Artistically Inclined, LLP

WINNER: Squeeze Play

2009-06-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

It's a HOME RUN for our baseball erotic romance! Available in ebook and paperback from Phaze Books.

At First Whip Creamed

2009-05-15T22:00:00.002-04:00

Whipped Cream Reviews had this to say about our Urban Phaze short, At First (which also appears in volume 1 of Coming Together: At Last):

What happens when a gentleman from Chile with old world manners collides with a modern day sexually liberated American woman? Plenty!

Eduardo and Vivian run into each other – quite literally on a busy street in Washington, DC. A huge crowd had gathered to listen to a young charismatic speaker and Eduardo was rushing through the crowd oblivious to the beautiful woman in the yellow dress…that is until he collided with her knocking her to the ground. Determined to make amends for his unchivalrous behavior Eduardo invites Vivian to a small café for some Cokes to quench their thirst on this steamy DC Afternoon. However, Eduardo is once again embarrassed by his behavior as he inadvertently spills a Coke on Vivian’s sundress.

Coming to the rescue is Lupe, the waitress at the café and Eduardo’s friend. Lupe suggests Vivian and Eduardo retreat to his apartment where Vivian can wash the sugary concoction off her dress. Arriving at Eduardo’s apartment the sexual tension mounts and Vivian finds herself orchestrating the pas de deux much to the amusement of Eduardo who is not used to the more open sexual mores of American women.

I was a bit befuddled about who the dynamic speaker was that Vivian found so enthralling. [HINT: MLK, Jr. ~ Alessia] The authors never explained. Could it be Malcolm X who Vivian casually mentions later in the story? I felt if the authors went to the trouble of setting this scene of dynamism, they could have let the reader in on who they were referring to. [Clues aplenty. We did everything but type his name. ~ Alessia]

I did learn a new Spanish word – chupadita - which was interesting and self-explanatory. I thought the sex scenes were hot and very well described. Eduardo and Vivian learn that love and sex are the same in all languages.

Their chance encounter leads them to discover they have much in common despite their disparate backgrounds. The language of sex, however, is universal which they both discover on a steamy Washington afternoon. A good story.

Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Azalea

TRS reviews At First

2009-02-13T22:00:00.001-05:00

The Romance Studio gives At First, the story behind the story of ArtiFactual, four hearts and some very nice praise:

At First -- Washington D.C. is the story behind Alessia Brio and Will Belegon's story, ArtiFactual. Set before the foundation of the Erotique Mystique, Senor Eduardo "Eddie" Rojas Aguilar is a young archeology student. Wandering the streets of D.C., he literally plows into Vivian Long and fireworks ensue. What is it about tall, dark, and mysterious that has Vivian so wound up? What's the spark in her touch, and why can't Eduardo seem to tell the woman, no? Why is he attracted to such a forward woman?
Attraction at first sight or is it love? Either way, Brio and Belegon know how to keep the intensity at the forefront. From Eddie and Vivian's first encounter to the chain of events that Vivian allows, and sometimes orchestrates, to draw them along and together, the chemistry between the characters is amazing. Not having read ArtiFactual, I'm not sure of this story's meaning, but I found At First stands well on its own. I love the concept of different personalities and instant attraction, and found the authors have an uncanny way to make it real. I enjoyed being drawn and made privy to the character's thoughts. Nice romantic elements and intense sex make this story one hot read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Bryl Tyne

Just $2 from Phaze Books!

At First

2008-12-07T00:00:00.005-05:00

Before Mandy Long and Bruce Winfield began their globetrotting stewardship of the most unique retail establishment in Philadelphia, there was a woman who built the foundation for Erotique. Built it with her will and her sense of adventure. A woman who was ahead of her time in many ways.

Vivian Long's life was full of triumphs and tragedies. As we celebrate the beginning of a new era in America, come back with us and experience the beginning of the Erotique era for the Long family.

On a historic day in Washington D.C., Vivian Long and Eduardo Rojas Aguliar make some history of their own. And like this country, their lives will never be the same.

Walking along 17th Street with his mind firmly in the past and oblivious to the historic present, Eduardo Rojas collided with his future. Not metaphorically, but quite literally.

Both his stack of books and the woman in the yellow dress tumbled to the ground.

“¡Madre de Dios! My apologies, señorita. I did not see…”

His breath caught, his words drifted into a stammer as the woman turned and he saw her eyes for the first time. Though he considered himself a romantic, Eduardo had never believed in the concept of love at first sight until that moment.

She settled on her elbows, smiling at the slightly open-mouthed stare of her unwitting attacker. Though he had seemed quite determined to keep moving before their impact, he was currently motionless. Torn between wanting to see how long he would stay that way and a desire to get back on her feet, she decided to flip the switch on his internal circuit breaker.

“Usually, it would be considered polite to help a lady up—especially when you’re the one who just sent her sprawling.” The harsh content of the words was belied by their light-hearted delivery. Vivian Long was far less upset about being knocked down than she was interested in the man who had done so. He wore a brown suit that was the height of fashion…decades ago. The collection of books he had been carrying was now split between the pavement and a precarious perch in his crooked elbow, save the one in her lap. She lifted it and glanced at the spine while her handsome assailant stammered another apology, letting the rest of his armload fall in his haste to offer her a hand.

“I am very sorry, señorita. I was trying to make my way through this crowd as quickly and as gently as possible, and I somehow did not notice you, though how that was possible, I truly do not know.” Eduardo blushed as he realized what he had just said. It was, however, exactly what he was thinking. Her creamy skin stood out in a sea of predominantly darker tones. Brown hair in braids, deep eyes of hazel that had trapped him momentarily, and a figure that filled out her summery dress in ways that he had best not consider if he wanted to avoid further embarrassment.

“Perhaps your mind was in the Andes of the 1500s instead of Washington in August of 1963.” Vivian took the proffered hand, pulled herself up, then placed the book, Marriage and Courting Rituals among Classes in Incan Society and Their Effect on Warfare and Politics, in the hand she released after gaining her feet. She retrieved her sign and helped him gather the other scattered volumes, which carried similarly scholarly titles in both English and Spanish. “Do you work at the Smithsonian?”

“No, I am merely a student. I did several years in the field after obtaining my master’s degree in Chile and am now working on my doctorate through an exchange program at Georgetown College. I apologize again for my carelessness and would…”

His words were drowned out as the surrounding crowd cheered the comments from the current speaker. The noise quickly died down as the people once again began to concentrate on the speech.

Vivian smiled again as she pieced together what she thought he had said. “I’m sorry, are you asking me on a date? I don’t even know your name!” She struggled to keep a straight face as the man’s handsome features contorted in shame, and he immediately began a new apology.

“No, no. I simply meant that I felt I should make amends and would like to….”

“Hush.” Vivian placed a finger on his lips. A visible shiver passed through him at her touch, but he did not withdraw. “Have you a specific meeting that you were hurrying to reach?” She lifted her finger slightly to allow his reply, and his tongue darted, subconsciously sampling the site of her touch. Vivian felt the imaginary rasp of it against a distant part of her body.

“Well, no. I simply had not anticipated the immensity of this event and…”

With the heat of his breath brushing her fingertip, she realized he was not the only one stunned by an inexplicably powerful connection. In that moment, it became more necessity than amusement to maintain contact.

Once again, Vivian placed the finger on his lips. “Then you can make amends by standing with me and listening to the next speaker. Witness some history as it happens instead of reading about it hundreds of years later. Then you can take me for that cup of coffee, señor…” Her voice trailed off in an interrogatory tone.

“Rojas. Eduardo Rojas Aguilar.”

“What a mouthful! Eddie, it is. Please, call me Vivian. Now, stand here and listen with me. Then you can buy me that drink, and I’ll consider your debt repaid. Deal?”

Eduardo started to correct her undignified shortening of his name, but thought better of it. There would be time for that later, he realized, still shocked both at his own forwardness and that he had put himself in a situation where it could come into play. He decided that it would be a more interesting evening than he had expected, although he still had reading to do. Hearing the name of the next speaker and realizing it was familiar from the newspaper, he decided that he would indeed listen. Afterward, the companionship promised to be, at the very least, intellectually stimulating.

Vivian watched the conflict play across Eddie’s face before he quieted. She thought she recognized it, both from her own experiences and those of acquaintances. She also noticed the quiet intensity that took over as he glanced down at her sign, then turned his attention toward the stage erected on the monument steps. He might not be up to speed on current events, but he knew something of the struggle, she realized. While his clothes were out of date, there was a fierce intelligence in those eyes. She was very interested to hear his reaction to the speech, which, by all accounts, would be similar to one she’d heard the speaker deliver months ago.

“Very well, miss…Vivian,” he finished, looking at her and stammering over her given name as if it was an inappropriately glimpsed undergarment. Since she’d not supplied her surname, he had no choice but to use the more personal form of address. There was something titillating about the man’s discomfiture, she realized. He made her feel like a forbidden fruit, ripe and juicy and begging to be…

“I take it this is a cause about which you are passionate?”

Vivian cocked an eyebrow, causing him to blush at his use of a word with such sexual overtones.

“I mean,” Eduardo continued, “with which you are intimate?”

She smiled.

For those of you who have been craving more Bruce and Mandy...

Well, you'll have to keep re-reading Artifactual. We will return to those two beloved characters, but their next adventure is still in the plotting phaze. *wink*

Squeeze Play

2008-10-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

Now available in ebook & print from Phaze Books:

Together in one volume, get ready for an incredible seventh inning stretch with the sexiest baseball stories since Bull Durham!
Double Header: Andrea Spring doesn't love baseball, but she sure loves baseball players. When her carefully-crafted casual sex life gets rocked by unexpected forces, she meets the challenge with her unique style. There's nothing conventional about this woman. When Andi plays, everybody wins.

Spring Training: As the new season rolls around, Andi's focus has shifted from players to coach. Does Mark Hamilton have what it takes to earn Andi's trust and complete Spring Training?

978-1-60659-092-8 ($6 ebook)
978-1-60659-053-9 ($12.95 print)

Mystique Books reviews Switch

2008-09-17T08:00:00.005-04:00

Here's what Rachel Nail of Mystique Books says about Switch:

I've always been told to unplug electrical devices during thunderstorms. Something about a lightning traveling along the building's wires and coming out the other end. This hazard had the possibility of causing complications with computers, telephones, disk players...sex toys?

This book is a work of genius. To have the two lovers switch bodies during sex was an awesome twist to any story, not to mention very, very sexy. I was hooked to the story, wondering what would happen. My only complaint was that the reader was left wondering how, if at all, Mandy and Bruce return to their bodies. An excellent read!

Four and a half Mystique Moons. (Excellent)
Class Five sensuality. (Raging Carnality)

2007 Dream Realm Awards

2008-08-17T19:00:00.004-04:00

The awards were announced at ArmadilloCon, the Texas SciFi convention, on Saturday 16 August 2008. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners! (Alas, ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique was not among them.)

