The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper…doesn’t he?
Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend—and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe’s scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.
When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she’s horrified by the film director’s choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe’s perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she’s one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops—the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe’s unbridled outrage firsthand.
With Liam’s reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam’s image while putting the story—and the film—in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie’s filming in Chloe’s cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam’s fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?
As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they’re unprepared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly—well, that’s an unread chapter for both of them.
Charming contemporary romanceStand-alone novelBook approximately 83,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Love, Unscripted was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Denise Hunter. The alluring cover drew me in initially but as soon as I started listening to the audiobook I was hooked. Love, Scripted was set in a small southern town called Stillwater in the state of North Carolina. Stillwater was the kind of town where everyone knew one another and gossip traveled fast. I enjoyed Denise Hunter’s writing style and her choice of characters that made their appearances in Love, Unscripted. The audiobook was very well narrated by Kathleen McInerney. She made it easy for me to visualize the story as it unfolded before my eyes.
Chloe Anderson had grown up and lived in Stillwater, North Carolina her whole life. Her mom, stepdad and brother also lived there. Chloe’s mom owned a restaurant in town that Chloe and her brother helped run. Fairly recently, Chloe had authored her first book. It was a romance and it had sold pretty well. The idea for the book came to Chloe shortly after she experienced a pretty bad breakup. Chloe used the book to create a prototype for the perfect boyfriend. The book had sold well and was now being made into a movie. Chloe knew that careful consideration had to be given to the selection of which actors and actresses were to be chosen to play the characters in her book. Each role had to be casted well to make that character believable. The role of the boyfriend was probably the most crucial role in the entire movie. Whoever was chosen to play that part had to fit with the characteristics that Chloe had created for him. The one actor Chloe definitely did not want to play that role was Liam Hamilton. Although Liam Hamilton was a good actor, very popular and quite handsome, he was completely wrong for that role in Chloe’s mind. Liam Hamilton was a womanizer, a player, everything that her character was not. As Chloe was telling these thoughts to her best friend in her bookshop that she owned, Chloe received a phone call from the producer of the movie. Chloe’s worst scenario was about to come to fruition. The producer of the movie informed Chloe that Liam Hamilton had been cast as the leading role in the movie. Chloe was angry, frustrated and disappointed. She let the producer know her feelings loud and clear. Little had Chloe realized that the producer had her on speakerphone and that Liam Hamilton had heard most of her irate comments. Although Chloe had meant everything that she said she was also embarrassed that Liam Hamilton had heard her voice them loud and clear.
A few days later, about a week before production of the movie was scheduled to begin, Liam arrived in Stillwater. Liam’s reputation had begun to affect his ratings and popularity. He and his agent had devised a plan to help rectify it. The plan hinged on Chloe buying into it, though. When Liam spotted Chloe by a clothing store, he approached her. Chloe immediately apologized to Liam for her behavior on the phone. Liam suggested that they make a deal to “fake date” while the movie was being filmed. His agent believed that if Liam’s fans believed that Liam was in a committed relationship with such a wholesome woman as Chloe Anderson, his ratings would soar again. This arrangement might even help Chloe’s social media status. Chloe and Liam decided to give it a chance. What would happen? Could they pull “fake dating” off? Would Liam do the movie justice in his role of the “perfect boyfriend? What would Liam and Chloe learn through the process?
Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter was humorous, sad, romantic and even downright frustrating at times. I really enjoyed both the characters of Chloe and Liam. I felt myself rooting for them. Certain topics were explored in Love, Unscripted. They included a dependency on alcohol to make troubles disappear, divorce, abandonment, bigotry, the need for communication and trust in a relationship, the act of forgiveness, being in denial of the truth, the importance of family and following the heart. I have come to enjoy books that are set in the south and permeate all the charm that the south brings with it. Love, Unscripted was a book that touched my emotions. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Love, Unscripted and recommend it highly.
Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Believe me, I know it is. But people can’t love you until they know you.
