| Title | : | Plastic Confidence (The Good Bye Trilogy, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 285 |
| Publication | : | First published August 18, 2014 |
Meet Julia Delaney, a.k.a Jules, the lead singer of Love Sick Ponies, sex superstar, and a heart full of rocks. She loves them and leaves them, a bad girl through and through.
That is until she meets Brennan Curtis, a fan boy, a wannabe friend, and the only one who can possibly tear Jules’ walls down.
When the plastic snaps wide open, Jules finds herself in a vulnerable and awkward situation with Brennan and her band.
Jules’ journey of self-discovery started at a young age and her self- image, which is ingrained in her brain, might just be there for life. Desperate to alter how people view her, she realizes that she might never be able to escape the past.
Follow the past ghosts into the now for the emotional roller coaster ride you all expect from Alisa Mullen.
A ROCK STAR Suspense New Adult Romance Fiction. Mature Audiences Only 17+
Plastic Confidence (The Good Bye Trilogy, #1) Reviews
-
First off, I want to say this is the first book of this author I have read. It was AMAZEBALLS!!
This book made me angry, sad, happy and OMG WTF just happened!
Jules Delaney was recognized as a 'slut', after a OUIJA board telling her that's what she was going to be when she grew up.
Not only was she a 'slut', she was the lead singer in a popular band, Love Sick Ponies.
Johnny was her friend and band member for years, but always ended up hurting Jules.
Brennan happened to be in the right spot at the right time. He and Jules felt an instant connection. Until she found out about his other life.
Then more starts to go wrong, so Jules retreats to an island, where she goes on to live happy.
"Damn, you can verbally vomit on any body part of me you want to."
What will Jules choose? A life of happiness on the island by herself?? With Johnny?? Or maybe Brennan??
I was so angry with some of the characters in this book, Johnny, Brennan & Jules. In the end, I believe she made the right choice.
Adored the ending of PLASTIC CONFIDENCE. Great job by the author!! -
Holy Hell I'm Cheering on my TEAM for a FIVE Star Victory!!!!!
Okay so here's the deal, this is the first book of Alisa Mullen I've had the chance to read. I was stuck in a writing rut of my own and had the time to sit back and enjoy a good book. When I opened up Plastic Confidence I wasn't too sure what to expect, but let me tell you I was sucked in by the story and the characters.
I formed a quick opinion of our dynamic trio Jules, Brennan and Johnny pretty quickly. In fact I was sending nasty messages to the author letting out my reader frustrations, in a nice way of course :)
Jules, lead singer of the Love Sick Ponies, has the life many would dream of in the palm of her hands. She successful, famous, beautiful and could have just about any man she wants.
Johnny, member of Love Sick Ponies, has fallen hard for Jules to an extent. He'll do just about anything to ensure their connection is lock tight, no matter who he needs to push away.
Brennan, oh Brennan....did I say Brennan? Yes I am team Brennan right from the moment his eyes lock onto Jules at the show. He's tall, dark, handsome and wow comes with a bit of baggage too.
This trio of characters pulls you in so many directions you won't know what hit you till you reach the very end. As much as I was routing for the one to step up and get his head out of his ass, I was pouting for the other. The emotions of this story were on par and I didn't want it to end...well done my friend!
Great story and Alisa definitely has a reader for life in her back pocket. -
so I had the pleasure of beta reading this book!
Jules to me is a walking example of what and who we become when we allow what others say and do influence us!
this book offers the reader a lot to think about as well as given us one of the most honest and tragic love stories in my eyes Bren( ohh you may swoon) is not only extremely sexy but he sees Jules on a level that no one else ever has and he fights and loves like no one ever has but ultimately Jules has to learn to fight and love herself before anyone else truely can.
throw in a love triangle, open marriages, and childhood images of disbelief and this book has it all!!
I loved every page that Jules took us on as I think a lot if not all women can relate and identify with her on some level!!
I highly recommend this book to everyone!!
Its a beautifully ugly love story that will own you and live with you for a very long time!! -
Plastic Confidence
This book did many things. It made me laugh, it made me wince, it made me upset, and it made me sad. Bottom line it made me feel. I was invested in the characters, and hungry to learn more about their past, motivations, and why they were the way they were. This is a complex tale. It spans time, stages in life, and tough situations. Ms. Mullen isn’t afraid to keep things, real, raw, and in your face.
I went through hell and back with the heroine, Julia. Just like any good friendship we had our ups and downs. I met her when she was thirteen, and boy did she change over the years. I wanted to shake her, hug her, tell her she was worth so much more, but they were lessons she had to learn on her own, and in her own time. Her mistakes were painful to watch, but real and honest. I was so connected to this woman the entire way through. Once a small town girl, the budding rock star faces numerous trails as she faces stardom, past issues unresolved, and men. Sassy, snarky, and deeply hurt Julia is a handful, and at times hard to take or understand. Until you see what lies under the surface. Ms. Mullen has a real knack for getting you invested, and being true to the character. Mullen never prettied up Julia, her past, or her choices, and she always showed the consequences of Julia’s choices. I admired that.
There are many males in Julia’s life. All of them play important parts. They’re pieces to the puzzle, her hell and her heaven. I’ll mention two of the most important to be fair. Johnny, the sexy, blonde is a fellow band member who breaks something inside her that takes a long time to mend, and even longer time for her to pinpoint. Sometimes we lie to ourselves, or ignore what’s in front of us, Julia was no different. But in that same statement, I don’t think Johnny was either. The rock and roll bad boy loved her as much as he could, but there are things inside him we’ve yet to learn about I think he may need to fix. I loved and hated him, but he never had a dull moment. I’m hoping to learn more about him in the next book. *hint hint Ms. Mulles. . I don’t say hero for a reason. They were all anti heroes. Real strong, flawed, men who made mistakes, plenty of them in fact, as they learned grew and at times made a mess of their lives. I think that’s the charm of this book.
The next male lead is Brennan. There’s so much I want to say, but I can’t, least I ruin the ride that this story is by dropping a spoiler. He’s a mystery, an elusive, sexy, seemingly perfect man. Sensitive, intelligent, and tattooed he’ll make you love you him, and then quietly break your heart. He’s everything a woman could want, but for reasons sometimes out of his control, he’s always just out of Julia’s reach.
This story will take you through the wringer emotionally, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Full of angst, unexpected surprises, revelations, and the realness of life, this is a must read. -
**I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.**
This book is so very emotional and pretty powerful. I connected with this book even though I was a bit skeptical at the beginning. I love that this book spanned the life of Julia "Jules" Delaney from the time she was 12 years old until she got her HEA.
Jules' character is one that I was for sure that I was not going to connect with at all, but holy hell was I wrong. Alisa did such an amazing job writing her character. You love her and you hate her for the things that she has done in her life and the poor choices that she made. There was never a point through this where I wanted to stop reading. I needed to know what Jules' ending was. I needed to see if she made herself better and made a better life for herself. I needed to know that she learned to love herself and that she gave herself a chance at a happy life. I just needed to know.
So, Jules Delaney is a self proclaimed, well Ouija board proclaimed, SLUT. She lives her life one "one night stand" at a time. Her life really starts on this SLUT path at such a young age and I connected with her deeply. There was that turning point where you think she is going to have "THE" moment and change her life by an interaction that she has with Brennan. They have this connection that neither one wants to ignore, but there are circumstances that Jules does not see coming. She makes a choice and that choice ends up hurting her more that she thought that it would. Both emotionally and professionally.
There are just so many things that happen in this book and it is hard not to give any spoilers. I really can not go into one thing specifically without accidentally giving something away. I definitely recommend reading this book, but be warned it is not for everyone. It is not sweet and cutesy with sunshine, rainbows and flowers. It is emotional and angst ridden. There are some sweet and loving parts, but they are not given lightly and they are well earned.
I think that this is a MUST read, but read at your own risk and definitely go into this with OPEN mind. -
This book started out with Jules as a young teenager. This was a great start to the story. It helps lay the outline of what happens to her at a young age and how that affects her life going forward. Jules has a relationship with her band member Johnny. Even though they are broken up it seems to be a love/hate and unhealthy relationship. When she meets Brennan they have an instant connection but the timing between them is never right.
The characters in this story are well developed and you ride the rollercoaster of emotions right along with them. The story line flows smoothly. There are twists and turns and it keeps you turning the page and hoping that Jules finds her HEA. Does she and who is it with? Pick up the book and find out. It does not end in a cliffhanger.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review. -
I loved this book! Alisa does an amazing job of bringing these characters to life to you. You become involved in what is going on. I must say that it brought out emotions that I am sure will be back for the rest of the series. I loved Jules, even with her misconceptions about how she should behave. I think Johnny has so much more to show then what we get. Brennan, for me, I thought pretty low of him, not since he was in an open marriage but because you could tell he was being used and to me seemed like he didn't even want to be. But of course lots of twist and turns in the story changes things and feelings for characters. All I can really say is you have to buy and it is a must read! I need book 2 now! lol
-
This is an outstanding book!!
Jules although honest about herself is rarely honest with herself. Throughout Plastic Confidence, I laughed and felt sad often at the same time. There were pages where I hated everyone and ones where I hoped it was really going to work out.
Alisa Mullen has written a raw and real depiction of how the choices you make only define you if you let them and to this I say (in Jules words) 'Rock On' -
99 cents ONLY.
So…. are you ready to rock and roll?
bit.ly/uspcam or
bit.ly/ukplasticconfi…
vimeo.com/106017277
pic.twitter.com/rqdDJVEkVA -
(I recieved this book through Goodreads First Reads!)
As a genre of books that I'd never read before (This whole new adult thing), I went into Plastic Confidence a little wary. I was lucky enough to be provided with a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review... and let me say that I am SO glad I won this copy!
I found this book completely thrilling, enthralling, captivating, and well written. I'm usually not one for self-pubish books. This one was so wonderfully done however. The cover art is gorgeous, the inside format is wonderful... and honestly, it's just amazing. There were a few grammar errors, but they really didn't detract from the story in the least.
And the story, oh how beautiful of a story it is.
"What happens when the past rears its ugly head and messes with who you thought you were? Will it break down all your walls and set your whole world on fire?
Meet Julia Delaney, a.k.a Jules, the lead singer of Love Sick Ponies, sex superstar, and a heart full of rocks. She loves them and leaves them, a bad girl through and through.
That is until she meets Brennan Curtis, a fan boy, a wannabe friend, and the only one who can possibly tear Jules’ walls down.
When the plastic snaps wide open, Jules finds herself in a vulnerable and awkward situation with Brennan and her band.
Jules’ journey of self-discovery started at a young age and her self- image, which is engrained in her brain, might just be there for life. Desperate to alter how people view her, she realizes that she might never be able to escape the past." - from the goodreads page.
As the synopsis says, this is a story about Jules, a rocker chick with a past that has completely defined who she is as an adult. Through quite a few circumstances, some of them paranormal, Julia has grown up to be a rocker with a casual love them and leave them take on sex. Her bandmate, Johnny, is completely and utterly head-over-heels for her, but even that isn't in the cards. One night, she meets Brennan, and he awakens emotions inside of her that she didn't thinks he had anymore.
Now, I really won't get into spoilers for this book, because I think everyone should get a copy and read it for themselves. However, I will say that there is some astounding character development within its pages. We literally go through an emotional roller coaster up and down with Julia, watching her grow from an innocent twelve year old child to a self-proclaimed slut, to a woman who is figuring out who and what she wants in life. It was done seamlessly, flawlessly, and through the hilariously and wonderfully vocal first-person perspective of Julia.
As for the story? It didn't feel like it was long enough, in truth. I could have happily had more. I enjoyed the development of it, I enjoyed the pacing, I enjoyed everything about it. I hear there is a second one coming out, and I can't wait to hopefully get my hands on it to read it! I want to see what happens next.
Let me give you some non-descriptive spoilers. (You'll know that I spoiled when you get there.)
First of all, maybe I shouldn't... but I love Johnny. I love his character, he's such a darling. There are some scenes with him that literally had me in tears - he broke my heart. I love it.
I love the paranormal aspect of this. I wasn't expecting it, so it was a real delight!
I just hope that the second one that I was teased gives me some closure on Johnny's story. I'd love to see it.
All and all, a great book! If you like new-adult erotica with strong themes, pick it up! It's a fast read that is worth your while! -
Reading is a leisure pursuit, of that there is no doubt. But it should also challenge you, push your boundaries and make you question yourself – and others – and how you chose to live your life. Not every time you pick up a book, because that would lead to mental exhaustion, but on occasion. If you are ready for your next book challenge, I can recommend Plastic Confidence. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I struggle with the concept, the topics addressed, the characters and their actions? Absolutely. It was an intellectual read. One I feel better for having opened....and closed.
Julia Delaney was shaped early on by life. One summer was all it took to set her on the path to becoming the woman she now is – rock-star, slut, heartbreaker and heartbroken. Jules has carefully constructed walls around her heart to ensure she doesn’t get hurt and so people don’t see beyond what she’s willing to show. Those walls help her survive...until she meets Brennan Curtis. The tattooed, bespectacled man breaks down all her walls easily, leaving her vulnerable and questioning the path she has chosen. Jules knows she needs to make a change, but how can she when she was destined to become exactly who she is?
I’d be dishonest if I said I loved everything about this book. There are elements to it that I didn’t like - let alone love - because they run counter to what I believe and what I would personally be willing to accept in my life and my relationships. Having said that, this story was an exceptionally well written, well thought-out and well executed one. I really appreciated the unique nature of Plastic Confidence and the way it made me battle with myself over whether or not to turn the page - I wanted to know what was coming, whether these characters would push past their issues and grasp their futures, but at the same time I found myself exasperated by the circular nature of their story. The conflicting decisions they made and their subsequent actions. Their general shittiness and suspect motivations.
Jules was, like Alisa Mullen's other heroine, Lizzie O'Malley, a striking and well-rounded character who drew all the attention. She shone even as her light seemingly dimmed. Brennan, sadly, paled next to her and I struggled to grasp her attraction to him until late in the book. (Aside from the physical attraction, I should say. The description of him was so vivid that I swooned for him before I even truly knew who he was.) But when I did eventually get it, I so got it. Their chemistry became clear and complete. I wanted to see them get it right.
The ending of this book had me sighing, heavily. I was thrilled by the conclusion, by the turn the story took and my romantic heart was pleased with the outcome. Does a part of me wish that the thrills and happiness of the ever after infected the whole book? Yes, absolutely. But then it wouldn't be Plastic Confidence. And it wouldn't be a book that made me think.
Plastic Confidence is the first book in the Goodbye Series. No cliffhanger.
~ Beth, 4.5 stars -
This book did many things. It made me laugh, it made me wince, it made me upset, and it made me sad. Bottom line it made me feel. I was invested in the characters, and hungry to learn more about their past, motivations, and why they were the way they were. This is a complex tale. It spans time, stages in life, and tough situations. Ms. Mullen isn’t afraid to keep things, real, raw, and in your face.
I went through hell and back with the heroine, Julia. Just like any good friendship we had our ups and downs. I met her when she was thirteen, and boy did she change over the years. I wanted to shake her, hug her, tell her she was worth so much more, but they were lessons she had to learn on her own, and in her own time. Her mistakes were painful to watch, but real and honest. I was so connected to this woman the entire way through. Once a small town girl, the budding rock star faces numerous trails as she faces stardom, past issues unresolved, and men. Sassy, snarky, and deeply hurt Julia is a handful, and at times hard to take or understand. Until you see what lies under the surface. Ms. Mullen has a real knack for getting you invested, and being true to the character. Mullen never prettied up Julia, her past, or her choices, and she always showed the consequences of Julia’s choices. I admired that.
There are many males in Julia’s life. All of them play important parts. They’re pieces to the puzzle, her hell and her heaven. I’ll mention two of the most important to be fair. Johnny, the sexy, blonde is a fellow band member who breaks something inside her that takes a long time to mend, and even longer time for her to pinpoint. Sometimes we lie to ourselves, or ignore what’s in front of us, Julia was no different. But in that same statement, I don’t think Johnny was either. The rock and roll bad boy loved her as much as he could, but there are things inside him we’ve yet to learn about I think he may need to fix. I loved and hated him, but he never had a dull moment. I’m hoping to learn more about him in the next book. *hint hint Ms. Mulles. . I don’t say hero for a reason. They were all anti heroes. Real strong, flawed, men who made mistakes, plenty of them in fact, as they learned grew and at times made a mess of their lives. I think that’s the charm of this book.
The next male lead is Brennan. There’s so much I want to say, but I can’t, least I ruin the ride that this story is by dropping a spoiler. He’s a mystery, an elusive, sexy, seemingly perfect man. Sensitive, intelligent, and tattooed he’ll make you love you him, and then quietly break your heart. He’s everything a woman could want, but for reasons sometimes out of his control, he’s always just out of Julia’s reach.
This story will take you through the wringer emotionally, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Full of angst, unexpected surprises, revelations, and the realness of life, this is a must read. -
I received a copy in exchange of an honest review.
I liked the book, even though I struggle with the story-if I can very well understand Jules, I have troubles understanding (even though not judging) the concept of "open marriage", though seize the trouble of trusting the reality of feelings expressed by someone engaged in this type of relationship... probably this is, along with initially hiding being married, why Jules can't trust Brennan, despite a serious stronger than love connection.
It is a complicated love story between Jules, a troubled young woman, rock star music and soul of a successful band and Brennan, a married man happily engaged in an open marriage, well, happy until falling truly and deeply in love with Jules. The story is very deep and the writing excellent. The reader is caught in the storm of feelings and the complexity of characters, all are well built and have many layers that are cut open as the story advances. Jules is traumatized by being abandoned by her father, the first man to leave her in a long string of others following, Jason #2 is the next significant one and then Johnny, as first love; when she meets Brennan, there is a magnetic pull and a tornado of feelings that make her look really at herself and reject the image she bore over the years and she is compelled to break it, to discover who she really is and more important, who she really wants to be. Johnny is a sad, sad person who can't be happy enough with the love he has and ends by ruining it, the way he behaves makes it tough to poor any sympathy over him. As for Brennan, he is a tough one, open marriage with a woman with whom he says having a "happy marriage", obsessive love for Jules, true feelings that make him break the rules as well as his marriage (Amelia, his wife, another character that is tough to feel compassionate about, even though she seems to be damaged in the story-but oh well, one has to assume their choices and what comes from them)and finally giving all up for true love. I almost didn't expect the happy ending, as the story is quite dark, but hope is always there and from burning and ashes, Jules pulls herself up and rebuilds herself in a new, stronger and more beautiful self, finally making peace with the past and giving herself a shot to a good future.
I think the book has an intriguing and compelling story and it makes me curious to read more of Ms Mullen's books. -
Reviewed by Dawn Vickers on behalf of Kindle Friends Forever.
This is the story of Jules / Julia Delaney. Her story starts from her childhood where things happen that shape her into the woman that she is today. The murder of a young girl cuts short summer camp, so Jules and her friends return home early. Bored and under house arrest from their parents, the girls play with an Ouija Board which tells them, especially Jules, that she will be haunted all her life.
Now a young woman and lead singer of the hottest rock band, The Sick Ponies, Jules lives her life on the edge countless times after show partying and sex. A toxic relationship with Johnny, a member of the band, all prove to her what the Ouija board told her that night was true. The consequences make her like a plastic shell on the outside, but hiding what she really wants to be underneath.
Then she meets Brennan and her world tilts when she starts feeling more for him than just sex. However, as she falls deeper, Brennan’s secrets change everything again, and we see her revert back to the old Jules. She slips back into a relationship with Johnny but as the years pass, Brennan is never far away from her thoughts. One night after seeing Brennan at one of their gigs and sick of life’s knocks, she makes a huge decision that changes her life yet again. She goes off the grid and makes a new life. And a new Julia emerges. Fast forward a few years and the past comes knocking again, but will Julia finally be able to put her demons behind her and finally, this time, find her one true love?
This was a great read which centered mainly on three characters all intertwined with each other at various parts in the book. Each a strong character in their own right, Brennan is mysterious, sexy, and seems to be the perfect man for Jules in every way. Johnny! This gorgeous sexy band member who breaks her in more ways than one, but can never let go. And Jules… strong, feisty and independent; hardened to life until you start to scratch below the surface. Their story takes you on a journey of emotions, despair and heartache. Love, lies and deceit ….the story of one young woman’s journey to find her true self and her one true love.
At the end we get the first chapter of book two Artificial Love which is focused on Johnny. Should be great reading!!! -
ARC GIVEN FOR HONEST REVIEW
Wow, what can i say this book caught me off guard. From the title i guessed the story would have to do about the fake confidence that some people project to the world to shield themselves from how people really see themselves. But this book was so much more than that, it starts when Julie is but a girl and events that transpire send ripples out into her life that will affect her for years and how she acts. As she grows up and becomes a successful rock star - with hot rockers in her band :) - she becomes hardened to things like a hard plastic shell to who she really is inside. Then a chance encounter with Brennan and everything Julie knows and wants is thrown on its head and her feelings are having to be felt for the first time in years. Years pass events happen that begin to explain how Julie became who she is, more than we understood at first. This story has creepy sections that made my skin crawl and bits that made my heart ache for Julie and what she was having to deal with and the grown up decisions she has to make. However, there is a big dose of karma and hope in this story, it is not bleak it is full of depth and events that make you think about how you would react to such an event and decision. Alissa Mullen has kicked my feet from under me with this read and i look forward to reading more of her work, and i feel lucky to have have found a new author who has produced a book that hough a romantic story took that genre and made flipped it on its head to produce a fresh new story i have not read for a while. -
I received this book as an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book gets 4 stars from me.
This is a bit of a coming of age story about Jules/Julia Delaney. It follows her from when she was 12 and finds out something tragic has happened to a girl in their town up into adulthood.
She and her 2 best friends Emmy & Angie get picked up early from summer camp by their parents only to find out that a girl was brutally murdered in their town. The parents of course put a lock down on the girls until the murderer is found.
In order to pass the time the girls play board games and hang out. Eventually, Krysta, Jules' brother's gf gives her a OUIJA board to play with. The girls just pull it out for something to do and it works! The Ouija board tells them each something when then ask it a question.
When asked what Jules will be when she grows up, it tells her something that haunts her for the rest of her life it seems. The book follows Jules through adulthood and all her relationship/non relationship issues. What the Ouija board told her she would be has stuck with her and she struggles to get out of it. Failed relationship after failed relationship, men seem to let her down all the time and prove to her that they are all the same.
It is a good book about her finding herself amongst the mess she calls a life. She has made a mess of her life and this book follows her out of the dark. It takes awhile for her to find her way, but in the end there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel! -
I received this book as an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book gets 4 stars from me.
This is a bit of a coming of age story about Jules/Julia Delaney. It follows her from when she was 12 and finds out something tragic has happened to a girl in their town up into adulthood.
She and her 2 best friends Emmy & Angie get picked up early from summer camp by their parents only to find out that a girl was brutally murdered in their town. The parents of course put a lock down on the girls until the murderer is found.
In order to pass the time the girls play board games and hang out. Eventually, Krysta, Jules' brother's gf gives her a OUIJA board to play with. The girls just pull it out for something to do and it works! The Ouija board tells them each something when then ask it a question.
When asked what Jules will be when she grows up, it tells her something that haunts her for the rest of her life it seems. The book follows Jules through adulthood and all her relationship/non relationship issues. What the Ouija board told her she would be has stuck with her and she struggles to get out of it. Failed relationship after failed relationship, men seem to let her down all the time and prove to her that they are all the same.
It is a good book about her finding herself amongst the mess she calls a life. She has made a mess of her life and this book follows her out of the dark. It takes awhile for her to find her way, but in the end there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel! -
Starting back when Julia Delaney is a child, paving the way to her adulthood, shaping the way she thinks her life should go. It starts with the murder of a girl from her town, then her and her two best friends playing with the Ouija board.
Years later, when Jules has her band and everyone knows her, she can’t stop the dreams from her childhood. Being told by Ouija board that when you are older you are going to be a slut I guess would kind of stick with you.
Through many ups and downs, her band member and ex-boyfriend is always there for Jules, but even he doesn’t know the whole story.
When one night Jules meets a stranger, Brennan, she feels more for him, not even knowing him than she has anyone before.
Brennan is not all he seems either. He has some pretty huge secrets, which Jules finds out pretty much after she has fallen hard for him. Vulnerable, she finds herself back with her ex, Jonny. A couple of years later and Jules still can’t get Brennan out of her mind, and loses it totally when she sees him at one of her concerts.
After a few more knocks, Jules leaves the band and moves away where no one knows her so she can start a fresh. Things however always have a habit of catching up with you when you are least prepared.
This was a great read, you totally feel for Jules all the way through. She is messed up and she knows it. She says she is a slut as that is apparently what she is supposed to be.
Definitely worth a read. -
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This was a great story, hurt, love, loss and finding one's self, all rolled into the lead singer/guitar player of a rock band. Alisa Mullen did a beautiful job, the characters are great, the story flowed smoothly and the emotion is raw.
Jules is a girl that grew up way too fast and never took the time to know herself properly. She lived her life for others and by the time she figures it out she has to step back and start over, all the while dealing with the fact she never really had a dad, and a traumatic experience that she went through as a child.
Johnny is a two timing ass that thinks he's in love with Jules, he just happens to be part of the band (LSP), helped start LSP and is Jules once and again mistake.
Brennan is awesome, a little awkward, has bad timing, doesn't really go about things very well, but loves with all he is. This combo is explosive, magnetic, energetic, charismatic and extremely page turning!
The roller coaster of emotions and chaos that the characters go through made this a great read and I can't wait to find out what happens next, I look forward to reading about Johnny and his point of view in "Artificial Love". Alisa Mullen is a great writer and I will be thrilled to read more by her, I am going to start the "Chosen Series" as soon as I finish this post! -
I received this Arc in return for my honest review
I really enjoyed this book and found myself not being able to put it down.
Jules is one hard tough cat she goes through something traumatic in her childhood that leaves her believing that she is a slut and doesn't deserve any better than that .Believing men only hurt you.
Johnny is Jules band mate and ex boyfriend who is as much of a slut as she is the only thing different is he is still in love with her. You will feel sorry for him and then hate him all within a chapter.
Brennan meets Jules at one of her concerts and has had a secret fascination with Jules for a while and when their eyes meet there is a charge between them that they both cant deny until she finds out something about him she can’t get passed.
This story has so many twists in it that i loved and kept me on my toes. I hate when people give to much away about a book so i’m not going to do that ….. I’m so looking forward to reading the next instalment to this series. -
Absolutely one of my favorite books of the year! Jules is an awesome and fierce character. I loved watching her grow through the story and was completely in love with her! Johnny is such a screwed up jerk that I loved hating him. Brennan is a character that grew on me...I wanted to hate him and then I wanted him to win the girl! I loved that Nick and Lizzie and also Sean show up in this book!! The suspense and twists in the plot are fantastic and captivating! This book is well written and spellbinding. Once again, Alisa Mullen has shown her skill and talent. She writes captivating and intriguing stories that draw the reader in from the first page. She makes her characters grow and develop into unique individuals that you truly want to hold onto. When her characters move locations you can picture where you are, from Manhattan to Boston to the Vineyard! This is a fantastic story about loving oneself and finding your true self. I cannot wait for the rest of the series to see what happens next.
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Wow! Plastic Confidence has a spot on my top shelf. It is definitely a must read. Jules although on the wild side she was a great character who made you feel all types of emotions. She made me angry when she was twelve, sad when she got her heart broken, I felt the love she had and that she hid behind. Brennan was a guy who no matter what he did to get on her bad side I loved him. Their relationship started off different but ended in a beautiful ceremony that no one could rip apart, and that is what love is it with stands all opsticles no matter how hard and difficult they may be.
Plastic Confidence is a book that every one should read and Trust me you will enjoy. We all hide behind a mask and we put it up to protect ourselves but there will always be a reason why we put it up and a real good reason to bring it down. 1-click this book today. You will love it as much as I did. Alisa Mullen is a great author who knows exactly what the reader wants and enjoys. -
I received an ARC in return for my honest review.
As always Alisa's writings are amazing. She knows how to catch your attention and keep it. This book kept me on an emotional roller coaster. One min your hating one character the next your loving them.
Jules is a wreck of a person, a don't give a f*@k type of person. Brought on by her childhood. She want's no type of relationship, just one night stands.
Johnny one of Jules best friends and band members is just as bad as Jules, only he's in love with her.
Brennan, he's the hot fan-boy (if that's what you call him) that want's Jules, and will do anything to be with her!
I can't even begin to explain the emotions I went through reading this book. I can tell that this series is going to be just as great as The Chosen Series if not better.
Keep up the great work Alisa! 5 star book for me! -
Received for a honest review. I have to first say that If I was looking for a book by its cover, I'm not sure if I would of chosen this one and that would of be very sad because I really like this book. Starting off with three close friend being picked up early from summer camp because of a murdered girl in there area. Parents are scared until the killer is caught. Everything changes for Jules that summer. All by the actions of one game. What like about this story is that it just doesn't go right to perfect. It is more real life when it doesn't always work out. Sometimes love is just hard and takes time. I like that learning about oneself is more important. To many times today's love stories just automatically workout and love is the only answer - so not real life. I am really looking forward to see where the next two books go.
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I received a copy of this book through the author in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! In Plastic Confidence there is so much going on with Jules and her life, yet the story never seemed rushed (props to the author). With all the events and flashbacks it could be easy for readers to get confused or overwhelmed, yet I never felt that with this story. In addition to the awesome writing style, the story kept me guessing until the end and I never knew what to expect. This was so awesome because I read a lot and sometimes you start to see a pattern with these stories, thankfully I never had that with this book (yay!). As a final comment, I would like to say that the main character Jules kinda rocks and was so much fun to read and watch grow. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes NA and wants a fun read. :) -
This book has taken over my favorite book by Alisa so far!! I absolutely loved the beginning and the flashback...Oh the flash back was PERFECT! That part absolutely hooked me from the getgo! The Ouija board is my favorite scene!
This book will take you on a roller coaster! an awesome mind blowing roller coaster of ups and downs. My heart broke and then each piece was put back together again!
I loved Jules and sounds like someone that I could totally hang out with. Johnny boy had me swooning then he threw me through a loop or two. LOL Brennan is such a sweet heart! But Jules and Brennan are good together.
I felt so happy for Jules in the end. I am totally eager to read more!!
Great Job to Alisa!! -
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Umm.....Holy, WOW! This book will take you on a journey that is for sure! This was a really great read and written EXTREMELY well! I was consumed by this book because every page made me feel a different emotion! - I laughed, felt frustrated, happy and at times mad too. I loved Jules character and I felt for her! - Think about how every decision we make in life is based off another decision, maybe someone's thoughts about you or your own personal thoughts of yourself. - Jules struggles with this through the story and I love that she finally gets to be truly happy. If you are looking for a book to take you on a ride this book is it! -
First off wow!!! This is the first book of Alisa ' s I have read and I will be back for more. She did an amazing job at not only making the characters relatable, but their emotions could truly be felt throughout the entire book. Talk about going on an emotional roller coaster. Her characters are not perfect people and have flaws like the rest of us and it was great. There were times I was so mad I wanted to turn my kindle off, I cried with the characters and laughed along with them. Jules' story was unlike any thing I've read before and I truly enjoyed it. Highly recommend Plastic Confidence and can not wait for more.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
I heard about this book at the Houston Mash-up and I'm glad I got it when it was on sale for 99 cents. The cover is what drew me because it's pretty sweet. Overall the story was good but it did have its moments where I raised an eyebrow. The father/Brennan car situation was pretty weird. Then the last minute conflict at end was a stretch and not needed. Anyways, like I said I liked the book and thought it had some unpredictable moments. I will definitely check out the author's other works.
I would recommend this book for fans of books with a lot of drama. -
I received this book in return for an honest review. I enjoyed this book because it's not the typical good girl bad boy scenario. the drama is rather tragic. I especially liked how the main character is introduced and developed throughout the story, always making me want to root for her even though she makes some poor choices with the men in her life. I started to feel sorry for her. The board game that sort of molded her and her childhood friends was just creepy in a good way. I am looking forward to the next book.
