Brenda Pandos

Gearing up for Chicago -- RT Booklovers Convention

2012-03-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of RT booklovers

April 11 - 15, 2012

Are you going?
I am and I can't WAIT!
http://www.rtconvention.com/

Booksignings, Teen day, parties, reader programs, writer programs ... I tried to print out the entire agenda and found it would be 75 pages long! It's a jammed packed weekend.

I'm signing on Indie day (Thursday from 4-6pm) with my bestie author friend, Kristie Cook of the Soul Savers series, and quite possibly on Teen Day (Saturday 11am-2pm)! The good news is, if you can't attend the entire time, you can buy tickets to particular events.

So... I'm hoping you'll come join me. I'd love to meet you!

Are you attending? I'd like to make a list! Leave a comment below if you are are coming, or will be there in spirit. I'll be sure to tweet and take lots of photos the entire time!

So far we have...

Kristie Cook, Author

Jaime from Two Chicks on Books

YA Paranormal Hop - Talisman Trilogy Giveaway

2012-02-23T21:01:00.024-08:00

Hi hoppers! Thanks for stopping by! I'm giving away the Talisman Trilogy (for Nook or Kindle) which consists of: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, and The Onyx Talisman.

If you enjoy Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Blade, Vampire Diaries, Morganville Vampires or Blood Bloods, you'll enjoy the Talisman Trilogy.

To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

HOP ON WITH THIS LINK

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A special thank you to I'm A Reader Not a Writer and Read for Your Future for hosting the hop!

TIME TO VOTE for the title of Tatchi's Novella

2012-02-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Please vote for your favorite title for Tatchi's novella. I've chosen my favorite suggestions from the previous post. For duplicate entries, I'm honoring the person who posted the idea first.

PREMISE: This novel is about Tatchi's stolen/forced promise (or marriage) to a man she hates, and now because of the merkiss, her feelings betray her and she cannot live without him--love/hate in the strongest meaning of the words. She's also separated from her family and forced to live in a culture opposite her beliefs. Her future involves her eventually becoming the Queen, so she has to mind her manners and their traditions. All of it is a living hell for her. So, the title needs to portray these ideals.

You can only vote once, so vote wisely.

Contest runs to Saturday, March 10th

Good Luck!!

Have fun!

Brenda

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Evergreen Cover Release

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Drum roll..... Tada! What do you think?

A kingdom on the brink of war.

A king on the fringes of insanity.

A family running for their lives.

Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together anddive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work topull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become ahuman or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holdsthe fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ashand Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose.But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice forthem if they can’t decide?

Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and thebinding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of MerTales.

Coming June of 2012. I'm excited and... I have a lot of work to do!

Click to add EVERGREEN to your

Devotion, by Kristie Cook, Review Blog Tour

2012-02-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce the book birthday of a dear friend and author, Kristie Cook. The wait for Devotion, book #3, is over and it's finally here! Having been on a similar journey as Kristie, I can vouch that she's probably at home, nervous, excited, and giddy as her fans devour the next in the Soul Savers Series. Let her know you love it and post a review on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads, will ya?

I promise you, you won't be disappointed. Devotion is INCREDIBLE and totally worth the wait!

With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristanback by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protectingher son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learnabout her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seemsto be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and makeimpossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that coulddestroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in thehuman world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents untilAlexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s ownsociety begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope inAlexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery ofmore betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to thetest—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to herbeliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should evenbother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?

I don't want to spoil anything for you by telling too much, but it's a page-turner and half the time I wasn't sure if I was rooting for the right people. Kristie keeps readers on their toes as she paints the scene with her words and leads readers on a wild goose chase. There's were-lions, were-tigers, were-alligators, Oh my! The Amadis is also revealed and you'd think, for those sided with the angels, they'd be safe, right? *insert buzzer noise* Devotion is filled with love, passion, family, friendship, betrayal, lies, and treachery so deep, you want to wring someone's neck. I know for those who love the series are going to be up long hours deep into the night to find out what happens next.

Where to buy:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Devotion-Soul-Savers-ebook/dp/B0073XXOGO/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328111155&sr=1-4

B&N.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1108240265?ean=2940014077279&itm=1&usri=devotion+kristie+cook

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/kristiecook

Signed paperbacks: http://www.readourwrites.com/shop/

Follow Kristie:

Email: kristie@kristiecook.com

Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com

Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Tumbler: http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/kristiecook

Google+: https://plus.google.com/102746226001674797330/posts

If you are new in hearing about the series, these are the order of the books:

Book trailer for Promise

Now go out and GET IT!

Hugs, Brenda

Contest: Name Tatchi's Novella

2012-01-31T21:52:00.000-08:00

I need a title for a novella I'm working on for Tatchi to be released around Evergreen's release. So, I'm going to turn it into a contest and ask your opinion.

Here are the guidelines:

I'd like it to play off either Ever or Never. Or it could play off a color.

There's already a book called Nevermore, Evermore, and Everneath, so I'm wanting to stay clear of those titles. Or any new releases that have the same name.

The story will take place underwater in Natatoria and focused on Tatchi wanting to leave, but unable to because of ... well, if you've read Everblue, you'll know why.

The contest will run from now 'til February 18th. Please leave a comment below with your suggestions. Enter as much as you want.

I'll pick 5-10 of my favorites and then let you vote!

Winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a shout out in the acknowledgments!

Sound fun? I hope so!

Hugs, Brenda

Help & Support of a Blogger and Friend

2012-01-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

Many of you in the book blog-a-sphere know Yara from Once Upon a Twilight. She's suffered a tremendous loss two days ago. Her home burned, not once but twice, which has caused tremendous damage.

You can imagine how horrible that would be to lose everything in one fail swoop.

I had the pleasure to meet Yara over a year ago and work with her when she first started blogging. She embraced my books and has become a wonderful friend. I'm devastated for her, but glad no one was hurt.

I'd like to help in this tragedy. I'm donating a finished copy of THE ONYX TALISMAN to one lucky winner and gift a Kindle of the TALISMAN TRILOGY to another. All you need to do is donate to the families fund, hosted by Twilight Moms, and provide receipt.

If you'd like to enter, forward the paypal payment email to laniwoodland(at)laniwoodland(dot)com. You can erase the donation amount. We just need proof you donated. Then we will use random.org to pick a winner. There's lots of other prizes from other authors as well. Check it out HERE.

Open Internationally

Ends 11:59 Jan 28th

Thank you!

Photo from Montgomery County Police Reporter

Hugs, Brenda

In the Wild

2012-01-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

Courtney sent this to me this week stating:

"This is literally how excited I was to download this book. :D :D :D :D :D Definitely not getting much sleep tonight!"

These are the things I didn't see when I started writing. Thanks Courtney!

I'm also excited to share my new bookmarks! Squee. Note the cute dagger charm! If you check out my freebies link and join my street team, I'll send you one with a SASE.

The Onyx Talisman is sweeping Amazon by storm, listed as a best seller in these categories: #37 in Futuristic, #60 in Fantasy.

Wow.

I'm on cloud nine. Thanks everyone! The box book set (trilogy) will be out later this week and physical books later this month.

Hugs, Brenda

Devotion Cover Reveal from my bestie Author friend, Kristie Cook

2012-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce the cover reveal of Devotion, Kristie Cook's third book in her Soul Savers Series, to be published in February 2012. But not only did I design the cover, I had the privilege to read the early release copy and .... *swoon* ... it's AMAZING! Betrayal, secrets, powers and loads of passion, it's a page-turner. But I can't take all the credit for the cover, though. Kristie had a vision in mind and she knew exactly what to say to help me create what she wanted. I wish I could show the mock-up procession from start to finish.

You need to pick up all three books right now if you haven't, Promise, Purpose, Genesis so you'll be ready to devour DEVOTION in February!

With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn’t have been more wrong.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?

Add from Goodreads

Kristie's Blog

Facebook

Winner of Talisman & Onyx book tour sign-ups

2012-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Desiree!

She was the lucky winner (via random.org) of the life-sized faux onyx talisman. Here's her review on Amazon:

"Wow wow wow Brenda you totally made me cry! After anticipating for your book to be released I devoured it from beginning to end, thank you I loved it!!!"

I wish you all could have won. Every review touched my heart and I'm HONORED to have each of you as fans. This is something I never saw in my writing future and your feedback drives me to write more and write better. Somehow, someway, by God's grace I ended up in the middle of something great and I'm thrilled to share that part of my life and entertain you. The rewards are immense and I thank each of you! You all are getting something special in the mail from me very soon!

For those of you waiting for physical copies, I expect them the end of the month. If you're a book reviewer and have read the first two books, I'd like to invite you to join the book tour hosted by Jaime from twochicksonbooks in March 2012. **Unfortunately, I need to limit international peeps to five (Canada/Mexico only) and to first come first serve because of shipping costs and shipping time.**

Please sign up HERE.

Happy New Year! Make it COUNT!

Hugs, Brenda

Get a new e-reader? #IndieBookFair

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Did you find a new Kindle, Nook, or iPad under the Christmas tree? Browse the Indie Book Fair and find a new ebook to break in that reader!

These great new books were released Nov 2011-Feb 2012 by Indie authors, priced right so that taking a chance on a new author doesn’t have to break your wallet. (Check out my previous Internet Book Fair for other great Indie finds.)

[Indie = self-published or small-publisher, for the purposes of this post, because no matter how we’re published, we’re all in this together, trying to get the word out about our books]

Note: Links are given for Amazon, but most authors publish across all e-book formats. Click on the author’s name for additional purchasing options, including paper copies.

For Your Browsing Pleasure

Contemporary (Adult)

Build a Man by Talli Roland (Chick Lit)

Slave to the rich, rude and deluded, cosmetic surgery receptionist Serenity Holland longs for the day she's a high-flying tabloid reporter. Unfortunately, every pitch she sends out disappears like her clients' liposuctioned fat, never to be seen again. Then she meets Jeremy Ritchie -- the hang-dog man determined to be Britain's Most Eligible Bachelor by making himself over from head to toe and everything in between -- giving Serenity a story no editor could resist. With London's biggest tabloid on board and her very own column tracking Jeremy's progress from dud to dude, Serenity is determined to be a success, even going undercover to gain intimate access to Jeremy's life. But when Jeremy's surgery goes drastically wrong and Serenity is ordered to cover all the car-crash goriness, she must decide how far she really will go for her dream job. $0.99 on Amazon

The Golden Sky by Elisa Hirsch (Memoir)

The night I met Cade I never would’ve thought that two years later, after we were homeless street musicians in Hawaii, we would have a little girl and another baby on the way. Our son was born with the type of birth defects that make televangelists cringe. The “death home” gave him a really nice funeral, the kind I’d never wished to attend. We lost it after that, totally cemented in our grief. Cade got into drugs, joined a rock and roll band, and I kicked him out of the house. That was how I met: Earl (an old man and unlikely best friend), the “big sag” (a middle aged woman who still flashed folks), Todda (the stripper next door), and Chris (a cowboy who fell in love with me). It wasn’t until I killed a rogue skunk, and my daughter nearly choked on a fry, that I gave my husband another chance. But could our marriage recover from the death of our son? $2.99 onAmazon

Someone Else’s Fairytale by E.M. Tippetts (Contemporary Romance)

Jason Vanderholt is the hottest actor under thirty with legions of screaming fans. Chloe Winters is a college student who hasn't gotten around to watching most of his movies. When they meet by chance, he is smitten, but it just isn't her fairytale. In fact, it could be her worst nightmare as her past, attracted by the bright lights of the media, comes back to haunt her. $0.99 on Amazon

Historical Romance (Adult)

The Duke’s Divorce by Anne Gallagher Available late January 2012

A simple trip to the Scottish Highlands finds the Duke of Cantin with a bride he does not want. With her impeccable beauty and fiery disposition, Fiona takes Society by storm. As their prearranged divorce proceedings draw near, can Fiona change his mind? Check author's website.

Literary Fiction

String Bridge by Jessica Bell

Greek cuisine, smog and domestic drudgery was not the life Australian musician, Melody, was expecting when she married a Greek music promoter and settled in Athens, Greece. Keen to play in her new shoes, though, Melody trades her guitar for a 'proper' career and her music for motherhood. That is, until she can bear it no longer and plots a return to the stage—and the person she used to be. However, the obstacles she faces along the way are nothing compared to the tragedy that awaits ... $6.99 on Amazon ALSO: Music Sample!

Mystery

Sherwood Ltd. by Anne R. Allen

Sherwood. The name immediately conjures up images of Richard Greene, Michael Praed and Russell Crowe. Or maybe that sly fox in the Disney version. Only, in Anne R. Allen's latest rom-com mystery the fox is a coyote and there's no Robin Hood. Or is there? In her usual inimitable fashion Allen peels back the layers, one hilarious subplot after another, until you just never know what's real and what's not. Rather like the Robin Hood legend. When the Manners Doctor, Camilla Randall, flies into Robin Hood airport with a suitcase in one hand and a book contract in the other she thinks she's leaving all her problems behind and is about to start a new life. If you look very carefully you may just spot the Sheriff of Nottingham, Maid Marian and even Little John hidden away. But as for Robin Hood himself... You'll just have to read it and find out. $2.99 on Amazon

Short Stories and Anthologies

The Initiate (Cloud Prophet Trilogy) by Megg Jensen (YA Fantasy)

Over a thousand years ago, the gods left Eloh's people and took their magic with them. To win back their favor, her people sacrifice ten female initiates every ten years. No has ever survived. There has never been a Chosen One. Forced into becoming an initiate, Eloh will try to find a way to beat the odds, stay with her boyfriend, and survive the fires that threaten to consume her. But will her lack of faith in the gods and her disbelief in their magic doom her to a painful death? $0.99 on Amazon

Eight by Karly Kirkpatrick (YA Paranormal Short Story Collection)

Prepare to be thrilled and chilled by Kirkpatrick's eight short tales in EIGHT. These eight stories, while short, pack a big punch. There are demon spirits, zombies, and even some human baddies. Each story comes complete with author's commentary. It also includes the previously unreleased short Grenades. $0.99 on Amazon

{CoverComingSoon} In His Eyes by The Indelibles (YA Anthology) - Available February 14th

Just in time for Valentines Day, The Indelibles bring you a one-of-a-kind young adult anthology! Twenty original short stories, all from the point of view of our favorite male characters - some are old flames from our novels and some were dreamed up especially for this anthology. Let these imminently crushable, swoon-worthy guys show you what romance looks like – in his eyes. Add to Goodreads TBR

The contributors to IN HIS EYES include award winners, frequent “Top 100” placers, and hot 2011 debut authors: S.R. Wells, C.K. Bryant, Elle Strauss, Susan Kaye Quinn, Jessie Harrell, Magan Vernon, Lisa Nowak, Heather McCorkle, RaShelle Workman, Ali Cross, Karen Amanda Hooper, Cory Putman Oakes, Laura Pauling, Stacey Wallace Benefiel, Sarra Cannon, Katie Klein, Cheri Lasota

Transcendent: Tales of the Paranormal by Lani Woodland, Melonie Piper, Rita Webb, Wendy Swore, Melanie Marks, Heather McCubbin and Evan Joseph (YA Anthology)

Discover the secrets of a siren, fly with a hawk girl over the mountains of Montana, and flee supernatural party-crashers as the décor comes to life in this magical journey through paranormal stories. Along the way, watch for ghosts in a haunted house, or ride through the moonlight with a stranger. Save a comatose boy who has lost his soul, and don’t forget to bring your garlic and wolfsbane—you never know when the shadows will snag you. Transcendent includes eight stories of magic, love, death, and choice by some of the newest names in young adult fiction. $0.99 on Amazon

Young Adult

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn (Paranormal/Science Fiction)

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her. $2.99 on Amazon

Bound by C.K. Bryant (Paranormal Romance)

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia,has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive. $3.99 on Amazon

Become by Ali Cross (YA Urban Fantasy)

Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she Becomes the evil she despises and the good she always feared. When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her Choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is a reason to want to change—something she’s never had before—a friend. $3.99 on Amazon

Exiled by RaShelle Workman (YA SF Romance)

Worlds divided them. Chance brought them together. Only love will save them.
An alien princess exiled to Earth. An arrogant boy. One week to get back to her planet or she'll die. And, her only chance for survival? She must help the boy find his soul mate.
Piece of cake! $0.99 on Kindle

The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle (Urban Fantasy)

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though. $4.99 on Amazon

Destined by Jessie Harrell (Retelling)

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear. As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined. $0.99 on Amazon

Darkspell by Elizabeth Mueller (Paranormal Romance)

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold. As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magickal realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own. Will love prove thicker than magick? $3.99 on Amazon

Untraceable by S. R. Johannes (Thriller)

Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him. One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father. Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves. $.99 on Amazon

Rival Demons (Book 5 of the Peachville High Demons Series) by Sarra Cannon (Paranormal Romance) Available January 20th

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Order of Shadows, Harper finds herself thrust into the strange and beautiful world of the shadow demons. But crossing through the portal doesn't mean she is safe. The Order of Shadows is determined to bring her home and transfer the Prima line to the Harris family. They send their most vicious hunters after Harper. Hunters who will not stop until they have found their prey. Determined to keep her safe, Jackson takes her deep into an underground world filled with dangers of its own. Here, Harper will begin a journey that will teach her more about herself and her own path than she ever imagined possible. Add to Goodreads TBR

The Legend of Victor Standish: Under a Voodoo Moon by Roland D. Yeomans (Urban Fantasy/Romance)

Can love kill? Yes ... if you love a ghoul who hungers for your flesh only slightly less than she does your heart. Yet to the lonely street orphan Victor Standish, who has risked his life for a meal, to find love (even for one magical French Quarter night) is worth dying in the morning. $2.99 on Amazon All profits go to the Salvation Army.

Getting Sideways (Book 2 in the Full Throttle Series) by Lisa Nowak (Contemporary)

Getting shipped off to live with his uncle Race was the best thing that ever happened to fifteen-year-old Cody. Then a wreck at the speedway nearly ruined everything. Cody’s making every effort to get his life back on track—writing for the school paper, searching for the perfect girlfriend, and counting the days until he gets his drivers’ license—but there’s no escaping the nightmares that haunt him. A chance to build his own car seems like the perfect distraction. Until Cody realizes he’ll have to live up to Race’s legendary status. But that’s the least of his worries, considering he doesn’t have his dad’s permission. All he has to do is the impossible: keep Race from discovering his lie until he can convince his dad that racing’s safe. Yeah, sure. That’ll be easy. $3.99 on Amazon

Tangled Tides by Karen Hooper (Sea Monster Memoirs)

Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one. When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious. Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people—until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process—or she might open the gateway to a love that’s deeper than the oceans. $4.99 on Amazon

Here by Denise Grover Swank (SF Romance)

Sixteen year old Julia Phillips buries herself in guilt after killing her best friend Monica in a car accident. Julia awoke in the hospital with a broken leg, a new talent for drawing and false memories of the accident, in which she dies and Monica lives. The doctors attribute this to her head injury, but no one can explain how a bracelet engraved with her name ended up at the scene of the accident. A bracelet no one has ever seen before. Classmate Evan Whittaker paid Julia no attention before the accident, let alone after. Now suddenly he’s volunteering to tutor her and offering to drive her home. She can't ignore that his new obsession started after his two-day disappearance last week and that he wears a pendant she’s been drawing for months. When the police show up one night looking for Evan, he begs Julia to run with him, convincing her that Monica is still alive. Julia agrees to go, never guessing where he’s really from. $2.99 on Amazon

The Veil by Cory Putman Oakes (Paranormal Romance)

Seventeen-year-old Addison Russell is in for a shock when she discovers that she can see the invisible world of the Annorasi. Suddenly, nothing is as it appears to be—the house she lives in, the woman who raised her, even the most beautiful boy in town all turn out to be more than what they seem. And when this strange new world forces Addy to answer for a crime that was committed long ago, by parents she has never known, she has no choice but to trust Luc, the mysterious Annorasi who has been sent to protect her. Or so he says . . . $7.99 on Amazon

Embrace by Cherie Colyer (Paranormal Romance)

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him. Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. $6.99 on Amazon

Onyx Talisman by Brenda Pandos (Paranormal Romance)

Unrest stirs deep in Scotts Valley. Filled with uncertainty, Julia anxiously awaits Nicholas’ return. Phil, holds the pieces of Julia’s fragile psyche together, secretly hoping Nicholas stays away forever. But Alora secretly conspires to reclaim her talisman and strip Julia of everything she holds dear. Little do they know, a war is coming and more than one vampire would like to see the Prince of Vampires overthrown. Can Julia bargain with fate? Find out how it all ends in this explosive grand finale of The Talisman Trilogy. $3.99 on Amazon

How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon (Science Fiction)

High school senior Alex Bianchi's estranged father gets her an internship at Circe Operations Center to pad her college applications. But Circe isn't your typical military base. It's an alien-run operation center and not all of the aliens are friendly, especially the one that tries to kill Alex on her first day. When Ace, a dark-eyed Caltian, enters and saves the day, she can't help but be drawn to him. Can these star-crossed lovers survive when they're on the brink of intergalactic war? $2.99 on Amazon

Fireseed One by Catherine Stine (Science Fiction/Thriller)

Fireseed One is a journey into a tricked-out near-future earth where 18 year-old Varik has inherited a vast ocean farm, following the suspicious drowning of his Marine biologist father. When Marisa, a beautiful and devious terrorist, destroys the world's food source, Varik is forced to travel to a lethal hotzone, teeming with dangerous nomads and a strange cult to search for a magical hybrid plant that may not even exist. The catch? He must take Marisa along, the only person who seems to know way, way too much key information. $2.99 on Amazon

The Missing by M.A. Leslie (Paranormal)

Eight-year-old, Ethan Doyle is just a normal kid whose biggest problem in life was to fight for the attention of his busy parents from his older twin siblings. But, after his aunt and uncle tragically die, his family takes in his teenage cousin, Kelsey, and moves to a spooky old, manor house in a new town. At first, everything seems fine, but when he begins to see and speak to a spirit named Lucas, his biggest problem becomes, just staying alive. Lucas was ten years old when the spirits of the house came to him and asked him for help setting their spirits free. Unfortunately, he never made the deadline and as a result the spirits took him and made him a part of the house as well. As he soon finds out, the only way he can save his own soul is to save the souls of the missing boys in the house. With his own deadline in place, Ethan enlists the help of his cousin Kelsey to solve the twenty-year-old mystery of THE MISSING. $0.99 on Amazon

Princess Kandake by Stephanie Jefferson (Fantasy) Available February 1, 2012

In Nubia a woman can be whatever she chooses. At 14, Kandake knows exactly what she chooses...Prime Warrior of Nubia. But her grandmother has said that she will follow her father on the throne. Refusing to abandon her warrior dreams she continues to train. When her brother is kidnapped, Kandake learns she must be both queen and warrior to win his release! See Author's Website

Middle Grade

Blink of a Dragon by Eisley Jacobs (Fantasy)

Discovering she’s connected to dragons is one thing, but when another dragon is caught hanging out in the fifth grade, Meia thinks things couldn’t get any worse. Is she ever wrong! Trouble is brewing in the cosmos and Deglan believes this new dragon holds the answers, but his hopes are crushed when the leader of the exiled dark dragons ambushes them. The fate of the dragons and possibly the whole world falls to Deglan and Meia as they search for the only creature powerful

enough to send the dark dragons back into the abyss. What they encounter along the way makes the adventure worth fighting for. $6.99 Paperback preorder

Happy New Year & Trilogy cover release

2011-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I can't even begin to express my thanks to all of you for making 2011 huge for my writing success. All my books have hit Amazon best selling lists, include The Emerald Talisman listed at #6 on the top of Amazon free list and Onyx has become a HUGE hit! Right now, there's 18 five star reviews listed and I've received countless emails from pleased fans, even one with OMG in the title (lol!). I'm relieved everyone loves the end.

I'm also excited to share the cover of the e-book complete trilogy being released in a few days on Amazon and B&N! Isn't it gorgeous???

Today is also the last day to post a review and enter the drawing for the Ony x faux talisman. Don't miss out!

As I reflect, I can't help but remember the hard times and wonderful times. I appreciate all your support and encouragement during my son's open heart surgery. Also, I'm thankful for all the new friends I've made along the way. I can't wait for 2012 and what it has to bring, good and bad.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Happy New Year! See you in 2012!

Hugs, Brenda

Signed Copies Onyx Talisman Pre-sale

2011-12-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post the pre-sale as promised. In my defense, I actually left my house, got my hair done, did some Christmas shopping and spent my birthday money on some adorable shoes and a coat, and visited Starbucks for a peppermint mocha. And then I stalked myself for reviews.

So here it is: the pre-order print of books for The Onyx Talisman with matching bookmark!

$11.99
$9.99 until 1/31/12

The Onyx Talisman Book Birthday!

2011-12-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday The Onyx Talisman!

I can't believe this day is finally here. It's been a journey like no other. I literally feel like I've run a marathon, but it's here... early by a day! But this time, it's bittersweet and I'm sad to see this series come to an end. I can't believe all the sweet emails I've received from fans over this series and you've touched my heart tremendously. And because you love my characters as much as I do, the book has been dedicated to YOU!

Buy it NOW on Amazon

Buy it NOW on B&N

The Onyx Talisman by Brenda Pandos

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing (December 16, 2011)

Series: Talisman #3

Add it to Goodreads

Synopsis:
"Alora looked back and the corner of her lip turned up. “It’s always darkest before the dawn, Julia. Good luck.”
Her words sent chills up my spine as she vanished. "

Unrest stirs deep in Scotts Valley. Filled with uncertainty, Julia anxiously awaits Nicholas’ return. Phil, hurt and unsure of his place as a sober vampire, holds the pieces of Julia’s fragile psyche together, secretly hoping Nicholas stays away forever. Scarlett bides her time, plotting for the perfect moment to prove herself and earn redemption. But somewhere in L.A., Alora conspires to reclaim her talisman and strip Julia of everything she holds dear.

Little do they know, a war is coming and more than one vampire would like to see the Prince of Vampires overthrown. As more and more vampires show up from nowhere, addicted to her scent, Julia must pick her allies carefully before it’s too late. Can Julia bargain with fate? When the time comes, will she even have a choice? Find out how it all ends in this explosive grand finale of The Talisman Trilogy.

WIN YOUR OWN TALISMAN!

CONTEST DETAILS

For those who write a review of The Onyx Talisman and post on either B&N or Amazon (or both), can be entered into a drawing to win a life-sized replica Onyx Talisman of their very own or a T-Shirt custom designed my me, you're choice.

Enter HERE or below:

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Thank you to everyone for making this dream possible. To Kristie Cook, Lisa Langdale, Lisa Sanchez, Nicole and Jaime ... all my love and thanks are yours!

Stay tuned for the announcement of a twitter party and the physical book release in January, 2012! Pre-sale starts TOMORROW!

Hugs, Brenda

EVERBLUE is a Best of the Best in 2011 novel

2011-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

We interrupt the countdown to Onyx (which is 4 days people, well, 3 days and 15 hours if you look at the countdown --> ) to announce something SUPER exciting. Everblue, my Mer Tales novel, was picked as a Best of the BEST in 2011 by Nicole at Books Complete Me.

*insert screaming and flailing of hands*

Holy carp!!

Of all the amazing books out there, I have no idea how bloggers choose anyway, I'm so thrilled and honored to have Everblue chosen for this prestigious title. Thank you, Nicole.

So, if you follow the link, you can read the sweet things she said about Everblue and some questions she asked me AND enter to win a signed copy with matching bookmark. Go... go right now!

*swoon*

Okay... back to the countdown of Onyx... *bites nails*

Hugs, Brenda

The Onyx Talisman comes in 6 days

2011-12-10T09:42:00.001-08:00

I wanted to give a quick exciting update. Yes! The Onyx Talisman will be available through Amazon/Kindle and B&N/Nook Friday, December 16th and I just have to say, my team ROCKS! Without their dedication and help, it wouldn't have happened. Donna Wright, Kristie Cook, Lisa Sanchez, Lisa Langdale, Nicole from Books Complete Me and Jaime from Two Chicks. Muah!

I can't believe the day is almost here and I am so nervous! The pressure to deliver a satisfying ending is... HUGE! I've bit down my nails, worn off my fingerpads and forked out quite a lot in nanny money to make this date. And I hope it will be worth it. Anyway, there's still last minute things to do, so I'm not talking on here long. I'll be sending out a newsletter the minute it's available. Sign up here: BrendaPandos.com to receive it.

Thanks everyone for all the lovely well wishes and prayers for my family. Missing a deadline hurt like heck and I'm glad you all were so kind to me. My son's heart is doing awesome and he's running around faster than the rest of us now. Modern medicine is absolutely incredible.

And actually, this book is dedicated to YOU!

Thank you.... sniff.

Hugs x a million,

Brenda

PS. Physical books will be available online sometime January 2012. A presale will be posted Friday, the 16th for those who want signed copies!

Onyx news and first chapter teaser

2011-11-16T07:55:00.001-08:00

As you can see, Onyx isn't being released today as planned. Life's been a little crazy in my world. Good news is things have been improving for us and I am so grateful for all the prayers and well wishes for my son. And as long as we stay on this drama-free course, the ebook of Onyx should be out in December and physical books in January.

I apologize to all of you who have been waiting so patiently and can't wait to share with you the last installment of the Talisman series.

So, without further ado, here's the first *unedited* chapter of The Onyx Talisman!!

“I need some ore,” Phil said with a scrupulous grinbehind his fanned out cards—eyes flirting directly with mine. “Anyone got any?”

Three ore cards mocked me within my undisclosed hand, along with a fewothers. If I traded my ore—which Ireally didn’t need—he might win again. His smug aura told me he pretty much hadthis game in the bag, it was just a matter of time.

“I’ll trade for a brick?” he asked, his sharp caninesrevealed in his smile. No one budged, though I sensed a few were tempted. “Two bricks?”

Katie caved first. “Okay.Here.”

Within moments of the trade,Phil switched out his city for a settlement, pleasure beaming from himlike a strobe light.

“Nice,” Tyler said with atwisted grin.

“Pschtt!” I spewed and nudgedKatie in the arm, pretending to be upset. “Why did you do that?”

“I need a brick and Phil’s sitting on a brick factory over there.” She pointedat the board and shrugged.

True.

Tyler’s turn was next. As Iwatched him palm the dice, my competitive side itched for lady luck to grace methis turn. Normally the rolls I needed came up all the time, but not in this particulargame of Settler of Catan.

Scarlett sat off to the sideand read her worn Tales by EdgarAllen Poe. The fact she enjoyed the stories as much as she did gave me thecreeps. Her mind reading abilities had ousted her from playing any games withus—not that she’d play anyway.

Tyler blew into his partiallyclosed fist. “Come on karma! Papa needs a new set of shoes.” He shot us a coysmile then winked at Katie.

I withheld my comment asKatie giggled. If she got the karma she deserved, she’d lose every game. Quickas a flash, Katie grabbed his hand and kissed his fingers before he could flingthe white cubes. The interruption discombobulated his throw, causing them toskitter from his hands, across the table, and onto the floor. I peeked overTyler’s knee and watched one of the die move of its own accord from a four to afive.

Scarlett coughed. Her icy-blueeyes peered at us momentarily over the binding of her book

“You so cheat,” I accusedPhil, who at the moment looked bewildered.

“I didn’t do it.” Phil heldup his hands—truth rolling off him in huge waves. “This is crap anyway.”

“That was so a four.” I pursed my lips and raiseda brow as guilt billowed out of Katie like a hole in a balloon.

She snickered and waggled hereyebrows. “What?”

“Yeah. No fighting.” Tylerflipped it back to a four and finished his turn.

Katie’s turn was next. Icrossed my fingers for something I could use.

“Eight,” she called out.While she traded out her cards and pieces on the board, I playfully mad-doggedPhil. Our competitive sides quietly bantered with one another through our eyes.My turn was next and I only had one chance to finish him off. Without looking,I kept an eye on Phil and felt for the dice when Katie’s shock and suddenelation sliced right through my psyche.

Her squeal, followed by her inhumanlyfast flit around the table, upset the board onto the floor. Annoyed, I pushedaway from the table and moved over to the couch opposite Scarlett, away fromKatie’s blatant display. Though she rarely won, I wouldn’t indulge her poorsportsmanship with any type of congratulations.

Phil came over and sat nextto me—a little too close, actually. His wonderful natural scent filled my lungsand tempted me to bury my nose in his neck.

“Awww, don’t pout,” hewhispered in his honey golden voice.

A huge part of me wanted tolean over and kiss him right then and there, but I knew his powers ofpersuasion were running at a high level. I fought the temptation and pulled outmy iPhone instead, searching for a text from my missing boyfriend Nicholas—anobsession I couldn’t kick.

“I’m not,” I said defiantly.“If I would have gotten one more turn, I would have won. Katie was lucky.”

“I see.” He touched the tipof my nose then pointed to my touch-screen. “Anything exciting happening at drama-high?”

With a smirk, I put the phoneaway in my pocket. “No. Not today. But that reminds me. My Dad’s out of townthis weekend and—”

“No,” Phil said quickly,flipping from sexy to cold in an instant. “Out of the question. We’ve alreadydiscussed the dangers as a group, not to mention I will not escort you to L.A.without your father’s knowledge. Not after what happened.”

His words sent little pinpricks of pain radiating across my chest. Every day I’d conspired a way to getPhil to take me to L.A to see Nicholas and every time he’d tell me no. Sincethe big showdown four months ago, the only word I’d received to even suggest hewas on the mend was a letter stating he missed me along with some song lyricshe wrote and a reassurance he’d return soon. That was a month ago.

The lyrics lay neatly foldedin my pocket next to my phone. I’d continually read and reread them, lookingfor clues to what he was thinking. But all I could decipher was that separatedships never docked at the same pier at the same time. Was that how he saw ourrelationship? Something that could never really be?

“I can’t keep doing this dayafter day. I have to find out something,” I finally said with clenched teeth.

“I know.” Phil looked at metenderly while he massaged my shoulder, infusing me with his stress-releasingcharm. “Patience, my dear sweet Parker. Patience.”

I sunk into his chest.Whether I liked it or not, Phil did make me feel better. My spirit mended inhis presence and I was beginning to need him—like a drug. I shut down myempathy and closed my eyes so I didn’t have to watch Katie and Tyler snuggledup together on the opposite couch as they started a movie. She of all peopledidn’t deserve the happiness wafting around us and lately my jealousy wasgetting the better of me. I didn’t want to be a love buzz-kill, but theirblatant displays often rubbed raw the longing in my heart.

But, for some reason I alwaysreturned to hang with the Fab Five. Sam, my absent BFF, had all her free timesucked up with Todd, her boyfriend. So, I had no choice but to melt into the coven’sregular routine where my melancholy mood was understood, for the most part.Phil and Katie were our sober vampires, Tyler and I were the inducted humans,and Scarlett was the token den mother—a very motley group. After school, Tylerand I would cruise over and hang out at Nicholas’ abandoned house where Philand Katie hid during the daylight hours.

“Do you have homework?” Philasked while petting my hair.

“Mostly studying for finals,”I murmured. “I also need to finish my History report.”

Phil scoffed. “So glad Inever have to finish high school.”

I nudged him in the side.“Brat.”

After a few minutes and withmuch reluctance, I slid down onto the floor and pulled out my backpack. Myreport wasn’t going to write itself. Phil continued to try to distract me byplaying with my hair, but eventually succumbed to the movie.

I started to read about BetsyRoss, the subject of my report, but my mind drifted. The group didn’t know it,but I’d devised a new plan. Sam and I were going to Disneyland for a few days assoon as school was out for summer. She’d scored tickets from her aunt andduring the trip somehow someway, I’d get to Preston’s house and see Nicholas inperson. I had to.

I refocused my attention backto Betsy Ross when I felt it. A storm of rage sped towards Nicholas’ house andwhomever the feelings belonged to, they weren’t about to let a door stand intheir way from getting inside. I stood up, eyes glued to the sunlight blockingbarrier as I held my breath, hoping that someone was Nicholas.

“Parker, what’s wrong?” Philasked before Scarlett’s warning screamed in our minds.

“Hide!”

The sudden movement ofvampires escaping the scene launched my notes into the air like confetti, leavingTyler and I alone to deal with whoever was about the come through the door.

Winner Genesis Swag Pack

2011-11-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Michele Luker for winning the Genesis swag pack! And thanks to everyone else for stopping by and leaving comments!

Check out Kristie's blog for the winner of the BIG grand prize!

Winner of hop and NaNoWriMo

2011-11-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for the Girls Gone Goblin Blog Hop!
Congrats @kadburytweets !!! She'll enjoy a Kindle copy of The Sapphire Talisman!

And what's NaNoWriMo you ask? No, I didn't lose it and start talking gibberish, it's National Novel Writing Month where writers from all over commit to writing 50K words in a month. And where I'm going to finish Onyx for a December release. If you didn't know, I had a little chaos happen in my life with my 6 yr old son needing heart surgery last month (along with other things) which set me back in my writing goals. But I know you're dying to find out what happens with Julia, Nicholas and Phil, so I'm going to make miracles happen!

I don't typically write with wild abandon, but I'm going to do my best and start by getting this post finished, my trance going, my coffee brewed and my chocolate unwrapped!

Wish me luck!

Hugs, Brenda

Romance Girls Gone Goblin hop

2011-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's... gasp, October 28th? Holy CARP!!! What the heck??? There's something to say about being in the hospital time warp and losing two weeks of my life, but seriously?!?

Okay (pants)... *flips hands* I have TOO much to do!

So quickly, I'm going to giveaway something that's super easy for me to giveaway...

1 lucky commenter will get a copy of:

THE SAPPHIRE TALISMAN (kindle copy)

It's book #2 of my Talisman series and just in time for Onyx Talisman that should be out super shortly! (gasp!) It's filled with betrayal, hot blood sucking vampires and oh the bad boys. Are you team #Phil or #Nicholas ?

Just retweet the sentence below and comment with your email, and you're entered. Giveaway until 11/1/11

I'm ready for #ONYX, how about you? #giveaway #RomanceGirlsGoneGoblinHop http://brendapandos.blogspot.com

Genesis Release Tour

2011-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have Kristie Cook, author extraordinaire and fabulous friend, on my blog to talk about her upcoming novella release: Genesis, which you can get right now Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella. I had the privilege of critiquing Genesis and let me tell you, it’s a perfect fit to her Soul Savers Series. I also was the cover designer for Genesis, which was created long before I’d had a chance to review the book. Typically I don’t “design” in the dark, but Kristie described her vision for the cover and knew exactly the elements needed to convey the feeling of the story. Have you ever seen an angel with a bat wing and a feathered wing? It coins the “match made in heaven and hell” so visually, I couldn’t have thought of a better way to describe that saying in her novels better.

Promise and Purpose, the first two books of the Soul Saver Series, introduces Tristan and Alexis with a very vast and complex lineage. Since the books are in Alexis’ perspective, the reader only knows what she knows, which is limited. So Kristie saw the need to explain and set up the history to better. Hence the birth of Genesis. But it’s not a boring history lesson. You get sucked into Cassandra and Jordan’s world right away, intrigued with the evil creatures lurking around them, along with the mystery, the suspense, and oh the passion!! We learn that the Amadis history is quite messy filled with revenge and deception. But it all boils down to a choice: will they see good or evil in their futures.

It’s definitely a must read for lover’s of the Soul Savers!

Take it away Kristie:

Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella releases this month and it’s a bit different from the other Soul Savers books. Although the fantasy world I created is the same, the real world is not. After all, it takes place over 2,000 years ago, around 200 B.C. So it required a lot of research to understand life in Greece during that era. For each stop along the release tour, I’m sharing something I learned and how it ties into the story.

I do a Foodie Friday feature on my blog every week, so it’s a perfect day to talk about food of the time. With Brenda as my lovely hostess, we’ll focus specifically on bread, which I’ll explain in a minute.

The Greek diet consisted of the triptych of bread, olives (including olive oil) and wine. In fact, breakfast was often bread dipped in wine, and the midday meal was the same, perhaps with cheese, figs, olives or dried fish added. They didn’t have forks then, so bread served as the eating utensil and also served as a napkin – after eating, they’d wipe their hands on a piece of bread and then toss it on the floor for the dogs.

Bread was usually made with barley flour, although by the time of Genesis, wheat was being imported. It was expensive, though, so only wealthier households tended to buy wheat flour for their bakers or they’d buy wheaten bread in the marketplace. By 400 B.C., there were 50-70 different kinds of bread in Greece.

Most ordinary households would have an oven made of pottery, allowing them to make their own bread. These were often flat breads, which is what I imagine the characters in Genesis to mostly eat.

So how does Brenda fit into this? Well, as my critique partner, she challenged me on how Cassandra, one of the main characters, could make bread without an oven. I’d known bread to be around for thousands of years, even in primitive cultures that wouldn’t have “ovens” anything like how we know them. And I’d done my research, so I had an answer.

There are two ways – using clay pots and coals or using a flat pot or metal pan to cook the bread. The first way is done by topping the pot of dough with another rounded pot and surrounding both with hot coals from a fire. The heat would be trapped inside, allowing the bread to bake.

The pan method produces pita or flat bread – the dough is simply cooked in a frying pan, likely with olive oil on the bottom, over coals, and flipped once to cook both sides to a golden brown. Here’s a somewhat quirky recipe to try to make your own flat bread (though the process isn’t quite how Cassandra would have done it, the idea is there).

Thank you for hosting me, Brenda! And thank you for challenging me – that’s what a good crit-partner is supposed to do.

You, good readers, can win a Soul Saves swag pack! AND be entered to win the Grand Prize at the end of the release tour. All you have to do is comment below. For more details on the tour and the big giveaway, check out the tour page.

Sources:
http://historylink102.com/greece3/food.htm
http://www.cooksinfo.com/edible.nsf/pages/greeceancient!opendocument&startkey=greeceancient
http://greekfood.about.com/od/discovergreekfood/a/food_intro.htm

Genesis
A father who reveals his truth.
Twins who take different paths—one light, one dark.
Angels who have plans for them both
And Demons who do as well.
So the Earthly battle for souls ignites…

A tale that is over 2,000 years old, this is the story of the Amadis beginnings.

Promise
When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can’t be real, she decides it’s time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family’s secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy…until she discovers he’s not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.

Their union brings hope and promise to her family’s secret society, the Angels’ army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy – Satan’s minions and Tristan’s creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

Purpose
Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she’ll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she’s been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she’s forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices.
Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself…but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?

About the Author
Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, with the first two books, Promise and Purpose, available now and the third book, Devotion, coming February 2012. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis, coming October 2011.
Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:

Author's Website & Blog: www.KristieCook.com

Series Website: www.SoulSaversSeries.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

Twitter: twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Tumbler: www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/kristiecook

Google+: plus.google.com/102746226001674797330/posts

Update on Onyx

2011-10-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry you haven't heard from me lately. Life has flipped me on my head. My six year old had heart surgery last week and it's been a roller coaster for our family the past month. I'm happy to say, he's doing 100% better with his super "Sonic" new heart valve, but I'm 50% grayer. No one ever told me the stress a mother endures. Here he is smiling... finally.

Anyway, needless so say, this set me back with The Onyx Talisman's deadline. So, if I'm quiet, it's cause I'm writing and editing like a fiend! It may not be released on November 16th like we thought, but it will be out this year definitely! Please don't be mad.

Sign up at www.brendapandos.com for my newsletter so you'll be notified the minute it's available. I can't wait to share it with you!

Thank you for understanding!

Hugs,

Brenda

Emerald Talisman Kindle Free & Everblue Tour wrap up...

2011-09-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind this past week has been. This post was supposed to happen days ago, along with another laundry list of things to do.

Anyway... we went camping this past weekend and drove through Placerville, CA on the way. We saw this sign and I swooned! I'm going in the next time I'm in town.

My Everblue tour is over.... sniff. I enjoyed every minute of it and want to thank Eleni from the bottom of my heart for hosting and to all the wonderful bloggers who took time out of their busy lives to read and write such eloquent reviews. I am blessed! Muahh!

These are the last of the reviews:

September 14 - Jessica - Hopeless Bibliophile = Review

"Pandos takes a lore that we all know, and puts her own delicious spin on it. Hold on, you're in for a ride."

September 7 - Nicole - Books Complete Me = Review

"WOW! I loved this book. ... Ashlyn wants her life to change, while Fin wants his to stay the same - that is the best way to describe this book!"

September 8 - Anna Tee - The Bursting Bookshelf = Review

"For being so enjoyable and gripping, I give Everblue a 5/5 without question."

September 9 - Evie - Bookish = Review + Giveaway

"Deliciously sweet and dangerously seductive, Everblue by Brenda Pandos is an absolutely and indisputably fantabulous beginning to a new awesome Young Adult series that will win you over in a blink of an eye!"

September 9 - Alyssa - The Book Blog Experience = Review

"I feel like even though mermaids aren’t real that readers can relate to the characters and the book. This book will make you angry, happy and cringing..."

And it's ALWAYS fun to find mystery reviews... this made me smile:

Shawna graciously put this on GR

"There was just enough detail to let you picture it vividly in your mind while taking you hostage with her beautiful word usage. From page to page I kept getting more enthralled into this book. It was more than just the amazing story that held my attention, it was also the writing. "

Oh, and if you didn't know, The Emerald Talisman is free right now on Kindle. And, it's ranked #8 in free books right now. Squee! :) Enjoy a treat on me if you've been wanting to read it!

Hugs, Brenda

Week 3 - #everblue blog tour

2011-09-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

This has been yet another fun and exciting week. Thank you for your questions, Inga, Yara, and Valia! More questions will be answered next week from bloggers! Stay tuned.

August 29 - Inga - Me and Reading = Review
"It was a book which simply blows you away to a fanciful and magical world! When I turned the last page, I cried, because the ending of the book was beautiful and I was totally frustrated – because I wanted more!"

August 30 - Cynthia - Book Reader Addicts = Review
"The story made me laugh, hold my breathe, and made me upset. I got so emotionally involved that my husband thought I was going crazy. "

September 1 - Heather - Nightly Reading = Review
"Brenda Pandos has done it again! She has created a storyline that has completely sucked me in! The Mer Tales series is unlike any other that I have read and I was engrossed from the first pages."

September 2 - Lauren - Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf = Review + Giveaway
"Unique and enjoyable, Everblue is well worth a read! However, that ending? Crazy! I need the sequel ASAP."

Others in the wild:

Garrett at The Mer Blog (how appropriate is THAT?): Review

"Everblue by Brenda Pandos has such an addicting, mesmerizing quality to it. I would open the book up, telling myself I would only read one - maybe two - chapters, only to look down at the page and see I've read over 100 pages..."

Amy at Amy's Book Den: Review
"This has become my top favorite mermaid story of this summer. Just when I thought I´d give up on them, in comes Everblue and sweeps me away with its amazingly wrought world, creative mer-cursing, and captivating plot."

Thanks everyone for taking the time to write up reviews for your readers!

Hugs, Brenda

Vblog Nuttiness & Week 2 Everblue Tour news

2011-08-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

This week I recorded a vlog to just give you a taste of the glamorous life of an author (NOT). Actually, it's why I ~~don't~~ can't do vlogs often...

Week at a glance:

Aug 22: Jaime- Two Chicks on Books - Review + GIVEAWAY 8/30
"This story had me sucked in on page one and kept me up until 4a.m. reading. I guarantee once you pick up this book you will not want to put it down!"

Aug 22: Jessica - Confessions of a Bookaholic - Review + GIVEAWAY 9/9
"...continues on with the fabulous, descriptive writing style readers have come to enjoy through Brenda's Talisman series. Readers will easily dive into this story!"

Aug 23: Kate - Yzhabella's Bookshelf - Review
"With Everblue, Brenda Pandos presents wonderfully imaginative world building, well rounded character development and a perfect timing for establishing conflict, which all helps to create a treasure of a tale that proves her talent and will do much to further establish her footing in this highly competitive industry."

Aug 24: Jennifer - Extreme Reader - Review
"Recently there have been quite a few mermaid themed YA books released, but Everblue tops the charts! The story was absolutely captivating!"

Aug 25: Katie - Katie's Book Blog - Review
"... this is not your typical mermaid story, especially seeing as the mermaid it is about isn't a mermaid at all. He is a merman. I have never read a book written from the point-of-view of a merman and it was very refreshing. Seeing the underwater life through the eyes of a guy is not something I thought I would enjoy but it was really interesting."

Aug 26: Yara - Once Upon a Twilight - Review + GIVEAWAY
"Everblue is not my first mermaid book that I've read. Everblue is the first Mermaid story I loved though."

Other Reviews:
Nimue @ My Bookish Obsession - Review
"I have heard about Mermaid/Mer people books in the blogosphere but hadn't read one ever... I wasn't sure what to expect but Everblue definitely surprised me positively."
Other Giveaways:
By Dark Angel (Ends 8/31) darkangel88.com/?page_id=2753

Post your questions in the comments below and I'll answer them week on my Friday vlog
(leave your email too)!

Week 1 - #everblueTour highlights...

2011-08-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Week one of the tour has commenced and it's been a nail bitter for me. The desires for each book are the same: a page-turner, something (mostly) original, adoration for the characters, a believable story. It's the fun and hard part of writing and a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. I know my story won't resonate with everyone, but when it comes down to it, I like writing and want to provide something people like to read, plain and simple. Whew... glad I got that off my chest.

This was the line-up and some high-lights (and you all get cookies too!) --

August 15 - Heather - Proud Book Nerd = Review

"I knew going into this that I’d probably like it, as Pandos has shown that she’s got the ability to craft a really good story. And this one, wow. Even better than I’d expected. "

August 16 - Kristie Cook - Author = Review

"I love this book. It's a sweet escape with lovable characters, especially the adorable Fin. "
August 17 - Emily D - Red House Books = Review

"Overall, I very much enjoyed Everblue. Brenda is awesome at weaving a story together and making you feel like you're there with the characters. And while I might not have liked all the characters or elements in Everblue, I felt engaged as a reader and really, that's more important to me."

August 18 - Steph - Fangs, Wands and Fairydust = Review

"...an excellent choice for many teens as the struggles the kids go through are pretty similar to what they may be going through. That time of life is one where things you believe are true change as you comprehend how the world really works. It's kind of funny that fantasy is a place to work it out but maybe it is exactly the fantastic aspect that allows kids the room to do so without their own world being threatened."

August 19 - Eleni (Host of the tour) - La Femme Readers = Review
Eleni, my friend since the beginning of my writing career and fabulous supporter of my work, touched my heart with her review. Thank you for hosting!!

"The dual narrative that was going on between Ashlyn and Fin created a great balance for both stories. It helped me connect with the human side of things, while also losing myself in the fantastical sea world. Overall, it was a delightful mer tale that will leave you wanting the sequel! "

Extra bonus: Jena wasn't in the tour, but she tweeted me the review and it's delightful, so I'm including it too: August 20 - Jena - Shortie Says = Review
"I just adored this book. I loved the creativeness of the world, how it's told from duel viewpoints, the romance, the friendships, I just loved it all. Being able to be inside Fin and Ash's head and follow each of their stories was just brilliantly done."

And she was the first to comment on the fin at the end of the E of Everblue. Extra cookies for her!
Thank you, ladies for your insight and reflections! I'm so honored you'd take the time to comment on my latest story!

Hugs, Brenda

In the WILD....

2011-08-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'm borrowing this idea from my good friend and author Kristie Cook. First, I'm super excited to be able to sign Kindle copies now at kindlegraph.com and would love to see where else my babies have found homes.

I'm going to do a regular post to show off such pictures. All you have to do is upload it in the form below and authorize that I can use the photo, and I'll post them here on my blog and facebook! (I reserve the right to censor photos)

Fun!

I also hope everyone enjoyed the twitter party on August 6th. I'm especially grateful to Jaime from twochicksonbooks. I've mailed all the goodies out, so if you were a winner, be looking for those!

Twitter Party Tonight for #everblue

2011-08-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm excited! Trivia questions are ready to go for the book release party tonight. Prizes will be e-books, swag packs, cool blue nail polish, a pretty feather for your hair and signed BOOKS.

If you've never done a twitter party before, don't worry--it's easy. Here's instructions: Joining a twitter party.

Host: @brendapandos @arnoldjaime13
Hashtag: #everblue
Time: 6pm PST
Location: twitter.com

Did I mention I'm excited? Hope to see you there!

Twitter Party for Everblue 8/6 #everblue

2011-08-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

You're invited to my Everblue Release Twitter Party Saturday, August 6th. If you never been to a party before, check out this post how to use Tweetgrid to follow along.

The party hashtag is: #everblue

The hosts are: @brendapandos & @arnoldjaime13

I'm excited Jaime will be hosting with me. She's a fab blogger and super awesome promoter of twochicksonbooks

There will be fun, trivia, games and awesome prizes including this feather to match mine:

Books, bookmarks, Kindle/Nook e-copies too!

And also look forward to the blog tour coming up August 15th.

There will be giveaways of the book every Friday and v-blogs from me answering questions from bloggers!

I'm excited! You can get your copies here Kindle , paperback copies on Amazon, and Nook.

Hugs, Brenda

How to join a Twitter Party

2011-08-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Never been to a twitter party? It's easy!

To join, follow these steps:
Step 1: Use tweetgrid to join the party at http://tweetgrid.com/party

Step 2: You should see this page.

Step 3: You want to enter in the party hashtag

Step 4: Enter in the hosts:
Step 5: Enter in YOUR ID
Step 6: Press JOIN THE PARTY

What you see is the party on the left, hosts in the middle, your tweets on the right.

Step 7: Enter in your id and password (it's secure)

Then you are ready to PARTYYYYY! :) There will be fun trivia, prizes and cyber food! Hope to see you there!!!!

V-blog book birthday Everblue

2011-08-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here's my crazy v-blog to celebrate the fun day (love my expression). I hope you enjoy. The paperbacks on Amazon aren't quite up, but there's a sign-up to be notified here. Also, you can get signed copies for $8.99 (regular $11.99) this week here. And there's Kindle and Nook too!

This day wouldn't have happened with all the support from my friends and family in my life. Thank you!

TWITTER PARTY!

Saturday at 6:00pm PST I'll be hosting a twitter party #Everblue. There will be trivia, games, prizes and giveaways. Don't miss out! Everyone will have an opportunity to win!

Hugs, Brenda

Everblue Book Birthday

2011-07-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

(big sigh)

Let me tell you . . . on the eve of my book birthday (it is available on Kindle now), I'm celebrating another victory. I've been in the hospital all week with my 5 yr old who had complications after a balloon valvoplasty and it's been a long but short week. I'm happy so say after , we are finally going home!

And . . . I've been waiting for Everblue to hit Amazon and Kindle. And it's hit Kindle already! Yay!

This day wouldn't have happened without my crit partners, Lisa Sanchez, Lisa Langdale (bomb-beta) and Kristie Cook. All of them have been instrumental in crafting my new baby into something I hope you'll love as much as I do. And to Carol Oates, who helped make sure Badger was true to life!

I'll post a v-blog tomorrow to celebrate!

Thanks! And enjoy! The hardcover should be up tomorrow sometime on Amazon.

Hugs x a million,

Brenda

Pre-sale NOW! Everblue's $8.99

2011-07-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Everblue (Mer Tales #1)
PRESALE
$8.99 (includes bookmark)

Shipped week of 8/1-8/6

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

T-Shirt Winner!

2011-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

So... let me tell ya, this was the funnest contest I've ever done and the most difficult to choose!

Winner: Don't messy with Tessie

submitted by Samantha Snow

But I did have two others submit similar titles, so it was so hard to judge. I'm sending all who entered a signed bookmark and bookplate (contact with your information)!

Thanks for entering!

Devon for: Don't mess with Tess (you taste like chicken)
Misty for: Tahoe Tessie, isn't she messy?
Cody for: If you want to hear (or see or know) the tale of Tessie, visit Tahoe
And there were a few spins on Loch vs lock:
Krystal for: Tessie has the Loch on the mystical imagination
BooksNyarn for: Tessie has a Loch on Tahoe

I've decided to set up a shop to sell shirts and other Everblue items. The proceeds will be donated to March of Dimes. Look for that very soon!

Release day is only 9 days away! Eep!!

Congrats Samantha!

Now it's your turn. What was your favorite? Comment below!

Everblue Teaser

2011-07-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Only 19 more days until Everblue, my mermaid paranormal romance will hit internet shelves. I'm so excited! Today I've posted an excerpt on author Lisa Sanchez's blog for the Sizzling Summer Author Extravaganza.

Also remember, I'm still looking for slogan's for my Tessie T-shirt contest HERE.

Also look for the review only blog tour hosted by Eleni from LaFemmeReaders. There will be giveaways, reviews and friday vblogs.

Lots of fun to add to Summer!

CONTEST to win early copy of Everblue!!!

2011-07-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

I need you help. Everblue (releases 7/31) is centered in Lake Tahoe. If you don't already know, the lake has it's own folklore about a monster, much like Lochness, that lives in the deep waters. They call her Tahoe Tessie.

I'm looking for a creative, original, T-shirt slogan about Tessie.

If your slogan is picked, your slogan will appear in the book, your name in the acknowledgements for providing the slogan and you'll get an EARLY copy of Everblue, signed of course!

Contest runs from July 5th- July 16th. I'll post my favorite, and 2 runners up here. The runners up will get something cool too.

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Loading...

Everblue Teaser

2011-07-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I've actually blogged anything. As you know, my latest book is coming out July 31st, Everblue. I'm so excited about it!

When I'm editing, I listen to trance. The beat keeps me motivated and gives me emotion to put into my scenes. This song came on and I'd heard it before, but I just about fell over when I really listened to the lyrics. It perfectly describes Everblue.

Here's the lyrics:

Cosmic Gate feat Kyler England – Flatline

Do you know the power you have over me?
I’m a safe, but you’re the key
In my defense I try not to lose control
I’m cryptic, but you crack the code

My heart skips a beat when you look at me
Suddenly I can’t breathe, I’m falling to my knees
Last thing I recall is how you catch my fall
Then I wake in your arms, baby you’re my Prince Charming
Baby you’re my Prince Charming

When my heart’s on a flatline
Your kiss brings me back to life
When my heart’s on a flatline
Your kiss brings me back to life

I hope that tempts your reading tastebuds! Everblue, coming July 31st!

Winner Announced for Midsummer's Eve Hop

2011-06-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Alba Solorzano! She won a copy of The Sapphire Talisman and matching bookmark in the Midsummer's Eve hop last week!

Don't despair if you didn't win and really wanted to. There's plenty of other opportunities to win coming up!

Be sure to enter in my giveaway with goodreads for my latest novel, Everblue, coming out 7/31/11

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Everblue

by Brenda Pandos

Giveaway ends August 10, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

2011-06-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Time for another awesome hop! This hop is brought to you by Inspired Kathy from I'm a Reader Not a Writer . Thank you!

I'm donating a signed copy of The Sapphire Talisman, Book #2 of the Talisman Series, with matching bookmark.

Synopsis for book #1:
To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

It's the sequel to The Emerald Talisman (Book 1) and if you haven't read it yet, it's only $0.99 on Kindle/Nook right now!

CONTEST RUNS FROM:

~~Tuesday, June 21st - Midnight (PST) Friday, June 24th~~

CONTEST CLOSED.
WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

I only require you be a GFC follower of my blog to enter.

*Winners entries will be doubled checked and disqualified if not fulfilled*

LINKY LIST HERE

Cover Reveal, Everblue

2011-06-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce the cover of my new novel, Everblue (Mer Tales #1). The book will be available on Amazon/Kindle/Nook 7/31/11 just in time for summer. Look here for the review only book tour in August hosted by Eleni from LaFemmeReaders!

Here's the synopsis:

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Everblue

by Brenda Pandos

Giveaway ends August 10, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Nicholas POV from The Emerald Talisman

2011-06-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

@alyssa13795 on twitter has requested a post from Nicholas' point of view and I have something just for her and anyone else who's interested. If you recall back to when Julia and Phil chatted on the beach in The Emerald Talisman, here's what Nicholas saw:

(unedited and copyright Brenda Pandos)

I watched Julia walk from her car, shoulders slouched, face pensive. Twice she doubled back, but then turned around, still headed towards the beach.
If she really didn’t want to go, why is she here?More than anything I wanted to come beside her, take her hand and be her date for this silly bonfire. This was a step in the right direction though. It often puzzled me why she shied away from people, tending to stick with her regular group of friends or be alone.
I scanned the crowd, picking out Katie and Samantha, willing them to spot her. Julia somewhat scanned the crowd as well but quickly looked down.
Is she here to meet someone else? Another guy perhaps?
The thought made my blood boil. Even though this part of my guardianship seemed the hardest, knowing some day she’d meet the man of her dreams made me fraught with jealousy. My chest ached, watching her flounder when she finally took a seat by the fire. The flames reflected in her eyes, bringing out the hints of green and brown. She flipped her blonde hair off her shoulders to cascade down her back, exposing the nape of her slender neck. It took all my strength to keep me rooted in my hideout, only wanting to touch her again, to wrap my arms over her shoulders, to nuzzle my nose into her neck and smell her skin.
I shook the vision out of my head. Our relationship, or lack there of was purely business. I had to keep my distance so she didn’t get drug into my messy life.
Sam spotted Julia and ran up to see her. They started talking, but she’s not here to be with Julia. Sam’s got a guy with her, her date.
They whisper but I hear what they say clearly.
“Please don’t leave,” Sam says in her ear.
Julia agrees.
Again, Julia flounders and takes her beach towel, moving further down the beach. I’m tempted to go sit by her but I take out her note to reread instead. The pain is clear. I can’t risk hurting her again. I’ll bear the burden alone and let her move on. I have to.
“Pretty cool, huh?”“Phil?”Her voice cuts through the night like a sweet sonnet of a bird. I cringe, putting the note back in my pocket, looking for the source of this guy – Phil.
He sits by Julia to watch the waves with her, making her fidget. I don’t like the way he flirts with her. I want to leave, but I can’t help but listen.
“You have a girlfriend?”Julia sounds disappointed, but I’m a little relieved.
“...Where’s your boyfriend?” I hear him ask innocently.
Then it all makes sense. By already having a girlfriend, he could get to know her on the guise of friendship, and then once he knows Julia could be his, he dumps the girl back home.
She’s buying it. She’s confiding in him, telling him more. Telling him the whole story about us.My heart rips to shreds hearing the details from her point of view, this time with the mountain lion included. Instead of the hero, I’m now the villain.
“This guy sounds bipolar.”“He does, doesn’t he?”At their laughter, my blood starts to boil. All I want to do was to kick the crap out of Phil. I had to figure out a way to release my aggression before I did.
I pull a stake from within the folds of my jacket and flip it in my hand. In an hour, I could run the parameter of the city and be back to see her safely home.
And maybe get a few vamps. I don’t even give it a second thought. I was out of there.

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks Alyssa for suggesting it!

Hugs, Brenda

Winner for Summer Splash Hop

2011-06-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Congrats Chris Stack! A shiny copy of The Sapphire Talisman is on it's way to your house! Enjoy!!!

Thanks Inspired Kathy from I'm a Reader Not a Writer and Pixie from Page Turners for another successful hop! I had a lot of visitors and entries!

Don't despair new and old followers. I'll have another hop really soon where you can get another chance to win!

If you just can't wait, remember The Emerald Talisman is only $0.99 on Kindle/Nook for a limited time! Snatch that baby up for a fun summer read!

Okay, back to writing. I must make my deadline for November 16, 2011 for the release of The Onyx Talisman, last and final book in the series!

Hugs, Brenda

Splash into Summer Hop!

2011-05-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in another wonderful hop! (I love these). The Splash into Summer Hop is brought to you by Inspired Kathy from I'm a Reader Not a Writer and Pixie from Page Turners (thank you ladies for hosting)

I'm donating a signed copy of The Sapphire Talisman, Book 2 of the Talisman Series, with matching bookmark.

It's the sequel to The Emerald Talisman (Book 1) and if you haven't read it yet, it's only $0.99 on Kindle/Nook right now!

CONTEST RUNS FROM:

~~Wednesday, May 25th to Tuesday May 31st noon PST.~~
CONTEST CLOSED
Winner Announced Soon!

I only require you be a GFC follower of my blog to enter.

*Winners entries will be doubled checked and disqualified if not fulfilled*

We have a Winner! Reanna!

2011-05-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Congrats Reanna!

You've won a signed copy of The Emerald Talisman and bookmark!

And thank you, Kristine Cheney and Joanne Kendrick, for organizing the hop and keeping us crazy authors in line. lol.

Don't despair followers. I'll have another hop to win another book soon! Or you can pick up a copy for $0.99 through Kindle or Nook!

Hugs, Brenda

The Onyx Talisman Cover Reveal

2011-05-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

Drum roll..... tada! Squee!!! Thank you to all the bloggers who are posting this today!

The release date is: 11/16/11

Well, it's hard to see here, but the talisman is so faint on the cover... which... might.... reveal.... something. *cough*

So, without further ado, here's a little something to wet your appetite. If you haven't read the first two books, DON'T KEEP READING! Just pick up the first book for $0.99 on Kindle or Nook

**WARNING SPOILERS**

All was perfect in Julia’s life until Nicholas had his vampire blood-lust activated by his mother Alora, her immortal enemy, turning him evil and bent on revenge. Heartbroken and out of choices, Phil and Julia ran away in the middle of the night, with Scarlett on foot, to Orange County to warn and plead Nicholas’ Godfather for help. Once arriving at Harry’s though, the local coven accosted them and they narrowly escaped.

After they returned home, there was a huge showdown between Phil, Nicholas, Scarlett, Alora, Katie and Julia. Alora almost got what she wanted—Julia’s vampire warding talisman—but Preston, Nicholas’ father, and Harry came to the rescue. They escorted Nicholas and Alora back to Beverly Hills, pledging to return Nicholas free from his blood-lust. But all Julia’s received in the past four months is a letter stating Nicholas missed her along with some song lyrics and promise of a quick return. That was a month ago.

Now Julia awaits Nicholas’ return with the Fab Five Coven: Phil and Katie—the sober vampires, Scarlett—the half-vamp/shape-shifter, and Tyler and Julia—the inducted humans. She’s stuck in Scotts Valley with Phil as her self-appointed chaperon and no way to return to Los Angeles to check on Nicholas. Only Scarlett and Julia know her fate ultimately involves the demise of all vampires, possibly including the ones she loves. When the time comes, will she even have a choice?

Find out in the final installment of the bestselling Talisman Series:

November 16, 2011!

Trip Around the World Mega Author Blog Hop

2011-05-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Santa Cruz, California for this stop in the Trip Around the World Blog Hop. I assume you've just came from The Emerald Isle with Heather McAlendin, which is quite ironic since the book I'm offering for the giveaway is called The Emerald Talisman.

So now it's time to shed your coat from Ireland, take off your shoes and walk up the beach or enjoy some funnel cake at the Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk...oh...and bring a good book... how about one centered in Santa Cruz?

For those who are fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Blade and Twilight, The Emerald Talisman is right up your alley. And if you don't win it here, it's only $0.99 on Kindle/Nook right now!

When Julia Parker, a sixteen-year-old with the paranormal ability to read people's emotions, accidentally falls prey to a vampire, she becomes aware that sometimes animals and people aren't who they seem. To survive, she must rely on her psychic abilities to help her decide who to trust and who to love.

I'm giving away:
1 signed copy with matching bookmark.

To enter: please comment and leave your email address. I just ask you also are a Google Follower.

Extra points:

+1 Goodreads Follower http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3449368.Brenda_Pandos

+1 Facebook Follower

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Pandos-Author/147707291958883

+1 Twitter Follower @brendapandos

There are 35 authors in the hop! Here's where the hop starts: http://spartanheartbyauthorkristinecheney.blogspot.com/2011/05/trip-around-world-mega-author-blog-hop.html

The next hop spot after me is Wellington, New Zealand with Bronwen Evans.

CONTEST IS CLOSED

TOUR RULES:1) Have fun!2) Invite all your friends! Have fun!!!3) Tour Starts: Monday, May 16, at Midnight (Arizona Time)Tour Ends: Monday, May 23, at Midnight (Arizona Time)4) Meet and mingle with all authors. Experience a new destination at every stop. Your participation in every blog contest gives you more chances to win! 5) T Participation at every blog is recommended in order to win prizes. Every author is waiting to meet and interact with you, so please be sure to show some author love! (All winners will be verified to have visited AND participated at EVERY blog, so please make sure you participated at ALL blogs on the tour!)
6) Did we mention have fun?

Hugs, Brenda

Blog Hop Winner

2011-05-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

We've got a winner!

Congrats Evrythngzen! You've won a copy of The Sapphire Talisman with bookmark!

Enjoy!

If you wanted another chance to win, stay tuned... new blog hop coming up!

