Carmen DeSousa

By far, the most common question people ask when they find out I’m an author is: how did you come up with the idea? Well, it depends on the story, but I pull from everything. Something I hear someone say, a line from a song, just the thought of what a guy might say to a girl, or walking across an outdoor store in heels. Yep, that’s what happened. While shopping for a gift for my hubby, dressed in business attire and wearing high heels that were clicking across the hardwood floors, I thought to myself, “Who'd believe I am an avid hiker and whitewater kayaker ?” Next thing I knew I was jotting down questions to myself: How does a city girl end up owning an outdoor store in the middle of nowhere? And… What type of conflict would come about from it? But that’s all I do is ask myself questions and jot down a few notes. From there, I am the epitome of a pantser . I didn’t even write my prologue and a few chapters of the manuscript until after the entire story wa...

When Alexandra was eight years old, she thought she was a princess in a fairytale , but she didn’t know she was one tragedy away from reality. Now twenty-two, disaster strikes again and she’s determined to change her life. Unfortunately, one night of indiscretion propels Alexandra into a situation that will force her to make choices that will eventually endanger her life. It’ll all come down to two men, one decision , and a final encounter that will change their lives forever.  Although Entangled Dreams is book four in the Southern Suspense Series, it is a standalone novel. Download for 'less than a latte' and enjoy my twist on the old-fashioned fairytale .  Entangled Dreams  ~ Life isn’t a fairytale . Amazon US Kobo Barnes & Noble iTunes Amazon UK

Excerpt: Jordan had his arm latched around her waist. “It sort of reminds me of our first anniversary, the cruise to San Juan, only safer. I never felt comfortable there.” She laughed. “Exactly where do you feel comfortable?” She leaned back against his chest as they marveled at the street performers who painted and danced for money. He tightened his grip around her and nuzzled her neck, laughing too. “That’s true. When I have such a precious commodity that I’m in charge of protecting, how can I relax?” “You’re so silly, Jordan. I don’t think anyone is going to try to run off with me.” He kissed the top of her head. “They’ll be sorry if they try.” She sighed. She never had to worry when he was with her. Jordan would always protect her. She’d never fretted wherever they went, even Puerto Rico. She knew nobody would take him on. After reading the 600-plus reviews--just on Amazon; there are two hundred more on iTunes and B&N--there seems to be a common c...

  A writer once told me that all first-time authors write their autobiography, even if tagged fiction. While I don’t believe that’s completely true, after all, some first-time authors write about vampires and shape shifters, I do think there’s a modicum of truth to that statement. In other words, even if an author writes a work of fiction, there are usually many elements of the story that are factual, and I’d venture to guess that at minimum, a new author will probably pattern characters after people they know. When my professor suggested to “Write what you know.” —a quote often attributed to Mark Twain, but some say it is much older—I wasn’t certain if I really wanted to do it. After all, who would believe me? Here are a few subjects I know: Child abuse Sexual abuse Drug abuse Alcohol abuse Abandonment Rape Suicide Depression Belief in God The power to over come Love at first sight Stalkers Crime Tragedies ...

If you enjoy a romantic drama with plenty of spark and suspense, Entangled Dreams is for you.  As all my novels, Entangled Dreams is my idea of a modern-day fairy tale. A perfect life shattered, a heroine struggling to make her way in a cruel world, and a knight in armor who usually needs a little ‘shining’ up to be the hero. Just a few of the reviews: “I really love her books because she tells a great story about people who are not perfect, but are doing the best they can. Her heroes make me melt because they are not the typical hero…” “Deeply flawed and human characters that Carmen does masterfully…” “I was on the edge of my seat several times while reading this. I HIGHLY recommend Entangled Dreams…” For more description or to download, follow the links: Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble iTunes Until next time, happy reading, friends! I love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the links below....

  This week for my excerpt, I decided to use my full book blurb. If you enjoy, click the link to read the first three chapters; no download required. When Alexandra Nicole was eight, she thought she was a princess in a fairytale. But after a tragic accident shatters her magical life, she finds herself in a cold and heartless reality. As an adult, she once again faces harsh truths and decides to take control of her life. Unfortunately, choices have a way of entangling her dreams and pushing her down a dark and dismal path. Alexandra must trust her instincts to escape danger, but be able to surrender all to find her happily ever after. Knowing how to decipher the difference, will be her toughest challenge. Want more?  Download your copy now... Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble iTunes Or, click here to read the first three chapters . I love talking about all things books, so please connect with me...

Okay, I know … another blog where I reveal I'm just a tad crazy, but then again, all artists have to be a little nuts to dream up the things we create. The funny thing is I’d been thinking about this yesterday, and this morning a Twitter friend sent me this great image. When I write, I fall in love. Not just with the male protagonist, all of my characters. Don’t go looking for that straitjacket yet. The difference is I know they are not real, but sometimes I wonder if my heart does. Yesterday, I had to do the obligatory running around: grocery shopping, gym, errands. You know, the stuff we put off until the last minute and then rush around to finish it. Anyway, while I was out, I couldn’t stop thinking about my current work in progress. To the point I actually felt the butterflies of anticipation in my stomach. You remember those. Hey, I’ve been married twenty-three years, but I still remember the anticipation of our first kiss. The ache to see my love ever...

LOVE ~ BETRAYAL ~ OBSESSION Can you deal with reality? Are you ready to go to the precipice? If so, you're ready for She Belongs to Me According to readers,  She Belongs to Me  is a sensual and gripping read that will have you falling in love and wondering who you can trust right up to the last page. Download Now: Amazon Amazon UK And the book romance doesn’t stop there… When you finish, I have three more romantic-suspense novels! Land of the Noonday Sun Entangled Dreams When Noonday Ends I characterize my stories as modern-day fairytales, as they overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will make you love, laugh, cry, gasp, and hope.   I love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the links b...

Just when you thought it was safe to head back to Nantahala, another killer is on the loose, and this time we have a new hero and heroine determined to find the vicious murderer before another life is lost. If you haven’t read Land of the Noonday Sun , you may want to now. Because someone’s back, and everything you thought you knew about this character, you didn’t. Spoiler Alert!!! You will not have to read  Land of the Noonday Sun  to understand  When Noonday Ends , but you will not enjoy reading  Land of the Noonday Sun  as much if you read second. Just sayin’.  J Skip excerpt and read more about Land of the Noonday Sun You're still here... Yay! On with blurb and excerpt, then: When a new attorney accepts a pro-bono case of a woman accused of attempted murder, he finds himself entwined in age-old secrets and a family who will stop at nothing to conceal them—even murder. Prologue Sitting at the rear of the cour...