What do you think?
Rate this book
Unplugged
When Mara Giordano comes knocking on his door, Tagg Holland sees a light at the end of his decade-long tunnel of despair.
Suddenly, the call to fall in love and to reemerge as the Nation's most beloved rocker (along with Jon Bon Jovi) urges him to put the wheels in motion and try romance as well as head back to the stage.
With his mother's support and a new relationship budding, Tagg believes he will finally overcome his tragedy and grow from it...until another near-fatal accident threatens Tagg's resolve and sends him plummeting once again.
With his emotional stability teetering on the edge of another breakdown, Tagg Holland may not have the strength to overcome a second casualty. Will the love he'd found in the last few months be strong enough to see him through?
Will he reemerge as the soulful singer, someone like Chris Daughtry, who is loved and respected...or will he end up like Jeff Buckley - dead?
Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star) is a contemporary romantic suspense...an epic rock star romance that will have you pulling for this underdog of a hero.
Book Cover Designed and Illustrated by Brian Scully
Suddenly, the call to fall in love and to reemerge as the Nation's most beloved rocker (along with Jon Bon Jovi) urges him to put the wheels in motion and try romance as well as head back to the stage.
With his mother's support and a new relationship budding, Tagg believes he will finally overcome his tragedy and grow from it...until another near-fatal accident threatens Tagg's resolve and sends him plummeting once again.
With his emotional stability teetering on the edge of another breakdown, Tagg Holland may not have the strength to overcome a second casualty. Will the love he'd found in the last few months be strong enough to see him through?
Will he reemerge as the soulful singer, someone like Chris Daughtry, who is loved and respected...or will he end up like Jeff Buckley - dead?
Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star) is a contemporary romantic suspense...an epic rock star romance that will have you pulling for this underdog of a hero.
Book Cover Designed and Illustrated by Brian Scully
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2011
About the author
J.P. Grider
19 books149 followersJ.P. Grider is a New Adult and Young Adult author who is a sucker for a good love story - whether it's reading one or writing one. And when she's not reading or writing a fairy tale, she's living one.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 20, 2011
I give Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star) a 5-Star Review!!
J.P. Grider's writing style as well as her character and story-line development are amazing! As her characters came alive right away, it was easy to click with each one, and that's not always an easy accomplishment for a writer. I believe J.P. Grider is another up and coming author who will go the distance, and I for one, cannot wait to read more of her works! It's not often that I re-read any book, but I have already read Unplugged twice, it's that addictive and I just can't get enough! I'm sure I'll read it more in the future!
Tagg Holland is a washed-up, self-destructive, retired Rock Star. He feels that the tragic events of one fateful night are his fault, and he carries the burden heavily on his shoulders, alone. After he quits his band, Holland, Tagg goes into seclusion to grieve and drown his guilt in booze and drugs, and he feels it only fair after the tragedy he thinks he caused.
He allows himself to pack on the pounds, lets his once-gorgeous hair grow ratty and not appealing in the least, and grows an excessive amount of truly unattractive facial hair. Why? Because, even though he doesn't get out much, when he does, he has absolutely no desire to be recognized as the once-hot Tagg Holland, former Rock Star. And, because that would be too easy; it would allow him to get on with the business of living again. It might also force him to cease his reclusive ways and actually look forward to something. Anything.
His dad pushes for Tagg and the band to reunite and go back out into the world again, to live. But he doesn't want that because he feels he is one of the most undeserving screw-ups in the world. That is, until his mom decides to put her foot down and gives him little choice in the matter of cleaning up his act. Little does anyone realize at the time, but that just may happen, in the literal sense.
When a petite young woman with huge, familiar brown-eyes shows up on his doorstep informing him that she will be his personal fitness trainer, things begin to change. Emotions, feelings, and things Tagg never wanted to deal with again seemingly begin to look like real possibilities. Ones that may just be feasible, if only he would open up and be more accepting. As things start to take a new shape in his life, he begins to realize the self-imposed, lifelong guilt he was not willing to give up, might be ready to give him up.
Eventually, Tagg comes to see that he's been missing out, letting life pass him by. And even though he never thought it was possible, he feels a powerful longing to live again. To love again. To just be again.
This is an awesome read and if I keep going, I'll tell you the whole story. What fun would that be? Exactly, lol. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever given up, or even toyed with the idea. And to those of you who love to watch people bloom, to feel their emotions come alive, and to see the character's lives take a huge turn that will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for an HEA for Tagg Holland; washed-up, has-been Rock Star.
Will he reunite his old band? Will he ever give his heart permission to open up and love again? You'll have to buy a copy of Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star), by J.P. Grider, to find out! You won't regret it, this is an awesome book!
J.P. Grider's writing style as well as her character and story-line development are amazing! As her characters came alive right away, it was easy to click with each one, and that's not always an easy accomplishment for a writer. I believe J.P. Grider is another up and coming author who will go the distance, and I for one, cannot wait to read more of her works! It's not often that I re-read any book, but I have already read Unplugged twice, it's that addictive and I just can't get enough! I'm sure I'll read it more in the future!
Tagg Holland is a washed-up, self-destructive, retired Rock Star. He feels that the tragic events of one fateful night are his fault, and he carries the burden heavily on his shoulders, alone. After he quits his band, Holland, Tagg goes into seclusion to grieve and drown his guilt in booze and drugs, and he feels it only fair after the tragedy he thinks he caused.
He allows himself to pack on the pounds, lets his once-gorgeous hair grow ratty and not appealing in the least, and grows an excessive amount of truly unattractive facial hair. Why? Because, even though he doesn't get out much, when he does, he has absolutely no desire to be recognized as the once-hot Tagg Holland, former Rock Star. And, because that would be too easy; it would allow him to get on with the business of living again. It might also force him to cease his reclusive ways and actually look forward to something. Anything.
His dad pushes for Tagg and the band to reunite and go back out into the world again, to live. But he doesn't want that because he feels he is one of the most undeserving screw-ups in the world. That is, until his mom decides to put her foot down and gives him little choice in the matter of cleaning up his act. Little does anyone realize at the time, but that just may happen, in the literal sense.
When a petite young woman with huge, familiar brown-eyes shows up on his doorstep informing him that she will be his personal fitness trainer, things begin to change. Emotions, feelings, and things Tagg never wanted to deal with again seemingly begin to look like real possibilities. Ones that may just be feasible, if only he would open up and be more accepting. As things start to take a new shape in his life, he begins to realize the self-imposed, lifelong guilt he was not willing to give up, might be ready to give him up.
Eventually, Tagg comes to see that he's been missing out, letting life pass him by. And even though he never thought it was possible, he feels a powerful longing to live again. To love again. To just be again.
This is an awesome read and if I keep going, I'll tell you the whole story. What fun would that be? Exactly, lol. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever given up, or even toyed with the idea. And to those of you who love to watch people bloom, to feel their emotions come alive, and to see the character's lives take a huge turn that will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for an HEA for Tagg Holland; washed-up, has-been Rock Star.
Will he reunite his old band? Will he ever give his heart permission to open up and love again? You'll have to buy a copy of Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star), by J.P. Grider, to find out! You won't regret it, this is an awesome book!
January 3, 2012
Not usually a fan of fiction, I am however a fan of rock and roll, so when I saw this book I just had to give it a whirl...and I'm glad I did. The story was very entertaining and moved along at a nice pace - not too long or boring like some stories can be when they draw out a scene too long - nope this one keept my interest and was so believable that I had to keep reminding myself I was not reading a memoir of Tagg Holland - the main rocker of which the story follows, which is not always predictable, I must add. There were times I was surprised at where the story went, not expecting some parts, as it takes on a bit of a mystery at one point.
Well written, entertaining, and fun...if you love rockers & have ever had a fantasy about being with one of your childhood idols (and really, who hasn't?) this book will certainly be up your alley.
Well written, entertaining, and fun...if you love rockers & have ever had a fantasy about being with one of your childhood idols (and really, who hasn't?) this book will certainly be up your alley.
January 20, 2012
Tagg Holland had life handed to him on a silver platter. He was the son of a rock star, and one himself, until tragedy struck and his life turned to nothing more than a wreck. It took a year for a light to pierce the darkness but destiny had another life in mind for Taggart Holland, an interesting life indeed.
Wow, is all I have to say. I live with a musician myself and I know just how much music is a part of a person's life. I have also dealt with the loss and the way they pull back into themselves. This book was an inspiring tale of determination to bring oneself out of that dark space. It captured all of the emotions that music brings into a life, and mingled it with the suspensefulness of a mystery. I couldn't put this book down. I cried with it, I laughed with it, and I would recommend this to anyone with a romantic side.
Wow, is all I have to say. I live with a musician myself and I know just how much music is a part of a person's life. I have also dealt with the loss and the way they pull back into themselves. This book was an inspiring tale of determination to bring oneself out of that dark space. It captured all of the emotions that music brings into a life, and mingled it with the suspensefulness of a mystery. I couldn't put this book down. I cried with it, I laughed with it, and I would recommend this to anyone with a romantic side.
April 28, 2012
Gee I really, really wanted to love this book.
From the synopsis I thought I was going to. I'm on this never-ending hunt for a good music/rock based book after How To Kill a Rock Star and Effortless/Thoughtless but finding it sooo hard! I want to feel the passion I felt while reading those books.
I was hoping this one was going to scratch that it but it didn't.
I found it way too melodramatic. I don't know if I missed something in this book or whether I just wasn't feeling it.
I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between the Tagg and Mara. They were sweet but that was it for me.
There was a lot going on and I just couldn't get into it all.
This book had solid reviews, but for some reason it just wasn't for me.
From the synopsis I thought I was going to. I'm on this never-ending hunt for a good music/rock based book after How To Kill a Rock Star and Effortless/Thoughtless but finding it sooo hard! I want to feel the passion I felt while reading those books.
I was hoping this one was going to scratch that it but it didn't.
I found it way too melodramatic. I don't know if I missed something in this book or whether I just wasn't feeling it.
I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between the Tagg and Mara. They were sweet but that was it for me.
There was a lot going on and I just couldn't get into it all.
This book had solid reviews, but for some reason it just wasn't for me.
November 12, 2011
I am writing this to let the reader know how much the music of Daughtry and some early selections of Keith Urban played a role in this book. If you listen to most songs of Daughtry, you will get a glimpse of Tagg Holland's soul. I list a 'soundtrack' on my website if you would like to see which particular songs. Thank you for reading my book.
November 25, 2011
If you have not picked up Unplugged I strongly encourage you to do so. J.P Grider knows the heart of her characters. You can literally feel the authors soul in her writing. This book takes you through conflict, love and tragedy. As a reader I was not disappointed.
April 29, 2012
Tagg Holland used to be a rock star but after a tragic night he leaves it behind and wallows in guilt and he turns to drink and drugs to try and get over what had happened. This only leads him on a downward spiral and he struggles to get over the night he fears was down to him.
Not only does he turn to drink and drugs but he lets himself go in so many other ways, he puts on weight and doesn't brush his hair because he hates the thought of anyone knowing who he is so he trys everything to disguise himself.
Tagg is so down on him self that when his dad trys to push him into making a new start with the band he hates the idea. He doesn't think he should have the chance at a good life. But as mums know best she puts her foot down, sick of seeing him the way he is she makes a stand and makes him sort him self out.
this is where the personal trainer comes in to it. A small beautiful woman who he seems to know, As the two work together she helps him see things clearly and makes him see what he has been missing out on and he lets the past be the past and moves on with his life.
Hmmmm what to say, what to say. My heart went out to Tagg and I so wanted him to be OK. I wanted to be the on to give him the kick up the ass that he needed to move on with his life. If you are a person who cry at books then id really keep your hankies near because Tag will be pulling at those heart strings. This story was well written and I guess can be described as an inspiration to people who want to give up on life.
Not only does he turn to drink and drugs but he lets himself go in so many other ways, he puts on weight and doesn't brush his hair because he hates the thought of anyone knowing who he is so he trys everything to disguise himself.
Tagg is so down on him self that when his dad trys to push him into making a new start with the band he hates the idea. He doesn't think he should have the chance at a good life. But as mums know best she puts her foot down, sick of seeing him the way he is she makes a stand and makes him sort him self out.
this is where the personal trainer comes in to it. A small beautiful woman who he seems to know, As the two work together she helps him see things clearly and makes him see what he has been missing out on and he lets the past be the past and moves on with his life.
Hmmmm what to say, what to say. My heart went out to Tagg and I so wanted him to be OK. I wanted to be the on to give him the kick up the ass that he needed to move on with his life. If you are a person who cry at books then id really keep your hankies near because Tag will be pulling at those heart strings. This story was well written and I guess can be described as an inspiration to people who want to give up on life.
March 13, 2013
I love rock star books, and this was free, so I was happy to give it a try. It started off okay, although the writing was rather clunky, and Tagg, the lead character, was whiny and annoying. I figured the book would be about his redemption and journey back to self-respect and I like damaged characters, so I kept reading. Unfortunately, by mid-way through the book, I was wincing at the writing, which had descended from average to downright bad, and Tagg's weakness and selfishness, which actually got worse rather than better. Mara, meanwhile, was impossibly good. She just kept forgiving him, no matter what he did, and I couldn't figure out why a woman as strong as her would be attracted to such a weak guy. Since she'd been a big fan of his, I guess it was because she couldn't believe her idol had such feet of clay? The odd mystery plot involving a woman that appeared to be stalking Tagg was also poorly executed, and the plot points involving what happened to Mara as a result of this woman's actions were not at all realistic (trying not to give spoilers here). At least I didn't spend any money on the book but I really can't recommend it.
November 12, 2011
In this novel,JP Grider takes her readers not only on a journey of redemption,but also infinite hope.The character of Tagg speaks to everyone who ever had life's tribulations hamper their way and how he deals with it is an inspiration for all.To me,this book is a song,a power ballad of our times,and its author the songbird performing it to an enraptured audience,hitting every glory note with pitch perfection.Bravo JP Grider!
May 20, 2015
Completely dull. I couldn't connect with the charcaters for the life of me. The main character was so emotional and cried every other chapter which was just annoying. I had a ridiculously hard time finishing this book, wasn't worth the time.
June 7, 2017
This contemporary romance seems to have aspirations to be literary fiction, but it doesn't quite reach the mark. The vocabulary didn't fit the circumstances of the story. The book is written in the first person from the hero's perspective which felt awkward. The flowery descriptions of his depression would have sounded better if they weren't coming out of his own mouth. Relating to the characters was difficult and rather than imagining the couple's happy life at the end of the story, I was picturing the inevitable train wreck that was in their future.
**NOTE: I have the original e-book that was made available in 2012. I've read here on Goodreads that the author did a big re-write of certain chapters and an overall re-edit. This revised edition was supposed to be pushed to anyone who owned the Kindle edition, but I never got it.**
**NOTE: I have the original e-book that was made available in 2012. I've read here on Goodreads that the author did a big re-write of certain chapters and an overall re-edit. This revised edition was supposed to be pushed to anyone who owned the Kindle edition, but I never got it.**
February 13, 2018
Good book
Pretty good story! A little jumpy but entertaining and romantic! I really liked Mara and the mystery of Crystal's death was pretty intriguing too
Pretty good story! A little jumpy but entertaining and romantic! I really liked Mara and the mystery of Crystal's death was pretty intriguing too
April 11, 2018
Seriously wanted to smack Tagg up side the back of his head way to many times, sheesh! Somethings were kinda left hanging that would have made a better story if buttoned up. Enjoyable read.
March 19, 2013
This novel is about
a lead singer in a Rock band named Tagg Holland.
Tagg meet Crystal Cummings, a beautiful movie actress.
After six months of dating, Tagg asked Crystal to marry him.
Their marriage was joyful at a time, but when their schedules allowed them to be together. Crystal would be shooting a movie and Tagg was on tour with his band.
In between time Tagg’s life style he wasn’t faithful.
Tagg wasn’t proud of this. One night Tagg and Ronnie attend a party a woman stated talking to Tagg. Drinks one after another made Tagg lose judgement. He invited the girl from the club back to his house he shared with his wife. In there bed room Tagg started to have sex with her. The door swung open and Crystal stood at the door watching, before storming out of his life. Crystal was in a accident and died. Tagg’s life turned upside down depressed, and with guilt for Crystal’s death. Until Mara turns up in Tagg’s life and starts to live and love once again. I love reading this great story.
a lead singer in a Rock band named Tagg Holland.
Tagg meet Crystal Cummings, a beautiful movie actress.
After six months of dating, Tagg asked Crystal to marry him.
Their marriage was joyful at a time, but when their schedules allowed them to be together. Crystal would be shooting a movie and Tagg was on tour with his band.
In between time Tagg’s life style he wasn’t faithful.
Tagg wasn’t proud of this. One night Tagg and Ronnie attend a party a woman stated talking to Tagg. Drinks one after another made Tagg lose judgement. He invited the girl from the club back to his house he shared with his wife. In there bed room Tagg started to have sex with her. The door swung open and Crystal stood at the door watching, before storming out of his life. Crystal was in a accident and died. Tagg’s life turned upside down depressed, and with guilt for Crystal’s death. Until Mara turns up in Tagg’s life and starts to live and love once again. I love reading this great story.
January 29, 2013
This was certainly one book where I was sad to see "the end"! I really enjoyed "Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star)". The way Tagg, the lead character, was portrayed was very realistic and heartfelt. I could tell the author put great feeling into the whole story, especially Tagg. I enjoyed Mara's story as well and I felt that the romance between her and Tagg was at a perfect pace; not rushed, and not where the romantic tension was dragged out too long. The plot was very well thought out, and the major twist in the story was one I sure didn't see coming! The end was a surprise to me, but I loved it. When I was reading this book, it was as if I was looking into Tagg's life. I really hope this book is made into a movie someday. I think it would be a big hit!
If you want a great, entertaining read, I definitely recommend getting this book! :-)
If you want a great, entertaining read, I definitely recommend getting this book! :-)
October 15, 2012
Not only was this a romance but it had many twist that I didn't see coming. I have read so many books lately that I can almost predict what will happen but some of the things in this book threw me for a loop.
The only thing I wasn't happy with was the ending. I can only hope that it ended like it did because there will be a next book to create a series for Tagg and Mara. Crossing fingers this will happen.
This book was well written and development of the characters was amazing.
The only thing I wasn't happy with was the ending. I can only hope that it ended like it did because there will be a next book to create a series for Tagg and Mara. Crossing fingers this will happen.
This book was well written and development of the characters was amazing.
November 9, 2012
I loved this story. After reading a few books that have taken me for emotional upheavals lately this was just a good sweet story. I finished it one day and although it did miss a bit of angst here and there I found it was a perfect read to balance out my emotions. I did think the ending was a little rushed and the whole crystal affair and the aftermath of the truth could have been developed a little more but all in all, it was great.
November 22, 2015
You can find more reviews Mademoisellesnow Blog
I had a lot trouble finishing this book. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters throughout the book and it took me quite a while to keep motivated into reading till the end. I just felt that the story just kept going when it should have ended and it just dragged on. Didn’t quite enjoy the story between them or the supporting characters.
I had a lot trouble finishing this book. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters throughout the book and it took me quite a while to keep motivated into reading till the end. I just felt that the story just kept going when it should have ended and it just dragged on. Didn’t quite enjoy the story between them or the supporting characters.
November 4, 2012
Touching book of guilt, loss, addiction, depression an how easily one single event can shape an change a persons life.
Many times I found myself with chills as I read this book.
Shocking an unexpected events keep you guessing what will happen next.
Many times I found myself with chills as I read this book.
Shocking an unexpected events keep you guessing what will happen next.
November 6, 2012
not sure I'm going to be able to finish this one....keep hoping it will get better but it's not. May come back to it as I really want to know what happens with Tagg and Mara but the writing style just isn't working for me.
December 18, 2012
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed Taggart and Mara's little story. Right away, we know how much Mara effects Taggart , the wounded rock star who had exiled himself from the world to limit his pain. Slowly, Taggart becomes a part of the world as Mara whips him into shape-physically, mentally and spiritually.
January 23, 2012
I loved this story. So well written! I highly recommend it!!!
March 26, 2012
WHAT A GREAT FIRST BOOK! I enjoyed this book so much, I am looking forward to reading more by this up and coming author.
Read
May 9, 2012This was a fun read. Interesting to see how others view the life of a rock star. Would love to compare to the truth.
August 18, 2012
I was surprised at how much I loved this novel! After reading some rock star biographies as well; this really rang true.
kindle-i-own-to-read
October 13, 2012Amazon Freebie 10/12/2012
February 19, 2013
Liked this one...nice and fast read!
January 13, 2014
A good read, but I would have preferred more rock star and less romance.
August 10, 2015
ARC provided via netGalley for an honest review
Review to come
http://lilisbooks.canalblog.com/archi...
Review to come
http://lilisbooks.canalblog.com/archi...
March 24, 2012
Loved it! Great first book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews