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 proving herself to her … herself to her impossible bosses only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it–even though she’s not entirely clear what “it” is.
Danny and Megan are each other’s best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other’s best hope for love.
Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn takes you into the beating heart of Hollywood with two characters determined to thrive in a cutthroat business.
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Davis Bunn’s newest release, Unscripted, is a little bit different than what I am used to reading. The characters were good getting to know. There is a lot of drama between them. I felt like I could relate to what they are going through. I believe many others would too.
I am giving Unscripted three and a half stars. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy stories of redemption, second chances and moving on from the past.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
As a long-time Davis Bunn fan, I suspected I would enjoy this book, but I did not realize how much I would enjoy it. I live in Southern California and it’s clear that Bunn, like always, has done his research. Bunn uses just the right words to describe a character or scene, yet he writes so concisely that you feel he measures out his prose like a baker does flour or sugar. And, being someone who’s resided in the shadow of Hollywood his whole life, and is working on a screenplay like everyone else in town, it is clear he knows entertainment and film-making and/or he has really good folks he has consulted on the topics. Another good read.
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 even faces criminal prosecution.
That is until Megan Pierce enters the scene.
Megan Pierce, a Los Angeles lawyer, has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to her impossible bosses only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it–even though she’s not entirely clear what “it” is.
Danny and Megan are each other’s best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other’s best hope for love.
And with that, Bunn takes readers deep inside the film industry. One that is notorious with scandal, accusations of misconduct, as well as its own snobbery.
Now, Danny has a chance to redeem himself. Part that comes when he inherits a hotel, or at best the majority ownership. He’s wondering what that has to do with the restoration of his career and reputation.
Everything.
There he meets a young talent who has the makings of a star. Without a script and the only idea being a “Valentine’s Day” project – Megan, Danny, and a few colleagues set out to redeem his career.
As everything begins to look good, it goes bad – issues with the lead actor and other trouble behind the scenes. Still despite the adversity, they continue on, and the story develops even more from there. Even when RJ comes back into the picture, Danny is able to let go of that connection and form and romance with Megan.
This had twists and turns like a Hollywood movie, and some of the insight into the industry was exciting, frustrating, uplifting, and disheartening. Realism at its best in a fictional package.
Some of the story involving the script and filming felt forced and out of place, at least to me. It was hard, even by the end to tell what the plot of the “movie” was or was supposed to be – so the titled “Unscripted” works. The characters of both the “movie” and the book seemed out of place, but still worked in some manner of cohesiveness.
The concept of second chances, redemption, and overcoming odds was beautiful, as was the test of everyone’s faith. Bunn didn’t overly preach in the book, and some might find the references to God and faith are too light. Others might take issue with a song “That Old Black Magic”. I would say it was a balance.
This book was definitely a look into the film industry as well as challenges, hope, and forgiveness. Definitely an interesting book with raw emotions, and determination.
I was expecting a bit more suspense in this. It had a great premise and I feel more could’ve been added on the suspense.
Over all 3.8 stars.
Unscripted by Davis Bunn gives a behind the scenes look at movie making while showcasing the opportunity of a second chance for the main character. Danny is a good man by all accounts and yet he ends up in prison. Why? The story kept my interest…I pretty much couldn’t put the book down and read till the wee hours of the morning. I enjoyed the interaction between Danny and his new lawyer and I liked the sincerity and graciousness of her parents. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work and was not disappointed in this story of how the past so often shapes our lives and the importance of letting it go so one can move on to what likely is a better path. I read a library copy of the book and the opinions are my own.
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.
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 help from a potential love interest, Danny is on the road to redemption. I was pulled in from the first page. I like the author’s style and pacing of this book. This story is a good mix of mystery, betrayal, redemption, romance and life lessons. I recommend if you want drama but not heavy stuff.
I really enjoyed learning a bit about how the money is gotten for a movie or tv show. I also enjoyed the romance and seeing a young girl get discovered. I liked the romance and the little bit of mystery behind who was helping Danny. This story made me laugh and cry. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
“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!
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 Hollywood clients. When she is offered a chance to defend a client who has been unfairly accused she takes the case and changes her future in the process.
When Megan and Danny come together for a project that offers Danny a second chance they could change not only their world but that of a hurting young woman. Emma has a talent and voices her pain through her music – Emma’s gift speaks to Danny and he knows that Emma has to be in his new project. But can a disgraced line producer and an unknown teen create something that will give them a future that seems to be a dream that will never be fulfilled?
Davis Bunn has a way with words and he isn’t limited to one genre. The characters seemingly come to life and leave the ties of the page behind. Danny is a layered and complex individual who is dealing with the issues of his past that he thought he’d long left behind. But when he faces an unexpected betrayal he has to deal with what is missing in his life. Fortunately, Megan Pierce’s parents offer the young producer their friendship and a willing ear to hear what he needs to share. This book is contemporary fiction and it is excellent reading. This isn’t high-intensity reading but rather fiction that deals with the every day, with living life.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Many of our perceptions about the film industry come from what we see in movies or on television. Author Davis Bunn shares a fictional tale of what happens behind the scenes in Hollywood and Los Angeles and it is intriguing, to say the least. Danny Byrd was successful and enjoyed a good reputation until his partner and best friend took off with their investor’s money. Suddenly, Danny finds himself in jail, in need of a lawyer, and attorney Megan Pierce thinks that he just may be the client she has been looking for. Megan is sick of the tactics that some successful law practices choose and she is seeking to justify why she should remain a lawyer.
The story that Bunn tells in Unscripted shows just how far we sometimes fall and how hard it is to climb out BUT it proves that it is possible to be redeemed! Even when hope seems gone and our efforts seem useless, redemption is possible! And it is never too late to find friendship, loyalty, and romance!
Bunn is an accomplished author but he is also a script-writer so his knowledge of the film industry adds authenticity to this story that is filled with betrayal and suspense. For me, however, this is a story of learning to accept, forget, and forgive or as Annie mentions on page 178, ‘A chance to love through sorrow. Turn the corner and stop making it about yesterday. Make it about tomorrow.’
I enjoyed Unscripted and I recommend it to readers who enjoy legal thrillers and Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book from Revell and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts in this review.
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 read than I expected.
***This book was provided to me by the publisher. I was under no obligation to give a positive review, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
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 book so I am passing out on to him next. I will be interested to hear his take on it.
I received this book through the RevellReads program and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
WOW! This is an extremely deep contemporary novel!
I was drawn into the lives of the people in this story from the very beginning. Their personalities are so varied that I was caught up trying to understand each of them and their emotions throughout the book. I loved the way that the core group of characters had each other’s backs and were working together to pull off an amazing feat.
I was fascinated with the descriptions of film making. It gave me a glimpse at the world behind the shows and movies that I’ve seen. I also was caught up in the legal meetings and all the details involved with them.
I love it when a book touches me emotionally to the point that I’m reaching for tissues. This wonderful book has done that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*
UNSCRIPTED…David.Bunn
Danny’s reputation in the movie industry is in jeopardy. In Hollywood one never knows who your friends are. When one he thought was a Friend takes off with the investors money. We meet Meg, who wants to prove herself. With the two of them can they retrieve and still come in on time. Good story of the movie industry, with action, well done
Given ARC for my voluntary review review and my honest opinion by Net Galley Revell.
‘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 that.
Unscripted is a story of pain, loss, great challenges and redemption. And while this setting is not my favorite, it is told well and full of insider information on the film industry. And it carries a great message. Recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
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 altogether. Yet, because the plot of this story is mostly about Danny and Megan, with the movie as a supporting character, I was okay with it for the most part. I would have also liked some more development around Megan and more to the relationship growing between her and Danny.
That said, Bunn is a such a fantastic author, even those minor negatives I found in the book (which might not even bother other readers), simple hangout in the background like extras without speaking parts. They’re there and you may notice them, but they don’t necessarily bring anything more to the script.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I have read many books by Davis Bunn over the years and have always considered him one of my favorite authors so I was pleased to have the opportunity to review Unscripted. While not my favorite of his works, this novel was nevertheless a solid one with an intriguing plot and interesting characters. I particularly enjoyed learning about what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood including the legal aspects of producing a film. I also loved the descriptions of how many of the scenes were filmed almost spontaneously and the outcome seemed to be so magical that I found myself wanting to see the final product.
The details appear to have been well researched and were quite believable. I’ll admit that I would like to have seen a bit more development of the primary characters, especially Danny and Megan. Their relationship seemed a bit rushed to me and it would have been nice if their dependence had been more on the Lord than on each other.
I did enjoy Unscripted and will always look forward to reading anything this author publishes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
“This time was different. For one thing, he was innocent. Totally.”
Hollywood line producer Danny Byrd’s partner absconded millions of dollars from investors and left him behind in jail to take the blame. When a highly skilled attorney unexpectedly rises to his defense, Danny can only be grateful for Megan Pierce’s inside knowledge of the film industry. In spite of the fact that his once stellar reputation has been compromised, Danny finds himself with another opportunity to continue doing what he does best; however, nothing goes according to plan in this made for television movie; the point being, it’s all unscripted.
Two thirds of the way through the book, I began to realize what I didn’t know about this story. My only consolation? The characters apparently didn’t know either; except for one, and fortunately Megan’s “spidey sense” coupled with her savvy legal expertise helped Danny finish a story that needed to be told, not only for an audience, but also for his heart.
“Cast aside all regrets, So that ye might live, Toss away the bitterness that binds, Throw aside all the anger ere the sun descends, Lest you join me here before your time.”
Davis Bunn, and his brilliant bravado to blaze new trails with his plot lines and settings, never ceases to amaze me. Although at times the technical details weighted this particular story, what really mattered was crystal clear.
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 is pretty much godless and bad, so I wasn’t sure about a book that is set in Hollywood, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. Though the plot was very interesting, reading about what goes into making a movie, picking the actors, etc, the book was about more than that.
Danny, a very likable character, has a lot to deal with in the book: a best friend’s betrayal, jail time, career pretty much destroyed, reputation destroyed. To me, the themes of the book are forgiveness and letting go of the past.
It is hard to say what all I liked about the book without giving spoilers away, but it was a great read. In addition to the main character, Danny, Bunn also created some other great characters that made the book interesting.
The Christian parts of the book were not always obvious, but they were there. The romantic elements of the book were also pretty much in the background and were not a big part of the book.
This is a book I would recommend. It is different from a lot of Christian fiction on the market, with the setting and plot in Hollywood making a movie, but it is definitely worth reading.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own
I enjoyed the setting of this book which was about Hollywood and the filming industry.
It was real interesting to see how movies were made.
While there is no cussing, there is abandonment, depression and drug abuse is mentioned in the book.
I thought the author did really well with these topics.
While these characters are not perfect I did appreciate Davis has written them with flaws, and has given each one hope in the process and a chance to redeem themselves.
Dear Readers God is there and He’s everywhere! He is our redeeming hope. He won’t leave us to fend for ourselves and the author has done a fabulous job in portraying all of these things.
Now, I will admit that there were some places in the book that dragged for me but there were some interesting scenes mixed in as well.
I too had to start this book twice because of the scenes that drug for me but in the end I did manage to finish it.
I still deemed that this book wasn’t my cup of tea but I still recommend it because others might enjoy it
My thanks to Revell for this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.