3.75⭐️ This is the second book I have read by Denise Hunter, and I am starting to see why people enjoy reading her books. She is a fabulous writer, that conveys heartfelt stories in dreamy locations. This small, North Carolina coastal town is no exception.

Chloe and Liam were both lovable characters that had a lot of growth and development. Which we love to see. Liam is a misunderstood man with a big heart, and I loved him from the beginning. Even though he is painted in an unsavory light. Chloe is very sweet and kind of dorky, which makes her charming. I thought their "meet-cute" was hilarious, and it kind of kicked off an understanding of both of them. There were also some less lovable characters. Her brother, for example, can stuff it. He bothered me to no end, but you get a better understanding and it makes sense. But still. No.

Setting the characters aside, I did enjoy the plot, cause who doesn’t love fake dating? But I just felt like this book progressed very slowly, and I wish we got more on page moments of Liam and Chloe together. The moments they spent together were talked about, like a summary, and at times, a couple days or weeks went by. I wish we actually got to spend those moments with them, because those help us understand their connection and growing attraction.

There was also miscommunication, which led to a 3rd act break-up that I thought was unnecessary. Miscommunication is my least favorite thing in books. It leads to the characters behaving uncharacteristically, and it bothers me. With that said, I understand why Chloe reacted in that way, but they both knew better.

Ultimately, it was a light read. Very wholesome and heart-warming, and I enjoyed reading it.

I recommend reading this if you enjoy:
- Fake dating
- Celebrity romance
- Forced proximity
- Small town

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chloe Anderson has a writer’s dream come true when her book is going to be made into a movie. The only problem is the lead man is Liam Hamilton, a man who couldn’t be further from her ideal main character. He’s always seen with a different woman and can’t seem to make a commitment to a relationship. When Chloe finds out about the casting of the character via a phone call she lets everyone know what she thinks of him. What follows is embarrassing, awkward, and a bit funny, setting up the relationship between Chloe and Liam.

I enjoyed seeing Liam and Chloe change as they both learn to trust each other. They have valid reasons to be wary of any kind of commitment, but the more they are together, the more the come to see what is real love and what is not. Readers of clean romance will enjoy this story.

Favorite quote:
“Where are you gonna call home, Liam?” another reporter called.
“Wherever Chloe is.”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This is a new author for me, and I must say, I really loved this book. Liam and Chloe had alot of chemistry, I found myself laughing throughout the story. I usually like some steamy scenes in my romance books, but I loved the way the author worked around how these two characters found love and gave the reader what they wanted, classy love without the heat. Great backdrop for the story, definitely kept my interest.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Why I chose this book: I enjoy Denise Hunter stories. I can count on them for sweet romance with solid storylines.

Type of Book: Contemporary Christian Romance

Favorite Quotes/Characters: What a fantastic opening line: "In a world where surprises were not always the good kind, Chloe Anderson knew she'd better savor the moment."
And then there's this one: "...they can't know you until you open yourself to them and show them who you are." Ah...so true.

Overall: I love the tension that Denise is able to weave into her stories. The looks. The glances. The narrowed eyes. The questions the characters ask themselves as they grow. The struggles they recognize in themselves. Expert. The conflict rises and falls, creating fluid pacing. Here is a writing secret: know your characters so well that you will naturally have great dialogue and organic conflict. Denise Hunter has nailed that once again.

Bookshelf worthy? Yes.

Teenability: I would say this would be older-teen to adult romance.


Thank you to Netgally and Thomas Nelson for the Advance Copy for review purposes. The opinions here are honest and I hope they help you find your next great read.

Love, Unscripted By Denise Hunter is an adorable sweet romance. If you like sweet, forced proximity romance then this book is for you! Happy reading!

Chloe's thrilled when her book is chosen to be turned into a film - until she hears who is to play the male lead. She wrote him as her perfect man, and Liam is as far from that as possible. Worse, she accidentally tells him so! Liam is confident he can do the role justice, but when the tabloids keep shredding his reputation, his agent suggests that the best option is a fake relationship - with Chloe. And she agrees for the chance to mould him into the character she pictured. The only problem? Things between them don't seem as fake as they planned, and when filming is over, he's going back to Hollywood. Can an unscripted love be what neither knew they need, or will it crash and burn, leaving them worse off than before?

This was a delightful read, full of heart but with plenty of humour too. It was hard to put down from the very start, and one of those ones where you're at once glad to see the characters get their happy ending and sorry to say goodbye to them. Liam did seem a trifle too fond of riling Chloe up at the start, but once the got to know each other, they really did mesh beautifully (though of course, it's not too straightforward a road - that would be boring!). I particularly appreciated watching them look after each other while sick - no fun, but an important part of life. I also appreciated her family's support, even if her brother sometimes needed to pull his head in (but you knew it was because he cared). All in all, a great read that reminded me of just how delightfully effortless really good writing can feel. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Chloe is not impressed that Liam Hamilton, notorious Hollywood ladies' man, has been cast in the role of Ledger, the hero of her romance novel, because she doesn't think he's worthy of the part. When he arrives in her hometown where the movie will be filmed, however, it becomes clear that a fake relationship for PR purposes could benefit them both. It will clean up Liam's reputation, making him a more palatable choice to play Ledger, and it will increase Chloe's social media following, hopefully allowing her appease her publishers enough to be allowed to change genres. Everything works great at first, but then Chloe begins to develop unexpected feelings, and things quickly unravel.

I enjoyed this fresh take on the fake relationship trope. I liked the small-town atmosphere, details of the film set, and the chemistry between the characters. There were some funny moments, and even a hint of mystery, when some bad behavior attributed to Liam ends up being someone else's fault. This is a great follow-up to last year's A NOVEL PROPOSAL, and will be a wonderful beach read for fans of kissing-only and Christian romance.

This was such a fun, romantic book.  I liked Chloe, an author, whose debut novel was being made into a movie.  She seemed so realistic, flaws and all.  It was interesting to learn how her dad's secret life when she was little had a profound effect on her relationships. 
I liked Liam, the actor who played the lead in her movie. He wanted to be like the character that he was portraying. Chloe was not happy that Liam had the lead in the movie because Ledger was her perfect hero and Liam was a playboy, if she trusted the gossip about him. They had agreed to fake dating until suddenly it was not fake anymore.

I enjoyed the story, the characters, the secrets, and the miscommunication.  It made the book so much fun to read.  I received an advance copy of this book and U willingly chose to write an  honest review.

I really enjoyed this one. Chloe and Liam were dynamic characters that had a lot of chemistry. I liked the premise of Chloe being a writer whose book is being turned into a movie and Liam being the star chosen to be the male lead. They have a great meet-cute and it just stays great from there. There are good side characters and stories being told with them. Highly recommend this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Denise Hunter has once again crafted a thoroughly entertaining story that is sure to pull at your heartstrings. It was easy to empathize with Chloe and Liam as their backstories were revealed. I liked both the characters and could understand how they would be a little jaded when it came to relationships. Key themes, at least from my perspective, in Love Unscripted are forgiveness, trust, and vulnerability. These issues ultimately caused the dark moment for them. Liam had a big heart and was more easily able to forgive those who hurt him, but Chloe in the end came around. Hunter tackles the power of social media in a very realistic way from fickle fans to salacious tabloid reporters who wreak havoc in the lives of prominent people. I particularly liked this aspect of the book. Hunter’s writing is superb, as usual. She weaves a wonderful story with relatable characters that you’ll want to see get their happily ever after.

I was pulled into the story immediately. I'm not always a fan of "fake" relationship plots, but I enjoyed every minute of this one. I read the book almost in a single sitting as I couldn't stop turning pages. I loved how each character started to let their walls down and take a risk. There were a lot subplots going on in the book as well and I felt invested in all of them. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Chloe struck gold when the movie rights to her first novel were purchased and she couldn’t wait to see her perfect book boyfriend brought to life onscreen. But she became outraged when Hollywood’s biggest bad boy player was cast in the lead role and she let her displeasure be known in a phone call with the producer who had neglected to tell her that she was on speakerphone with said bad boy, Liam, listening in. This is a romance so you may be able to guess what the outcome of this predicament will be but how Chloe gets from horrified to happily-ever-after is quite a treat to read as the author takes a familiar trope and puts her fresh spin on it. I don’t know how she did it, but Hunter managed to make Liam very three-dimensional, believable, and relatable and by the end of the book, I was pulling for him to win the girl. This book was so enjoyable and would be the ideal beach read for this summer! Highly recommend! I received an complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

When it comes to contemporary Christian romance, Denise Hunter is at the top of my list. Her books never fail to completely enthrall me. Hunter’s latest, Love Unscripted, joins the ranks of her storytelling masterpieces. This book captured me from the start with its multi-faceted characters, romantic twists, and intriguing family dynamics. These elements all worked together to ensure A Novel Proposal was a quick read, yet one that would resonate in my heart.

This stand-alone novel is sure to please. Hunter penned a story that left me smiling and greatly anticipating further works.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is your next Beach Read!

Denise Hunter was probably the first author who got me into reading Inspirational Sweet Romance. She is fantastic at writing relatable characters and giving you a tough time figuring out which of her leading men will be your book boyfriend. Maybe this means we are all a little Liam?

Love, Unscripted is a fabulous new addition to her best seller list, and if this one doesn't get made into a Hallmark movie, I will be so disappointed!

What I loved:
- Hilairous meet cute
- Deeper than you realize MMC
- Enemies to friends to lovers
- Major chemistry and big feelings
- Small town vibes
- Relationship leads to other good things

I love a good "iron sharpens iron" relationship. They are really good for each other, but their insecurity and their childhoods make the path to happily ever after not an easy one.

I smiled, I giggled, I growled... but ultimately, this Swoon-worthy read is going right back on my summer re-read list so I can revisit every awesome moment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Angst: Moderate
Content: Kissing

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 Anderson 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.

Denise Hunter writes the absolute sweetest & wholesome romance stories.
Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter put the biggest smile on my face!
A delightful small town, fake dating story with the best characters to cheer for you’ll love this feel good story.
The setting was descriptive and vivid. I could picture everything so perfectly in Stillwater, North Carolina.
Chloe and Liam are realistic, engaging and entertaining.
The storyline was fun and original and engaged me, making me feel invested in a positive outcome.
This story should appeal to those who enjoy clean contemporary romance.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I thought Denise Hunter did a lovely job around two tropes that are hard sells for me--miscommunication that lasts too long, and fake celebrity dating. The latter seems to be a think in this day of "influencers" and weddings that are designed to be mostly theater.. I'd assumed from the way the blurb was written that it would be funnier, about a heroine who discovers a real guy instead of an ideal book boyfriend.

That said, Hunter wrote a sweet romance of the sort you can read late at night and pick up the next day. Chloe and Liam are lovely characters, their families are interesting, and all in all a four star read.

Love, Unscripted in a beach read set in the coastal town of Stillwater, North Carolina. Chloe Anderson has written a romance novel that is being made into a movie. She isn't wild about the lead, Liam Hamilton, who is portraying her perfect man. Surprisingly, she meets him and he suggests they have a publicity romance for the summer for the sake of the movie. She agrees. As they become involved in their pretend romance real feelings spark -- and complications occur!

I wanted to read this novel because I love Denise Hunter's books. I also enjoy beach reads and southern settings.

This was a delightful read! Chloe is a character to pull for - and Liam is too! I loved the way their romance started very tentatively but then became emotionally intense (in a good way). I also liked Chloe's best friend and her family and their back story of building a good life after a serious betrayal.

I liked the little town of Stillwater, the details of the movie filming, and Chloe's rescued cat, Buttercup!

I recommend Love, Unscripted for fans of beach reads, southern fiction, and sweet love stories.

This was a fun premise of an author and the actor hired to play the lead in the film adaptation of her book. Chloe is not thrilled with the bad reputation of playboy, Liam, who is hired to play her perfect book boyfriend on screen. She voices loudly her distain over speaker phone in the presence of said actor. That is their first interaction and the first in person meeting is not perfect either and yet the two end up in a fake public relationship to help build a positive PR. I really enjoyed Chloe and Liam's progression in their relationship. The way they slowly brought down walls and tried to overcome the false narratives and misconceived notions perpetrated by the public. I was so impressed initially how the two had grownup conversations which included genuine apologies and forgiveness. Their friendship to something real was organic and sweet. Our main couple both had traumatic backstories so you could easily see how both would be fearful of truly investing their heart. However, that adult relationship gets thrown out the window in the last part of the story for the third act breakup. Sigh. I was so frustrated by the way Chloe didn't listen to her heart and what she knew of Liam (who is true book boyfriend material!) She instead jumps to conclusions based on the misgivings of her best friend and brother. Ugh! Which was even more disappointing considering Chloe's brother also had a less than stellar reputation. Yet she is totally okay with him dating her best friend because he is suddenly reformed, and she willingly gives him the benefit of the doubt. Pot meet kettle! Chloe wouldn't even listen to Liam and his explanation instead only believing the worst of him...
We have the predictable aha moment, some groveling/grand gesture, instant forgiveness and happily ever after.

3.5 stars

Spring has sprung and Summer is on the way and I have found the perfect beach read for you my friends! Denise Hunter is releasing a new novel titled Love, Unscripted. The release date is March 12th and I totally enjoyed this story when I wasn’t too sure I would. I had to read it because I have enjoyed everything I’ve read that Denise Hunter has written. 

Let me explain. I think my main hang up before diving into this book was that it revolved around the filming of a Hollywood movie. I do love a good movie and will binge watch them but at my age I’m not particularly into keeping up with the lives of all the stars. This story did not disappoint. It was Hollywood filming in a small town. You know how I love small towns so this turned out to be right in my wheelhouse.

The main character is a debut author. Sound familiar? I love to promote new authors. The author's name was Chloe Anderson and she was fresh from a breakup and wrote a novel about the perfect boyfriend. It was a bestseller and climbed the charts. Her best friend Meghan owns the local independent bookstore. This just keeps getting better. Her book is picked up for a new movie. The star of the movie is Liam Hamilton. This is where the fun begins!

This book is not all fluff. It deals with some neglect, alcoholism, abandonment, cheating and several other things that disrupt our lives and we carry with us for a long time. Some of those things shadow our lives for a long time until sometimes we are forced to deal with the consequences. 

The character development was superb. It had to be or the book would have flopped. I immediately was involved in the lives of these characters and what they were thinking and dealing with. I couldn’t put this book down! Although the author describes this book as a beach read, it is so much more than that.

If you love a book that gives you something to think about, people to care about and settings that draw you in, then Love, Unscripted needs to be high on your to be read list. I highly recommend this novel. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Denise Hunter. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.