Friday, December 29, 2006

RRT Erotic Reviews "Artistically Inclined"


Artistically InclinedTerrie Figueroa from Romance Reviews Today (RRT) Erotic gives our Venus Press debut a "Multiple O’s" rating!
"Public sex, ménage à trois -- what will this intrepid pair dare?

"Sexual tension starts on page one and the consummation is incendiary!"
Read the entire review HERE. (You'll have to scroll down a bit.) Buy the book HERE.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Ho! Ho! Holiday eBook Sales!


FictionWise Last minute shopping got you down? I have the perfect solution for the avid readers on your list! FictionWise, the industry leader in eBook sales, is having a fantasic end-of-year sale:
Now through December 31, every MultiFormat eBook is discounted 20% and every Secure eBook receives a 20% Micropay rebate. These discounts also apply when you use the "Buy this eBook for a friend!" button, which is located right below the "Add to Cart" button on every eBook description page. These are just like gift certificates -- you can email them now to your friends and family or send the gift letter to yourself to deliver on Christmas. Buywise [15%] discounts combine with these sale prices....
But wait ... THERE'S MORE! *grin*Phaze

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Phaze is offering a whopping 50% discount store-wide using the code SANTA50. (That's, like, HALF OFF!) And, if you miss that sale, you can still catch the 25% discount from December 26th-30th using the code SANTA25.

There are no lines, no sales tax, and no waiting for UPS to deliver! You can bliss out with a hot read RIGHT NOW. So ... what are you waiting for? GO SHOP!

Happiest of holidays to you & yours, and all the best for 2007!

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

CTR Interview

With winter chills looming on the horizon, the days may be getting colder, but the stories just keep getting hotter. Today, we have Alessia Brio joining us to talk about a new release, Coming Together, another offering in a series to benefit various charities, this time The American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Welcome to Coffee Time Romance and thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to join us, Alessia.

Thanks, Charissa. It's my pleasure, especially given our topic.

To start things off, could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

This is, for me, the most difficult question to answer, and it always seems to come at the beginning of an interview (when I'm all tense-like). Labels kinda bug me. I could tell you that I'm a 40-something work-from-home mother of 3, but what does that really tell you about me as a person? *grin* I'm far more comfortable talking about my work.

Each of the Coming Together anthologies benefits a charitable organization. Where did this concept come from and how did you gather so many wonderful stories for each collection?

A couple years ago, some writer friends & I were tossing around ideas for bundling our short stories and poetry into a self-published print anthology. At the time, none of us were professionally published. We hammered out the details, but we got bogged down when the discussion turned to money and how to handle the distribution of the proceeds.

That's when the suggestion was made to donate the proceeds to charity. We realized that the sales income, once divided 15 or 20 ways, was never going to amount to much. But, if we came together, we could do some good AND get a wider audience for our work.

The first volume of Coming Together hit the cyber-shelves of CafePress in June of 2005. Three months later, a second volume followed. Then, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, and we decided that we needed to come together for another cause!

In all, there are 5 volumes of Coming Together currently available (4 in print, 1 electronically). Readers can check 'em out at www.eroticanthology.com

Outside of your assembly of these anthologies, you've written or co-written works as well. Can you tell the readers about those and how easy or difficult is it to have a co-writer?

Actually, it was my work on the first volume of Coming Together that prompted me to collect my own short stories and poetry into an anthology. At first, I simply intended to self-publish a single copy as a gift to a friend, but once I had the manuscript pieced together, I figured I had nothing to lose by sending it off to a publisher. fine flickering hungers was contracted by Phaze just a couple months later. J

I joined the Phaze family in the summer of 2005, just as its first round of themed HeatSheets (Sparklers) were being released. When the call was made for the second round (Shivers), I knew I wanted to be involved. I nearly drowned in the research for Erotique, but it was worth it. The story is part of the Shivers line, and it has inspired several more tales co-written with Will Belegon. We have Switch, which is a Surge, and Amichu, which is a Samba, and we're just finishing a fourth story called Closing Arguments, which will be bundled with the other three in an anthology called ArtiFactual. It will be released by Phaze early in 2007. February, I believe.

As for the ease or difficulty of having a co-writer, I'd say it all depends on communication. Will & I work remarkably well together, complementing one another's strengths and compensating for one another's weaknesses. I prefer it to working solo, although I do continue to write solo & will have a couple more solo releases in 2007.

Every author has a best and worst part of the writing process. What is your favorite aspect and what do you like the least?

This depends on whether I'm writing solo or with a partner. I love plotting with Will—hammering out the story line and building the characters. My least favorite part of collaborative writing is editing it. I'm always afraid I'll overstep my bounds and create friction.

On my own, my favorite aspect is weaving the words together into a symphony of sensation. I love the craft—down to minutiae of a perfectly executed phrase. Least favorite, at the moment, is the challenge I face in producing longer works. I have two novels in progress that are currently collecting dust while I meet some deadlines. I'm tempted to just resign myself to the fact that I'm primarily a short-story writer, but ... nah!

Have you ever wondered what it would be to live the life of one of your characters? If so, which one and why?

Who says I don't already? *wink* Hrm, I suppose "wondered" is not the word I'd choose. Certainly I've projected myself into some roles—lived vicariously through a character for a scene or a chapter or even an entire work. Which character and which story really depends on my mood du jour. There is a little (and in some instances, perhaps, a LOT) of me in each of my characters.

What passions motivate you to get up and face each day?

The ultimate motivator for me is injustice. I will move mountains—and have—to right a wrong. I can't stand bigotry and intolerance. Discrimination makes my skin crawl. Until I began writing erotica and poetry a few years ago, all of my writing consisted of editorials and narrative non-fiction with a civil/human rights focus.

Do you have a single book or author who inspired you to put your own imagination to paper?

No, not really. My writing inspiration simply stems from a passion for... passion. However, I was undoubtedly influenced by those authors who filled my days and nights with their books as I was growing up: Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Piers Anthony, Stephen King, Peter Straub, John Irving, Leon Uris, John LeCarre, Lawrence Sanders, Anne McCaffrey, Anne Rice, Frank Herbert, J.R.R. Tolkein.

How that influence manifests itself, though, is a matter of opinion.

If you could spend one day with the person who has inspired you most, what would you plan?

To enact the scene from... Well, perhaps I'd better just take the Fifth on this one.

The world of erotica and erotic fiction is growing by leaps and bounds, becoming more mainstream and well embraced. Do you see it as just a passing trend or something here to stay?

Sex cannot be suppressed, and attempts to do so always fail—eventually. What we're witnessing of late is the dying gasps of another such failure. Digital publication is a boon for the author of erotic fiction because it's discreet. Your visiting pastor might notice what's on your bookshelves, but what's on your hard drive or eReader is not that evident. I look forward to the day when sex is not perceived as shameful... but I'm not holding my breath. Until then, I'll just be the delightfully perverted purveyor of erotic tales.

On your website, you mention another Coming Together anthology on the horizon. Could you share a few details about that and let our readers know what's coming up for you?

Ah, yes. Thanks for asking. Phaze is currently accepting submissions for a volume of Coming Together to benefit breast cancer research. As with the Special Hurricane Relief Edition, I'll be its editor. Submissions of erotic fiction up to 15K words will be accepted through June 1, 2007. Digital release is planned for August 2007 and print release following in October 2007. Please see the submission guidelines at www.phaze.com for details.

Thanks for the chance to talk about this project, Charissa. It means a great deal to me. Happy Holidays to you & yours... and to all the Coffee Time Romance readers out there!

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

www.alessiabrio.com

Saturday, December 16, 2006

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!


EPPIE 2007 Finalist! fine flickering hungers, by Alessia Brio

fine flickering hungers is an EPPIE finalist in the Erotica category!


Friday, December 15, 2006

RRT Erotic Reviews "San Diego Sunset"

It's not the greatest review, but it doesn't suck:

SAN DIEGO SUNSET - Alessia Brio & Will Belegon
ISBN: 1-59426-567-4
December 2006
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Heat Rating: Pulsar
RRT Rating: Missionary ("Gets the job done.")

San Diego, CA - Present Day

She haunts his dreams with erotic promise and passion. Each night the dreams become more compelling and leave him restless and discontent. Dare he believe in the promise of the dream?

He haunts her dreams with erotic pleasure. She feels compelled to find him, yet, he is only a dream, even if the feelings she has for him seem more real than anything in her life. Dare she believe in the passion of the dream?

Two souls meant for each other, if only they dare to follow their dreams. SAN DIEGO SUNSET is a romantic and powerful short story about believing the impossible and making it come true.

Isabelle Spencer - 12/15/06

Monday, December 11, 2006

Love Romances & More Reviews SDS

Pam from Love Romances & More had this to say about San Diego Sunset:

As two people dream of a meeting on a beach, they begin to wonder if it’s only a dream or a future meeting. Their stories are told concurrently, as they travel to what could be their destinies. Both have begun to realize there must be more to life, than what they have experienced so far. He begins to realize the beach is one from his past, close to where he grew up. For her it is somewhere new and exciting, although costing more than she’d anticipated. As they come closer to each other, the scents and sounds around them seem to change. Feelings of being unfulfilled no longer matter; they ignore everything as the dream takes them on a journey. A journey they have no way of knowing how it will end, if it is destiny or their imagination.

This reviewer found the story strange to begin with, but the prose was so enchanting, it swept me along. Despite very little dialogue, the story is easy to follow and interesting. The imagery is very strong throughout the tale. The conflict is within the two main characters, as they find themselves doing something completely out of their comfort zone. Moods become linked and the tale flows smoothly through doubts and worries as it wraps the characters and reader within its spell. The plot winds around them as they experience something new and exciting. Passion flares as they think about the culmination of the dream, taking the reader on a sensual journey of discovery. The ‘what if’s’ are left behind as the characters surprise themselves by their own audacity. As the sun finally sets, the reader is left with a feeling of peace as darkness blankets the characters.


4 Hearts!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Sold a Poem - WHOOP!

My poem Tapestry appears in the December issue of Oysters & Chocolate!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Sexography Reviews "Switch"

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

TRS Reviews "San Diego Sunset"

A pre-release review of San Diego Sunset:

San Diego Sunset
Alessa Brio and Will Belegon
Paranormal erotic romance
Available from Phaze
ISBN: 1-59426-567-4
December 2006

San Diego Sunset is the story of two individuals who are about to be brought together by destiny. He dreams several times a week of lying on an empty warm beach, post-intimacy, with a woman, and waking just before he hears her name. On the days following the dream, he is both more creative and productive, and also more stressed. She finds the dream to intensify in vividness at the end of each month, and most especially at the year’s end. Both are determined to locate the location and to find each other.

San Diego Sunset is a fascinating short tale of two souls on a collision course with Destiny and each other. I found my heart catching in my throat as the two worked their way toward each other and then at first, passed by like two ships in the night, close but without contact. But Destiny won’t be denied.


Overall rating: 4.5 Hearts
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Annie
November 12, 2006

Monday, November 13, 2006

The Eternal Night Reviews Amichu

Amichu

This is the 3rd delightfully erotic romp for Alessia Brio. The story follows Mandy, who inherited Erotique, a successful upscale sex boutique and erotic museum and her lawyer boyfriend. While this is a short story it fulfils its promise with plenty of delicious titillation and even throws in a bit of mystery.

When a mysterious letter arrives requesting Mandy's deceased Aunt travel to Easter Island to retrieve and transport an artifact for the Museum, Mandy and Bruce decide to go themselves to see about the artifact. What lies ahead will no doubt cause you to think twice about the power of fertility artifacts from ancient civilizations and stop for a few moments longer the next time you visit a museum displaying such items.

Another terrific tale written with both humor and heat from a talented writing duo with interesting insights into the sexual psyches from the both points of view of both sexes.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Screen Shot

You never know how long these things will last, so I got a screen shot. *grin* fine flickering hungers is the top rated eBook in the Gay/Lesbian category at the new site AllRomanceeBooks!

Check it out: http://www.alessiabrio.com/images/AllRomanceeBooks.jpg

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Sexography Reviews "Erotique"

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Enchanted Ramblings Reviews "Amichu"


4.5 Magical Wands
ISBN: 1-59426-605-0
Published By: Phaze
Review Date: 13 Sep 2006
Reviewed by Astraea

Mandy and Bruce fly to South America to find out why a professor would write to Mandy's aunt. Curiosity leads them into a hunt for an artifact on Rapa Nui.

There is a lot of action, adventure, suspense and steamy loves scenes squeezed into this book. I'd have enjoyed it more if the story had more room to expand on some of the scenes. If you want the feel of a longer book but not a lot of time this would be good for you.


http://www.enchantedramblings.net/reviews/review1506.html


Friday, October 20, 2006

Another Great Sexography Review

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!

Carrie White, eBook reviewer for Sexography, provides the following review of Amichu:

Mandy is the owner of a sex toy shop and museum named Erotique. Receiving a letter from a friend of her late aunt she soon learns of a generous donation of an artifact made to her museum. Embarking on the exciting trip to South America, she and her lover, Bruce, soon find that their journey becomes a battle not only for the safety of the Incan artifact but ultimately their own lives.

Although Amichu is the third in the series and I'm aware that I've not read the novels in the correct order, this is my first reading of this collaboration and I have to say the authors work extremely well together. Also, by reading novels in the incorrect order it does help to see if each book can adequately stand alone without their counterparts, and judging by things so far, it does appear that they can.

Much as I would love to know which bits are the brainchild of which author, it doesn't really matter because the final result is just pure masterpiece. There's a fine spattering of humour throughout the story and the sex scenes are naughty and fresh. Thorough research into the historical facts about the artefact and the different cultures encountered just strengthens the sense of credibility you receive whilst reading this book. Excellent read.


Visit Carrie's site for more reviews: http://www.sexography.co.uk
Here's the link to the review: http://www.bloglegion.com/Scrawler/1886/

Alliteration? Absolutely!

The Smart Bitches are having an alliteration contest HERE. Yes, one of the entries is mine. No, I'm not gonna tell you which one. Just go vote, eh?

Monday, October 16, 2006

Good Company!

What a nice feeling it is to be reading an author interview and find yourself mentioned as one of that author's favorites. To make it even better, I'm in the same damned sentence as RKB & Bill Noble ... and in the same paragraph as Susie Bright. Hot damn! Oh, and that other fella mentioned ... I, um, think he's kinda special, too. *wink*

Check out Gwen Masters' interview at Romance at Heart, where she responds:

- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?

In the erotic genre, I love to read Alison Tyler. “Four on the Floor” was hot as hell. I’ve been a fan of Will Belegon from way back before he was published. I like Alessia Brio, Rachel Kramer Bussel and Bill Noble. And of course, I devour anything Susie Bright puts down on paper.


*grin*

Thursday, October 05, 2006

FAR Reviews "Switch"

Tammy from Fallen Angel Reviews had this to say about Switch:

Switch is an exciting erotic story that is sure to have you feeling the currents jumping out of the book and into the room. Mandy and Bruce are both exciting characters that are fully developed and fun to read about. I love the whole idea of this story and found it very intriguing and extremely sexy. I can’t say too much more since I don’t want to give away the story, but let me just say that this is one story that you don’t want to miss.


Sunday, October 01, 2006

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Friday, September 22, 2006

Artistically Inclined's First Review

TCM Reviews' Robyn Ashford had this to say about Artistically Inclined:

Forget the candy and the romantic candlelight dinner. Start a new Valentine’s Day tradition.

Is there a better endorsement? *grin*

Artistically Inclined, by Will Belegon & Alessia Brio

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Realms of Love Chat


Join Phaze authors Alessia Brio (That's me! *wink*), Jessie Verino, Mychael Black, and more in the Realms of Love Chat Castle, Monday September 18th at 9pm Eastern (6pm Pacific).

Phaze is a publisher of Romantic and Women’s Erotica in eBook and print. Realms of Love is a community of Romance readers and writers featuring romance reviews, news and writer chats.

Free registration is required before you can join the chat!

http://www.realmsoflove.com

Friday, September 15, 2006

FAR Chat Friday

Chat with me & several other Phaze authors this evening at 9pm Eastern!

Fallen Angels Reviews

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Friday, September 08, 2006

Whoop! New Cover!



fine flickering hungers

*whisper-chants* can'twaitcan'twaitcan'twaitcan'twaitcan'twait

Monday, September 04, 2006

Yahoo!Group

Thanks to all who joined my Yahoo!Group over the last week! I'm delighted to announce that of the new subscribers "shebab98" was drawn as the winner of a copy of Switch, my Phaze Surge co-written with Will Belegon.

In the coming weeks, I'll be designing my newsletter. Each issue will feature a random drawing from the subscribers for an ebook or other prize. The inaugural issue will coincide with the print release of fine flickering hungers!

I'd like your help in deciding my newsletter's content. Right now, I'm planning to include regular sections entitled News, Reviews, and Interviews ... but I also want to include special sections such as an occasional contest, topics intended to spark discussion in between issues, perhaps a "reader spotlight" and an "author spotlight" ...

I welcome your thoughts & ideas! If you're not already a member, join by clicking HERE.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

JERR Reviews Amichu

Title: Erotique 3: Amichu
Authors: Alessia Brio and Will Belegon
Publisher: Phaze
Publisher URL: www.phaze.com
ISBN: 1-59426-605-0
Reviewer: Aggie Tsirikas
Rating: 4 Stars ("engrossing and arousing")
Heat level: S ("simmering")

Bruce and Mandy are on their way to Rapa Nui, off the Chilean coast. They’ve been invited to collect an artifact for Erotique, Mandy's infamous sex toy shop and museum. This prized possession is from the benefactor Professor Eduardo Rojas Aguilar, a man from Mandy’s past.

Amichu is part of the Phaze Samba Short series of stories, and book three of the Erotique series, by writing duo Ms. Brio and Mr. Belegon. Mandy and Bruce are an insatiable couple and makes for some steamy encounters that only become more heated as they discover the artifact they’ve come to collect. The reader is given some interesting facts, not only about the central couple’s relationship, but also about the place they visit. I was able to appreciate the island with the information woven into the story. Both Mandy and Bruce seem like a very down to earth and sensual couple who thoroughly enjoy an active sex life. The sex does get heated and we’re gifted with an interesting opening scene that sets the tone for this story.

There are some interesting plot twists, and even an incident that will have you pausing in surprise. You don’t necessarily need to read any of the previous books in this series to enjoy this story, though I would recommend it to gain a fuller picture of Mandy and Bruce’s adventures before reaching this segment of their lives. The only thing that threw me out of the story a few times was Bruce’s turn of phrase; I didn’t expect this lawyer to speak like a surfer. Mandy and Bruce have an easy light banter that makes Amichu such an enjoyable story to read. With the added elements of adventure, and a little suspense, this makes for a wonderful afternoon read.


Aggie Tsirikas
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Friday, September 01, 2006

Amichu's First Review!

Natasha Brooks at Bare Back Magazine gave Amichu 4.5 of 5 stars! Here's part of her review:

The writing duo Alessia Brio and Will Belegon are at it again with the third edition to the series started originally by Alessia.

This ebook is entitled Amichu. This story is filled with much more action and adventure than you can ever imagine. I sat in amazement after reading the enormous amount of creativity that was put into this ebook.

The story picks up where it ended in the previous installment, and starts off on a humorous tone, but then soon introduced an action packed plot and adventure for Amanda and Bruce as they head to South America to uncover the truth about an Incan artifact that was generously donated to Erotique, (Amanda's sex toy shop
and museum) by a lover of Amanda's late aunt.

One thing that I enjoyed about this ebook was that it was well written by the writing duo, and I could clearly and vividly visualize the story as I read it. There was some technical archaeological terminology in the dialog of the story that made the story a bit of a challenge but it fits the story very well.

In terms of the sexual heat of the story, it was well balance, considering how well the story was written.

One thing that I admire about the story is that the relationship and love between Amanda and Bruce seems realistic and is displayed in the skillful use of dialog between the two characters.

The story was outstanding.


Monday, August 28, 2006

Membership Drive

Join Will & I, along with several Phaze authors, tonight from 9:00-10:00 Eastern for a chat at NovelSpot. We'll be pimping our new releases, talking about upcoming events, posting excerpts, and chatting with readers. And, we'll be giving away a copy of our first joint publication, Switch, to one lucky participant who joins my Yahoo!Group.

Here's the link: http://novelspot.net/novelspot_chat_room

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Going to Print!

Soooooo ... if you go to the Phaze web site (www.phaze.com) then click on the "Coming Soon" link ... then scroll alllllllllllll the way to the bottom, you'll see a little notice that looks like this:

DECEMBER

fine flickering hungers (print) - Alessia Brio


I am going to print!!! And, I'll be getting a new cover, too.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Yet another ...

... article about steamy erotic romance. This one's in the Detroit Free Press.

If you still believe that romance fiction is limited to endless pastel paperback covers with cursive titles and swooning virgins, prepare to have your world rocked.

There's never been a better time to be a reader with a dirty mind.

Or a writer with one.


I can't argue with that! *grin*

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Ask Me Anything!

As if I don't have enough to do ...

New(ish) in the promo/networking blog-o-sphere is a site called FAQQLY, where you can ask the participant any question.

Drop by. Ask me a question. I promise to answer. I don't promise to tell the truth, but I do promise to answer. *wink*

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

A Wise Move

Things are really hoppin' at Phaze these days! One of many welcome developments is the inclusion of a large backlog of Phaze titles on FictionWise, a leading eBook store. The first of my work to be available via FictionWise is fine flickering hungers. In the next couple weeks, Erotique, Switch, and Amichu should also be available.

* * *

In other news, I'm back from the reading/signing gig in NYC. The Happy Ending Lounge is a dark and sexy place. We had a fantastic time, and the readings all sizzled. A group of Phaze authors and their (im)moral supports had dinner before the performance at a nearby restaurant called Sal's Little Italy. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by & tell Francesco we said "Hi!"

Sal's Little Italy
Next stop on the Alessia Brio travel calendar? San Diego! In October, I'll be attending the LaJolla Writers' Conference. We're still looking into the possibility of a signing event there. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Phaze in the City!

Phaze flyer

Join Phaze authors Leigh Ellwood, Alessia Brio, Robin Slick, Will Belegon, Bianca D'Arc, Petula Caesar, and Cassidy Kent for a book reading & book signing event in New York City on Friday, August 11, 2006 from 7:30pm to 10:00pm at the Happy Ending Lounge!

Monday, August 07, 2006

Amichu Released!


Amichu, by Will Belegon & Alessia Brio
Fresh from a "shocking" sexual adventure in Switch, Mandy and Bruce are headed to South America for another trek into the amorous unknown. When a friend of Mandy's late aunt sends news of an Incan artifact suited for Erotique, the duo travel to Rapa Nui to claim it. What they find instead could endanger not only the priceless item, but their lives. Amichu is the third in an exciting series of sexy adventures by the writing team of Brio and Belegon.

Don't miss this one, readers! It is one hell of an exciting $2 adventure. Download it today ... and please, let us know what you think.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Tit-Elating


I'm pleased to announce that my story Timeless is now live on the Tit-Elation site. It's a subscription-based site, but the quality of the work makes it worth the expense. Check 'em out!

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Tee Hee


With the rash of media attention to the rising popularity of extra super-duper steamy romance novels (a/k/a erotica), I have a Google news alert set up on the keyword. I feel the need to keep my finger on the pulse of a shift that is responsible for my entry into the ranks of the published, y'know?

This morning, a gem of a newspaper article landed in my inbox. I'm still chuckling about it. Apparently, a candidate for public office (whose name, if you can believe it, is Fred Head -- I kid you not) can find no more substantial mud to sling than the fact that his opponent wrote a "pornographic" romance novel. Gasp!

This article is amusing on so many levels. First, his rant is a pathetic commentary on our times. (I'm quite ashamed to note that the man is a Democrat. Uptight assholery is, if you buy the stereotypes, supposed to be reserved for the fundy neocons.) One of his campaign ads reads:

Would you vote for a candidate who wrote a trashy, pornographic romance novel that glorifies premarital sex and seeks to arouse sexual interest as your State Comptroller of Public Accounts?

If she was qualified to do the job? You betcha! In fact, Mr. Head, if you were equally qualified, I'd vote for her because you are a narrow-minded twat who apparently cannot focus on the issues related to Comptrolling. Granted, comptrolling issues probably don't make good press. Sex does garner a bit more attention.

Mr. Head told reporters, "I don't know of anyone who has the gall to put their name on the ballot when they've written that kind of trashy pornographic thing." *snicker* Guess I know what to expect should ever get a wild hare up my ass and decide to run for public office.

Leaving Mr. Head alone for a bit, I turn my amusement toward the trashy pornographic thing, which was published by a now-defunct house and is long out of print. The article quotes one sentence from the book:

Their mouths had fused hotly, desperately, a feverish urgency in his touch.

How shocking! My sensibilities are offended. The adverbs ... they burn us, precioussssssssss. I'd love to see Bam or the Smart Bitches or the two Ja(y)nes tear this baby apart. (Wonder what the cover looks like?)

The article goes on to compare and contrast "smut" and "romance," with quotes from RWA's publicity director sprinkled with some publishing industry stats. All in all, a most entertaining way to start my day.

You can read the entire article HERE. Tee hee.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Dear Author

Dear Author, specializing in book and site reviews, spotlights one of my publishers this week: Phaze. It's a pretty in-depth review of Phaze's main site and bookstore. Check it out HERE.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Undercover Angel



Undercover Angel

My first ever story with Ruthie's Club (a subscription-based illustrated erotic story site) was published today! I love Gloklund's illustration, too!

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Joyfully Reviewed

SwitchCassidy at Joyfully Reviewed had this to say about Switch:

Switch is a very innovative story! I can’t remember reading one quite like it, and I definitely enjoyed every spark that it generated. Mandy and Bruce unashamedly enjoy their sex life, and anything can (and does) happen between them as they joyfully experiment. Switch definitely sparked my fire and my imagination, that’s for sure!


Read the entire review at: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Switchphaze.htm

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Kevin & Cyndi ...

... come to life! I am very impressed with the cover for Artistically Inclined. Thanks to Dan (cover artist) at Venus Press for his good work -- and to models Joelle & Nick for looking so incredibly yummy -- and to Walker for graciously giving us permission to use his photo of Pittsburgh at night for the background!

Artistically Inclined

We should have the edits soon, with publication later this summer. WHOOP!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

JERR Reviews "Switch"

Title: Switch
Author: Will Belegon and Alessia Brio
Publisher: Phaze
ISBN: 1-59426-558-5
Reviewer: Anya Khan
Rating: 4/5 Stars (Engrossing & Arousing)
Heat level: O (Orgasmic)

Amanda is a strong young woman who loves her life running an upscale adult toy store, and her relationship with her nearly perfect lawyer and long-term lover, Bruce. Bruce is a great lawyer who also adores Amanda and their life together. During a fun night complete with her latest toys, a bizarre event changes them and gives a new understanding to "do you know what I am feeling".

Switch is such a cleaver (sic) romantic short story that pulls readers in quickly. The two are deeply in love without being sickening sweet. The background is developed fast and sets the stage for the book's main focus-a night of terrific sex they never thought would happen. The way the couple handles things is wonderful. I enjoyed every conversation and thought their interaction was well done. The sex is full of toys and stays very hot. There was little or no supporting character interaction, though these two strong personalities were enough to carry the book alone. I congratulate Will Belegon and Alessia Brio was a very creative and sexy story.


Anya Khan
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Thursday, June 15, 2006

And another ...

It is a bit disappointing when a premier site like Romance Divas comes through with a poor-ish review, but everyone's entitled to their own opinion. I would think, however, that a reviewer should have the ability to recognize 3rd omniscient point-of-view rather than deeming it "head hopping." (Actually, Will & I worked very hard to stay OUT of the characters' heads ... both of them ... because we knew what the story needed in order to work.) Oh, well. *shrugs* Here's Shelli Stevens' review:

Amanda and Bruce are lovers that decide to have a little bit of fun one night during a raging storm. They bring out a lovers toy that requires electricity, and that’s when the lightening strikes. Not only do they lose power, but they also lose their bodies. To each other! After coming to terms that Amanda is now Bruce, and Bruce is now Amanda, they decide to have a little fun.

I thought this story line was interesting and had the potential to be so much better than it was. However there was constant head hopping that confused me and slowed down the reading. The beginning of the story seemed to drag a bit, and the characters and storyline seemed to just start in some random place. I understand this is following another story, but to readers that might not have read the first book you should probably find a way to incorporate a tiny bit of back story. The final thing that stuck me as bizarre, was there was no resolution in the end. The authors never say whether or not the characters switch back.

Switch did have some good points like playful sex, and the sensual relationship between the lovers. Overall it’s an interesting read, sort of a lovers version of ‘Freaky Friday’.

3 Kisses

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Coffee Time Romance


Regina with Coffee Time Romance gave Switch 3 Coffee Cups:

Amanda Long runs a sex-toy shop and museum called Erotique. She and her lover Bruce enjoy trying out new items she has ordered for her shop. Bruce is Mandy’s attorney as well as her lover. He is more than happy to take lovemaking in lieu of payment for the work he does for her.

When Mandy and Bruce try out a pair of new electric nipple clamps during an electrical storm, they get the surprise of their lives when they switch bodies. Suddenly there is the very real possibility they may not be able to switch back, and so trying new things and getting adjusted to a different body becomes paramount.

I enjoyed this story. It had an interesting twist I was not expecting even though the title gives the reader a clue. This story is well written and the characters are believable. The descriptions of what it might be like to find yourself in a body of the opposite sex had me roaring with laughter. If you enjoy erotica from a unique viewpoint then this is the story for you.


Sunday, June 11, 2006

R.I.P., Colleen Thomas


candleOthers have said it with far more eloquence than I can hope to achieve in my current emotional state--my partner, for example, on his blog--so I will simply light a candle in memory of a phenomenal person.

Colly touched many lives and did so with grace, style, and humility. Do yourself a favor and let her touch yours. Her legacy can be found on Literotica.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Joining the Club


Ruthie's Club, that is. In my inbox this morning:

Like it. Smart, sharp, slick.

Undercover Angel accepted, Alessia. It will be sent off for editing and illustration, and my partner, Desdmona, will be in touch about our further requirements and your benefits.

You write like you belong at Ruthie's Club. Welcome aboard.
I'm sure you'll find many kindred spirits.

regards
Neil Anthony
for Ruthie's Club

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Huh?


Sometimes, ya gotta wonder if a reviewer didn't get your book mixed up with someone else's. Here's what Lydia, from Euro Reviews, had to say about Switch:

Amanda Long is dragging boxes from one room to another and snags her partner Bruce while he’s working on paperwork. They go for some experimenting and wind up with a surprise. The two fall asleep and that is when it leaves with a cliff-hanger.

Switch is short and to the point, and filled with technical jargon that left this reviewer’s head reeling with confusion. In this case, I didn’t find it as easy to get into and it was very short. For other books, I was able to understand the idea behind the story. In this one, I had a very hard time and probably should read the other books.

All in all Will Bele & Alessia Brio came out with an interesting story when they wrote Switch, but readers should know to read the other books in the series first.


Not only did she butcher my co-author's name, but the "technical jargon" comment is just baffling. WTF? As for her recommendation to "read the other books" ... well, I'm not gonna try to dissuade anyone from reading the ONE prequel (Erotique), but it's certainly not necessary in order to understand and enjoy Switch.

Oh, well. Chalk this one up to a (very odd) learning experience. This just plain sloppy review coupled with HUGELY annoying pop-under ads will keep me away from the Euro Reviews site.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Will & I Visit the Rambler's Inn


Our first joint interview! *grin*
  • If you have an alias or pen name, what is it?

    Will: I’ve used Belegon as an alias for twenty years. The addition of Will to it was to make it realistic for publishing and because it’s both easy for me and a nod to my “old school” influences. Really old school.

    Alessia: Um, it’s Alessia Brio. You didn’t think that was my real name, did you? Unlike Will, my nom de plume didn’t come into existence until very recently—until after I received “the call” from Phaze. Alessia is an Italian name derived from the Greek verb alexéin meaning “to defend/protect” and Brio relates to the Italian musical term con brio meaning “with spirit/brilliance.” (I suppose that would make my middle name “con,” wouldn’t it? *grin*) My heritage is 50% Mediterranean, so I thought it appropriate—and I love its meaning.


  • Tell us about yourself?

    Alessia: I am a figment of the imagination of a woman with a raging libido, a creative mind, and an aging body. I’m young and sexy even on the days when she feels like a wart hog. I’m passionate, irreverent, smart, and occasionally funny. Oh, and *blush* I’m humble, too.

    Okay, being serious for a couple sentences: I’m a work-from-home mom and a very outspoken crusader for the civil/human rights of people with disabilities. A lifetime ago, I was a computer geek for the U.S. Dept. of Defense, but I escaped the office environment and never want to go back. (I have a problem with authority, y’see.)

    Will: Whereas I’m actively looking to get back into an office environment! I’m one of those guys who proves the old adage about never knowing just what lurks beneath the suit and tie of the conservative businessman. I look conservative, and my day job certainly reinforces that. However, beneath the corporate uniform a not quite reformed teenage rebel still tilts at windmills.

    I took a look in the mirror a couple years ago and wondered who that guy staring back was. Since then I’ve dropped 40 pounds, started writing again for the first time since the 80s, and made a wonderful group of new friends who encourage me to push the limits of my imagination.


  • Anything special the readers should know about you?

    Alessia: Honey, there’s nothing about me that’s NOT special. (Did I mention being humble—and modest, too?) Now, whether or not the readers should know about it is another story entirely. A girl’s gotta have some secrets, after all. If you ply Will with drink, he just might tell you some of them.

    Will: I’m not sure which of her secrets she thinks I’ll spill, but I appreciate the effort she’s showing to get me free drinks. Special? The best word to describe me is eclectic. I’ve always considered myself someone who was competent at many things and expert at none. So I’m comfortable in a very diverse set of environments.


  • How long have you been writing?

    Will: About three years now. I had told stories for a long time, making up bedtime tales and even spinning a long narrative for an ex-girlfriend that I now desperately wish I had written down. I used to write poetry in high school and college and worked on the school papers. I finally tried my hand at writing fiction and discovered that the few people I showed it to wanted more. This is the result.

    Alessia: Since about 2nd grade, I think. What? You mean, like, writing fiction? Oh, um…since the late summer of 2003. That’s when the fantasies swirling around in my head reached critical mass and demanded freedom. Until then, I just wrote scathing editorials and kick-ass essays. (I still write those, too.)


  • Where do you typically find your inspiration?

    Alessia: It usually stems from a random conversation. A word or turn of phrase will strike my fancy, and it blossoms into a story line. Sometimes I’ll build a story around a sexual scenario, but I usually let the characters have free reign to build their own heat. (I hear voices, too. Did I tell mention that?)

    Our collaborations have had their genesis in themed contests until recently. We just started on the sequel to Artistically Inclined, entitled Bound for Success. It’s the first of our joint efforts that has not been the result of such.

    Will: I’ve also had some pretty random starting points, but mine are usually visual. I’ve had stories spring out of a look from a pretty girl, a scene from a movie, or just wondering what the story was behind a photograph. One of the ways Alessia and I make such a great team is that her influences tend to be more about smells, sounds, or sensations, and mine tend to be about light, shadow, and color. I think it adds to the depth of our writing. She reads something of mine and fills in the senses that I have unwittingly ignored and vice versa.


  • What genre do you write in? Do you cross over to other genres? Is it harder or easier to stay in one genre or to move back and forth?

    Alessia: I’d say, aside from the obvious erotic elements, our stuff is pretty diverse. Wouldn’t you, Will? I mean, we’ve each done historical, paranormal, contemporary, and romance. My muse (a fickle bitch) tells me what to write. I just write it—and leave it to the publisher to label it.

    Will: Our settings and plot lines have multiple elements and genres. One thing I do think we have managed to capture very well as a team is the everyday humor of life. Our characters do a lot of bantering back and forth and teasing each other, just as Alessia and I do. So even though our writings may run from the paranormal to the political, the humor is always as great a presence as the eroticism. I think that will always be true. Even if we tone down our sexual focus to put something more mainstream out there, it will always have a smoldering undertone.


  • Who has influenced you in your writing?

    Will: Many of my influences are almost stereotypically classical. I consider Shakespeare a huge influence, for example. People tend to think of him as the establishment, but at the time he was writing he was as close to the edge of respectability as Hunter S. Thompson ever was. Tolkien influenced me by providing so much depth to his world. As far as erotica, my strongest influences have been modern. Gwen Masters immediately springs to mind, as does Anne Rice.

    Alessia: My colleagues. I’m not talkin’ about the mega-successful authors or the literary genii. I’m talkin’ about my peers. We learn from one another. Will, for example, is a remarkable influence on capturing the minutiae of a moment in breathtaking detail.


  • What books do you have out? And do you have something new coming out? Where can they be purchased?

    Alessia: Well, we’re here pimping our new release (which I’ll let Will tell you about). My earlier publications include Erotique and fine flickering hungers. (Yes, it’s supposed to be lower case.) Both were released in the fall of 2005 by Phaze. Erotique is a short story, while fine flickering hungers is a single-author anthology consisting of 8 short stories and 8 poems. Both have received glowing reviews.

    Will: Our first published collaboration is currently available from Phaze. The title is Switch, which references the unexpected and unexplainable result of an electrical storm and some electric exploration on the part of our two main characters. The story started out as a scenario idea and then took off when Alessia suggested using Bruce & Mandy from her Erotique. I already loved the relationship between the characters and when she made the suggestion, things started rolling. We also have Artistically Inclined coming out soon from Venus Press. Switch is available as a Phaze HeatSheet at http://www.phaze.com and Artistically Inclined will be at http://www.VenusPress.com.


  • Are you doing any sinning or appearances soon?

    Alessia: Well, I do the “sinning” part every day. In fact, it’s a priority in my life. *wink* As for the appearances, I’ll be in Bethesda (Maryland) on June 3rd with a few other Phaze authors for a reading and book signing at the South Beach Restaurant & Loft Lounge from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.

    Will: It’s nice to see that Alessia is as willing to tease you about Freudian typos as she is to do it to me. I had to develop a thick skin after sending off a few late night ramblings. The hard part about appearances or signings for us is that we live at opposite ends of the country. We may have an opportunity to get together at the Happy Ending Lounge in NYC on August 11th for a Phaze reading and signing. Alessia will definitely be there, but my participation is still pending due to the travel involved. I live in San Diego, so you can’t get much further away and still be in the continental U.S. I’d say it’s about a 75% probability right now.


  • Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

    Will: Michael Jordan is credited with saying that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. To relate it to the sport I was the best at, I would say you can’t hit a home run with the bat on your shoulder. But I’m also very well aware that it is a nerve wracking step to submit for publication. So I would say that the first step is to show someone, anyone at all. Your husband, your best girlfriend, a poker buddy, I don’t care. I received some incredible advice from Alessia and fellow professionals like Gwen Masters after telling them I wrote as well as read. Sure, I’ve had to smile through a few I-told-you-so's. Believe me though, it was worth it.

    Alessia: I know quite a few very talented and prolific “aspiring” writers who, for one reason or another, are hesitant to submit their work to a publisher. My advice to them is simple: SUBMIT! It ain’t gonna get published if you don’t. To the not-so-inhibited, I say: Write every day! No exceptions. No excuses. Bottom line: If it’s worth having, it’s worth working for.


  • Do you have a website or a blog?

    Alessia: I’m all over the ‘Net. I have a site (www.alessiabrio.com), an author blog (http://alessiabrio.blogspot.com), and various accounts on MySpace, LiveJournal, Xanga, Yahoo!360, TagWorld, BlogLegion … you name it. *blush* The ancillary accounts are largely inactive and simply direct visitors to my main sites. I created them because if someone is searching for me, I want them to find me. The publishers expect us to pimp—I mean, promote—ourselves, so I’m giving it the ol’ college try.

    Will & I also maintain a blog for our collaborative works. It’s named after the novella we recently contracted with Venus Press: http://artistically-inclined.blogspot.com

    Will: In addition to the joint blog, I have my own at http://willbelegon.blogspot.com, and I also have a Yahoo! group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/willbelegon. I have a MySpace account, but to be honest, I rarely pay much attention to it. The Blogspot and Yahoo! group get much more of my time.


  • Do you prefer fan mail/email?

    Will: I’m an admitted feedback slut. It was my desire to learn more about what I was reading that did much to fuel my first attempts at writing, kind of like the kid that picks up a guitar to play along with the radio and then becomes a rock star. So please, if anybody out there has any comments or questions I would love to hear from you. The easiest way to reach me is by signing up for my group or emailing me at willbelegon@yahoo.com

    Alessia: I absolutely love hearing from readers (and other authors and, most especially, publishers wanting to buy my work). I can’t bring myself to use the word “fan,” though. I definitely prefer e-mail, and my address is Alessia@EroticAnthology.com


  • Other than being a writer, did you ever picture yourself doing anything else?

    Alessia: Actually, it’s being a writer that I never pictured. And a poet? Pffft! (That’s a VERY recent fetish.) I still wanna be an architect when I grow up.

    Will: That’s one place Alessia and I differ. I’ve considered myself a poet, if a poor one, for over twenty years. As far as other things, my overactive imagination has created daydreams of being everything from character actor to musician to professional athlete.


  • If you had time off to do whatever you like, what would you do?

    Alessia: Research, of course. *grin* An author can never do enough research. I know, I know! It’s an incredible sacrifice to travel to exotic locations, to field test all those toys and positions and scenarios—but, hey, someone’s gotta do it. Anything for my art…

    Will: I’d become a professional student. History, art, science. Everything except math. I’ve balanced enough checkbooks to last a lifetime. The travel thing appeals to me, too. I’d love to walk the streets of London or Paris or Rome and just think about all the people that have done it before me.


  • Is there a favorite author you haven’t met that you’d like to?

    Alessia: There are a whole bunch of ‘em – many as yet unpublished. You can find ‘em all on the Literotica Author’s Hangout (forum) – which is where I got my start writing erotica and poetry & where I met Will. Oh, and add Gwen Masters to that list. She’s a dynamite writer and one helluva supportive colleague.

    Will: Gwen is on my list, too. She first took me under her wing two years ago, but every time we have thought we were going to be able to finally meet for that fabled cup of coffee, something has gone wrong. After the incredible camaraderie I’ve experienced in meeting some of the Author’s Hangout writers, I would always jump at a chance to meet more of that fantastic group. One man I have met briefly that I would like to have more time with is fantasy author George R.R. Martin. His bravery in letting a story take him where it will is amazing.

Friday, May 26, 2006

RT Review!

fine flickering hungersMy book, fine flickering hungers, received a 4-star review from Romantic Times magazine!

FINE FLICKERING HUNGERS
by Alessia Brio

RT Rating: 4 Stars
Category: EROTICA
Publisher: PhazeBooks.com
Published: July 2006
Type: Erotica Fiction (Contemporary/Anthology, E-book)

Brio pens a powerfully erotic anthology of poetry and prose that's sure to garner attention.

Stormy is on tight deadline to develop an ad campaign for Costa Rica. She flies to the country to discover what could be appealing about the rainy season. Sensual adventures aplenty ensue as she learns all about the tactile quality of water in "Wetter Has Never Been Better."

Chloe is in a hurry to return home to see "Jake" in this mischievous and amusing short story. And in "Boiling Point," a trip to the mall leads two friends to twist the bounds of love and friendship in this sensual exploration.

Brio's collection shows sexuality at its fullest. Interspersed with equally moving poems, this collection is a pleasurable experience because of its honesty and spice. (dl $6.00)

—Sarah Wethern


fine flickering hungers (review)


RATINGS DESCRIPTION

4 1/2 Gold: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this on

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Enchanted Ramblings reviews 'Switch'


Switch by Will Belegon, Alessia Brio
4 Magical Wands

ISBN: 1-59426-558-5
Published By: Phaze
Review Date: 24 May 2006
Reviewed by Autiotalo

Mandy, the owner of a sex toy shop, and her boyfriend Bruce decide to try out one of the latest toys – electric nipple clamps. After enjoying a picnic in bed, they're getting ready to enjoy each other when a thunderstorm interrupts their fun, causing something rather strange to occur – they swap bodies! When the shock wears off, Mandy and Bruce decide to explore their new bodies – and the pleasure they can give each other.

This is a short, sassy story with hot sex and a touch of humour. If you're looking for a quick read, it would be a good bet. For this reviewer, though, there was something missing: a lack of empathy with the characters meant I felt detached from the action, and I wish it had been a longer story as Mandy and Bruce seemed very accepting of their experience. The two different perspectives from the male and female author worked well, and I would like to see something lengthier and more plot-driven from this writing duo, as they have a great style.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Hit the Beach!


Hit the Beach!
“Afternoon Delight” Erotica Book Reading and Signing

Bethesda, MD – Have scintillating fun in the afternoon. Several best-selling and award-winning erotica and erotic romance authors from the publisher Phaze will hold a book reading of their works as well as sign copies of their CD and print books at the famed South Beach Restaurant and Lounge located at 7904 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland. The “Afternoon Delight” event will take place in the loft area of the restaurant on Saturday, June 3rd from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be sold during the event.

“After participating in the V-Day Bethesda event, I knew I wanted to come back and have a special event with my fellow authors,” says Phaze author Bridget Midway. “I was thrilled when I was given the green light for the reading and signing.”

Some of the authors participating in the reading and signing will be Bridget Midway, Alessia Brio, Laura Bacchi, and Petula Caesar, an author who recently penned a short story for best-selling erotica author Zane’s upcoming Caramel Flava anthology. After the reading, authors will be signing their works, which run in prices from $3 to $15.

For more information, contact Shelia Clark at clarkclark80@aol.com or Crystal Bright at announcements@PhazeBooks.com

Monday, May 22, 2006

Implexity


Well, I finally did it. Been meaning to do it for a while, but just never made the time. I resurrected an old, neglected blog & posted all of my poetry to it -- the good, the bad, and the mediocre. Check it out at http://implexity.blogspot.com

Eternal Night Reviews 'Switch'


An interesting, very erotic short tale set with the continuing characters from Alessia Brio's previous book Erotique.

Amanda is the proprietor of a famous sex toy shop and museum of erotica, some of which have can create some very interesting paranormal circumstances. Both she and her boyfriend Bruce have been working long hours, often resorting to just staying at the shop overnight, settling for whatever time they can carve out for themselves. Tonight, however there is a large storm brewing and both Amanda and Bruce decide it's time to take off a bit early and enjoy the show Mother Nature is set to put on.

Leaving the shop to another employee to close, they head home for an evening of delightful erotic revelry with an erotic picnic in bed just for two intending to tryout a new toy the shop had just received in stock, but when the power surges, more than just their libido becomes charged.

Now being a rather short, but very hot, story, I can only tell you that the resulting test becomes slightly skewed. What makes this a gem of a story is the descriptions from both male and female points of view of their very sensual interactions and the added input from the male point of view gives the story very neat new dimensions adding enormously to the eroticism. This is highly entertaining story with delightful verbal interplay between Amanda and Bruce as well as a sizzling script for a very unusual, very hot picnic. You will definitely grin every time you think of a picnic after reading this.

Reviewed by Leola Brooks

Monday, May 15, 2006

Bare Back Review


Switch is the sequel to Alessia Brio's ebook Erotique. Switch continues the story of the two characters Bruce and Amanda.

After not having any quality time due to working on the operations of Erotique, a famous sex toy shop and museum, the lovers decide to spend quality time together in their apartment on a stormy night.

Once in their apartment, the couple find creative and delicious play to heighten each other's passion. The couple's playful love making antics and the surge from the storm causes them to switch bodies.

Bruce and Amanda turn up the power of their passion when their roles are reversed. In the process they learn how to pleasure each other in ways that they have never imagined. The story takes them to a whole new level of sexual pleasure. The lovers discover the physical, and emotional differences that differs between men and women.

The story is playful, romantic, funny and very hot.

The story is well written; once the characters switch bodies, the sexual fun is brought up a notch and you are left wondering what will happen next. This is a must read.

Alessia and Will did a great job on the sequel. Five stars out of five.

Reviewed by Natasha Brooks
(to be posted June 1, 2006)

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Bam Gives Erotique a B


Erotique reviewed by Dionne Galace (a/k/a "Bam"):

You know what this short story (28 pages) reminded me of? That movie Waxwork starring Zack Galligan. [clipped] Anyway, Erotique reminds me of that movie because the heroine in this short story inherits a sex shop that features ancient sex toys that are possessed; like if you touch a dildo owned by Cleopatra, you will get a psychic image of Cleopatra sticking that dildo into Julius Caesar's ass. Or something. I know what you're thinking. Another story about a sexually-retarded heroine inheriting a sex shop and learning to explore her own sexuality, right? Nope. What's great about this story is that the heroine isn't a neurotic, frigid schoolmarm type that wouldn't know the business end of a dildo if it smacked her in the face. Heh. Dildo is a funny word.

The plot is very simple. In fact, as Bruce, the love interest of the heroine says, it's very "Scooby Doo". It's like this: Mandy, the heroine, conditionally inherits Erotique from an eccentric aunt who died under questionable circumstances. Mandy gets to keep Erotique if she stays within the store by herself for a full night on the next full moon. If she can make it through the night, Erotique is hers fair and square. If not, then not so much. Mandy finds outs that the sexual artifacts in the store all bear psychic imprints of their users from a previous life and she is both horrified and sexually fascinated by what she sees. As she explores the history of each object, Mandy finds herself caught up in them, even as they threaten to devour her. Mandy suspects that the objects may have caused the death of her aunt, but she is unable to keep away from them. Even as Bruce worries about her, Mandy realizes that she will do anything to keep Erotique even if it means her own destruction! Dun-dun-dun...

The premise may make it sound like a twisted Twilight Zone episode crossed with an above-average Blaze book, but this was really entertaining. Though the first few pages of the story are a little clunky and loaded with exposition (like the history of Erotique) that is revealed through dialogue (ugh!), Brio hits her stride by page 6 and it becomes a much smoother read. The interaction between Bruce and Mandy feels real and their verbal bantering is very amusing. They seemed like people you meet in college and hang out with. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've woken up next to someone like Bruce before and slipped out the door before he woke up. I'm polite like that. It's too bad that this story is too damned short because I wish I could have gotten to know Mandy some more. What are her motivations? Why couldn't she see what a catch Bruce was until the story is almost over? Why was Bruce single if he was such a big catch? Will Mandy and Bruce continue to see each other after the story ends or will they get together once, have really awkward sex, avoid each other for months, then gradually get back the friendship they had before? Am I projecting again? Man, I should really stop that.

P.S. Despite the cover, this story doesn't feature elves, vampires, or bad CGI hermaphrodites.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Pressing the Switch


SwitchShay, from Sensual Reads, today provided our very first review of Switch. Needless to say, we are thrilled with it:

"For Amanda and Bruce, their time seemed to be spent with the operations of Erotique, a famous sex toy shop and museum. They never seemed to have time for one another. But with a shared kiss at the office, and a little pet and play, they made the time. A mattress picnic in their new apartment was the perfect plan. Along with a new toy to test.

"With the storm brewing outside, and the very pleasurable toy in place, Amanda and Bruce become lost in one another. When the power surges, that becomes the game. They have somehow switched bodies, and soon learn just what it takes to make the other burn. And they are both surprised at what they discover.

"Okay, I have to say WOW! Switch is one hot read that will have your temperature rising, and the play between the two laugh out loud funny. I now have a new outlook on just what my man may be feeling. And I will never look at nipple clamps or grapes the same way again. This duo of authors have a short but sweetly electrifying hot hit on their hands. Bravo! My smile will be in place every time the lightening strikes."

Friday, April 28, 2006

Promo Redundancy Redundacy


In case you missed it, yesterday Will & I announced our contest while co-hosting the Phaze blog. We're accepting entries through next week ... so it's not too late to play along:



Announcing a great reason to buy Switch, the new Phaze HeatSheet from the twisted minds of Alessia Brio and Will Belegon! A reason in addition to the fact that if you don't buy it, you'll probably waste the time randomly clicking through MySpace pages about people you never wanted to get to know anyway. A reason in addition to the fact that it only costs $2. Face it; there are so many less interesting ways to spend two bucks!

What can you get for $2 anyway? Okay, you could get a box of Pop Tarts if you catch them on sale, and Pop Tarts can be pretty good, especially the brown sugar ones on a morning after... *ahem* But after you eat them, they're gone forever. Then all you have left for your money is the FDA nutritional information on the box. That's a pretty boring read. Even the tabloid drama of Britney and Kevin is more interesting than... Okay. Maybe not. But Switch is WAY sexier then Britney-Kevin or even Pop Tarts.

Switch continues the erotic adventures of Bruce & Mandy from Alessia Brio's Erotique. If you've read Erotique, you know that these two should be ready for almost anything, but in Switch even they are caught by surprise. It's not necessary to have read Erotique to understand and enjoy Switch. This story stands on it's own. But if you have already read it, you'll get a couple of extra laughs--and if you haven't, you'll certainly want to after reading Switch. (Erotique is yet another $2 bargain!)

So, what's this great reason to plunk down $2 and read our new HeatSheet? A contest! Yes, a contest blatantly copied from fellow Phaze author Jessie Verino. (We mention that because our lawyer said she probably wouldn't sue us if we gave her a free plug. Our lawyer said he was going to make sure of it, but we haven't heard from him in weeks. His machine said something about a chance to go hunting with the Vice President and that was the last contact.)

Anyway, here's what you gotta do... First, read the story. You can buy it by clicking on the banner above, and... Oh, wait. Okay, starting over. First, click on the banner above and use your credit card to buy Switch. (If you don't have a credit card, we'd be happy to accept payment via PayPal & handle the transaction for you, attaching your purchase to a return e-mail. Just drop Alessia an e-mail and we'll go from there!) Second, read the story. Third, answer the questions below. Fourth, e-mail your answers to Alessia or Will. Last, check out Will's Yahoo!Group on Saturday, May 6th (when we'll announce the winner).

Prize: The winner will have the choice of ONE of the following:

  1. A Phaze mug or mouse pad
    Shipped directly to the winner from Phaze's CafePress shop

  2. A pair of vibrating nipple clamps
    Shipped directly (and discreetly) to the winner from the vendor.

  3. A Coming Together multi-volume CD
    Contains 38 erotic short stories and 34 poems, many accompanied by original illustrations. This autographed CD features volumes 1-2 plus the special hurricane relief edition in PDF format. (Adobe Reader also included.)


Questions:

  • What will Bruce accept in lieu of his attorney fee?

  • What does Bruce use to keep the grapes from rolling off Mandy's body?

  • What does Mandy tell Bruce to stop playing with?

  • What did Bruce & Mandy find "better post-coitus"?

  • What do "so many cultures" associate with storms?


Tie Breakers:

  • To what was Bruce referring in his last line of dialog in Switch?

  • From what type of stone was Erotique's Italian Renaissance diletto (dildo) carved?


Responses should be e-mailed to either Will or Alessia no later than Friday May 5, 2006 @ midnight Eastern (9pm Pacific). The winner will be announced on Saturday May 6, 2006 on Will's Yahoo!Group. Subscribe by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/willbelegon.