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Hollywood and Velvet
After returning home from the Army, Christian Meier finds the transition to civilian life challenging. Without notice, he withdraws from his college courses and leaves his family and long-time girlfriend back in Cincinnati to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an actor. After only a month in Los Angeles, he lands a role in a popular series which is canceled soon after. He lands a handful of commercials and low-budget projects but as his finances begin to suffer, he accepts the harsh reality of the entertainment industry and accepts a job as a personal assistant to a middle-aged, Machiavellian actress named Velvet Duval. Hoping the job will be a short-term steppingstone, he gradually becomes consumed by her and her scheme to revive her career.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2024
18 people are currently reading
1136 people want to read
About the author
David Towner
8 books61 followersFor some strange reason, there are multiple profiles with my name including a few who follow this page. THIS is the only page for me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 23, 2025
Towner’s Boldest Work Yet
David Towner proves he can do more than just tell a story—he builds entire atmospheres. Hollywood and Velvet is not just a great novel; it’s an experience that feels both intimate and surreal. Dark, elegant, and emotionally volatile.
David Towner proves he can do more than just tell a story—he builds entire atmospheres. Hollywood and Velvet is not just a great novel; it’s an experience that feels both intimate and surreal. Dark, elegant, and emotionally volatile.
June 22, 2025
Not Your Typical Hollywood Tale
What starts as a familiar dream-chasing narrative morphs into something much darker and more compelling. Hollywood and Velvet is layered, moody, and brilliantly deceptive. Towner has written a modern-day Sunset Boulevard with teeth.
What starts as a familiar dream-chasing narrative morphs into something much darker and more compelling. Hollywood and Velvet is layered, moody, and brilliantly deceptive. Towner has written a modern-day Sunset Boulevard with teeth.
July 20, 2025
Not Your Typical Hollywood Story
Forget glitz and glamour. This is Hollywood with its mascara smudged, telling the story of those who serve the stars, not shine as one.
Forget glitz and glamour. This is Hollywood with its mascara smudged, telling the story of those who serve the stars, not shine as one.
June 22, 2025
Reading this felt like watching a haunting indie film that sticks with you. Towner’s scenes play out visually, and the psychological twists are deeply effective. Velvet isn’t just a character—she’s a storm you won’t see coming.
June 21, 2025
Velvet Duval Will Haunt You
This isn’t just a story—it’s a psychological labyrinth. Towner crafts a character in Velvet Duval who manipulates reality as easily as dialogue, and Christian’s unraveling feels disturbingly real. I finished the last page and just sat there, stunned.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a psychological labyrinth. Towner crafts a character in Velvet Duval who manipulates reality as easily as dialogue, and Christian’s unraveling feels disturbingly real. I finished the last page and just sat there, stunned.
November 27, 2025
Unique
I just blew through Hollywood and Velvet by David Towner in a few hours, and honestly… what a ride.
I kept catching myself going, “Wait… wtf is happening right now?” in the best possible way. There were also moments where I was genuinely wondering if this was about to turn into The Truman Show 2.0. And then I had another thought like… what if after the war he was hallucinating and none of this is actually real?
The whole thing stays weird in this clever, addictive way. Like you need to keep flipping pages just to make sense of the chaos.
The book has explicit scenes, but I actually thought they were done really well. Nothingy was raunchy or overly detailed.
The ending threw me off a little, though. I think the author was trying to show that everything ultimately worked out for Christian—that things settled, the film did well, and he found some kind of peace—but I personally wanted a bit more clarity. Did he get back with his girlfriend? What actually happened in those last two months? It wasn’t unclear in a bad way, just one of those endings where you want one or two more answers. Ultimately though, I believe David Towner left the ending as he did so that the reader could imagine their own ending for Christian.
Overall, it’s strange, smart, and totally unique.
I just blew through Hollywood and Velvet by David Towner in a few hours, and honestly… what a ride.
I kept catching myself going, “Wait… wtf is happening right now?” in the best possible way. There were also moments where I was genuinely wondering if this was about to turn into The Truman Show 2.0. And then I had another thought like… what if after the war he was hallucinating and none of this is actually real?
The whole thing stays weird in this clever, addictive way. Like you need to keep flipping pages just to make sense of the chaos.
The book has explicit scenes, but I actually thought they were done really well. Nothingy was raunchy or overly detailed.
The ending threw me off a little, though. I think the author was trying to show that everything ultimately worked out for Christian—that things settled, the film did well, and he found some kind of peace—but I personally wanted a bit more clarity. Did he get back with his girlfriend? What actually happened in those last two months? It wasn’t unclear in a bad way, just one of those endings where you want one or two more answers. Ultimately though, I believe David Towner left the ending as he did so that the reader could imagine their own ending for Christian.
Overall, it’s strange, smart, and totally unique.
February 21, 2025
I really liked the plot of this book
I really liked the plot of this book, and the life that our protagonist, an ex-military man, takes on as we follow him on his journey to become a Hollywood actor. It has an interesting plot regarding the ups and downs that our author has in his search for or attempt to reach his goal. I really liked this book, it left me with a clear opinion of ambition and the nature of dreams.
I really liked the plot of this book, and the life that our protagonist, an ex-military man, takes on as we follow him on his journey to become a Hollywood actor. It has an interesting plot regarding the ups and downs that our author has in his search for or attempt to reach his goal. I really liked this book, it left me with a clear opinion of ambition and the nature of dreams.
March 19, 2025
Fantastic writing
The writing in this book is fantastic! The descriptions of Hollywood life are vivid, and the characters feel real. Christian’s struggles made me root for him, and Velvet was absolutely mesmerizing. My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more closure at the end.
The writing in this book is fantastic! The descriptions of Hollywood life are vivid, and the characters feel real. Christian’s struggles made me root for him, and Velvet was absolutely mesmerizing. My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more closure at the end.
March 16, 2025
Solid read
This book is about ambition, sacrifice, and the dangers of fame. Christian’s journey is really inspiring and heartbreaking. I think that Velvet is the perfect mix of mentor and villain, and their dynamic is electric. I loved the way this book explored power and influence in Hollywood.
This book is about ambition, sacrifice, and the dangers of fame. Christian’s journey is really inspiring and heartbreaking. I think that Velvet is the perfect mix of mentor and villain, and their dynamic is electric. I loved the way this book explored power and influence in Hollywood.
March 20, 2025
What a ride!
This book does an amazing job of capturing the struggle of chasing a dream in Hollywood. The dynamic between the characters is intense, and the story keeps you guessing. Highly recommend!
This book does an amazing job of capturing the struggle of chasing a dream in Hollywood. The dynamic between the characters is intense, and the story keeps you guessing. Highly recommend!
May 23, 2025
quiet, emotional story
Hollywood and Velvet isn’t just about Hollywood, it’s about what happens when people lose themselves chasing a dream. Christian’s journey from soldier to actor takes a surprising turn when he meets Velvet, a once-famous actress now living out of the spotlight. Their connection is strange, deep, and unforgettable. Thoughtful and slow-burning, this book leaves you thinking about identity, loneliness, and second chances.
Hollywood and Velvet isn’t just about Hollywood, it’s about what happens when people lose themselves chasing a dream. Christian’s journey from soldier to actor takes a surprising turn when he meets Velvet, a once-famous actress now living out of the spotlight. Their connection is strange, deep, and unforgettable. Thoughtful and slow-burning, this book leaves you thinking about identity, loneliness, and second chances.
January 19, 2026
A Story "Truly" worthy of Praise!
I started reading thinking this might be remake of "Sunset Blvd."Imagine my Joy to find an Original and Fascinating Effort by this Talented Author. Intense, Interesting, and Fun to Read, with a Super ending.
I started reading thinking this might be remake of "Sunset Blvd."Imagine my Joy to find an Original and Fascinating Effort by this Talented Author. Intense, Interesting, and Fun to Read, with a Super ending.
February 1, 2026
The twist at the end is a gut-punch (no spoilers) read it for yourself!
Hollywood and Velvet is a riveting story of old Hollywood, think Sunset Boulevard, set in today's world of social media and our obsession with fame. I also found a parallel to Fifty Shades of Grey with the roles reversed; rich, over-confident famous woman, emotionally manipulating a naive, young, hungry unemployed actor. The plot is set for a compelling, psychologically charged drama that you can't look away from. I enjoyed this book and found it to be a page-turner. The twist at the end is a gut-punch (no spoilers) read it for yourself! Highly recommended great read!
Hollywood and Velvet is a riveting story of old Hollywood, think Sunset Boulevard, set in today's world of social media and our obsession with fame. I also found a parallel to Fifty Shades of Grey with the roles reversed; rich, over-confident famous woman, emotionally manipulating a naive, young, hungry unemployed actor. The plot is set for a compelling, psychologically charged drama that you can't look away from. I enjoyed this book and found it to be a page-turner. The twist at the end is a gut-punch (no spoilers) read it for yourself! Highly recommended great read!
March 18, 2025
Good realism
I appreciated the realism of this book. Hollywood is not glamorous for most people, and this novel shows that side. The writing is solid, but I wanted a bit more excitement in the plot.
I appreciated the realism of this book. Hollywood is not glamorous for most people, and this novel shows that side. The writing is solid, but I wanted a bit more excitement in the plot.
August 2, 2025
As Christian slides further into Velvet’s orbit, the tension is unbearable. But impossible to stop reading.
August 3, 2025
A Weaponized Agency
Christian thought he had control—until Velvet rewrote the script. Youth meets exploitation in chilling ways.
Christian thought he had control—until Velvet rewrote the script. Youth meets exploitation in chilling ways.
August 3, 2025
Towner explores fame as trauma. This novel hits deep, with minimal fuss and maximum emotional impact.
August 8, 2025
A Psychological Study Draped in Glamour
What starts as ambition turns into manipulation. The emotional insight here is impressively deep.
What starts as ambition turns into manipulation. The emotional insight here is impressively deep.
July 19, 2025
LA Noir Meets Character-Driven Drama
There’s a vintage noir undertone here—Velvet could be a femme fatale for the modern age, and Christian the idealistic mark. Atmospheric and moody.
There’s a vintage noir undertone here—Velvet could be a femme fatale for the modern age, and Christian the idealistic mark. Atmospheric and moody.
November 10, 2025
A disturbing page-turner
Ambition is something we see every day in our society; it's even something I feel we all have intrinsically, and sometimes it helps us get ahead if we look at it from a positive perspective. However, in "Hollywood and Velvet," we see the rawest side to which all this can lead us.
Ambition is something we see every day in our society; it's even something I feel we all have intrinsically, and sometimes it helps us get ahead if we look at it from a positive perspective. However, in "Hollywood and Velvet," we see the rawest side to which all this can lead us.
November 18, 2025
Quite a read!
At first, it would seem that this was a spot-on rendition of Hollywoiod grooming. But upon further reading, there is a plot twist. Im just wondering how 'normal' this is, or is this pure fiction?
At first, it would seem that this was a spot-on rendition of Hollywoiod grooming. But upon further reading, there is a plot twist. Im just wondering how 'normal' this is, or is this pure fiction?
July 18, 2025
Every Dream Has a Price—This One’s Steep
Christian’s arc shows what happens when dreams collide with dark reality. His descent into Velvet’s web is tragic, fascinating, and eerily plausible.
Christian’s arc shows what happens when dreams collide with dark reality. His descent into Velvet’s web is tragic, fascinating, and eerily plausible.
July 16, 2025
A Slow Burn That Hooks You Hard
At first, it feels like a simple post-army drama. Then it shifts. The psychological grip of Velvet and Christian’s unraveling ambition turns this into a psychological character study you can’t put down.
At first, it feels like a simple post-army drama. Then it shifts. The psychological grip of Velvet and Christian’s unraveling ambition turns this into a psychological character study you can’t put down.
July 17, 2025
Addictive, Unsettling, and Incredibly Real
This book isn’t afraid to make you uncomfortable. That’s what makes it powerful. Fame, failure, and manipulation have never felt this personal.
This book isn’t afraid to make you uncomfortable. That’s what makes it powerful. Fame, failure, and manipulation have never felt this personal.
July 14, 2025
From War to Hollywood: A Gritty Transformation
Christian’s journey from soldier to starry-eyed dreamer is raw, emotional, and unexpectedly relatable. The story captures the tough transitions many face when chasing a dream in a city that doesn't care.
Christian’s journey from soldier to starry-eyed dreamer is raw, emotional, and unexpectedly relatable. The story captures the tough transitions many face when chasing a dream in a city that doesn't care.
May 8, 2025
A Provocative Dive into Hollywood's Glamour and Grit!
Hollywood and Velvet is a raw and gripping tale that pulls you into the glitz and grit of the entertainment industry. The characters are richly developed, and the plot twists kept me engaged until the last page. This provocative story explores ambition and desire in a uniquely captivating way. I highly recommend it!
Hollywood and Velvet is a raw and gripping tale that pulls you into the glitz and grit of the entertainment industry. The characters are richly developed, and the plot twists kept me engaged until the last page. This provocative story explores ambition and desire in a uniquely captivating way. I highly recommend it!
January 11, 2025
Great book!
What a great book, it's really been a long time since I read something that hooked me. The story narrates the life of the protagonist, who is involved in manipulations and deceptions by a manipulative boss who deceives him into thinking that someday, she will help him in his failed acting career. What I liked most about the book is the way in which the author manages to connect with the readers, the narrative is fluid and precise which makes you feel that you are living the story with the protagonist. It is a very interesting book, full of drama, lies and glamorous life. Personally, I liked it a lot, I am more of a reader of history books but this one has left me fascinated from the first moment. Highly recommended, I'm sure readers will love it as I and my family loved it.
What a great book, it's really been a long time since I read something that hooked me. The story narrates the life of the protagonist, who is involved in manipulations and deceptions by a manipulative boss who deceives him into thinking that someday, she will help him in his failed acting career. What I liked most about the book is the way in which the author manages to connect with the readers, the narrative is fluid and precise which makes you feel that you are living the story with the protagonist. It is a very interesting book, full of drama, lies and glamorous life. Personally, I liked it a lot, I am more of a reader of history books but this one has left me fascinated from the first moment. Highly recommended, I'm sure readers will love it as I and my family loved it.
January 11, 2025
great narrative!
I am sure you would like this book if you enjoy Hollywood show business stories and complex interpersonal relationships. The text tells the story of Christian who after being in the army decides to embark on the journey of becoming an actor and you can't imagine what that decision will bring to his life.
I recommend reading this book if you have a taste for books with a touch of cinema in their narrative, if you have this intrigue for the world of entertainment and would like to know how things really work. I also like it because it is a realistic book, it explores themes such as success, reality, a bit of resignations and so on! So rest assured that there will be no room for boredom!
I invite you to read it, you won't regret it!
I am sure you would like this book if you enjoy Hollywood show business stories and complex interpersonal relationships. The text tells the story of Christian who after being in the army decides to embark on the journey of becoming an actor and you can't imagine what that decision will bring to his life.
I recommend reading this book if you have a taste for books with a touch of cinema in their narrative, if you have this intrigue for the world of entertainment and would like to know how things really work. I also like it because it is a realistic book, it explores themes such as success, reality, a bit of resignations and so on! So rest assured that there will be no room for boredom!
I invite you to read it, you won't regret it!
January 12, 2025
With an extremely engaging plot, "Hollywood and Velvet" is an erotic suspense written by author Towner. In this book, we meet Christian Meier, the protagonist, who after serving in the army returns home. It is not easy for Christian to return to his usual life, that is why he leaves his studies, his girlfriend and his family and moves to Hollywood, hoping to rebuild his life and pursue his dream of being an actor. In Hollywood, he meets Velvet, an actress who drives him crazy in every way.
I generally don't read this genre, but something on the cover caught my attention and I decided to read it. The only thing to mention is that the book contains sexually graphic scenes. I certainly recommend it.
I generally don't read this genre, but something on the cover caught my attention and I decided to read it. The only thing to mention is that the book contains sexually graphic scenes. I certainly recommend it.
January 11, 2025
Great book!
This is my first time reading a book from David Towner and I really enjoyed reading him. Since the very beginning, I felt trapped by the book and couldn’t stop reading it.
I think he did a great job with this book. The way he developed the character Christian Meier and his turning back from the Army, the use of power in different scenes of the book and some unexpected plot twists, makes this book warping as well as reflective.
Even if the content of this book may be a little harsh in some parts; in my opinion, Towner knows how to manage it very well so the reader can go beyond those graphic scenes, and understand the intention of adding them.
This is my first time reading a book from David Towner and I really enjoyed reading him. Since the very beginning, I felt trapped by the book and couldn’t stop reading it.
I think he did a great job with this book. The way he developed the character Christian Meier and his turning back from the Army, the use of power in different scenes of the book and some unexpected plot twists, makes this book warping as well as reflective.
Even if the content of this book may be a little harsh in some parts; in my opinion, Towner knows how to manage it very well so the reader can go beyond those graphic scenes, and understand the intention of adding them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews