What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seduction of Moxie
When Hollywood-bound actress Violet London meets speakeasy singer Moxie Valette, her trip takes an unexpected turn toward love. New York City, 1931: When wry Broadway actress Violet London and her hard-drinking cohorts venture into a speakeasy the night before she is to board a train for Hollywood, she is floored by sassy blond singer Moxie Valette. As Violet introduces Moxie to an assortment of bootleg liquor, cross-dressers, and sex shows, she vows to find a way to see her again. Moxie is fascinated by Violet in a thrilling and unfamiliar way, and the ensuing evening of bon mots, shameless flirtation, and illicit revelry is unlike anything she has ever experienced. From Manhattan to Los Angeles, both women’s lives are turned upside-down by separation, unscrupulous motion picture studio executives, self-serving agents, eccentric celebrities, and the collection of hedonistic reprobates that are their closest friends.
242 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Colette Moody
5 books74 followersColette Moody has long been an avid bibliophile and fan of history (and swashbuckling). When she isn’t doing research or crafting scenes for her next romp of a novel, she can be found doing one or more of the following: trying to best her high score on Wii Tennis; sequestered in the kitchen eagerly trying to prove that everything DOES taste better with bacon; meticulously recreating classic cocktails from the 30s and 40s; or planning her next trip to Disneyland. While waiting to be generously (and inexplicably) remembered in some wealthy stranger’s will, she begrudgingly bides her time as a corporate lackey, working for the man. She lives in Southeastern Virginia with her beloved dog and her equally Wii-addicted partner. (from the publisher's website)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 13, 2020
Post-reading blues, fiction hangover, saudade...any and all of these describe how I feel now that 'The Seduction of Moxie' is finished. I didn't want it to end. I even stalled for hours before reading the epilogue.
I absolutely loved this. IN LOVE with this book and Colette Moody, I bow to your writing prowess.
I miss the characters, the hustle of their careers, the side-splitting humor, the never-ending raunchy dialogue, MOXIE AND VIOLET'S LIFE-ALTERING CHEMISTRY, the romantic-as-hell letters, Wil's craziness, the graphic insults, their zany/horny train travel, the oodles of new vocab, the old-timey terms, the superb writing chops of Moody. You know what I don't miss? The hours of sleep sacrificed on a workday to binge most of this.
Moody managed to finagle into my heart by creating main lovers I found captivating, attractive, and oh, so layered. I'm both angry and relieved it took me this long to finally check this out. I wish I could give this six stars. Maybe I'll make a six-star shelf.
Not to oversell it, but I wish I could wipe my memory of this to the point right before I started so I can roll and laugh and swoon all over again like the first time. This will definitely be reread.
I don't know how I'm going to bounce back from this one. This has become one of my favorite books EVER. Thanks for making 2017 suck a little less.
I absolutely loved this. IN LOVE with this book and Colette Moody, I bow to your writing prowess.
I miss the characters, the hustle of their careers, the side-splitting humor, the never-ending raunchy dialogue, MOXIE AND VIOLET'S LIFE-ALTERING CHEMISTRY, the romantic-as-hell letters, Wil's craziness, the graphic insults, their zany/horny train travel, the oodles of new vocab, the old-timey terms, the superb writing chops of Moody. You know what I don't miss? The hours of sleep sacrificed on a workday to binge most of this.
Moody managed to finagle into my heart by creating main lovers I found captivating, attractive, and oh, so layered. I'm both angry and relieved it took me this long to finally check this out. I wish I could give this six stars. Maybe I'll make a six-star shelf.
Not to oversell it, but I wish I could wipe my memory of this to the point right before I started so I can roll and laugh and swoon all over again like the first time. This will definitely be reread.
I don't know how I'm going to bounce back from this one. This has become one of my favorite books EVER. Thanks for making 2017 suck a little less.
August 23, 2018
This book reminded me of being a teenager in church. Let me explain. I'm not sure why, but it seemed like my sister and I would spend much of the church service trying to stifle our laughter. Any minor thing(a loudly blown nose, a shoe scuff that sounded like a fart) would always set us off. Cue my mother's obligatory annoyed sigh and her weekly maneuvering to stand between us in order to thwart the giggling. I think we all know how difficult it is to stop laughing when you are in a place you should not be laughing. So choosing to read this book at work was a bad idea. You do not just mildly twitter while reading this book. You literally laugh out loud, sometimes guffawing. And my work is not a place where you really guffaw...repeatedly. So trying to stifle my laughter was quite the feat. A feat I did not succeed at.
The author really captured the spirit of the 30's in my opinion. I'm not sure people routinely conversed like these characters, but I don't care because it was just so damn fun. The banter was way bawdy with curses-a-plenty. And I loved every dirty little minute of it. I would also like to thank the God of Angstless Books for no chest tightening pain at the three quarter mark.
I could give multiple examples of the raucous naughtiness found throughout the book but there is a character limit with Goodreads, so here is just one in regards to a very despicable fellow actress MC Violet meets.
Irene: Did you meet anyone else while you were out there? (in Hollywood)
Violet: Sylvia King
Irene: She's a doll! I saw her in Daddy's Little Girl and she was adorable.
Violet: Did you see her in Much Ado About Nothing? I believe she played the role of nothing.
Irene: Oh is there something wrong with her too?
Violet: After I called her a cunt, I reconsidered and realized that it's an insult to cunts. And since I'm so fond of the cunt in both feature and form, I'll have to think of another way to describe her that's not quite as flattering.
Hands down, the absolute funniest book I've ever read.
The author really captured the spirit of the 30's in my opinion. I'm not sure people routinely conversed like these characters, but I don't care because it was just so damn fun. The banter was way bawdy with curses-a-plenty. And I loved every dirty little minute of it. I would also like to thank the God of Angstless Books for no chest tightening pain at the three quarter mark.
I could give multiple examples of the raucous naughtiness found throughout the book but there is a character limit with Goodreads, so here is just one in regards to a very despicable fellow actress MC Violet meets.
Irene: Did you meet anyone else while you were out there? (in Hollywood)
Violet: Sylvia King
Irene: She's a doll! I saw her in Daddy's Little Girl and she was adorable.
Violet: Did you see her in Much Ado About Nothing? I believe she played the role of nothing.
Irene: Oh is there something wrong with her too?
Violet: After I called her a cunt, I reconsidered and realized that it's an insult to cunts. And since I'm so fond of the cunt in both feature and form, I'll have to think of another way to describe her that's not quite as flattering.
Hands down, the absolute funniest book I've ever read.
November 2, 2019
Why why why did I not read this sooner?! Over the past few years I've read some very funny and downright hilarious (lesbian) fiction but this book is just on a completely different level.
I was initially reluctant to start reading it since I prefer contemporary novels but after reading a few reviews decided to just go for it. Thank goodness I did because the characters are simply delicious to read about. From excessive drinking and partying to flying hot dogs and a dog named Clitty (yes he was named after exactly what you think) this book keeps you laughing while taking you on a zany train ride from NYC to LA. Throughout the book and it's witty and sarcastic dialogue I couldn't help but be reminded of Groucho Marx. Imagine my surprise when none other that Harpo Marx makes an appearance and even starts speaking! Various other stars from that era make a cameo as well including Bette Davis and Ginger Rodgers. If you're in need of some smokin' hot dames, potent cocktails, innuendos galore and a good laugh, this is the book for you!
I was initially reluctant to start reading it since I prefer contemporary novels but after reading a few reviews decided to just go for it. Thank goodness I did because the characters are simply delicious to read about. From excessive drinking and partying to flying hot dogs and a dog named Clitty (yes he was named after exactly what you think) this book keeps you laughing while taking you on a zany train ride from NYC to LA. Throughout the book and it's witty and sarcastic dialogue I couldn't help but be reminded of Groucho Marx. Imagine my surprise when none other that Harpo Marx makes an appearance and even starts speaking! Various other stars from that era make a cameo as well including Bette Davis and Ginger Rodgers. If you're in need of some smokin' hot dames, potent cocktails, innuendos galore and a good laugh, this is the book for you!
December 22, 2017
Wish I could give this six, seven or even ten stars. This book is totally original, brilliantly written and side-splittingly funny. I laughed so hard I cried. It took me a little while to get into the spirit of the writing. Do not miss Moxie's train ride to California, and do not try to read this in a quiet public environment like a library or a quiet cafe. Unforgettable.
June 5, 2018
This was such a fun read. It had me laughing all the way through. There were several laugh out loud moments. I really like historical fiction, but get irritated reading a lot of it because of how society treated women and the norms. This was a refreshing change.
April 3, 2017
This story, realistic or not, was told in a delightful, fantastic way that did transport you to that period of time. I thought it was a fun story. Many times I had to put the book down just to laugh my ass off. It had some of the funniest dialogue I've ever read. Worth the read.
December 20, 2019
I don't know how to add anything more to a review than the awesome ones I've read of my friends below! This book was such fun, I laughed too many times to count at the character's antics. The secondaries were just as prominent as the MCs, Moxie and Violet, which culminated in a rich, hilarious story of seduction that I soon won't forget. I absolutely loved that real life actors made appearances, such as Bette Davies and Ginger Rogers. What a delight to see glimpses of old Hollywood, an era of intrigue for this girl.
Its crass, raunchy, highly inappropriate at times, fast-paced and full of wit, titillating, hot, and way over the top, but it tickled me nonetheless. Also, that cover....hey girl. Ms. Moody is fast becoming a favourite.
Its crass, raunchy, highly inappropriate at times, fast-paced and full of wit, titillating, hot, and way over the top, but it tickled me nonetheless. Also, that cover....hey girl. Ms. Moody is fast becoming a favourite.
October 8, 2019
This was really funny! And sexy! And just... It was great fun!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
September 18, 2014
Excellent, funny, sweet and did I mention funny.
The scenes on the train are just laugh out loud some of the funniest writing I've read in a long time.
This is the second of Colette Moody's books I've read and I cannot wait to read her third book. I don't know if she is still writing, but I know that if she is, I'm buying.
The scenes on the train are just laugh out loud some of the funniest writing I've read in a long time.
This is the second of Colette Moody's books I've read and I cannot wait to read her third book. I don't know if she is still writing, but I know that if she is, I'm buying.
May 20, 2019
I loved Colette Moody’s other books for their humour, incredibly funny dialogue, well-timed comedy, and sweet love.
But this one I could not get on with. I didn’t get invested in the story or characters at any point.
But this one I could not get on with. I didn’t get invested in the story or characters at any point.
June 19, 2020
OMG! Laugh-out-loud funny. I didn't want it to end.
July 23, 2012
i really enjoyed this book. in the back of my mind was one negative review i saw that pointed out how the openness and liberal way of speaking was surely not realistic for that time. I thought that it was so entertaining, that i didn't care if it was hard to believe or not. maybe the shock of someone from the 30's speaking and acting in such a manner, is exactly what made it so entertaining.
it also makes me curious about what did go on in that time. There are several articles and stories about what is termed the 'gay 30's' and the wild, liberal stuff that went on in certain circles during that time. so it's entirely possible that the lewdness in this book was realistic. i love it, to learn that women in the 30's could be just as feisty and sexual as today. ...and why not!
so, this is a very funny, entertaining book with good writing and editing. i liked it and would recommend it.
it also makes me curious about what did go on in that time. There are several articles and stories about what is termed the 'gay 30's' and the wild, liberal stuff that went on in certain circles during that time. so it's entirely possible that the lewdness in this book was realistic. i love it, to learn that women in the 30's could be just as feisty and sexual as today. ...and why not!
so, this is a very funny, entertaining book with good writing and editing. i liked it and would recommend it.
December 21, 2016
I actually broke my phone where my eBook reader was installed. I rely on that app for record keeping purposes, especially of dates, finished and unfinished books. Honestly, I have a lot of books yet to be rated but I keep on dilly-dallying, coupled with my habit of browsing my shelf then think of, "Hey, this happened here, that character was awesome, the plot was meh, etc." So, there, I'm trying to catch up with my backlog.
This one I've read twice, and the same feeling of wanting to be part of Violet's gang of screwballs and oddballs or be in the shoes of Moxie and have the same epic epiphanies in life - coming out of shell, character growth, finding genuine friends and love, all in one hell of a ride (in a good, fun, amusing way). Mad props to Colette Moody.
This one I've read twice, and the same feeling of wanting to be part of Violet's gang of screwballs and oddballs or be in the shoes of Moxie and have the same epic epiphanies in life - coming out of shell, character growth, finding genuine friends and love, all in one hell of a ride (in a good, fun, amusing way). Mad props to Colette Moody.
