Carmen DeSousa

Derrick's desire to save one human girl will ignite a war... ﻿For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Unwittingly, one creatus will endanger them all... As with most of his family, Derrick Ashton knows his future and what position he's destined to fill within his unique society. Everything changes, however, when he breaks one of his family's strictest laws and falls in love -- with a human. In his quest to protect the woman he can never have, a twist of fate propels him into a new role that will cause dissension among his family and endanger the anonymity that they've spent thousands of years protecting. Now, he will risk everything to save the girl from humans and his own kind. The one thing he can't save her from, however...is herself. The Creatus series is not your normal paranormal story...it's a realistic supernatural romantic suspense based on the myths you've heard your entire life. Prepare to believe... Editorial Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This story is completely unique, and is definitely not generic sex and vampires. In fact, I think Creatus will redefine the paranormal genre. Creatus has intrigue, suspense, romance, and tremendous depth." -- Quiet Fury Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This book could easily classify itself as romance / mystery / suspense / thriller... I'm not a big Twilight fan, but I did enjoy the first movie... I found Creatus reminding me somewhat of Twilight, but with actors I loved." -- New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Linda S. Prather ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "...well written, compassionately told, and creates characters that make you want to know them better. It is the foundation for a great series, and I believe it will be quite popular." -- Sweet Mystery Books. Bonus Material! This special-edition boxed set includes the prequel, Creatus (They Exist), Creatus (Book One), and a sneak peek at Creatus Rogue.

Creatus

A passionate novel of love, betrayal, and obsession, She Belongs to Me will have you falling in love and wondering if you can trust anyone right up to the last page. Charlotte police officer Jordan Monroe is used to being in control. Ever since his father died, he has provided for his mother and sisters and even hired his two brothers-in-law to help run his successful construction company. On a chance business trip, however, he meets the one person who throws his life into a whirlwind--Jaynee. Jaynee has lived a tragic life and has sworn off all men. That is until a rugged southern gentleman lands in her seating area, refusing to take no for an answer. From the moment they meet, Jordan sweeps her off her feet, assuring her that happiness exists. But can she really escape her past? Five years later, Jordan finds Jaynee on their back porch with a gunshot wound to the head. While Jaynee lies in a coma, Jordan has to go back to their beginning and figure out what went wrong. Did he push his wife to the edge, or has her past come back to haunt them? Although She Belongs to Me is part of The Southern Collection, it is a stand-alone story that can be read on its own. This is a cliffhanger-free zone here, friends!

She Belongs to Me

After fifteen years of marriage, Jana’s luck just ran out—right into the arms of another woman. Now she’s determined to make her own luck! The first thing Jana realizes she needs to do is empty the joint bank account, then she's thinking she might take a tire iron to her soon-to-be-ex-husband's truck. After that, she's not sure what she'll do ... Maybe she'll adopt a cat. Very quickly, Jana decides she doesn't need a man. A perfectly sized and shaped device and writing about the perfect hero will more than suffice. Determined to share her philosophy, she pens You Don't Need a Man, encouraging women everywhere to go out and experience life instead of waiting for a man to complete them. Three years later, Jana has a New York Times bestseller and a contract for a movie adaptation, but she also has a shoulder injury, which has put a crimp in her new carefree lifestyle. Worse yet, she can't write. Her only hope is Dr. Adrian Kijek, a renowned physical therapist who hates her simply because she wrote a book about not needing a man, or so she thinks... What readers are saying about Some Lucky Woman: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Great story and even greater message…" — Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved how the story moved quickly and covered five years of Jana's life and her growth to independence. I loved her relationship with her cousin and how smart both women were and how they supported each other…" — Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great story about a woman's journey to love and fulfillment…" — New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tina Wainscott/Jaime Rush WARNING: Although there are many adult situations in this novel, if say ... something crazy happened and a famous producer adapted this contemporary women's fiction into a movie, it would have a PG-13 rating. There are no erotic scenes, no graphic violence, and while there are a few allowed-on-TV curse words, there aren't a plethora of gratuitous foul words. Oh, and if you were looking for a cliffhanger, you won't find that here either. Some Lucky Woman includes all three parts of Jana's story. Please proceed at your own risk.

Some Lucky Woman

Some lucky women meet the man of their dreams and live happily ever after. Some lucky women focus on a career and make their own happily ever after. And then some women wake up after fifteen years of marriage and discover that their luck just ran out ... right into the arms of another woman.Jana Embers isn't one to sit back, though. The first thing Jana realizes she needs to do is empty the joint bank account, then she's thinking she might take a tire iron to her soon-to-be-ex-husband's truck. After that, she's not sure what she'll do ... Maybe she'll adopt a cat.

