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.