Two Lips Reviews Under Fire

2008-07-24T10:00:00.005-04:00

Title: Under Fire
Author: Alessia Brio and Will Belegon, editors
Publisher: Phaze
Genre: Anthology
Publication date: 2007
ISBN: 978-1-59426-857-1
Pages: 288
Series: Coming Together
Reviewer: Aviana
Heat Level: F/M; F/F; M/M; M/M/M
Rating:

Coming Together: Under Fire is a collection of short stories and poems dedicated to the victims of the Southern California wildfires in October 2007 and to the courageous men and women who battled those blazes. All the proceeds go to help the victims, some of whom will surely struggle for years to put their lives back together. As part of the Coming Together series - benefiting a variety of charities and natural disasters, Coming Together: Under Fire is both an extremely worthwhile project and the perfect book to dip into before bedtime.
Editors Alessia Brio and Will Belegon made sure this collection of 37 short stories and poems include something for everyone. Many of the entries have fire as a theme, but not all. Some of the stories seem specifically written about the Southern California fires, mentioning names and places familiar to those who lived through those harrowing days, such as myself.
Poetry lovers will be delighted to find poems comprise half this volume and are interleafed between each short story. I especially liked the way the editors italicized the poetry titles in the table of contents, making it easier for the reader. It’s impossible to review all 37 entries in one short review but a few stand out.
Burn Zone by James Buchanan is a touching and erotic story about 3 firefighters, two city fireman and one smoke jumper. The men are roommates and when two of them hear the third is having trouble dealing with the loss of his teammates in an out-of-control brushfire, they go looking for him. Once they finally find him, they force him to face his guilt while affirming the unique bond they share as friends and a sexual threesome.
Drive-In by Tilly Green is a fun story about a very sexy and pent up firefighter and his patient girlfriend enjoying public sex at a private beach party. She finally gets up the nerve to express her deepest feelings and naturally that’s just when he gets paged to come back to work.
Slow Burn Blues by Lefty McGee is a powerful poem about a man drinking whiskey in a smoky bar while listening to a woman sing the blues. In just a few short stanzas, the story of this man’s regrets and his overwhelming shame is revealed.
Blind Date by Stephanie Vaughan seems written specifically for this volume. It’s the sexy story of two gay men on a blind date - arranged by one of their moms, no less! One happens to be a firefighter on call which gives the story a nice tension. The two quickly hit it off and although things go from spark to inferno they also manage to connect emotionally in a very special way.
The last title of this anthology, The End of the World by Gwen Masters, is an astonishingly tender tale of a married couple lost in the vast Gibson Desert of Australia. It’s unbearably hot, the food and water are running out and they know they can’t last more than a couple of days. With nothing to do but wait to die, they are forced to finally face the reasons their marriage failed. Although The End of the World has nothing to do with fire per se, it’s a story of hope in the face of total disaster – a fitting end to this fine collection.

http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3126&Itemid=36

Finalist!

2008-07-12T17:00:00.011-04:00

We are delighted to announce that ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique is a finalist in the 2007 Dream Realm Awards!

The awards will be announced at ArmadilloCon, the Texas SciFi convention, in August.

Joyfully Reviewed reviews SDS

2008-05-12T17:00:00.003-04:00

Erys at Joyfully Reviewed had this to say about our Phaze Snuggler HeatSheet:

San Diego Sunset is a romantic story about what happens when two people are fated to meet. I enjoyed the way it feels as if they could be anyone, even the woman or man next door. Alessia Brio and Will Belegon write so well together you cannot tell this is written by more than one author.

BBM reviews Bound

2008-05-04T10:00:00.007-04:00

Natasha Brooks, editor-in-chief for Bare Back Magazine, had some wonderful things to say about Bound for Success in the May 2008 issue:

Bound For Success is the follow up from the writing duo, Will Belegon and Alessia Brio (from their previous book entitled Artistically Inclined). The story picks up where Cyndi is anxious because she's having her first solo art show. Despite Cyndi feeling anxious about the art show, Kevin seemed to find time to relieve Cyndi's tension about that night in very creative and sensual ways.

The writing duo created very unique and kinky love scenes which included a taste of BDSM and sex in the most uncommon places...

The clear amount of creativity put into the love scenes makes the story extra hot!

The story line reveals a stronger relationship between Cyndi and Kevin which actually brought more credibility to the story. What really strikes my attention is the characters' playful dialogue and how their relationship seemed to flow so well throughout the story.

The story overall makes for a good read! If you liked the first installment from the writing duo then you'll surely enjoy Bound for Success even better.

Four Stars!

Reviewed by Natasha Brooks, editor-in-chief, Bare Back Magazine
Posted May 2008

Artistically Inclined (ebook) + Bound for Success (ebook) = Artistically Bound (print)

Spring Training

2008-04-16T17:00:00.001-04:00

In all the RT madness, we forgot to blog about the release of Spring Training.

Last season, Andrea Spring had the ride--or, rather, rides--of her life with a pair of pitchers in Double Header. As the new season rolls around, Andi's focus has shifted from players to coach. Does Mark Hamilton have what it takes to earn Andi's trust and complete Spring Training?

April, 2008 ($5 ebook)
ISBN 978-1-59426-874-8

You can read reviews of this work HERE and HERE ... although the latter makes us wonder if the reviewer read the same book we wrote. If so, she certainly had a different view of our "hero."

Passion in Pittsburgh

2008-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Not attending this year's Romantic Times Convention event in Pittsburgh? No problem. We're bringing the passion in Pittsburgh to you in one print volume!

Artistically Bound: Passion in Pittsburgh

Special RT Print Release! Celebrate Passion in Pittsburgh with this collection of sizzling erotic romance.

Artistically Inclined: Determined not to repeat past mistakes and allow their sex life to become stale and repetitive, Cyndi issues Kevin a Valentine's Day challenge to exchange fantasy lists. His response provides the canvas for an evening of daring inclinations and passionate creativity.

Bound For Success: A stand-alone continuation of the tale which began with this writing team's most popular novella, Artistically Inclined, Pittsburgh's daring duo is back in a hot-blooded romance with a penchant for ties that bind! When Cyndi's nerves about her gallery opening get the better of her, Kevin takes matters into his own hands, replacing one tension with another and setting the stage for a very eventful evening.

In addition, to introduce readers to another pair of our popular characters, Artistically Bound contains a chapter from ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique.

We are psyched that 100 copies of Artistically Bound will be in RT's "giveaway room" courtesy of Phaze. :)

~ ~ ~

Manic Readers reviews Spring Training

2008-03-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

Cristina from Manic Readers gives Spring Training 4 of 5 stars:

Andrea Spring loves men involved in sports. Having had many casual encounters over the years, she is a pro at leaving them behind. But what happens when one won't leave her fantasies? Especially when he's a coach for two of her former lovers that she left the season before? Will Mark finally be the one to tame her?

First of all, this is a part of a series starting with Double Header which I haven’t read yet but Spring Training works well on its own. There are a lot of references to sports and athletes and it would help to have a passing knowledge of any sport or even to have seen certain sports movies like “Bull Durham”. Knowing the lingo will help you to understand some of the inner workings taking place in the story. I love the use of the different toys which made the sex scenes very hot. There are multiple partners and the language is very to the point which elevated the heat level even more. Andi is a very interesting female character and though I wasn't so sure I would like her at first, by the end I was cheering her on.

~ ~ ~

Partnership 101

2008-03-23T20:00:00.001-04:00

Please pop over to Literotica & vote on our Coming Together "How To" piece. Proceeds (if there are any) will got toward purchasing copies of Coming Together volumes for book signings & promo.

~ ~ ~

Partnership 101

by Coming Together©

Welcome to Coming Together, the show by and for authors of erotica! Our topic this afternoon is collaborative writing. Joining us today are two exciting authors who have Literotica to thank for their "coming together" -- Will Belegon and Alessia Brio (a/k/a "impressive" or even "Imp"). Let's give them a warm welcome. *applause*

Host: Please tell our studio audience how you two came together.

Alessia: Um, that's a little personal, don't y'think?

Will: He's referring to our writing, ya little minx. *laughter*

Alessia: Oh, right. Sorry. Well, as you said in the introduction, we met online—but we didn't jump right into bed with one another. We got to know each other pretty well first—became friends, established trust. That's important, I think, for satisfactory collaborations. Writing erotica is very much an exhibitionist endeavor. In a way, it's like masturbating in front of an audience. Doing it with a partner just doubles that exposure.

Will: And, as if that's not intimidating enough, you're trying to please your partner in addition to pleasing the crowd. Talk about performance anxiety!

Host: Interesting analogy. Okay, so how do you get started?

Alessia: No matter how often you masturbate, and how good you are at it, you can still expect to feel all the nervousness and anxiety associated with a new affair—and that's true whether you're a virgin or a veteran. Everything's fresh and exciting.

Will: And Alessia's a masturbation expert—a real crowd pleaser. She's not afraid to use some innovative tools to improve the outcome, either.

Alessia: You're no slouch yourself, mister! It can be intimidating to get involved with someone who already has a reputation for his oral—I mean, verbal—skills. You wonder how you'll measure up, y'know?

Host: So, if I'm understanding you correctly, collaborating is like whacking off together—on stage?

Will: That's an oversimplification. Our first couple of collaborations were written in this mutual masturbation kinda style—and it is a nice way to get used to one another. I'd write a section from the male character's point of view, then Alessia would write a section from the female's. It's called 'alternating third person limited point-of-view.' We'd go back and forth a few times until the story reached its—um, climax. Other than some proofreading, though, we tried to keep our hands off each other's parts.

Alessia: Yeah, and that was really tough! There were times when I so wanted to touch Will's parts—almost aching with desire—and I'm sure he felt the same.

Will: You could say that. I'm all about consent, though. I don't touch anyone's parts unless invited. And even after it became quite clear that Alessia wanted her parts touched, I was still reticent. I didn't want to risk hurting her.

Host: That seems wise. However, judging from your bodies—of work, at some point you became quite comfortable touching one another's parts. When did that occur?

Alessia: Actually, it just kinda happened. We really didn't plan it. I guess we were both ready to move the partnership to a new level. One day, we just started writing a story without ping-ponging the point of view—and one thing led to another. Apparently, we managed to put on quite a show, because we ended up getting paid for it!

Will: I'm of the opinion that those new to collaborative writing shouldn't rush into anything too complicated. Third omniscient requires an intimacy that is almost frightening in its intensity. Not only are you touching one another's parts, but you're doing it under a spotlight. The audience can no longer critique your individual performances. You succeed—or fail—as one. You come together—or not at all. The satisfaction, however, makes it well worth the risk.

Alessia: It was hard—very hard—but I managed to overcome my fears. It's still hard sometimes, but we work around it 'cause we're committed to the outcome.

Will: With care and finesse, you can stroke the hard parts. Alessia's a great stroker.

Host: Okay, so that's style. What about the technical aspects? How do you communicate with one another?

Alessia: For us, given the difference in our daily routines, it's easiest to pass a Word document back and forth via e-mail. I'm most likely to get my groove on first thing in the morning.

Will: Whereas I'm at peak in the evenings. So I milk it at night, then send it off to Alessia. She massages it in the morning, adds her piece, and sends it back. We do it all with the "Track Changes" feature turned on and make extensive use of the "Comments" tool. The comments alone in one of our collaborations would make for a good story.

Alessia: Now, we've heard from other collaborators that they role play their characters in an instant messenger session. We've not tried that...

Will: 'Cause it could get a little sticky.

Host: Sticky, eh? Right.

Alessia: The secret, really—and the toughest part—is to be totally open with your partner. If you hold back, you're not gonna be fully satisfied. For example, if you have a problem telling your partner, "I think you should stroke it this way," then perhaps collaboration is not for you. You'd be better off sticking to the solo action.

Host: Doesn't e-mail slow you down, though, when you're developing your story lines?

Will: Yeah, sometimes. For plotting, the transcript of a chat session can serve as a rough outline. But for the most involved stories, we usually resort to aural.

Alessia: Oral's the best, really. If given my druthers, I'd opt for oral almost every time. The outcome is much improved. Really.

Will: I said aural, not oral, you insatiable little...

Alessia: Oh. Well, aural's good—but oral's better. No doubt about THAT!

Host: You make it sound so easy.

Alessia: I am—I mean, it is—easy once that trust is established. But I don't let just anyone touch my parts, I'll have you know! I'm extremely picky about that. For a collaboration to be most effective, partners need to be on the same page in terms of WHY they're in bed together in the first place. For some, it's just a quick roll in the hay—and there's nothing wrong with that. Others are more emotionally invested and/or goal-oriented.

Will: There can even be multiple reasons—and they can vary from piece to piece. It's just important to be clear about them so that you understand where your partner is coming from. Communication is critical in any successful team endeavor.

Host: What about multiple partners?

Will: Simultaneously? We've certainly talked about it, and it's undoubtedly territory we'll explore in much more depth. We both want it, but it does introduce a whole new set of challenges. I think a cameo might be the best way to test those waters before getting into anything too intricate.

Alessia: I agree. A three-way in third omniscient would be damned difficult, but that's not to say it can't be done and done well. In third limited, though, it'd be much easier. Tag team style, so to speak. Each gives head—I mean, picks a head—and focuses completely on it, attacking only from that perspective.

Will: Now, individually is a different story. I've done it with someone else. Alessia has not. Or if she has, she hasn't told me about it. We're both open to the idea of hooking up with others outside of our partnership. Again, that trust is key.

Alessia: Without a solid foundation, it's easy to see how you might feel threatened by your partner's desire to branch out. I look at it this way: Either I have what it takes to keep my partner coming back for more, or I don't. If I don't, then it's only a matter of time before he (or she) decides to move on. I mean, why invest gobs of time and energy into a partnership that's not meeting your needs? That just results in anger and hurt feelings. It's better for all involved to just let it fade away and move on—either solo or with another partner. No hard feelings.

Host: Well, you've certainly given our audience a lot to think about. Thank you. Any parting words of advice for folks who want to attempt doing it with a partner?

Alessia: Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to let it all hang out.

Will: And prepare yourself for a wild ride!

~ ~ ~

Mensa Bulletin review

2008-02-29T17:00:00.002-05:00

It's Poll Time

2008-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Romance Short Story published in 2007...
Artistically Inclined [ VOTE HERE ]

Print/Electronic Erotica Novel published in 2007...
ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique [ VOTE HERE ]

Under Fire

2007-12-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Available NOW in both ebook ($7) and print ($16) from Phaze!

The Coming Together anthology series is about giving--and sex; a powerful combination in any setting. These talented authors & poets have donated their fiery words to ease the burn of loss caused by the 2007 Southern California wildfires.

For this volume, EPPIE Award-winner Alessia Brio brings Will Belegon on board to share editing duties and his poignant perspective as a San Diegan. Dubbed "a straight up duo of walking hedonism," this dynamic writing team has compiled a sizzling collection of poetry & prose.

Your purchase is erotic altruism at its finest! Please check out all the other volumes in this enticing series, including the critically-acclaimed Coming Together: For the Cure, at: www.eroticanthology.com

EPPIE Finalists Announced!

2007-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yay! Phaze in Verse is an EPPIE finalist in the Poetry category. Will has 9 poems and Alessia has 4 in this awesome collection.

For the complete list of finalists, visit the EPIC site. Winners will be announced at EPICon. Hope to see you there!

P.S. Emily Veinglory has posted a list of finalists on the EREC blog, too.

Doing the Pink

2007-12-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

Join a diverse group of authors from noon 'til 6 o'clock on Saturday 15 December 2007 at the Pink Banana Boutique in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We'll be signing our books, schmoozing with customers, and giving away a big 'ol gift basket!

Autographed books make GREAT gifts, by the way. *wink*

~ ~ ~

FAR Reviews Double Header

2007-12-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

Double Header packs one heck of a sexual punch right from the start. Andrea is a complex character with sizzling sexual needs. The reader will keep trying to figure her out. Her sexual needs are uninhibited and daring. She has a thoroughly modern outlook on sex. She comes across in the story as a confident, strong woman that knows exactly what she wants. There is interplay between Andrea and the baseball players. The secondary characters are a welcome addition to the story and add a certain fun and spice. The sex scenes are extremely hot and raw. The men in the story are sexy. The authors have done a nice job in telling a hot and sexy story.
Reviewed by: Dawnie

30% Off ArtiFactual

2007-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Question: What's better than a collection of four, fun, sexy Mandy & Bruce novellas under one cover?

Answer: A collection of four, fun, sexy Mandy & Bruce novellas under one cover and ON SALE!

Now at CyberRead, you can download ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique for 30% off the cover price. That's 58,000 words of haunted sex toys, Indiana Jones-style adventure, legal drama, and plentiful hot sex for less than the price of a Saturday afternoon matinée.

Just enter COUPON CODE 111007 at checkout!

BLURB:

Finally, in one volume, are the sizzling erotic adventures of Mandy and Bruce, connoisseurs of sexual pleasure, with or without batteries! ArtiFactual features the original tales Erotique, Switch (a Preditors & Editors Reader's Poll Winner!) and the exotic Amichu. Also included is the never before published novella Closing Arguments, where sexual desire is put on trial. Just as lawyer Bruce's courtroom savvy doesn't seem enough to save Mandy's shop, along comes help in the form of the delightful, and spirited, Aunt Viv.

REVIEW:

I found this a thoroughly delightful erotic romp, complete with adventure, plenty of sex, and a few mysteries. The unusual items for sexual pleasure were especially intriguing. Amanda and Bruce are well suited to each other, playing off each other’s strengths. They complement each other well. I found a touch of comedy in one chapter that really had me going. I laughed so hard tears streamed from eyes and it took me a few minutes to start reading again. I loved it! The amount of detail the authors use in describing the items in the museum and their backgrounds reflected a thorough of the subject matter, incorporated well into the story without reading as a lecture. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a hot read on the beach or in the bed. You’ll laugh with Bruce and Amanda, snarl with them, and solve the puzzles and mysteries as they wind their way toward each other and a great partnership. ~ The Romance Studio

If ebooks aren't your thing, ArtiFactual is also available in print (and eligible for Free Super-Saver Shipping) from Amazon.com

~ ~ ~

A reader review

2007-11-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

Some reader "reviews" just gotta be shared:

Why in hell didn't you TELL me just how hot Bound for Success was? And here I am, an hour late picking my son up from his after church social time because I couldn't stop reading it. Damn, damn, damn.

Bound for Success, a $3 novella, is available electronically from Phaze, FictionWise, MobiPocket, and All Romance eBooks.

5 Hearts for ArtiFactual

2007-10-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Romance Studio gives ArtiFactual a glowing review:

I found this a thoroughly delightful erotic romp, complete with adventure, plenty of sex, and a few mysteries. The unusual items for sexual pleasure were especially intriguing. Amanda and Bruce are well suited to each other, playing off each other’s strengths. They complement each other well. I found a touch of comedy in one chapter that really had me going. I laughed so hard tears streamed from eyes and it took me a few minutes to start reading again. I loved it! The amount of detail the authors use in describing the items in the museum and their backgrounds reflected a thorough of the subject matter, incorporated well into the story without reading as a lecture. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a hot read on the beach or in the bed. You’ll laugh with Bruce and Amanda, snarl with them, and solve the puzzles and mysteries as they wind their way toward each other and a great partnership.

Available in both ebook and print from Phaze and other online booksellers!

Sexy Reads reviews Double Header

2007-10-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

Fellow Phaze author and Sexy Reads mistress, Victoria Blisse had some wonderful things to say about Double Header:

Alessia Brio and Will Belegon deliver hot, top class erotica constantly and Double Header is not an exception to this rule.

Alessia and Will write seamlessly, I’d never guess two authors worked on this story and they write convincingly teasing all your senses.

Double Header Is Now Available!

2007-10-07T03:15:00.000-04:00

The latest from the dynamic team of Brio and Belegon is now available... and just in time for the playoffs! If you love both sex and baseball, this is a book for you.

Double Header by Alessia Brio and Will Belegon
October, 2007
ISBN 978-1-59426-772-7
Length: Comet (38K)
Rating: 4 Novas
Erotica, Contemporary
$5.00

Andrea Spring doesn't love baseball, but she sure loves baseball players. When her carefully-crafted casual sex life gets rocked by unexpected forces, she meets the challenge with her unique style. There's nothing conventional about this woman. When Andi plays, everybody wins.

EXCERPT:

Andrea Spring lifted her head and, sweeping her dark hair from her eyes, peeked over the broad shoulder of the shortstop in search of the clock. Six fifty-three, if it could be believed. With a sigh, she carefully removed the second baseman's arm from her waist and eased her nude body toward the foot of the king-sized bed. Neither man stirred as she extricated the meat from their human sandwich, chuckling as her foot landed on a sticky condiment.

She wondered how long she'd slept. Couldn't have been more than a couple hours, since it was already approaching midnight when they reached the hotel where the team was staying during its three-game series with the Sox. The final game in that series started in just over six hours, so she'd soon have to rouse her sleeping studs if she was to receive the type of farewell fuck she desired.

The used condom adhered to the bottom of her foot, and she hopped as she peeled it off. Closing the door as quietly as possible, Andrea flicked on the bathroom light and blinked as her eyes adjusted to its garish brightness. She splashed cold water on her face, finger-brushed her teeth with the tiny tube of complimentary toothpaste, and used the bidet to freshen up before returning to find the vacancy she'd created unchanged.

Slipping her body between the fine specimens of male flesh, she squirmed until she rested on her back and took a cock in each hand. "Batters' up," she whispered.

The shortstop stirred at her touch—first below the waist, then above. His eyelids lifted, and he peered around groggily for a moment before his eyes connected with Andi's. A smile crept across his face.

"Hello, beautiful. Still here?"

"It's Sunday, stud," Andi replied. "I know you lose track, but I don't have work today. You do, though, both of you."

He started at that, until remembering his teammate, who was just beginning to respond to Andi's attentions. She laughed at his naïveté and kissed the momentary discomfort from his lips.

"Sorry. Caught me off guard. Never did something like this before, not really. I mean, you know, guys don't normally…I mean…"

Andi dropped the second baseman's cock to bring her finger to his lips. "Quiet. It's not my fault you both showed up at the bar last night. Not that I'm complaining. Are you?" "No…no, I guess not. Pretty fucking cool, actually. Like something out of a porno."

"And you liked it. Now shut up and quit wasting time. I want more. Don't you?"

"Hell, yes! But what, I mean…shit, just tell me what you want me to do."

"I need to wake up your buddy. And I want a cock in me while I do it. Fuck me while I wake his ass up."

"Okay, whatever you say, you crazy sl…um, sorry. I didn't mean that. You're not a slut."

"Yes, I am. The difference is that I let myself enjoy it. However, I'm not crazy. Now shut up and fuck me while I suck your teammate's cock."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed

2007-10-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we participated in a chat on the Joyfully Reviewed Yahoo!Group. The interview below was part of the Paranormal Writing Duo promotion.

How did you become a writing duo?

Will: Alessia and I knew each other from the Author's Hangout boards at Literotica. She and I had already developed an appreciation for each other's work. Simply put, I was her fan, and I guess she was mine, too. Lit was running a Free Speech contest, and neither of us had submitted anything. With only a week or so left before the deadline, Alessia came to me via e-mail and asked if I would write a story with her. I jumped at it. I'd done some collaborative writing before, but this was a chance to do so with someone I felt I could learn from as well as enjoy the process. So, we started writing "Bleep!" The concept was hers... I just brought a male P.O.V. But she was interested and eager for me to contribute actively. Things flowed between us from the very beginning.

Alessia: I, on the other hand, had not written collaboratively, and I was eager to give it a try. We started simply -- with a ping-pong he-said/she-said style -- and it really seemed to flow. We placed in that contest and decided to enter the next. That was right around the time that I contracted my first work with Phaze. I didn't tell Will that I had plans for our collaborations. *evil grin*

How do you divide the work when writing with a partner?

Will: It changes. Theoretically, we exchange 500 words a day. Realistically, sometimes I send 450 words; on occasion I hit a vein and it's 1500 or more. When I really have things clicking it's more rarely the big or little... it will be 750 or 800 words each day. Continue that for a week or more and the story will have moved forward dramatically. The one thing that does fall much more heavily on Alessia is editing. Alessia is a writer who basically turns out final draft in her first save. She really doesn't do rough draft. I will. And if I have rough draft and it is two a.m., and I know Alessia is getting ready to start her day on the opposite coast? I'll send it rather than not have something for her. A side effect of this is that I have become better at editing, simply by observing her process on a daily basis.

Plotting is something that has happened in a variety of ways. We've done it in person, when we've been lucky enough to have the shared time. We've had twists occur to one of us in nightly writing and just gone with it. Or we've hammered things out by e-mail and IM. Most of the time we have the basic plot in our heads well before we get far into the actual writing. But there have been exceptions.

Alessia: I'm not a scorekeeper in terms of word count. The daily benchmarks are really just to keep us moving. Will's wordier than I am, by far, so it's like comparing apples to oranges when it comes to how many words it takes each of us to move the story along. The endings of our last two books had "finish the chapter" benchmarks as opposed to word count benchmarks. We knew what the chapter needed -- and wrote until we got there, whether it was 500 or 1500 words.

Will: The chapter benchmark was a good idea because of that difference in our styles. Alessia definitely is more attentive to maximizing the impact of each word, while I ramble... kind of like in this interview. I use the numbers to motivate me. Alessia sees progress in the storyline, not word count. With the chapter end as a goal, it helps me stay focused on motion rather than emoting.

How do you handle disagreements about the direction of the story?

Will: Sabres at dawn, first blood gets their way. No, we've always been very respectful of each other's concepts and that helps. We talk it out. It's a very rare event for one of us to "put a foot down." Normally, when that does happen, it is less about plot than about character. It happened during the writing of Double Header, which comes out this month from Phaze. Our female lead, Andrea Spring, is a very strong-willed woman. Alessia identifies with that, for some strange and mysterious reason. It helps give her a great feel for the "rightness" of Andi's actions. There were a couple of times in the book where Alessia just said, "Andi wouldn't do that." I am an argumentative person sometimes, and so I'm inclined to poke at such statements. But she was right. I had the same thing happen with baseball elements in this story, because that is a field of expertise for me. (Will is a sportswriter under a different nom de plume.) Alessia took my knowledge into account, as I did hers.

More difficult was the decision of where to put the break in the story between Double Header and its sequel Spring Training, which comes out next March. In some ways, that was more of a case of finding the right place and in some ways it had to do with the storyline of the sequel. Spring Training is the next step in our character's story arc after the dramatic change in Double Header. Because of that, there was some discussion about the resolution of the first book, and what our staring point was for the sequel. Those discussions stayed open until we actually wrote the ending to Double Header. How did those discussions end? Look up a bit to where I'm talking about strong women. That will give you a clue.

Alessia: Oh, I just ask probing questions until Will suggests what I was angling for all along. It works so much more smoothly when he believes he came up with the idea in the first place. I don't care who takes credit for the brilliant work *wink* as long as it gets written.

What do you think your strong suit is when writing with a partner and what is your co-author's strong suit?

Will: The answers to the two questions are interlocking. I have a gift for metaphor and embellishment. In my solo writing, that can get out of hand. When writing with Alessia, I have someone who will reign me in. Alessia is very driven in her writing. She strives to push the plot along, to move the story forward. Meanwhile, I'm still describing the rain back on page 39. When writing with each other, these counterpoints become complimentary.

It's not a lack one of us has; it's simply the ability to focus on our strengths. Anyone who has read Alessia's poetry and solo work knows that she can be as descriptive as any writer. She has the accolades to prove that readers have already recognized this in her work. Similarly, I can get to breakneck speed with a plot and its twists and turns. I've had an editor describe to me how she was moving and twisting along with the climax of Mixed Blessings from Phaze Fantasies II. I've jumped over sex scenes to write out the next plot point, leaving an "insert sex here" tag in the manuscript. But when we have each other to provide that focus, we can really let loose.

Also, Alessia and I experience the world in different ways, especially when it come to the five senses...

Alessia: Will is right about his gifts, and by working with him, I am growing in that regard. He's rubbing off on me, so to speak. My strong suit is an emotional resonance that gets under your skin and won't let you forget about the characters or the story. It's a depth of character that I often find lacking in short stories and novellas. When you finish one of our books, you can answer damned near any question about how one of our protagonists would respond to a situation. You grew to know them, whether you realized it or not.

Five senses? I'd say six. In addition to the physical senses, we also experience memory in different ways. Will is very visual. He's a cinematic writer. I focus on other forms of sensory input -- scent, sound, touch, taste. The combination makes our work very well rounded.

How do you develop story ideas?

Will: Scotch. Lots of scotch and a notebook. Ideas come from everywhere. I've had story ideas come from a title, from a book cover that Alessia came up with before we had a story to fit it, from my own jotted down description of a pretty girl buying frozen yogurt and from personal experience. I'm a storyteller, anyway. Always have been. It's just that now I'm spinning tall tales on paper and publishing them rather than using them to make frat brothers laugh or amuse my kids.

Alessia: The ideas come out of the blue, and we have far more of them than we have time to develop. Mandy & Bruce, from ArtiFactual (our paranormal book), have more story to tell. Kevin & Cyndi are poised for a third book, and Andi... well, Andi will always have places to go and people to do.

How do you write a sex scene when writing with a partner?

Will: With lots and lots of research. Seriously, sex scenes are probably the most divergent work when it comes to deviating from original concept while actually writing. You go with where things are leading you that evening. That's not to say every direction works every time. We've had times when we've made major revisions. There have been times when one of us was burnt out for the session and we've packed it up and sent it to our partner and what emerged from their taking the scene over was completely different than the original intent. At those times, we've made changes or gone with the new direction, with some very exciting scenes resulting from that experimentation.

Alessia: The same way we write all the other scenes. One word at a time. Our margin notes during a sex scene are worthy of publication themselves, although they might qualify as "TMI." We typically choose a mood or a feel for the scene (e.g., rough, tender) and a dynamic between the characters and then let them lead the way. If we've developed the characters thoroughly, they act and react as needed. Occasionally one of us will have to rely on the other for things that are just completely outside the scope of our experiences. That's what made writing Switch (our gender swap short story) so much fun!

Which do you think is easier, writing alone or together -- and why?

Will: I think they both fulfill different internal needs and that they both have their own set of challenges. So I hesitate to say that one is easier than the other. The only exception to that would be when a deadline is approaching. Although I always respond to deadline pressure, in solo work I'm inclined to get behind and then have to flurry at the last minute. When writing with Alessia, I feel a responsibility. I need to get my contribution to her. That fuels me on a daily basis, not a weekly or monthly basis. Which means I can't put it off. That helps a guy like me. They are both fulfilling in different ways as well. For a long time, I wasn't nearly as confident in my non-collaborative work. I felt like Alessia was responsible for our success and I was just along for the ride, despite her assurances otherwise. So my solo successes have been very pleasant and a boost to my ego.

However, finishing a piece with Alessia has more emotion in it, because it is the creation of a team. It's something she and I did together, and that makes it much more valuable to me.

Alessia: These days, writing together is easier for me. It's the motivation bit, I'm sure. With everything else I have going on (doing cover art & editing), my solo writing has taken a back seat. Plus, I truly believe our joint work is stronger than either of our individual efforts. We really do complement one another, and the sense of accomplishment is greater for me when we wrap up yet another kick-ass book.

Paranormal Writing Duo Chat

2007-10-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

Join us this evening from 6-7pm Eastern as we participate in Joyfully Reviewed's celebration of paranormal writing duos! We'll be sharing excerpts, pimping our contest, and giving readers a peek behind the curtain.

The event is taking place on the Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed Yahoo!Group. We hope to see you there!

Review Us and Win!

2007-09-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

In an effort to get more reviews posted on our Amazon title(s), we're running the following promotion:

Every person who leaves a review on one of our titles will be entered into a drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate. For every 10 reviews on a title, we will draw one winner. Those are WAY better than lottery odds!

This promotion will continue until at least 20 reviews are received on each title. Once a title has received 20 reviews, no further drawings will take place for that title. Other titles, those with fewer than 20 reviews, will remain eligible for the drawings.

So, pop on over to Amazon ... search on either of our names ... and get reviewing!

ArtiFactual now available on Amazon

2007-09-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

Woot! ArtiFactual's now available from the world's largest online bookseller.

Mobi-fied!

2007-09-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Phaze ebook titles are now available on Mobipocket -- which means they will soon (again) be available to download from Amazon!

Phaze in Verse

2007-09-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

Poetry has long been a short form method to story telling. Morals, epic tales, even desperate pleas for understanding have been recorded through the ages in verse. And yet, somewhere along the line of our technologically advancing society, it seems those small intimate pleasures are growing lost. Poetry is love, life, and feeling breathed into words. Our shared experiences, emotions, dreams… Today, we are pleased to present to you a fine collection of poetry. This is not just iambic pentameter or rhymed. It is not only free verse or measured. This is a comprehensive collection of a wide variety of tastes, styles, and passions. Just like our readers. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

Available now in both eBook ($5) and print ($10)!

Bound's First Review

2007-09-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Dirty Girl Reviews had this to say about Bound for Success:

Alessia and Will are teaming up once again for a short erotic work that gets your juices flowing right away. They have a way with words that makes the characters really come alive. Kevin and Cyndi have a playful banter that is just a pleasure to read and the sex scenes are absolutely steamy!

ArtiFactual in print!

2007-09-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

Together in one volume we are 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.

Available in both eBook ($7) and print pre-order ($10) from Phaze!

Bound For Success available now!

2007-09-04T02:46:00.000-04:00

Bound For Success, the sequel to Artistically Inclined, is available now at Phaze!

A stand-alone continuation of the tale which began with this writing team's most popular novella, Artistically Inclined, Pittsburgh's daring duo is back in a hot-blooded romance with a penchant for ties that bind! When Cyndi's nerves about her gallery opening get the better of her, Kevin takes matters into his own hands, replacing one tension with another and setting the stage for a very eventful evening.

Length: Photon (19K words)
Rating: 4 Novas

EXCERPT:

"Fuck!"

Kevin poked his head around the bathroom door. "Fuck what, darling?"

"Fuck these panty hose," Cyndi cursed as she threw them at him. They landed on the floor at his feet where they joined another pair. "I've poked holes in my last two pair. It's this damned manicure. I'm not used to having nails. Now we're gonna be late for the opening 'cause I have to swing by Macy's to buy more!"

"We've got plenty of time, Cyn. Your show doesn't open for hours. Plus, you gotta be fashionably late, anyway, just to make a grand entrance." He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Relax. If worse comes to worse, you can go without hose. Panty hose are evil, anyway. It's plenty warm, and I kinda like the idea of ogling your bare leg each time you take a step in that gown. I think it's slit to the waist, after all."

"Which is precisely why I can't opt for stockings. And I've been working so hard this summer that I haven't had a chance to get a tan. My legs are just too pale to go bare." Cyndi's shoulders slumped, and she dropped her head against his chest. "I'm just too damn keyed up. I mean, it's my first solo show at a premier gallery. There'll be reporters and TV cameras and ... and ... I just want everything to be perfect, y'know?"

"Creamy skin is yummy, love, and will be even more enticing against the chocolate silk of your gown." Kevin kissed her forehead then spun her around, pulling her bathrobe off her shoulders so he could rub her neck. As he tried to work out some of the anxiety, it soon became obvious that massage alone wasn't going to do the trick. Cyndi couldn't consciously let go of the stress.

He lifted his hands and she stepped away, not looking back.

"I'm sorry, Kevin. I don't mean to be a pain in the ass."

"Well, you're tense enough that I'm sure that's not the only place you'll have cramps by the time we get through with all the formalities of the evening. You're sure there's nothing I can do to help?"

"Not that we have time for--not tonight. I just want to get this over with. You know I don't have any patience for this kinda thing. I'm gonna spend the whole evening practically handcuffed to the gallery owner so he can drag me all around the room and show off his new 'discovery' to all his boyfriends and patrons."

Kevin was glad she had her back to him as an idea began to form in his mind. If she'd seen the expression that flitted across his features, he knew she wouldn't trust him for hours.

"We're not that pressed for time, Cyn. Lemme finish in here, and I'll fix you up. Just sit still for a minute and try to think happier thoughts. I don't know, think about chocolate-covered cherries or something..."

"Bastard. I still don't know why I let you talk me into showing that piece tonight." Even though she tried to say the words with a sneer, she couldn't keep the smile out of her voice. Just thinking about it--and the events surrounding its creation--made her ass tingle. She walked over to the bed and sat on its edge as Kevin finished shaving.

eCata Reviews Switch

2007-08-12T15:00:00.000-04:00

Reviews don't get any better than this:

Switch is probably one of the most unusual erotic books I’ve ever read! The relationship between the characters is realistic and yet so darling that I couldn’t help but like them. Even without reading the previous book in the Erotique series, this story stands alone very well by establishing the relationship between Bruce and Mandy as well as the store without any trouble. What happens the night of the thunderstorm contain the funniest and yet hottest love scenes I’ve ever read. If you want a quick read that tickles your funny bone while being incredibly scorching, Will Belegon and Alessia Brio’s tale Switch is the book for you! (Reviewed by Lindsey Ann Denson)

Samba Sale!

2007-08-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

August is sexy Samba sale month at Phaze! These Latin-themed HeatSheets are half price all month long. Pick up Amichu (Yeah, the title sounds like a sneeze, but it's really a Quechua word meaning "thing united with another.") for a buck -- or all five titles for just $5.

Here's what reviewer Carrie White had to say about Amichu:

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.

Christmas in July!

2007-07-04T08:45:00.000-04:00

Throughout the month of July, the entire line of Phaze Snuggler HeatSheets is on sale for just a buck apiece. That's 50% off the regular prize for these 14 steamy stories.

FAR out!

2007-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Will & I are interviewed this month at Fallen Angel Reviews!

Will Belegon and Alessia Brio Interview

Hello, Will Belegon and Alessia Brio, and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews. It is really great to have you with us. The readers are eager to learn more about WillAlessia.

Before we start on your book releases, why not tell us a bit about Will and Alessia?

Alessia: Let me tell you a bit about Will (and then he can tell you a bit about me). This could get interesting. You go first, partner. *snicker*

Will: Notice that she contradicts herself there? *grin* What to say about Alessia? Well, there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. Because she can be so very straightforward, you might think it is very quick and easy to get to know her. It's not. But the effort is completely worth the reward. She is very altruistic, yet also quite willing to tell you she is doing something because she wants to do it and that's all there is to it. She is often unaware of how powerful her presence is. People that meet her may have varying emotions about her, but all of them are strong.

Alessia: Notice that he oh-so-tactfully alludes to how stubborn and opinionated I can be. *wink* Will balances my impulsiveness with... inertia. It's highly frustrating at times, but I will admit that there have been more than a few times when his restraint has resulted in a better book, a tighter plot, and a more emotionally satisfying outcome. We balance one another in many ways, and that makes for a powerful partnership.

Will is much better suited for the limelight than I am. In fact, I believe he's in his element amidst a gaggle of adoring fans -- regardless of whether they're adoring his books, his kilt, or his trademark jeans. He is more gifted with metaphor, and I am quite envious of his ability to capture the minutiae of a moment in exquisite detail.

Will: A gaggle? I think Alessia exaggerates. I wish I had a gaggle of fans! A gaggle of "adoring" fans would be even better.

Alessia: Authors of erotic romance are predominantly female. Toss a hunky man in the mix and the readers--also predominantly female--flock to him.

Will: Why do you think I write in this genre? Hey! Did you just call me hunky? What is this, junior high?

I will let you choose which book you would like to discuss with us? You do have an impressive list of titles. Would you like to talk about your most recent?

Will: I'm still quite excited about our most recent release, ArtiFactual. Not only because we found out we're going to print in September, but because the longer work opens doors for us. I think it is our best release yet, but I honestly can say that about everything because I think we grow with every release. For example, we just finished the sequel to Artistically Inclined, and I do consider that to be a very strong and tight story. It may not appeal to all of the same people that ArtiFactual does, especially since Bound For Success is straight contemporary without any hint of urban fantasy or the supernatural like Bruce & Mandy always face. But I think it's a very well crafted story about an innovative couple who intrigue me. It's scheduled for early September release, as well. Of course, I also have my first non-anthology solo release coming up in July. San Francisco Surrender is part of the Phaze Force line of HeatSheets and is also in the Umbra (dark) category.

Alessia: Of course, I encourage readers to check out all of our (and my) work. The project I'm really jazzed about at the moment is the charity anthology I'm editing -- Coming Together: For the Cure. It's got a terrific line up of 20 erotic short stories by some amazing authors. The submissions I had to turn away were terrific, too. It was the toughest decision I've had to make as an editor. Anyway, the e-release is scheduled for mid-August, print for October. All proceeds from its sale will benefit the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. And Phaze just showed its faith in me by announcing a call for submissions for another charity anthology -- Coming Together: With Pride -- which will benefit HIV/AIDS research. As Will said, I am very altruistic. I could happily spend all my time on such endeavors, but they don't pay my bills.

I'm also excited about the series Will & I just started writing. Andrea Spring, our hot-blooded protagonist, is a LOT of fun to write because she's my polar opposite in some ways ... and my mirror image in others. And, no, I'm not gonna tell you which is which. The first title in this series, Double Header, is scheduled for early October release from Phaze.

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first manuscript?

Will: I've always thought of myself as a poet; I wrote poetry and songs all the way back in my early high school days. I wrote for the school paper and yearbook, was Sports Editor senior year and thought about a journalism career, but real life intervened. I never tried any fiction until a few years ago, although I must say that my storytelling was honed by various things including role-playing games and an ex-girlfriend who just liked to hear me make stuff up. I told her an entire air-spun tale about an elven prince and princess that is lost forever now, since I never wrote any of it down. It will always remain hers alone, I guess.

Alessia: I first thought about it (and did it) in the fall of 2003. From the get-go, I never allowed my work to stagnate, so I started posting it to Literotica. That's where I met Will where our partnership was born. You can download our very first collaboration, a short story entitled Bleep!, free from our site. To say that writing changed my life would be the understatement of the decade. There is no aspect of my existence that hasn't been enriched by the endeavor.

I submitted my first work for professional publication in April 2005. That would be fine flickering hungers. While I was working on the manuscript for the first volume of Coming Together, a multi-author anthology, it occurred to me that I could pull all of my short stories together in the same fashion. Initially, I simply planned to self-publish a single copy as a gift for someone special, but once I got eighteen months' worth of poetry and prose wrapped up in one pretty file, I figured I didn't have anything to lose by submitting it to a publisher. I didn't tell anyone, though, 'cause I didn't want anyone to know if it was rejected. Two months later, I had a contract. That book recently won an EPPIE Award for Best Erotica and is now in print.

Will: My first submission was not my decision. Alessia wanted to do a sequel to her Shiver HeatSheet, Erotique, but the story she had in mind really needed a male perspective. She asked me to do it, and I agreed. That story became Switch. Once it was finished, she informed me she was submitting it. Given the choice between facing rejection and disappointing someone I care about, I chose the former.

Alessia: Smart man.

Will: After that, everything I submitted was co-written with Alessia until this past winter when I worked up the courage to submit Mixed Blessings and San Francisco Surrender to Phaze. Having joint work published did nothing to lessen my nerves about solo submission. I agonized over them despite the assurances of my partner that I would be fine. She was right.

What does the future hold for Will and Alessia in upcoming projects?

Will: Alessia brought up our next new direction earlier, talking about Andrea Spring. She's a strong female protagonist and very definitely a rule breaker. She is proving to be a lot of fun to write, although I can easily imagine her rebelling against us. On the solo side, I've been submitting more poetry lately and have had some picked up by Clean Sheets and Oysters & Chocolate. I also still have a half completed novel to finish, one which is mostly plotted out but keeps getting pushed back by other projects. We have two books already mapped for Andi, and we will be returning to the adventures of our couples. Bruce and Mandy from ArtiFactual have more exotic travels in their future. Kevin & Cyndi from Artistically Inclined have unfinished business, not only with each other but also because we still need to cage a few plot bunnies that got loose to nibble on our toes.

Alessia: A string of NY Times bestsellers, movie deals, and a cozy retirement. What else? I don't need a gaggle...

Will: Movies! Someday. Someday I want to write a movie. Of course, the kind of movie I want to write and direct really doesn't exist. I want to do a full budget romance that doesn't fade away when the couple starts kissing. A truly adult romantic film. I think the market may be there, but it's a hard one to peg and it's fractured. Despite recent movement in publishing, in the more action-oriented visual mediums (TV & film), eroticism and romance are still considered separate goals.

What do you find are the elements of a good story?

Alessia: First and foremost: engaging characters. Then, they must experience unusual or challenging circumstances. I think flipping those priorities has the potential to result in a flat read if the author is not a master storyteller. The world an author builds might indeed have enough of a "personality" to be considered a character in & of itself, especially with paranormal elements, but without intriguing inhabitants, it's just not worth reading about.

Will: Like she said, characters. You'll read good characters with a bad plot but the best plot fails without at least a decent protagonist. If you can achieve a minimum "investment" in your characters, then plot alone can carry you farther. But you have to have a reason for the audience to care about your plot and that only happens when they care about to whom everything is happening.

Alessia: I believe we just said the same thing. Imagine that!

Will : Imagine. Seriously, you asked me to write with you at least partially because you knew I shared that priority, so it's no surprise...

When you are not composing what kind of books do you like to read?

Will: Erotica, Fantasy & Science Fiction. Most of my to-be-read pile consists of authors I've met, though. That is not constrained by my most favored genres. Because of meeting certain writers, I've read more mysteries and thrillers in the last six months than ever before, for example.

Alessia: When I look back at the series I've re-re-re-read, they're all heavy with socio-political themes: Herbert's Dune, McCaffrey's Pern, Asimov's Foundation, Tolkien's Middle Earth, Heinlein's Long family, Anthony's Space Tyrant. See a pattern? I think it's the advocate in me, always looking at broad social mores & the forces that challenge them. Interesting, though, because each of these series seems to have begun with my secondary priority -- the world/circumstances in which the characters interact. They're not flat, though, because the authors ARE skilled storytellers and the ensemble casts are certainly memorable. I can say the same for the television/movie series that have managed to hold my attention: Star Trek, Babylon 5, FarScape, Star Wars, Firefly ...

What is the hardest part of writing and the easiest for you?

Will: The hardest part is getting started on a consistent basis and then stopping. When I get on a roll I could easily go all night, but my day job is still very much a necessity. I hate breaking off a good night to go to bed. Sometimes it is really difficult to get the words to start coming and so I hate having to stop their progress. The easiest part is that time in the middle, when the dialogue is audible and the crack of a pistol or squeal of the tires on the road sound as real as any Hollywood sound effect.

Alessia: The hardest part is actually typing the words. I've never been able to write in draft mode. My first effort is damned close to final copy. It makes for a slow process if I'm not disciplined... well, even if I am disciplined. I'm just not the type to crank out more than 1,000 words a day. The easiest part is planning & plotting.

Have you experienced writer's block? If so, how did you work through it?

Will: I'm hoping that it's like a pit stop in a NASCAR race, and that after each pause I'll take off and build back up to speed on the track. So far, I always have. Also, to carry on that analogy, I think things happen in that downtime that give you fuel to keep writing and that without the down time you would run out of gas. As far as working through it, the only thing I know to do is shift focus until I hit upon something that's speaking to me. Once I do that the momentum seems to carry over to other work.

Alessia: I think, as a writer of erotic fiction, that the best cure for writer's block is more research. Lots. More. Research. I do agree with Will about shifting focus, though. When one set of characters isn't speaking to me, I shift to others. When they're all being quiet, I turn to other pursuits. I have a budding career as a cover artist that gives me a great deal of creative fulfillment -- not quite as much as writing, but it's nice to have a fall back position.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Will: Well, it's not the money. Not that I don't want the money, or that I downplay the rush that goes along with knowing people are willing to invest something they have a limited amount of in my words. I take the need to be worthy of that investment very seriously. But at this time, it is more about the sense of accomplishment. First it was the goal of getting people to like my writing, then of getting published... now it's about increasing my readership. Because I do want to put myself in a place where writing is my job. Some people say they want to avoid that, but not me. I'll gladly take the pressure of deadlines and expectations to be able to write for a living. Besides, increased readership also increases the likelihood of my other creative craving... feedback. I still love the feedback, just like I did at the beginning. Recently I had a person whose opinion I respect tell me how she was reading a climatic scene in Mixed Blessings (from Phaze Fantasies II) and she found herself making the moves she imagined the character would be making, physically reacting to the scene. That has to be one of my greatest moments as a writer, knowing I was able to communicate it that intensely.

Alessia: Again, research. That, and the rush of touching people with my words, of evoking an emotional response and making an impression. Then there's the creative fulfillment. I'm happiest when my creative energies are engaged and the results are appreciated. That's true of any of my endeavors, whether professional or personal.

Again, I agree with Will about the responsibility of being a worthy investment of a reader's hard-earned cash -- not only from an artistic perspective but from a fiscal one as well. Writing is an art, but publishing is a business. I plan to earn a living with my art, so I can't lose sight of that fact.

Do you do most of the promoting of your books?

Will: I'm blessed to have the wonderful staff at Phaze and a wonderful co-writer, because promo can be very challenging for me. Mostly due to time, or rather the lack of it. I mean, I work a full time job (and, believe me, the next week I only put in 40 hours will be the first), I have two kids with homework & Little League, etc., and in addition to writing fiction I also write two non-fiction columns under another name. When I have the chance, I put in the time I can. I do have the edge on marketing education, and I feel like I have good instincts, but I'm very happy I have Alessia to share the burden. When I do have my chances, I try to take full advantage.

Alessia: Unlike Will, I don't punch a time clock. Or perhaps more accurately, I never punch out. I'm "merely" a work-from-home mom... and we all know that means I have tons of free time with which to fart around online and pimp our work. *rolls eyes* I won't regale you with a laundry list of my time constraints, but it's fair to say my days are quite full. I don't have Will's eau de schmooze, unfortunately. I am able to do what I do because I'm extremely organized, efficient, and skilled with time management.

However, I think promo is a challenge for all authors. Part of that is not knowing where our time, money, and energy are paying off. All we have to go by are website hit counters and aggregate sales numbers. We're all searching for that magic promo formula. Most of the online efforts are, I fear, just authors talking to one another. Sure, authors are also readers -- but not in the numbers we need in order to earn a living through book sales.

Phaze is fortunate to have a wonderful promo goddess, Crystal. How she juggles our stable of 100+ authors, sending out ARCs for review, chat schedules, setting up interviews, posting reviews, in addition to writing herself & working a full-time job is a mystery to me... but I'd love to have some of her promo mojo.

Do you have any encouraging words for up and coming writers?

Will: Keep working and please... Show somebody your work. Best friend, significant other, anybody! There are so many people out there who fill notebooks and never show another soul. I was one of them. I just got to the point where I knew some of my stuff was better than what I was reading. But just as important is the need to seek out honest opinion and real reaction. "That's great!" and "This sucks!" have one key thing in common. They are worthless when it comes to helping you improve. Find someone who can and will tell you what they like, what they hate and, if possible, why for both.

Alessia: I just answered this question earlier this week, so I'm gonna cheat and paste my answer here, too:
Proofread your shower shoes... erm, work. In the words of Crash Davis: "Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob." Don't expect an editor to punctuate your work or catch your homonymic errors. Have some respect for yourself and for your publisher/editor.

Besides this website www.alessiabrio.com, do you have any other blogs or MySpace that you would like to share?

Will: Um, I think my partner's got this one...

Alessia: Yeah *cough* just a few:

Sites: Artistically Inclined, LLP | Coming Together

MySpace profiles: Alessia | Will | Coming Together | Artistically Inclined, LLP

Blogs: Alessia | Will

Yahoo!Groups: Will | Alessia

There are also the random profiles on Ning, Bebo, Xanga, TagWorld, Yahoo!360, LiveJournal, etc. We're going for the web domination thing. Every time you turn around, one of us will be in your face -- either Will's denim clad-crotch or my "sensual, succulent, satisfying" dripping-with-eroticism, chocolate-covered cherry. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

Just for Fun: What is your favorite candy? A place you would love to visit?

Will: Sour exterior, sweet interior. I love sour candy and gummis. When it comes to chocolate, I like it dark. I also like the various Mexican candies that have some heat to them.

For a place, my first choice would be Scotland. Family and all that. After that, what interests me is history. Especially the pre-medieval periods. So I would say Rome, Jerusalem, Greece, Egypt, Macchu Picchu. The so-called ancient world, but not just limited to the "the west." India, China, Japan. It all fascinates me.

Alessia: Dark chocolate? Blech! And "heat" in candy? Um, pass. Right now, I'm stuck on these yummy vanilla caramels by Judy's Candy, but I also love the chocolate-covered raisins from The South Bend Chocolate Company. Anything from Sarris Candies is delicious, too. (All sugar-free, of course, because I'm a devout low carber. Some might say a zealot. *shrug* It works for me on so many levels.) I put all those links in there just in case someone wants to buy me treats. *grin* Ain't I sneaky?

As for a place I'd love to visit... That depends on the company. I'm quite content to hike alone in my mountains or snooze under a tree on a Jamaican beach, but if sharing my time with an adventurous companion, I want to explore places of mutual interest. I'd like to visit Easter Island with Will since we wrote about it in Amichu, one of the four novellas that comprise ArtiFactual. Mayan ruins. Egyptian pyramids. Stonehenge. The Alps. Gorky Park on ice skates. Glacier National on mountain bikes. The list is virtually endless with the right company.

Are you more of a night person or a day person? A beach person or someone who loves to be at a ski-lodge?

Will: Totally a night person. I'm allergic to mornings. Luckily, there's treatment available in the form of coffee. I do most of my best writing in the wee hours, and I've always felt like noon was just about the right time to be getting out of bed. I only get up earlier because I have no choice.

I'd have to say the ski lodge. I love skiing, although I started late and have been away for awhile what with raising a family and the costs involved. In college, I skied a lot. Mind you, I'm not hanging around the lodge. I want to be out on the slopes. I love being at the top, looking out from that great height with the air crisp in my lungs. I also love pushing myself to get better. I always felt a day of skiing where I didn't wipe-out much was wasted. Unless it was the company, of course. There are things to be said for a casual cruise with the right company. I do really adore the beach at night, though. I'm pale, and I burn in the day, so I avoid the reflection of the water and the lack of cover. But at night? With the moon reflected on the water and the line of white foam appearing in the blackness in time with the sound of the surf? I love that.

Alessia: I have the most creative energy in the mornings, but I'm certainly capable of closing down the party... again, with the right company. If I'm not stimulated by the people or the place (or if I'm feeling like a warthog), I'd rather seek a quiet space by myself or tender time with a considerate partner.

Never been skiing, although I have decorated a lodge or two in my day. Although I'm not fair-skinned like Will, I do prefer the beach at night more than during the heat of the day. I think it has more to do with the meat market atmosphere of most beaches during the day. It's the same reason I don't much care for clubs.

Will and Alessia, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend with us today. We look forward to reading your excellent books.

Will: It was great to be asked. And anyone who does read, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts! Feedback is always desirable.

Alessia: Thanks, Linda! A pleasure, as always.

Interviewed by: Linda L.

Schweet!

2007-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Join us this month at Coffee Time Romance!

2007-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to June! June is a very special month for Alessia and Will. Why? Because it means summer is coming? Because it means the kids are almost out of school? (Banish the thought!) Because Will lives in Southern California, and June means it’s bikini season?

No. Well, maybe yes to the last one. (And we’re not talking about how Will looks in a bikini… or are we? Should we? Do you think he'll agree to wear one if we bribe him in just the right way?)

No, June is special because Alessia and Will’s book ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique was chosen by Coffee Time Romance to be their Reader’s Retreat book of the month! Will and Alessia have had good reviews and even won the 2006 Preditors & Editors Poll for Best Mainstream Short Story (for Switch)… and Alessia won an EPPIE (for fine flickering hungers)… but they’ve never had this much of their work given this much attention in one spot. At least, not by anyone else. Both Alessia and Will feel very honored, if a little overwhelmed.

You see, not only has Coffee Time Romance created a forum to discuss ArtiFactual, it's dedicated a whole sub-forum to talk about ArtiFactual, Artistically Inclined, and the solo work of both writers. For the month of June, both Will and Alessia will be making regular appearances at the CTR forum to check in with anyone who has questions or just wants to discuss their work in particular or erotic fiction in general. Oh, and they’re gonna give some prizes, too. So come on over! Sure, talk is cheap…but you just might get something free, and free beats cheap every time!

Last but certainly not least… What the hell are we gonna have to talk about if all y’all don’t show up? C’mon, now! You all know that Will has a serious addiction to flirting, and if he doesn’t feed it… well, it gets kinda ugly. Alessia still remembers the last time he went through withdrawals. Says she hasn’t seen a man cry like that since the end of Field of Dreams.

Drop by and visit them on the Coffee Time Romance Forums:
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=14

And the winner is ...

2007-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Fellow paranormal author ROB GRAHAM with: "My soul's in quite enough danger already!"

Thanks for playing, Rob, and congratulations! In addition to your prize, we've arbitrarily decided that you get to explain to our readers exactly why your soul's in so much danger. Nah, just kidding! Readers, if you really do want to know why Rob's soul is in mortal danger, read his "Discovery" from Phaze or "In The Dark," his vampire anthology from Aspen Mountain Press. We were surprised to see Rob's entry, but hey... most of us were fans first. That's why we started writing!

And wait, there's more ...

We decided (since we got a LOT of loot at RT and since we got another entry we really liked) to give a prize to our runner up, Liz, who submitted: "You're afraid your reason would be posted as the winning entry, and then everyone at work would realize what you're really reading on your IPAQ during business meetings."

Both Rob & Liz will receive a box o' goodies including books and promo swag from our recent trip to the Romantic Times BOOKlovers Convention in Houston. Those will go out as soon as we get shipping addresses.

We'll continue discussing ArtiFactual in June as Coffee Time Romance has chosen it as its book of the month! We're very pleased to have the opportunity to get to know all of you better and hope that you will join us in the CTR discussion forum in the near future.

Thanks to everyone who made the effort to give us such great entries and for providing us with some fun along the way. Oh, and somebody tell Fag-Ash Lil that neither of us smoke...

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T12:01:00.000-04:00

To my wonderful co-writer, who gives so much of herself to every enterprise and yet always focuses on her primary responsibility, the loving care of those three that are lucky enough to call her "mom". I want to use this public forum to express how much I admire you. Happy Mother's Day, my dear friend.

To all of you who sacrifice so much every day, who wake up at three a.m. for a hug to chase the nightmare away or to quench the inconvenient thirst with a barely sipped-at glass of water. Who kiss skinned knees and bumped heads. Who hold your temper when a mysterious force breaks a lamp and no one in the household knows how the baseball ended up in the middle of the wreckage. Who discovered how slow they could move in their eighth month while trying to cope in the August heat and how fast they could move when the three year old reached for the frying pan full of hot grease.

To all of you, who so inspire and awe all of us, a very Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Will

CONTEST: Top Ten Reasons

2007-05-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: Entry deadline extended to May 15th.

Okay, maybe we're being a bit snarky -- and we're aware that it's considered gauche for authors to rebut their reviews -- but our feelings about RT's review of ArtiFactual require some sort of response or we're just gonna explode. So, we're gonna have some fun with it in the form of a contest. We let off some steam, and our readers win prizes. Sounds like a silver lining to us!

Here's the deal: Below, we've listed nine of the Top Ten Reasons NOT to buy ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique. We want YOU to give us the number one reason. Judging is entirely subjective. In other words, we'll decide the winner based on how hard we laugh. Ties and consolation prizes are possible, at our whim. No purchase necessary to win, but obviously we'd prefer you read the book before entering. That's the whole point, after all -- to increase sales.

Here's the prize: We're going to RT soon (April 25-29). There will be freebies galore -- books & miscellaneous swag (including our chocolate-raspberry San Diego Sunset body wash). We will collect as much of it as possible into one big prize basket. On top of that, we'll include an autographed CD copy of ArtiFactual and a $5 gift certificate to the Phaze store.

We'll announce the winner on May 1st, so you've 3 weeks to read ArtiFactual and send your entry to us at Artistically.Inclined.LLP [at] gmail.com. (Please put TOP TEN REASONS CONTEST in the subject line!)

Without further ado, here are the Top Ten Reasons NOT to buy ArtiFactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique:

10. They say it's paranormal, but there isn’t one vampire or shape shifter in the whole book.

9. Having your life’s work threatened is no reason to be rude!

8. You think Bruce should've ditched the Philly Cream Cheese tart and stayed in California with the hot gay environmentalist surfer-lawyer.

7. The words "mattress" and "picnic" should never be used in the same sentence.

6. Only homeless people are allowed to wander museums talking to themselves.

5. You think that Carrara diletto is made with olive oil, garlic and parmesan.

4. Female ghosts never go into the men’s room; it’s impolite.

3. A book set in Philadelphia and they don’t go to a single Flyers, 76’ers, Phillies or Eagles game? That’s just wrong.

2. Frivolous lawsuits are a perfectly acceptable way of denying homoerotic impulses.

1. YOUR WINNING ENTRY HERE!

CAUTION: Contents hot. May cause sexual arousal, romantic inclinations, and an appetite for sex toys.

RRT Reviews ArtiFactual

2007-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

ARTIFACTUAL is a highly entertaining erotic tale about a pair of likable people and a very unusual erotic shop and museum. The sex is sizzling, the dialogue witty and the character interaction charming. Watching the relationship unfold between Mandy and Bruce from a close friendship in Erotique, to a completely committed couple in Closing Arguments is the best part of the anthology. However, the evolving mystery about Aunt Vivian, Erotique, the shop, and the "haunted" sexual apparatuses in the museum is just as enjoyable. Secondary characters are not really present in the first two stories, but Professor Eddie features prominently in Amichu and Closing Arguments, and Aunt Vivian may be dead, but she's never really far away. While the sex is hot in each story, the last two tales focus more on plot and characterization than on sex -- my favorite of them all is Switch. It was fun, different and extremely sensual.

ARTIFACTUAL is an enjoyable collection of stories about a couple who are realistically and lovingly portrayed with enough sizzling sex to please any reader. Don't miss this fun and sexy read.

Isabelle Spencer

Read the entire review HERE.

Greetings from RT 2007

2007-04-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

Giggles Not Amused

2007-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Posted without comment...

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.

ArtiFactual Released!

2007-04-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

RT Review of ArtiFactual

2007-04-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

ARTIFACTUAL: TALES OF THE EROTIQUE MYSTIQUE
by Alessia Brio and Will Belegon

RT Rating:
Category: EROTICA
Publisher: Phaze.com
Published: May 2007
Type: Erotica Fiction (E-book, Anthology, Fantasy)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These four stories follow the main characters as they discover the amazing time-travel properties of sexual artifacts, where they participate in consensual bondage, same-gender sex, masturbation and much oral sex. This fascinating premise is disappointingly undeveloped and the last story presents an anti-morality message that has the heroine appearing mean-spirited.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary: n the first story, "Erotique," Mandy's great-aunt Vivian has passed on and left her the sex shop and museum, with the stipulation that she spend one night in the museum. Hands-on exhibits take on a new meaning when the magic they possess is revealed and Mandy shares the experience with her boyfriend, Bruce. In "Switch," a new sex toy apparently causes Mandy and Bruce to switch bodies. A trip to Easter Island reveals secrets about Aunt Vivian and puts Mandy and Bruce in danger in "Amichu." Then a lawsuit against the store places Mandy and Bruce at odds and "Closing Arguments" could destroy their relationship. (Phaze.com, dl $7.00)

—Susan Mobley

Sexography Reviews ArtiFactual

2007-02-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Carrie White, of Sexography, reviews Artifactual: Tales of the Erotique Mystique:

With the obvious success of the erotic adventures of Bruce and Mandy, Alessia Brio and Will Belegon have really pulled out all the stops to round this collection off perfectly. The newest addition to this series, Closing Arguments, is much longer than the rest but, I feel, is by far the best of the bunch.

Hauntings, erotic, passionate scenes and intrigue are just a few of the treats awaiting you from one of the finest writer collaborations in the Erotic genre.

CTR Reviews "Artistically Inclined"

2007-02-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

Coffee Time Romance had some really nice things to say about Artistically Inclined:

The first two pages immediately draw you in and hook you. The description of the art and the feeling Cyndi has while painting it are vibrant and colorful. The reader can practically feel the passion she has for her work, and particularly this piece. Bring in the Alpha male and you have a passionate explosion worthy of reading time and time again. This story will definitely not leave you wanting for anything. The sex is exhilarating, but tastefully done at the same time.

New Reviews at FAR

2007-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Amanda H. from Fallen Angel Reviews had some really nice things to say about our recent and upcoming releases:

"What a fantastically fun read. San Diego Sunset was definitely not what I expected when I first started reading it; although I should have known it would be amazing with authors Alessia Brio and Will Belegon. Everything these two write together is outstanding. Somehow, they always manage to keep their stories and characters fresh and full of fun."

"Hold onto your seats ladies and gentlemen, we have lift off! What an energetic, engaging, passionate, lust-filled story. Authors Alessia Brio and Will Belegon are amazing together. I loved Cyndi and Kevin. Both of these characters came from bad previous relationships and were willing to do anything to be creative and keep this new relationship on fire. Everything about Artistically Inclined was superb, from the characters and the plot to the hot and heavy sex scenes. I cannot wait to read more from these two amazing authors."

And, with regard to our Mandy & Bruce anthology which contains the previously published stories (Erotique, Switch, and Amichu) plus a brand new story (Closing Arguments) that's longer than the earlier three combined: "If you’re looking for a collection of stories with the same characters throughout with a ton of crazy sex with items you’ve probably never even thought of, then this story is definitely for you. However, I do suggest buying this whole collection instead of each individual book..."

NOTE: Previous FAR reviews of a couple of the stories in ArtiFactual: Erotique and Switch.

Whoop!

2007-02-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

*grin*

Giggling

2007-02-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

And another review from Mrs. Giggles. This one, for Amichu:

Amichu is the latest sexual adventure of Mandy and Bruce (Erotique, Switch). Well, after experiencing their body switch, they've now switched back into their old bodies again for an adventure to Rapa Nui to collect an artefact, a "huamanga carving", for their antique shop Erotique. As you can predict, these two spend most of their journey on their back.

Perhaps it is tough to follow up to a body switch act, but nonetheless Amichu is a disappointing story. The sex scenes are pretty mundane when I'm expecting the authors to at least incorporate some wild conga jungle monkey sex here or there. In fact, the story ends when our boinking twosome reach their destination so the story is less exotic that I'm led to believe. I'm hoping for more erotic jungle fever moments like Ms Brio has offered me in her collection of short stories fine flickering hungers but Amichu, at only 30 pages, is just begging me to ask in a most sarcastic manner, "Why is this short little thing even published in the first place?"

The sex isn't as good as that in the previous book and the story is actually half a story since it ends abruptly as if it's initially meant to be a part of a longer story. I believe these two authors are actually some of the few romantic erotica authors capable of writing erotic stories that actually make me curl my toes so it is a waste if they insist on putting out half-baked stories like Amichu. Why not wait a while to expand the story a little more and then publish it? Maybe Mommy needs new shoes, I suppose. I understand that the authors and Phaze have plans to package all the boinkersome adventures of Paul [sic] and Mandy into one collection. I'd suggest that people wait for that collection to come out instead of paying for something as short and unsatisfyingly truncated as Amichu.

Rating: 51

Mrs. Giggles Reviews "Artistically Inclined"

2007-02-04T14:00:00.000-05:00

Here's what Mrs. Giggles had to say about Artistically Inclined:

Do take note that Artistically Inclined was published only a few months ago by Venus Press and the authors have merely switched book publisher after Venus Press starts experiencing perplexing mysterious issues like telephones and emails that never work without making any changes to the story.

In our story, Cyndi is in a relationship with Kevin. She's an artist while he sells sport equipment and all, so this could either end up in pieces or work beautifully to the grand finish. Currently, however, she feels that their sex life has fallen into a rut and, inspired by a sexy work she's been working on for an anonymous client, she decides to spice up things between her and Kevin this Valentine's day. They will exchange a list of five sexual fantasies and if they have any same sexual fantasy in their lists, they'll do that one come Valentine's Day. Boy, this could be asking for trouble, especially if the other person comes up with a list that includes not just his ex-girlfriend or Dakota Fanning but also his mother, the family bulldog, or something he's seen in a Japanese dirty cartoon involving tentacles.

Artistically Inclined is not a bad read at all but I feel that the payoff isn't as good as the build-up. For one, I'm intrigued by the painting Cyndi did since it was supposed to be sexy while at the same time fit for display in, say, a church or in a school. What is it that she ends up painting, I wonder? Also, the story has Cyndi thinking about how she'll only let Kevin do the backdoor thing to her if he's willing to take it backdoor as well or how Karen, Kevin's secretary, has a thing for Cyndi so I'm really looking forward for all kinds of mind-boggling permutations and combinations one can have for two guys and two gals in a bisexual free-for-all. However, the payoff is pretty mundane in comparison to the build-up since the sexual fantasy Kevin and Cyndi opt to carry out doesn't even cover a fraction of such possibility. I won't spoil what they end up doing, but Artistically Inclined doesn't push the envelope as much as it seems to promise me at the start of the story.

Perhaps if this is a longer story it would deliver all the graphic and naughty things it promises to in its set-up, but in its current short length, all it does is to set my expectations high and then leaves me hanging high and dry. That's not a very nice thing to do, I must say.

Rating: 73

Good Clean Promo Fun!

2007-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

In the quest for memorable, cost-effective promo swag, we bring you the following liquid soaps:

Should you be attending EPICon or the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, you might find yourself the recipient of either San Diego Sunset's Chocolate-Raspberry or Artistically Inclined's "Lick Me All Over" body wash. (Alessia has a Chocolate-Covered Cherry hand soap, too!)

Hope to see you there!

Second Coming

2007-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

We're delighted to announce the re-release of Artistically Inclined. We opted to move this title to Phaze due to the exceptional promotion & wider distribution it provides.

And stay tuned for its sequel, Bound for Success!

Switch Gets Giggled

2007-01-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

We are very pleased with Mrs. Giggles' review of Switch:

Alessia Brio and Will Belegon collaborate on Switch, which is a sequel to Ms Brio's Erotique. The same characters from Erotique are back. Amanda Long and Bruce, whose last name is still a mystery, are back and this time around they are happily having some fun in bed during a thunderstorm when lightning strikes and they find themselves having switched bodies. Which is to say, Mandy is now in Bruce's body while Bruce is in Mandy's body. Under ordinary circumstances, people in this situation may say, "Wait a minute, this is creepy, change things back arou[n]nd please!" But ah, our Mandy and Bruce are no ordinary people. They are soon having fun especially by doing things to the other person and experiencing sex from the perspective of the other gender.

Switch is nothing more than that. It's all sex and more sex. Detailed sex, by the way, from the curve of the penis Mandy sort of borrowed from Bruce at that moment to Bruce's first experience of a female orgasm. A long time ago, the greek philosopher Tiresias lived both as man and woman (not at the same time, of course, because that will be really surreal) and he later insisted to Hera that women experience greater pleasure in sex compared to men. However, in this story both Bruce and Mandy realize that they really like experiencing sex in the other person's body so the fun is very democratic in how it's being distributed to all parties here.

As a very naughty and fun story of an unusual sexual situation involving two romantically-linked people, Switch is a rare story that is confident about its erotic quality that it doesn't try too hard to include orgies and vampiric anal sex in order to live up to its romantic erotica label. Naturally, it succeeds in doing so, which is why this story is pretty cool.

Rating: 80

Enchanted Ramblings Reviews "Artistically Inclined"

2007-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

WHOOP! Helluva way to start the week!

Audiotalo from Enchanted Ramblings gives Artistically Inclined 5.5 (of 6) magical wands and some terrific praise:

This is easily one of the best contemporary erotic novellas I've read in a long time. What's even more impressive about it is that Cyndi and Kevin are not hot young twenty-somethings, but an attractive middle-aged couple. Both characters are sympathetically and excitingly drawn, with enough details about their workday lives to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. With sexual tension buzzing throughout, a threesome and some m/m action, this is one hot read. Recommended!

Currently, this title is only available at Venus Press, but we hope to soon move it to Phaze for wider distribution.

Also coming soon, its sequel (entitled Bound for Success).

Enchanted Ramblings Reviews "San Diego Sunset"

2007-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Astrea from Enchanted Ramblings had this to say about our Phaze Snuggler San Diego Sunset:

This is a romantic story about what happens when two people are fated to meet. I enjoyed the way it feels as if they could be anyone, even the woman or man next door.

Sketch by the incomparable Patty.

Sensual Reads Reviews "Amichu"

2007-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tee from Sensual Reads & Reviews gives Amichu four roses:

Amichu is an action filled, humorous and delightful story. It is very well written and well researched. The love scenes are very believable and quite steamy. Alessia Brio and Will Belegon work great as a team and each compliment the other very well. If you want to curl up with a quick read by the firelight, then this is the book for you.

TRS Reviews "Switch"

2007-01-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

The Romance Studio gives Switch, our Phaze Surge HeatSheet, four hearts:

Switch provided me with a short, extremely erotic and gratifying read! Amanda and Bruce are fun, light hearted characters who find themselves in an extraordinary situation. I just loved the experience of watching Amanda learn what it means for a man to experience sexual arousal. She found out that she, in a man's body, had to control her strength. Brad [sic] learned that his new body was intensely sensitive in odd (to him) places. I did have some difficulty with the easiness with which each of them adjusted and went right back to sex. It seems that Amanda and Bruce have been in other stories together and I will enjoy looking for them.

Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Marcy Arbitman
January 16, 2007

TANSTAAFL

2007-01-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

Heinlein fans will recognize the acronym for there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. There is, however, such thing as a free story!

Today our primary publisher, Phaze, unveiled its Flare promotion. Free fiction! No purchase necessary. Just visit the Phaze Flares page and add the desired titles to your shopping cart.

This week's titles include our very first collaboration: Bleep! Download it FREE today!

The Eternal Night Reviews "Amichu"

2006-12-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

"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."

Read the entire review HERE. Buy the book HERE.

RRT Erotic Reviews "Artistically Inclined"

2006-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Terrie 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.

RRT Erotic Reviews "San Diego Sunset"

2006-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

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

Love Romances and More Reviews SDS

2006-12-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

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!

"San Diego Sunset" Released!

2006-12-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here's what Annie from The Romance Studio had to say about it:

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 of 5
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Annie
November 12, 2006

Gabrielle

2006-11-10T04:30:00.000-05:00

This morning, a child left our world. We are both richer to have shared time together in this realm, and poorer to have had that time cut short.

Rest in peace, tiny goddess.

Wanna Cyber?

2006-10-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

Our Phaze books are now available at CyberRead:

Another Terrific Sexography Review

2006-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Artistically Inclined
Alessio Brio & Will Belegon

Looking for ways to stave off boredom in her new sex life with Kevin Rogers, Cyndi Ellington comes up with the idea of them each creating a Valentine's Day list of their sexual . After letting Kevin know what she has in mind, the only worry now, for Cyndi, is whether their minds are closely matched enough in the bedroom for the relationship to work.

After reading Amichu and loving it, I had a fair idea that I wouldn't be disappointed with Artistically Inclined. However, they should and will be reviewed on their own merit.

One particular observation became apparent to me whilst reading AI: this novel left me decidedly hot and wet. The book had an air of sensuality throughout and that more than anything tends to turn me on. I have an idea, too, that the homoerotic scenes might have had something to do with it as well!

The couple decide to abstain from any sex play until Valentine's Day and the sexual tension literally drips off the words thereafter. Plus, a sneak preview of both lists only serves to heighten that sensation and will have you craving that impending release. So with eroticism, sensuality and tension, AI should be one of your novels of choice.

Carrie White, Erotic Writer
http://www.hentracks.co.uk
http://www.lulu.com/content/430816
http://www.sexography.co.uk

"Pure Masterpiece"

2006-10-17T15:00:00.000-04:00

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
Oh, and here's the link to the review: http://www.bloglegion.com/Scrawler/1886/

FAR Reviews "Switch"

2006-10-05T20:45:00.000-04:00

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.

A Perfect Record

2006-10-01T22:30:00.000-04:00

As of this evening, it's official. Every story that we've written together is a money-maker. San Diego Sunset will be part of the Phaze Snuggler HeatSheet line!

Bare Back Magazine Reviews "Artistically Inclined"

2006-10-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

Natasha from Bare Back Magazine had this to say about Artistically Inclined:

The story begins as Cyndi, a Pittsburgh artist and Kevin, a successful businessman explore their passion and new love affair while exchanging emails to discuss ways to spicen their love life.

The emails between the two become heightened as they explored the possibilities. They come up with a list of five sexual fantasies. They realize that their imagination is much more better than any material gift that they could give each other.

The story starts off with a lot of dialogue, I think because it establishes the background between the two characters and makes for a story that is more realistic.

Once the characters finally get together, it makes for a sexy scene. Cyndi and Kevin were already a couple who have a healthy sex life. They introduced another lover into the equation and sets the scene for an unforgettable erotic encounter.

The story is playful, sexy and fun to read. It makes for a very good read.

Four stars

Artistically Inclined's First Review

2006-09-22T12:30:00.000-04:00

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 Released

2006-09-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

As Cyndi Ellington, a Pittsburgh artist, and Kevin Rogers, a successful businessman, begin their new romance, they are determined not to repeat past mistakes by allowing their sex life to become stale or routine. Artistically Inclined is the tale of their first Valentine's Day together, setting an erotic precedent for future holiday celebrations. It is a fun and sexy romp through their world of passionate creativity.

Genre: Contemporary
Content: Explored - Menage with M/M interaction
Rating: Hephaestus (hottest) - Love scenes are extremely detailed, explicit, and daring. The storyline pushes the envelope, as do the sex scenes.
Length: Short Story (10 to 18K)
ISBN # 1-59836-3371-9
$3.98 eBook from Venus Press

We're now available at Fictionwise!

2006-09-11T11:45:00.000-04:00

As of this morning, both Switch and Amichu are available via Fictionwise -- and each is available (with the standard 15% discount on new books) for a mere $1.70 for the next seven days!

But wait ... there's more! *grin*

In celebration, if you drop us an e-mail at artistically.inclined.inc@gmail.com, we'll send you coupon codes good for another 10% off each book!

So, dear readers, that means for the next week, you can have BOTH Switch and Amichu for a mere $3.06!

JERR Reviews "Amichu"

2006-09-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

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

Amichu's First Review!

2006-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

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.

Chat with us tonight !

2006-08-28T13:56:00.000-04:00

Join us, 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!

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

Hope to see you there!

Amichu Released!

2006-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

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.

Enchanted Ramblings Interview

2006-07-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Our first joint interview! *grin*

Rambler’s Inn Q&A

http://www.EnchantedRamblings.net

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.

"O" for "Orgasmic"

2006-07-13T21:45:00.000-04:00

Anya Kahn from Just Erotic Romance Reviews gave Switch a 4-star review:

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.

Rating: 4/5 Stars (Engrossing & Arousing)
Heat level: O (Orgasmic)

Drumroll, Please

2006-07-08T10:17:00.000-04:00

Artistically Inclined is now in editing at Venus Press, and we are very excited about our cover:

Isn't it gorgeous?

Joyfully Reviewed

2006-07-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

Cassidy 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

Samba Amichu!

2006-06-26T19:03:00.000-04:00

We just got the news! Amichu, our Phaze HeatSheet Samba submission, was accepted for publication. WHOOP!

(READ AN EXCERPT)

Got It Covered

2006-06-23T13:54:00.000-04:00

Wow! Yesterday we were contacted by Venus Press regarding the cover image for Artistically Inclined. They wanted to know if we could get permission to use the photo below as a background image:

We dashed off an e-mail and by evening, the photographer had given his consent. He'll be getting a complementary copy of the book, of course, along with copyright acknowledgment.

Going Bare Back!

2006-05-31T14:00:00.000-04:00

Bare Back Magazine reviews Switch:

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

Enchanted Ramblings reviews 'Switch'

2006-05-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

Enchanted Ramblings reviews:

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.

Eternal Night Reviews 'Switch'

2006-05-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

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
http://www.eternalnight.co.uk/books/b/brioalessia/switch.html

And the winner is ...

2006-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Our Switch contest has a winner: Aurora Black! Aurora was our only entrant who correctly answered ALL of the questions (including the tie breakers). CONGRATULATIONS!

Prize: Aurora now has the choice of ONE of the following:

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

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

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 (and Answers):

What will Bruce accept in lieu of his attorney fee?

A blow job.

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

Cream cheese dip.

What does Mandy tell Bruce to stop playing with?

Her/his tits.

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

The fruit, the cheese, and the wine.

What do "so many cultures" associate with storms?

Magic.

Tie Breakers:

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

Almost being sacrificed to Aztec goddess Tlazolteotl at the end of Erotique.

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

Carrara marble.

Hot Switch!

2006-05-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Shay, 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."

And the (promo) beat goes on ...

2006-04-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, yesterday we announced our contest while co-hosting the Phaze blog. We're accepting entries for the 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:

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

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

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.

We're Guest Hosting!

2006-04-27T02:51:00.000-04:00

Alessia and I will be guest hosting the Phaze Romance Blog at http://phazeromance.blogspot.com on Thursday, April 27th. So pop on over and cause some trouble for us. We are going to announce a contest about our Phaze release, Switch, and then we are kind of playing it by ear. Come play with us!

Early Reviews - Switch

2006-04-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

Author Lisa Bradley gives Switch 5 of 5 Stars:

It’s getting *hot* in here…A sequel to Alessia Brio’s 2005 Erotique, Bruce and Mandy are back with a bang-literally! There’s no way to say exactly what I mean without giving away the rather delicious secret twist that drives this story. Let’s just say that writing partner Will Belegon’s input is crucial. A must-read for a fascinating and sexy surprise!

Author Leigh Ellwood gives Switch 5 of 5 Stars:

What a wild ride for Mandy and Bruce! Switch is a truly hot story about passion that transcends reality and gender. You will definitely want to read more about this couple. Alessia and Will write so well together. Their mingled styles are seamless.

Author Jessie Verino gives Switch 4 of 5 Stars:

Mandy & Bruce are continuing their sexual exploration in this wildly electric story. The predicament these two find themselves in will make you laugh, then make you squirm.

New Release : Switch

2006-04-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

We daresay this may be the most fun you can have for $2 ...

Amichu

2006-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Our Samba submission now has a title. Yay! Amichu is a Quechua word meaning "thing united with another one."

We're 2,400 words into this sequel to Erotique and Switch -- and our plot has gotten so intricate that it's gonna be tough to keep it to HeatSheet length (12K)!

These characters are so rich in potential that we could probably write several dozen stories about them & their adventures. We can even see them on the silver screen. *grin*

Update 4/19/06: Up to 4,000 words now.

Update 5/18/06: Finished and submitted! WHOOP!

READ AN EXCERPT.

Samba

2006-04-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

It doesn't yet have a title, but we're about 1,000 words into our submission for Phaze's HeatSheet Samba call. We'll post an excerpt soon.

Synopsis:

Mandy & Bruce (from Erotique & Switch) travel to South America to acquire an ancient Incan artifact for Erotique's museum annex. Their adventure is fraught with intrique and mystique and, of course, hot sex.

Bound for Success

2006-04-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

We've just started this, the sequel to Artistically Inclined. As the title implies, there is bondage involved. Stay tuned for an excerpt.

Synopsis:

Kevin is on a mission to take Cyndi's mind off her anxiety surrounding her first solo art show.

4/13 Update:

3,500 words in. We're shooting for approximately 13K (the same length as Artistically Inclined).