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Unscripted

Davis Bunn (Goodreads Author)

3.99 · Rating details · 154 ratings · 100 reviews

Young line producer Danny Byrd is well-known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner--and former best friend--makes off with their investors' money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life ...more

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Paperback, 368 pages

Published October 1st 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company

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Sep 30, 2019 Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

I have always been fascinated by Hollywood and filming. So this book was super exciting to me. I loved how Bunn's story came together. The filming and then the romance between Byrd and Megan was the best. I loved the awards ceremony. I have to say Emma was an excellent character as well. You will not find anything in this book that you don't like, well wait a minute maybe Jr. he was a piece of work. I did not care for him at all.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A ...more

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Sep 25, 2019 Katie B rated it it was ok

Shelves: fiction, read-in-2019, california, tv-film, librarything, arc, giveaways

I really thought I was going to like this one as I normally love anything revolving around the tv/film industry. Unfortunately, this book was a big disappointment. It actually took me two tries to even finish the book as I set it down for a few days after only making it to about page 75. On the second attempt I even started right back at the very beginning, hoping something would click and I could get into the story more this time around. Didn't work. This book just isn't for me.

Danny Bryd is a I really thought I was going to like this one as I normally love anything revolving around the tv/film industry. Unfortunately, this book was a big disappointment. It actually took me two tries to even finish the book as I set it down for a few days after only making it to about page 75. On the second attempt I even started right back at the very beginning, hoping something would click and I could get into the story more this time around. Didn't work. This book just isn't for me.

Danny Bryd is a producer in Hollywood. His partner runs off with the investors' money which lands Danny in jail. LA lawyer Megan Pierce is fed up with how the game is played but thinks maybe the opportunity to do things her way has come when she takes on Danny Bryd as a client. Both Megan and Danny are out to prove themselves and maybe just maybe there's gonna be a little romance in the air.

The execution was incredibly messy. For me where it all started to go wrong was when Danny was let out of jail. Maybe it would have helped if that part of the plot was drawn out a bit more in order to develop more of an emotional connection to the character. I don't know, but when a reader has already lost interest in the story by page 50, that's a significant problem.

I didn't think the characters were fully developed, especially Megan. With Danny, the author at least attempted to give him somewhat of a backstory but I never felt like I knew Megan. And with two poorly developed characters, it really makes it challenging to buy into any type of romance.

The whole process of making a tv movie falls flat pretty much near the beginning because it's a bit eyeroll worthy in regards to the casting of one of the characters. Again, it comes down to execution. Nothing really unfolded in a natural way, everything felt rushed and lacking development.

I hate to be harsh in a review but if you don't like a book, you don't like a book. This is one of my least favorite reads of 2019 and it doesn't seem fair to the books I did enjoy to try and sugarcoat this one. Maybe this book will appeal to other readers, but it was a miss for me.

I won a free advance copy of this book in a giveaway by LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion. ...more

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Oct 18, 2019 Susan Snodgrass rated it liked it

'Danny's life, career, and professional standing had all been destroyed by one word.'

Danny Byrd has spent time in jail as a juvenile, robbed a bank, but now, as a grown man, he is on the docket again, but he's innocent this time. He had a good reputation until now and his career and indeed his life, needs redemption.

Danny teams up with a lawyer, Megan Pierce and it turns out both of them could stand a good dose of redemption. But sometimes God gives us more than we need. He's just good like ...more

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Oct 23, 2019 Jypsy rated it really liked it

Thank you Revell for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Unscripted
By: Davis Bunn

*REVIEW*
Unscripted is an intriguing look at behind the scenes of the film industry and the corruption therein. The main character, Danny, is known as a reliable and competent line producer, but he's in a lot of trouble not of his own making. With his career and everything on the line, Danny has a chance at redemption, but will he succeed in time? With a little ...more

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Oct 15, 2019 Natalie Walters added it

Interesting story revealing the cost of making it big in Hollywood and the reality that redemption of ones past does exist beyond red carpet. I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but found myself turning the pages as author, Davis Bunn, unraveled a unique plot. The writing was well done and the characters had enough depth to them to draw me in on an emotional level. There's a real sense of behind-the-scenes in the details that lend to the authenticity behind the story making it a quicker ...more

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Sep 29, 2019 Jody Joy rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019-goodreads-challenge, hard-copy-from-publisher, own-it

I loved the synopsis of the book, although I was expecting a bit more of a thriller than what it was. There are many characters throughout the book, for me it was a little difficult to keep track of them. Danny and Megan’s relationship appeared a bit too rushed. I very much liked the setting of the book and the grimy parts of the movie industry. Other than that, I was not as impressed by this book as I was hoping I would be.

