Strings

Hard Rock Harlots #1

by Kendall Grey

WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching biddies, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks.

Free-spirited musician Letty Dillinger adheres to a strict, “no strings attached” policy when it comes to men. After a wild night of unabashed sex in a fancy hotel room, she never expects to see the adventurous stud she dubs “Shades” again. When her all-girl rock trio books a tour at the last minute as the opening act for their archenemies, Letty’s shocked to discover she knows the competition’s new lead singer. Intimately. Shades is no longer a one-night stand. Now he’s the guy she has to one-up on stage every night for the sake of her career.

Sharing close quarters on a bus with her sexy nemesis and his bad-boy buddies puts Letty’s Golden Rule to the test. On this tour, guitar strings aren’t the only things being played. And when heartstrings are pulled too hard, they’re bound to snap sooner or later.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Music, Contemporary, Humor, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance

232 pages, ebook

First published April 20, 2013

About the author

Calm like an F-bomb*, Kendall Grey writes books about fierce women rockers who have a hard time keeping their clothes on, gender-swapped Norse gods who don't understand modern idioms, middle-aged hemophobic Bloodwitches, and the occasional murderer. Her aliases include K.G. Green (ASK THE BLOOD series), Kendall Day (FALLING FOR MR. SLATER), Seven Slade (COMING OUT), and she is 1/5 of Thor Cox (GRAFFITI CITY series).

Kendall owns Thunderfoot Studio, a small but mighty independent digital art studio. She lives near Athens, Georgia with her dashing geek husband, a one-eyed dachshund that thinks she's a cat, and an incorrigible yet adorable mutt whose ice-blue eyes will steal your heart and hold it for ransom.

* Detonation manual not included.

Reviews

[Jennifer Kyle]

I'm a Smut lover and Proud of it!

*Rating dropped due to Author's recent statements about GR readers!*

We are after all....loyal motherfuckers!!

http://i.imgur.com/sjcC9dt.png
__________________________
Original Review April 25, 2013


”How are you guys feeling tonight, Columbia?”
Shouts and appreciative whistles.
“You ready to get fucked by three badass bitches?” I thrust my hips to accentuate the fuck.
The volume rises.
I cup a hand over the back of my ear. “Sorry, what was that? You don’t like getting fucked by beautiful women? That’s a shame. We’re horny as hell.”

Kendall Grey you are one badass writer!! 5 Star rating because it was "nothing but a good time".

If you enjoyed the humor in Tara Sivec’s Chocolate Lovers series and the sex in Olivia Cunning’s Sinners on Tour series then I think you will enjoy the Hard Rock Harlots series.

Kendall Grey blew it up with this book from the first chapter and humor and sex just kept cumming. I was hooked and ready to rock with lead character Letty Dillinger.

Letty doesn’t bite her lip, blush, she’s not virginal nor does she hide some traumatic past. She is a rocker lead singer of the Cherry Buzz Float who owns her sexuality, her foul mouth is hilarious and this reader wants to be her BFF!!!

Letty’s band is going nowhere she finds herself at her local bar with barely any money in her pockets celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday. Having a night of hot sex is on her wish list. Cue in holy hot guy at the bar who catches her conversation with the bartender. He is wearing shades and offers:

“All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached.” Not a lie.
“What a coincidence, I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.”

Letty doesn’t want to exchange names so she calls him “Shades”. Shades offers to make her sexual fantasies come to life.



These two have one hell of a night!

Jillian her band manager offers the band to open for Killer Dixon an up and coming band with a new front man…cue in Todd a.k.a. Shades and bamm we are on a tour bus and the book just keeps getting hotter.

Shades and Letty’s chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS!! These two try to keep their “relationship” secret but “luckily” Letty and Shadow let it all hang out. They also find that they want more than sex from each other.

This story doesn’t end with a cliffhanger but a hea and opens the door for the next book.

Kendall Grey you got a groupie in me!!!

[★★Sara Lizzy★★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

UPDATE 5/26/13
I've heard that people have been getting flagged for their comments against the author, so in light of this, I have decided to pull all my prior negative comments about her off my review. I still stand by my comments I made, but have had verbal attacks from people and don't need my review getting flagged in the future. Our reviews are a place to make our opinions known and we shouldn't have to censor our thoughts and feelings about this subject because others don't like what we have to say! Kendall Grey made the comments she made, we as readers have every right to be offended by them. I have still left the link below to a website that discusses Kendall's rants. The comments that were made to me recently are totally false. I DIDN'T base my ratings change solely on Kendall's comments, if people would read my original review below - I clearly stated that I DIDN'T care for this book at all in the first place! Even if there are people who did alter their rating based on her ranting, it is OUR RIGHT to do so. People are entitled to their opinions and they shouldn't be getting punished for speaking them! I WILL say that I do not respect ANY author who doesn't respect it's readers, and I will NOT ever read another book by Kendall Grey.

http://www.laurendane.com/blog/2013/0...

WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks.

LISTEN TO THE WARNING PEOPLE! THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY ONLY FOR PEOPLE 18+ YEARS OF AGE TOO!

If you have ANYTHING against LOTS anal play, a woman using a strap-on on a guy she just met, lots of descriptive sex, and lots of dirty talk, lots of talk about vaginas (using literally every term imaginable to describe it too) then this book is definitely NOT for you. I am totally NOT against reading about any of those but even I was shocked at the extent the author went to in this book and it really takes a lot to shock me! While I do appreciate some of the humor in this book, it was still difficult to finish. I felt like the sex scenes were very repetitive after awhile (especially when Letty likes anal play almost everytime they have sex). There was a hot menage scene with Rax, Letty and Shades. I also got tired of hearing talk about Letty "squirting" everytime she had sex with Shades:

"Goddamn it, Shades, you make me want to squirt your fucking face."

"I've never squirted like that before. I wouldn't mind trying it again."

"We're heading to the bus. When we get there, I need you humping my face. Breathing is optional. Orgasms are mandatory. You don't leave until you squirt at least twice. Understand."

This book was okay, but I definitely will not be reading it again- once was enough for me.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾]

WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein...

Read the warning! Consider the warning! For fuck’s sake, HEED THE FUCKING WARNING!

My fellow smut readers, I invite you to go for a ride with Strings. But please be advised, in order to enjoy this ride you will need to have at least this much of a sense of humor.

Please pack accordingly, as there are sporadic sprays of cooter juice, hot jizz and melted muff butter. May I suggest investing in

Please note, that some parts of the ride might bring on a sudden case of the clap, so please , for fuck’s sake, be prepared.
Ready? Well allrighty then!

This is the most disgustingly vulgar hilarity I have ever read. I am now fully educated in all the possible terms one can call the uhem….nether regions…and all things that might come out of them.

Sweet baby jeebus, I am SO disgustingly fluent in cooch speak now I don’t think a porno can rival me.

Let me take you through my linguistic ride, but be advised, some spoilers may follow.

