I am so pleased to welcome debut author Olivia Cunning to FVBR. She is the author of the Sinners On Tour series. It’s a series of books about the adventures of the bad boy rock stars of the fictional rock group The Sinners. I read and loved the first book, Backstage Pass. Take it away Olivia!
Ten Reasons Rock Stars Make Great Romance Heroes
To celebrate my first publishing contract, I joined Romance Writers of America this year and went to my first ever RWA National convention in Orlando, Florida. I’m telling you this, not to bore you tears, but because there was one devastating moment during that fun, exciting, and completely overwhelming conference that crumpled my self-confidence into a tiny paper ball with someone’s discarded, ABC gum inside.
When you attend your first RWA Nationals, you get a ribbon to stick on the bottom of your name badge that says “Beware of Newbie” (actually, it says “First Timer”) and when you make the leap from aspiring author to published author you get a ribbon that says “Dreams Finally Coming True” (actually, it says “First Sale”). I had both of those ribbons at the bottom of my nametag, and…
Get to the point, Olivia.
Right! So, I’m standing in line to score a free book and get it signed by a really cool, bestselling author. Squee! As she’s signing my book, she notices my First Sale ribbon and asks what my book is about. Squee! Bustin’ my buttons with pride, I start babbling about my five-book erotic romance series, Sinners on Tour.
The books are about these five uber-sexy rock stars in the band Sinners who…She gets this look on her face, like ought-oh, you’re screwed, lady. Then she laughs and says, “You know what they say, there are two types of romance heroes you should never write: rock stars and…” She said some other hero archetype that is forbidden (we’ll pretend she said circus clowns), but I honestly don’t remember what it was because I was utterly stunned. Devastated. Not squee, not squee at all. More of a curl into fetal position under the table moment. Why didn’t someone tell me this before I feel in love with this fictional rock band and started writing their stories? WHYYYYYYY?!
And then I went into all-out defensive mode. Internally, of course. I’m not a confrontational person. Who in the heck is “they” and why do they think rock stars are lousy romance heroes? Cold, dead guys with pointy eye-teeth are romantic; guys who become incredibly hirsute under the full moon are romantic; guys who compensate for shortcomings by packing guns are romantic; but guys with guitars are not romantic? I beg to differ, sister. There’s room in this genre for every sort of romance hero. And they can ALL be romantic. Even circus clowns! Okay, maybe not circus clowns. I get carried away sometimes. (But you know what they say about guys with huge feet and big noses… I digress!)
Now that I’ve shifted out of fetal position, removed the ABC gum from my belly, and recovered my poise and mettle, I’m here to prove the naysayers wrong. Rock stars make great romance heroes. Today, I’m going to concentrate on guitarists, because the hero of Backstage Pass, Brian Sinclair, is lead guitarist of Sinners. If you stick with me through the entire series over the next couple years, I’ll prove it four more times—once for Sed, Sinners’ vocalist; again for Jace, the bassist; for Eric, the drummer; and Trey, the rhythm guitarist. For now, we’re focusing on Brian. So here we go. My proof!
The top ten reasons why lead guitarists make great romance heroes:
Number 10: Lead guitarists have incredibly fast fingers.
· Backstage Pass pg 57
Myrna drew his hand to the moist heat between her thighs. “What do you think?”
Brian’s fingers stroked her through pink lace. He turned her body to face the wall. Her eyes flipped open lazily and she caught her reflection in the mirror. Their eyes met over her shoulder in the reflective glass. So he wanted to watch her while he made her come. He didn’t have to wait long. His fingers stroked faster. Faster. Faster. Her eyes slid closed, her mouth fell open, and…
Number 9: Lead guitarists have groupies to remind you how hot your boyfriend is, least you forget.
· Backstage Pass pg 132
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m just standing outside the stadium to get better phone reception and have been recognized by a group of fans. Bad timing. I have a raging hard-on, thanks to you, and can’t run very fast.”
“As long as it’s thanks to me,” Myrna said, laughing.
Some chick squealed in the background. “Oh my God! Oh my God! It’s Master Sinclair!”
Myrna laughed.
“Could you hold on a minute. I’m on the phone,” Brian said to someone.
“Oh my God! Will you sign my tits? Please. Please. You’re soooo hot!”
Number 8: Lead guitarists will let you borrow their eyeliner.
· Backstage Pass pg 90
Brian’s hard body trembled against her. She leaned back to look at him and couldn’t help but gape. Heavy black eyeliner surrounded his eyes.
“You’re wearing more makeup than I am.”
“Do I look like a pussy?” Staring into the mirror above the sink, he barred his teeth at his reflection to make himself look mean.
Myrna hugged him from behind. “No. As always, you look sexier than should be allowed by law.”
“Are you going to arrest me?”
Her hand slid down to cup his…
Number 7: Lead guitarists are not embarrassed to tell ten thousand people that they think you rock.
· Backstage Pass pg 99
The crowd yelled so loud that Myrna covered her ears with both hands. When they quieted, she pulled her hands away. She didn’t want to miss a word of what Brian was saying on stage.
“Myr, this is for you.”
Number 6: Lead guitarists stay in nice hotel suites with Jacuzzi tubs.
· Backstage Pass pg 62
“I’m done cuddling.”
He slid her body in front of the Jacuzzi jet and lifted her slightly so the water gushed down the crack of her ass and between her legs. She leaned back against the edge of the tub…
Number 5: Lead guitarists are generous, kinky, and have at least one hot friend with a pierced tongue (a winning combination, trust me).
· Backstage Pass pg 327
Something harder than a tongue flicked against her nipple. Myrna gasped in surprise. She’d forgotten Trey had his tongue pierced. And God, it felt good.
She relaxed against Brian’s body, concentrating on the feel of Trey’s eager tongue flicking over her nipple. “Do you have magic fingers like Master Sinclair, Trey?” she asked in a low voice.
Number 4: Lead guitarists are interested in saving the environment (by using less paper).
· Backstage Pass pg 42
Brian paused and looked down at her. “I need something to write on.”
Myrna’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding me, right?”
“Baby, I haven’t written a new riff in months. “You’re beyond awesome.”
He reached for a pen on the side table and uncapped it. He wiped the sweat from her body with the sheet and drew a straight line across her chest. He then added a series of dots on, above, and below the line. Scribbled letters appeared here and there. E. C. C#. She just watched him, too surprised to protest. The line of musical notes continued across her breasts, under her…
Number 3: Lead guitarists maintain a fast, steady rhythm most of the time, but switch to something more chaotic and spontaneous in the middle of the act.
· Backstage Pass pg 95
Myrna couldn’t take her eyes off Brian, not even to blink. She watched him stalk the stage, playing his guitar as if it were an extension of his fingers. It was almost as if he were making love to it. And she wasn’t jealous of the attention he paid to the strings. It excited her in a primitive way she couldn’t describe. Perhaps it was the ten thousand other people he engaged with his wickedly seductive fingers. When they reached the guitar solo, Brian took center stage and Sed moved to the back next to Jace. The crowd roared, bodies undulating against each other in a sea of flesh and sweat before the stage.
(Well, what did you think Number 3 was referring to? Pervs…)
Number 2: Lead guitarists can have just about any woman they want, so when they fall in love with you, you know you’re pretty freakin’ awesome.
· Backstage Pass pg 195
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“What do you have to be sorry about?”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I thought… I didn’t realize you treated me specially.”
He looked at her. “Why wouldn’t I? You are special.”
She snorted. “Brian, you can have any woman you want. There’s nothing special about me at all.”
“You sell yourself short, Myr. You’re wonderful. And I don’t want just any woman. I want you…”
And the Number 1 reason rock stars make great romance heroes:
They’re all well hung. (At least in my rock ‘n’ roll fantasy, they are! Hot damn, pass the sugar!)
· Backstage Pass pg 30
“Beautiful?”
She supposed guys didn’t want their cocks referred to as beautiful. She hadn’t called it cute at least. It wasn’t cute though, it was at least ten inches of smooth, gorgeous man flesh. […in the book, there’s a graphic description of a certain guitar hero’s beautiful man flesh here…] She tore her gaze from his cock to look at him.
“It’s a f*cking beast, Brian. You’re going to tear me in half with that thing!”
So what do you say? Are rock stars lousy romance heroes, or do they rock your world? And do you think it’s funny that Brian refers to his Willy-Wonka as “The Beast” after Myrna tosses him a manliness-cookie? Because I laughed my ass off every time I wrote it.
Thanks so much for stopping by today Olivia. I admit I died laughing when Myrna called Brian’s wiener a f*cking beast. LOL. –FV
Olivia would like to giveaway one personally autographed copy of Backstage Pass one lucky commenter (US or Canada). To enter leave a comment telling us if you’ve ever read a rock star romance novel or if you are a rock star romance novel virgin. 
Good luck to all who enter!! Giveaway ends October 15, winner announced soon after.
If you don’t want to wait, you can purchase a copy of Back Stage Pass at: Amazon || Book Depository
Olivia Cunning’s Website.
About Sophia (FV)
I loved this book so much! Those quotes were great. I can't wait to get the other rock band members stories. (not entering as I have my own copy!)
This sounds like such a great book…I really want it! I've read a few books that had rock star characters in it, but the story didn't revolve around their rock star life. So this will be the first full-on rock star book I read. Woot!
I have already read this book so don't enter me please.
I just wanted to say that this was the first book I read about a rock star and that is one of the reasons I liked it so much because it was different.
Also, I LOVED post it was fun and made me laugh.
Buckeye Girl–This one is going on my favorite guilty pleasures shelf.
Julie–I know you'll like this one. So naughty!!
Danielle–I love rock star romance. You should check out Lili Feisty's Bound To Please. Not as rock star as Backstage Pass but the hero is a rock star.
One of the best guest posts by an author I have ever read. Can't wait to read this now.
LMAO Samantha!! The book is even better than this post. I promise!! LOL
Awesome quotes.
I haven't read this book, but now I really want to read it. This will be the first rock star book I read and who doesn't love rock stars?
DforDarla(at)gmail(dot)com
She forgets to mention what a complete and total dream Brian is. Oh, don't want to ruin his rep.
Congratulations Olivia!
Olivia, I was laughing my ass off as I read this. Perfect quote answers from your book.
Brian is hot and I do love Myr, but truthfully, I fell in love with all your guys in the band.
Ps, the author you spoke to, obviously didn't go to rock concerts and just as obviously, didn't know what she was talking about. Send HER and autographed book!
Loved all the quotes. I want to read this book so much more now
I have never read a rock star romance,this will be the first
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
~Sia McKye~ –Good idea!! LOL
elaing8–This is a good one to start with.
A Buckeye Girl Reads – Thanks! Again!
Julie- Hope you like it. It does go deeply into the rock star life, both the ups and downs and ups and downs and ups and downs. And that's just the sex scenes.
Danielle- Happy to make you laugh!
FV- Might I say you look marvelous today.
Samantha- I'm a leo. Flattery will get you everywhere. Thanks!
DforDarla- Someone in the romance industry, I guess. I'm glad you agree that rock stars make great heroes. YUM!
Sherylin- Shhhh! He's just a stud with a beast, that's all.
Sia- Though the passing comment crushed me, I'm sure B.S. author (that stands for best-selling, not the other BS!) doesn't even recall saying it to the newb.
Elaing8- Great to see you again. I hope you win!
Wow these sound great and I can't wait to get my hands on the first one!! I have read only one book with a rockstar in it. Dante is the lead singer in Inferno. He is from The Makers Song Series by Adrian Phoenix, one of my favorite UF series. Even though he is in a band the series really doesn't focus much on it so I am really excited to read these books that do. I mean really who don't love rockstars!!
Will be my first rockstar book if I win.
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
Olivia,
Excellent post. Though not all lead guitarists I know have those experiences.
Great to hear the book is selling well.
This will be my first rock star romance and I'm super excited to read it (even if I don't win), but now you've got me jonesing to write a romance starring a clown hero. Or perhaps an erotic romance, where it would be tentatively titled, "Clown and Dirty." The sequel would follow in the successful footsteps of C&D with the amazing, "Going Clown."
New York Times Bestsellers, anyone???
Yeah.
~*Karra*~
karra.moeller@gmail.com
I read about a country-western singer who was a star and I just finished one where a secondary hero was a rock star but I have never read one where the lead heros were rock stars. This book sounds so yummy. I can't wait to read it!!!! Thanks for sharing today!!!!
eric250r@coosnet.com
I LOVE this post *giggles* – I agree -who says you can't write a rock star hero!! I can't think of a book that I've read that features one though…I'm dying to read this. I have a pretend boyfriend that is a rockstar…or more like a nerdy alternative rocker who sings and doesn't really play guitar – but whatever..
There seems to be a whole lot of virgins out there Olivia, you'd better be gentle with them. Having just finished my copy' all I can say is watch out ladies it's a wild ride!
Viv
I have not, this would be my first. But it sounds like on heck of a great way to start.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I read Karina Bliss's, What The Librarian Did, the hero was a retired rock star but still very famous.
I read an excerpt of BP and can't wait to read more. Very hot!
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
No need to enter me, as I already own this outstanding book!
Number one was one of my favorite parts of the book!!! *sigh* He is so hot!
ROFL
I have to read this one now.
Definitely a rock star romance newbie, but after reading all the great reviews and comments, I would love to read it.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Those quotes! I'm feeling a little less than coherent.
Oh dear, and I'm a Rock Star Romance (novel) virgin.
d.septer at insightbb.com
What a great post! (and what a DIM author you ran into! Hello? First SALE means, "yes, I can and I DID"!)I've devoured, erm, READ this book. If you think these quotes are hot, wait until you read the rest of it! LOVED this book and can't wait for the rest!
I have met some famous singers, but I have never read a book that featured them. I would like to read the book, it sounds really good.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
One you forgot — rock stars are apparently funny as hell, if this post is any indication!
I have never read a rock star novel before. This would be the first time. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book and the entire series. Tore923@aol.com
Olivia, I didn't doubt you before and now I know for sure… rock stars are romantic! And sexy. And hot. And…. well, all that and a bag of chips too.
I've never read a rock star romance before so in that one area I'm a virgin. But that should be taken care of when I read these books about the Sinners. And wow, I'm looking forward to it.
never read a book with a rock star hero!! sounds really good tho. please enter me for this one.
follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Jamie- They definitely focus on the rock stars. Hopefully, you come away from the book feeling like you're one of them.
PoCoKat- I think it's time you were initiated.
James- I find that hard to believe.
You must be hanging around the wrong groupies.
Karra- LMAO! I'd read it!
Johanna- Thanks for your enthusiasm. I hope you like it!!
Mandi- That's because "they" say rock stars don't sell, so no one publishes them. Luckily, my editor takes chances.
VA- It is a pretty extreme book to lose your virginity to.
donnas- Be sure to hold on tight!
Scorpio- Brian's dad is a retired rock star. I don't think he'd make a good romance hero though.
Hey Amy! Brian's Beast is very nice indeed. *wiggles eyebrows*
Melissa- The whole book is funny, if you like to laugh and blush, I predict you'll like it.
Cathy M- Enjoy!
lulilut- I tried to be gentle with you virgins. The actual book is even hotter.
Kat- As long as you don't believe her, I'm happy.
Debbie- Do tell. Who have you met? Iquiring minds…
Other Lisa- I'm not sure if all rock stars are funny, but mine are.
Tore- Glad to have you on board.
Aries18- I hope the guys treat you well. Brian would definitely call you back. I'm not so sure about Sed, so it's best to start with book 1.
Good luck, Martha!
Congrats on your new release!
I don't think I have read a book with a rock star hero, but I've seen movies like that ("Hard to Hold" with Rick Springfield). Does that count?
cories119[at]yahoo.com
I was a rock star virgin until a friend shared this book with me. I freaking loved it and can't wait for the next book!! I would love to add this book to my collection!!
I love rock star stories! They're so sexy and energized. Two recent reads are both m/m…Rockstar by JM Snyder and Seeking Kokopelli by Shelley Munro. I enjoyed both but wish we would've seen more onstage moments.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Sad to say I am a rock star romance virgin. However I would love to try out a rock star romance.
apk1princess@live.com
I can't believe that BS author had the nerve to say something like that to you. It's true, romances with a rock star (or any kind of singer) as a lead, are hard to find, but any time I do come across them, they are usually auto-buys for me. Unfortunately, the last one I read wasn't very good (I'm not going to mention the title). I have high hopes for this one though. The excerpts are so good.
jen at delux dot com
What a great post!!!
OKay, I can't believe a hussy actually has to admit this… I am a virgin.. A rock star romance virgin…
*shakes head and walks away in shame*
I have seen quite a few reviews for this one and I have to say that it seems very hot!
Thanks for the chance!!
PS… (***waves and hugs to FV*** Hope all is well honey!!!)
I Have Never Read a rock star romance.but willing to give it a try
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
I've read some books where they were singers in them but I can't remember what kind of music they sung.
sstrode@scrtc.com
LOVED this post, it made me snort my drink I was laughing so hard:) Thanks for the giveaway!
supernaturalsnark@gmail.com
cories5- Nope, doesn't count. Go read my book, like, immediately.