Unlucky In Love

The Midnight Sons ~ Men as Wild and Rugged as The Last Frontier Itself Five brothers risk their lives to rescue those caught in the death grip of the Alaska wilderness…and find their hearts in danger of falling for women as tough as the Land of the Midnight Sun. The siren call of Alaska’s untamed wilderness, vast mountain ranges, and majestic glaciers draw thrill-seekers from around the globe. But with more unsolved missing person cases than anywhere else in the world, the Alaska Triangle has an ominous reputation. Enter the Midnight Sons, a team that risks their own lives to rescue those in peril. Being a hero isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, though. The pay sucks, as does the fact that the team leaders have to be ready to spring into action 24/7, 365 days a year—a lifestyle not conducive to a healthy love life. Worse, while the brothers are experts in their individual fields, they each harbor inner demons and secrets that threaten to tear their family apart… and jeopardize any chance of finding the women who could complete them. Book One: Sam’s Folly When a bigwig fight promoter needs someone to search for his missing fiancée, he hires expert tracker Sam Belgarde and his search dogs. Sam is more than a little reluctant. His family’s company, Search and Rescue Alaska, is in financial trouble, though, so if searching for a spoiled socialite will save it, then he’s willing to break the rules—just this once. After witnessing a murder, Nora Molina needs to get away—fast—and her best hope to escape without her passport is Alaska. A native of Argentina, Nora’s accustomed to harsh winters and high elevation, so she gets more than a little irritated when some tracker thinks she needs rescuing. Even if he is get-out sexy. And even if he’s the guy she stood up before leaving town. It’s going to be a long few days. When an unexpected storm rolls in, Sam and Nora find themselves in each other’s arms—to keep warm. Things get a little too hot when it’s clear someone wants the two of them to stay lost—permanently.

Sam's Folly

When Alexandra was a child, she thought she was a princess in a fairy-tale life... She didn't know she was one tragedy away from reality. Now twenty-two, disaster strikes again and she's determined to change her path. Unfortunately, one night of indiscretion propels her into a situation that may cost Alexandra her life. It'll all come down to two men, one decision, and a final encounter that will change her life forever. Although Entangled Dreams is part of The Southern Collection, it is a stand-alone story that can be read on its own. This is a cliffhanger-free zone here, friends!

Entangled Dreams

Creatus They Exist

Ancient myths, superheroes, vampires... Forget everything you've heard. For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Now, one rogue wants the world to know they exist. Victoria doesn't want any of it; she just wants to live in peace without men--humans or creatus--messing with her head. When the rogue decides he wants her to join him, though, only one person is close enough to help her. Only problem, he's her prisoner, and if he escapes, she's supposed to kill him. The Creatus series is not your normal paranormal story... It's a realistic romantic mystery based on the myths you've heard your entire life. Prepare to believe.

Creatus Rogue

For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Now, one rogue faction plans to retaliate by ridding the world of humankind. Only one division of creatus stands between humanity and a new world order. What they discover, however, might prove the truth about the creatus myths, and why humans started hunting them in the first place.

Creatus Animus

Not all phantoms are myths… For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Now, one rogue faction wants the world to know they exist. Meghan only wants to be normal, and for the first time in her life, she feels she might have a chance to be herself.As she finds herself between creatus families with different ideals and their roles within the human race, she struggles to find her way. Only, her path leads her right into the arms of a wanted man. Not only will she have to fight for the man she loves, she'll have to fight for her very life. The Creatus series is not your typical paranormal story ... it's a realistic romantic mystery based on the myths you've heard your entire life. Prepare to believe.

Creatus Eidolon

Passion, secrets, murder… Welcome to Land of the Noonday Sun. When a new attorney accepts a pro-bono case of an abused woman suspected of attempted murder, he ends up with more than he bargained for. She's the ex-wife of one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Asheville, and her in-laws will stop at nothing to conceal family secrets. 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. Although When Noonday Ends is part of The Southern Collection, it is a stand-alone story that can be read on its own. This is a cliffhanger-free zone here, friends!

When Noonday Ends

For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Unwittingly, one creatus will endanger them all ... As with most of his family, Derrick Ashton knows his future and what position he's destined to fill within his unique society. Everything changes, however, when he breaks one of his family's strictest laws and falls in love -- with a human. In his quest to protect the woman he can never have, a twist of fate propels him into a new role that will cause dissension among his family and endanger the anonymity that they've spent thousands of years protecting. Now, he will risk everything to save the girl from humans and his own kind. The one thing he can't save her from, however ... is herself. The Creatus series is not your normal paranormal story ... it's a realistic romantic mystery based on the myths you've heard your entire life. Prepare to believe.

Creatus Series Boxed Set

Thirty-nine-year-old struggling actress Alaina Ackerman isn’t just down on her luck today; lady luck has packed up and left town for heaven only knows where. Instead of ending up homeless on the streets of New York City in November, Alaina accepts her mother’s holiday invitation and heads home to Pittsburgh for a much-needed break. Maybe even to give up on acting altogether. The last thing Alaina expects is to be happy returning home, especially when fate practically embeds an abandoned puppy and an old friend, Markus Klein -- a man she has spent twenty years trying to forget after the night they crossed the “friend” line -- into her life. Now, torn between a love she thought she lost, and one she never knew existed, that vicious harpy some call fate dangles Alaina’s dream opportunity of a lead role in front of her. Her only problem… Going after her dream could jeopardize her chance at love. As if a new puppy, love, and career aren’t complicated enough, Alaina discovers that her mother and sister are keeping a secret from her. The revelation might be just enough to get Alaina’s life heading in the right direction … or send her over the edge.​ WARNING: Although there are many adult situations in this contemporary women's fiction with a hint of humor and romance, if say ... something crazy happened and a famous producer adapted this novel into a movie, it would have a PG-13 rating. There are no erotic scenes, no graphic violence, and while there are a few allowed-on-TV curse words, there aren't a plethora of gratuitous foul words. Oh, and if you were looking for a cliffhanger, you won't find that here either. While Down on Her Luck is a follow-up story to Some Lucky Woman, it is a stand-alone novel. Please proceed at your own risk.

Down on Her Luck

In the wilds of Alaska, survival isn’t just about weathering the cold—it’s about choosing who you’ll become. Sixteen-year-old Adam Belgarde didn’t choose his life. But when tragedy stole his parents and his older brother left behind a dangerous legacy, he had no choice but to take his younger brother and run. With nowhere else to turn, he seeks refuge at an Alaskan horse ranch nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains. He’s hungry, desperate, and determined to prove himself—even if that means working alongside men twice his age. The one bright spot? Reconnecting with his wild mustang—the scarred horse only he can ride. But nothing stays hidden forever. When someone from his past shows up—a girl who believes he’s someone else—Adam’s fragile new world begins to crack. And just when he dares to believe in second chances, the one person he’s ever truly loved disappears without a trace. Witness the genesis of a hero whose determination and courage light the path for future generations. What readers are saying about the Midnight Sons series: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An Alaskan Adventure... Who doesn't love a bad boy? Match him with a tough, independent female, and you have a dream couple!" — Goodreads (Sam's Folly) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An escape into the remote wilderness, with scenes that'll take your breath away and characters you can't help but love." — Goodreads (Alex's Atonement) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If I had a favorite Midnight Son, Vince would be it!" — Goodreads (Vince's Chance) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Exciting, surprising, romantic and filled with warm family moments." — Goodreads (Erik's Revelation) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The visuals... the twists... the CHARACTERS! Daire's a sweetheart. Sylvia's badass!" — Goodreads (Daire's Resolution)

The Original Midnight Son

Adam's Rising

Homicide detectives Gino Canale and Mark Waters don't believe in ghosts. Not yet anyway… When a reoccurring dream implies that Detective Canale's grandparents' deaths might actually have been homicides, he realizes he's either connecting to the other side or going crazy. And he's not sure which thought scares him more. What readers are saying about the American Haunts collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “…that certain type of story to guarantee chills.” – Goodreads (The Pit Stop) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This mystery has everything - two double murders twenty years apart, the hint of a ghostly presence, and crisp dialogue that doesn't waste words.” – Goodreads. (The Pit Stop) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This story had my full attention from the dramatic opening, right through to the last sentence.” – Goodreads (The Depot) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A fun and short mystery…” – Net Galley (The Depot)

This Stop Could be Life or Death

The Pit Stop

When Erik Belgarde sets off to find the truth about his past, he encounters Kimi Bennett, a woman running from her present… Erik remembers the day Adam Belgarde found him in the forest. He remembers the day Adam brought him home to Claire Belgarde and his new brothers. Erik grew up with everything a child could want: a mother and father who loved him, who came to his rescue when he had night terrors, who greeted him with the same loving smiles and hugs they offered their own children. The love of his adopted family had made it possible for Erik to suppress the memory of the couple screaming at each other, waiting for their wrath to turn his way. As far as he knew, his real parents had died in the woods, and Adam Belgarde had rescued him. Now he discovers it was all a lie… The Belgardes lied to him from the beginning. Why? While searching for answers about his past, Erik witnesses a runaway horse and runs head-on into Kimi Bennett — literally — while trying to rescue a child. Although Erik and Kimi constantly butt heads, he can’t help but admire how she loves horses and his beautiful home state of Alaska. When authorities start asking questions about the new horse whisperer in town, though, and Kimi disappears, Erik realizes their future together is what matters most and calls on his Midnight Sons brothers to find Kimi before her past catches up to her. What readers are saying about the Midnight Sons series: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An Alaskan Adventure... Who doesn't love a bad boy? Match him with a tough, independent female, and you have a dream couple!" -- Goodreads (Sam's Folly) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Suspense and sensual romance are expertly combined in this riveting story." -- Goodreads (Sam's Folly) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An escape into the remote wilderness, with scenes that'll take your breath away and characters you can't help but love." -- Goodreads (Alex's Atonement) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Suspense and romance with a good storyline." -- Goodreads (Alex's Atonement)

Erik’s Revelation

Secrets… Nearly every person Daire Belgarde knows who has moved to The Last Frontier is running from someone or hiding something. Even Daire’s family, who was born in Alaska, isn't exempt. As the youngest son, Daire has witnessed his share of hiding the past. With all the skeletons in the closet that have risen from his brothers’ pasts, he would have thought that his family would have come clean. Nope! His very life is the best kept mystery of all. And now, Daire’s keeping his own secret. He hadn’t meant to fall in love with Silvia. Falling for a coworker is never smart, especially when she’s your direct supervisor. But it happened, and unfortunately he can’t act on his feelings since they practically live together—well, for twenty-four hours on and then forty-eight hours off. During those torturous off-days, Daire fills his time working search and rescue with his Midnight Sons brothers, so he won’t go nuts waiting to see Silvia again. Over the last few weeks it has gotten worse, though, because it’s clear the woman he loves is also keeping a secret. After almost dying when she was sixteen, Silvia decided on a career as a rescue worker. By moving to Alaska to pursue her goal, she was able to leave behind her past—good and bad. She had to abandon her beloved mother and sister, the state she loved, and most importantly, her identity. Her greatest fear is knowing her past will catch up to her. She knows that fact as sure as she knows she can’t act on her feelings for her coworker Daire. She can’t bring anyone else into her nightmare. What readers are saying about the Midnight Sons series: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An Alaskan Adventure... Who doesn't love a bad boy? Match him with a tough, independent female, and you have a dream couple!" — Goodreads (Sam's Folly) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Suspense and sensual romance are expertly combined in this riveting story." — Goodreads (Sam's Folly) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An escape into the remote wilderness, with scenes that'll take your breath away and characters you can't help but love." — Goodreads (Alex's Atonement) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Suspense, Romance, Action, and Drama…Midnight Sons Series Has IT ALL!" — Goodreads (Vince’s Chance) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This series just keeps getting better!" — Goodreads (Erik’s Revelation)

Daire's Resolution

For four thousand years, creatus elders have insisted that the creatus population concealed themselves from human beings because humans had hunted the creatus almost to extinction… But one woman’s research reveals that when creatus first arrived on this planet, humans didn’t fear the alien beings that looked so much like the human race. That is, until the creatus started to breed with humans, creating a ferocious killer feared by humans and creatus alike. A creature so fierce that its legacy of death and destruction has fed nightmares for millennia. And now, a new breed of creatus has been born — or rather, reborn. Vev, one of the first generations of creatus talis, finds herself torn between her younger family members and a forbidden love as she fights to save the young talis from being turned into a weapon — or worse, annihilation.

Creatus Talis

Locals claim The Depot is haunted. But in all the years homicide detective Mark Waters has visited the historic 1800s train station turned restaurant, he's never seen proof. Until now. As he sifts through evidence of a supposed suicide by train, he learns a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case. Six months after the strange occurrences at The Depot, there’s another murder. This time, The Library holds secrets of several murders, and the dead won’t rest until the murderer checks out too.

Where Life Checks Out

The Library

Alex Belgarde has carried the culpability of his father’s death for more than ten years. Every year, as his family’s company falls deeper into debt, the guilt eats away more of his soul until there’s only one answer. Prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his father’s legacy, Alex takes off on a frigid winter day with no radio and very little fuel in his seaplane. He’s using up the last of his reserve tank, preparing to drop from the sky, when he sees plane wreckage below. Irene Rose has spent her life chasing her dream. But after a possible terminal diagnosis, she realizes how lonely her life has become and is ready to forgive her sister and beg for her family’s forgiveness. Instead of arriving on the island of her birth, Irene finds herself stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. Unbeknownst to her, the pilot for the plane she chartered was a drug runner, so he didn’t alert authorities as they crashed. While Alex’s illogical idea to save his father’s company is thwarted because of his obligation to help others, he finds purpose in offering aid to the beautiful and intelligent Irene. The attraction is mutual until Irene persuades Alex to tell her the real reason he can’t simply fly them to safety or call for help. Now the two castaways will have to fight the harsh winter elements, as well as the drug smugglers who lost their cargo in the wreck, if they want to make it home alive. Not easy tasks when Irene refuses to trust Alex to get her home safely. She simply can’t get over the fact that as talented, tough, and tantalizing as he is that he was going to throw his life away when hers will probably be cut short. For the first time in his life, Alex will have to face his demons instead of running from them in order to win the girl and prove to himself that he’s a real hero.

Carmen DeSousa

About

Books

Join the club