Giggles Not Amused

ArtiFactual is a collection of the authors' previous standalone short stories featuring the Energizer-powered lovebirds Mandy and Bruce: Erotique, Switch, and Amichu. Also included is a brand new story, Closing Arguments. Needless to say, I strongly recommend purchasing this collection instead of the individual stories if you are new to the enthusiastic shagbunny adventures of Mandy and Bruce since you'll be getting more value for money here. Oh, and I finally learn Mandy's full name here - Amanda Long.

This review will be solely on Closing Arguments since the other stories are already previously reviewed. I'm hoping that it will take off where Amichu ends but somehow we've moved forward and now our lovebirds are facing some legal issues. A "holier-than-thou bitch" Mary Elizabeth Snow bought a dildo from their store and is now suing them because the dildo apparently not only didn't do its job, it also "impaired her fertility" and "ruined her marriage prospects". I wonder how that dildo was used until it damaged her ovaries. Do I even want to know? That's just the tip of the iceberg for this story which is longer than the other stories. There are ghosts and more revelations about the late Aunt Viv's life and loves plus the introduction of some new friends. Contrary to its title, I don't think I will see the last of Mandy and Bruce after this story.

As much as I find Closing Arguments a more substantial story, plot-wise, I am quite disappointed in how tame it is compared to the earlier adventures of Mandy and Bruce in Erotique and Switch. These two characters are still rather superficial and I don't know much about them to comment on them as characters even after four stories so I'm afraid all that backstory and new revelations in Closing Arguments bore me considerably since I hardly know Bruce and Mandy to begin with (I don't even know Mandy's full name until now!) so I am not entirely too concerned about their lives outside the bedroom.

If the authors want to have a more "plot-oriented" direction for future Bruce and Mandy stories, I think they probably should take some time in a future book to flesh out Bruce and Mandy by giving them a deeper backstory each as well as more discernible personalities so that readers like me will have an easier time getting into their stories. The first two books in the series are slanted towards eroticism and I suspect the eroticism is why readers would want to follow the series. Ms Brio and Mr Belegon need to have something good to keep these readers reading and the main characters being nice and happy people aren't enough in this case to be much of a hook where I am concerned.

I've simply added up the collective grades of the three previously reviewed books and my score for Closing Arguments and use the average as the score for this book. This gives ArtiFactual a final rating of 67.

Romance Galleria Cameo Awards

fine flickering hungers

On the other hand ...

On the same day as Mrs. Giggles' less-than-stellar review of Time Warp, my twisted tale of revenge gets a recommended read from Joyfully Reviewed! There is balance in my universe.

Tera says:

I loved Time Warp! I cannot stress enough how much I loved this book. Alessia did a great job with this one. And no, it’s not just because The Rocky Horror Picture Show is my favorite movie of all time. But sadly, I can’t say too awful much about the plot, or I’ll give the story away. And being blind going in to it and finding out what happens is what makes this a great read. The ending was phenomenal and I loved what Alex did. She’s a woman after my own heart. This one is definitely going on my “Read Again and Again” shelf!!

Aunty Giggles reviews "Time Warp"

Time Warp is not a paranormal shagfest inspired by too many bad Star Trek episodes and even more vodka, in case you're wondering. The title directly refers to the song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show that Daniel Gallagher was dancing to when Alex, our heroine, first met him seven years ago and indirectly a play on the fact that the first anniversary dinner is a blissful moment for the two of them while the current anniversary dinner, despite some deliberate similarities to that in the first year, is far from magical. Today, the marriage is over but Alex invites Dan for one special anniversary dinner. For old time's sake, of course. Hey, is that the theme song for that old TV series Alfred Hitchcock Presents playing in the background?

Time Warp is one of the first two stories that kick off Phaze's Fury line, which is a revenge-themed line of short stories. Talk about spoiling the fun a little because revenge isn't just best served cold, it's should be sprung on both the victim and the reader without advance notice. The fact that this story is published under the Fury imprint robs it of most of its suspense. At any rate, I'm not going to spoil this story any more than I probably have already, although you can probably guess by now that Alex is going to sic it real good on Dan.

I can actually see the twist at the end coming from a mile away but I must say, I do have a chuckle at the over-the-top crazy antics of Alex in this story. This story is really too short to offer anything more than a revenge fantasy, so it's not as if I can say much about it here. However, the storyline in Time Warp is very dependent on catching the reader by surprise due to its straightforward nature that leaves not much room for twists and other surprises. With Phaze putting out this story under its revenge fantasy imprint, half the pleasure from being surprised is already gone before the party has ever started.

Time Warp is a quick read that is easy to read and forget. However, if you want ideas on getting back at that ex-boyfriend or ex-husband, you can probably do worse than investing $2.00 on this story.

Rating: 56

Butterfly

I am thrilled to announce that my story, Butterfly, has received an honorable mention in Desdmona's Titillating Tattoo Story Contest! Click HERE to read it.

Yeah, baby! Yeah!

Two Releases Today!

ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique
ISBN 1-59426-908-4

Together in one volume, Phaze is proud to present the Tales of the Erotique Mystique. From the incredible writing team of Alessia Brio and Will Belegon comes a vivid collection of stories of passion, adventure, and exotic toys. ArtiFactual includes Phaze favorites "Erotique," "Switch" (a P&E Readers Poll Winner!), "Amichu," and a never-before-published novella, "Closing Arguments," in the continuing adventures of the playful and sexy couple, Amanda Long and Bruce Winfield.

Coming soon to print.

Length: Eclipse
Rating: Nova - 4 (includes scenes of violence and some F/F scenes)





Time Warp
ISBN 1-59426-522-4

A Phaze Fury/Umbra Release!

Dan doesn't appreciate Alex any longer, and Alex just does not appreciate Dan's infidelity. When cunning and creativity combine in a woman scorned, revenge turns criminally delicious. Who's really the guilty party in this twisted tale of torment?

Length: HeatSheet
Rating: Nova/Umbra - 5

You can also pick up these and my other titles at FictionWise

Sensual Reads Reviews "Time Warp"

"Time Warp," my Phaze Fury HeatSheet, and the first release in its new Umbra (dark) line, received 5 Roses from Crystal at Sensual Reads & Reviews:

Time Warp is a surprising and erotic story. Alessia Brio knows how to write a story about revenge. She has nailed this one perfectly. If I went through what Alex did, I would plan the same thing. This is a must read for everyone.

CTR Reviews "Time Warp"

Caro from Coffee Time Romance had this to say about my Phaze Fury HeatSheet "Time Warp" (which will be released on Sunday) ...

Ms Brio has written an illuminatingly dark tale of fury. Time Warp, as part of Phaze's new Umbra (dark) line, nurtures fantasy within all who have been betrayed by those once loved and trusted. This is not a romance; it is instead a tale amply showing that hell hath no fury... Sometimes, revenge is not best served cold! Sometimes, in our fantasies at least, revenge burns hotter than love ever did. Beware the sizzle of this erotic yet thought provoking tale.

A New Interview & A New (Free!) Story

The kids are off school this week for spring break, and it's putting a real damper on my focus for writing. Fortunately, I've lots of cover art assignments, promo for the upcoming releases of "Time Warp" and ArtiFactual, and preparations for the rapidly-approaching Romantic Times Convention to keep me busy while the little distractions are being... well, distracting.

Up today on The Blushing Ladies Journal is my interview by Gracie Passette: If Love Is Blind, What Are Romance and Arousal?

... and ...

Over at Oysters & Chocolate, you can read my sexy little vignette entitled Listen To Me in the April issue. And it's FREE! I love the artwork O&C posted with it, too >>>

Check 'em out! Then, lemme know your thoughts.

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

On my knees

Okay, I'm not too proud to beg for votes. *grin* Yours truly is nominated (for the second consecutive year) as Literotica's Most Influential Writer under my Lit-o-nym "impressive." I would be much obliged if you'd toss your vote my way. You must be registered with Literotica in order to vote, but it's free (and I promise you won't get any SPAM).

While you're there, be sure to give my partner some love, too! He has a character nominated as Sexiest Male Character in a Literotica Story.