The erotic novel "A Gronking to Remember" has just been slapped with a lawsuit to remember, and its author can't be happy about what it means for her now famous book.
The romance novel inspired by Rob Gronkowski, and laden with sexual innuendos and references involving football, became infamous during the NFL season and playoffs last year. Rob Grownkowski even appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show to read some passages aloud.
But the erotic novel might not have the happy ending it had hoped for. It turns out the couple on the photo is suing the book and its author -- who writes under the pseudonym Lacey Noonan -- for using one of their engagement photos without authorization.
The lawsuit is alleging that the photo was found online and appropriated without consent.
"The subject matter of the book, A Gronking to Remember, is less than tasteful and is offensive," according to the complaint. "The use of the Plaintiffs image has held them up to ridicule and embarrassment. This outrageous connection has been further aggravated when the book, with the Plaintiffs image, has been reproduced in the media nationwide.
"The book has been shown as a source of ribald humor on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live as well as being displayed and read before the press at media day for the Super Bowl."
The couple, who live in Ohio, are suing over a violation of their rights of publicity. In addition to Noonan, the lawsuit names Amazon, Barnes & Noble & Apple for making the book available through their eBook stores.
Noonan and her representative have not commented on the matter yet.
The couple is seeking damages of at least $25,000. That seeks like more than a fair price for being plastered on the cover of a Rob Gronkowski-themed romance novel, it seems more than appropriate that they be compensated.
