What do you think?
Rate this book
Unknown: A Novel by Didier Van Cauwelaert
They say politics makes strange bedfellows...
Elated to secure her first paid political staff position, Bijal Rao is eager to focus her efforts on the election of her candidate to U.S. Congress. However, Bijal's first unforeseen obstacle is her profound and unexpected attraction to their opponent—incumbent Congresswoman Colleen O'Bannon—who is outspoken, charismatic, and openly lesbian.
An even greater hurdle is the subterfuge and pretense that pervades the climate in Washington, D.C., where small missteps are readily painted as major gaffes, and lies are explained away as "in the public's best interest." During the heated campaign, both Bijal and Colleen struggle not to cross the lines of propriety—and perhaps more importantly, their party lines.
Elated to secure her first paid political staff position, Bijal Rao is eager to focus her efforts on the election of her candidate to U.S. Congress. However, Bijal's first unforeseen obstacle is her profound and unexpected attraction to their opponent—incumbent Congresswoman Colleen O'Bannon—who is outspoken, charismatic, and openly lesbian.
An even greater hurdle is the subterfuge and pretense that pervades the climate in Washington, D.C., where small missteps are readily painted as major gaffes, and lies are explained away as "in the public's best interest." During the heated campaign, both Bijal and Colleen struggle not to cross the lines of propriety—and perhaps more importantly, their party lines.
Mass Market Paperback
First published February 14, 2011
8 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Colette Moody
5 books75 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 79 reviews
January 5, 2019
Absolutely loved this! A screwball comedy that made me wistfully remember the fun back and forth of Philadelphia story or His Girl Friday. I laughed, I guffawed, I neighed like an asthmatic donkey. And when I finished the book I was both smiling and missing the fun already. This is a story that is totally driven by the dialogue and the creation of situations and people in them that fuel the banter. There's also politics, but that doesn't bother me as I like politics and the stuff here doesn't take itself seriously.
Bijal, young (small government not socially conservative) Republican, lands her first job as a researcher for the (hapless but harmless) Republican candidate in a congressional race in Virginia. The smallish problem is that she *really* likes the incumbent Democratic and openly gay congresswoman Colleen, who she is meant to dish the dirt on.
There is no unnecessary angst or weirdness. There are moments of political earnestness but then there's the reward of more laughter. I loved both Bijal and Colleen and the characters created. The romance is great, too. I enjoyed every single page of this book.
Bijal, young (small government not socially conservative) Republican, lands her first job as a researcher for the (hapless but harmless) Republican candidate in a congressional race in Virginia. The smallish problem is that she *really* likes the incumbent Democratic and openly gay congresswoman Colleen, who she is meant to dish the dirt on.
There is no unnecessary angst or weirdness. There are moments of political earnestness but then there's the reward of more laughter. I loved both Bijal and Colleen and the characters created. The romance is great, too. I enjoyed every single page of this book.
January 4, 2019
This book seriously bummed me out. I even tried to lengthen my stride to savor it but that lasted all of a few minutes. The reason is that it's the *last* Moody book in my library.
Moody is without a doubt, at least for me, the *BEST* author I've ever seen when it comes to banter. And I do mean the best. Intelligent. Witty. Snappy and sassy. Just amazing. It literally makes the pages fly by.
So I'm bummed. No more books from her. Sniff. Sniff.
Moody is without a doubt, at least for me, the *BEST* author I've ever seen when it comes to banter. And I do mean the best. Intelligent. Witty. Snappy and sassy. Just amazing. It literally makes the pages fly by.
So I'm bummed. No more books from her. Sniff. Sniff.
September 12, 2017
2016 Update: I'd originally deducted half a star for wincing. Weird, a half star for wincing? Well, whatever that was about, I didn't 'wince' this time, and since that was the reason for the 1/2 star reduction in rating, I've raised this version up to a full 5 stars.
---
I really wish they had 1/2 stars on here. This is much closer to a 4.5 star book than a 5. Mostly because, while I was pulled along in the beginning by a desire to continue reading, I was also wincing at some of the words actions and characters.
Quite a funny little book, mixed in with the wincing. The mere idea of a gay Republican in 2014 just seems incomprehensible. Course, book is from 2011 or 2010, but still. People have been joking about the Log Cabin Republicans since the '80s.
On the other hand, I have personally voted for (and campaigned for) Republicans, Independents and Democrats. Though I haven't voted for a Republican this century. So I guess it isn't that incomprehensible.
---
I really wish they had 1/2 stars on here. This is much closer to a 4.5 star book than a 5. Mostly because, while I was pulled along in the beginning by a desire to continue reading, I was also wincing at some of the words actions and characters.
Quite a funny little book, mixed in with the wincing. The mere idea of a gay Republican in 2014 just seems incomprehensible. Course, book is from 2011 or 2010, but still. People have been joking about the Log Cabin Republicans since the '80s.
On the other hand, I have personally voted for (and campaigned for) Republicans, Independents and Democrats. Though I haven't voted for a Republican this century. So I guess it isn't that incomprehensible.
September 30, 2020
hehe I believe this is the first book I’ve read that made me laugh out loud and hard to the point of tears. This was so good! Even though it involves politics and a slow-burn relationship between a Democratic Congresswoman and a Republican woman who helps the campaign of the opposition, it had a lot of funny moments and the banter and dialogue between Bijal and Colleen was very enticing and sweet and sexy.
Anyways, I don’t live in the US but it was interesting to read about what a campaign involves and how it all works. And even though I don’t believe that in real life a relationship between people from both parties would work out, I liked reading about it and seeing it work in here. And I gotta emphasize again that the funny moments are really funny 👌🏻😂😂 I’ll for sure re-read this again when I want to have a good laugh. 100% recommend
Anyways, I don’t live in the US but it was interesting to read about what a campaign involves and how it all works. And even though I don’t believe that in real life a relationship between people from both parties would work out, I liked reading about it and seeing it work in here. And I gotta emphasize again that the funny moments are really funny 👌🏻😂😂 I’ll for sure re-read this again when I want to have a good laugh. 100% recommend
February 7, 2018
Colette Moody is one of my favorite authors, and has a unique writing style. This was another fun read with lots of her trade-mark humor and good feels.
August 13, 2017
I do not normally reread books. And the last time I read this specific one, the one time before, was in February of 2014. 2+ years seems enough time, eh? heh. I believe this is the first time I've reread a lesbian fiction book.
There are many reasons why I tend to not reread - the easiest to mention is the simple fact that I kind of expect to be 'let down' form any prior experience with a book. I mean, I've read it once before, there will not be any surprises. So . . ..
In this specific instance, the reread just reinforced how impressive this book is. And how much I liked this funny humorous book. Rereading enhanced instead of subtracted from the experience.
And, looking over my prior review, I do not agree with what I'd previously written - for the most part. I mean, I mentioned wincing while reading. Whatever was causing that in the past, didn't smack me in the face this time. The only real thing that is vaguely mind-boggling from the prior read and this read here is the mere idea of a lesbian working for a Republican. But, to a certain extent, I had a better 'handle' on it this time.
Oh, and as some might have noticed, this book pushed me to absurdity - in that I've finally created the shelf I'd threatened in the past - the six star shelf. And placed this book on it. It's a quite good book.
re: ages. I know one, the Democrat, is 34. I had thought the other was in her twenties, but then there were some comments from her about how young someone was acting (a twenty year-old she bumped into at a bar). So both might actually be in their 30s. Then again Bijal Rao (rhymes with cow) is on her first paid political job assignment, so maybe my 20s impression is correct.
May 25 2016
There are many reasons why I tend to not reread - the easiest to mention is the simple fact that I kind of expect to be 'let down' form any prior experience with a book. I mean, I've read it once before, there will not be any surprises. So . . ..
In this specific instance, the reread just reinforced how impressive this book is. And how much I liked this funny humorous book. Rereading enhanced instead of subtracted from the experience.
And, looking over my prior review, I do not agree with what I'd previously written - for the most part. I mean, I mentioned wincing while reading. Whatever was causing that in the past, didn't smack me in the face this time. The only real thing that is vaguely mind-boggling from the prior read and this read here is the mere idea of a lesbian working for a Republican. But, to a certain extent, I had a better 'handle' on it this time.
Oh, and as some might have noticed, this book pushed me to absurdity - in that I've finally created the shelf I'd threatened in the past - the six star shelf. And placed this book on it. It's a quite good book.
re: ages. I know one, the Democrat, is 34. I had thought the other was in her twenties, but then there were some comments from her about how young someone was acting (a twenty year-old she bumped into at a bar). So both might actually be in their 30s. Then again Bijal Rao (rhymes with cow) is on her first paid political job assignment, so maybe my 20s impression is correct.
May 25 2016
October 19, 2019
Great dialogues; liked the banters and underlying sarcasm between Bijal, Colleen and Fran. Minimum angst
3++ stars
3++ stars
July 10, 2025
It's been 9 years since I first read Parties in Congress by Colette Moody and I must admit I didn't remember anything from that read. I really live for Colette Moody's humor. Her characters have the most hilarious banter.
Ok, so the book is a political rom-rom (with emphasis on the political. I thought it was a bit too much at times). The story centers on Bijal Rao, who’s thrilled to land her first paid job as a political staffer. She’s determined to help her candidate win a seat in the U.S. Congress—until she meets their opponent, Congresswoman Colleen O’Bannon. Colleen is everything Bijal’s not expecting: charismatic, outspoken, and openly lesbian.
Things get complicated fast when Bijal finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Colleen. But politics in Washington, D.C. isn’t just about campaign slogans and debates—it’s a world full of secrets, spin, and carefully managed images, where even the smallest misstep can become a headline. As the campaign heats up, both women have to navigate not only their growing feelings but also the tricky boundaries of professionalism and party loyalty.
Sadly, Moody only wrote three novels (between 2009 -2011) and I've re-read all of them. And still I feel another go at The Seduction of Moxie coming up. One of my all time favorite reads. I guess it's really the year of re-reads for me.
4.8 Stars
Ok, so the book is a political rom-rom (with emphasis on the political. I thought it was a bit too much at times). The story centers on Bijal Rao, who’s thrilled to land her first paid job as a political staffer. She’s determined to help her candidate win a seat in the U.S. Congress—until she meets their opponent, Congresswoman Colleen O’Bannon. Colleen is everything Bijal’s not expecting: charismatic, outspoken, and openly lesbian.
Things get complicated fast when Bijal finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Colleen. But politics in Washington, D.C. isn’t just about campaign slogans and debates—it’s a world full of secrets, spin, and carefully managed images, where even the smallest misstep can become a headline. As the campaign heats up, both women have to navigate not only their growing feelings but also the tricky boundaries of professionalism and party loyalty.
Sadly, Moody only wrote three novels (between 2009 -2011) and I've re-read all of them. And still I feel another go at The Seduction of Moxie coming up. One of my all time favorite reads. I guess it's really the year of re-reads for me.
4.8 Stars
December 9, 2019
Loved this book! The banter (it’s too good to be called dialogue) between the two main characters (Bijal – Republican / Colleen – Democrat) is fantastic and more often than not gets me laughing so hard that I am crying. It’s witty and engaging all the while making some fantastic political points while making me wish politicians really did say what they believe and work towards goals that are in the best interest of the people and not what was in the best interests of their pocketbooks.
If this book is any indication of how this author writes I'll be looking for more or her published works.
12/09/2019
I re-read this book and I'm so glad I did. I'd forgotten how much fun the dialogue was.
If this book is any indication of how this author writes I'll be looking for more or her published works.
12/09/2019
I re-read this book and I'm so glad I did. I'd forgotten how much fun the dialogue was.
February 20, 2018
This is a very slow burn, but a delightful story, with lots of lustful build-up, dilemmas, and snarky quips to make you laugh. Bijal's bad similes are hilarious.
This book is a little preachy in places, but it you like F/F, you'll probably be singing from the choir.
Several characters are a bit over-the-top, but they are so genuine and fun that I didn't really care.
Not a lot of steam here, but lots of lust.
This book is a little preachy in places, but it you like F/F, you'll probably be singing from the choir.
Several characters are a bit over-the-top, but they are so genuine and fun that I didn't really care.
Not a lot of steam here, but lots of lust.
June 12, 2020
Very funny book! Loved the characters. So funny. Colette joined us on Cocktail Hour episode 13 to talk about her work. It is probably my favorite show. If you like her work, you won't want to miss it.
http://www.cocktailhour.c-spot.net/ar...
***reread 7/8/13 and still love it. Just hilarious.
* 8/2/15 - I needed some laughs after reading a fantastic but moderately depressing read so I read all three of Ms. Moody's books in three days. Loved them all just as much, if not more, than the earlier reads.
*6/12/20 - I love a book that leaves me with a huge smile on my face when it ends.
http://www.cocktailhour.c-spot.net/ar...
***reread 7/8/13 and still love it. Just hilarious.
* 8/2/15 - I needed some laughs after reading a fantastic but moderately depressing read so I read all three of Ms. Moody's books in three days. Loved them all just as much, if not more, than the earlier reads.
*6/12/20 - I love a book that leaves me with a huge smile on my face when it ends.
September 30, 2020
This was my second book that I read from this author. I found at the beginning of this book it’s a bit slow but after the first meeting of the MCs, the book becomes so hilarious!! I can't believe if the name of the menu has really existed! And I’m not going to spoil it with my review. This book is a combination of politics romance and humor. Recommend to read it!
June 28, 2015
3.5
This is quite a delightful read. It has some of the wittiest flirting and banter I have ever read. The characters are likable and the storyline is exciting. I particularly like the pace of the romance: the attraction is instantaneous but there's a clear conflict of interest. So, they take their time, try to fight it, and as a result, there's some heavy intellectual foreplay during most of the book that keeps you interested. Overall, a fun, sweet and feel good story.
But... the humour takes away from what the story could have been. Something more heartwarming. With more feelings. More intimacy. More affection in the women's gestures and words.
Not only is the witty banter quite tiresome after a while (despite it being the cause of wonderfully clever dialogues), it is also quite unrealistic. Who on earth is able to sustain this much wit? all the time? in every conversation?
I think the main problem, though, is the lack of characterisation. It's hard to get attached to the protagonists, when what we know of them only scratches the surface of who they really are. We hardly know anything about their past, and about how they look at life outside of the political realm. I can only assume, since the reader is witness to every conversation the women have, that they don't know each other all that well either. Most importantly, it was even hard sometimes to differentiate both women's personalities. Both are sexy, beautiful, smart, on the same level of the butch/femme scale. They are both into politics, both really flirty, both confident, etc. And they almost speak the same way. Which is disturbing when you try to imagine them together. Bottom line, they don't really complete each other. They're cute, but they are not entirely convincing as a couple.
I will however read other stories by Colette Moody when I'm feeling a bit sad. Because it's bound to uplift your mood.
This is quite a delightful read. It has some of the wittiest flirting and banter I have ever read. The characters are likable and the storyline is exciting. I particularly like the pace of the romance: the attraction is instantaneous but there's a clear conflict of interest. So, they take their time, try to fight it, and as a result, there's some heavy intellectual foreplay during most of the book that keeps you interested. Overall, a fun, sweet and feel good story.
But... the humour takes away from what the story could have been. Something more heartwarming. With more feelings. More intimacy. More affection in the women's gestures and words.
Not only is the witty banter quite tiresome after a while (despite it being the cause of wonderfully clever dialogues), it is also quite unrealistic. Who on earth is able to sustain this much wit? all the time? in every conversation?
I think the main problem, though, is the lack of characterisation. It's hard to get attached to the protagonists, when what we know of them only scratches the surface of who they really are. We hardly know anything about their past, and about how they look at life outside of the political realm. I can only assume, since the reader is witness to every conversation the women have, that they don't know each other all that well either. Most importantly, it was even hard sometimes to differentiate both women's personalities. Both are sexy, beautiful, smart, on the same level of the butch/femme scale. They are both into politics, both really flirty, both confident, etc. And they almost speak the same way. Which is disturbing when you try to imagine them together. Bottom line, they don't really complete each other. They're cute, but they are not entirely convincing as a couple.
I will however read other stories by Colette Moody when I'm feeling a bit sad. Because it's bound to uplift your mood.
January 18, 2012
I couldn't put this down. Great humor, fantastic dialogue. Definitely will be re-reading it!
December 26, 2014
I loved it. The wittiest indeed.
September 23, 2017
Although much of the book was completely implausible, it didn't stop me from laughing out loud and loving every minute of it.
March 11, 2019
This should have taken me a few hours of my reading time but I was too ensconced by the wittiness, brash humour, drama, characters especially Fran and I guess the whole book to want to end it sooner.
So I tried very hard to savour it for 3 days and am I happy and thoroughly satisfied. I love this author's skill... She just got me as a fan!
So I tried very hard to savour it for 3 days and am I happy and thoroughly satisfied. I love this author's skill... She just got me as a fan!
September 13, 2018
Really well written. Great dialogue. I found myself laughing at a few points. Just not my thing. I think I’m politicked out unfortunately. I’ll revisit this one in a few years.
May 11, 2018
Clever, witty and entertaining. An extremely well-written book.
March 7, 2015
I'd read Collette's first novel Original Sin and enjoyed it, so I thought I'd give this a try. It's a nice story, although I didn't find it as 'laugh out loud' funny as other reviewers have stated, the dialogue was amusing and the interaction between the main characters entertaining. Also, as with most lesfic, the end is rushed. I don't know if there's a word limit on these books or not, but it always seems like the authors have to stop a chapter before they're actually done and then have to cram everything in.
The story is at it's best when the two women are together and sharing witty banter, and that was enough to keep me reading. It's a nice, quick read, and a not bad way to kill a few hours.
The story is at it's best when the two women are together and sharing witty banter, and that was enough to keep me reading. It's a nice, quick read, and a not bad way to kill a few hours.
September 1, 2015
This is a funny, campy, bawdy political comedy with elements of romance. The romance doesn't really play much of a role until the later stages of the book (the two leads rarely spend much screen time together and, apart from political ideology, it was frequently difficult to differentiate between them), but that shouldn't deter readers. The book is chock full of witty banter, political satire and some relatively interesting characters, though we never see much beneath the surface of said characters. Editing and proofreading were, as far as I could tell, flawless.
The only criticism I have is that a significant plot element was heavily foreshadowed by multiple characters and situations. Unfortunately, it never came to anything. When the book ended, I found myself surprised that it was actually over, fully expecting there to be at least another act. It never really felt like the story reached its intended conflict or resolution, it just sort of wandered along.
All in all, this was still an entertaining read, however.
The only criticism I have is that a significant plot element was heavily foreshadowed by multiple characters and situations. Unfortunately, it never came to anything. When the book ended, I found myself surprised that it was actually over, fully expecting there to be at least another act. It never really felt like the story reached its intended conflict or resolution, it just sort of wandered along.
All in all, this was still an entertaining read, however.
December 12, 2016
This book was so bad, but yet such fun. It's got a very thin and totally unbelieveble plot, with bizar over the top scenarios, which constantly had me going: wtf? The first chapter of this book is so so bad, but it does get better towards the end. What I did really enjoy about this book is the two main characters' great banter and fun interaction, can't complain about the romance part either. In sum, one of the best 2 star books I've ever read.
April 24, 2011
Great story, funny dialogue and angst free.
Loved it.
Loved it.
August 3, 2016
An entertaining read!
July 4, 2013
Loved this book! made me lol so much! It's a definite Re-read :-D
September 2, 2013
Some great lines in this book. Love a book with a sense of humor!
February 20, 2017
Worth the read. It's more serious than Moody's other two books but there's still some humor to be had. Easy, enjoyable read.
January 30, 2015
Oh the sarcasm! One of the funniest and more eloquently written books I've read. Witty and smart.
March 27, 2016
Okay so the back and forth banter was entertaining and very witty. And issues were discussed eloquently. However, in terms of the romance, I felt like the plot was lacking.
July 24, 2016
Loved the witty banter and loaded innuendo! Didn't believe funny and politics could fit together like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews