"If the present world go astray; the cause is in you; in you it is to be sought." -Dante Alighieri
King doesn't speak about his past, and with good reason. Who wants waste time talking about their experience behind bars when there are sins to indulge in? King turns Greed into an art form, and his reputation for bringing people to their knees is unmatched.
While King has a protective streak a mile wide, he also keeps his distance from the other Sins, and everyone else at the Tower. After all, he can't lose anyone if he doesn't let himself get attached.
Then, King's resolve cracks when the Tower's beloved receptionist is attacked. Hen deserves better than to be kept at arm's length, and King will always live with the guilt that he wasn't fast enough to stop the events that night.
Although he'll never be good enough for his precious, glitter-wearing, lipstick loving friend, King does know one thing: he will do everything in his power to ensure nothing like that ever happens again. No matter what it takes, or who he has to hurt along the way.
Taste of Greed is the third book in the Carnal Tower series. It features a man with a fractured past, glitter that gets everywhere, necessary daytime naps, the importance of red lipstick, and lessons in Greed. Each book in the series can stand on their own, and all contain no cheating, and a happily ever after.
"I may be ruler here in this little corner of hell, but you are my god, Henley, and I will worship you until the day I die."
4.5 stars
This was a beautiful story of love, courage, and hope. King and Hen's connection began with the most tender of friendships, and blossomed into something healing for both of them. Lindsey has such a remarkable talent for writing these quiet love stories, and I'm always left wanting to read more of their work. They also have a gift for writing books with all sorts of diverse representation. This book was the first I've ever read with an Intersex character, and while I of course can't fully speak on it, the rep felt very respectful. Romances always resonate with me when a character has internalized shame, and then receives love for exactly those characteristics over which they'd felt shame. This series in general has had so much of that, and as such, means quite a bit to me personally.
I really love King and Hen their story really brought the feels!
Teeny Tiny Rant: Chapter 8 King literally say your probably my best friend to Hem and they hug for the first time since the assault. It was such an emotional heavy scene that it stuck out to me. But then the very next chapters Hen says your my best friend and I know I'm not yours ? Ummm were you not present for the conversation that just happened between you two the chapter before? when he opens up about to you about his past then they once again hug and king says they haven't since before the attack but literally dude the chapter before 😂 how did the beta readers not catch that
Taste of Greed is the third book in E.M. Lindsey’s Carnal Tower series. The books feature a group of men who all work at the Carnal Tower brothel; most are sex workers who embody the Seven Deadly Sins, while Hen works as the receptionist. We meet both King and Hen in prior books, but their story stands alone just fine, as long as you are ok with the side characters crossing over from other books. I really enjoy the lovely sense of found family in these stories, and that is particularly true here as we see King come to realize that he is a part of things and worthy of the friendship and affection the men show him. There is a nice sense of camaraderie among the group, with a combination of friendship, support, and tough love when needed.
Not my book, sorry. It’s not my fist book from this author so I was very surprised reading what I think were various argumental mistakes. This are just a few examples, I don’t usually write bad reviews, and when I do I like to explain why and not just spill shit. I may even be wrong in some of them, but don’t think I’d be in all of them: Main characters calling “his best friend”—not one of my best friends, expression used latter for Flint—to a two different people each (one could be more or less on purpose because the so called best friend corrected him, it was still confusing though). Cleaning the mess on the stomach when that person was wearing a condom. Asking to do the third session on one of their houses but doing it in the room instead. If it was a joke or a tease I didn’t get it. Hen getting angry and accusing King of bailing when he didn’t let King confess his feelings? Unnecessary drama in my opinion. Oh, and instead of using the beach’s house King booked a room and everyone knew the address, completely logical. I also got lost a lot of times with “he” and “his”, I appreciate not using all the time characters’ names, that’s what pronouns are for, but now and then are helpful to stay focus when a story is narrated in third person. It’s a bit repetitive at times for me too. Finally, I didn’t really understand why waiting to confess their feelings. In fact, I didn’t get the story in general, sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm a big fan of E.M. Lindsey, and I'd been anticipating this specific installment of the series for a while. While I enjoyed the first two, this just had a different magic to it. I really loved watching the relationship between King and Hen evolve and grow over the course of the story. I also liked the inversion of the Greed dynamic in the way that it was set up early on (taking what he wants professionally vs. hoarding whatever Hen will give him in his private life).
I'm guessing that Flint is next based on the setups throughout the book, and I'm also really looking forward to reading that one.
tags/tropes: friends to lovers, grumpy sunshine, size difference, lots of angst and hurt/comfort, mental health rep and discussion of therapy, sex work, one MMC does burlesque, intersex rep
Taste of Greed was a beautiful and emotional addition to the Carnal Tower series!
Hen and King’s story had been building for years, with lots of campfire cuddles and sweet moments. They were slowly moving things along, but their friends-to-lovers path was filled with obstacles and doubts, especially after the attack that happened to Hen. Hen and King still had their connection and there was always something simmering between them. I loved the slower, patient pace of the story, both Hen and King needed some time to find themselves and be ready for each other again.
Despite the themes and the slow burn, I didn’t find the story overly angsty, I mostly felt sad for the characters and the circumstances that were in their way. Both characters had things they needed to work out, and while it was frustrating at times, the road they took was worth it in the end.
Taste of Greed was incredible well written, the language was gorgeous and I had to stop and reread certain sentences because of the way they hit me. I also felt so close to the characters and their feelings, even though the third person narrative. Lindsey definitely created some magic with this story!
I kept screaming in my head: Man up. Speak up. Be fearless. These two ridiculous men wasted so much time assuming, whining, dreaming, and simply being silly.
Hen has been such a bright character in the earlier books and I was really looking forward to Hen and King's story. The writing in this was, as usual, great. I really enjoyed their story. The place it left me wanting was in incorporating, or not, King's representation of Greed. With Stone and Jet, in Shades of Lust and Waiting On Forever respectively, we got a good story and their representation of their sins (Lust and Sloth, again respectively) were a main part of the development. In this Greed felt more like an afterthought, or just kind of jammed into the story with no real connection or purpose. Did it make this a bad book? Hell no. It's good. It just was a disappointment to be reading a series where the expectation has been set pretty high, where the whole backdrop is about them being the avatars of the seven deadly sins, and then to have it missing here - for me anyway.
From the moment we met the Sins, stoic King has fascinated me and I was so eager for his book and friends, this did not disappoint. EM Lindsey’s third in this amazing series features a giant, tender-hearted teddy bear of a man, a fabulously sparkly dancer/receptionist and all the pining my angsty heart wanted.
I’ve always loved the beats of a friends-to-lovers story but one that also has some delicious yearning in it is a particular favourite. When we meet King and Hen, they’ve already known each other for a long time and developed a deep friendship. What they don’t realize is that the other has feelings for them with King particularly convinced he would just dim Hen’s shine. Just as they are both testing the waters with each other, Hen is attacked, interrupting their attempts to take their relationship to the next level. What follows is a beautiful story about healing, and finding new ways to rekindle feelings that never really went away.
I adored these characters. Filled with EM Lindsey’s signature attention to the subtle ticks of human feelings, King and Hen are so beautifully layered. My heart absolutely went out to King, who looks physically intimidating and has a rough past, but longs for tenderness and soft things, especially if they’re coming from Hen. Similarly, Hen is feisty and sassy despite his own past and refuses to let one traumatic moment define him. And my god, the way they love each other with King worshipping the ground Hen walks on, and Hen gently breaking through all the walls King has built around himself. As might seem obvious given the sex-worker plot, this book was scorching hot and every scene was also laced with so much emotion as King so carefully helps Hen reclaim his body, his agency and his desire. EM also deftly and sensitively deals with intimacy as it pertains to an intersex character (a first for me) and this book is just filled with so much empowerment and joy at every moment. I so loved watching these two characters work through their respective issues and solidify their deep love, respect and desire for each other into a beautiful partnership. 5 giant and sparkly stars!
CWs: physical assault; attempted SA; assault recovery; past mentions of childhood abuse and neglect; parent addicts; past incarceration for manslaughter and memories of being incarcerated.
CNs: This novel is third in the Carnal Tower series that features a group of sex workers, each adopting a persona of a Deadly Sin–in this book, Greed. While their sessions with other clients are not on-page they are referred to frequently and the characters do not give up their work once entering into a romantic relationship. This particular book features one character who was formerly incarcerated and one character who is intersex (please see the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book for more information). This novel is high-heat and features several on-page sex scenes.
I loved this book. I loved Hen and King together so, so much. Right up until the 89% mark. Then King just ruined everything I thought about him and I’m still angry about it. “What if I fail him?” King says. Ugh. You already are!
But let’s go back to the beginning, shall we? King and Hen have been playing the friend game for a long time, both secretly in love with the other. King has self esteem issues for days and Hen doesn’t want to ruin what they already have. It’s really amazing what one honest conversation could have solved between them. But I digress.
After an attack on Hen leaves him shaken and unsure of everything, the spark that had started between King and Hen is, understandably, put on the back burner. The books spans nearly a year and I loved how Hen’s trauma was handled. I loved that he went to therapy and also took matters into his own hands to help his healing. I loved how King, as Greed, completely took Hen over and showed him that he could be sure of himself again. I loved how King handled Hen’s sexuality and those scenes were definitely hot. I really did love these two together.
But King man, King got on my last nerve with his B.S. He just can’t stop running from Hen. Even when Hen needs him the most, he leaves. Just leaves without a note, a call or a text. It was infuriating. And while King does apologize and tries his best to make up for it, and Hen forgives him because he loves King so much, I just felt like it was such a cop out. There was no need for that plot device when King could have just had a conversation with Hen. Ugh.
This book had so many good parts that I genuinely loved. Extra points for King staying on as Greed even after getting with Hen. Extra points for Hen being okay and accepting that King would still be Greed after they got together. Extra points for how Hen’s trauma was handled. Extra points for the other Sins being stand up guys and not being afraid to put King in his place. Extra points for EM Lindsey tackling an intersex character and getting it right. Minus points for King being a coward time and time again. Minus points for King thinking it was okay to leave Hen to deal with things on his own. Minus points for issues that could have be solved with a simple conversation. So all in all, 4 stars for me but I really wish it could have been 5.
First of all, I love how different these first three books have been from each other. All too often, a writer finds a winning formula and sticks way too close to it, and I'll end up hating a series that I started out loving.
Instead, we get two MCs from the existing cast. I already adored Hen, and was curious about King, and was so fucking happy to find out they were pining after each other here. I liked the start/stop of their relationship, and how they didn't just magically fall into each other's arms for love and support after Hen's trauma. There was pain and disappointment and misunderstandings, and it felt real instead of just some stupid plot point.
There are some inconsistencies that bother me, though.
I have been eagerly awaiting the next addition to this glorious series about fallen angels and the sins they embody and represent. I have been so excited to get Hen's story, I loved his character in the previous books. So getting a book where he is now the main character? Yes, please!! I was all over it!
When I first started reading this book I was so excited cause it seemed as though He and King would get together without that much angst... It was just an illusion!! I should've known something would happen, and unfortunately something did. I hate that there are horrible people in this world who do horrible things to others. What that guy did to Hen was awful, and I'm glad that Hen had so much support from his found family.
King also had his own trauma to try to deal with. King always felt that he was never enough, and that if he let himself get close to people they would get hurt. Over time his family helped him see just how untrue that thought was.
The bond and relationship Hen and King have is just so beautiful. At times you'll want to tell the characters to just communicate already! If these two would've just told each other how they felt, they wouldn't have had to go through the whole accidentally hurting each other fiasco. But! That's how people, and characters grow. As does the plot!
I loved seeing all of the other characters from the Tower, I've missed being in this world. Skye's tough love scene with King was such a turning point in the book, he made King understand that King could tell them anything and they wouldn't run away; or leave.
One of my favorite moments was when August had Hen paint with him. Painting and art is so therapeutic and the fact that it was written in here was so great.
I'm so curious about Tomas's character, and I need to know more about him. What's going to happen between him and Flint? And how is their relationship going to work with a third person?? I have so many questions!
I loved this, and I'm sure I'll keep loving this series.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
Hen and King's romance was everything I didn't know I needed it to be--sweet and sexy and full of so much care and comfort that soothed my soul. Their story opened with such a lighthearted, hopeful start, but an awful man's actions completely derailed everything for the two of them. Most of King and Hen's book was a slower-paced, healing journey, and I loved the way it allowed me to connect deeply with both of them. I felt what they felt, the good, bad, and ugly, and I ached for the connection they were trying to piece back together that didn't fit quite the same. There was never a question of if these two loved each other, only if they would be able to find their way back to a romance when everything had shifted on a fundamental level. King was so cautious about giving Hen space, and I genuinely don't know if he ever would have allowed himself to get close again had Hen not proposed the contract with Greed. Those three nights were every bit of potential packed into an overwhelmingly steamy, amazing indulgence, and if I hadn't been convinced before that what they had was worth fighting for, I had no doubts after. King had his own self-doubts and fears to overcome before he was ready to believe he was worthy of Hen, but thankfully he got there without pushing Hen away for more than a few hours. With so much heaviness in the rest of the story, it was a relief to see the love connection build into something wonderful without too much angst. It was such a thrill when they finally confessed their love for one another, and I loved getting a small taste of the happy life they shared together a few months down the line.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
This one took me by surprise, in the best way. King is big, brutish looking, and spent his young adulthood in prison. He lack self confidence, and believes that he can't help but hurt and disappoint the ones he loves by being too much. He works as a sex worker at a complex along with six other men who personify the seven deadly sins, and Hen is the receptionist there. Hen has been drawn to King since the day them met, cuddling up together around the fire, sharing food, and becoming best friends. And the night they are both ready to make it more, Hen is attacked after his burlesque show, and has to work though the trauma before they can even think about trying again.
This book has a beautifully realistic perspective on the timeline of trauma recovery, which is obviously different for everyone, but we have a one year time jump here, which Hen spends in therapy and in working to get back to himself again. It's rare to have such a gap in romance novel, and laudable that the author didn't have any 'magic sex' that made the trauma go away. The sex is used as therapy though, when Hen decides he needs to reclaim his body's ability to give and receive pleasure to finally move on. So, he books time with King, and they have three nights to work things out between them. It was such a beautiful, realistic, sex positive, journey for them both. Hen is intersex, and King reacts to that with such lustful respect, he really is a dream of a man. The sex is hot, and leans into the difference between them, rather than glossing over it.
This is the third book in a series, and I plan to go back and read the other ones, because the glimpses I got of the other guys was enough to sell me on the whole series. This one is special, and I can't wait to spend more time in this world.
King and Hen belonged together but it was a hard-fought fight
Both men had family trauma that shaped their whole lives. King was severely lacking in self-esteem and self-worth, while Hen had physical issues that affected him. Firm friends from the moment they met, neither thought that the other wanted more, so pining forever seemed to be on the cards for them. Just as a breakthrough was imminent, Hen is attacked and everything changes for both of them in an instant. After years of King being physically affectionate with Hen, something he reserved only for him, watching them suddenly be so far apart after the attack was heartbreaking. Hen was struggling with everything, not feeling like himself any more, keeping everyone at bay, even King. E.M. wrote sensitively and movingly about how the attack affected not only Hen but all those close to him too. I was completely drawn in to the slow burn relationship that echoed completely true to the characters, so glad that it wasn't rushed. The pay off was definitely worth waiting for, seeing Hen and his Sin together finally, with Greed/King hungrily accepting all of Hen without pause or reservation, a gift Hen thought he would never receive. I loved seeing more of the other Sins, especially Flint whose story is next, and August's appearances with Hen were a joy. The whole dynamic between the Tower Family, all the Sins and their all partners, underpins the books with unconditional frienship, support and love, and makes the series so much better. I understood how King's issues kept him from opening up to Hen for years but by the end, I wanted to smack him for doubting Hen and doubting himself. The other Sins told him where he stood with Hen all along but then he did the wrong thing yet again, knowing it was wrong, and it was so annoying at that point. His continual cowardice in that respect is the reason I am giving this four stars.
I really enjoy this series, the wonderful found family the men have created, and how books where one of the MCs embodies a deadly sin for a living can be so intimate. King and Hen are two friends whose instant, special bond has developed into romantic love after several years. Unfortunately, on the same night King works up the resolve to share his feelings with Hen, Hen is viciously attacked by a homophobe that had been harassing Hen during his burlesque shows.
In the aftermath, Hen is in no place to pursue anything romantic, while King can't stop blaming himself for not stopping the attack sooner nor let go of the idea that he's poison to everyone he gets close to. King finds it very hard to articulate his feelings and has a tendency to run when overwhelmed, while Hen is stuck in a place of uncertainty as he's never sure about his feelings, what they mean or how to fit what he once was into his post-trauma reality. King wants to stand by Hen and be whatever he needs, but Hen isn't sure of what that is. Eventually, he asks for Greed to help him find his way.
What follows is Hen's journey past the trauma to reconnect with himself and his body and to regain the strong sense of self and self-love he lost, while King learns to allow others to love him and that he is worth caring and affection.
“I may be ruler here in this little corner of hell, but you are my god, Henley, and I will worship you until the day I die.”
I love a story that’s a bit dark but still manages to make you swoon. And swoon I did for those two men who are struggling to find their place within themselves, the world, and each other.
Surrounded by an incredible found family of the men of Carnal Tower. Men who will do absolutely anything for their own. King and Hen couldn’t be in a better place.
Both these men’s stories took a bit of my soul. Heartbreaking. Especially King. His childhood was torn away from him. I don’t know how you come back from such trauma. A Hen was such a terrific soul, his path was not without pain, but he displayed such strength and a self-love is was a little jealous of.
Hen and King took the long way to their relationship, and to healing, but it was the path that was needed for them, and you just knew in the end it was built to last through anything.
In Taste of Greed, the third book in EM Lindsey's Carnal Tower series, we meet King, a man with a dark past who keeps his secrets close to his chest. When he meets Hen, a receptionist at the tower, he is immediately drawn to him, but their connection is threatened by their pasts.
As a fan of romantic suspense I was intrigue by the premise of this book. Lindsey's writing is engaging, and she does a good job of building tension and keeping the reader on edge. I appreciated the complexity that each of these characters had and that they were able to grow together. I also appreciated the themes of redemption and second chances.
I did find that the pacing of the story was uneven at times, with some sections more rushed than others while others kept me on the edge of my seat but took too long to get to a point. While the chemistry between King and Hen was palpable, I wanted some more depth and development in their relationship. Despite these issues, the book is still an enjoyable read for fans of this genre and the other Carnal Towers books. The book raises interesting questions about the nature of trust and the lengths we will got to protect those we care about. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a steamy romantic suspense novel with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
Everyone knows that I fell in love with E.M.’s inclusivity right away, and they deliver yet another educational opportunity with an intersex character. The depths of which they dive deeper into the emotional turmoil and trauma associated with their sexual orientation continue to amaze me and awe me with their ability to understand what the reader needs to comprehend the severity of these issues.
King and Hen’s relationship has been building over the past two installments, and when I tell you E.M. delivered, they were more than given! The intensity of emotions, the addition of Greed into their experience, the dive into Hen’s anatomy in a fashion meant not to exoticize (respect Lindsey for this route), finding worth in the individual they have become. Still, most importantly, the appropriate recovery time for traumatic events with a camaraderie of support behind both of these characters.
I will safely say we will finally dive into Flint’s story, which will hopefully end happily as he deserves.
I really like this series and think it’s something truly special. I struggled with my rating and would give it a 3.5 if I could because a 3 feels a bit harsh. The writing and editing was good but all the different time transitions were a bit hard to follow with jumps of months and years between chapters. I think Hen in particular was written beautifully. King was a bit more one dimensional for me. I wanted him to embody greed in a more tangible way. In many ways he was actively not greedy and didn’t take what he wanted. He didn’t accumulate any possessions. He was touch starved and alone, but he and Hen went YEARS without acting on their attraction for each other. Of course after the major plot point involving Hen (being vague to avoid spoilers) that wouldn’t have been appropriate but he went out of his way to deny himself what he wanted in so many ways throughout the entire book. And yeah he had good reasons for that but I wanted him to embody Greed more, and want more for himself. He seemed more like Wrath than Greed in parts of the book. With that said I enjoyed the book and I’ll certainly be back for the rest of the series.
I’m greedy for more Hen and King. And I really want to visit The Carnal Tower as these people are my kind of family. I am so in love with the family they’ve formed and even more in love how they protect it and each other. But back to King and Hen. They made my heart flutter, from their friendship that probably was always more if we’re being honest, to the gently fierce ways they show their feelings, they are treasures.
“Your wish is my command. I may be ruler here in this little corner of hell, but you are my god, Henley, and I will worship you until the day I die.”
Gah, I love it, love it, and love them. I’m beyond happy. For every step they took and made their own, for every fight they won, no matter who they battled, and for every word they spoke, whether a whisper or yell, my heart is theirs. If I could cuddle anyone, it would be these two because they make me want to hug the whole world. I cannot wait to return and for the next unforgettable love story to begin.
I love when a series you love gets better with each release and EM Lindsey’s Carnal Tower series is one I’ve enjoyed immensely. One of the things I love most about EM Lindsey is her lovely variety of unique characters, each with their own past. Her stories have a perfect mix of plot, steam, and hurt-comfort vibes while still being fairly low angst that leave you with all the good feels by the end of the story. In taste of greed, we have a delicious contrast of characters both with their strengths and weaknesses. King is a beast of a man who is protective of his found family, but the past leaves him struggling to connect with the others. Hen is secure in who he is from his glittery cheeks to his toes, but when a physical attack leaves him shattered, he struggles to pick up the pieces and move forward. This gives us the perfect stage for these two men to fall so hard for each other.
King is a man with a shadowy past which he uses to distance himself from the others at the Tower. He does have a soft spot for Hen, their much loved receptionist who brings sunshine and glitter to all their lives. When Hen is attacked, King struggles with how to handle his guilt about not stopping it sooner and resorts to running which hurts his friend. But King soon discovers that all Hen wants is him and his glitter loving friend won’t let him get away.
This truly was a beautiful story about loving who you are. I loved how Hen showed King that it’s safe to let people in and that he was worthy of love. King gave Hen back his strength and so much more. Each man needed the other to stop existing and really live and I think their contrasts were the most engaging part of the story. I love opposites attract and character growth so this story ticked off so many of my boxes. I can’t wait to see what this series has next in store for us with several enigmatic characters in the 7 sins left to fall in love.
This is more of a 3.5 but I didn't love it as much as the last 2 in the series which I gave 4's so 3 seemed right??? idk im sick of star ratings lmao they don't properly convey my feelings.
Hen is perfect, no notes. I liked King and Hen's dynamic and their relationship but the time jumps didn't work for me. I felt like it sort of was a crutch for them to have actual conversations, it was sort of just like oh one year later and nothings changed! I feel like the story could have just been more focused instead of spanning a long time and the reader still could have understood how long Hen and King have been dancing around each other? idk, it just didn't entirely work for me :(
I did like however how King was different than Stone and Jet when it came to his sin. Where Jet and Stone sort of held their sins as a separate identity but one that still needed to make an appearance, King felt more like Greed was himself. He didn't separate himself from his sin, he was Greed fully.
I loved it, such an amazing emotional romance between King and Hen. I loved how King’s tension and anxiety is immediately soothed by Hen’s presence. They don’t know each other and are surrounded by other people when they meet, but King feels the connection innately. It’s a bit heartbreaking at first how King soaks up each endearment and bit of kindness Hen gives out, thinking it isn’t anything special. These two have such a lovely dynamic, so supportive and kind. I was so happy when the guys at The Tower gently give King the courage to confess his feelings for Hen. It’s a long and sometimes painful road for Hen and King, definitely slow burn but so worth the wait. The writing is excellent, filled with empathy for both characters. Great read.
I received an ARC edition and this is my honest review.
I’m on a fence about this book. On one hand, it was entertaining and, while the topics on the book are definitely heavy (as is the tone in the whole series), it was not difficult to go through it. The intersex rep was very very interesting, as was the author’s criticism towards the jail system. On the other hand, the plot itself felt a bit… stretched. The amount of on-and-off, coming and going and almost starting something for a tragedy or pseudo tragedy to come in with the worst timing for the MCs relationship was a bit much. It would have been fine once or even twice but it felt like it was the thing driving the book more than character development (and with characters with those archs, it would have been better if that wasn’t the case, in my opinion).
Please do read the TW at the beginning of the book and proceed with care before reading.
I don't know why I keep coming back to E.M.'s books when instalove isn't my jam. Possibly because I do genuinely enjoy the effort and care they take in creating diverse characters. Hen has my whole heart! I do wish King hadn't been quite so very "I'm damaged goods and I make everything bad" but that's kind of one of my pet peeves in romance in general. Get over yourself, my guy! I don't think the background drama needed to be extended quite as much as it was, but it wasn't super distracting from the story. YMMV on this, but I'm not sure it really works as a standalone. I haven't read others in this series, and the premise/setup of the Tower made absolutely no fucking sense to me. I am interested enough by Stone to go back and read the first one, though, so hopefully that clears things up! 3.5* rounded up.
This was a book about love at first sight that took years for the characters to finally admit to each other. King has had a complicated past that has caused him to keep mostly to himself and avoid emotional attachments that will only end up hurting him in the long run. Hen, is the one person that makes him want to break out of his seclusion and give in to his desires. When King finally gets the courage to be more open with Hen, a horrible turn of events tears them further apart. The road to bring these two together is complicated and full of setbacks but The Carnal Tower has a way of healing those that are brave enough to ask for what they truly need. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I can not even begin to say how insanely sweet and caring King is. Hen brings out the best in him, and makes him realize it is absolutely OK to desire affection from other people, including the other Sins. King grew so much, I feel terrible that he legitimately didn't believe he deserved a partner in love with him. Hen... I adore him as well. Sweet, fiesty, and so in love with King. These 2 are a match made in heaven, or h*ll in this case. There are defintely some triggers in this book, including an assault of one of the MCs. It takes a while to get to a happy place, but it is so darn sweet and deserved. As always, Mx Lindsey sucks you in and makes you take these characters into your heart and soul. Can't wait for Flint's story, as well as the rest of the crew.
This story is about triumph over adversity. King has learned from his childhood to his adulthood that he's not good enough, not worthy of love. His best friend, Hen, has been trying to show King he's worth everything.
Hen is a sweet, effervescent and caring young man. With King and the rest of the guys from Carnal Towers, Hen feels protected. One night, Hen is attacked and King comes to his rescue. But Hen feels like he had his feet knocked out from under him. And King feels he should have gotten there sooner. Hen is devastated and is having a hard time recovering from the emotional trauma. The one thing Hen clings to is King.
Can these two work around their emotional histories? Ms. Lindsey is great at character development and great at getting the emotional charactistics correct.