The Pilot and the Unfiltered Influencer

by Miranda Stone

Help! I'm a social media influencer with 1.5 million followers, and I just got caught in the most embarrassing scandal ever.
My PR team sent me to Sun Cove, Fl for what they call a “digital detox”. I call it torture.
Thirty days without social media. No posts. No stories. No aesthetic brunch photos.
Hiding out in this tiny coastal town wasn’t part of my influencer empire plans.
Neither was falling for Zack Reed, the annoyingly handsome pilot who thinks "going viral" means catching the flu.
He owns Coastal Sky Adventures with old-school charm and zero social strategy. How is that even possible?
I agree to help bring his business into the 21st century but in the process I discover there's more to life than perfect lighting and trending hashtags. Who knew?
Now, I have to choose between returning to my perfectly curated world of sponsored posts, or risk everything for a chance at real happiness with a man who doesn't even have a TikTok account.
Maybe some things are better left unfiltered.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Jane litherland]

So , to escape from scandal she brought on herself the influencer is sent to Sun Cove ,Fl to digital detox what a pile of rocks she thinks it stinks . She is overall happy with her lot but thirty days without social media,no posts no stories zilch ! How is she going to last this torturous four week stint? Well let me give you a hint my dearest Melissa Franklin , there’s nothing you can do for all your hankering so just grin and bear and soon you’ll be there at the end of that time, feeling sublime.Take Zach Reed, you know the pilot? Well anyway he’s never heard of your misdemeanour or influence posts. The only influencer he knows is influenza ,you know? A seasonal cold , nothing so bold as media advertising and the likes. He just knows what he likes and that’s it. Not influence that or this. He lives in his own personal ignorant bliss. He’s the proud owner of Coastal Sky Adventures . She agrees to help bring his business into this century. But in doing this ,she finds such bliss,and she even finds time to reminisce. So when her months up she is torn. Does she go back to her norm and if she does will she be forlorn? She’s living life here. She isn’t known , she can be a person that eats and not one who has to eat and see to be eating a certain product for the camera no matter how gross just for a post worthy comment or a thousand. What she has on this island is unique and to even think of giving it up she’d be a fool. How to reveal though , playing it cool is all she’s ever done. But these great townspeople she’s had influence on and them on her is real life. This man she’s come to love. Surely she can’t be thinking of giving it or him up…. Read and see in this great book by Miranda Stone , the greatest influencer of them all , her books I have read ,I’ve loved them all! This is no exception. An heavenly read and so immersing ,I was soon delving through the pages and the perfectly set out versing.

[Sandy Edwards]

I really enjoyed Miranda Stone’s previous books, and this one was no exception!
Melissa Franklin is a social media influencer who has an empire and is living the dream. That is, until one day when she has a disaster online with a beauty product that causes her to lose scads of followers and endorsements! Her team decides she should to a “digital detox”, so she heads to Sun Cove, a coastal town in Florida. Melissa needs to “hide”, so she is posing as a travel writer.
Zack Reed’s business, Coastal Sky Adventures, based in Sun Cove, is a company running like it’s still 1985. His investors want a greater online presence, but that isn’t Zach’s way. He feels that there is too much pressure on making things look perfect, but he needs someone to help him. Zack’s sister Becky is trying to be her brother’s matchmaker, and when she meets Melissa, she feels she has a winner!
As Melissa begins to blend in with the townspeople, and work with Zack, she realizes it’s the community that makes Sun Cove special. They barely know her, but they have made her feel like she belongs there. She is troubled, though, because she hates lying to the most genuine people she’s met! As she and Zach become closer, Zach “sees” Melissa, but also senses that she is hiding something big.
For the first time in years, Melissa is living life, and not documenting it to be perfectly filtered for her followers. She also is attracted to Zach, and vice versa. So which version of herself is real and will she return to her empire? What will happen when Zack finds out the truth, and wonders if he was just creative content for her comeback? You must read this story to see if Melissa is able to revitalize Zach’s heart, just like she revitalized his business!
I received an advance copy of this from the author for my voluntary review.

[Yugie Caroline]

I picked up this ARC primarily for its blurb as I have never read a book yet where the main characters are a social media influencer and a pilot. So in this book we meet Melissa, a highly popular and successful influencer who, after one disastrous live video, is forced to escape to a small-town in order to undergo a digital detox while allowing the embarrassment of her social media faux pax to die down. It is from that point that I become hooked on the story as I witness Melissa slowly but surely find her true self again and begin to fully live in each moment without having to document it in a carefully curated pose or photo. I felt her torment over the guilt she had for lying about who she really was to the people who did nothing but accept her fully. In my head I kept urging her to go on and tell the truth, especially to Zack!

And speaking of Zack., he was just adorable here, and so was his sister Becky., his avid matchmaker. Zack is your typical technology-averse human, believing adamantly that the old-fashioned way of doing things is still the most reliable way to go. It was amusing to witness him slowly realize that technology could be his friend and not his foe,, and how Melissa did a big part in that positive change.

When the pivotal moment of heartbreak arrived, I was eager to find out how Melissa was going to redeem herself and make things right, especially with Zack. In the end, I was pleased that Melissa did things right with Zack, and moved her career forward in a way that was wholly authentic to her, and immensely more beneficial and selfless for those around her.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Mary Ann Speel]

Great story with a very different perspective. The h is a very popular internet influencer who has a million and a half followers who hang on her every word. When a product she is supporting causes ill effects as she is applying it to her face results in a great loss of followers and loss of her sponsors she is sent to Florida to hide. Once there she begins to explore the town. In the process she meets the locals and gets to know them and become friends. She also helps others when she sees the need, from repairing broken coffee machines to giving advice on how to improve sales. Even just working in the coffee shop. She finds her way to the local airport and makes friends with the people who work there, including the pilot who has his failing business there. They become friends she helps him upgrade his on line presence and he takes her flying, showing her places she would otherwise not see. His business which was once failing now becomes a success. He questions her cover that she is a travel writer covering small towns in Florida but doesn’t confront her until he reads about her in a magazine. He then refuses to talk to her. In the end his sister convinces him to change his mind. They are able to create a life where she helps others and he grows his business. HEA is attained. This is a nice sweet read with characters that you will love. Easy entertaining read. Hope you enjoy like I did. Recommend it to everyone.

[Terry T]

Is a sweet small town, opposites attract rom-com with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- The pelicans don’t care about their follower count. ---- Some failures do turn out to be blessings, ---- "Sometimes mistakes make things even better." ---- "Sometimes the best fixes come from unexpected places." --- Some- times the most beautiful things survive the worst storms. Just like people." ---- "I bet you still use a sundial to tell time." --- "Only on clear days. Cloudy days, I consult the town rooster." ---- "Scared of breaking something precious. But sometimes things need to break for us to see them differently." ---- "Like those sun-catchers. Sometimes the most beautiful patterns come from unexpected changes." ---- "Sometimes we need a safe place to hide while we figure out who we want to be." --- "Some of us are running from some- thing, and some of us are running toward something. Which one are you doing?" ---- "In Sun Cove, you've got better odds of keeping a seagull away from French fries than keeping a secret." ---- "Sometimes the most beautiful things come from pieces that seem beyond repair." ----
What's Martha up to? Will a tourist capture a picture of Melissa and post it? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Melissa and Zack's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Margaret Hejmanowski]

I love all things Miranda Stone, and this does not disappoint!! Melissa is a very popular mid level influencer, with 1.5 million followers. She had one live disastrous incident, and her followers plummeted. Her friend-agent decides it would be best to have a thirty day digital detox; no social media. not posts, and no stories. She goes to Sun Cove Florida, a very small town. She meets Becky at her coffee shop, and helps fix her espresso machine, then helps in the shop. Becky wants her to meet her brother Zack, a pilot; who owns Coastal Sky Adventures. Melissa tells everyone she is a freelance writer, and gives no other details. Melissa seems to enjoy her time with all the towns citizens, her helping them and her learning to live in the moment. Not having to document everything. Zack and Melissa start spending time together on sunrise tours, sunset tours; and Melissa helping him updating his website and social media presence. The whole town believes she is running from something, but do not care. Zack finds out Melissa is a popular influencer, he is hurt she didn't trust him enough to tell him. He no longer takes her calls. Can they work this out? Does Melissa go back to her influencer lifestyle? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Miranda Stone!!!

[Sheri Bolinger]

Let me start by saying that I absolutely LOVED this book! That being said, it took me just a little bit of time to fall in love with Melissa. My first impression of her was selfish, spoiled, and needed to have a HUGE dose of real life thrown her way! As the book went on and we get to see the real side of her, even as she is struggling, I fell in love with the smart, caring, quick on her feet, wonderful woman she really is. I especially love her with Zack. Now Zack is just awesome! He's who you want in your corner always! Sure, he's a little bit of a dinosaur, especially when it comes to computers 😂, but he is kind, caring, and ready to jump in and help out. Watching their story unfold was magical. I wish I lived in a wonderful little town like Sun Cove.

[Trina Jones]

I absolutely fail in love with this story and it was steamy page turner and the suspense was captivating. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Melissa and Zack were working together in that small town. As we’re trying to get this mission onboard in making something happen so the town people could enjoy a lot in this moment. They couldn’t fight the temptation anymore they began spending time together and the sparks had ignited something in their heart and soul. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Ineta]

Sometimes the scariest storms lead you to the clearest skies.
Loved this so much, and OMG all those lines - like - The pelicans don’t care about their follower count.
Melissa takes digital detox in Sun Cave after losing followers. Zack, owner and pilot of Coastal Sky Adventures needs digital presentation because he runs the place like it's 1985.
They are perfect together, until he finds out who she is. But who she really is?
Amazing, funny and so entertaining seaside romance - it keeps you engaged until you finish the book.
Loved characters, community and the story-line.
I received ARC copy and I am leaving voluntary and honest review.

[Terry]

Zack is a pilot whose business is floundering because he dislikes technology. Melissa is floundering because of technology. Can their floundering flower into love?
Melissa has 1.5 million followers but a mishap leads her to a month of leaving technology out of her life. No posts, no pictures, radio silence.
Zack has a sister who is constantly trying to be a matchmaker. When she introduces Melissa to him, he wants nothing to do with her.
Over the next month they find their real selves and a love that can’t be denied…..until he feels betrayed.
Read all of Zack and Melissa’s adventures as they conquer misunderstandings and technology so it turns out that everyone in town gets a win!

[G]

Melissa has an influencer, who after a disastrous livestream has to take a break. Zack is a pilot and charter business owner in a small town.
Wonderful book to read. The characters are so realistic that you feel like you are in the middle of their story and you want to travel to the small town and meet everyone. The storyline keeps you engaged and you just want the happy ever after for Melissa and Zack. A really fantastic book to enjoy!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Margie]

I’m probably one of the last people who should write a review that includes the word ‘influencer”. My eyes truly roll when I hear or see that word. Unlike Zack, I like technology and embrace its use, it is the influencing part that gives me a hard time. Unless someone is an actual expert on a subject, I really don’t understand why I should let them tell me what to think, do or like. However, that said I enjoyed this book and without giving too much away I really like the new Melissa. I enjoyed this book and look forward to Miranda Stone’s next book.

[Lucia Valenzuela]

Really interesting story. I loved reading about Melissa and Zack. They are at opposite ends of marketing and digital media. Lots of information about an influencer’s life. Loved the descriptions of the sunrises, sunsets, turtles and shells. Very well written characters including all the minor ones. Totally held my interest throughout.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Rhonda Cooper]

Zack and Melissa’s lives intersect as polar opposites. One lives in the world of “All this pressure to share everything, and to make everything look perfect..”. The other know how to live instead of just performing. Do “real love stories never end”? So many good truths throughout. I fell in love with the theme of authentic vs staged. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter]

Melissa is a social media influencer that was endorsing a facial cream product and ending up getting a rash online live. She ends up losing some followers. Her PR people send her to Sun Cove to regroup and stay off social media. This is a great storyline. Can Melissa find out what she really wants in a small town. Loved it.

[Cynthia]

I love that this story is staged in Florida being I am a native. This is such a good story about leaving social media behind and seeing what is right in front of you. If you don't feel the real emotions in this story your are on too much media. Read and enjoy. Cynthia

[Rick Molitor]

This is a story of two people who are trying to find themselves. They are each imperfect in their own special way. They seem to be the opposite of each other. Will they be able to find their real self and fins someone to love? This is a wonderful story full of hope.

[Oruare Ojimadu]

Beautiful story of how easy it is to fall into the facade of digital life and forget the real meaning of life and its joy. Melissa finally found life's true joy and true fulfilment, finding love with Zack and true friends.

[Lisa Noble]

I enjoyed reading this book! It was nice to read a book that is clean. The story line has it all! Drama, suspense, and a book you can't put down!

[Ann Leatherman]

Good story about an influencer who needs to separate herself from social media and tries to help a pilot. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[ABurch74]

I truly enjoyed following along with Melissa’s journey to find herself again and the developing relationships with the people of her new hometown. The author does a wonderful job as always.

I received an advance copy. My review is left voluntarily and is my honest opinion.

[John Belcher]

This was one of the most down to earth books I've read in years. So Many people today are so concerned with everything being perfect that they have forgotten what is real. Zeke like so many are so stuck with how things use to be that they forget to move forward, even at thier own comfortable speed. Miranda brings these things out in so many different ways that you as the reader cannot help but stop for a moment and question or look at yourself, and your own progress forward. An excellent book worthy of five stars.