Louise Roberts is re-releasing Book 2 – Romance in War Series

Grandma used to say. . . by Louise Roberts May 31st, 2018

 

Grandma used to say, in relation to food preparation, you have to present your dish to first feast the eyes before it feasts the stomach.

In the same way, one might presume, this way of thinking can be adopted to all products whether they are edible or not. If something is pleasing to the eye, it is more likely to be acquired; and if the product is a book, for it to be picked up, scrutinized, and if the formula is to their liking, purchased.

In my case, I thought I had achieved just the right formula when, last year [2017], I had “packaged” Book 2 in my Romance in War series. I believed I was being clever with the title by combining words from two situations dating back to 1944 – the year the story is set. “Operation Dragoon” was the code name for the invasion of southern France in August of that year. At that time, the American musician Glenn Miller was popular, and his tune “Moonlight Serenade” is one of my favorites. It only seemed natural therefore that I should entitle the story “Dragoon Serenade”. Getting an appropriate cover for it was a challenge, and although both the publisher and I loved the end result, it has now come to light [seven months since the books release], that readers held a different, more negative, view.

Book 2 in the Romance in War series is a lovely story or so I’ve been told by all those who have read it. The three 5 star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads seem to support those positive comments.

Yet despite such encouraging feedback sales of the book were lower than expected. It was therefore a difficult decision to make, but with the support of Luminosity Publishing, the story has been repackaged.

On Thursday June 7^th, 2018 the book is to be re-released with a new exciting title and a new, more vibrant cover:

Fingers and toes crossed, as well as Grandma’s favorite recipe, “Codename: Amour” will appeal to all lovers of sensual romance and adventure.

With very best wishes

Louise xx

 

Advertisements

Paperback Release Today…

 

It has been a long time coming for me, but I’m pleased that “Out of the Darkness” has today [May 15, 2018] been released as a paperback [it has been available in digital format since April 18,2018. I have been looking forward to this day since 1994 when I first wrote the story. At the time however I was a novice author and wasn’t confident in my writing abilities.

Twenty odd years later and ten other publications under my belt, it was time for my first book to be reworked. It was a good decision. The story needed a complete over-haul and I was glad that I had acquired the right skills to be able to turn this into a fast-paced crime novel with romantic elements.

Using my local knowledge of both Australia and the island of Malta, my story develops in the former and concludes [for now – a sequel is to come] in the latter.

You can view the summary on this blog at the book’s page, but a quick glimpse at the publisher’s site will enable you to read an excerpt:

https://luminositypublishing.com/book/out-of-the-darkness/

I sincerely hope that the book will appeal and give enjoyment to those who read it, and hopefully, review it favorably on Amazon.

Finally I would like to thank the team at Luminosity Publishing for their continuing support and belief in my writing.

RLB – Tomewriter

Published…

Out of the Darkness is a full-length novel consisting of 66,565 words. This Mystery Suspense with Romantic Elements story contains murder scenes some readers may find upsetting. However, it is a story that will keep you on your toes, making you wonder what happens next.

The idea for this tale first entered my head in 1994. Although I had written the initial draft I was not happy with it to submit to a publisher. Over the subsequent years I would revisit the story and make a few changes but never of any magnitude to warrant  confidence that the book was ready.

Of course, being a writer the enthusiasm of creating stories didn’t stop just because the first novel was, in my opinion, not good enough. That same year I began writing my second novel which I assigned to a pen name ‘Louise Roberts’. This too was a full-length novel, but a historical romance entitled “Beneath Southern Stars” [e-published on Smashwords]. A year later I began a non-fiction history book that would take 10 years to complete.

From that time to this, I have written three full-length novels, a non-fiction history book, five historical romance novellas, and several short stories, as well as some poetry. You’ll find most of them on this blog.

Despite writing so many different genres, my first story was never forgotten. When I arrived in Southern France in 2016, the change of pace and locality gave me the courage to tear it apart and start again. I should have done so years ago.

In truth, I expect that since creating my other stories, and having editors advise on how to improve them, my craft of writing has had the opportunity to develop and grow in strength.

It is with pride and great pleasure therefore, that after so many years, Luminosity Publishing LLP has today released Out of the Darkness in digital format. The novel is to be released in a paperback version on May 15, 2018.

The book can be obtained from various sites as well as Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Mark-Lander-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07B6T7NVG

 

OUT OF THE DARKNESS

The Mark Lander Chronicles – Book 1

ROBERT L.J. BORG

 

From the depths of darkness, a cry of distress leads Mark Lander from a world of violence to a place where romance awaits . . .

 

It’s January 1994 and it is proving to be another hot summer in Sydney Australia. During the early hours, lonely in his thoughts and strolling along the shoreline at Freshwater Beach, Mark Lander, a war correspondent home on leave, is distracted by cries of help from the surf and wades in to rescue a swimmer in distress.

Unbeknown to Mark his courageous action will make him an unsuspecting champion in the defense of the rescuee, Robyn Shelly. Inquisitive by nature, a requirement of his chosen profession, he teams up with his best friend, Detective Sergeant Jim Sanders. Their respective investigations will pull them deeper into a world of violence and mayhem.

Despite his personal emotional anguish, Mark finds himself captivated by Robyn’s beauty and gradually falls in love with her. However, although he gladly accepts the unexpected friendship, will the trials still to come dash any hope of romance and eventual happiness . . .?

 

RLB – Tomewriter

The countdown has begun….

There are only 17 days to go before my exciting, fast-paced crime-suspense with romantic elements is released in digital format by Luminosity Publishing on April 18^th. The paperback version is to be released on May 15^th, 2018:

 

 

Out of the Darkness

[Mark Lander Chronicles – Book 1]

 Copyright © Robert L J Borg 2018

ISBN: 978-1-370938-44-5

PUBLISHER NOTE: Mystery-Suspense with Romantic Elements. Contains murder scenes some readers may find upsetting. Full-length novel: 66,565 words. (162 pages)

Red-Hot Romance

It’s January 1994 and it is proving to be another hot summer in Sydney Australia. During the early hours, lonely in his thoughts and strolling along the shoreline at Freshwater Beach, Mark Lander, an out-of-work war correspondent, is distracted by cries of help from the surf and wades in to rescue a swimmer in distress.

Unbeknown to Mark his courageous action will make him an unsuspecting champion in the defence of the rescued person. Inquisitive by nature, a requirement of his chosen profession, he teams up with his best friend, Detective Sergeant Jim Sanders. Their respective investigations will draw them deeper into a world of violence and mayhem.

Despite the anguish, Mark gladly accepts an unexpected friendship, but will the trials still to come dash any hope of romance and eventual happiness?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon France:

https://www.amazon.fr/-/e/B07B728BQK

Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B07B728BQK

Amazon USA:

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07B728BQK

Amazon Germany:

https://www.amazon.de/-/e/B07B728BQK

Amazon Australia:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Darkness-Mark-Lander-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07B6T7NVG

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/798924

Google Books:

https://books.google.fr/books?id=Vf1ODwAAQBAJ&dq=Out+of+the+darkness+by+Robert+L+J+Borg

Luminosity Publishing:

http://luminositypublishing.com/book/out-of-the-darkness/

Enough now….

I’m glad to be home . . . the heart operation carried out at the Arnault Tzanck Plein Ciel Clinique at Mougins went sort of okay last week with only a ‘small’ hiccup landing me in ICU for three days. Fortunately, I was in good hands and I was able to be discharged from the clinic last Saturday 17th March.

However, up until this afternoon I’ve been staying with my mum and sister for some much welcomed TLC. But all good things come to an end, and although they wanted me to remain with them until the end of the week I decided it was probably best to give them a break – besides I did need to get back to reality.

Now though, I have to stay rested for at least another week as per doctor’s orders and to avoid doing anything too strenuous for about 3 months [should be interesting as living on one’s own there is nobody else to help out].

I’ll be visiting my GP tomorrow to give him an update and to see if I can qualify for some home help until I’m back on my feet properly.

This coming Friday [23^rd March] I have a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist so I’ll wait and see what he has to say about it all.

One thing is certain, the ECG they carried out last Saturday morning showed the best results I have seen in a long time, so that’s something at least.

The surgeon at the clinic did explain the results of his work the day after the operation, but it was a bit tricky trying to understand what he was saying while lying on my back with ten million wires attaching me to various monitors and tubes stuck into my body feeding pain killing drugs.

From what I gathered, they found I have an enlarged aorta so the procedure to carry out the flutter ablation proved difficult, and their mucking about in my heart caused an inflammation of its wall that pressed against my lungs making it difficult for me to breathe.

However, oxygen was forced down through my nose and an intensive course of cortisone injections were administered direct into the blood stream staying the pain.

Just to make sure there is no relapse I have been given 10 days’ worth of cortisone tablets to take while at home [40 mg in the morning and 20 mg at lunchtime].

I think the surgeon mentioned that the procedure had succeeded, but, as usual, they cover themselves by suggesting if the problem should re-surface then I’ll have to go through the operation all over again.

Eh! I don’t think so . . . NO WAY . . . Thank You, but I think I’ll pass on that.

One thing for certain is I shall be re-thinking my diet and will make sure to increase my exercise regime just as soon as I’ve had the all clear.

Having gone through THREE major operations in the space of 8 months I don’t want to experience anymore surgery . . . ever again.

All I want to do now is relax, restore my health, look forward to enjoy what summer on the Cote d’Azur has to offer: namely the beaches, cafes, family, friends, and hopefully, once I’m able to concentrate better, to get back to writing.

I am determined to finish the sequel to “Out of the Darkness” [Digital release date April 18, 2018 and Paperback release date May 15, 2018] by the end of this year. So far I have only completed some 15,000 words to “Nightsafe”, my target is a minimum of 70,000 – so still a long way to go, but I am confident I will get there.

In addition, I would like to begin a novella – book 3 of the Romance in War series for Louise Roberts. Though, I expect I would be pushing my luck trying to also do book 4. If anything, I might be able to start the research for it.

So there is plenty to look forward to in the coming months, just as long as there is no relapse to my health issues putting a dampener on things.

 

RLB – Tomewriter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Napoléon at Golfe-Juan

A re-enactment of Napoléon’s landing, an equestrian spectacle, dance demonstrations of Corsican performers, inspection of troops, artisans at work, souvenirs, and historical lectures . . . all were available during the weekend of 3^rd and 4^th March 2018 here at Golfe-Juan.

The Napoléon Event had been cancelled for the past two years due to security issues, but this year the community was rewarded with this treat. Unfortunately the weather was not kind, but people were still determined the rain should not dampen the festivities. I among them as much as possible – regrettably due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to witness the landing re-enactment.

203 years ago the sleepy fishing village of Golfe-Juan on the Côte d’Azur was thrust into the annuals of history by an event that would change this little community’s standing forever.

On 1^st March 1815 Napoléon came ashore with 900 Grenadiers from the island of Elba. Nineteen days later having journeyed across the Alps via Grenoble he enters Paris in triumph.

Below is a selection of photos taken over the weekend:

CARNIVAL TIME AT GOLFE-JUAN

A cloudless blue sky, sunshine, confetti, music, dancing and colourful floats…. CARNIVAL TIME came to Golfe-Juan today.

I met mum at the Hotel de Provence located in the town centre for a coffee and to watch the procession as it trundled past. Smiling and excited kids threw confetti from above – I expect we’ll be shedding the sprinkles from our clothing for a week.

Heading the parade were the cards from Alice in Wonderland, and the float included the white rabbit and Alice among other characters.

   

They were closely followed by musicians and dancers of the association of Portuguese folklore.

Behind them was a large turtle draped with an anchor – Perhaps they were lifesavers – your guess is as good as mine.

Another colourful float followed. Again there was no indication who or what they were, except that the decorations seemed to represent sweets [lollies – for any Australian reading this] so perhaps this was a clue?

Behind them came a group of Charlie Chaplin look-alikes ??

  

And bringing up the rear was a very cheerful jazz band

Unfortunately I didn’t take a photo of them as I recorded them on video instead, but for some unknown reason I am unable to upload it on my blog.

When the procession disappeared around the corner, mum and I slowly set off towards the old port to sit at café, the Brasserie L’Escale and enjoy an aperitif before lunch at the local Lebanese restaurant, La Cigale du Golfe. Both establishments provide great food and beverages at a reasonable price, the service is exceptional and it’s brought to you with a smile.

It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

RLB – Tomewriter

Hip Replacement Update

For those of you who read my previous blogs relating to my left hip replacement operation – here’s an update on my progress relating to both recent hip replacement operations carried out at the hospital in Antibes.

I know I have been going on a bit about the pain I’ve been experiencing shared on my Facebook page, but maybe you’ll understand why by the following X-Ray photos of my two new hip joints.

The left one was done in July 2017, and the experience was recorded in my thirteen part blog which if you ‘missed’ is now archived under the months of September – October last year.

Apart from the occasional twinge, I’m glad to report that the left hip is now fully recovered:

Left Hip Replacement

The right hip though, is a different story. The operation was carried out 8 weeks ago [7^th December 2017], and despite having spent three weeks at the rehab center [I’d spent four weeks for the left hip, which I thought was too much], completed ten physio sessions, applying ice packs two or three times a day, and taking pain killers, I am still experiencing a lot of discomfort. Although I must say it is slowly, but surely, getting better.

This one is taking longer to fix because of the femur fracturing when they were hammering in the prosthesis. They had to wrap a wire around the bone to hold it together. It also seems the prosthesis is in two parts held together with a screw…. Little wonder I’m still experiencing so much pain:

Right Hip Replacement

Yesterday [01/01/18], for the first time since the op, I was able to walk the 2.5 km round trip from home to the physio center in Golfe-Juan without the use of either crutch.

However, at this stage, I am still unable to put my full weight on my right leg, so going up any stairs is impossible unless one at a time with my left leg leading. Going down them is easy.

As of next Monday [5^th February 2018] I will be commencing a further twenty physiotherapy sessions, which at three days per week, will see me complete them in time for my next appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Bohic, on 21st March.

A further update will follow after I see him.

RLB – Tomewriter

Guest Blog by Amara Lebel

One of the nice things about being part of the Luminosity Publishing “family” is that you get to meet fellow authors, be it only online. Recently, a new author joined the Luminosity family.

As with any family that likes to support and celebrate each other’s achievements, so it is with the Luminosity Publishing family. I am therefore very happy to share with you Amara’s latest book : “Taming the Alpha” and welcomed her to include an introduction of her story on my blog.

Taming the Alpha (Balls & Chains Series #2)

By Amara Lebel

 

Title: Taming the Alpha

Series: Balls & Chains #2

Genre:  M/M Paranormal BDSM Romance

Words: 53,300 (114 pages)

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ Red-Hot Romance

 

Blurb:

Welcome to Balls & Chains, a BDSM Club for gay men. Cross the threshold and see the worlds of humans and shifters collide as these alphas dominate, and betas submit.

Past sins have forced Cadeon Rosseau into isolation, his pack turning against him and casting him out. Self-hatred and mutilation made him the male he is today. An alpha in his own right, he prowls the rooms at Balls & Chains in search of the one who will either save him from himself or break him completely. Jaded and alone, he finds it difficult to pull away from the self-made hell which has become his life, until a new submissive garners his attention…

Curiosity and a need for adventure lured Blake Copeland to the doors of the famous gay BDSM club. He craved distraction from his monotonous life and had been assured that he would find it there. Little did he know exactly how true that statement would be. Not only did Blake find what he was looking for, but he also left with a slightly unhinged mate in tow…

Will these two lone wolves find the strength to battle the obstacles in their path and build a future?

 

Adult Excerpt:

“I can live with that. The fact that you’ll try for me, is enough.”

Cade’s chest ached at Blake’s words and the emotion in his pale eyes. If he weren’t careful, this male would be his undoing. It didn’t change the fact that he wanted him, though, and always would. He ached for him. “Blake, I need you.”

“Yes, Mon Liege.” Moving back, Blake remained on his knees, casting his eyes downward as he moved into position. “I am yours to do with as you please.”

“Such words, yet you have no idea what you’re asking for.” Cade stood, moving around his male as his body reacted to Blake’s willing submission. “You’d be nothing but a plaything to me. I would use your body, taking everything from you, and I wouldn’t go easy. I’d push you beyond your limits, force you to do things you normally wouldn’t. And then, when I’d exhausted your body and mind, I’d fuck you until you felt, nor knew, nothing but me. Think you can handle that, loup?”

Blake groaned, squirming where he knelt on the bathroom floor. “Yes, Mon Liege.”

Cade had to bite back the groan threatening to escape him. His male was something else, and he wanted him more than he had anyone else before him. “Bien, go to the playroom and get into position. You know the rules. I’ll be there soon.” Without uttering another word, Cade turned and left the room before he gave into his needs and took Blake on the bathroom floor like the animal he was.

A few minutes later, he was standing by the open door, staring down at his new plaything where he was kneeling on the floor, naked and in position. He was so fucking beautiful, and an eager and obedient submissive. It pleased Cade greatly. He wanted to reach out and touch Blake, to praise him, but now was not the time. He was his Dominant right now, not his mate. So instead, he moved to stand by his head which was currently pressed against the hardwood floor. “You know the rules. Repeat them, word for word, otherwise, we stop here and now.”

“I am unworthy of you, Mon Liege. I shall not look at you, nor will I touch you. I speak only when you give me permission to do so. I shall always refer to you as Mon Liege. And if I disobey, I will be punished.”

Cade smirked, he was so proud of his mate, but he wasn’t about to tell him that. Not yet. Without saying a word, he walked past Blake to retrieve two pairs of cuffs from the cabinet. One leather, and the other steel. “Stand.” As Blake moved to do as he was told, Cade made his way back to his plaything’s side. “Bend over and grasp your ankles.” Cade stood at his back, watching appreciatively as he bent over. His ass was bared and open to him. Temptation.

 

©Amara Lebel. Luminosity Publishing. 2017.

 

Buy Links:

Luminosity – http://luminositypublishing.com/product/taming-the-alpha/

BookStrand – http://www.bookstrand.com/taming-the-alpha

Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/2jdKS5m

Amazon US – http://amzn.to/2AwOP9y

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/757654

 

Author Bio:

“I am not Perverted. I am a Depraved Sensualist. There is a difference!”

 

I am an Erotic Romance and ManLove author. A huge fan of all things male; I watch, read and drool over everything to do with them. Yes, I am a little perverted, yet in a good way. I have a vast Yaoi collection, and spend my time fantasizing about steamy scenes of male love, sensual encounters, and so much more.

With a little encouragement I eventually put pen to paper and wrote my first ever MM romance which was published in Sept 2014. Now I take great pride in sharing my erotic stories of forbidden lust and enchanted romance with all of you, my fellow depraved sensualists.

A true Irish lass born and raised I come from a small town in Northern Ireland called Derry, where I now live with my handsome (French) hubby and gorgeous family. I’m a full-time mum of three, and believe me when I say they keep me busy. I spend my days chasing after my lil darlings, my nights lost in Yaoi, and thanks to my amazing husband I spend my weekends writing up a storm.

Author Links:

Email: amaralebel@gmail.com

Author Site: https://www.amaralebel.com/

Blog: http://amaralebel.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaralebelauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaralebel/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/amaralebel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amaralebel

Luminosity Publishing: http://luminositypublishing.com/amara-lebel/

Siren BookStrand:  http://www.bookstrand.com/amara-lebel

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zJySjk

BookLikes: http://amaralebel.booklikes.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29908002-amara-lebel

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/amaralebel

ManicReaders – http://www.manicreaders.com/AmaraLebel/

Google+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmaraLebel

An Aussie Author in Provence

An Aussie Author in Provence by Robert L J Borg a.k.a. Louise Roberts

Article previously published November 2017 in Hearts Talk – the official magazine of Romance Writers of Australia

People living in Golfe-Juan will tell you the country is made of two parts: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur [PACA] and the rest of France.  Since moving here in March 2016 I can now appreciate what they mean; for in this region everything seems to move at a very slow pace. As an example it took almost a year since buying my apartment into actually receiving the deeds.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not knocking the place; quite the opposite in fact. France in general is a very beautiful country – I travelled around it a fair bit in the late 1970’s, but the south of France is an entity that swallows you whole.

In winter, the coastal towns are so laid back you feel as though you are the only one living here – it is so quiet. However, when spring and summer arrive, it’s as though someone has applied a defibrillator to it, as the region suddenly becomes fast paced and alive with tourists, the rich and famous among their number. Stunning yachts fill the ports, exotic cars cruise the coastal roads, and restaurants and bars are filled to bursting.

It inspires you to visit new locations and revisit places you have been to before. As an author this time of the year is best, especially for people watching. The more you see, the more character developments start to fill your repertoire to eventually find themselves into one of your stories. It is an inspirational part of the world where history and traditional values play an important role in its very special identity.

I left Australia with an amount of uncertainty at what I might find. When I arrived I knew I had made the right decision. Although the French can be suspicious, annoyingly slow, and have a weird sense of humor, they have also a generosity with their time for you, especially when you make the effort to speak their language. French is not particularly easy when you haven’t used it since learning it at school – in my case some fifty plus years ago. I still struggle with it today even though I am told I speak it very well [personally I think they are just being polite].

Re-reading everything I have written so far, it sounds like a plug for their tourist office, but changing it would mean that all I have said hasn’t had a major effect on my writing, when in fact it has.

Since March 2016 two books were released by Luminosity Publishing under my pen name, Louise Roberts, and a third was released on 26^th October.  The 37,000 word novella “Dragoon Serenade” is located in this area set during the lead up to the Allied invasion of southern France on 15^th August 1944. The region’s history, its people, the communities that encompasses them has entirely influenced my story. You can get a glimpse of it on my blog or view the book trailer on YouTube:

https://louiserobertsromance.wordpress.com/dragoon-serenade/

https://youtu.be/yo2PHH2gjmQ

On 15^th November 2017 Luminosity Publishing will be releasing a paperback entitled “Romance in War – Volume One”. This comprises of books 1 – “Letter from a Stranger” and 2 – “Dragoon Serenade”.

Despite giving my pseudonym the bulk of my time, I have also found some for myself. Apart from writing fiction, I also dabble in travel writing which is probably why the start of this article sounds like a travel brochure. More importantly for me, I have had the time to completely re-write my very first novel “Out of the Darkness”. Although originally completed in 1994 I never thought it good enough to submit. The calming effect the Côte d’Azur has influenced me to have the courage to tear it apart and start again. Hopefully I can find a home for it in 2018.

https://tomewriter.wordpress.com/out-of-the-darkness/

At present I also have two Works-in-Progress on the go, but I’m not rushing them as that would go against the way things are done in the south of France.

*

RLB – Tomewriter