3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

Thank you NetGalley for the audio in exchange for my review.

This was a cute Hallmark style clean romance! I binged this book in a day!

What you’ll find:
☀️Author / cat lady FMC
☀️Hollywood heartthrob MMC
☀️Fake dating
☀️3rd act breakup
☀️Miscommunication trope

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Stillwater, North Carolina
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance; Clean Romance

Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter was everything I want in a feel-good romance—clever, clean, and completely charming from page one to the final scene.

Chloe’s voice as an author was refreshingly relatable, especially after a bad breakup and an unexpected career leap. I was hooked by the idea of her perfect fictional boyfriend being cast by the last person she’d ever choose—Hollywood heartthrob Liam Hamilton—and the tension and banter that followed was pitch-perfect. Watching these two opposites navigate a fake relationship while trying not to fall for each other (spoiler: it doesn’t work) was so much fun.

I loved how the story balanced humor, heart, and real emotional growth without ever feeling too heavy. The small-town setting of Stillwater added a sweet backdrop to the chaos, and the supporting characters made the whole thing even more delightful.

If you love fake dating tropes, grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamics, or just need a swoony escape with depth, Love, Unscripted is the perfect beach read. I absolutely adored it!
#netgalley #loveunscripted #booked_this_weekend

Love, Unscripted
by Denise Hunter
Narrated by Kathleen McInerney

In this charming romance, Denise Hunter weaves a tale filled with lovable characters and unexpected twists. The story centres around Chloe Anderson, a talented author whose best-selling novel has been adapted into a movie. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a small coastal hometown in North Carolina, the novel captures the essence of serene beach life and vibrant community.

Chloe, determined to retain the integrity of her literary creation, is instantly wary of Liam, the charismatic actor chosen to portray her leading man. With a well-known reputation as a rebellious heartthrob, Liam doesn't fit the mould of the perfect character Chloe envisioned. Her reservations provide an engaging layer to the plot, as she grapples with the disparity between her fictional world and the realities of Hollywood.

The witty banter between Chloe and Liam breathes life into their dynamic, revealing their contrasting personalities and histories. As their backstories unfold, the reader gains insight into Chloe’s passion for writing and her struggles with vulnerability, alongside Liam’s challenges with fame and the public's perception of him. The slow burn of their relationship gradually transforms into something genuine, filled with moments of both tension and tender connection.

However, the storyline does delve into some frustrating moments of miscommunication that create unnecessary hurdles, reminding us of the complex nature of relationships. Despite these obstacles, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable, making their eventual growth and understanding all the more rewarding.

Overall, the characters are vividly drawn, and the evolution of their relationship—from initial disdain to heartfelt connection—culminates in a sweet and satisfying ending that leaves the listener with a sense of hope and warmth.

Love, Unscripted is a charming, clean romance that left me smiling. Liam was a thoughtful and respectful hero—much more than his reputation would suggest—and I loved the cozy, bookish atmosphere throughout. From bookshop scenes to literary references, Denise Hunter nailed it all with ease.

Her dialogue flows effortlessly, and the story moved quickly, making this a light yet satisfying listen. Chloe’s tendency to jump to conclusions tested my patience a bit (I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope), but thankfully, it didn’t drag on and was resolved with maturity.

The narration was fine—not my favorite—but it didn’t detract too much from an otherwise lovely story. I’d absolutely recommend this one to fans of sweet, second-chance romances with a literary twist.

By happenstance of my reading pile did I happen to read two celebrity romances back to back. Chloe Anderson lives in the small coastal town of Stillwater, NC. She has written a best selling romance novel and it is going to be filmed locally. A lister Liam Hamilton gets cast as the male lead. She isn’t thrilled as his reputation as a player precedes him. When he arrives before filming the pair actually hit it off. He proposes a mutually beneficial fake relationship. His image will get a wholesome boost and she will get more followers for her socials and can coach him on how he plays her leading man.

While the story is somewhat predictable it is also enjoyable. I’ve never read stories from Denise Hunter but she has written many books as a Christian author. I think clean contemporaries can be hard to write and she does it with ease. And while she is a Christian author religion doesn’t play a role in the story other than Chloe’s mom mentioning her church. (3,5 Stars)

Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter and narrated by Kathleen Mclnerney. Great romance about two untrusting people due to family circumstances, that meet because Chloe wrote a book that was being put into a movie. Liam is the actor with a lousy reputation that is going to play the lead. Can these two different people from different backgrounds come together to trust and fall in love? I enjoy Denise Hunter’s books. Great beach read. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Thomas Nelson Fiction for this Arc. This is my honest review.

Honestly the book wasn't for me it was very long and felt very flat for me because the story just dragged on for too long it would be alot better if the story was shortened

A light perfect beach read or just relaxing by the campfire book. 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. She is nervous about Liam Hamilton being cast as the male lead because of his reputation in Hollywood. She lets her producer know her thoughts about the casting when Liam overhears it on speakerphone. 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. Love, Unscripted is a cute romance with a handsome, swoon worthy, Hollywood hero and an introvert romance writer heroine. I enjoyed getting to know Chloe and Liam and watch their relationship blossom. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

My second novel from Denise Hunter, and she is quickly becoming a must-read! I especially loved this clean, sweet romance. Liam was such a thoughtful gentleman despite his reputation. I also loved all the bookish talk from bookshops, author mentions, book buying. It was all done well. I really enjoy Denise's writing, especially the way she writes dialog. Everything just flowed so well, making it a quick and easy read. I did get a little aggravated with Chloe for jumping to conclusions so quickly with Liam and not giving him a chance to explain. Miscommunication is not a likable troupe for me, but it was done well and was solved pretty quickly so as not to be the main focus of the story. The narration was okay but not my favorite. I would still recommend to others.

This was a cute read! When author Chloe Anderson finds that the lead in her book-to-movie adaptation has a playboy persona she has concerns about how this will affect the portrayal of her beloved hero of her best selling romance novel. After meeting, they come up with a plan to "fake date" during filming to raise his likeability and her social media standing. But as they spend time together and get to know each other, the real feeling develop.
Both characters grew over the course of this novel, both in their understanding of each other and with their own selves. I was rooting for them to figure out their final hesitations so they could grow their fake relationship into a real one and I wasn't disappointed!

I can only describe this book as a warm day on the beach. This story was very sweet and had me rooting for the main characters the entire time. I found the plot to be really unique, I'd never come across one like this!
Chloe and Liam's love story is one that's very layered, which is something I really enjoyed. A lot of stories add the main characters' back stories as something of the past, but I love how their pasts were woven into their present. I made it feel a lot more realistic. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really ended up enjoying this book!
Kathleen McInerney did an amazing job at the narration. The southern accent was an amazing touch and I love how she differentiated the dialogue from the rest of the text by switching back and forth. I'd definitely love to hear more stories narrated by her!

If you enjoyed The Cast by Danielle Steel, I really think you'll enjoy this book!

This book was incredibly delightful. The characters were well-developed, and the backdrop of a movie production provided an enjoyable setting. It's an ideal read for the beach or for cozying up on a chilly winter evening—charming and romantic without any explicit content. I also appreciated the secondary characters; they enriched the narrative without stealing the spotlight.

I really enjoyed the audiobook version of Love, Unscripted—the narrator was fabulous and brought the characters to life with warmth and nuance. The love story itself is a lovely, slow-burn romance with a low-spice tone that felt emotionally grounded and sweet. I appreciated the pacing and the chemistry between the leads, which developed in a way that felt natural and heartfelt.

That said, while the story’s emotional highs are satisfying, I found myself wishing for a bit more maturity in how certain conflicts were handled. Misunderstandings and missed opportunities to talk things through drove much of the tension, which, while realistic to a degree, sometimes felt a little overplayed. I prefer when characters are given space to grow through communication, and here, I occasionally felt they were stuck in patterns that made it harder to fully connect with them.

Still, fans of clean romance and slow-burn storytelling will find plenty to enjoy here—especially in the audiobook format.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ALC. This is my honest review.

Love Unscripted by Denise Hunter
A Delightful Romance Unfolds
Love Unscripted by Denise Hunter is a charming, contemporary romance novel that explores the unexpected twists and turns of love, fame, and personal growth. The story offers a delightful blend of humor, heart, and a touch of Hollywood glamour, making it a perfect read for those looking to escape into a world of romance and adventure.
Love Unscripted is more than just a whimsical romance; it’s a story about second chances, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love. Denise Hunter masterfully weaves together elements of humor, drama, and emotion, creating a narrative that is both engaging and uplifting. Readers will find themselves rooting for Chloe and Liam as they navigate the complexities of their fauxmance and ultimately find true love.
In conclusion, Love Unscripted by Denise Hunter is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. With its relatable characters, charming setting, and captivating storyline, this book is a testament to the enduring appeal of romance and the joys of finding love in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary romance or simply looking for a feel-good read, Love Unscripted is a must-read that will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

Love, Unscripted was a fun romance story. It was a little unrealistic at times, but a good read.

The characters were fun. It was interesting how he was a celebrity and she didn't like him because of his reputation. I liked how their relationship grew to being a true one and the ending was sweet.

All in all, Love, Unscripted was an easy read. I wouldn't classify it as Christian Fiction because I can't recall any faith elements in the book, but it was a mostly clean romance. Recommend for fans of Hallmark movies or easy romance stories.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

This is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys lighthearted, humorous romance stories with a touch of wit and a strong, independent heroine who navigates the complexities of love, relationships, and identity in a charming small-town setting.

I loved this romance.
The characters are well written and it is a great feel good story.
If you enjoy a small town romance with a charming movie start, this is a book for you.

I listened to this on audio and it was so charming! The mixture of romance tropes worked well in this one. I enjoyed the characters and the small town feel. The book-to-movie storyline was unique and I enjoyed it! The plot dragged on and I was ready for it to be over long before it was. However, this made for an enjoyable listen. My thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a fan of Denise Hunter romances for years so it comes as no surprise that I loved this story. I really enjoy stories where the main characters are authors because I believe real-life authors have insight only they can provide for writing a well-written main character who is an author. What made this even more fun is this story centers around Chloe's book is being turned into a movie. Chloe gets kind of a rocky start with the leading man in the movie, but a fabulous relationship develops throughout the book. This would make for a fabulous summer beach read as it takes place in North Carolina, one of my favorite settings since I lived there most of my adult life. I had no complaints about the narrator, She was easy to understand and was easy to listen to. If you are in the mood for a sweet romance, be sure to check this one out.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

He is a Hollywood bad boy, she is an introverted restauranteur/new romance writer who just landed a movie deal for her first book. Their fake romance quickly turns into more despite the fact that friends and family think they don’t belong together.

I need this narrator, Kathleen McInerney, to read all of my audiobooks! This was such a fun summer read. Perfect for the beach or lake. A definite must read/listen.

I was provided a copy of this audiobook from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.