Carmen DeSousa

When a new attorney accepts a case of a woman accused of attempted homicide, he finds himself entwined in age-old secrets and a family who will stop at nothing to conceal them—even murder. If you’ve been following me, you’ll know it is tradition to share a first kiss from my novels. For reasons I won't disclose, our heroine is a little tipsy, but she still knows what she wants. If you haven’t and would prefer to read the full prologue first, along with the previous samples, click here . Excerpt : As he escorted Shelby onto the deck, he surveyed the night sky again. Only this time for its beauty, not to hide his sorrow. He loved being away from the city, even one as small as Ashville. The country was so dark that you could see every star. He returned his attention to the lovely woman in front of him, though. A wash of guilt spread over him for not protecting her. He should have seen that the woman had meant her harm. Shelby set her drink on the railing, wat...

When I decided to write a second book in Nantahala, NC, I decided the first person I should tell is the star of the first book. If you haven’t read the first book, no worries, I’m not even going to call him by name. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to my favorite male protagonist, the kayak guide hottie—from Land of the Noonday Sun . Kayaker : Leaning back and narrowing those bright blue eyes below his dark brows, he asks, “So, why did you want to interview me, Carmen? You have male characters from all walks of life. Why me? Though, I think I have a sneaking suspicion why.” Carmen : “Well, I watched you grow up. I put you through one tragedy after another, gave you obstacles and weaknesses to overcome, and I thought you turned out wonderfully, with a few exceptions.” Kayaker : “Humph! That’s a nice way of putting it, but thank you for the friends and strength you provided along the way.” He leans forward and tilts his head. “Wha...

When a new attorney accepts a case of a woman accused of attempted homicide, he finds himself entwined in age-old secrets and a family who will stop at nothing to conceal them—even murder. As always, I like to start a new series of excerpts by introducing my protagonists. This is the first glimpse into the psyche of our female protagonist, Shelby. Excerpt : Shelby sat in the cell and stared at the wall. She didn’t cry; she’d stopped crying years ago. The only thing she worried about now was Justin. Her baby was only two, and the thought of him with that monster scared her. Carlin hadn’t laid a hand on him—yet, but he’d threatened. If she didn’t do what he wanted, he would. She’d escaped him once after she discovered what he was. But when he found out that she was pregnant again, he tracked her down. The promises were the same as the first time she’d returned to him. I’ve changed. I’m older now. Please…I’ll never hit you again . When they’d met in college, s...

Join me in these two stories of love, betrayal, and learning to overcome your past through trust and faith.  Nantahala Series Book I When two strangers have nothing left but their dreams, they must forge a relationship in Nantahala, North Carolina, a small town known as Land of the Noonday Sun . Cassandra is the beautiful, yet analytical daughter of a wealthy attorney. Destined to follow in her father’s footsteps, her life of privilege suddenly shatters, and she finds herself with no home, career, or money. A glimmer of hope arrives in a letter from the grave promising a happier existence. Cassandra stands to inherit over half a million dollars if she can live in the sleepy little town of Nantahala for six months. Falling in love, however, was not part of the deal, and without warning, she finds herself fighting for two lives. A man with a traumatic past is able to turn his life around and is happy with his chosen career as ...

When a new attorney accepts a case of a woman accused of attempted homicide, he finds himself entwined in age-old secrets and a family who will stop at nothing to conceal them—even murder. As always, I like to start a new series of excerpts by introducing my protagonists. Today we are in our female protagonist’s POV, as she meets her attorney, Tom Turner. If you haven’t and would prefer to read the full prologue first, click here . Excerpt : Shelby examined Tom as he sat across from her. Man, he was good looking. She probably shouldn’t be thinking about things like that, but she couldn’t help it. He had the prettiest hazel eyes that stood out under long sun-bleached eyelashes. His hair was light brown, but it too had a natural hint of gold in it. He dug inside his briefcase. “So,” he began, as he removed a manila folder with her name written neatly across the tab. “They dropped the charges?” It was a question, not a statement. He folded his hands on the tabl...

New Release When Noonday Ends Nantahala Series Book II When a new attorney accepts a pro-bono case of a woman suspected of attempted homicide, he ends up with more than he bargained for. She’s the ex-wife of one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Ashville, and her in-laws will stop at nothing to conceal family secrets—even murder. Unable to ignore his attraction, he gets closer than he should. But when all evidence points to the woman he’s falling in love with, he will risk everything—his reputation, disbarment, maybe even his life to uncover the truth.  Download When Noonday Ends : Amazon Amazon UK Barnes & Noble iTunes Or...read the prologue here . I love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the links below. Twitter Facebook Goodreads

Spoiler Alert!!! Though subtle this week, I am sharing an excerpt from my new romantic-suspense,  When Noonday Ends , a spin-off of  Land of the Noonday Sun . 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 Okay...here's your excerpt, and next week...is the final installment and the big reveal. Sitting at the back of the courtroom, Tom Turner’s mind wandered. One person after another approached the judge, claiming their innocence. He hated doing this, but the law firm where he worked required all new attorneys to accept hardship cases. To get your feet wet , they’d said. Like his father before him, he’d chosen a career as an attorney. And for once in his life, his parents were actually proud of him. Still, most...

Oh...and I've hidden the cover too...  Spoiler Alert!!! Though subtle this week, the next few weeks I will be sharing excerpts from my new romantic-suspense, When Noonday Ends , a spin-off of Land of the Noonday Sun . 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 Excerpt: Sitting at the back of the courtroom, Tom Turner’s mind wandered. One person after another approached the judge, claiming their innocence. He hated doing this, but the law firm where he worked required all new attorneys to accept hardship cases. To get your feet wet , they’d said. Like his father before him, he’d chosen a career as an attorney. And for once in his life, his parents were actually proud of him. Well, that's it. Just a quick glimpse of our main character. If you've read Land of the Noonday Sun , you know who Tom Turner is and...