I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Sep 23, 2019 Anastacia Russell rated it it was ok

I was expecting a legal thriller, but this was more love story which was bland and dull. There is no heat or romance, just insta-love. There is a bit of drama from other studios, but I was glad when this book was over.

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Nov 07, 2019 Nora St Laurent rated it really liked it

I was captured by the opening, curious as to what would happen next, “The entire Beverly Hills jail was nonsmoking and air conditioned. Four inmates to a cell. No overcrowding. Decent food for a jail…Not that Daniel Byrd had much experience with prisons.”

I was intrigued, wondered why this guy was in jail, and where this would lead. I hadn’t expected a start like this. The author develops a rich characterization that sucked me into the dilemma, mystery and conspiracy in the film industry. The I was captured by the opening, curious as to what would happen next, “The entire Beverly Hills jail was nonsmoking and air conditioned. Four inmates to a cell. No overcrowding. Decent food for a jail…Not that Daniel Byrd had much experience with prisons.”

I was intrigued, wondered why this guy was in jail, and where this would lead. I hadn’t expected a start like this. The author develops a rich characterization that sucked me into the dilemma, mystery and conspiracy in the film industry. The author did an amazing job of taking readers deep into the film making process, from a spark of an idea, finances, finding talent, protocol etc. He even took readers into the creative process of writing and filming a movie. The story was told from Megan Pierce, attorney and film director Danny Byrd’s POV as they get together all that is necessary to make movie magic.

I felt for the characters and enjoyed how Danny worked with 14-year-old Emma to have her reach her potential at the same time have fun in the process. I was blown away when I read this and answered the question I had about how he knew so much about the movie making process. His bio states, “Davis work within the world of film began ten years ago, when he completed the graduate course in screenwriting at the British Film Institute. Since then he has completed a number of scripts, including Unlimited, starring Fred Thompson and Robert Amayo and released by Purflix in 2015….”In the spring of 2019, Starlings Entertainment acquired Bunn’s screenplay Island of Time and is currently developing it as a major feature film.”

This author hits it out of the park with this novel. It takes readers into another dimension, gives a peek into the tentacles of greed that seek to dominate the Hollywood scene. This story is just as magical as the film, they created in the book. I like that this authors’ stories show good triumphing when good people stand together to fight the good fight. I highly recommend this for your next book club read. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org ...more

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Oct 19, 2019 Sara Wise rated it really liked it

** “Growing up, Danny had known a lot of guys who wanted to do good, and failed. But giving up on the rage or the hurt or the drug of choice was too big a step. They could be just as addicted to anger as they were to their high. It had come to define them.” **

Davis Bunn takes a deep dive into the film world with “Unscripted,” a tale filled with movie-making magic, betrayal, deception and backstabbing.

When Danny Byrd’s film partner absconds with their investment money, Danny finds himself in jail ** “Growing up, Danny had known a lot of guys who wanted to do good, and failed. But giving up on the rage or the hurt or the drug of choice was too big a step. They could be just as addicted to anger as they were to their high. It had come to define them.” **

Davis Bunn takes a deep dive into the film world with “Unscripted,” a tale filled with movie-making magic, betrayal, deception and backstabbing.

When Danny Byrd’s film partner absconds with their investment money, Danny finds himself in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. But one day he finds himself mysteriously released from prison, given 51 percent ownership of a hotel he’s never heard of, and a second chance in the movie industry if he can make a movie with a quick deadline and a low budget.

What develops is an intriguing story as he meets attorney Megan Pierce, who takes a big chance with her career to help Danny, and 14-year-old Emma, a starlet just waiting to be made.

“Unscripted” offers a great look into the film process, from production to legal matters to stars and their management. Bunn has extensive background in the industry and you can tell. He also fills his story with several intriguing, mysterious circumstances that leave readers guessing until the very end. Sometimes, however, I did feel Bunn left out too much information for too long that could leave the plot lines and character development a little confusing at times.

Throughout their journey, Danny and Megan grow in their relationship both professionally and romantically, although I feel the author develops their professional connection better than their romantic one. However, that still doesn’t prevent the reader from rooting for these two to find love with one another.

“Unscripted” contains just enough romance, just enough inspiration and just enough mystery to appeal to fans of many different genres. It also contains several deeper themes, like not letting your past define you; learning to trust (as former foster kid Danny struggles with); always make the best out of what little you are given; some burdens can’t be carried alone; and walk away from the chains that hold you down.

Overall, “Unscripted” is an enjoyable and intriguing read.

Four stars out of five.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review. ...more

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Nov 17, 2019 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it it was amazing

Well, Davis Bunn has done it again! Only a couple of pages into his latest novel, "Unscripted", I knew I was in trouble and would need to forget about whatever other plans I had in store, because I wasn't going anywhere any time soon. The story of Danny and Megan held me spell-bound from start to finish, as I watched them navigate the behind the scenes world of Hollywood where, clearly, it is difficult to know who you can even trust. Though this story is fiction, I have no doubt that many Well, Davis Bunn has done it again! Only a couple of pages into his latest novel, "Unscripted", I knew I was in trouble and would need to forget about whatever other plans I had in store, because I wasn't going anywhere any time soon. The story of Danny and Megan held me spell-bound from start to finish, as I watched them navigate the behind the scenes world of Hollywood where, clearly, it is difficult to know who you can even trust. Though this story is fiction, I have no doubt that many elements of it are true to life. I was especially intrigued by Danny, as he suffered through an unjust series of events that just didn't seem possible for him to ever recover from. And yet his story of rising from the ashes was made all the sweeter, because it showed the power of a community of people coming together and really sitting in the mess of each other's lives and inspiring each other to find a way to overcome.

Bunn has written a powerful novel that can be enjoyed not only as a beautifully composed contemporary story, but also as a multi-layered and emotional portrayal of redemption and second chances. It offers readers a parable of how God can take the broken things of this world and fashion something so wonderfully good that we can't even imagine it ahead of time. As I turned the final page of the story, I thought of Danny sitting in that jail cell at the beginning of the novel, and of how unlikely it would have been that he ever would have dreamed that his life would end up taking the turns that it does over the course of this novel. And that right there is the amazing power of God's grace and love, how he blesses us beyond what we deserve, and (though sometimes easier said than done), that we can trust him in the midst of our trials that he's got something oh so good in store for us.

Davis Bunn continues to be one of my favourite authors, and "Unscripted" is another winning addition to his ever-expanding collection. I award this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. ...more

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Oct 22, 2019 Jessica Higgins rated it it was amazing

Davis Bunn gives readers a terrific story that will be sure to have them talking to others about the uniqueness of this book!
Danny Byrd has made quite the reputation for himself in Hollywood as being someone who is reliable in the film industry. As a behind the scenes accountant, he manages production of films with a tight crew that always make money. However, that all changes when his business partner, and best friend, empties out all the accounts and leaves town with the money. When checks Davis Bunn gives readers a terrific story that will be sure to have them talking to others about the uniqueness of this book!
Danny Byrd has made quite the reputation for himself in Hollywood as being someone who is reliable in the film industry. As a behind the scenes accountant, he manages production of films with a tight crew that always make money. However, that all changes when his business partner, and best friend, empties out all the accounts and leaves town with the money. When checks start bouncing, only Danny is left to take the fall. Now sitting in a jail cell, Danny begins to wonder if all his luck has run out. Then he meets Megan Pierce, a high dollar LA attorney who has been hired to secure his release. Megan has been struggling with her career herself and what she has sacrificed to work at her firm. After she get’s Danny released, the two head to San Luis Obispo to meet with another legal firm that has a beneficiary package for Danny. At this meeting, both of their lives change. Can they both take advantage of a second chance? And is there an attraction between the two that can overcome each person’s baggage?
This was just an overall great book! There are a few authors out there that I can just pick up and enjoy a good story and Davis Bunn has just added himself to the list. There is not really a common theme that several other books out there follow. This book has a message of redemption and Bunn subtly explores that with Danny. It is so different from his science fiction and fantasy novels, that it just feels right. The characters undergo a transformation for the better, tough conversations are had, and people are helped out in the end. It reminds me a bit of Charles Martin’s writing in that its just enjoyable. I hope that Bunn writes more stories like this that aren’t necessarily in a series, just a snapshot in time of someone’s life.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own. ...more

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Oct 10, 2019 Mark rated it it was amazing

Not many books start out with the main character in jail, but this one did. I wasn't expecting that. Slight spoiler: he gets released, but one might figure that out by reading the book description.

Bunn is one of the most versatile authors I have read. Most authors I read have one type of book they write, and stick with one genre'. Bunn has written all kinds of books in different genre's. This one is a book I wasn't sure about, but found myself liking a lot.

Most Christians will agree Hollywood ...more

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Oct 15, 2019 Nadine Keels rated it liked it

Danny Byrd's film career as a line producer is severely threatened when his partner takes off with their investors' money, and Danny ends up in jail. He then has an unexpected chance to redeem his career, a short window of time to pull off an unlikely film project, and an unforeseen ally—and possibly more—in lawyer Megan Pierce in Unscripted by author Davis Bunn.

In some ways, this novel reminds me of an earlier one I enjoyed, My Soul to Keep, by the same author: an underdog film situation, with ...more

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Nov 04, 2019 Loraine rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, new-releases-2019, e-reader-2019, cozy-mystery, back-to-the-classics-2019, cozies-2019, new-releases-challenge-2019, contemporary, romance

This was definitely a new genre for me from one of my favorite authors. I have read many of Davis Bunn's Christian fiction series, but this book is definitely general market contemporary. It is a clean , quick read which I definitely enjoyed.

Danny Byrd has grown up as a foster kid along with his best friend J.R. They have gone in to business together as an agency for producing Hollywood films. But Danny now finds himself in jail; and J.R. has absconded with every bit of their assets and set ...more

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Oct 03, 2019 Raechel rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019-reads

3.5
This was the first book I’ve had the plasure of reading by this author and I was quite impressed by the writing talent. The story moved along smoothly, and you could tell the filming aspect was well-researched to add an authenticity that really enriched the story. I found the ploit line intriguing, and enjoyed watching how it unfolded. The characters were interesting, and I thought that Danny Byrd made a good lead character.The romance aspect was tame which I appreciated, though it felt like ...more

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Oct 11, 2019 Suzie Waltner rated it really liked it

3.5 Stars
For anyone interested in what happens behind the movie camera or someone just wanting to read a well-written story, Davis Bunn’s Unscripted may be just what you’re looking for.

I enjoyed the way the film Danny and his crew are working on comes together. Everything seems to fall into place (even when at first people doubt the outcome) to give Danny the second chance and self-worth he needs.

At a couple of points, I felt like large pieces of the story were glossed over or skipped ...more

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Oct 19, 2019 Abigail Harris rated it really liked it

My Review:I requested this book since I have enjoyed the books that Davis Bunn published with Janette Oke, and I am glad I signed up to review this one. It is wonderful! The producing side of Unscripted and the law side of Unscripted were both different and yet went together well, it was interesting to read about a wrongly accused man and a woman trying to leave behind an unkind law office.

Rating:3 and 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

Recommendation:16 up for romances and such.

Verse:Proverbs 22:6
Train ...more

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Sep 29, 2019 Amanda rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2019

I was intrigued by the synopsis of this story as I'm curious how movies are made. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. The plot is a bit muddy and convoluted and the scenes that deal with "movie making" were less than exciting.

The characters were pretty basic and I didn't find anything about them that made them stand out or be memorable. I did enjoy the setting of the story.

Overall, this book was not very interesting to me and I found it kind of boring. Not one that I would revisit. ...more

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Oct 20, 2019 Melissa rated it liked it

This was an interesting read for me. It is different from most of my usual reads. For most of the book, I wasn’t invested in it but I was curious enough to keep going. Once all the pieces started coming together, I was more invested but overall I didn’t love it. The legal aspects of the novel reminded me a bit of a John Grisham book and the entertainment angle was different. The book moved slowly for me. I did like most of the characters especially Emma. I do think my husband will enjoy this ...more

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Sep 02, 2019 Candy rated it really liked it

Loved the insider's look at movie production.

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Oct 21, 2019 Karis Bronowski rated it liked it

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5
Goodreads Rating: 3 out of 5

Rating Breakdown
Plot: 3 out of 5
Characters: 3 out of 5
Writing Style: 4 out of 5
Personal Enjoyment: 3 out of 5

One of my favorite aspects of reading, especially with realistic fiction, are some of the insights that I gain from books. Davis Bunn’s novel Unscripted took me to a world that I have no experience with at all—the film industry. In this story, it’s a world that’s as full of twists and turns, not to mention heartwarming moments, as any ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Marie rated it really liked it

Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity Tours and Revell for sending this copy to review. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.

This was my first introduction to author Davis Bunn.

This novel centers around line producer Danny Byrd who is well-known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. Because of his former partner (and former best-friend), RJ, taking off with some money from investors, Danny’s reputation is tarnished. And, he ...more

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Oct 21, 2019 Kimmie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-reviews, 2019

“Unscripted” is a standalone novel by Davis Bunn. It tells the story of a wrongfully imprisoned filmmaker, a lawyer dissatisfied with her job (and her life), and what happens when they are drawn together to try to make a made-for-tv movie.

This story drew me in immediately. The plight of filmmaker Danny Byrd seemed to be hopeless at first, but circumstances quickly changed as unseen forces began to intervene in his life, and the reader begins to experience hope along with Danny. I had trouble “Unscripted” is a standalone novel by Davis Bunn. It tells the story of a wrongfully imprisoned filmmaker, a lawyer dissatisfied with her job (and her life), and what happens when they are drawn together to try to make a made-for-tv movie.

This story drew me in immediately. The plight of filmmaker Danny Byrd seemed to be hopeless at first, but circumstances quickly changed as unseen forces began to intervene in his life, and the reader begins to experience hope along with Danny. I had trouble putting the book down, as I was so eager to see what happened next. This seldom happens with non-thrillers, and is a testament to Mr. Bunn’s ability to keep the reader engaged in the lives of his characters.

The story was fabulous. I learned quite a bit about the filmmaking process, including the on-set aspects, the behind-the-scenes aspects, and some of the legal/contractual aspects I had never considered before. I found all of this fascinating, as it was explained as the story (and the film in question) progressed. I almost felt like I was right there with the characters, trying to create something magical in a very short time frame.

There were plenty of characters, and all were well-drawn and distinct. Watching Emma bloom before my eyes was lovely, as was watching Danny open up to Emma and learn to trust in the general goodness of people again. Through the characters, the author subtly explores such themes as forgiveness, hope, and second chances. Personally, I would love to see a sequel covering Emma’s continued career in film and music, and possibly a redemption storyline for actor Alex Cross. A prequel about Jennie Finch’s life and early career would also be fascinating.

The romance between Danny and lawyer Megan was, for the most part, enjoyable and believable. I would have liked a bit more conversation between them to show how they were drawing closer to each other. It seemed that there was an initial mutual attraction that was beginning to grow, and should have been allowed to continue on its course. After all, both characters were under a lot of stress, were working insanely long hours, and had only limited time to get to know each other. Instead, Megan delivers an ultimatum that doesn’t seem organic to the story up to that point. I think the reader should have been shown some of Megan’s frustration prior to her outburst. Despite this odd interlude, the relationship deepens as both characters mature and come to terms with things about themselves. Overall, I liked their dynamic; I would simply have omitted the odd bump in the road in the development of the relationship. Enough was going on in the book that this was not needed, and did not help the flow of the story.

I rated “Unscripted” a bit lower due to his issue with the romance, but immediately bumped it right back up due to that fact that, this one small thing aside, I absolutely LOVED this book. It is my favorite of my recent reads, and I highly recommend it. So…read it for yourself, and come back to comment with your thoughts. I’d love to discuss the story with other readers.

Five out of five wedges of the always-popular Gouda! ...more

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Sep 26, 2019 Conny Reviews rated it really liked it

“Despite the fact that you were arrested for fraud, everyone I spoke with declared you were both honest and good at your job,” Danny is told in Davis Bunn’s novel, Unscripted.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those who enjoy a fictional story about the movie and film industry. With no profanity, topics of depression, abandonment, and drug abuse may not be appropriate for immature readers.

In this tale based in Southern California, up and coming Danny Byrd finds “Despite the fact that you were arrested for fraud, everyone I spoke with declared you were both honest and good at your job,” Danny is told in Davis Bunn’s novel, Unscripted.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those who enjoy a fictional story about the movie and film industry. With no profanity, topics of depression, abandonment, and drug abuse may not be appropriate for immature readers.

In this tale based in Southern California, up and coming Danny Byrd finds himself in jail, broke and with a ruined reputation due to his business partner and once-best-friend absconding all funds from their two-bit movie production company. Mysteriously, Danny is freed from jail and given part ownership in a hotel in San Luis Obispo. Offered a chance to redeem his career by revamping a television movie script, he meets lawyer Megan Pierce, who would do anything to protect him, her newfound client. While dealing with the shame, rage, and deep-setted scars from the past, the man who wants to make his mark in the industry has to open up and realize he is not in control to move on with his life, work, and love.

~ Why ~
Having been born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and my husband was a child actor, I immediately related to the storyline of the Hollywood “climbing the ladder no matter who you trample on” scene. I enjoyed the two main characters’ roles and how they related to each other as they worked through their struggles and pain. The young new actress was genuine and realistic in how she consistently tried to please Danny.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like in-depth novels about the movie industry’s behind-the-scenes, legal issues, and sometimes underhanded deals may not be interested in this read. Others may get confused in the many individuals playing their parts so a list would be helpful at the beginning of the book.

~ Wish ~
With this being a technical novel regarding the LA film industry, it rarely mentions how God can heal and redeem those deep, hurtful of the past. I feel Bunn missed the perfect opportunity to have Megan’s father show Danny a Bible verse or two about dealing with pain and learning to trust God.

~ Want ~
If you want to know more about the ins and outs of corporate wheeling and dealing when it comes to film production, this story of a man’s unscripted path to redemption, hope, and acceptance will keep your attention.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review. ...more

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Oct 16, 2019 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, christian-romance

Unscripted
by Davis Bunn
Rating: 4/5

I don't know about you but when I choose to read something, I do it when I have free time or need a break from studying. I had briefly read the summary before choosing to download the book and waited to read it after finishing a book in Christian fantasy - a completely different genre! I was hesitant to start reading because I was still back in fantasy land with shifters and vampires, but once I read the first few pages, I couldn't put the book down. There was Unscripted
by Davis Bunn
Rating: 4/5

I don't know about you but when I choose to read something, I do it when I have free time or need a break from studying. I had briefly read the summary before choosing to download the book and waited to read it after finishing a book in Christian fantasy - a completely different genre! I was hesitant to start reading because I was still back in fantasy land with shifters and vampires, but once I read the first few pages, I couldn't put the book down. There was just something about the story and the writing that drew me in. The reader gets an insider's view of what it takes to make a TV movie in Hollywood (or just outside Hollywood). Was it full of fast-paced action and excitement? No. Was there an overly emphasized and drawn out romance? No. Did it make me cry? Yes. Does it leave me feeling inspired? Absolutely.

This inspirational book is about facing the past and moving on. After freeing a falsely-accused Danny Byrd from jail, attorney Megan Pierce is determined to figure out what happened to the line producer with the honest reputation. Danny struggles with his past and wanting a future. He feels betrayed by his best friend and foster brother. He feels that his pristine reputation is now tainted. Can he face his past and find a way to let go? Can he make himself vulnerable enough to produce a TV movie on a small budget in a short timeframe? Can he stop thinking about the gorgeous lawyer who refuses to stop until she uncovers the truth?

I really enjoyed this story. It felt so authentic and real. The romance is a bit sidelined in my opinion but that doesn't take away from the story. The relationships between characters is what really makes the story flow together. The writing and unique perspective on the film industry is what really drew me in and kept me up late into the night. I even got some new song recommendations to listen to.

Highly recommend.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received. ...more

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Oct 31, 2019 Libby May rated it liked it

Shelves: bethany-house-publishing, free-review-copy, i-own

Three Stars.
Unscripted was not a bad book, It just wasn't magnificent.

Things I liked.

I liked... Megan.
I liked Emma.
I liked Robin as little of a character she was. I
liked JR even though he was a bad dude.
I loved the scenes where they were shooting the movie. Those were powerful and beautiful and honestly, I wish the whole book was written in the style that Davis slipped into when he was writing the movie shots.
I liked the main plotline, even though there was so much legal movie jargon that I Three Stars.
Unscripted was not a bad book, It just wasn't magnificent.

Things I liked.

I liked... Megan.
I liked Emma.
I liked Robin as little of a character she was. I
liked JR even though he was a bad dude.
I loved the scenes where they were shooting the movie. Those were powerful and beautiful and honestly, I wish the whole book was written in the style that Davis slipped into when he was writing the movie shots.
I liked the main plotline, even though there was so much legal movie jargon that I felt was absolutely unnessacary, because I'm not looking to legally make a movie of my own. However, that is a personal opinion and if a reader enjoys legal battles and law sort of books then this will be fun for them.

Things I didn't like.

I didn't like the attempt at inner character conflict. Somehow I found it impossible to connect with the character and understand what in the world he was going through. It felt too much like telling vs showing what the character was going through.
The romance between Daniel and Megan was so... little. There was no dynamics, no spark. The book said they were in love and so they acted in love. I don't know. It wasn't very believable.
Also call me old fashion but the way that Daniel so easily allowed Megan simply to take the wheel and drive his life rubbed me wrong and I didn't like that simply because it seemed like a forced agenda rather than something that actually came naturally.

Content: There was pretty much no real content. Nothing graphic, no violence, not any language that I remember. There is mention of being inappropriately approached, one semi-detailed kiss and one not detailed kiss. Many mentions of broken relationships. Several mentions of robbing a bank, and jail.

All in all it wasn't a bad book and I enjoyed reading it when I sat down to do it. Would I recommend it, someone? If they mentioned that they enjoyed movie production books, than yes. Otherwise, it just goes on the shelf.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required. ...more

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Oct 24, 2019 Rosalyn rated it liked it

I began reading this book completely unsure of what to expect.

I've read Davis Bunn's books in the past....but it's been a long time ago (telling you how long would be....well, telling on myself...lol). Let's just leave it at that.

I did enjoy those earlier books I read by him, mostly, but he's never been one of my top favorite authors. I've just found it a bit harder to connect with his writing style, I think.

However, I'm saying all this, because I knew I wanted to read this one...legal suspense ...more

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Oct 21, 2019 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it it was amazing

Shelves: betrayal, behavior, family, drama, fiction, romance, forgiveness, friendship, lawyer, contemporary

Unscripted
By Davis Bunn

Danny Byrd's life and reputation have been destroyed by the betrayal of his best friend. He knows that he'll never achieve his dreams of being a producer. Worse he is bankrupt, his business owes money everywhere, and he is sitting in jail assigned a public defender who could care less.

Megan Pierce has worked hard to make a place for herself in the law firm where she has been made senior associate. But all the hours and the elitist attitude of the partners and their A-list ...more

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Oct 28, 2019 Sue rated it really liked it

Having sold over 8 million copies and won 4 Christy awards, Davis Bunn is a celebrated author that knows his craft. In his latest book, he takes on both Hollywood and the legal system that supports it.
Main character Danny Byrd has chosen a life of integrity, despite his broken upbringing in the foster system. When his faith in the one friend who knows his whole past is shattered, Danny finds his faith in himself also shattered. But a mysterious rescue from jail and an even stranger inheritance ...more

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Oct 21, 2019 V. Palmer rated it really liked it

Unscripted by Davis Bunn infuses readers with layers of powerful emotions! In fact, I dare you to read Unscripted and NOT feel the emotion! Seriously. I dare you.

Unscripted is one of those unique novels that portrays a story within a story. The story was different from what I expected -- but in a good way! I don't know how the author did it, but all of the characters tug on your heartstrings, and there's also a mystery surrounding Danny that had me trying to figure out what in the world was ...more

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About Davis Bunn

Davis Bunn

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Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than seven million books in twenty languages.

Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.

His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the ...more