A Tribute to the New Jersey - New York Kink Community.
Devastated by the death of his love, Lynn, Nicholas turned to the community they had become part of: the kink community. He reconnected with some old friends, and through them, met some new ones. Randee was an in-your-face, self-proclaimed slut, and Cassie was an intriguing, intimidating dominatrix. To Nicholas, they were just his friends.
Sometimes sex is just a distraction, but sometimes it can help to heal. For some people, sex is the only way they know how to seek or give comfort. Nicholas found an honesty and acceptance in the fetish community that he did not experience in his vanilla life. After his eye-opening relationship with Lynn, there was no going back. It was time to make new friends.
What some people are saying... "I don't even know what to say." - Kevin.
"I like to sit on my naked slave and paint on a canvas while he reads your books aloud to me." - Jennifer O'Neal, artist.
"I'm your mother. I will never read this book." - my mother
Nicholas Tanek is an author, speaker, and podcaster. He is best known for his memoir, The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself, which chronicles his experiences as a young man in the punk rock and BDSM subcultures of the 1990s. The book has been praised for its honesty and rawness in depicting Tanek’s struggles with addiction, depression, and unconventional sexuality.
Tanek has also written several other books, including Chipped Black Nail Polish, a novella about NJ punk rock romance, and Your Kinky Friends, a non-fiction book about alternative lifestyles and sexual practices. He hosts a podcast by the same name, in which he interviews people involved in BDSM, kink, and other alternative lifestyles.
In addition to his writing and podcasting, Tanek is a frequent speaker at events and conferences, where he discusses topics related to alternative lifestyles, mental health, and addiction recovery.
So, here we have a novel titled ‘Your Kinky Friends’. For transparency sake, I developed a close friendship with Nicholas Tanek after reading his debut novel, ‘The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself’. It was a book in which I was deeply moved to laughter, tears of joy and profound grief, but ultimately peace. Nicholas released a second novel, ‘Chipped Black Nail Polish’, a work of devotion to a woman who introduced him to the world of kink. I jumped right in to help him and his amazing group of supporters get it out there into the world.
Now, if you think you know the kink/fetish community because you’ve read all the top rated ‘dark erotica’ books and connected with as many authors as you can in order to, well, connect with anyone… think again. I, too, got caught up in the whirlwind of erotic novels that have been dropping all over digital delivery booksellers these last few years, and I thought I knew everything there was to know about kinky sex. Well guess what, I think most of us really haven’t got a clue about the kink community. And that is why I urge you to read Nicholas’ third novel, ‘Your Kinky Friends’.
This book brings us into the real world of kink through the introduction of some of Nicholas’ real friends in the community. At his darkest time, following the death of the love of his life, he turned to this community without really understanding that they would be there for him, without judgment, to save his life. And in return, he saved theirs’. To me, the book reads like several short stories woven together under an umbrella of desperately needing a place and people to feel comfortable enough to grieve, and to do so in whatever way one chooses to do so.
Nicholas again bares it all, heart, mind, soul, and yes, his body. He describes with intimate detail many sexual encounters in a very real and raw way. You will read no fluff here. You will read reality. You will read about everyday people getting on with their everyday lives who just happen to have a passion for being kinky. I’ll not describe what kinky means. As Nicholas emphasizes, the term ‘kinky’, relative to sex, has a different definition for every individual. It cannot be bound by a single definition. You must explore it yourself and come to your own understanding of what your own ‘kinky’ will be. This third book is certainly not a ‘how to’ manual on how to find kink. But, I think you will come away from it wanting to know for yourself what kink means to you. To that end, ‘Your Kinky Friends’ will at times make you feel a little uncomfortable to read… but that is its intent. You are reading the real deal. I believe Nicholas captured the kink community accurately. I think it’s the first time I’ve read a book that has done that. And do you know why I think that? I think that because these people are just like you. They are just like me. Just…people trying to live. I kept trying to find the ‘dark erotica’ in it. I kept thinking ‘Yep, this chapter will have it’. But it never came. But believe me when I tell you there is a lot of coming… and going in there. Read it and enlighten yourself.
And to Nicholas, thank you again for opening your heart and soul to your readers. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to walk this path with you.
Its a very important tale. Its a tale that I feel isn't told much. How many stories end in death with no follow up of what comes next? (Looking at you Nicholas Sparks) I went into this book with dread. I had just finished The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself and was doing my own little bit of coping the way avid readers who have had some similar experiences often do. Yet, something in my brain wouldn't allow me to quit.
I'm glad I stuck with it. Its definitely a lighter read than The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself, but offers many similar qualities and themes such as love, friendship, and second chances. Its very colorful, but in a totally different way than the last book. Instead of a lot of the "fun" being focused on drug addiction, its focused on the real life Jersey kink scene which is also something that isn't focused on much. Jersey aside, the literary world is very lacking in what it is really like to be a new-ish kinkster looking for your place in the world. I think a lot of people could really benefit from hearing this story.
Just like when I read The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself I was a bit Skeptical on whether or not this would be a book that I would enjoy. I was once again surprised at the way Nicholas took a story and made it such a fun enjoyable read. But just like with The Coolest way and Chipped Black Nail Polish this is a book that I will not soon get over and will stick with me for years to come. Nicholas tells a story about his “Kinky Friends” but in reality we all have a friend just like each and every one of his. This is a story about True Friends and how those friends helped him through one of the toughest times of his life. Grieving the Loss of the Love of his Life Lynn. These friends helped encourage him to write his Book for her. Helped him find his inspiration to sit down and just type up all of his memories, putting himself completely out there and being brutally honest. I laughed, I cried and I felt the emotions of both him and his friends. Nicholas is a very emotional person and it comes through in his writing. Whether you are Kinky, Vanilla or you are someone who deep down knows they are Kinky but afraid to come out and tell anyone or put themselves out there. I urge you all to read this book. As I was reading I could picture my friends who have the same personalities as his. I could see myself friends with Randee, Cassie, Desmond, Luna and all of the others. We all have the small group of friends that we would do anything for. If they called and said can you do me a favor would not hesitate to say yes even before we knew what they were asking? We all have a group of friends we love and would do anything for. This is a story that shows just what true friendship is. This book reminded me that everyone comes into our lives for a reason, at the time we may not know what that reason is and to some they might not be able to ever know but to an outsider it might be very clear to see. Don’t judge this book by the title or Cover, open your mind and dive in to a story you will not soon forget. I am honored to call Nicholas my friend. Reading his books makes be wish I was creative.
Well he has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. Nicholas Tanek has taken us on a ride of epic proportions. Those of us who have read his other two books, "The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself" and "Chipped Black Nail Polish", have grown to love Lynn, Nicholas and their story. Nicholas takes us through his grief process when Lynn passed and gives us the ultimate tour. He doesn't hold back and shows himself in a very vulnerable light. He is brave and he is human. The people along the way that he meets only enhances the irresistable urge to continue reading. We meet some loving kinky people and they remand us all of how we should live more freely. Throw aside feelings of people that are in your life to hold you back and press forward to those that accept you the way that you are and want to help you continue on your path.
Nicholas has showed us his dark, kinky secrets, along with his love of music and the roles they played in his life, not only with Lynn, but with others as well.
Once again I am blown away by this author, this man I have come to know and refer to as my friend. I just finished reading this remarkable piece of work. I say this as an honest review on this book. Each of us deal with the loss of a loved one in different ways, and Nicholas has the talent to put his way in writing in a manner that makes the reader feel like they are taking the journey right along with him, not reading a journal of events. I have enjoyed reading this book, as well as experiencing feelings of sadness and loss, I fell like it was a privilege to be let in on more of the secrets locked inside this author's mind, and I am greatful for it. Dear Nicholas, you are truly a talented author and should never stop writing. I look forward to your next book.
The thing with new-to-me authors is I never know what to expect. When I start a book, I always keep an open mind because I never know what I'm going to read. With Your Kinky Friends, it was no different. I opened the book, began reading, and thought this is going to suck me in with no problem at all. And it did.
Here is the other thing, the writing style was so familiar that I realized that I had read something by Nicholas. The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself!
This book, just like the last one I read by him, completely blew my expectations out of the water. I loved every second of this and was sad when I got to the last page. Nicholas writes with ease and gives you characters you can fall head over heels for. Your Kinky Friends was funny. fiesty, heartwarming, and overall a wonderful read.
Ok so I've had the pleasure of reading Your Kinky Friends by Nicholas Tanek and I have never seen an author that can take basically a biography and make it feel like you were actually there with them feeling every emotion along with them. This is an author that the world needs to watch out for because he will take the work by storm. His writing still is what makes the book so enjoyable because you feel like you're there with him through out all of the ups and downs. So go one click now if you are 18yrs or older I promise that you won't be disappointed, I know I wasn't.
I must admit, I was concerned to start this book and let it sit on my kindle for a bit, as the topic can cut close to the quick for me, but I'm SO GLAD I read it. Nicholas provides such an authentic look into his process with finding a "new normal" and how friends both new and old, and a community help him on the journey that is profound loss. Even if you have not been in those shoes, the story is moving and wonderful. A fantastic and honest read.
Book number three - Nicholas is back! I wasn't sure how he could pull off a funny book about mourning, but he did. As always, there is an interesting, flawed-yet-endearing cast of characters who feel like your own friends as you get pulled right into this story. If you have read The Coolest Way, this story follows Nicholas through the difficult months immediately following Lynn's death, up until he finds his focus and begins writing in earnest. If you haven't read The Coolest Way, don't be deterred. This novel is stand alone. Possibly my favorite, to date, but that's a tough choice. This emotional story is told in an honest (and often hilarious) way, as Nicholas immerses himself in fetish culture, trying to find his way again. It pulls you right in and moves quickly. Sometimes sexy... but often, incredibly awkward. My favorite chapter title is "Sad Guy at the Gang Bang." Curious?
It's hard to find the right words for a book like Your Kinky Friends that is beyond brilliant. It is a remarkable story that is beautiful and full of love. The honesty of each word and the raw emotions transports you right into Your Kinky Friends. You meet people like Randee, Cassie, Desmond, and a variety of others who are so intriguing you can help but want more time with each of them. It's Nicholas Tanek's excellent writing style that brings this all to life. He makes you feel like you're with him every single step of the way. You feel the grief and vulnerability as he explores the kink community when he puts himself out there. The intimate moments remembering Lynn and the undeniable connection of a love that was perfect for two people. All of these things combined make it unlike any other book. What makes You Kinky Friends a true standout is that it's a book about the connections among people. It's the friendships and relationships you make, along with the ability to be yourself. It is definitely a book you want to read and experience. There are not enough words to say how much I truly loved this book. I didn't want it to end and I'll be re-reading more than a few times. It's time's like this I wish there were more than 5-stars. Your Kinky Friends by Nicholas Tanek is a book that you'll need and want to read.
This book is heartbreaking but at the same time so heart warming. Nicholas shares something so personal that most people can relate to on some level. Through his book, he has given as window into a period of his life; the trials he faced and the friendships that help him on his journey.
This book made me eager to read on, to keep up with Nicholas's story, but at the same time, I wanted to slow down, I wasn't eager to relive the goodbyes to come.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Kink or vanilla, we can all relate to someone or something in this book.
Thank you Nicholas for sharing such a deeply personal book.
Nicholas takes you on an adventure into the world of kink in the most humble and entertaining way. Every character in the book is described in such detail that truly does make them feel like one of your own kinky friends. He writes about his grief in such a palpable way that you can feel the depth of his sorrow, but his delivery is with his own sense of humor and adorable awkwardness that it’s endearing and I found myself rooting for him the whole time. This book was one of a kind and I truly enjoyed experiencing all of Nicholas’ adventures through his writing and am hopeful he will have more in the future to share with us.
I love the brutal honestly, raw vulnerability of the story telling. It felt casual, it felt personal; I cried several times resonating with that feeling of loss. Having found comfort and acceptance in the Bdsm community, I feel that is also conveyed beautifully through this book. I cannot wait to promote this at my library