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.

Unscripted was definitely different from my usual fare with books and an attempt to step out of my comfort zone and try out a new to me author.
I enjoyed delving into the world of movie making and Hollywood as a whole culled from the authors experiences.
Danny has been hurt by the one person he thought he had in his corner. His best friend JR. Pushed against the wall and stripped of everything, he just wants to survive and in comes Megan she’s on the fast track to make partner at her firm but doesn’t feel happy anymore so she leaves. Wanting the best for her client, she fights with everything to make sure he gets what is due him. Danny though finds redemption in the most unlikely places. With Megan’s parents who encourage him to trust God with his struggles, with Emma who believes in him when he tells her he could make a star and Greg who though has a part in his downfall will go to any length to clear his name. The book deals with Hollywood in all its glamour both the good and the bad. The dealings both legal and under the table, the threats, the struggles and love all mixed up in between.
From start, this book was a whirlwind and honestly a little hard to follow. It unfortunately fell a little short on some aspects.
Bottom line is, we are all lost and broken each of us searching for hope and redemption and we may just find it in the most unlikely places.