JJFisher- Glad you liked it!
joder- There's a little m/m in this one, but it's not the main plot. Book 5, on the other hand, well…
Alexa- I like a person willing to try new things.
JenM- I hope this one lives up to your expectations. I think we need to prove BS author wrong.
Cecile- Your virginity must be remedied at once. Can't have a virgin hussy, now can we?
Stacey- Try it. I think you'll like it.
Sherry- Probably not metal, but musicians are sexy no matter what their genre.
Jenny- If this made you snork, I suggest you keep someone nearby to perform the heimlich when you read the book.
Yes! Finally! I haven't been one is so long, but at this I am a rock star romance novel virgin.
Please pop my cherry and pick me!
Exciting giveaway! Thanks.
missie at theunreadreader.com
I hate to admit that I'm a rock start romance novel virgin…
But I've had plenty of private fantasies about rock star romances
I reallyreallyreally want this book. I'm hoping to win it since I don't have the funds available to buy it right now.
ciara at ciaradallas dot com
Leos rock!! Mine's July 30, when's yours?
Loved this post & your top 10. I read & loved A Little Night Music by Sarah Dale. I've been waiting long time for another rock star book so I can't wait to read yours.
BTW if the best-selling author was really cool, she wouldn't have said that (if it's even true) about a book already written & sold. It's already a done deal!
That scene where he's writing the music on her is already on of my faves scenes ever in a book.
Hope you sell tons of books. Now that would be really cool.
Missie- LOL! I hope to do the honors. It would be a priviledge.
Ciara- Hope this book brings those fantasies to new heights. I'll be giving away books all month, so keep entering and hopefully you'll win one. Check my blog oliviacunning.wordpress.com for all the places you can enter to win.
Mary- Leos rule! Or they think they do. Heh! My b-d is August 13. I hope you enjoy it. Selling lots of books would be the ultimate I'll-show-you revenge against BS author. Y'all want to help me out, right? So I can keep writing rock 'n' roll fantasies for years.
I look forward in starting this series.
I read the Child's Prey series (yaoi novels) by Barbara Sheridan. The series was great.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
ok, I'm a rock star romance novel virgin and I must own this book
Everything about this novel appeals to me and I absolutely loved the top 10, put a wicked little smile on my face
june111@att.net
It sounds like a great series and I would love to read the first one
lynnflagler@yahoo.com
Must admit I'm a rock star romance virgin
Sounds like a great book!
smaccall@comcast.net
Catching up on all of your blog interviews, Olivia, and enjoying every one of them!
Way to show rock stars for the sexy romance heroes they can be!
I am a rock star romance virgin. This book sounds wonderful, and I'd love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
id be a rockstar romance virgin but sounds like ana wesoem read deff let them take the perverbial cherry this book sounds awesome!
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
Good luck,everyone! Thanks for your wonderful comments. I hope my book steals all your virginities.
I have read a book about a rock star but I can not think of any titles. Find they are usually fun, fast reads.
linze_e at hotmail.com
I have to admit that I have never read a rock star romance. This book sounds awesome and I have heard nothing but good things about this book! I can't wait to read it!
hangingwithbells@gmail.com
The only book that might qualify as a rock star romance is Adrian Phoenix's Rush of Wings…but not really.
I have a HUGE soft spot in my heart for drummers, so I'll be counting down for Eric's story.
Great post & Giveaway!
thespinecracker (at) gmail (dot) com
I've never read a rockstar book.
This looks good!
lovemybabysquid@yahoo.com
Olivia, I downloaded Backstage Pass on my ereader for free, thank you for that, and I loved it. I am so thrilled that book 2 is out because I want to keep reading about The Sinners, NOW and don’t have to wait. I hate to wait when I am hooked on a series.
I have been reading romance novels since I was
14 and I love all types I’ll start reading anything and I’ll stick with it if its good. All I have to say
about books about rockstars ABOUT DAMN TIME! What woman doesn’t get all hot and bothered about a dirty sexy bad boy rockstar? Now there are five to read about and fall in love with. I am going out and buying Sed’s book this week. And I will wait in anticipation to read Eric’s sweet Jace’s story, and sexy sexy Trey’s.
Don’t forget Olivia, rules are made to be broken, and The Sinners are just the kind if Guy you break the rules for!