's difficult to fall out of the habit of doing it.

In this book, August completes his second commissioned painting. He tried to incorporate some wax to elevate some of it so Jet could experience it as well, but in the end Taylor and Jet found the perfect way for Jet to understand what the painting looked like.

Next up is Greed and I look forward to that story as well. I hope some of the Sins will end up together but there's no indication of that happening yet. At least I didn't pick up on one. We'll see!


~ I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. ~
Profile Image for Heather.
474 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2022
I LOVED this book. Full stop. End of review.

Just kidding....there's a lot more say.

Jet is one of the Sins at the Carnal Tower, embodying Sloth. Blind since he was 16, Jet is used to navigating his world with confidence until a session went south and his foundation is shaken. He's feeling hemmed in, mothered by Stone, and stuck. To prove that he still has control over his life, he starts venturing to the mall. He never expected to find a new best friend and the love of his life there.

Taylor lives a simple, busy life as a portrait photographer with a shop in the mall, building a business around taking pictures of bratty kids during the day, and kiddos battling life-threatening illnesses a few evenings a month. He's happy-ish. Content, at least. The last thing he ever expected- and the one thing he desperately needed- was Jet.

Y'all- this book was EVERYTHING. Sweet, dirty, touching, funny and so full of love. I absolutely adored it and cannot recommend it enough. You don't *need* to read the first book to understand this one, but it helps lay the foundation (and it's great in its own right)!

The only warning I'll give is that some of the book does deal with the sick kids Taylor takes pictures of- the mental toll it takes on him, the family's grief, etc. If that's a trigger for you, I'd avoid this one.
Profile Image for Tolk.
291 reviews
April 5, 2022
After having read book 1 in the Carnal Tower series, Shades of Lust, I could not wait to get my hands on this 2nd book and I was totally not disappointed. I loved the story and, above all, I loved the people in it. Well, the main characters and their friends, at least. There are quite a few types in there that we have all met and could totally do without.
Jet is ... awesome and hasn't had it easy and Taylor is just a normal guy - without ever being average. And they simply clicked. You can totally feel that! And their sidekick Maya is just wonderful. I totally enjoyed reading this book!
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,935 reviews280 followers
April 27, 2022
2.5 Stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I didn't feel this one at all. It was too insta-everything and I just didn't feel the romance and I missed the build. This book was also pretty consistently a downer. Like country song level downer. Between Taylor going on and on and on and on about his ex and and Jet's parents, I didn't get the warm fuzzies I wanted. I especially got so sick of hearing about Taylor's ex and all the internal dialog about him.

Hopefully book 3 will be more my speed. King is a grumpy dude, so I'm looking forward to see how he manages to catch feelings lol.
Profile Image for TC.
382 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2025
3 ✨

I never *love* the books in this series, but the last book I read was so depressing I just needed something I knew would be relatively light and easy and feel-good. So I will 100% give this book credit for doing exactly what I wanted it to do. I just find the dialogue kind of clunky and awkward and the spice is kind of boring. But again, it served its purpose, and I am grateful for that.
Profile Image for Britt.
507 reviews84 followers
April 21, 2022
E.M. Lindsey has become an auto buy/read author for me. I have not been disappointed in anything I’ve read by the author and honestly the books just keep getting better.

Lindsey just has a wonderful way of writing about disabilities and their work often contains so much inclusivity it makes my soul happy.

I have been anxiously waiting to read the second book in the Carnal Tower Series, to get inside Jett’s head and to see who his partner was. This one wasn’t as steamy as the first in the series but I didn’t even notice because the writing was so good; I was incredibly invested in the characters. Jett and Taylor have amazing chemistry right from the beginning. We even get some more glimpses into the other characters at the Carnal Tower.

I have no fault with this book, it’s just all around a great read. It is a slow burn and heavier subjects are talked about so please read any warnings.

Cannot wait for the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Colleen (colleenreads40).
418 reviews17 followers
December 10, 2025
Waiting on Forever is the second book in E.M. Lindsey's The Carnal Tower series. It can be read as a complete standalone, but I'm a huge fan of the entire series! Here's what you can expect from Jet and Taylor:

💙 MM contemporary romance
💙 Third person dual point of view
💙 Guaranteed happily ever after
💙 Blind main character
💙 Plus sized representation
💙 A cat named Thursday
💙 Found family
💙 Sweet and steamy
💙 Characters entering a consensual relationship where one of them remains in the sex work industry

As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.

Jet shook his head, biting his lower lip. Taylor was something else, and he hoped to God he got the chance to get to know every nuance of the man.
For the rest of his life.

In my opinion, this series is an absolute hidden gem. I eagerly anticipate each release, but Waiting on Forever is still my favourite in the series and has definitely become a comfort read for me. The concept of the stories is very refreshing - it takes place at The Carnal Tower, a legal brothel where each man embodies one of the seven deadly sins. I've enjoyed watching each Sin find their happily ever after, as well as the positive representation of sex work. Most of the characters find their happily ever afters but continue to work at The Tower. Each relationship handles it a little differently. Coupled with E.M. Lindsey's stellar representation, this series has a special place in my heart.

I absolutely adore Jet and Taylor! The meet-cutes in this series are a lot of fun, with Taylor and Jet meeting during a photoshoot Taylor was doing for a terminally ill child. Both men are carrying some baggage. Jet fighting to regain his confidence after an attack at work changed everything, and Taylor works long hours to keep his business afloat after parting ways with a cheating ex-boyfriend that has him questioning his worth. I just love how their story came together. Taylor's anxiety and struggle for self-acceptance is something that will resonate with a lot of readers, and Jet's desire to reassure him and protect him was downright swoony. These two characters had great communication, as there were times Taylor had fears about their relationship moving forward and conversations surrounding Jet's blindness and related accessibility. I appreciated the way the author approached and handled these, and as a result, we don't have to endure a third-act breakup and can simply watch their lovely relationship grow. The spice in this book is perfect and complimented the characters and the story. I can't say say enough about this book, as it's evidently a favourite of mine and I hope more people discover this incredible series!
Sloth wanted to make Taylor serve, and Jet wanted to hold him close while it was happening.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,065 reviews516 followers
April 21, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars


Waiting on Forever is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Carnal Towers series. While we met Jet in the first book, and the various Sins make an appearance here, I think this story stands alone just fine. I think Lindsey does a nice job early in the series not overwhelming the reader with too much about all these side characters, so while most of them make a brief appearance, the focus is mostly on just a few of Jet’s closest friends. I assume as the series continues, we will see more of all these guys, but for now, Lindsey is doing a nice job of keeping this cast manageable.

This story has a great meet cute as Jet and Taylor connect at the mall. We see the softer side of both men immediately, and there is a clear connection between them, but both men are a little afraid of reaching for more. As they end up reconnecting a few times, they finally work up the nerve to take a chance.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for Amanda.
2,455 reviews103 followers
June 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. Taylor taking photos of sick kids just right in the heart 😭 and Jet was such a sweetheart too. Seriously the progression of their relationship was perfect even if it went at fast-forward lol I did feel like it kind of ended abruptly though. He has a session with Sloth and then bam epilogue but maybe that's how the first ended too and I just can't remember. Also I'm all about safe sex but all the condom use is not sexy even if it's practical . 😂 But anyways, I love the found family aspect of the sins it makes my heart happy and I look forward to reading the next book.

Rep: Blind MC
Profile Image for Alexis.
828 reviews23 followers
January 22, 2025
This one a 3.5ish but a strong 3.5. It wasnt quite a 4 but 3 seemed to harsh?? Star ratings for books are so difficult.

Anyway, again I loved the whole look into the sin of sloth and how it's never exactly what you think it might be. I thought Jet was charming and I liked his and Taylor's meet cute along with how their relationship progressed. After 2 books I am sensing a pattern of timing as far as when the characters actually confirm their relationship and its a little late for me, personally, (after 70%) because I feel like I want actual page time of them together rather than most of the book being them getting there but thats a personal preference and why I don't think 3 is fair.

Still intrigued though at the other sins so i will definitely be continuing!
1,055 reviews
February 14, 2023
A unique Queer Romance

This is a modern romance, the second in a series that must be read in order. Wowza! I am bowed over by the complex characters and the world-building! These flawed men, the embodiment of sins themselves, have a depth and richness of character that leads to attachment. I want to know the chapters after the end, this author is rather brilliant in their writing!
Profile Image for Vfields Don't touch my happy! .
3,488 reviews
February 9, 2025
Now this one gelled for me in a way the first installment didn’t. Jet and Taylor worked and although they had all the E.M. Lindsey foibles they were adorable and strong. I don’t need my men to completely broken. Regular everyday challenges are both hard and entertaining enough. I hope we see the momma-to-be again. She was a good solid character.
Really, I didn’t roll my eyes one time during this book.
Profile Image for JennyBuysBooks |  Find me on Fable!.
597 reviews22 followers
January 30, 2024
3.5

Okay I really liked this. Taylor and Jet were adorable and steamy and I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book from a blind person’s POV but it was so interesting and I really enjoyed it. BUT they referred to each other as “lover” so many times and I just cannot. It didn’t ruin the story or anything but I did hate it.
Author 7 books13 followers
Read
July 24, 2025
I liked the first one better but this held my interest. I like this series even though it's a little too soft and sweet for me. I like a little more power games if we are doing a hell theme. However, I appreciate that all these relationships are supportive, kind, loving, and healthy. And this final sex scene is a great example of one that serves the development of the relationship.
Profile Image for X.
1,183 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2022
DNF @ 76%. Too similar to the first book in the series (sex worker character is worried they can’t have a relationship because of their sex work, non-sex worker character is worried they can’t have a relationship because they’re insecure), and pretty slow.

I think this book would be soothing if you want to read a sweet romance novel with a HEA involving a blind character (in other words, you want something saccharine and/or with specific representation). Otherwise, probably wouldn’t put it at the top of the list.
166 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2022
It was okay, not as strong as the first.

I got a bit tired of Taylor's negative attitude - I would've liked growth, from feeling poorly about himself to feeling better toward the end of the story.

Also, I'm not sure I really bought into Jet's Sloth persona. I didn't feel it was well developed.

194 reviews
April 21, 2022
So I tried to really like this one but it was just ok. I did like Jet and Taylor together. I just could not get into the story especially with how ANYONE can be ok with having to wait for your boyfriend to finish fucking a client. So no, not for me.
Profile Image for Becky.
924 reviews
April 17, 2022
4.5 stars

Gorgeous, loved it.

Jet is still recovering from a scary run in with a client; Taylor is tired and lonely and ready for something to change.

A chance meeting brings them together and neither has confidence in their ability to manage a relationship.

As always, EM Lindsey has written so eloquently and beautifully. The way sex work is talked about in this series is super refreshing, as is how the other MC's manage their expectations around their partners jobs.

Dual POV third person, medium to high heat with some kink. You can read this as a standalone but may get more from the book of you read it in series order.

I received a copy of this book from Foreword PR and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,434 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Waiting on Forever is the second book in the E.M. Lindsey series the Carnal Tower. Jet embodies Sloth at the Tower but longs for some normalcy that his lifestyle and disability keep at arm's length. He finds himself drawn to the mall where he can just exist. He doesn’t expect to be approached by the mall’s resident family photographer looking for a favor. Taylor never expected the beautiful man at the pretzel stand to give him the time of day let alone keep showing up and being interested in him. Jet finds an instant connection with Taylor that he’s rarely felt and hopes more can happen between but is Taylor willing to put his past behind him and accept Jet, lifestyle and all.

Jet has been dealing with judgment and dismissal since childhood when his parents decided his disability was easier to handle from a distance. He only trusts his fellow sins at the Tower and only goes to the mall to get away from the heavy weight of being Sloth. He never expects to find friendship not only with Taylor but with Maya. Both immediately don’t treat him with kid gloves and appreciate him as a person not a sin. Taylor is a breath of fresh air and he just wants to be around him as much as possible. Jet understands that his occupation is more than most men could handle but hopes that Taylor is able to look beyond it because their connection is so special.

This man was all Jet. There wasn’t a hint of his Sin in the room with them. And that was precious, Taylor knew. That was something Jet didn’t share with anyone else.

Taylor doesn’t see himself as anymore more than an average guy who can’t seem to manage a relationship. He is still burned by his past relationship ending in cheating without remorse and struggles to not relate that to his worth as a partner. Jet immediately blows him away with his beautiful appearance and falls even faster for the sweetness he shows to strangers. Taylor knows he wants to be with Jet in every way possible but knows that his lifestyle as Sloth will be difficult at times. Once he’s able to see all sides of Jet, he knows even more that he’s worth every struggle they may endure.

“That way I could lie down on top of you and stay there and claim you.”
“I’m a big fan of that idea,” Taylor said, his voice going soft again. He stroked his fingers down the back of Jet’s neck making him want to purr like a cat.
“I’m already yours.”


Waiting on Forever is an emotionally heavy read where two men try to decide if they can put away their baggage and move forward towards a future together. Both Jet and Taylor find a friend is Maya, an employee at the pretzel stand who isn’t afraid to call them out and meddle when the two men need a push towards each other. The other sins recognize Jet’s longing for a romantic partner who can handle him and encourage him to try with Taylor. Disability is handled tastefully as E.M. Lindsey always does. Also the understanding that the Tower is not always about sexual pleasure but can also be an outlet for expressing needs that may not be understood by society. I continue to look forward to seeing the sins meet their matches.

4 stars for Jet and Taylor finding forever together.
Profile Image for purely.romantic.
184 reviews20 followers
April 16, 2022
Ever since I read the first book in this series, I have been so eager to see what the other Sins would be like and what their stories would hold. *Waiting on Forever*, second in EM Linsey’s *Carnal Tower* series introduces us to one of the characters I was most intrigued by when we briefly met him in the previous novel. Jet, blinded from a young age and embodying Sloth, had just the right dash of angsty brooding I love to see in a main character, and who, when we meet him, is questioning if he also can have what Stone and August do in a fulfilling relationship. This is brought even more to the front of his mind when he meets Taylor, a somewhat stressed out photographer who spends his days photographing toddlers at the local mall and is unsure if he will ever meet The One.

I loved how instant Jet and Taylor’s connection was and the fumbling flirtation on Taylor’s part was just too adorable for words. There was such a relatable feeling of nerves and excitement as Taylor tries to show Jet he is interested but is also hesitant to look too eager. Jet, on the other hand, while also having the advantage of his devastating charm, is also faced with Taylor witnessing some of his deeply vulnerable moments including an unwelcome face from his recent past. Though Jet’s profession makes him seem more confident on the surface, both characters are clearly navigating feelings that are new to them and I loved how cautiously they approach this precious thing they are building. This book is filled with a beautiful intimacy and exploration of pleasure and emotion that I’m really coming to love in the series. I also really liked how the realities of dating someone with Jet’s profession was sensitively woven into the story by giving it the airtime it deserved but not making it a huge cause of relationship angst for the characters. Both Jet and Taylor’s feelings were beautifully explored with equal time given to each of their concerns, their insecurities as well as the ways in which they support and care for the other.

A gorgeous story that explores the quiet beauty of two people falling in love, *Waiting on Forever* was such a great sequel to this series I am really enjoying. Can’t wait to see where it goes next with King’s story. I was delighted to receive an ARC for this book and give it 5 sexy stars!

CW’s: mentions of ableism; inclusions of terminally ill children (no on-page deaths); mild violence; off-page assault and recovery. The story is also about two characters who enter a consensual relationship where one is in the sex work industry and remains so beyond the events of the book.
Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,392 reviews18 followers
April 19, 2022
Jet and Taylor's romance was engaging, sweet, and wholly satisfying. I knew I loved each of these characters before they met each other, and their impromptu superhero photoshoot with Cody showed me how kind-hearted they truly were. I could tell that Taylor and Jet would be an excellent match from the start, but these two fought their attraction with insecurities about not being worthy of each other for a long time. I was furious when I learned how badly Taylor's ex had damaged his self esteem, but the more time he spent with Jet, the more I saw him regaining trust in relationships and forever love. Jet's hesitation was understandable, given the nature of his job, but I wish he'd opened up to Taylor sooner and given him a chance to love every aspect of his personality.

This story leaned much further into hurt/comfort than the last, and I personally loved getting to see the quieter, low-key dates Jet and Taylor went on. Even as they struggled to define their relationship, I could sense how deep their feelings had grown, and it made every interaction they had feel special. The main thing I felt was missing from this story was the presence of Sloth. I understand why E.M. Lindsey chose not to focus heavily on Sloth's sessions with other clients, but, similar to Taylor, it left me feeling like I'd only gotten to know part of what made Jet who he was. In a story where I learned so much about Taylor and what made him tick, I wanted to have that same closeness to Jet. I was really worried that this entire book would pass without Taylor getting that last bit of clarity regarding Sloth, but I should have been more patient because wow was their eventual session worth the wait.

As much as I adored Jet and Taylor's romance, I couldn't review this story without mentioning Maya, Thursday, and the rest of the Sins. Their presence added a lightheartedness to the overall storyline, and I had so much fun watching them interact with Jet and Taylor. Maya in particular was an outstanding friend to both Taylor and Jet, and without her last push I don't know if they would have ever gotten together.

**I voluntarily read a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for ReadsALotOfMM.
177 reviews13 followers
April 25, 2022
 I really wasn't sure how this series could get better, but this book delivered above and beyond. I came into Waiting On Forever straight off of Shades Of Lust (another high recommend from me), and I honestly could not put it down. Jet was such an interesting character, and you can really tell that E.M. Lindsey put in work with their research on how to write him in an authentic voice. And it shocked me when I started tearing up within the first few chapters because of how sweet Taylor is and how he deals with the children that he photographs.

The more I read this series, the more I want to keep reading this series. Seeing characters who represent the SDSs really gives you an ability to delve into humanity in a unique way that has me chomping at the bit for how the other books in this series are going to unfold. The author gives such a duality to the man and the sin that they represent, and I think it's a really genuine reflection on people and their wants and desires and how those are a part of all of us. It makes the characters feel so well written and so tangible and realistic in my opinion.

Taylor and Jet's relationship is also just so sweet to me. It's nice to see representation for a character who isn't 100% cut and fit and tall and perfect in Taylor and his self-proclaimed Dad Bod. It's even better to see someone who has gone through something hard and doesn't get over it magically just because they found their love interest. There's a natural progression of trust and understanding that develops between the two of them, and their connection is really made special because of how they handle Taylor's insecurity and Jet's work. 

As always, the book is really SW positive, and I'm here for that as well. Overall, I honestly just loved it. The romance was perfect, and while there was conflict it didn't overwhelm the story as a whole — when I can pick up a book and the humanity and emotions, feelings and development of the characters is the center of the storytelling, I'm always left feeling satisfied. 

So, if you're looking for a fast, charming, emotional read? This is the book for you! I can't wait for the next in the series! 
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,288 reviews28 followers
April 26, 2022
4.5 Stars!

Waiting on Forever is book 2 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. I suggest reading Shades of Lust, not only because it's a great start to the series, but because you'll get a better insight into The Carnal Tower and meet the rest of the Sins. 

We met Jet in Shades of Lust, as the mysterious Sloth, now in WoF, we discover that he lost his sight (and his parents, although that wasn't much of a loss) at 16. Working at The Carnal Tower has given him a family, a place to live and work, and more money than he knows what to do with. He feels lonely, though, especially now that Stone has found August and Jet hopes he'll be able to find love, even with his chosen profession. He meets Taylor, who owns the mall's photo studio, when one of Taylor's little clients wants Jet to play Daredevil in his shoot, and from then, they hit it off. But will Taylor be able to accept all of Jet?

Taylor was adorable, struggling to keep his business afloat, after splitting from his good-for-nothing ex, and dedicating a lot of his time to a project close to his heart. He wasn't all that confident at first, but his interactions with Jet and realizing he could do better, really helped with that. 

Jet and Taylor were perfect for each other, each giving the other something they've been lacking in their lives. It didn't hurt that they had chemistry in spades and were really hot together. 

I loved catching up with Stone and August and the rest of the Sins, and getting to know the lovely Maya. 

Overall, this was a great addition to the series! E.M. Lindsey is a master at writing characters with disabilities in a sensitive and informed manner, making them relatable to the reader, and she did an outstanding job with Jet. It was a swoon-worthy romance and I loved how Jet and Taylor's story played out. E.M. Lindsey is a master at writing characters with disabilities in a sensitive and informed manner, making them relatable to the reader. I'm already looking forward to Taste of Greed! Very recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Lilibet Bombshell.
1,064 reviews112 followers
April 16, 2022
Real Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series, “Shades of Lust” and looked forward very much to reading Jet’s story when I found out the second book would be about him. I love this series and how it tries very hard to destigmatize disabled characters and to make them the main characters in an industry that can be very ableist or all too often relegates disabled characters to sidekicks or to subplots. This series is the only mm romance series I can think of to make normalizing disabled characters a priority without making the story all about their disability. It’s part of who they are but it doesn’t define them.

That being said, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one and it fell short of my expectations. Lindsey is a fabulous romance writer–this is not in question. The characters are well-developed, distinct, and multi-faceted. They have backgrounds, pasts, hope, dreams, and their own demons. The books are never too long and there isn’t an unnecessary amount of subplot or filler content. The book has a plot and it sticks to the plot. I love that very much.

The main issue I had with this book was my inability to put together either Jet or Taylor with the issues from their past that created the initial conflict of the book. It seemed as if it was a plot point that was tossed in so they could have past trauma that would indicate they are both wary of relationships, happiness, and love. But Taylor’s past barely seemed to affect him, his stress over his job seemed to be more important than anything else (but didn’t seem meant to affect him in the present), and early on in the book there were mentions of Taylor having chronic pain and repetitive stress pain issues, but those issues were never brought up again, making them feel like a throw-away plot point. And Jet’s main trauma was present for a grand sum of a few chapters before it was tossed aside and only mentioned with some grimaces and winces after that point.

All in all, it’s an all right read, but not Lindsey’s best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,264 reviews30 followers
April 10, 2022
Oh man. Some books are just beautiful. This is one of them…but then I have found several of EM Lindsey’s books to be that way. I just knew Jet’s book would blow me away from first meeting him in book one and I was absolutely NOT disappointed. I got so caught up in this one that I read it in one day. I could not put it down! I have long admired this author’s ability to write about characters with disabilities that don’t keep them down, but make them even stronger than they would have been otherwise. This goes for disabilities both physical and mental. These things don’t make a person lesser; they just have experiences in life that others don’t or can’t have. Jet is blind so he “sees” the world much differently than you or I. Taylor doesn’t see him as any different right from the start. Not even when he realizes Jet is a sex worker. There is just something about The Carnal Tower. The men inside are both themselves, and their Sins. Especially once they find that special someone they could spend the rest of their lives with. Jet and Taylor know it won’t always be easy, but they will always have each other. Ultimately, that is what is important. Being true to yourself in all things is what will bring the most happiness, the most joy. These guys make me wax poetic and I can’t help it! EM Lindsey has that effect on me when I read their books. This isn’t your average series about people who work in the oldest service profession. If you can handle the idea of sex work, you should definitely read this book. These characters and their lives are so well thought out and written with such sensitivity that the books can’t help but be gorgeous. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books about the seven men who portray the seven deadly sins. They are found family at the core of everything. And it’s amazing and so worth a read.
Profile Image for Lexicdark.
244 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2022
We are back in the tower, sort of. This story has very minimal time in the tower, and I really liked that. Reminds you these Sins are people too who are more then their embodiment and it really is just a job. There is a whole town/life outside the tower and they need that to feed the other parts of them.

I guess the mall isn't the worst place to meet someone, but its not the most expected. And given Jet's blindness, hanging out in a place where it is constant noise was something I found odd. But it does lead to a seriously adorable meet-cute with the children's photographer, Taylor. I commend someone's patience to deal with young children and parents all day, especially ones who are less than nice. But Taylor comes with a whole heap of insecurities from his last relationship. So it's interesting to see how someone who was cheated on can come to terms with being in a relationship with a sex worker.

I really liked that Taylor's character doesn't just randomly get over his insecurities and self doubt. Even though Jet is understanding and saying what he means, Taylor's inner voices doesn't just change on a dime. Taylor also realizes its not entirely rational, and he should be able to believe Jet's words, but it just doesn't work like that. Seeing the struggle and triumph of over coming those doubts is a good reminder of what we all go through sometimes.

I also really liked how the story didn't focus on Jet's navigation of a sighted world. But just outlined some of the differences and his own self doubts/loathing about his situation. But I think my favorite is the painting, and not because of how it looks, but because of how Jet got to experience it. It's a little spoilerish, so I don't want to state too much, but I think it was a really great way for a blind person to truly experience a piece of art that is about themselves.

Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,524 reviews46 followers
April 21, 2022
Waiting on Forever is a really great second book in the Carnal Tower series. This time we see Jet, who is the sin of Sloth, brought into Taylor's world and the two are drawn slowly together, even with how hesitant they both are. Both have pain in their past but are fighting to live their own lives, even with the daily struggles that they face.
Taylor has his own photography business but it's weighing him down after being left with the company and his house by his cheating ex. Jet is blind but is very independent. He's been through a lot in his past that has brought him to where he is today and he mostly enjoys his life but there are those moments where loneliness creeps in, something that both men experience. It's a little like a dance for these two as their attraction is clear from the start but they are unsure of themselves and each other. Taylor feels that he is lacking and not worthy of being someone's partner and Jet, well, as one of the sins, he doesn't know if someone can accept that part of his life, though he has seen it with his friend and boss, Stone, and his new boyfriend, August.
There are other stressors that the two have as well that give them the chance to step up and support each other. Taylor is overwhelmed with the amount of work he has but also takes the time to do photo shoots for children with cancer and Jet, being blind is never easy but he's made it work. There's just one client who has made him doubt himself and it brings out insecurities and nerves.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The romance is more of a slow burn as they take the time to get to know each other and bring together Jet and Sloth in their relationship. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Heike.
200 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2022
3,5 stars

This is the second installment in the series.
Although the other Sins make an appearance, every story stands for itself and could be read as a stand alone.

This story follows Jet, who is blind since getting sick in his childhood and personifies Sloth in the hell-themed brothel Carnal Tower.
And Taylor, a soft-around-the-middle self employed photographer.

I was hooked from the start. After reading Shades of Lust I couldn’t wait to read the next book.
Jet and Taylor were absolutely adorable together. Their meet cute had me constantly smiling and their connection was palpable.
Both characters were loveable and relatable.
Jet, on the outside this muscled confident hunk, but on the inside he yearns for someone who loves and accepts him as he is. And Taylor, my sweet Taylor. He got cheated on by his ex, is now weary to trust anyone and riddled with self doubts. I loved his good heart. How he takes photographs of severely sick kids to give them a good memory. It was beautiful and painful to see how their fates hurt him.
I loved Jet and Taylor’s getting-to-know-each-other-phase and their interactions.
And side character Maya is an absolute hoot!

I admit, I was a little hesitant about Sloth. I mean, Lust from book 1 absolutely “worked” for me. Sloth didn’t. Although their explorations were sexy, it wasn’t as intense as I’d wished. Even their Sloth-session felt kind of superficial and play-pretend for me.
This book isn’t quite that focused on metaphors and Dante’s Inferno as I’d have liked but nevertheless it’s a really enjoyable read. I loved the first half, the second somehow lacked a bit for me.

But I can’t wait to read the other Sins’ stories, especially Flint and King’s.
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