October 31, 2019
4 stars
November 18, 2016
I kept this book on the back-burner for awhile. I wasn't sure I could get around the 1930's juke-joint, speakeasy lingo, but once I dove in, the humor alone was enough to overpower any angst I had about women being called, "doll face".
The dialogue and continual crass banter between the main group of friends is a laugh-riot. But the actual 'seduction of Moxie' is filled with sweet sentimentality, long distance letter writing and true romance. Oh, the good old days, before email, when a letter came in the mail and you could sniff out the lingering scent of its author.
I couldn't put it down. Even at work, I snuck in a few chapters, then laughed hysterically in my office. Of course, there were times I'd wish I weren't in my office, because my face was turning beet red and threatening to break a sweat - and not from laughing. I regret now waiting so long to read it. And I will reread it the next time I take a train trip!
The dialogue and continual crass banter between the main group of friends is a laugh-riot. But the actual 'seduction of Moxie' is filled with sweet sentimentality, long distance letter writing and true romance. Oh, the good old days, before email, when a letter came in the mail and you could sniff out the lingering scent of its author.
I couldn't put it down. Even at work, I snuck in a few chapters, then laughed hysterically in my office. Of course, there were times I'd wish I weren't in my office, because my face was turning beet red and threatening to break a sweat - and not from laughing. I regret now waiting so long to read it. And I will reread it the next time I take a train trip!
September 21, 2024
3 stars. I think where this book really shined was in the cast of characters. They were all so lively and colorful. Violet and Moxie were fun and I liked their romance a lot. The writing was good and there is even an adorable dog name Clitoris. Yep. This book is extremely wacky and out there which was interesting but it was also the thing that ended up hindering it for me in the end. I say it all the time but humor in books rarely if ever land for me and this was no exception. There were maybe one or two moments that got a chuckle out of me but everything else not so much. A lot of the humor was juvenile which isn’t my favorite and it was just so much of it. I can definitely see how this could appeal to others but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
October 19, 2023
I absolutely love this book and it is one of my favorites! Read it again today and it turned my boring evening into a pleasurable one. This book is hilarious and the chemistry between the MCs is off the charts.
September 11, 2019
This could probably be a 4.5 star rating
It's funny, vulgar, witty, romantic and defying.
Wishing i had such similarly awesome friends i might truly consider reproducing those drinks😂
It's funny, vulgar, witty, romantic and defying.
Wishing i had such similarly awesome friends i might truly consider reproducing those drinks😂
April 27, 2020
This book is set in the 1930s. Usually in this era, we are faced with homophobia, sexism, and good old bigotry. Oh don't get me wrong, there are some of those, but not as much as we would expect. Moxie, a singer who is climbing her way to the top met Violet one night while she was singing in the club. Violet, a Broadway actress, leaving for Hollywood the next day to become a movie star.
On Violet's last night in New York, she was taken by Moxie and offered her a tour of the city before she leaves. They hit it off and spent the whole night having fun with each other. They had an intimate moment, and then the next morning, Violet had to leave for LA. They wrote letters to each other, which is probably the highlight of the book for me, in quite the literal sense as I had to stop myself from "highlighting" every single thing written in their letters. They were so sweet and open and I just love it so much. The story carries on, with Violet and Moxie, going through fun, expected obstacles to be together.
Another thing that I love from this book is that, despite it being in 1930, none of their friends and acquaintances are too hard on them for being queer. None of those "Oh god! Gasp! Lesbians! Noooo". More along the lines of "Ahh. Lesbians. Interesting. Dangerous? Nahh. It's cool". I do feel that it's somewhat unrealistic. It's 2020, and I'm still very much cautious about being myself. But hey, it's Hollywood. Who knows what it's like there in 1930.
Sex scenes are super hot, curses that were thrown around are funny and creative. All in all, if you're in the mood for a light, funny read, I definitely recommend it.
4.25 stars.
On Violet's last night in New York, she was taken by Moxie and offered her a tour of the city before she leaves. They hit it off and spent the whole night having fun with each other. They had an intimate moment, and then the next morning, Violet had to leave for LA. They wrote letters to each other, which is probably the highlight of the book for me, in quite the literal sense as I had to stop myself from "highlighting" every single thing written in their letters. They were so sweet and open and I just love it so much. The story carries on, with Violet and Moxie, going through fun, expected obstacles to be together.
Another thing that I love from this book is that, despite it being in 1930, none of their friends and acquaintances are too hard on them for being queer. None of those "Oh god! Gasp! Lesbians! Noooo". More along the lines of "Ahh. Lesbians. Interesting. Dangerous? Nahh. It's cool". I do feel that it's somewhat unrealistic. It's 2020, and I'm still very much cautious about being myself. But hey, it's Hollywood. Who knows what it's like there in 1930.
Sex scenes are super hot, curses that were thrown around are funny and creative. All in all, if you're in the mood for a light, funny read, I definitely recommend it.
4.25 stars.
June 4, 2020
Hillarious! Smart! Interesting! Perfect!
I laughed so hard. The character works very well, some are smart, some are dumb, and most of them are funny. The book tells the love story between Violet London and Moxie Valette dating back to the 1931 era. Interaction through letter was so fun. I'm excited! and the scene on the train was so damn funny.
I believe in this world, only Violet London name their dog Clitty!
Thank you Alexis for recommending this book!
I laughed so hard. The character works very well, some are smart, some are dumb, and most of them are funny. The book tells the love story between Violet London and Moxie Valette dating back to the 1931 era. Interaction through letter was so fun. I'm excited! and the scene on the train was so damn funny.
I believe in this world, only Violet London name their dog Clitty!
Thank you Alexis for recommending this book!
February 4, 2018
It was high time to dive back into 1931 with Moxie Valette, Violet London, her little dog Clitty and her hilarious friends Wilhelmina (Wil) Skoog and Julian French. This time I had Book Club Buddie D. along for the trip.
The Seduction of Moxie stays firmly in top of my absolute favorites list as one of the funniest stories I’ve ever read. From the moment Violet lays eyes on Moxie and the gang invites her along to show her the real New York night life, we are in for one hell of a wild ride. A visit to Two-Finger Flossie’s buffet flat is an absolute highlight:
“Is this some genitalia puppet show?” Moxie was aghast as the man then did the same with his underwear, turned so he was facing away from everyone, and bent at the waist. He reached out again to the woman holding his clothing, and she handed him a lit cigar. The crowd seemed pleased, and some onlookers clapped and offered words of encouragement.
He inserted the cigar into his rectum and, to Moxie’s amazement, began to draw and expel smoke. The applause grew louder.
Lady Dulce whispered conspiratorially, “How about that?”
“That is one unbelievable asshole,” she answered.
“Wait until he blows the smoke rings,” Violet added.
Moxie’s current inebriated state, coupled with the parade of the bizarre before her, left her unable to distinguish sarcasm from the laws of physics. “Really?”
She laughed softly. “No, not really. But he will extinguish a candle in a minute or two in what will appear to be a very uncomfortable manner.”
“Christ almighty,” she whispered, watching him ignite a fart with a cigarette lighter.
Wil and Julian appeared in the doorway then, and Violet signaled them over. “Lady Dulce, you remember my wonderful friends Urethra Dejeuner and her fiancé Red Nobgobbler, man-about-town.”
Their 3-day train ride to Los Angeles is one big lust filled and very frustrating (due to Mr. McCann’s chaperoning efforts) adventure, but it’s extremely entertaining to see our girls get very creative in efforts to finally consummate their relationship.
Just a word of caution. Please keep your beverages away from your book, e-reader or computer whilst reading this story because Colette Moody’s special brand of side-splitting humor keeps coming thick and fast. The banter is to die for. And it’s not only fun, there is some seriously sizzling sexual energy between our two galls. “Hotchy botchy!” as Irene would say.
f/f explicit
Themes: I want to marry Violet, I had such a crush on her, I am positive that Moody drew inspiration from the notoriously naughty Tallulah Bankhead for the character of Wil, Genitalia Finkelstein keeps cracking me up, Two-Finger Flossie can pour me a drink any time ;-), Lady Dulce is absolutely fabu, Cotton McCann is a man we all love to hate but I do feel a bit of sympathy for him on the train when he experiences Wil’s ass-granate of doom, The Garden of Allah features again!
Note: Colette Moody added some cocktails in the back of the book that either feature in the story or are created by the author herself.
5 stars
The Seduction of Moxie stays firmly in top of my absolute favorites list as one of the funniest stories I’ve ever read. From the moment Violet lays eyes on Moxie and the gang invites her along to show her the real New York night life, we are in for one hell of a wild ride. A visit to Two-Finger Flossie’s buffet flat is an absolute highlight:
“Is this some genitalia puppet show?” Moxie was aghast as the man then did the same with his underwear, turned so he was facing away from everyone, and bent at the waist. He reached out again to the woman holding his clothing, and she handed him a lit cigar. The crowd seemed pleased, and some onlookers clapped and offered words of encouragement.
He inserted the cigar into his rectum and, to Moxie’s amazement, began to draw and expel smoke. The applause grew louder.
Lady Dulce whispered conspiratorially, “How about that?”
“That is one unbelievable asshole,” she answered.
“Wait until he blows the smoke rings,” Violet added.
Moxie’s current inebriated state, coupled with the parade of the bizarre before her, left her unable to distinguish sarcasm from the laws of physics. “Really?”
She laughed softly. “No, not really. But he will extinguish a candle in a minute or two in what will appear to be a very uncomfortable manner.”
“Christ almighty,” she whispered, watching him ignite a fart with a cigarette lighter.
Wil and Julian appeared in the doorway then, and Violet signaled them over. “Lady Dulce, you remember my wonderful friends Urethra Dejeuner and her fiancé Red Nobgobbler, man-about-town.”
Their 3-day train ride to Los Angeles is one big lust filled and very frustrating (due to Mr. McCann’s chaperoning efforts) adventure, but it’s extremely entertaining to see our girls get very creative in efforts to finally consummate their relationship.
Just a word of caution. Please keep your beverages away from your book, e-reader or computer whilst reading this story because Colette Moody’s special brand of side-splitting humor keeps coming thick and fast. The banter is to die for. And it’s not only fun, there is some seriously sizzling sexual energy between our two galls. “Hotchy botchy!” as Irene would say.
f/f explicit
Themes: I want to marry Violet, I had such a crush on her, I am positive that Moody drew inspiration from the notoriously naughty Tallulah Bankhead for the character of Wil, Genitalia Finkelstein keeps cracking me up, Two-Finger Flossie can pour me a drink any time ;-), Lady Dulce is absolutely fabu, Cotton McCann is a man we all love to hate but I do feel a bit of sympathy for him on the train when he experiences Wil’s ass-granate of doom, The Garden of Allah features again!
Note: Colette Moody added some cocktails in the back of the book that either feature in the story or are created by the author herself.
5 stars
January 22, 2012
Seeing as I finished this book in one sitting with playoff football blaring in the background, and I barely noticed, it is safe to say that this book is nothing short of magically splendid. Fantastic wit and dialogue I could not get enough of. I spent the entire time smiling or laughing my ass off. Kudos, Ms. Moody. You are well on your way to being my favorite.
December 9, 2019
A friend recommended this book as a fun, entertaining read. It was all of that and more. The banter is bawdy, witty, and fast paced. At the 50% mark it really picked up and I found myself fully engaged with the characters and laughing out loud. This was the perfect pick me up since I've been having a tough time staying focused when reading.
January 4, 2016
This might be the most fun I've had reading a book all year. I laughed out loud several times. I'm not sure if I can describe this correctly, but it's almost like reading a movie from the 1930s if that movie had a lot of dirty talking in it.
February 15, 2017
This was a great, fun story. A little over the top at times, but well worth reading. At one point I was laughing so hard that my wife had to pause the TV so I could explain to her what was so funny.
January 11, 2019
Best book of the year so far though I think I am only 3 books in. But really a great read and so much better than I thought it would be. I look forward to reading more of the writers work.
December 24, 2021
Like a child's swimming pool, The Seduction of Moxie was pretty fun but not very deep. The only real obstacles for the main characters were so manufactured that you could practically see scaffolding.
November 20, 2012
I bought this book after reading the sample on my Kindle. It seemed fun and a little naughty (the love interest's dog is named Clitty ::wink, wink, nudge, nudge::) so I decided it was worth a buy.
I enjoyed it initially, however, after a couple of incidents of the characters interacting with famous people, I feared this was going to be a Forrest Gump type story with constant name-drops and the characters influencing real life people from the era. It did indeed turn into this a few more times.
I liked the romance between Moxie and Violet, and their flirting back and forth by letter and phone-call were sweet and sexy. As I have had relationships where I met someone awesome then didn't see them for a month or so, yet still corresponded with them, I identified with it.
I have two big problems with this book though.
First of all, how open everyone is about their sexuality, especially their homosexuality. I understand the 30's weren't exactly wholesome and pure (petting parties, vaudeville shows, etc.) but in a lot of places this book goes a bit far. Near the beginning, after Violet (the up-and-coming actress of the story) moves to Hollywood, she outs herself at a party and them rebukes someone for calling homosexuals "degenerates." While that would be fine for something set in present day, it seems a bad, and unlikely, move in 1930's Hollywood. Instead it comes across as an Author Filibuster. Considering there are still people in modern day Hollywood who are in the closet, having every character in this story openly admit their orientation, and then provide details for shock value, is sort of annoying. Even the straight characters provide too many vulgar details to be believable. They are constantly talking about, in mixed company, about the secret sex clubs they go to and the strange and bizarre things they all do to each other.
Second, the book has too much talk of bodily functions. The book is supposed to be a romance, but half of it is gross humor that wouldn't be out of place in a Scary Movie or Tom Green movie. It's really distracting and kills off any sexy mood that had been set up previously. This isn't even geared towards people with more peculiar fetishes, all mentions of gross things are meant to be disgusting.
Overall, I would've really enjoyed this book better if it had focused more on the romance, and it could've helped if Violet and Moxie got some more romantic scenes together after they are reunited. The conflict of the talent agent trying to keep them apart goes on for much too long, and the ending made me roll my eyes. This book started off promisingly but became very disappointing the further I went on.
I enjoyed it initially, however, after a couple of incidents of the characters interacting with famous people, I feared this was going to be a Forrest Gump type story with constant name-drops and the characters influencing real life people from the era. It did indeed turn into this a few more times.
I liked the romance between Moxie and Violet, and their flirting back and forth by letter and phone-call were sweet and sexy. As I have had relationships where I met someone awesome then didn't see them for a month or so, yet still corresponded with them, I identified with it.
I have two big problems with this book though.
First of all, how open everyone is about their sexuality, especially their homosexuality. I understand the 30's weren't exactly wholesome and pure (petting parties, vaudeville shows, etc.) but in a lot of places this book goes a bit far. Near the beginning, after Violet (the up-and-coming actress of the story) moves to Hollywood, she outs herself at a party and them rebukes someone for calling homosexuals "degenerates." While that would be fine for something set in present day, it seems a bad, and unlikely, move in 1930's Hollywood. Instead it comes across as an Author Filibuster. Considering there are still people in modern day Hollywood who are in the closet, having every character in this story openly admit their orientation, and then provide details for shock value, is sort of annoying. Even the straight characters provide too many vulgar details to be believable. They are constantly talking about, in mixed company, about the secret sex clubs they go to and the strange and bizarre things they all do to each other.
Second, the book has too much talk of bodily functions. The book is supposed to be a romance, but half of it is gross humor that wouldn't be out of place in a Scary Movie or Tom Green movie. It's really distracting and kills off any sexy mood that had been set up previously. This isn't even geared towards people with more peculiar fetishes, all mentions of gross things are meant to be disgusting.
Overall, I would've really enjoyed this book better if it had focused more on the romance, and it could've helped if Violet and Moxie got some more romantic scenes together after they are reunited. The conflict of the talent agent trying to keep them apart goes on for much too long, and the ending made me roll my eyes. This book started off promisingly but became very disappointing the further I went on.
July 11, 2015
2.5
This is nothing more than an almost cringeworthy erotic novel. The sex talk is so crude that it is not only really unrealistic for that time, but also incredibly unattractive. Vulgar dialogues about genitalia and anuses are neither romantic nor amusing. I'm no prude. But "seduction" doesn't necessarily mean "obscenity".
I got a glimpse of Moody's famous wit and I admit that I got a little bit aroused at times, but the whole thing lacked such subtlety that I finished this book with a very disappointed and frustrated frown.
This is nothing more than an almost cringeworthy erotic novel. The sex talk is so crude that it is not only really unrealistic for that time, but also incredibly unattractive. Vulgar dialogues about genitalia and anuses are neither romantic nor amusing. I'm no prude. But "seduction" doesn't necessarily mean "obscenity".
I got a glimpse of Moody's famous wit and I admit that I got a little bit aroused at times, but the whole thing lacked such subtlety that I finished this book with a very disappointed and frustrated frown.
October 7, 2012
great book very funny!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews