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Sex Toys of the Gods
In a satirical look at Hollywood, Jason Dallin, a gay housesitter in Beverly Hills, works days at a video store and encounters single-mindedly ambitious actresses, stage mothers, and agents
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 7, 2025
Like if Tales of the City were set in Melrose Place. A naughty, hilarious showbiz epic that had me feeling nostalgic for Certs breath mints, the back rooms of video stores and when soap operas ruled.
April 15, 2026
A piece of really entertaining, twisty, trashy schlock. I believe this was published in either 97 or 98 but it was jarring how cemented in the 90s this is and how different both gay pop culture, and pop culture in general, was compare to today’s pop culture. There were so many references that fell flat on deaf ears because I had no idea at all what McLaughlin was referring to. It was also amusing to see Julianne Moore referred to as “up-and-coming” at one point.
I really liked how in-depth the novel went in regard to the Hollywood and its industry. And each of the three protagonists offer a different branch— With Jason who it was the music industry; With Violet it was filmmaking and television; With Tricia it was agency and managerial side of Hollywood.I didn’t find out until after I finished that McLaughlin is a Hollywood screenwriter so it made a lot more sense and as a young gay interested in both filmmaking and music industry it was awesome to read firsthand from a professional about the behind-the-scenes processes that we don’t usually hear about. I didn’t even know what an agent actually did before I read the novel.
With a title like “Sex Toys of the Gods,” this was nearly exactly what I wanted it to be. This felt like one of those campy cult classics, i.e. “ But I’m a Cheerleader” or “Hairspray (1988),” if they were put on paper instead of the screen. It remind me of a film I watched called “The Fluffer,” which wasn’t good by the way so I don’t recommend it. The only issue I took was that STotG was that despite it definitely gay enough, it was not homoerotic enough in my opinion. There was only like three gay scenes, but a ton heterosexual erotica with Tricia and Stefan which is fine but from an openly gay author and a novel packed with gay culture, I guess I expected more catering to gay audiences.
That and that fact that there are so many characters. Outside of the main three are Jason, Tricia, and Violet there a boatload of side characters. Each character has a romantic interest, friends, co-workers, higher-ups, and, in Jason’s case, whoever the fuck really. Most of the time these characters showed up once, got a little backstory blurb, disappeared, and then causally re-appeared dozens of pages later like we remembered who they were. Like, I am sorry I do not remember the roommate who was passed out on the first page of the book and then did nothing of importance until about 73% of the way through.
I really liked how in-depth the novel went in regard to the Hollywood and its industry. And each of the three protagonists offer a different branch— With Jason who it was the music industry; With Violet it was filmmaking and television; With Tricia it was agency and managerial side of Hollywood.I didn’t find out until after I finished that McLaughlin is a Hollywood screenwriter so it made a lot more sense and as a young gay interested in both filmmaking and music industry it was awesome to read firsthand from a professional about the behind-the-scenes processes that we don’t usually hear about. I didn’t even know what an agent actually did before I read the novel.
With a title like “Sex Toys of the Gods,” this was nearly exactly what I wanted it to be. This felt like one of those campy cult classics, i.e. “ But I’m a Cheerleader” or “Hairspray (1988),” if they were put on paper instead of the screen. It remind me of a film I watched called “The Fluffer,” which wasn’t good by the way so I don’t recommend it. The only issue I took was that STotG was that despite it definitely gay enough, it was not homoerotic enough in my opinion. There was only like three gay scenes, but a ton heterosexual erotica with Tricia and Stefan which is fine but from an openly gay author and a novel packed with gay culture, I guess I expected more catering to gay audiences.
That and that fact that there are so many characters. Outside of the main three are Jason, Tricia, and Violet there a boatload of side characters. Each character has a romantic interest, friends, co-workers, higher-ups, and, in Jason’s case, whoever the fuck really. Most of the time these characters showed up once, got a little backstory blurb, disappeared, and then causally re-appeared dozens of pages later like we remembered who they were. Like, I am sorry I do not remember the roommate who was passed out on the first page of the book and then did nothing of importance until about 73% of the way through.
March 31, 2025
One of the funniest, laugh out loud books I’ve ever read!!
March 10, 2012
I have to admit that I was a little bit lost at the beginning of the book. But how can I ignore a book with such a delicious title - Sex Toys of the Gods?? So, I got myself to get through the first few pages of the book and got confused by the characters - Gail, Giles, Wren, Jason, Marilyn, Maggie, Marina, Tricia, Violet, Hank and all I really wanted to know more of was Jason.. and Hank. And perhaps naughty Stephan.
The book got me hooked on Violet eventually and pitied Tricia. But seriously, there were enough Hollywoodish-drama plots in the book to make a good, kinky tv series.
After Glamourpuss, I knew somehow Christian would pull off a great novel and this did not disappoint. Only I wish that there were more on Hank and Jason. Good stuff.
The book got me hooked on Violet eventually and pitied Tricia. But seriously, there were enough Hollywoodish-drama plots in the book to make a good, kinky tv series.
After Glamourpuss, I knew somehow Christian would pull off a great novel and this did not disappoint. Only I wish that there were more on Hank and Jason. Good stuff.
November 10, 2008
Great book to read by a pool with a frilly drink -- or read on your lunch break and *pretend* you are sipping MaiTais. In the scope of gay pop fiction, I found the story compelling enough to hold my interest and the characters funny and empathetic. Plus, the sex scenes weren't cut at the kiss -- I like some real action in my sexy fluff.
August 29, 2013
Good for a giggle - behind the scenes in music/acting land California with a gay guy who wants a job in the music biz and to find love and passion along the way. Both come eventually, but the journey is certainly a roller-coaster! I loved all the twists and turns.
February 12, 2009
Super fun and fluffy. Like living in a young gay fairy tale (no pun intended).
May 18, 2011
Trashy fun!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews