“You still want to team up with me? Despite everything?”
“Of course I do. Because of everything.”
Two teens compete in a reality show in the Pacific Northwest woods in this hilarious rivals-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Lyla Lee.
Out April 7, 2026
Winning is Seyoon Shin’s middle name. Okay, it’s not, but she is a winner—despite what her critical dad says. Dean Parker, on the other hand, isn’t beating anyone to the finish line. His strengths are more brain, less brawn.
When Forest Feud—a wilderness game show with an eccentric host and a cult following—announces a reboot, they both jump at the chance to win the prize. Seyoon’s competitiveness fuels a fire in Dean he’s never felt before, and his hunger to prove himself rivals hers.
To get to the finals, they realize they need each other. Seyoon and Dean form an alliance, which the opportunistic producers are quick to frame as romantic. The rivals-to-lovers angle is good for views and intimidating the competition, but their chemistry is just for show . . . right?
As the lines blur between friendship and romance, reality and reality TV, Seyoon and Dean can’t ignore that the finale is fast approaching—and that only one of them can win.
"Seyoon and Dean make a sweetly awkward pair, and readers will root for them to outlast the games and turn their showmance into something real. Told in alternating viewpoints with occasional transcripts of confessional scenes from the ethnically diverse contestants, the story blends interpersonal stakes with a light sendup of reality TV tropes. A breezy and funny mix of romance, rivalry, and media critique.” —Kirkus Reviews
“In a competition where sparks shouldn’t fly, Seyoon and Dean’s undeniable chemistry delivers the happily-ever-after worth rooting for. If you love snarky banter and reality-TV drama, this one’s your next binge-worthy read!” —Grace K. Shim, author of The Noh Family and Not Your Average Jo
"As endearing as it is laugh-out-loud funny, Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted captured my heart from page one. I could read their love story over and over again and be charmed each time.” — Sarah Suk, award-winning author of The Space between Here & Now and Meet Me at Blue Hour
"Witherspoon is the queen of banter, deftly blending laugh-out-loud hijinks and important diverse rep with love, legacy, and being brave enough to forge your own path under the weight of expectations. An enemies-to-lovers romp that shines as brightly as a summer sunset!” — Sydney Langford, author of Someone to Daydream About
"With laugh-out-loud banter and a fresh spin on the fake dating trope, this whirlwind romcom—starring two leads who are both starkly different and yet complement each other perfectly—is the book of the summer.” — Anahita Karthik, author of Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar