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Hollywood Riptide
Hollywood Riptide is a novel inspired by real life experiences.
A seismic shift in Hollywood’s power structure occurred during the 1980s. Gone were the moguls and founding fathers of the motion picture industry — Jack L. Warner, Louis B. Mayer, Carl Laemmle, Samuel Goldwyn, and Darryl Zanuck. The studios were being taken over by technological giants such as Sony and Panasonic, and the new owners turned to lawyers and talent agents to run their newly obtained properties. In 1982, an aspiring young screenwriter, Nick Caggiano, moves from the Bronx to Los Angeles, hoping to find work in the industry. At a famous bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip one night, he encounters a wealthy young woman named Nicole. What transpires between them creates a riptide of greed, corruption, and perversion that drags Nick through the underbelly of the Hollywood establishment, upending his life and challenging his moral fabric and his sense of self.
A seismic shift in Hollywood’s power structure occurred during the 1980s. Gone were the moguls and founding fathers of the motion picture industry — Jack L. Warner, Louis B. Mayer, Carl Laemmle, Samuel Goldwyn, and Darryl Zanuck. The studios were being taken over by technological giants such as Sony and Panasonic, and the new owners turned to lawyers and talent agents to run their newly obtained properties. In 1982, an aspiring young screenwriter, Nick Caggiano, moves from the Bronx to Los Angeles, hoping to find work in the industry. At a famous bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip one night, he encounters a wealthy young woman named Nicole. What transpires between them creates a riptide of greed, corruption, and perversion that drags Nick through the underbelly of the Hollywood establishment, upending his life and challenging his moral fabric and his sense of self.
- GenresHistoricalFictionDark
277 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2017
1 person is currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Sciuto
11 books173 followersJoseph Sciuto was born and raised in New York City, where he spent his early years listening to his Italian-American grandmother’s vivid stories about how their family was responsible for building much of the impressive Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building. The rich flavor of her stories about their family’s heritage still works its way through his writing.
Sciuto holds degrees from both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Stony Brook University and a certificate in film studies from New York University. After studying psychology, film, theater, literature, and English as an undergraduate, he relocated to Southern California to attend graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, where he studied writing and film.
Sciuto holds degrees from both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Stony Brook University and a certificate in film studies from New York University. After studying psychology, film, theater, literature, and English as an undergraduate, he relocated to Southern California to attend graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, where he studied writing and film.
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September 7, 2018
Official Review: Hollywood Riptide by Joseph Sciuto
Post by Camille Turner » Yesterday, 16:04
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hollywood Riptide" by Joseph Sciuto.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
6
Hollywood Riptide by Joseph Sciuto lives up to its namesake in every sense of the word as the story plunges you into the deep waters of 1980s Hollywood where conflicting desires and characters will collide headfirst in the most unexpected of ways. The novel opens with a glimpse of Nick Caggiano, a sweet, aspiring writer from the Bronx who is just trying to make it in Los Angeles while holding on to his morals and Catholic faith. Things start to spiral out of control after he encounters the troubled Nicole Weiss, a 21-year-old beauty with endless money and drugs and a whole past’s worth of trauma. The two head into a whirlwind of passion and instability as they navigate the turbulent ocean that is their relationship.
While this may sound like the traditional ‘good boy meets bad girl story,’ it is much more than that. The book delves into the worst parts of Hollywood culture, including sexual abuse and drug addiction. Additionally, readers are privy to many characters’ perspectives, including that of Nicole’s father, a former soldier and current movie industry tycoon, Richard Weiss. Apart from his thoughts on and reactions to his daughter’s rash behavior and harmful decisions, Richard brings the realities of WWII, and war in general, to light. As the book develops, other soldiers’ stories begin to shine through as well, adding yet another layer to this unique novel.
One of the things I liked most about this book was that it gave me many intense emotions while reading it, even if those emotions were largely anger, disgust and frustration. I’ve always stood by the idea that a novel should make you feel something strongly, and this one did just that. I appreciated that the story didn’t shy away from difficult subjects but rather attempted to portray the darker moments in an honest way. The novel itself was well-written, with but a few unobtrusive typos.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I think it successfully reveals a story that, while so unlike anything most of us will ever experience, gives us insight into Hollywood in the 1980s (and today, in my opinion). As for the type of reader this book will appeal to, please note that there is a high level of graphic adult content related to abuse, sex and drugs. A large portion of the book is dialogue between Nick and Nicole interspersed with long scenes from the past and some looks at the lives of the other characters. I felt that these many fast-paced dialogue scenes echoed the drug-addled minds and unstable feelings of the characters, but do keep it in mind when wondering if this is stylistically the right book for you.
Personally, I enjoyed this rare glimpse into Hollywood and its many victims and villains, but also into the lives of people who have endured far too much. I believe Sciuto did his homework on the subject and has presented an accurate portrayal of the times and themes. Interestingly enough, I believe the content and style of Hollywood Riptide would do well if turned into a screenplay—though perhaps that’s just the theme making me biased—and I would love to see it as a movie someday!
******
Hollywood Riptide
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post by Camille Turner » Yesterday, 16:04
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hollywood Riptide" by Joseph Sciuto.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
6
Hollywood Riptide by Joseph Sciuto lives up to its namesake in every sense of the word as the story plunges you into the deep waters of 1980s Hollywood where conflicting desires and characters will collide headfirst in the most unexpected of ways. The novel opens with a glimpse of Nick Caggiano, a sweet, aspiring writer from the Bronx who is just trying to make it in Los Angeles while holding on to his morals and Catholic faith. Things start to spiral out of control after he encounters the troubled Nicole Weiss, a 21-year-old beauty with endless money and drugs and a whole past’s worth of trauma. The two head into a whirlwind of passion and instability as they navigate the turbulent ocean that is their relationship.
While this may sound like the traditional ‘good boy meets bad girl story,’ it is much more than that. The book delves into the worst parts of Hollywood culture, including sexual abuse and drug addiction. Additionally, readers are privy to many characters’ perspectives, including that of Nicole’s father, a former soldier and current movie industry tycoon, Richard Weiss. Apart from his thoughts on and reactions to his daughter’s rash behavior and harmful decisions, Richard brings the realities of WWII, and war in general, to light. As the book develops, other soldiers’ stories begin to shine through as well, adding yet another layer to this unique novel.
One of the things I liked most about this book was that it gave me many intense emotions while reading it, even if those emotions were largely anger, disgust and frustration. I’ve always stood by the idea that a novel should make you feel something strongly, and this one did just that. I appreciated that the story didn’t shy away from difficult subjects but rather attempted to portray the darker moments in an honest way. The novel itself was well-written, with but a few unobtrusive typos.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I think it successfully reveals a story that, while so unlike anything most of us will ever experience, gives us insight into Hollywood in the 1980s (and today, in my opinion). As for the type of reader this book will appeal to, please note that there is a high level of graphic adult content related to abuse, sex and drugs. A large portion of the book is dialogue between Nick and Nicole interspersed with long scenes from the past and some looks at the lives of the other characters. I felt that these many fast-paced dialogue scenes echoed the drug-addled minds and unstable feelings of the characters, but do keep it in mind when wondering if this is stylistically the right book for you.
Personally, I enjoyed this rare glimpse into Hollywood and its many victims and villains, but also into the lives of people who have endured far too much. I believe Sciuto did his homework on the subject and has presented an accurate portrayal of the times and themes. Interestingly enough, I believe the content and style of Hollywood Riptide would do well if turned into a screenplay—though perhaps that’s just the theme making me biased—and I would love to see it as a movie someday!