And they can’t know you until you open yourself to them and show them who you are.”
I definitely was drawn to Love, Unscripted for how the cover is so soft that it seems to invite you into its setting, but I was pleasantly surprised that the story was just as sweet. For the last thing twenty-five-year old restaurateur Chloe Culpepper needs is for the one book she's written featuring 'the hero of Chloe’s heart. The man she hoped actually existed in real life, somewhere' to be played by Hollywood's notorious playboy, thirty-two year old Liam Hamilton, in its screen adaptation. 😥 But, when Liam presents his own proposition to her - a fake dating setup that would mutually benefit both their interests - she slowly discovers that sometimes the best kind of love doesn't have to follow a script and that it's even possible the man of her dreams can exist in real-life, too. 🥺🥺
“The studio thinks it’s brilliant. Think about this from your fans’ point of view: Their favorite author is in an exclusive relationship with the hero she penned. As far as publicity goes, what could be better?”
I loved their first meeting! It was so well done, totally setting the vibes of how uncomfortable it would be at first for their tenuous relationship to develop and how they would build up that level of trust to have the chance to make it right. ' For Ledger, for all his fans, for the good of the movie.' Chloe was already so skeptical of Liam's rather flamboyant romantic career that she was hesitant to trust him with Ledger, 'He was a womanizer. If he wasn’t the devil, he was certainly the anti- Ledger!' 😟 And yet, in reality, he was everything but that. Liam was so kind-hearted and warm and receptive of Chloe's desires for her beloved character. He was so very understanding and accommodating to all her demands. 'He enjoyed her company. She was fun and funny and real. In fact, she was fast on her way to becoming one of his favorite people to spend time with.' He began to feel so comfortable in her presence and appreciated the gentleness that seemed to emanate from her - this calming ease he couldn't quite find in Hollywood.
“But their relationship had quickly progressed from business arrangement to friendship and now to so much more. She liked him for him.
The fulfillment of something long denied stirred a place deep inside. He hadn’t realized how desperate he’d been for that validation.”
Liam was a dear; even though 'deep down he wanted to be the kind of man Ledger was', he was already a really great guy. He had a lot of heart to him and he was so very thoughtful of Chloe, so respectful, so eager to be someone special to her - to mean something more than just that handsome hunk hired to play a part. 🥹🥹 The two of them shared some very adorable and cute moments that totally captured Chloe's romantic heart and proved to her what a special catch Liam really was, even allowing herself to be open about herself and her past - something that she's never been comfortable sharing with anyone. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
I did, however, feel Chloe tended to overreact at times; I get that she's still jaded by her own personal past and traumatized with abandonment issues, but it wasn't quite fair to judge Liam so harshly without any basis to it. 🙄 The 3rd act break up relied on once again the miscommunication trope that just seemed contrived and unwarranted. It was unfair how she was always the one turning the tables on him, but Liam was such an understanding and smitten soul that he would find it in his heart to forgive her for her misgivings. I did appreciate though that he never tried to explain or fight her on it, or grovel back to her, asking for forgiveness or a second chance. It showed that Chloe had to grow on her own for their relationship to actually work and I liked that it was depicted that way. 👏🏻👏🏻
“Even her book was squeaky clean— yes, he’d read it after he got the part— and somehow realistic and layered and compelling too.”
It's honestly a very wholesome way to define Denise Hunter's latest novel. It had its share of angst and romance, soft gentle kisses and sincere character growth, while still capturing the beauty of a North Carolina coastal city with vibes that resonate a quaint charm of peace and contentment. ☺️ The writing was very light and simple, but still managed to keep my attention. I liked the coziness of it, the familial vibe and how close-knit everyone was with each other. I would have liked, though, a little more of Chloe's restaurant life to be explored; it is briefly mentioned how her romantic liaison with Liam affected the business with the paparazzi hounds, but it wasn't quite shown, which I thought was unfair. But, apart from that, it was a very comfy and heart-warming romance - not one that I exactly swooned over, but one that still carried all the wholesome qualities to make it a perfect example of a lovely Hallmark read. 🩷🩷
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Denise Hunter has written another lovely romance that pulls on heartstrings. with Love, Unscripted. Chloe Anderson is an author with a bestselling romance that is being made into a movie filming in her small coastal hometown in North Carolina. The most important character is the male protagonist, who has all the qualities that are important to Chloe in the perfect man. But the actor picked for the part, Liam Hamilton, is not that man because of his player reputation. The studio agreed to let the two work together to make sure that Liam gets the part down correctly while pretending that Chloe and Liam are dating. Chloe soon finds out that Liam is a much different person that she thought. This is a slow burn romance with lots of ups and downs, misunderstandings, conflicts, and hurts but develops into a sweet relationship. Both have a hurtful upbringing with scars, and this impedes things. The small tourist town atmosphere was written just right with the closeness of locals and fast-moving gossip. The characters are likable and realistic in a great setting. This is a deep story with a little bit of mystery in the background. Wonderful for those who love romance with a hint of faith. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Once again, Denise Hunter pulled me right into another one of her books with a story I never felt like putting down—which is probably why I finished reading it in less than a day. I always enjoy the gentle flow of her stories, but what I especially loved about this one was the relationship between the author heroine and the movie star hero who is playing the lead in a film adaptation of her novel. This story reminded me a little bit of Nora Goes Off Script. A lot of fun elements, but a lot of heart and emotion too. Highly recommend.
This was my first read by Denise Hunter. I really loved her writing style and sense of humor. Chloe is an author who is having her book turned into a movie. Liam is an actor who will play the leading man. Chloe doesn’t want Liam for her perfect fictional male character she created because of his bad reputation, but she learns after meeting him that everything in the tabloids isn’t true. Including the newest news that her and Liam are dating! This leads to them fake dating to help his reputation and help her movie and social media status. But the more time they spend together the more the lines of real vs fake blur together. I really liked both of these characters. They are both very caring and kind people. They do have a little bit of trust issues but otherwise great. I was a little disappointed that there was no Christian content, except one line of prayer, considering this is labeled as Christian Fiction. However, I still really enjoyed this story!
Content: kisses, shirtless scene where she tries not to notice, a couple times where she sits on his lap
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Love Unscripted is a cute little book about a Hollywood Badboy and a small town author who fall for eachother via the fake dating trope. Plot: Liam's reputation needs fixing. The gossip columns have dragged him through the mud yet again with rumour after rumour not that all of them are true. He's just landed a role playing the hero of a romance bestseller and the book's author is not too happy about this casting because she doesn't want his tainted reputation tarnishing her hero. Chloe is the aforementioned author. When she actually meets Liam after some not so nice words about the casting, sparks fly between them but not before the Studio hatches a plan to benefit both. Liam and Chloe will fake date to clean up his rakish reputation whilst Chloe can elevate her social profile for her next book. Cue the usual forced proximity, getting to know each other, misunderstandings and one hell of a public scandal. The book is cute enough to keep you entertained throughout whilst the narrator does an excellent job with all the voices none of which seem contrite. A good audio choice for cute romance fans. Side note there is no spice in this book. Its clean. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins publishing for an audiocopy of this book.
“Welcome to middle-class America, Liam Hamilton.” ☕📚
This is a contemporary romance new release on March 12, 2024, by Denise Hunter.
This book was, in a word, delightful!
WHAT’S TO LOVE? This clean contemporary romance was such a fun spin on the “fake dating a celebrity” trope. This story had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. And it wasn’t only the funny thoughts of our female lead, Chloe. It was the witty banter between her and Liam, and HILARIOUS words from Chloe’s brother. Every. Single. Character in this small-beach-town-breath-of-fresh-air story felt authentic and had the best dialogue. You will fall in love with all of them (even the cat!) and want to move to this North Carolina beach pronto! And you’ll be cheering Chloe on until the very end.
Now that I think of it… amid all the lightheartedness, the author expertly slid in some pretty darn serious topics like alcoholism, rehab, abandonment, divorce, and bigotry. However, there was not one swear word - thank you! And it was clean romance, albeit, lots of touches and kissing - thank you!
CAUSE FOR PAUSE? Speaking of kissing and touching, if you don’t like mentions of his hotness, his muscles, his tan skin, his full lips, his muscular chest, and his six-pack, etc, etc, etc, you won’t like this one. While the physical attraction was seriously intense and was a bit much, I’m just thankful it stopped there. Some of it was pretty funny too - so it's all good in my eyes.
CONSIDER READING IF… you want a modern story with lots of southern charm, realistic problems, and several characters that'll make you chuckle, go now and get yourself a copy of this book! I am stingy with my stars, but this one gets 5. 😀
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This will be released March 12, 2024.
☕📚 Thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing/Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I received a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ☕📚
A good fake romance with a celebrity- check. This one is really goody I like that in theory he had to become the dream guy that she put into paper but he was really just perfect for her the way he was. They both had some insecurities to get past to make the relationship work and it turned out really cute.
🌀Synopsis Chloe’s writing is really taking off. So much so, they are turning her book into a movie. When the producers select a male lead, Chloe doesn’t agree with their choice. In fact, Liam is the last one she wants playing this part. She is sure his playboy reputation is going to ruin the movie. Liam and Chloe get off on the wrong foot but Liam is determined to make this work. His reputation has gotten out of hand and now it’s impacting his career. Barely and of it is true but people don’t know that. Which is why he decides to really put his all into this movie. Private lessons on the main character from Chloe turn into fake dating which turns into real feelings. The only question is, what happens when the movie is over?
A beautiful story of forgiveness, self discovery, and learning to trust. Denise Hunter never fails to weave together a story that touches my heart. I know that picking up one of her books will make me feel all the emotions just as this book did. I found myself laughing, crying, and rooting for them to get their happily ever after.
New author Chloe Anderson can’t believe her first book is going to be a movie. That excitement is quickly dimmed when she finds out Hollywood bad boy Liam Hamilton will be playing her beloved hero in the story. After a rocky start to their working relationship, the two decide to put differences aside and work together to make sure the movie is a success. What unfolds is something neither would have predicted. They are both faced with coming to terms with their pasts and facing their futures head on.
This book is a must read! Wonderful characters and so well written that you feel as if you are living it with them. This will definitely be a book I will want to reread later on.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
At the reccomendation of a friend, she highly suggests Denise Hunter as an awesome author. Boy was she right, this is am amazing book! This is my first Denise Hunter read. A book for me, that was so difficult to put down, reading it so amazingly fast, as it kept my interest and could not wait to see what would happen in each chapter.
It takes place in a small southern town. The author of a romance novel gets her book made into a movie. All the characters are so heartwarming and this book teaches you to really get to know someone. You really get to learn what goes into the makings of movies. What a wonderful relationship between all of the characters.
Denise Hunter, your book has gotten my attention really big. I plan on reading many more of your books and highly recommend you as a wonderful author.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book prior to publication. It was so much an honor to read : "Love, Unscripted".
Thank you to NetGalley for the early readers copy. I really enjoyed this story of an author’s book being made In to a movie. The relationship between theauthor, Chloe, and her leading man, Liam isn’t going well. So will this relationship work it’s self out? Only time will tell. But I think you will love Chloe and Liam’s story. I loved my first Denise Hunter book and it will not be my last.
I simply adored this novel! The celebrity romance trope is a favorite of mine and this book had many of the things that make this trope one that I have so much fun reading. I loved the way Liam and Chloe connected. Their “meet cute” before they even met in person was priceless and set things up for them to be wonderfully awkward when they actually did meet.
I felt like I connected with these characters right from the beginning of the story. They were wounded by the actions of people who should have loved them forever. It impacted them and did end up causing problems for their relationship.
I loved seeing the way Liam opened up with Chloe. It was great to see them together, actually enjoying themselves and connecting with each other. I rejoiced with them in moments of happiness and my heart hurt when theirs did.
I loved this book from start to finish. It is now my favorite novel by this author and these characters are ones that I can’t stop thinking about.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Love Unscripted is a sweet romance of convenience. Liam needs to prepare his Hollywood bad boy reputation while Chloe needs to make sure he doesn't mess up bringing her perfect hero to life. In order to accomplish both goals, she reluctantly agrees to a fake relationship with him. You can imagine how the story goes. What I loved about this story is that both Liam and Chloe have a background that makes them reluctant to fully give their heart to another. Chloe pulls back and Liam won't let himself go there. Yet with each other, for the first time, the risk feels like it might be worth it. There's the usual round of challenges and reasons to force them a part, but because this is a Denise Hunter romance, the characters and community are so richly drawn it kept me engaged from the beginning. I truly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to those who are looking for a romance that will fulfill the promise of a Happily Ever After while surviving bumps along the road.
Love Unscripted is a sweet romance of convenience. Liam needs to prepare his Hollywood bad boy reputation while Chloe needs to make sure he doesn't mess up bringing her perfect hero to life. In order to accomplish both goals, she reluctantly agrees to a fake relationship with him. You can imagine how the story goes. What I loved about this story is that both Liam and Chloe have a background that makes them reluctant to fully give their heart to another. Chloe pulls back and Liam won't let himself go there. Yet with each other, for the first time, the risk feels like it might be worth it. There's the usual round of challenges and reasons to force them a part, but because this is a Denise Hunter romance, the characters and community are so richly drawn it kept me engaged from the beginning. I truly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to those who are looking for a romance that will fulfill the promise of a Happily Ever After while surviving bumps along the road.
What a sweet romance. The setting in North Carolina just happens to be my state that was a plus but Liam and Chloe were the perfect couple. They were so easy to connect with. I love this story was about a book turn movie. This is a must read.
I’ve always loved Denise Hunter’s books. But I thought I knew where this one was headed and that I probably wouldn't love it as much as others. Well, let me tell you – I was wrong!!! It’s not that I didn't know where it was going as much as all that happened between the beginning and the end. I loved the book and the feels it evoked. I loved learning all about filming a movie and all the many things that went into filming on location. I loved knowing that Denise has had some books turned into movies that that she knew a lot of what she was talking about from first hand experience. I loved that Chloe was big into being honest above all with Liam. And Liam let Chloe see his real self. This was a fun book to read. I certainly recommend it! Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
I absolutely loved this book by Denise Hunter! Small town girl Chloe just wants the perfect man. So she invents one and writes a novel about him. Her book is a best seller and is being turned into a movie -- cue actor Liam who plays the part well. Too well, it seems. Sparks fly and...well, you'll have to read it to find out. Five stars.
Denise Hunter has been one of my FAVOURITE authors for years and any new release from her immediately jumps to the top of my TBR list. Her books never disappoint, and Love, Unscripted is no different! It is a light, heartwarming read, but engaging enough to want to finish the whole book in one sitting. The characters are well-rounded and believable, with their own struggles and flaws. Chloe Anderson is a small town author, whose bestselling book is being made into a movie starring Hollywood bad boy, Liam Hamilton. I LOVE a good fake dating trope, and the author absolutely nails it here. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a clean, inspirational rom-com.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Denise Hunter for the complimentary ARC in return for my honest review.
Denise Hunter has pinned another winner! Chloe and Liam are adorable and gave me all of the feels. Since Chloe is the author of a best seller turned movie and Liam is the leading man in the movie, I think Hallmark should definitely be grabbing the rights to this story pronto. I love how much research the author puts into her stories. She speaks from experience because she has written novels turned into movies and she always visits the locations of her books. A feel good romance novel, everyone will enjoy!
I loved this rom-com book! It’s about a book being made into a movie, and it really should be made into a movie! It’s an easy read and it kept my attention. I even read while my parents were visiting because I couldn’t put it down. I loved how the antagonism between Chloe and Liam morphed into sparks. I really do hope this will eventually be a movie.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was the first Denise Hunter book that I have read. It had a very Hallmark movie vibe to it. I like Hallmark movies!
I was drawn to the book by the premise. I rarely read blurbs and I just skimmed this one. From what I read, I thought this book had lots of potential. I did enjoy the story and the characters. But I did find it VERY predictable. There wasn't really any kind of twist or interesting event happen that I didn't think was going to happen.
I did listen to the audiobook. It is read by a female narrator. She did a decent job. I can't recall anything that irritated me about her reading style. And I don't also recall anything that was super impressive about her either.
I wish to thank Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley for the ALC of this book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Denise Hunter novels make me happy. I loved some more than others and this novel is definitely in the “love much” pile. There’s something about Liam that totally drew me in - maybe I was googly-eyed over his star status. Or maybe I was won over by his down-to-earth and normal personality, not to mention his swoon-worthy romantic heart though he tries really hard not to fall in love. And Chloe is so lovable and incredibly cute. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud every time she did something embarrassing or corny. Her best friend and her brother were fun supporting characters and I wish they could have gotten their own book.
It’s a perfect beach read that will have you sighing in contentment by the end. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Chloe and Liam don't start off on the best foot, since Chloe is rather frank about what she thinks of him as the actor to portray her character. It gets even funnier when they meet in person on the street in Stillwater. Despite these missteps, they agree to a public fake relationship that will benefit both of them, to repair his image and to boost hers. Of course, not everything goes as planned.
I liked Liam better than Chloe as he came across as more genuine and invested.
One not to miss. I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I loved this book! It was so sweet. I fell in love with Chloe and her sweet southern charm and innocence. This was such a heartwarming story, you couldn’t help but root for love.
Denise Hunter delivers another delightful read with Love, Unscripted. A stand alone novel, Love, Unscripted is set in a small Atlantic beach town and tells the story of a bestselling book author and the man chosen to be the hero in the movie. Author Chloe has a difficult past that has influenced all of her relationships. As she uncovers more about herself throughout the story she also falls more in love with actor Liam, who is playing the "perfect book boyfriend" in her book turned movie. Both characters have depth to them, and we follow their journey of discovering more about themselves so that they can be more open to one another. A perfect beach read, Love, Unscripted, is a clean romance that will keep you up to the last page. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a free e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Denise is my go-to author for swoony romance and Love, Unscripted delivered. 5 stars!
This standalone romance has everything I look for in a good story, a great meet-cute, witty banter, and a wonderful seaside setting. Typically, I don't read stories that involve "Hollywood" movie making, but I trusted Hunter to do the story justice. She brought a depth of insight into these characters who seemed so opposite but ended up finding more in common than either of them would have thought.
Some of my favorite funny lines, "So basically your brother wants to beat me up." "Don't worry, he needs his hands in the kitchen." "That's good. I need my face in the movie."
I loved everything about Love, Unscripted and highly recommend it to fans of romance and happy ever after stories. I appreciate Thomas Nelson making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
A tepid 3 stars. I've read other books by Denise Hunter and enjoyed them, but this one was very cliche'. Fake dating a celebrity? Check. Misunderstanding at 75%? Check. The writing was decent, but the story just felt very unoriginal. She's better than this. Especially with the fake dating trope. That is very overdone these days.
If you enjoy a wholesome romance with plenty of swoon and characters that will appeal to your heart, you will love this book. Denise Hunter knows how to deliver romance at its finest which will pull on your heart strings. The two main characters were seemingly complete opposites, but you soon learn they have more in common than you first realized.
Chloe had her heart broken. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, she decided to pen a novel and illustrate the perfect boyfriend. She never dreamed that her book would not only become a best seller, but now it is being made into a Hollywood movie. She has a particular type of man in mind to play the part of her main character. When she learns that Hollywood heartthrob Liam Hamilton is being offered the part, she is not pleased. Liam has a bad reputation for being a bad boy. He does not fit the wholesome image of her character. She is not afraid to let them know her displeasure. She, however, is mortified to learn that she is on speaker phone with the producer and Liam.
Liam Hamilton has been a bad boy at times and has developed a bad reputation. He needs a lift to his look and this wholesome romance is perfect to elevate him back to the ranks of most loved actor. His agent and PR people decide the perfect way to clean up his image is a fake romance with none other than Chloe. They decide to give it a shot not realizing where this will end up. As they get to know each other better, Chloe begins to see Liam in a different light. I do not want to share too much, but suffice it to say that these two were made for each other.
Both characters had family issues in their past that made them the people they are today, but it had also jaded both of their viewpoints on romance in different ways. Liam's character showed the downfall of being in the public eye 24 hours a day, and how things can get twisted. His life was not as merry as it appeared in the gossip magazines. Where Liam lived in the spotlight constantly, Chloe was content to live in the shadows. The characters came alive off of the page and wended their way into my heart. This entire story was filled with Denise Hunter's signature heart which I know and love. Romance lovers will be held captive by this book until the final pages.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
More like Love, Scripted....Denise Hunter brings her usual clean sweet romance to life on the pages. As the reader nothing caught me be surprise, it was all very well, scripted. Typical of this genre the main male and female character have a rough first encounter, have a little strife, but join forces for the trope of "Fake Relationship" , so of course you know they will be exposed the relationship will dissolve and in the last few chapters they will reunite, apologize, and there will be an epilogue of happily every after.
As a female, I love these stories. I know what is going to happen. Maybe it is comfort, they make you feel safe. Ask me in a week for details, and I will be a deer in the headlights. I won't be able to pull out anything. Very flat on the page, nothing memorable. But as I say it, the whole time I read it I was invested in story. I was cheering for them to overcome the inevitable break up. I didn't like the 2 cases of miscommunication, I hate that, but it is what it is. I really appreciate the "clean" romance. We had nothing spicier than a kiss, it is refreshing to read characters that are not sloppy drunk, over medicating or sleeping around. I was a little disappointed there was not more of a Christian feel, like I said details have already left me, but I do not recall mention of Jesus, or the gospel outside of characters going to Church. I know the overarching theme was forgiveness and trust, but, I think in previous Hunter novels she was more bold in proclaiming Christ in her books. But I have not read many of her newer books in a while.
I would say you will enjoy this book if you want a clean quick read that will make you happy while you are reading it, but it won't stick with you.
Thank you NetGalley and Denise Hunter for allowing me to review this advanced copy. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review.
"Love Unscripted" by Denise Hunter is a heartfelt and captivating romance filled with unforgettable characters and charming moments. Chloe Anderson, an up-and-coming author, finds herself thrust into the world of Hollywood when her debut novel is turned into a movie. When the charming yet notorious actor, Liam Hamilton, is cast as the male lead, Chloe's world is turned upside down. Despite her initial reservations about Liam's reputation, Chloe agrees to a fake relationship to improve his image and boost the movie's success. As they navigate the intricacies of their faux romance, real feelings begin to emerge, leading to a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists. Set in the quaint town of Stillwater Bay, North Carolina, the story immerses readers in a world where small-town charm meets the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. With its delightful humor, endearing characters, and engaging plot, "Love Unscripted" keeps readers engaged. As Chloe and Liam's relationship evolves amidst the pressures of fame and the scrutiny of the media, the novel explores themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Despite the challenges they face, Chloe and Liam's romance is both heartwarming and genuine, making them a couple readers can't help but root for. With its well-developed characters, compelling storyline, and seamless pacing, "Love Unscripted" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Denise Hunter's skillful balance of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments makes this novel a standout in the genre.