“All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached.”
~~~~~
“What a coincidence. I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.” The guy’s eyes bore into me from behind the dark lenses, and I have a momentary lapse in vaginal secretion control.
~~~~~
Fuck him like a Roman numpho whore with a flaming crotch, let him put it out with a cum spritzer, then run like hell.
~~~~~
How the hell do you get goose juice out of a car’s upholstery?
~~~~~
I watch the ball of his silver stud going to work, beating on my little bald girl in her boat.
~~~~
I’m so wet, I could fuck a cantaloupe and three banans without batting an eyelash.
~~~~
Taking his pink soldier all the way down into my pudding trench is no problem.
~~~~
It’s hard to concentrate with his breath tickling my ear and his beautiful cock clubbing my meat curtains.

THEN

“Holy anal mishaps, Batman"

Then some stuff happens…

Followed by:

The cooter engine revs. Pretty sure she sprung an oil leak.
~~~~
When he finished tongue-drilling me, he looked like he’d eaten a gourmet glazed donut.

Then some more stuff happens

At least our illicit communications provide vivid fantasy stimulation while I’m churning my butter alone in my bunk at night.
~~~
An onslaught of quim quivers seizes me.
~~~
…flood of melted muff butter leaks down my legs.
~~~
“I’m gonna fill up this sweet little box with hot Toddy.”

Then:


Followed by:


Which just resulted in me
[image error]

But mainly it was just


Then it continues:

And my beaver is back to its old juicy tricks
~~~~
The guy has a gorgeous, rough voice that gives me cooter quivers.
~~~~
The metal nub in his tongue tickles me. I caress it, and a flood of cooch juice pours out the freshly opened dam. I swear I’m gonna start believing in that pheromone shit. Every time this guy comes around, my pussy leaks. Lucky for me, he’s the worst plumber in town.
~~~~
the sincerity in his face incites my twat into mass production of rainbow cum bullets. I’ve got one in the chamber, and at least a couple more waiting anxiously in the magazine. Ready, aim, fire!
~~~~
I reach behind me and cup his rock-hard package. Good old ’gina’s got another flood in the basement.
~~~~
I climb aboard the sixty-nine train, lowering my muff to his hungry lips while I get down and dirty with his man sausage.
~~~~
I’m about to blow, and I want your man chowder inside me when I do.”

Then some more stuff happens

And


AND THEY ALL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

Happy reading!

I seriously had a hard time rating this, but if I have to, I’ll go with 4 DISGUSTINGLY FUNNY STARS!

[Mo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate giving negative reviews. This had so much potential. Thought the first bit was entertaining, I love a mouthy bitch with attitude.... but it just wore me out as the storyline played out.... I am not a prude, I can cuss like a sailor with the best of them. But the use of words like twat, his sausage, his piece of pork, cannot even remember the description of her nether regions, just was tired of it. Maybe on another day in another place I might have found it highly entertaining but it fell flat for me.....

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a really nice warning at the beginning of her book- FOR THE LOVE OF GOD- TAKE THIS WARNING SERIOUSLY BEFORE READING!!!

WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.


If you are prepared going in, you will most likely enjoy this book. If you don’t have a certain sense of humor and can’t take some really nasty, dirty talk- YOU WILL NOT LIKE THIS BOOK!!! I can’t reiterate enough that you really need to take this warning seriously!!! If you don’t mind the raunchy, crude humor it is a pretty fun and awesome read!

Okay, now onto the review :D

My name is Letty Dillinger, and I was born to rock your face off.

Letty is the lead singer/bassist for the band Cherry Buzz Float. She is a hilariously dirty talking rocker chick. It’s her 25th birthday. She is working a crap job, trying to make ends meet. All she wants in life is to play music. For her band to make it big. She is at a local bar, having a few birthdays drink and bitching about life in general when she catches the attention of a pretty hot guy... He is wearing sunglasses so naturally she calls him ‘Shades’. She tells Shades...

“All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached.”

and his reply...

“What a coincidence. I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.”

So it begins. Shade’s takes Letty to a fancy hotel, after stopping at a store to get sex toys, lube, and condoms and they have a night to remember. I will leave it at that... Letty sneaks out before Shades wakes up. No strings attached.

Letty meets her manager that day and finds out the group is going on tour- opening for a rock band called Killer Dixon. Their lead singer is a rich kid who is fronting the money for the tour. Even though the bands are rivals, and Letty’s guitarist Kate hates Killer Dixon, they can’t pass up the opportunity. You can imagine Letty’s shock when she meets the new lead singer for Killer Dixon- Todd Armstrong... aka- Shades. All she knows is that Kate can’t know about their hookup. She would cancel the tour. Making it big is all Letty has dreamed about and she won’t miss her one big shot.

Sweet Baby Jeebus, if you’ll have mercy on me and not let Kate find out what I did with Shades, I won’t masturbate in confessional anymore, I swear. Amen.

In front of everyone, Shades and Letty act cool... they don’t know each other, but behind closed doors, in bunks, up against the tour bus (with another dude) and in the strip club bathroom they have no problem being together... they are seriously horny little devils. There is a ton of anal play, dirty talk, and a m/f/m scene. It's not all sex though. After a while, the strings start to form... feelings start to change between the two.

Shades is no longer some guy I love fucking. He’s some guy I fucking love.

When I first finished this book, I didn’t know what to think. I was kind of like ‘WTF did I just read???’ I have to say, I love Kendall Grey as an author. I have read all of her books, and they have all been great and super steamy. But this was just in a whole different ball park! There were many lol moments, at times I didn’t know if I was turned on or grossed out, and I just still don’t know what to think about it... I enjoyed it though! If you are looking for a quick, nasty read with a ton of sex, humor, and dirty talk this one is your next book! If you can’t handle this type of humor, you should probably skip it! I will most definitely be reading the next installment.

4 Cooter Squirting Stars! ;D


Slap my bare ass and call me sassy.

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough of this, I need some dick and another orgasm to go.

♥♥♥Ladies, meet Shades:♥♥♥


“WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks.”
----------
Four Stars

Hook. Line. Sinker.

OH. MY. GOD! With that warning, I was in love. I knew I had to read this. It literally called to me. Twisted, yes, but so what?! Sue me. LOL. I admit, I love crude humor, I love foul language, and goodness knows that I have no filter on my own sailor tongue. Just ask my husband. I drop the F-bomb like it’s part of the air I breathe. Oh, yea. This was going to be a fun read.

“All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached.” Not a lie.
“What a coincidence, I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.” The guy’s eyes bore into me from behind the dark lenses, and I have a momentary lapse in vaginal secretion control.
Clean up on aisle twelve, stat!

Everyone, please welcome Letty Dillinger; she’s the newest member of my heroine-makes-me-want-turn-bi shelf. I fucking loved her. Reading this story in her POV was fantastic. Her thought process is crude, dirty and so in your face. She definitely made me smirk…a lot!

Fuck him like a Roman nympho whore with a flaming crotch, let him put it out with a cum spritzer, then run like hell.

All Letty wants is to make it in the music world. She lives to rock-n-roll; she craves it. So far, little is happening with her band. They’re kinda at a standstill. It was during her birthday, where she was wallowing in her non-existent career, that she meets Shades. Shades isn’t officially his real name, but rather a nickname she gives him. She only wants a night with him; one night to get her kink on. Hey, it’s her birthday after all and Shades is more than willing to be her birthday present. Just so you guys know, that first night they hook up… EPIC!!!!! It was HOT, DIRTY, KINKY, and just so FUCKING MEMORABLE. My imagination was overloaded with their perversion. My mind, and libido, totally went haywire. Yea, it was awesome. LOL.