******
Hollywood Riptide
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
April 10, 2020
You hear stories about stereotypical, old Hollywood and don’t think much about it until it’s present-day and all over the headlines. What we’ve learned lately has been going on for years, but back during the boys club days, it didn’t matter. Of course, unless you weren’t a boy. Joseph, the author, has a distinct way of telling stories, basically, in your face. They’re touching, they’re funny, and they’re engrossing and ‘Hollywood Riptide’ is no different. His perspective of old Hollywood in the 1980s is quite gritty. I fell in love with the spoiled, psychotic Nicole. The contrast between her and Nick made the story come to life. Enjoy!
November 7, 2017
Hollywood Riptide is a vivid flashback to a not so distant time, the 1980’s, in tinsel town: long lunches and dinners at the famous West Hollywood Palm Restaurant, recognizable characters, whose names have been changed in the novel, but who the author leaves little doubt to whom the characters are based upon, and a story line that captures the feel and moment of Hollywood during that unique and exciting time.
In a sense, it is a precursor to the steady stream of disgusting headlines and harassment charges being levied against the industry and some of its major players. The novel ends on a happy and uplifting note. Hopefully, the revelations that are today's headlines will lead to some real and beneficial changes that will be as uplifting and powerful as those portrayed in the novel.
JoAnn Funicello
Employed at ICM, Dick Clark Productions, George Lucas Productions, and 20th Century Fox
In a sense, it is a precursor to the steady stream of disgusting headlines and harassment charges being levied against the industry and some of its major players. The novel ends on a happy and uplifting note. Hopefully, the revelations that are today's headlines will lead to some real and beneficial changes that will be as uplifting and powerful as those portrayed in the novel.
JoAnn Funicello
Employed at ICM, Dick Clark Productions, George Lucas Productions, and 20th Century Fox
September 24, 2022
“The man who lies asleep will never waken fame, and his desire and all his life drift past him like a dream, and the traces of his memory fade from time like smoke in air, or ripples on a stream.”
― Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy
“And I — my head oppressed by horror — said:
"Master, what is it that I hear? Who are
those people so defeated by their pain?"
And he to me: "This miserable way
is taken by the sorry souls of those
who lived without disgrace and without praise.
They now commingle with the coward angels,
the company of those who were not rebels
nor faithful to their God but stood apart.
The heavens, that their beauty not be lessened,
have cast them out, nor will deep Hell receive them —
even the wicked cannot glory in them.”
― Dante Alighieri, Inferno
Joseph Sciuto takes us past the gates and into the bowels of hell where there is temptation, indolence, gluttony, excess, greed, lust and finally in a gentle momentary clearing - love so shining and clean it realigns the tempestuous lost souls trapped in this oh, so glittering bedeviled world of Hollywood.
The inmates of hell are the gloriously beautiful, spoilt and willful Nicole and her super-rich padre, Richard Weiss. Their relationship is like a poisoned apple - exquisite on the outside but deadly rotten at the core, and then there's Nick, the codependent lover of the towered and trapped Nicole, whose soul is writhing tormented and raging against the wrongs of the past. Her lonely childhood consisted of a drug-addled mother and a self-indulgent father who failed to notice their only child's sexual abuse at the hands of another mangled soul in this third circle of hell where drugs snow deals and booze flows like the river Styx.
Nicole's father, Richard, owns the most successful film production company in tinsel town and despite being morbidly self-indulgent manages to produce mega-hit after hit. At the eleventh hour he remembers he is a husband and father and changes his focus from the bevy of available beauties to the neglected wife and child who are kiltering out of control. A few happy years before tragedy strikes and the almost repaired relationship between father and daughter veers dangerously off-course again.
Enter Nick - the clean, bright, hardworking, scriptwriter-cum-waiter whose ballast is so vital to Nicole, she entwines him like a snake on a caduceus. Nicole is stunningly beautiful and enchantingly childlike and poor Nick is unhinged by her attention. She is also a hopeless junkie who is so chronically addicted to cocaine she has a dealer on speed-dial. Nick, like many a codependent, is just as addicted to Nicole as she is to coke. He becomes her full-time bodyguard and keeper.
Sciuto skillfully guides us through the mire and miasma of Hollywood - a world so strange and altered that its inmates rarely exist outside the bubble of fame and money and the next big hit.
There is a third circle in hell specifically reserved for gluttony and, as an adjunct, for those who had the means to make a difference but failed to. I suspect many of our politicians, corporate billionaires and elite will find themselves there.
At the last possible moment Nicole's father finds the olive branch and offering it, secures the exit for Nicole and himself.
Fantastic journey into the dark night of the soul. Highly recommended.
― Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy
“And I — my head oppressed by horror — said:
"Master, what is it that I hear? Who are
those people so defeated by their pain?"
And he to me: "This miserable way
is taken by the sorry souls of those
who lived without disgrace and without praise.
They now commingle with the coward angels,
the company of those who were not rebels
nor faithful to their God but stood apart.
The heavens, that their beauty not be lessened,
have cast them out, nor will deep Hell receive them —
even the wicked cannot glory in them.”
― Dante Alighieri, Inferno
Joseph Sciuto takes us past the gates and into the bowels of hell where there is temptation, indolence, gluttony, excess, greed, lust and finally in a gentle momentary clearing - love so shining and clean it realigns the tempestuous lost souls trapped in this oh, so glittering bedeviled world of Hollywood.
The inmates of hell are the gloriously beautiful, spoilt and willful Nicole and her super-rich padre, Richard Weiss. Their relationship is like a poisoned apple - exquisite on the outside but deadly rotten at the core, and then there's Nick, the codependent lover of the towered and trapped Nicole, whose soul is writhing tormented and raging against the wrongs of the past. Her lonely childhood consisted of a drug-addled mother and a self-indulgent father who failed to notice their only child's sexual abuse at the hands of another mangled soul in this third circle of hell where drugs snow deals and booze flows like the river Styx.
Nicole's father, Richard, owns the most successful film production company in tinsel town and despite being morbidly self-indulgent manages to produce mega-hit after hit. At the eleventh hour he remembers he is a husband and father and changes his focus from the bevy of available beauties to the neglected wife and child who are kiltering out of control. A few happy years before tragedy strikes and the almost repaired relationship between father and daughter veers dangerously off-course again.
Enter Nick - the clean, bright, hardworking, scriptwriter-cum-waiter whose ballast is so vital to Nicole, she entwines him like a snake on a caduceus. Nicole is stunningly beautiful and enchantingly childlike and poor Nick is unhinged by her attention. She is also a hopeless junkie who is so chronically addicted to cocaine she has a dealer on speed-dial. Nick, like many a codependent, is just as addicted to Nicole as she is to coke. He becomes her full-time bodyguard and keeper.
Sciuto skillfully guides us through the mire and miasma of Hollywood - a world so strange and altered that its inmates rarely exist outside the bubble of fame and money and the next big hit.
There is a third circle in hell specifically reserved for gluttony and, as an adjunct, for those who had the means to make a difference but failed to. I suspect many of our politicians, corporate billionaires and elite will find themselves there.
At the last possible moment Nicole's father finds the olive branch and offering it, secures the exit for Nicole and himself.
Fantastic journey into the dark night of the soul. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2018
I picked up this novel after I recently read Mr. Sciuto's "Targeted Demographics" which I seriously loved. As for "Hollywood Riptide" I can honestly say that I loved it as much as "Targeted Demographics." It's unabashed look at Hollywood during the eighties will leave one, in many cases, breathless. The narrative flows beautifully and the characters are extremely well defined; yet the author's ability to leave its readers with many, many questions after finishing the book is where Mr. Sciuto excels so brilliantly. How does the relationship between Nicole and Nick finally end up or between Richard and Margaret. Very impressive piece of writing. Highly recommend.
November 7, 2017
Decided to pick up this book after reading a beautiful piece, written by the author, about my favorite playwright, Sam Shepard. As a person who has been around Hollywood quite a bit and who has been a victim of sexual harassment more than a few times, I can honestly say that this book might be the most honest portrayal of what women have to put up with throughout their careers in the entertainment industry and beyond. The villain in this book gets his just punishment. I can only hope the real life perverts making the headlines get their just punishment. Love the book, especially the end. Simple to read.
November 11, 2017
This book is so interesting! When I was reading it, I thought to myself, "Do these things really happen?"
The next day, Harvey Weinstein was on the news. Then Kevin Spacey. Then Oliver Stone, John Besh, Jeremy Piven, Brett Ratner, Steven Seagal and now, Louis C.K. and more.
So, yes, I guess these things really DO happen.
Joseph Sciuto did an excellent job illustrating Hollywood culture and human nature. Hollywood Riptide is a beautifully written book.
If you want a real ripped-from-the-headlines-type book, I suggest you check out Hollywood Riptide, where truth and fiction collide.
The next day, Harvey Weinstein was on the news. Then Kevin Spacey. Then Oliver Stone, John Besh, Jeremy Piven, Brett Ratner, Steven Seagal and now, Louis C.K. and more.
So, yes, I guess these things really DO happen.
Joseph Sciuto did an excellent job illustrating Hollywood culture and human nature. Hollywood Riptide is a beautifully written book.
If you want a real ripped-from-the-headlines-type book, I suggest you check out Hollywood Riptide, where truth and fiction collide.
June 23, 2018
HOLLYWOOD RIPTIDE is the best book I have read in years.
The characters are well-developed and multifaceted. Joseph Sciuto draws the scenery of Los Angeles with a vivid brush, and the narrative is a compelling, but easy read.
Ever wonder if the stuff you hear goes on? Probably. If it does, it is in HOLLYWOOD RIPTIDE.
For those people who love Hollywood dirt, or just love Hollywood, this is the book for you!
Melissa Smith
20-year Hollywood studio veteran
The characters are well-developed and multifaceted. Joseph Sciuto draws the scenery of Los Angeles with a vivid brush, and the narrative is a compelling, but easy read.
Ever wonder if the stuff you hear goes on? Probably. If it does, it is in HOLLYWOOD RIPTIDE.
For those people who love Hollywood dirt, or just love Hollywood, this is the book for you!
Melissa Smith
20-year Hollywood studio veteran
November 5, 2017
I started this book yesterday and loved it so much that I couldn't put it down. Was up all night!
I've worked at Hollywood production companies for 15 years, and I think at least one of my bosses may be in the book! He's a slime, and so's the bad guy in the book.
I'm getting him a copy for Christmas, but giving it to him early. Hope he recognizes himself.
Etha Cassidy
I've worked at Hollywood production companies for 15 years, and I think at least one of my bosses may be in the book! He's a slime, and so's the bad guy in the book.
I'm getting him a copy for Christmas, but giving it to him early. Hope he recognizes himself.
Etha Cassidy
December 19, 2018
It would be so simple to jump in and say what a wonderful job Sciuto did with his male protagonist puppy dog lead and the antagonist a Nordic goddess beauty able to go all Jekyll-Hyde at the turn of a page. Normally emerging as a Cat-women diva turned bobcat ready to claw one to death. The author Joseph Sciuto has all the right stuff as he weaves an east coast, west coast, totally insane love story together.
You have to start with great characters, which Nick and Nicole are, and intricate subplots to move the story along adding details and complexity to the theme. Uncle Bobby, the stugots who drives Nicole gagootz and the compassionate angelic Margaret who holds the family as well as the company together is just that. Nicole’s father Richard and Uncle Bobby are both very rich movie moguls. Uncle Bobby representing the underbelly of Hollywood much like, oh let’s say, Harvey Weinstein! Even the Dr. at UCLA Medical Center and priest who converted her to Catholicism for a fee, add much to the story with brief poignant comments.
I also enjoy a story that’s true to time and place. My goombah Sciuto was faithful to both time and place. His view of the ’80s was astoundingly accurate. The Cocaine epidemic, Bush not bush, we had no Brazilian back then. Compare and contrast. New York to LA. Nicole’s fascination with the Italian mafia stereotypes and Nick’s cynical view of the artless and seedy motion picture Industry. Accentuated by the reference to Sparks Resturant, “goodbye Castellano”.
After all of that being said, It was a simply an entertaining novel well worth the read.
You have to start with great characters, which Nick and Nicole are, and intricate subplots to move the story along adding details and complexity to the theme. Uncle Bobby, the stugots who drives Nicole gagootz and the compassionate angelic Margaret who holds the family as well as the company together is just that. Nicole’s father Richard and Uncle Bobby are both very rich movie moguls. Uncle Bobby representing the underbelly of Hollywood much like, oh let’s say, Harvey Weinstein! Even the Dr. at UCLA Medical Center and priest who converted her to Catholicism for a fee, add much to the story with brief poignant comments.
I also enjoy a story that’s true to time and place. My goombah Sciuto was faithful to both time and place. His view of the ’80s was astoundingly accurate. The Cocaine epidemic, Bush not bush, we had no Brazilian back then. Compare and contrast. New York to LA. Nicole’s fascination with the Italian mafia stereotypes and Nick’s cynical view of the artless and seedy motion picture Industry. Accentuated by the reference to Sparks Resturant, “goodbye Castellano”.
After all of that being said, It was a simply an entertaining novel well worth the read.
December 9, 2017
Wow, this book is a treasure. Mr. Sciuto infuses lots of life into the characters in this book. The opening scene was a lot to take in but it set the scene for the rest of the story. Nick was Nicole's guardian angel. Yet at the same time, they saved each other. However, don't call Nicole a damsel in distress as she is more than a lost soul. Her past does not define her but instead is the stepping stone to her rebirth.
At first glance, the characters may seem shallow and dislikable but like an onion, the more layers that you peel back; you see the depth and their true nature. I am not just talking about Nick and Nicole. There are several other characters woven into this story. They are just as important. There are no secondary or third string characters.
I could not stop reading this book fast enough. In fact, this is a one day read. As I was reading this book, it was like I could see the movie version playing in my head. So filled with sorrow, love, heartbreak, trust, deceit, second chances, and new beginnings. If you are in the mood for a great read then, you need no look any further than Hollywood Riptide by Joseph Sciuto.
At first glance, the characters may seem shallow and dislikable but like an onion, the more layers that you peel back; you see the depth and their true nature. I am not just talking about Nick and Nicole. There are several other characters woven into this story. They are just as important. There are no secondary or third string characters.
I could not stop reading this book fast enough. In fact, this is a one day read. As I was reading this book, it was like I could see the movie version playing in my head. So filled with sorrow, love, heartbreak, trust, deceit, second chances, and new beginnings. If you are in the mood for a great read then, you need no look any further than Hollywood Riptide by Joseph Sciuto.
January 13, 2019
Holy wow! I have to say it’s probably my favorite book by this author! What a wild ride! I feel like I went on a journey with these characters especially Nicky! Nicole on the other hand .... I agree that Freud and even Jung will have a hard time analyzing her! It’s a story I won’t soon forget! I will definitely love to re-read this over and over. It’s an absolute stunning book with tough issues Hollywood deals with. It starts out with you thinking it’s about instant love! Oh it’s way way more... oh my gosh! If you’re in a reading slump pick this up! I could not put it down! Cannot recommend it enough! Thank you to the author too for sending me this book for an honest Review! I will be much awaiting your next novel!
November 6, 2017
I usually don't read books about Hollywood, but, to me, this is a book about people who just happen to live in Hollywood. The characters are well-defined, and the challenges that they face could happen to anyone.
Here's the reason I'm posting this review...
I forgot to buy a book for my recent trip to London, and I grabbed my husband's copy of Hollywood Riptide to read on the plane. I was the last person to deplane because I only had a few more pages to read when we landed, and the book was so compelling that I just had to finish it.
The lady seated next to me asked if I needed help because I hadn't stood up yet, and I told her why I was still in my seat. She also had read the book and loved it. She encouraged me to join Goodreads and do a review. So here I am!
My review in a nutshell? Love, love, love Hollywood Riptide!! I really didn't want to leave the characters and scenery and story of heartbreak, strength and love behind. Can't wait for Joseph Sciuto's next book. If you only read one book this week or this year, read Hollywood Riptide!
Here's the reason I'm posting this review...
I forgot to buy a book for my recent trip to London, and I grabbed my husband's copy of Hollywood Riptide to read on the plane. I was the last person to deplane because I only had a few more pages to read when we landed, and the book was so compelling that I just had to finish it.
The lady seated next to me asked if I needed help because I hadn't stood up yet, and I told her why I was still in my seat. She also had read the book and loved it. She encouraged me to join Goodreads and do a review. So here I am!
My review in a nutshell? Love, love, love Hollywood Riptide!! I really didn't want to leave the characters and scenery and story of heartbreak, strength and love behind. Can't wait for Joseph Sciuto's next book. If you only read one book this week or this year, read Hollywood Riptide!
November 1, 2017
I usually don't read books that deal with Hollywood but since the author was from the Bronx, like myself, I decided to give it chance. I really enjoyed it. Unusual but entertaining. Question: How does a boy from the Bronx find a beautiful girl like Nicole, with plenty of money, and loves to party? She might be only a character in a book, but now she is the love of my life...or at least until I read my next book. Easy read.
September 21, 2017
A close friend of mine in the industry asked me to read this book. I was hesitant. Hollywood books are not my favorite genre. I was shocked by how good it was...not only were the characters great, especially the characters of Margaret and Richard, but the story covers an era in Hollywood that has seldom been covered. The era after World War 2, where young men and women arrived in Hollywood in search of their dreams but always remained conscious of the tremendous sacrifices that they and their family and friends made in the fight against Germany and Japan. The book follows a troubled couple, Nick and Nicole, and it is through their family and friends that this other side of Hollywood is revealed. I read the book in a night and I highly recommend it. It might not be Conrad or Dickens or Hemingway but it was a million times better than I expected.
November 23, 2017
People have this illusion that Hollywood is all glamorous, this book says otherwise – it tells you the reality of Hollywood. Though it is set in the 1980s, not much has changed between then and now in relation to sex, drugs, violence, and much more.
This is a very different book to what I would normally pick up, but I enjoyed it. Having never been to Hollywood, or have I had any interest in that lifestyle this book has opened my eyes to the reality of what actually goes on.
I read this in one sitting, I was hooked. I would recommend.
This is a very different book to what I would normally pick up, but I enjoyed it. Having never been to Hollywood, or have I had any interest in that lifestyle this book has opened my eyes to the reality of what actually goes on.
I read this in one sitting, I was hooked. I would recommend.
November 28, 2017
I found the two main characters polar opposite of each other. Talk about opposites attaching; Nicole a very rich spoiled narcissistic a psychotic young woman and Nick an aspiring screenwriting is a straightlaced Catholic young man with morals and convictions that most people in Hollywood don't believe even exists. These two meet at the restaurant Nick is working at, it is love at first sight for Nick. When these two get together and married Nicole will take straightlaced Nick to the world of drugs, greed, corruption, and perversion. Nick will learn how the uber-rich in Hollywood wheel and deal with Nicole's father who owns one of the biggest Hollywood studios offers the two of them jobs working for him. For Nicole, she shines working for her dad dealing with egotistic stars, and Nick, he has a hard time accepting all the money from Nicole's family that is constantly used to control him but he still finds a way to excel to be his own man and to stay true to himself while working for Nicole's dad.
January 25, 2018
As I was reading this book I felt in many ways I was re-reading the latest headlines about Hollywood. This story was well written, action packed and full of drams. Heartbreaking at times and suspenseful at others. This story grabs you at the beginning and has you page turning from then. Emotional and drama filled. Well written with strong and exciting characters and an engaging story line. I read an advance copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
February 4, 2018
Very entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Exclusive Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 27, 2018
This is really dark to me even though I'm not sure it's meant to be. The drugged up 80s Hollywood world is not really an enticing topic to me.
Nicole is a beautiful, spoiled, coked up, rich, never-been-told-no, brat of a big time movie exec. She is obsessed with money and loves to throw it around. She has some kind of bewitching power over everyone she meets and can persuade almost anyone to do almost anything. In comes Nick. He was enchanted by her from the second they met and he's convinced she's the love of his life and he is because that is what Nicole tells him. She also told him that they are engaged and she quit his job for him and sold off everything from his apartment so he could be with her and only her. Yes, as you can tell she's crazy, delusuonal, and can turn seriously psychotic at the drop of a hat. Nick, a nice guy with morals, follows behind like a puppy dog.
I hate these two so much. Nicole is just a screwed up awful human being and Nick has lost himself in her. Nevertheless, I couldn't stop reading because I couldn't wait to see how much farther down this delusional rabbit hole they would go and what was at the next turn.
Joseph Sciuto's good writing kept me reading.
*exclusive arc*
Nicole is a beautiful, spoiled, coked up, rich, never-been-told-no, brat of a big time movie exec. She is obsessed with money and loves to throw it around. She has some kind of bewitching power over everyone she meets and can persuade almost anyone to do almost anything. In comes Nick. He was enchanted by her from the second they met and he's convinced she's the love of his life and he is because that is what Nicole tells him. She also told him that they are engaged and she quit his job for him and sold off everything from his apartment so he could be with her and only her. Yes, as you can tell she's crazy, delusuonal, and can turn seriously psychotic at the drop of a hat. Nick, a nice guy with morals, follows behind like a puppy dog.
I hate these two so much. Nicole is just a screwed up awful human being and Nick has lost himself in her. Nevertheless, I couldn't stop reading because I couldn't wait to see how much farther down this delusional rabbit hole they would go and what was at the next turn.
Joseph Sciuto's good writing kept me reading.
*exclusive arc*
April 29, 2018
After reading Hollywood Riptide: An Insider's Look Behind the Headlines, I gave it 5 stars. I didn't actually think that things went down like that in Hollywood, but it actually does. it was quite interesting, a real eye opener to those who shrug everything off.
October 11, 2019
One of the best books I've read as of late. The contrast of lead characters couldn't be more defined. It was a book I got through in just a few sittings, and one that never leave my thoughts once I had finished it -- that's how I knew I enjoyed it. I found myself constantly thinking of its plot and characters, especially while I was still reading it though had put it aside for a time. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it. It consumed me. Nick and Nicole were forever swimming through my mind, constantly at each other, vivid and ever so alive. A true whirlwind of raw emotion. It was a great read, an experience, and I do plan on reading Mr. Scuito's other works.
May 26, 2019
Supposed to be set in the 8o's but, one huge SKYPE mistake at the end of my copy on page 281....some grammatical errors not caught by spellcheckers.......
Overall, pretty formulary story of rich, junkie, nutbag and the family that keeps protecting the antagonist's horrible actions....
Kinda sorry I wasted my time, however, the Prologue made it seem like there was potential.......
Overall, pretty formulary story of rich, junkie, nutbag and the family that keeps protecting the antagonist's horrible actions....
Kinda sorry I wasted my time, however, the Prologue made it seem like there was potential.......
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