Unscripted

by Davis Bunn

Paperback, 2019

Status

Available

Call number

F BUN

Collection

Call number

F BUN

Publication

Revell (2019), 368 pages

Description

Fiction. Literature. Romance. Christian Fiction. A Hollywood producer reeling from his best friend's betrayal and an LA lawyer who has sacrificed everything for her career are drawn together to untangle a web of lies and deceit that threatens their future.

User reviews

LibraryThing member CathyShelton
A good book. Danny Byrd ends up in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Finds out that his lifelong friends and partner, JR, took not only the money out of the business accounts, but also all the money out of Danny's personal accounts. In a surprising twist a new attorney team shows up and gets
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Danny's hearing expedited, with some surprise witnesses. Danny gains his freedom, but fears his reputation is ruined. One of the attorneys, Megan Pierce, continues in his life in some surprising twist in both thier professional and personal lives. Danny inherits 51% of an old hotel from an unknown source. This leads Danny, a Hollywood producer, to get a chance at redeeming himself and getting a chance to get his life heading in a positive direction. Little does he know that his former friend is working behind the scenes to derail Danny again.
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LibraryThing member lesindy
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.
LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview
Every now and then I step out and broaden my reading, exploring different genres and subject matter. Unscripted is such a book. I can’t say I’ve ever read about a character in the movie industry, so that aspect is very unique.

For me, there are so many characters that I got a little confused at
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times, but Danny stood out and I connected with him. I like how the story opens with him in jail, rather than filling the pages with backstory. I understood his plight and rooted for him to find redemption, and his meeting with Megan piqued my interest.

There were thriller-like components, which I enjoyed, but I found the romance a bit fanciful and forced. Overall, this was an interesting read and I’m glad I branched out a bit, but I don’t think legal thrillers will become a favorite genre.

First line: The entire Beverly Hills jail was nonsmoking and air-conditioned.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review.

#Unscripted
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LibraryThing member JKJ94
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
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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.

@RevellBooks @davisbunn #Unscripted #RevellReads
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
Unscripted by Davis Bunn is a stand-alone, contemporary fiction novel. With smooth prose, authentic characters, and a compelling start, Unscripted entices the reader into the glamour and complexity of Hollywood.

The characters in Unscripted are perhaps its brightest star. Megan, one of the main
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characters, was strong, smart, and easy to admire. Her personality fit flawlessly with her profession and situation. Even the secondary characters perfectly suited their roles and enhanced the story in a meaningful way. Annie, Jennie, Myron, Louisa, and Lane, were just some of the likable secondary characters. Add to the characters, a mystery and a dash of romance, and you have a good book.

I recommend Unscripted by Davis Bunn to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with strong characters and an interesting setting. There are subtle Christian values and brief mentions of Megan’s father’s faith, but it’s a light thread, not “preachy” at all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
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
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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 a team of people determined to create something big, surprising, and rather impossible in Hollywood. This novel's opening chapters, with a lot of technical talk, didn't pull me into the story or characters that well, but my personal interest in filmmaking kept me reading.

While there's a romantic thread and suspense woven into the plot, I wouldn't say those elements are on the level of romantic suspense, here. The romantic side in particular wasn't the most convincing for me, as I didn't get a compelling sense of chemistry between the characters, despite the narrator's declarations of their love. Also, I wasn't the most moved by the film story within this story, although the characters clearly feel it.

Nevertheless, I've been reading this author for enough years to know that whatever he says, he's going to say it well, with good descriptions and turns-of-phrase that will keep me on my toes. And, my goodness, I so love the book cover! It strikes the right serious tone in clear but unassuming, deftly blended green and gold, with a contemplative hero looking out over Hollywood from behind Hollywood, where the lights make a statement without a bright and glamorous feel. Excellent imagery!
_________
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Simmmba
“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
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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!
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member sn11386
"Unscripted" takes the reader into the film industry. It describes the deception, betrayal, and backstabbing. We are taken into Danny Byrd's life who is trying to redeem his career but ends up in jail for a crime he didn't commit. His partner ran off the investor's money. In the first few chapters,
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we are with Danny in jail. He is mysteriously released from prison and given ownership of a hotel and a second chance in the film industry. He meets attorney Megan Pierce. She helps him out with his film. I can tell Bunn wanted the reader to feel Danny and Megan are growing to love each other.
This is my first Davis Bunn book and it won't be my last. He did a fantastic job of developing relatable and likable characters who you are rooting for. The information about the film industry is pretty dead on. It was a fun mystery, suspense and a hint of romance. Themes of trust, give and walk away from things that hold her down and make you unhappy. I would really suggest getting this book.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
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
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from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
There was a time when I couldn't get enough of Davis Bunn's books (He wrote under the name T. Davis Bunn back then.) At some point though, his writing style began to get to me and I haven't read that much by him lately.

WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

*****

Danny Byrd has
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good reason not to trust people. His foster-care-friend-turned-brother, Johnny, has double crossed him by taking off with all their money, leaving behind unpaid contractors and landing Danny in jail.

Enter Megan Pierce, who comes to Danny through Sol Fiennes, even though she works for a different law firm. Megan quickly gets the charges dropped and Danny out of jail. Sol reveals that Danny owns 51% of a hotel. Oddly enough, many of the people hurt by Johnny's double cross are still willing to work with Danny because his reputation is honesty and being able to deliver the project on-time and on-budget. In fact, Greg brings Danny in on a film deal because of what happened--and Megan quickly takes the negotiating reins and gets them a better deal than what they'd have gotten on their own.

A story that fits the title they've been given sort of falls into their laps and they're off and running. At the same time, many impediments come up that lead Megan to conclude that there's some underlying deal behind what's going on. I have to admit that I didn't follow all of that part or how she put it all together.

It has the "happily ever after" type ending that is so common to these books.
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LibraryThing member fastforward
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member medwards429
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
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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”.

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.

Overall rating: 3.8 stars
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LibraryThing member KimPotter
Unscripted by David Bunn is a stand-alone novel. Danny Byrd’s career has been ruined by his best friend. Can LA lawyer, Megan Pierce, help Danny find redemption? When the opportunity arises to make a difference, together they’ll take the chance. This is a story of pain and healing, love and
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romance, hope and renewal. When I first started reading, I was afraid it was going to read as a manual on how to film a movie with a lot of technical jargon. I was greatly surprised! We were given a behind the scenes look at movie making but the story was so much more. There was a touch of intrigue, the romance was understated but the message of forgiveness and hope shouted out loud from the beginning to the ending. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I loved it!

I received this book from LibraryThing for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member Todd_D._Zittlow
#LibraryThing #Unscripted @DavisBunn

Are you willing to live your life "Unscripted?" This is the challenge for movie producer, Danny Byrd, whose life has gone decidedly off-script. After being deceived and betrayed and landing in jail, can he find a new way to pursue his dreams by surrendering the
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script and accepting help from others?

Unscripted is set within the L.A./Hollywood movie scene which lends intrigue and interest to the story. Additionally, there are subplots that intertwine and mesh with overall plot direction.

Davis Bunn is a prolific writer having produced approximately 100 novels. According to GoodReads he has also written as T. Davis Bunn and Thomas Locke. Unscripted lacks some of the depth of development (plot and character) that one would find in a truly engrossing read, but there is enough to interest and satisfy.

Favorite Quote: "She played [the saxophone] with the power of being viscerally connected to the hurricane-force sorrow bound deep in her heart. (ARC page 74)"

3 stars
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Language

Original publication date

2019

Physical description

8.5 inches

ISBN

0800727878 / 9780800727871

Barcode

59310

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