“How’s it going there, buddy?”
“Aw, you know, just enjoying my daily dose of random cunt.” His slow grin kills me. Pure pleasure. Pure abandon. Pure sex. Gawd.

To be honest, I kinda remember the actual plot in this book, but the kinky relationship between Shades and Letty completely took center stage. Honestly, I had no problem whatsoever with that. I was too busy enjoying their antics. I know that fans of strong, sex-crazed, foul-mouthed heroines will enjoy this as much as I did.

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother fcuking shitttt!!



If you are a sensitive reader please DO NOT READ FURTHER!!!



I am rating it 5 simply because its fcuked up funny and raw!!



This is some BAD fCUKING ASS ROCKERS

The shit they did in here SHOULD have disgusted me but I was ROLLING in laughter!!! Normally butt fcuking, butt fingering and squirting should make me want to GAG but the way it was written was so freaken funny I COULD NOT hate it!!

"My name is Letty Dillinger, and I was born to rock your face off."





On the road to 'Make it' as a big Rock star Letty meets a dude at a bar.. Its her birthday and she's so fcuked up drunk she says she wants to screw him so YEP.. That's what they do! Crazy ASS (literally ass) fucking with dildos.
She doesn't know his name, doesn't want to know his name- after all his a one night stand so she calls him Shades...



"He flicks my hood hard and fast. A pair of fingers gets involved, and I hook a leg around his neck. This is hotter than any cunnilingus I’ve ever been a recipient of, and I’ve had a hot lesbian stripper go down on me. Believe me, those bitches know how to lick a cunt. But Shades is even better. Like he’s got an extra appendage or some shit."



"I watch him jerking off as the strap-on and I get cocked and loaded. It takes me a minute to figure out how to put the thing on. I’ve never worn a strap-on before, but it’s…empowering. I heft the weight of the flesh-colored love thumper, rub the flat inside behind the fake balls against my throbbing clit, and stroke it as if it’s an extension of myself. Yeah, I’m digging this whole womancock thing. I shake it threateningly at him. “On your knees.”





Her band mates get them a deal to go on tour with another band and YEP!! You guessed it! Shades is part of the other band.

"That’s it. Milk my cock, pussycat"




They fcuk-ALOT, have feelings for each other- fall in love and get a record deal.

"Much as I don’t want to admit it, he’s my sexual soul mate. No inhibitions. No fear. No boundaries."



Damn....



"My pussy is a dripping, dick-pumped well. A milky river flows down my legs. “My ass, Shades. Do my ass like you did the other night on the bus. I wanna spray this fucking wall with cum graffiti.”



"New melodies wind their way through the old ones in my head. Notes and lyrics float around me. All of them connect to Shades. He’s taken hold of my heartstrings and won’t let go. It’s a scary feeling. I’ve been in love a few times. At least I thought it was love. This is different."

"I want him all over me, every minute, twenty-four/seven. I want to be tied up in his strings forever and a day. I want Todd Armstrong."



The rest is history.. For the love of Rock, Crazy threesomes and some serious dick you should read this if you want a laugh!

[Lise *friends don't flag* · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Music is about The Rock, the roll, and the crazy shit that comes with the territory"

I have not had so much fun reading a book in a very long time and I have never read a book like this one. I think I highlighted half of the book, the one-liners just floored me and they did not stop. I believe Ms. Grey could pull off a successful stand up show as well as keep her day job of awesome author. Where does she come up with this stuff? The chapter titles even…loved it all!

Okay… there is much more to this story than the chuckles and belly laughs.

Letty, our heroine is struggling to get the big break with her band, Cherry Buzz Float. She finds herself in a bar on her 25th birthday “All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached” The guy behind the shades tells Letty “What a coincidence. I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.”

So after a stop at the adult toy store, Letty and Shades check into a fancy hotel and have a tequila induced strap-on deep-throating evening until they pass out. Letty wakes up the next morning and gets out of the hotel before Shades wakes up but not before she reflects on "Hottest. Sex. Ever. And the fact that she did promise to return the favor on his birthday. I always keep my promises. Maybe I should leave my number or email address… No strings attached, Letty.”

In the mean time- Jillian, the band’s manager has set the girls up to tour with Killer Dixon and this band just got a new guy with some money. Jillian sets up a meeting with the bands and guess who the new member is? Uhuh… Shades “Ladies, you know Rax and Toombs and this is Killer Dixon’s new singer-bassist, Todd Armstrong. The motherfucker I butt-plowed last night is with Killer Dixon? No fucking way. And he’s rich?
Letty is worried that Kate will find out what she did with Shades and it will ruin their opportunity to hit the road with the band.
“Sweet Baby Jeebus, if you’ll have mercy on me and not let Kate find out what I did with Shades, I won’t masturbate in confessional anymore, I swear. Amen.”



Letty and Shades act like nothing has happened between them, but once both bands board the tour bus the sexual tension engines crank up.
"I give him a quick nod, pretending to be cool while my sex drive approaches a meltdown. He totally ignores me. I feel like a dickhead cricket rubbing my legs together, chirping for a mate who ain’t interested." Oh... but Shades is interested, we just have to wait a while before the two can get their act together. In the mean time, it is all about the music.




"My name is Letty Dillinger, and I was born to rock your face off. If you come to one of my shows, you’ll leave either wanting to be me or wanting to do me"

I loved Letty Dillinger when she was on stage with her bass guitar and how she melds music with her other band members especially Jinx-
“Jinx and I build the foundation with a complicated rhythm, giving and taking. The music connects us, ties us together with invisible strings. It’s the most beautiful form of slavery in the world.”

Letty is right up there in my favorite book heroine category and the love story she and Shades have is primal and so sweet. I could not get enough of them, but am more than satisfied with how things worked out for them and not only do they have some of the hottest sex, but they make beautiful music together as well.

Great job, Kendall Grey… I read your Just Breathe series and am so looking forward to the next two installments of this series.




Squirt warning: there is lots of anal play/sex and a m/m/f scene and waves and waves of literary juice genius that may require rubber boots... just sayin'

But I Freaking Loved Every Raunchy, Witty, Rocking Moment of this Book!

[Marina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Huh..






I am struggling putting my thoughts into words. You know the feeling when you go to a theatre performance of a postmodern alternative theme where you spend the next couple of hours trying to figure out:
1)what is going on
2)why did you pay the ticket
3)why are you not leaving.

That is pretty much what I'm feeling right now.


God knows I don't have a problem with crude language when it serves a purpose. I get that when you're inside someone's head, there is absolutely no filter whatsoever.


But at some point I'm starting to think that Letty:





And Shades:




I'd be lying if I said it wasn't entertaining.


But I was waiting patiently:





For something to happen.


Which never did.




And then came the ending.




Which I found really nice, since any time someone ends up with a family of any sort it's always beautiful.


This about sums it up.

[Bitchie]

EDITED MAY 15: http://authorsforlife.org/selling-out...

I now feel cheap and used and looked down upon because I dared to love a decently written smutty book and not the "art" this author wanted to sell. I'm leaving the review, because the writing in the book didn't change, but my opinion of this author did, and I will not, in good conscience, send more money her way without warning readers that the author looks down on us erotica readers.

Second ETA: And the author(it's been pointed out that it was the blog owner, NOT the author.somehow, that makes a difference?) has removed the blog post. Guess it got too hot for her.

This book was vulgar and raunchy, gritty, and hot fun. Everything you want a book about rock stars to be.

Bear in mind, girls, this is NOT your mamma's romance novel. (sexual content warnings behind spoiler tags, no plot spoilers:) This has Letty pegging Shades with a strap on in the second chapter! Also features a ton of anal, A2M (ass to mouth), some exhibitionism, squirting, and an unplanned three way with just a tiny smidge of male on male contact.
I *think* that's everything I remember that might squick someone out.

Personally, I thought it was all fuckhot, and you can bet I'll be checking out more by this author.

I forgot to mention the funny, how could I almost forget the funny? This book was hilarious! Written entirely from Letty's foul mouthed point of view, you never knew what she was going to say (and better, think) next.

Check out some of these chapter names:

"My Boyfriend Left Me For Jesus"
"Pussy Grenades and Ass Bunkers"
"Shit, Meet Fan"
"Hand Job? Blow Job? Rim Job?"
"Pissing Dudes and Rogue Ejaculators"
"Slap My Bare Ass and Call Me Sassy"

All you need to do is read some of those chapter titles to know what kind of a ride you're in store for, and man was it a rollicking good time. My only *minor* complaint is I felt Letty and Shades maybe went from fucking to love a bit too quickly, but they truly do seem to be each other's halves (not in a sappy way, they just perfectly compliment each other in smartassness, lewdness, and love of The Rock).

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

So this book comes with it's own warning....

"WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses......" and so it goes on "......The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it."

True to the warning, this book is indeed everything it promises, but just because a book is crude, doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Clever marketing, almost daring you not to like it? Hmmmmm, well, I guess I am cynical………but I have to be honest……..…

The first part of this book I found myself laughing out loud at the one liners and crudeness. I thought, 'here is a feisty, interesting character.' Then I found myself having to re-read sections which really affected the flow of the book for me.....……….I found myself skimming because the 'joke' had worn off and, to be blunt, I was becoming tired and bored with it. For me it lost impact and lost me!! Maybe I gave up to early, I know lots of people really loved it!! I didn't hate it, I just didn't want to read it. Perhaps it was my mood in that moment in time.

[Rosalinda *KRASNORADA*]

Ladies, pls read Candace's review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I seriously can't believe an author can say that. I was gonna read this book but hell to the no! I am not gonna read something from someone who insults their readers!

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I freaking loved this book! The warning on the label was very appropriate! I have never read a more raunchy but hilarious book! Many times I was like I can't believe she called it that, I cant believe they did that, etc etc....If you are a prude and don't have a sense of humor then stay very far away because this is not the book for you.
This book is:


Letty


Killer Dixon


Some of my thoughts while reading this book:






They said WHAT????


Some of my favorite quotes:
"He pulls out and slaps the head of his cock on my cunt. I swear I hear splashes. Or maybe that's just a guy shitting in the stall next door."

"He wastes no time parting my meat curtains with his pork sword."


"This may be the last time you get to drive the beef bus to tuna town"



Should you read this book?

[Mo · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS IS NOT MY ORIGINAL REVIEW. MY ORIGINAL REVIEW WAS POSTED ON THE KINDLE VERSION ON MAY 2nd... THE REVIEW IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THIS. I DID NOT CHANGE MY MIND, EVEN AFTER READING THE RANT THAT THIS AUTHOR MADE ABOUT HER BOOK. I SEEM TO HAVE COMMENTS ON BOTH VERSIONS i.e. the e-book and the kindle SO DECIDED TO POST THE REVIEW HERE ALSO.... Confused?

I hate giving negative reviews. This had so much potential. Thought the first bit was entertaining, I love a mouthy bitch with attitude.... but it just wore me out as the storyline played out.... I am not a prude, I can cuss like a sailor with the best of them. But the use of words like twat, his sausage, his piece of pork, cannot even remember the description of her nether regions, just was tired of it. Maybe on another day in another place I might have found it highly entertaining but it fell flat for me.....

[♥ Barb ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 almost 4 stars*
HOLY FREAKING SH*T

"All I want for my birthday is to get f*cked unconscious with no strings attached."





OK, for starters, PLEASE read the WARNING LABEL before you read this. Seriously, this book was disgusting, gross, nasty, hilarious, funny, hysterical, crude, rude, you get my drift????

The story starts out with down on her luck Letty celebrating her birthday at a bar, by herself and ends up meeting the one and only.... hot, rich, bassist Shades. Eventually they go back to his hotel, but not before stopping off at the store to pick up condoms, lube, strap ons, tequila, you name it! Pretty much the whole book is wild and crazy sex, but with loads of humor in between. The first 50% was a little rough, but in the end I LOVED it!!! You definitely need to have an OPEN MIND and be able to tolerate all kinds of sexual acts or don't bother. It's not for everyone, but I enjoyed it. Oh, I forgot to mention, Strings is about 2 rock-bands and that is what got my attention in the first place.....well sort of.. Hahaha



Here are several expressions on my face throughout...LOL :)





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Some of my favorite lines...
"If I don't get laid tonight, my cooter will go nuclear and wipe out a city block."

"Fuck him like a Roman nympho whore with a flaming crotch, let him put it out with a cum spritzer"

"I'd like nothing more than to knock those fucknuts down."

"Oh my God, his cock is about to split me in two."

"Liquor in the front or poker in the rear"

"Douche grenade"

"Better make it quick. I'm about to go Mt. St. Helens."

"Taking his pink soldier all the way down into my pudding trench."

"I toss my arms around his neck and hold on for dear life like a jockey riding a bucking bronco. By God, I will tame this horse."

The cooter engine revs. Pretty sure she sprung an oil leak.

I have a PhD in dickology--giving and receiving.



Pull my strings
Make me sing
Tie me in knots
You're all I've got
No matter what I do, I'm stuck
with you
Bound to your heart by these
unbreakable strings
When I'm with you, my soul has
wings

"God i've found Heaven. His name is Todd Armstrong aka Shades"




^^BTW, I know you're all dying to know and YES this has a Happily Ever After ^^



**BR with Jxxx and Deanna :)

[Cynthia]

I've seen Kendall Grey's blogpost that basically went like this:

Strings is a piece of trash. Why won't anyone read my 'art'. Poor me, I had to sell out... yadayadayada

I thought she sounded whiny, ignorant and possibly stupid, but there are always people who don't have the capacity form logical opinions. So whatever, I didn't pay much attention.

And then I saw....



HELL TO THE FUCKING NO!

Kendall Grey, I have different theory as to why your "trash" outsold your "art". Maybe it's not because readers can't appreciate art.

Mark Twain said:

"Write what you know"

And well from where I'm standing, you know exactly what a piece of trash looks like.

If you can't handle bad reviews, please get the fuck out. How she managed to in one sentence, insult such a significant chunk of her readership (and therefore source of income), is beyond me.

What an ungrateful piece of work.

[Kate]

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. It's not that I haven't read other rockstar books or that I dislike dirty mouthed people. Nah, I love dirty talking people. But this book didn't wow me and I can't lie about it. I was bored and I didn't like the names she was calling his cock. Yes, it could be funny at times, but still I didn't manage to like it. I guess I should have lowered my expectations and the shame is clearly on me. You may enjoy it, but I guess it just wasn't for me.



I'll be reading the rest of the series though, because I'm intrigued in the rest of the characters. I just didn't like the heroine in this one, after all.

[Ian]

The author made a mistake. She denigrated the very people who spent their money and bought her book. Why? Because they liked it and haven't thought much of her other books which she feels are better.

She's attracted something of a back-lash against her, and I think she brought it on herself. I imagine if she knew the furore her comments would cause she wouldn't have made them.

I've occasionally said things that I regret in hindsight, I'm pretty sure we all have, and I think it's probably time to let this little hornets nest settle down. Maybe with a little time for reflection she will realize her remarks were denigrating and unfair...maybe not. Either way it's not really my concern, sometimes the higher ground is to let someone bow out gracefully even if they don't deserve that.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Todd Armstrong, you pull my strings and make me sing. You tie me in knots with your balls and cock. You keep on diddling, and I’ll soon be piddling. Spraying this stage with my love rage. Make me come, you gorgeous fuck bum.”

Letty Dillinger just turned twenty-five and livin the life of a struggling musician, hoping that one day her band the Cherry Buzz Float, will make it big and she can finally live the life of The Rock.

“All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached.” Not a lie.

“What a coincidence. I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.”

The only catch is that he wants the same treatment when his birthday comes around, knowing that they would never see each other again Letty agrees and goes off with Shades to have her wishes come true… the ugly twist of fate reveals itself when Letty finds out that Shades is the one responsible for the call that could change her life and take her band to the next level. Instead of being happy about the news, she is dreading it seeing as Shades is now the front runner of their enemy band the Killer Dixon. Even as they pretend to hate each other, some debts needed to be paid back and being stuck on a tour bus with the man who could turn your body into a Cunt hydrant kinda, makes it hard to keep the no strings attached rule in place

I take his cock—all ten inches—balls deep. My breath rushes. I try to quiet it. I’m fucking dizzy. Lips hit my neck, and chills climb my spine. Teeth graze as he rocks me to a new song, a Shades-and-Letty lullaby.

Killer Dixon isn’t as bad as she first thought they were, they actually all share the same love and passion. Band drama explodes, but Letty realizes it’s for the best, she knows that she’s in over her head, but she’s tired of holding the group together while one can’t keep her bitch claws in check. So for just one night she leaves it all on the stage

We’re made of the same primal instinct that drives people to feed, fuck, and fight. Tonight, we are The Rock.

Pull my strings
Make me sing
Tie me in knots
You’re all I’ve got
No matter what I do I’m stuck with you
Bound to your heart by unbreakable strings
When I’m with you, my soul has wings
Whichever way the pendulum swings
Let’s see what a life together brings

This was a HOT, durty, raunchy, everything I love about sex, kinda read. The author does give a fair warning so if you’re expecting something light and plain, you obviously weren’t paying attention … I am so all over the next book when it comes out. Awesome read!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

DiDi‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 Stars

I’m not going to lie, the only reason I bought this book is because of the warning the author wrote in the description. I couldn’t resist it. I am glad I did.

STRINGS is not for everyone. It is raunchy, nasty, crass, vulgar, yet manages to have a sweet romance in it. I ‘EFFIN LOVED EVERY WORD!!!

I laughed so hard at the words Letty used to describe sex, sexual acts and genitalia. The sex is some of the raunchiest I have ever read and there is a menage in it that had me foaming at the mouth and leaving puddles when I walked. Shades is a sweetheart OMG I want him for myself. The rest of the crew are great, I can’t wait for Jinx’s story.

If you have the balls to read STRINGS you will find that in spite of all the raunchiness there is a sweet romance and a story of friendships evolving among all the naughtiness.

I can’t say enough good about this book, yes it is in your face, but if you are not easily offended and like raunchy, I HIGHLY recommend reading STRINGS. Again, it’s not your grandma’s or even your normal romance.

[Kellie Maddox-Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks




My name is Letty Dillinger, and I was born to rock your face off. If you come to one of my shows, you’ll leave either wanting to be me or wanting to do me.”




OF COURSE Shades was always going to be the love of my life Matt. I mean tattoo’s? Hard core rocker? Sunglasses? Hello nearly every rockstar I read about is him in my mind!

”All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached.” Not a lie.
“What a coincidence. I’ve got a big dick, a bar tab, and the local cab company’s number on speed dial.”
Ummm..
YES PLEASE!

This was dirty, gritty, filthy, raw, vulgar and piss funny.
I wanted no NEEDED this book as soon as I saw the warning on it!

I really really enjoyed reading this!
One minute I’m swooning over Shades, then fanning myself from all the smutty scenes then snorting coffee out my nose from laughing too hard.

I once read somewhere that:
Erotica is porn with a story.

Well this story starts with 2 strangers having a very kinky one night stand. Literally kinky not BDSM whips and chains shit kink, but she does him in the ass with a strap on.

“Your gay.”
He snickers. “No”
“Bi.”
“Open minded.”
Well ain’t that the shit? I was totally fucking joking, but now that I know he’s game, I kinda am too. “You ever been butt boinked by a drunk, dildo clad woman before?”
There’s that naughty grin again. “No, but I’ll try anything once.”
Oh I like this guy.

It’s decided that they won’t share real names.
”What’s your name, pussycat?”
“Now why would you want to go and complicate shit by asking my name? Just call me Lucky. Cause you’re getting lucky tonight, Shades.”

After a wild night she sneaks out the next morning.
Leaving him asleep and keeping her word about no contact.
She did promise that he could return the favor on his birthday however she doesn’t leave any numbers/email to contact each other again.

The call she has been waiting for her whole life finally comes through that day. Her band “Cherry Buzz Float” is going on tour!!...It’s not a headlining tour but. They are going to be opening for their arch nemesis “Killer Dixon.”

Jinx the drummer is excited! The shy girl is like a “Ninja pixie on the drums” So is Letty. It’s what they have always wanted.
Problem though… Years ago CBF’s guitarist Kate used to date the guitarist from KD’s Rax. There has been a feud between them over a song that the other states they stole.
After a lot of co-ercing Kate agrees to go on tour with them.

Only thing is?

KD’s new bassist/singer? Just happens to be the guy she fucked last night! Shades is in fact Todd Armstrong. Super rich Todd Armstrong.

”Sweet Baby Jeebus, if you’ll have mercy on me and not let Kate find out what I did with Shades, I won’t masturbate in confessional anymore. I swear. Amen.”

This is where the story really kicks in!

A whole lot Letty and Shades sneaking around, backstabbing, bitchiness, threesomes, anal, “squirting”, head, you name it. No bars hold, balls to the wall sexy times scenes…and a sweet sweet HEA.

THOUGHTS

I am totally a Kendall Grey groupie from now on!
Can’t wait to get my hands on her other stuff!

Awesome one liners reminding me of the humour of the greats Tara Sivec and Suzanne Wright.
IE. “Holy anal mishaps Batman.”
“heat seeking moisture missile against my cock holster”

And the chapter names??
I mean seriously LOL


”My Boyfriend left me for Jesus.”
“Pussy Grenades and Ass Bunkers”
“Shit, meet Fan.”
“Anal probing and Bunk Hosing”
“I’d Wear a Dick Hat on Stage”
“Pissing dudes and Rogue Ejaculations”


Just to name a few!

One of the best things? There is no fucking cliffhanger! Just left it open for the next story… I’m thinking Jinx and Toombs.. but maybe Rax gets his stripper finally?

You loved who you were supposed to love.
Hated who you were supposed to hate.
Laughed, cried, pissed yourself laughing, squirmed like a worm in your seat.

One thing I loved?!
Letty owns her sexuality and isn’t your typical heroine who blushes non stop, bites her lip and is a virgin. It was refreshing!
She had a filthy fucking mouth and wasn’t afraid to use it. Full of sass and witty comebacks.
Shades is awesome too!

Bad thing with this book?
WAAAYYY too much focus on anal and “squirting” for me. But still loved every minute of it!

All in all..
A shitload of laughs..
A great H/h
A happy ending
Awesome sex scenes..

Read it! But heed the warning that comes with the book!

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Dirty-Dirty Stars!

Before--Hmm, this sounds good. Could have potential....



After--That was flipping awesome....



I really didn't know what to expect when I started this book--but I definitely got more then I bargained for. This book was rude. This book was crude. This book was disrespectful. This book was dirty. This book was raunchy. And I LOVED every bit of it.

The story starts out with Letty in a bar, on her birthday. She's in a band--Cherry Buzz Float--trying to make it big. She meets "Shades" and they embark on one wild and crazy night. The things they did to each other were mind-boggling, jaw-dropping, they were wow!



Several times, I thought to myself...is that even possible?? Letty thinks it's a one-night stand. Little does she know, she is going to find herself going on tour with Shades and his band Killer Dixon. They embark on quite a sexual adventure...





I felt a little violated just reading it.

Overtime, the feelings between Shades and Letty become more then sexual...maybe even a little about love. This book was about two bands and their journey on the road together....touring, making music, and doing what they love. Bottomline, this book was tons of fun. It had me laughing out loud. I definitely recommend!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! Controversy aside...Kendall Grey is a talented author!

Yes, I know the author made some comments that were out of line, but we all get a case of the stupids once in a while, so in my book she's forgiven. We've forgiven people for much worse than a few insulting comments. I'm over it.

Now that that is out of the way...I LAUGHED. MY. ASS. OFF...sometimes cringing, but still laughing!!! This pushed my limits...big time, but I just couldn't look away. Such colorful language...and that's putting it mildly...disgustingly hilarious...and 'sticky' situations, but my goodness it was fun!! There was just one scene that was too much for me, but I braved the storm and enjoyed the rest of it, and underneath it all I found a beautiful love story! Not your typical romance...you say potato and I say potatoe...it was still a romance and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, however I might never be the same!

You really need to be able to 'read' outside the box to appreciate this book. The sex and raunch is over the top, and never stops, so if you can't handle that, then don't even bother. But, if you have an open mind, want to laugh till you choke, go for it. Because push come to shove, and no matter the author's reasons for writing the book, and the fallout that followed, it's still well written colorful SMUT, with great characters whose story shines through, and I loved it!!

[Mariℓina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanna do bad things TO you!!
I wasn't going to read this.. it kept appearing though everywhere..
I thought the warning was for fun,
but anyway i am a pearl clutching bitch soooo i was bound to hate it..
BAD BOOK!!
The writing was dreadfull, way over the top and the obsolete usage of english language was the only thing that made me laugh..
If the author thinks this is revolutionary NEWS FLASH: IS NOT..
Just because it's crude doesn't automatically means it's edgy.
As for the heroine she plainly sucks but i guess you already know that.





The story is soooo bad i can't stress it enough!!


As for the sex, yeah right!!



I'm definitely not a prude, but i have a good taste, this book just ruined my day. The story was interesting and in a talented writter's hands could have turned into a good book.. The sexual acts didn't shocked me, they were just too lame not hot..

[Lucinda - I JUST LOVE TO READ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars crazy ass stars

Ok this book comes with a MASSIVE WARNING:



But I thought ah man how bad can this be… Oh dear… I was soooooo out of my comfort zone…




There were times when I was so disgusted and out of my comfort zone, but still I couldn’t stop reading: (Haha) I know it sounds confusing.



Ass play, Ass fcuk, dildos, squirting, M/F/M and some other weird shit!

But I have to be honest it was hard not to be turned on:



Letty is 25 year old, singer that wants to make it big, but financially she is struggling, her band and music is not going anywhere. On her birthday she goes to her favourite bar Bar-k and she meets Shades. What does she want for her birthday??

All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached

Well if you read it, you will get a show what happens after that!

What I liked about this book is she was NORMAL, no shady past, just a normal girl trying to make it into the music scene. She was witty, cocky and she had a DIRTY mouth on her!!!!

At the last minute they get a touring gig to open for a band called Killer Dixon. But the 2 bands do NOT get along.

They travel from City to City to do shows, but not everything works out for them. The bands fight, they have no money and they are struggling to make it.

If you like Backstage Pass you will love this book, it had the “same” feel to it.

Favourite lines / quotes from the book:

If you come to one of my shows, you’ll leave either wanting to be me or wanting to do me

All I want for my birthday is to get fucked unconscious with no strings attached

What’s your name, pussycat? Now why would you want to go and complicate shit by asking my name? Just call me Lucky. Cause you’re getting Lucky tonight

You got any diseases I need to be worried about? Other than an acute case of blue balls? NO

The cooter engine revs. Pretty sure she sprung an oil leak

Two can play this game. I have a PhD in dickology – giving and receiving

Over and out. xxx

[Lindsay]

Congratulations Ms. Grey. You have earned your very own shelf on GR.

Because of the recent comments by the author, I have decided that this book is not worth reading. And have since created not one, but 2 new shelves.

I'm pretty open about what books I read. I don't care if it's a clean book or a naughty (ie. hot) erotic book. As long as there's a story there, one I want to read, then I'll read it.

But there are some things I can't stand. The actions by this author is one of those things. Lately, when people write negative reviews they have been getting bullied by disagreeing readers or friends of the authors. This is not ok. Most people I know, and have talked to, hate writing negative reviews. But not all books work for all people. And all of my friends here on GR go to great lengths to not bash the author when they state what didn't work for them in the book. Don't readers deserve the same respect? Just because they don't like a particular book, or have issues with an aspect of the book is no reason to belittle them. They paid for your book. You're profiting from them reading it. Most readers keep the books they read. I don't know many that automatically return a book they didn't like. Even if they didn't like the book, most write a review that will help others understand why they rated it the way they did.

I don't pretend to be an author. But, I was a college student who had to write papers. Some long papers. Some that felt like they were the length of a novel. It's hard work. You pour everything into the project wanting a good reaction from it. The biggest difference is in college I'm getting graded instead of being paid.

But no matter what, you don't disrespect the people you are writing for. Ms. Grey could be the best author in the world but after her recent comments, I'll never be able to find out. If I tried to read her books, the only thing I would be able to think about is her opinion on GR members and her readers in general.


More information regarding this issue can be found on Confessions of 2 Book Lovers.

[Has]

When an author trashes her readers or genre because she feels she's selling out - it is not one I want to support. I especially feel that trashing one genre for another is dumb because while she feels her Urban Fantasy is art there are others who would view this genre being a sell out or poor. And the fact she also considers Goodreads reviewers as 'motherfuckers who can't read' is the icing on the cake. Feel free to read and support this self entitled author who is not just thankful she has succeeded in breaking out especially in the tough world of publishing and most especially in self publishing her trashy book. But I wont be supporting or reading this, because I'd like to have respect as well getting it from an author who would feel grateful that I enjoyed their book and in turn I would rate and review them as well as recommending them to other readers because that is what is important. Not lashing out and blaming readers for not loving her trashy art.

[Rain Hart]

I will never read "Strings".
Actually, I will never, ever, EVER read any Kendall Grey's book. EVER.

So, you could consider this as a lesson in "What's been said cannot be unsaid". Or - what happens online, stays online. Forever.

Just in case you've missed the whole thing, and have no idea what this is about, here's what happened...

Kendall Grey wrote "Selling Out 101" on Authors For Life (don't bother clicking, it's been deleted), and what she wrote is (believe it or not) THIS:

I self-published an urban fantasy trilogy last year. I spent four years writing it. I poured all kinds of money, time, and energy into that bugger. I did everything “They” tell you to do: blog tours, paid advertising, securing reviews, professional editing and cover design, book signings, pimping, pimping, pimping. I put way too much cash into making my books as perfect as they could be.

They tanked.

Okay, they didn’t really tank, but the output wasn’t remotely proportional to the input. I viewed the series as a bomb, despite good reviews and positive feedback from readers. The books just didn’t do what I needed them to do. They didn’t make money.

So, I went through all the stages of grief, and in the end I got angry. Anger is a great motivator for me. I looked at what was hitting the tops of the bestseller lists: Contemporary. New Adult. Erotica. None of my preferred genres. But I was so driven to prove to myself that I didn’t suck as a writer, I did something I swore I’d never do.

I sold out.

I wrote an erotica book.

It kicked my UF series’ ASS in sales and rankings.

Go effin’ figure.

Some hard truths came to light through this process. The biggest revelation was that as authors, we have to decide whether we’re in this business to make art or to make money. We can’t have both. Very few authors make art that sells. Commercial viability does not lend itself to artistic endeavors, and vice-versa. If New York doesn’t want your book, then you’re probably too creative. If they do want it, then you’re marketable. New York publishers run a business. They don’t give a shit about art.

Apparently, they have something there. Readers generally (don’t throw stones—I’m referring to the masses here, not individuals) don’t want art either. They want easily digestible, bite-sized nuggets of warm fuzzies. They want simplicity. Art is neither easily digestible (you sometimes have to chew on it for days to filter meaning from it) nor simple.

I made $10,000 in two weeks off my new erotica book STRINGS. Nearly three weeks later, I’m selling over 100 copies of the book a day. And this piece of trash never even cracked Amazon’s top 100. Imagine how much I’d have made if I’d busted open THAT list. My beautiful, artistic, deep JUST BREATHE urban fantasy series? Well, I’m still in the hole there if that tells you anything.

I spent exactly two months plotting, writing, editing, and publishing STRINGS. The JUST BREATHE Trilogy? Four YEARS.
My total production cost for STRINGS was under $500. I’m embarrassed to reveal how much money I poured into producing the three JUST BREATHE books.

How did I transform from nobody to Somebody? I sold out.

And you can too!
Or not.

I know it’s depressing to hear that in order to find success, you may have to compromise your principles. I’ve come to grips with the fact that in the current market, trashy smut sells, and urban fantasy does not. Tough shit for me. If you want to sell books, you have to feed the market what it craves.

You can be noble and stick to your guns and say, “Screw that! I’m gonna keep writing what’s in my heart no matter what!” Fine and groovy, as long as you accept that this guerilla mentality of badassery won’t pay your bills. More power to you for upholding your principles!

For us artists who want or need to make a living at writing, there is a silver lining. Once you’ve done your part to feed the reader machine, and you get paid ridiculous amounts of money for publicly shaming yourself and lowering your standards, you’ll be armed with the power to write what you want. Once you’ve built your readership, there’s a good chance many of your readers will follow you into your preferred, artsy-fartsy genre because they like you. Yes, you may have to compromise and write more sell-out books along the way to feed YOUR machine, but the beauty is that you can do BOTH and make it work.

Compromise: The name of the game for writers in the New World Order of Publishing.

So, who do you write for? Yourself or the market? How far are you willing to bend to achieve your dreams as an author?

Now, you'd think that's MORE than enough. Right? Wrong!!



Yes, there's even more... Just look at this amazing apology in the comments - http://www.kendallgrey.com/?p=4596
One of my favorite parts is this:

When did I call my readers stupid? I must’ve missed that. I adore and respect every single one of them.

Sorry to say this, but Kendall (obviously) failed to convince us. Maybe she SHOULD check all the post 5/15 reviews on Goodreads after all. She'd probably be surprised... or not. The funny thing is - Goodreads motherfuckers are the ones that bought her "piece of trash" on Amazon. You'd think she figured that out by now!

Oh, and not only has she managed to piss off A LOT of readers, there are some authors out there that agree with us - calling your readers stupid (or insulting them in any way) is the ultimate level of idiocy!
So, here's what they said about those "snarky words"...

Reality 301 with @heidicullinan

How to judge readers and alienate people. ~ Jenny Trout

*Pulls Ranty Pants Up* In Which Lauren Dane Discusses Art, Publishing, Trash and Writing What you Want




The point? This type of trash talk sends you straight to "authors behaving badly" list.
It will NOT help you sell 100 copies of a book (ANY book with your name on it) a day.
It will NOT help you make a living at writing.
It will NOT help you!

Dear Kendall, you have NO idea what Erotica is. And, what's more important, you have NO idea what ART is.

Seriously? WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?


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Kendall's post on Authors For Life has been deleted. But, they did post "Kendall Grey's Post Update" on May 16th. Here it is:

In consideration of both the author and our guests, we’ve decided to take down today’s post. It was getting rather nasty and that’s not what this site is about. When we posted Ms. Grey’s post, we never considered the angle that it was taken–nor do we believe the author meant anything malicious in the content. It was supposed to be a post to inspire to try new things–granted, Ms. Grey has her own unique way of wording things–but it was supposed to be in good fun and an alternative when you’re on a path that’s not producing results.

p.s. Also posted on Reading Infection

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jointly Reviewed on: http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/04/...

Gitte: So Jenny, I thought nothing much could make me blush anymore but Strings did just that. Between laughing till I had tears at the banter and one-liners to blushing from the extremely filthy scenes and vulgarity, this sure made for an addictive and refreshing Rock Star read.

Refreshing, because our heroine had the mouth of a sailor and she was so unlike our usual female leads, she was strong and fierce. She was a fighter and a true Rock Star. Not many of those about.

Nothing could prepare you for this story and I have to say I was gobsmacked as it hits you from the word go when Letty meets Shades and their journey begins. Our hero and heroine DO NOT go gently into the night…they throw away the rule book on one night stands and if you googled it you’d be nowhere close!

Warning should definitely be given when picking this book up, not only for content, but absolutely also for where you are when you read it and in what kind of company! Don’t you agree Jenny?!

Jenny: Haha! Note to Gitte…beware of reading filth in public! Well, talk about the old saying “be careful what we wish for”! After our moan lately about the influx of books containing 20+ virgins, and saying how it would be refreshing to read about a heroine who is gritty and a little more “experienced” shall we say, we certainly got that wish with Letty in Strings…and then some!!

“If I don’t get laid tonight, my cooter will go nuclear and wipe out a city block” - Letty

Letty was something else! She was tenacious, sexy, funny, free spirited and absolutely epitomized the Rock Chick persona! The whole book was a walk on the rock star wild side with lots of hot and heavy sex, lots of humor, filth and lovable characters. Shades and Letty were such a lot of fun and very….HOT and yup, no flies on these two…they get straight in there!

The warning displayed on the synopsis of this book definitely pulled me in. It was hilarious and begged a reader to get in there! In all honesty, even that warning didn’t prepare me for this. This was definitely a blush inducing read. TB Warning: Do not leave Kindle unattended whilst reading lol

Gitte: So we have our heroine, Letty who is in a girl band with her mates Kate and Jinx called Cherry Buzz Float. These girls absolutely ROCKED and I LOVED that. I actually thought it was such a thrilling ride to experience a POV from a rocking female lead like Letty!

“My name is Letty Dillinger, and I’m a fucking star.”

The mouth on her though was pure crude filth. Yes it was funny and I was in hysterical laughter through a lot of the story because of her dialogue. However, I do have to admit that it did get a bit much towards the end because for me it did start to detract from an absolutely fabulous storyline.

Cherry Buzz Float are waiting for a breakthrough to get the fame and fortune they so deserve. Their music is honest and real but they need that break. This comes in the form of teaming up with Killer Dixon when their mutual manager Jillian sends them on tour together. The new front man for Killer Dixon is a familiar face, one that will make his way underneath her tough and cool exterior; Shades.

“I don’t know if it’s my heart, my soul, or both, but goddamn it, Shades has unearthed the music that makes me who I am and dragged it to the surface for inspection.” – Letty

So absolutely, Letty rocked but the emphasis on what came out of her mouth became a tad overwhelming. I did love her though because underneath that hard exterior laid a talented sensitive and artistic soul that was scared to love and be discovered for anything other than her music. When she’s on the stage rocking out that is when she’s in her element and she was fantastic.

“Some people find strength in religion. I believe in music, and I defend it with everything I’ve got, even when things don’t go my way.”

Jenny: This book definitely starts as it means to go on from page one. I found it funny and refreshing to have a character such as Letty. She was the polar opposite of just about any female character we’ve read lately and I loved that. I loved her. The bad ass exterior and the sensitive girl underneath, she was so likeable, so unique.

“My name is Letty Dillinger, and I was born to rock your face off” – Letty

This girl knew what she wanted and despite all the obstacles in her way, she was ballsy without arrogance, and she went for it. Nothing got in the way of Letty. She was fun, irreverent and such a refreshing change but……

I have to agree with you and say the shock value of her dialogue did get a bit much. I loved this storyline, loved the characters and found it so entertaining but at times the dialogue appeared to overtake the story.

It tended to become a little over the top and repetitive and I was beginning stray because of it, but at 80% it did calm down and we were able to move along nicely and really get stuck into what was a really good storyline and allow more of Letty’s emotions and deeper personality seep through, but she never lost who she was and I really liked that.

Gitte: Now Shades, yeah …Letty met her match there. Shades is beyond cool. He is quite naff at times but the cheesy lines coming from him makes him that much more attractive and gorgeously sexy. He has style and class and he is primal in his passion. Big swoon time for me and I was sold the minute he spoke to Letty in the bar when they first met.

I did sometimes wish I could have heard his voice though. I wanted his thoughts on Letty and her foul mouth and what he felt during certain scenes. Shades was intense, funny, hot, passionate, willing to umm try anything once and a Rock Star through and through. LOVED him!

Jenny: Oh god Gitte, talk about swaaaaooon. I LOVED Shades! From the first minute we met him I knew I was going to love this guy. Oh, and his birthday is the same day as mine! Shades was rock star cool. Hot, talented, doesn’t give a crap, extremely sexual, willing to try anything (oh dear god…THAT scene!) – yep, this guy is so cool he can even pull off throwing out those goofy 70’s one liners which completely cracked me up by the way and absolutely endeared him to me even more, yet make no mistake, he was definitely all man!

It was like a force brought Letty and Shades together. What a perfect match they were. I revelled in the fact there was no crap about these two. What you saw was what you got and together these two ignited the pages! Their banter was hilarious and I do agree with you Gitte in that I too would have liked to have heard Shades voice. There was a lot going on in that guy’s head and I for one would have loved to have known exactly what it was.

I lose track of my body, and my fingers take me where they want to go.
They lead me to Shades. Always back to Shades. – Letty

Does anyone cock an eyebrow quite like Shades?…sigh….

Gitte: I have to say Jenny; this book is not going to be for everyone is it? It was quite animalistic, quite crude and vulgar BUT it did have a FAB romantic storyline running through it, it was hilarious and it had the Rock Factor in abundance! Oh and I think I now know every word imaginable for sex and private parts. Seriously, so many great lines but I have no idea how to use them in a sentence in daily life, but I kind of want to!! This story should be read for what it is and in no way taken too seriously and I enjoyed it for just that!

“I’m going to fill up this sweet little box with hot Toddy.”

Oh and I am desperate for Toombs and Jinx’s story! Bring it on because I loved these two characters as well!

,B>Jenny: You’re right there Gitte. This book definitely won’t be for everyone. It’s like The Sinners Series on crack with the lead character morphed into a female body haha. It did read like a vaginal thesaurus and ummm I’m pretty sure you can’t use most of them in daily life, but knock yourself out and have fun trying……just don’t do it around the kiddlies, there’s a love

This book was a fun, hot and filthy ride. Whilst it could, at times, be a little over the top and once in a while it did get bogged down with shock value dialogue, it was always entertaining, always fun and it most definitely satisfied my rock star fix and gave me a few good laughs along the way.

Yes readers, Letty and friends pull no punches. If you go into this book with an open mind, a sense of humor and leave your judgement at the door, you’ll have a ball with Strings just as we did.

“Playing in front of crowds energizes me. It’s a shot of adrenaline right in the heart. The moment I mount the stage, I make the venue my bitch. I shove mighty womancock in the place and just fuck the living fuck out of it” - Letty

Oh yes Gitte! Bring on Toombs and Jinx’s story for sure! These two have me so intrigued I don’t know where to start!

“Jinx – the female version of John Fucking Bonham on crack” - Letty

Yes indeed….bring on Jinx!!!!

Gitte: 4 Stars
Jenny: 4 Stars

Arc supplied by Author for an honest review