Hugs, Brenda

Spring Blog Carnival Hop

2011-05-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in another wonderful hop! (I love these). The Spring Blog Carnival Hop is brought to you by Candace’s Book Blog http://www.candacesbookblog/, Reading Angel http://www.readingangel.com/, Pure Imagination http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/, and The Book Swarm http://www.bookswarm.blogspot.com/ (thank you ladies for hosting)

I'm donating a signed copy of The Sapphire Talisman, Book 2 of the Talisman Series, with matching bookmark.

It's the sequel to The Emerald Talisman (Book 1) and if you haven't read it yet, it's only $0.99 on Kindle/Nook right now!

CONTEST OVER -- WINNER ANNOUNCED SOON!

Winner of the hop

2011-04-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Congrats Teresa Bohannon for winning the Eggstravaganza Hop!

Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

2011-04-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in another blog hop, the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop April 20th - 25th (midnight PST) hosted by I'm a reader, not a writer and Once upon a Twilight.

It's a HUGE hop with over 250 blogs participating, giving away all kinds of cool book related stuff!

My giveaway (US & CAN) is a signed copy of The Sapphire Talisman, the second novel in my Talisman series.

The first book, The Emerald Talisman is a steal on Amazon Kindle/Nook for only $0.99 !

Please fill out the form below. I just ask you follow my blog (GFC).
*Winners entries will be doubled checked and disqualified if not fulfilled*

CONTESTED CLOSED... Winner announced soon!

Winner

2011-04-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

I just realized I hadn't posted the winner for the autism hop. The winner is LINDA HENDERSON!

Congrats and thanks for entering everyone! New hop will be posted tomorrow!

Hugs, Brenda

Autism Awareness Give-away Hop

2011-04-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Followers. I'm participating in another blog hop for Autism Awareness hosted by: Lindsay @ Just Another Book Addict: http://justanotherbookaddict.blogspot.com/

Heather @ Fire and Ice Photo: http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

Pixie @ Page Turners: http://www.pageturnersblog.com/

Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/ .

April is Autism Awareness month.

May of 2008, we found out our 2 year old son had an Autism Spectrum disorder called PDD-NOS. My world crumbled. The A word is up there with the C word and the last thing a parent ever wants to hear. But, we got help early and never quit advocating for him.

I'm happy to say, three years later, our little buddy is going to be entering Kindergarten in the fall with typical kids. It's been a rough road with 40 hour week in-home therapy, a special diet and just the fact he works so much harder than most kids his age to train his brain to learn. I'm so very proud of him and his accomplishments.

Here's some warning signs you can NOT ignore:

No or little speech by two years of age.
Little to no eye contact.
Doesn't respond by looking when people say their name.
Doesn't play with toys appropriately (lines things up, collects odd items).
Doesn't share enjoyment (points, brings the item to you, gets excited and wants to show you what's so exciting)
Odd stimulatory behavior (tip-toe walking, flapping, strange obsessions with things like watching doors close, water pouring, fans blowing, etc.)

Getting treatment early is key (before age 3). Don't wait! Most school districts can point you in the direction of early intervention services and there's federal funding for in-home therapy called ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis.

Here's some great sites for information:

http://www.tacanow.org/

http://www.generationrescue.org/

And if you have questions about the safety of vaccines and alternatives:

http://drtenpenny.com/

My giveaway is puzzle piece earrings:

My favorite aunt surprised me with a pair and I bawled like a baby. They'd make a great gift to anyone who loves someone with Autism.

One good thing about autism coming into our lives is that I had to find another avenue to be creative and I turned to writing. It became the lemon aid out of the lemons and it makes my heart sing when my son says "That's your book Mommy?" cause he didn't say "Mommy" until he was 3-1/2.

Please tell me how autism has changed your life (or someone you know) and leave your email in my comments to enter the drawing (US only please). I just ask you follow my blog.

Hugs, Brenda

Linky List

We have a Winna - Vivian!

2011-04-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

Our lucky winner of The Emerald Talisman goes to....

Vivian!

Thanks everyone for entering.

Fools for Books Hop!

2011-03-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Followers!

I'm participating in another hop! The Fool for Books Giveaway Hop is April 1-2. Over 200 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another.

Hosted by Books Complete Me

& The Bookish Snob

MY GIVEAWAY ITEM:
1 copy of my book, The Emerald Talisman with a bookmark.

Contest over -- Winner announced soon!

Back to the Hop List

*Winners entries will be doubled checked and disqualified if not fulfilled*

Good luck!
Hugs, Brenda

Indie Author Relief Fund

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today I want to spotlight the Indie Authors Relief Fund, where indie- and self-published authors have joined forces to raise money for those in need. Started by Kristie Cook, and Ang'dora Productions, we started the fund after the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan. Our first project is to raise money for the victims of this crisis. All proceeds will be donated to Red Cross International.

We've been hosting auctions with goods and services donated by indie authors. You can get some really awesome bookish items while helping the people of Japan. It's a win for everyone and don't we all need a little goodness in our lives right now?

I'm pleased to announce that my books & character name for book #3 (Onyx Talisman) and blog redesign went for a nice chuck of change! Thanks Rachel and Calum!

There's a few more things available until Thursday at midnight! Check it out! http://indieauthorsrelieffund.blogspot.com/

Thank you for visiting! Please help us spread the word.

We have a winnaaaaa

2011-03-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

With 272 entries in the Leprechaun hop, I've chosen a winner with Random.org:

# 207 was
Lolawid

Congratulations and thanks everyone for entering!

I'll be having another starting April 1st!

Hugs, Brenda

Lucky Leprechaun Hop giveaway

2011-03-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hey Followers!

I'm participating in the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop March 17- 20. Over 250 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another.

Hosted by Books Complete Me

& I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

GIVEAWAY ITEM:
1 copy of my book, The Emerald Talisman with a bookmark.

CONTEST OVER-WINNER ANNOUNCED SOON!

Hugs, Brenda

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-03-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

J. Rose Allister, romance author, nominated me with a very cool award and I'm finally getting around to posting the post.

Here are the rules for this award:

1) Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
http://jroseallister.blogspot.com/

2) Share 7 things about yourself.

3) Award recently discovered great bloggers, up to 15.

4) Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

SEVEN THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I never aspired to be a writer. Only after my oldest's Autism Spectrum disorder diagnosis did I search for something to do to preoccupy my mind during the following depressing.

2. I sniff my kids' neck and heads everyday, several times a day.

3. I always wanted to be a mermaid.

4. I am a geek and like geeky things.

5. Sometimes my birthday lands on Thanksgiving which is my favorite holiday.

6. I won't swim alone in a pool. I'm terrified of Jaws and have an overactive imagination.

7. I met my husband on a cruise. We've been married 9 years. He's my soul-mate.

I stalk these blogs:

http://extremereaderbookreviews.blogspot.com/ - because Jennifer's site is so awesome and informative. She's a wonderful promoter and blogger!

http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/ - because Eleni has a million followers and writes eloquently! She's also an excellent tour organizer, friend and great person to lean on, not to mention a tremendous supporter of my work.

http://www.totalbookaholic.com/ - because Jessica has always been so sweet and wonderful to me and her new site is gorgeous!!!

http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/ - because Yara's site is gorgeous too and super informative! Her support and promotion is priceless!

http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/- because Lisa's site is just shmexy! And so are her books! Go buy them NOW!

Thanks girls!

Hugs, Brenda

A little help & fan girl moments

2011-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Rhonda, my dear friend and most enthusiastic fan surprised me AGAIN! Look at the shirts she had made from the team buttons. I'm absolutely stunned and can't wait to wear mine!

The artist did an amazing job. I didn't know people could airbrush like this.

These types of moments make being an author so much fun!

On another note, I need a little help. I've had over 50 written reviews on GoodReads, but only 15 on Amazon. Reviews help with my ranking so others can find my books when searching. BOOKBLOGGERS: If you could take a moment to put your review on B&N and Amazon, I'd be ETERNALLY grateful! It is because of YOU that I've succeeded thus far and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!

Okay, back to writing... :)

Hugs, Brenda

I heart Kindle

2011-02-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! Is it already *gasp* February? Here's where I was just a few short days ago for my brothers wedding... sigh. So lovely.

But, I am home now, writing feverishly (and buried in taxes)! I want your fulfillment in Nicholas and Julia and *cough* others story's with the third installment, The Onyx Talisman come late 2011.

Few announcements:
My ebooks have DROPPED massively in price!
The Emerald Talisman is now $.99 and The Sapphire Talisman is $3.99 for Nook/Kindle.
Also, it's going to be available on iBooks shortly.

Also, to celebrate, I'm doing a goodreads giveaway!

Retweeters with #sapphiretalisman hash and comment givers (with email) will be put in a special drawing for swag!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Sapphire Talisman

by Brenda Pandos

Giveaway ends March 15, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Announcement. Come join the Street Team

2011-01-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

It's HERE!

I know you clicked this page cause you saw "Street Team" and thought, "What's that?". Well, if you love The Talisman Series and told your friends about it, then... I want to reward you and invite you to be part of my peeps, my closest fans, my TEAM!

A Street Team is my special group of folks who have and continue to spread the word about The Talisman Series! And as a member, you get special benefits and I won't kill off your favorite characters. *wink*

Ideas of things you can do to get membership:
Snag a banner below and post it on your blog, website, twitter, myspace, etc.
Pick a team: Nicholas, Julia, Phil, Enigma and post the graphic.
Tell 10 people OFFLINE about the Talisman Series who have never heard of my books before.
Tell 10 people ONLINE about the Talisman Series who have never heard of The Talisman Series before.
Refer 10 people to join The Emerald Talisman Facebook Page.
Recommend the books to 10 people on GOODREADS who haven't shelved the books yet.
Share the Emerald Talisman trailer with everyone you know. Host it on Facebook, your blog, forums, Tweet the link, etc.
WRITE me asking for bookmarks so you can hand some out or include in contests!
Ask me to do an interview, character interview, blog day, give-away, etc on your site!
Add my Browse the Book widget to your blog, MySpace, Facebook, website, etc.
Blog about The Talisman Series.
Request a copy of The Emerald Talisman & review it! (Honest reviews, please) and share it at Amazon, B&N, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. Tag your friends!
Recruit peeps to SUBSCRIBE on my blog so they never miss a post or contest.
Spread the word and place links to content, trailers etc in other paranormal romance reader message boards, comment sections of articles about similar authors, as well as the comments sections of friends and social networking sites.
Send a message or e-mail to friends and family members you think would enjoy The Talisman Series (don't be a spammer though)
Tell everyone you know about the books. Link them to purchase books on Amazon, B&N, etc.
Tweet about the books, the characters, include a buy link. Do the same on your other social networking sites. Don't forget to Tweet @brendapandos
Make a fan trailer and post on YouTube.
Grab a countdown to The Onyx Talisman (coming soon)
Think up some new ideas and I'll add and credit you on this list!
**** Just doing one thing on the list makes you an automatic member!****

What’s in it for you?

All Street Team members will get a special, exclusive, autographed Street Team bookplate for their copy of The Emerald Talisman and/or The Sapphire Talisman and a special bookmark with charm. Check out FREEBIES on how to request this. NOTE - these bookplates are special and only for Street Team members.

That's not all...

Talisman Team Members will have their names listed in the acknowledgment section of The Onyx Talisman! Hurry up - you don't want to miss out on this!
Team Members will also have exclusive contest, story excerpts, deleted scenes and contests not available anywhere else.
There will also be ARC (advanced reader copies) giveaways and T-Shirts or other special items.

If you'd like to join this exclusive club, just click here to join the Yahoo group!

Click to join The Talisman Street Team!

If you have posts, blogs, pictures, video, whatever beyond these listed, please send links to brendapandos@gmail.com or tweet me the link @brendapandos so I can thank you and RT.

Hugs, Brenda

CODE:

Other banners HERE

Where am I?

2011-01-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry followers. With the new year, and my new writing goals, I've been trying to make every moment count and write! I'm working on the last installment of The Talisman Series, The Onyx Talisman and my new work in progress which is a secret. :) heh heh. You can bookshelf TOT on GoodReads now if you want.

I happy to announce that, The Sapphire Talisman is flying off the internet shelves everywhere and I'm so thrilled, and it's cheaper too. $11.51 on Amazon folks! Thanks for all the support and great reviews out there. My hard work is finally paying off, literally. I am working to put together a Street Team so you can be involved in the final process with Nicholas, Julia and *cough* others, and be rewarded for letting others know about it. Keep your eyes peeled for that one.

For those wondering, The Onyx Talisman should be available sometime beginning of fall. I am not going to have a book come out in December ever again... Was I crazy? YES! My family is just now recouping as Mommy comes back into their lives again. Well... kind of. With my hefty writing goals, I can be found buried in a Word document or drifting off into my dream world as my characters speak to me, and I forget which step I am in ... conditioner? or shampoo? Only writers are allowed such luxuries of being so nutty.

If you want to send words of encouragement and push me along, I'm all for it!

Hugs, Brenda

Tick tock

2010-12-30T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, is it really going to be 2011 in a day and a half? And I missed wishing you all a Merry Christmas (though I did it on Twitter and Facebook). Shame on me. This month has been a whirlwind.

This year, in reflection has been one of the growingest (is that a word?) years for me. On a whim during a dark time in my life, I wrote a novel in 2008 to give me light. With the help of my dear friend Dori, it was edited in 2009 and entered into the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest January 2010. To my shock, it placed it in the top 250 out of 5,000 Young Adult novels. On a wing and a prayer, Obsidian Mountain Publishing was born and birthed The Emerald Talisman into the world on 3/23/10.

Then, in the midst of taking care of two wonderful (and busy) preschooler boys (ages 2 and 5), I wrote its sequel, The Sapphire Talisman, birthed 12/15/10. I designed, promoted, marketed, networked, begged, borrowed and stole to get my work in front of as many readers as possible. I'm very proud of The Talisman Series' success. To date, both books hold a strong 4 star rating on GoodReads and TET has been shelved by over 1,000 readers.

In the process, I've made some incredible book blogger friends: Eleni from LafemmeReaders, Jessica from Bookaholic, Jen from Extreme Reader Book Reviews, Julie from 5 Monkeys, Yara from Once Upon a Twilight and Kari from A Good Addiction (to name a few). They all have been a tremendous source of encouragement and support in promotion and feedback for me. I can't even begin to thank them enough.

Little did I imagine in my journey I would be introduced to some incredibly talented authors: Abra Ebner- Knight Angels, Book of Revenge; Estevan Vega, Arson; Laura Kreitzer - Shadow of the Sun, Soul Stalker; Lisa Sanchez - Eve of Samhain; Robin DeJarnett - Whirlwind; Kristie Cook - Promise; Killian McRae- 12.21.12, Kristin Miller, debuting Dark Tide Rising. They've been a huge source of encouragement and so gifted. I'm devouring their works as quickly as possible.

My beta reader and Wonder Woman, Lisa aka Lucy Wolfe, who was sent from God by a random click of the mouse. Without her, my sequel wouldn't have been on time. A million hugs to you my dear friend. And I'd be lost without the folks who surround me at home (Donna, Lori, Michele, Corinne, Samantha, Savannah, AnneMarie, MOPS... gosh, I know I'm forgetting someone) and my dear husband makes all of it possible by being my helpmate and support. I love you dearly!

I am happy. Blessed. Loved. Lucky. What an amazing year.

Thank you, everyone, for your support and enthusiasm. In 2011, I have a few goals: finish up the Talisman Series with The Onyx Talisman and start a new series. I'm excited to grow again and share it with you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Hugs always, Brenda

Winners of Remake Contest!

2010-12-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

Thank YOU all for your participation! I had a very hard time picking my favorites since all the entries were phenomenally done. Below are the three winners, if you haven't contacted me already, please do. As for Kathleen Brown's Cover please e-mail Eleni at lafemmereaders@yahoo.com.

Thank you all!

Here we go...

First Place Winner:

JL's Cover!

This embodies the book exactly. I love how on the cover, Alora (the bad girl) is holding the talisman and not wearing it. Without revealing what happens, it's very symbolic. And her walking on the bridge looking into the oncoming storm on the horizon... Oh and does a storm come. And you included a back page with Julia and possibly Nicholas... possibly someone else. I wonder... Wonderfully done!

What he won:

Finished copy of The Sapphire Talisman

A Sapphire Talisman necklace

A shout-out in Brenda's acknowledgment's section in the third installment

Second Place Winner:

Bere @ Sueños en la Luna!

This girl makes a perfect Alora: "sweet looking" but has a devious look in her eye like she's up to no good. Also, it's shot at night with the moon up in the corner. My vampires can't go in the sun, so this is perfect!

What you won:

Finished copy of The Sapphire Talisman

(donated by Kim from The Book Butterfly -- thank you hun!)

Bookmark and a shout-out in the acknowledgments section in the third installment

Third Place Winner:

Kathleen Brown's Cover!

This is also a great dipiction of Alora (my bad girl). She's smug with her head lifted high like she knows something we don't. And with the flame just going out, it's almost a foreshadowing of the light going out for our hero/heroine. And she's wearing the talisman... Hmmmm.... Interesting.

What you won:

Bookmark and a shout-out in the acknowledgments section in the third installment

A 50% discount on The Sapphire Talisman if wanted.

BIG DAY! 12/15

2010-12-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

Wednesday is the big day! Book release for The Sapphire Talisman (though you can already purchase today at Amazon and Kindle early if you want).

For the celebration, Eleni and Jessica have a big TWITTER party planned. Never been to a twitter party? It's easy!

To join, follow these steps:
Step 1: Use tweetgrid to join the party at http://tweetgrid.com/party

Step 2: You should see this page.

Step 3: You want to enter in the party hashtag which is: #sapphiretalisman

Step 4: Enter in the hosts: @lafemmereaders, @brendapandos, @totalbookaholic
Step 5: Enter in YOUR ID
Step 6: Press JOIN THE PARTY

What you see is the party on the left, hosts in the middle, your tweets on the right.

Step 7: Enter in your id and password (it's secure)

Then you are ready to PARTYYYYY! :) There will be fun trivia, prizes and cyber food! Hope to see you there!!!!

Praise for The Sapphire Talisman

2010-12-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce, from the early reviewers from the recent book tour on Teen Book Scene, a few were selected to be published in The Sapphire Talisman .

Congrats! Thank you ladies! Feel free to post button on your blogs!

“. . . an enticing and compelling follow up to The Emerald Talisman. The unexpected plot twists and defined characters helped me once again get lost.”
– Eleni, La Femme Readers

“The Sapphire Talisman forever left me on the tips of my toes with all the twist and turns it managed to pack in between the characters and their relationships. It’s definitely one of the best sequels I've read in a long time. . .”
– Lauren, Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf

“. . . a well written and unique series that will appeal to all kinds of readers. Whenever I thought I might know what was going to happen, Brenda threw a curve ball and completely took me by surprise.”
– Kelsey, The Book Scout

“By the time I got to the end of the book I was biting my fingernails and hoping for the best.”
– Katie, Katie’s Book Blog

“. . . a roller coaster ride from the beginning to the end.”
– Yara, Once Upon a Twilight

“I am still reeling from just recently finishing the last page.”
– Jessica, A Fanatics Book Blog

“. . . an outstanding, and worthy, successor to The Emerald Talisman . . . engaging and deliciously vampiric read.”
–Corrine, Lost For Words

“. . . is full of suspense, mystery, action, romance, and surprising moments of humor that will grab the reader from the first page. Curious to see what's in store for readers next.”
–Jessica, Confessions of a Bookaholic

"A stellar follow up to The Emerald Talisman! Once again I found myself turning pages late into the night because I had to know what happened next!
–Jennifer, Extreme Reader Book Reviews

My First Manuscript... in 7th grade.

2010-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days everyone! I'm so excited to share my baby with you. I'll be stalking the mailman daily to deliver my books *please be on time*. I hoped to have them early, but you know how it goes this time of year. Let's just pray they come by the 15th for Christmas deliveries... Please don't hate me if they don't.

When people ask me "Have you always aspired to be a writer?", my answer is no. I found out yesterday, actually ...*hangs head*... I've been lying. While rummaging through boxes for old tax files (don't ask), I found my first manuscript "Erica and the 7th grade". Mind you, there's a handwritten and typed version (on blue paper). I almost fell over with laughter at how stinking cute my first attempt was. I faintly remember back to how painfully long it took to type, hunting and pecking for each key (hadn't taken typing yet). I'd also drawn little pictures of all of my nine characters (the poor mother). This household had 7 children, ranging from ages sixteen to two. Six girls and one boy...Oh my. My father was a computer wiz... go figure.

Here's an excerpt:

So, I guess I knew what I wanted to do in 7th grade. I just needed to apply myself... I think someone told me that somewhere. *ponders*

Only 1 more week! Squeeee!

Hugs, Brenda

#4 Song for The Sapphire Talisman

2010-12-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Lonely Girl by Oceanlab

Staring at the top sheet
Listening to my hearth beat
Wondering how to say it
Playing over one track
Wanting you to come back
Want to have you here

Lying on a cold sheet
Jump into my car seat
Drive down to the river
Nightlight its reflecting
Somehow I'm expecting
Your voice in my ear

I wish that I could tell you
I wish that I could tell you
I wish that I could tell you
All the things that you do

Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl again
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl again
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl

Lying in the long grass
Watching as the clouds pass
Hands held in silence
Your arms right around me
Feeling glad you found me
Feeling like I'm home

Wish you would remember
April to september
Wanting to be near me
Racing for the sunrise
Staring into my eyes
You and I alone

I wish that I could tell you
I wish that I could tell you
I wish that I could tell you
All the things that you do

Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl again
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl again
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl

Lay back in my own dream
Playback on a big screen
You and me together
Why give up a love found
Wish that I could write down
What you mean to me

I wish that I could tell you
I wish that I could tell you
I wish that I could tell you
All the things that you do

Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl again
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl again
Come back 'cause I'm gonna be a lonely girl

Was it so wrong
No you said you loved me
Could it be so easy
Just to walk away

Song #3 The Sapphire Talisman

2010-12-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

Between the spaces where we long to be
Beyond together and alone
And at the edge where you fade into me
We find a shelter we call home

Escape the shadows that were holding me
Slip these chains of flesh and bones
And in the seconds where we know we’re free
This is the place where we call home

When there’s no where left to run
Run with me
Let the moment be a sanctuary
When its all that you’ve become
Set it free
Let this moment be a sanctuary

Song #2 for The Sapphire Talisman

2010-12-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Here's another song for the playlist:

Armin Van Buuren vs. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Not Giving Up on Love Lyrics
I know your feeling restless
Like life’s not on your side
It’s weighing heavy on your mind
But when we stand united
Our hearts they beat in time
And I know we’ll make it all alright
Let’s bring it back to you and me
There’s no one else around
Now don’t get lost in gravity
‘Cause I want you to hold me now
Nothing else matters
It’s just the two of us
And if it all falls down
Nothing else matters
I know we’re strong enough
I’m not giving up
I’m not giving up on us
I said I’m not giving up
I’m not giving up on love
We’re of the same existence
No lock without a key
We can’t deny it’s meant to be
Cause I feel it inside
Taking over tonight
I’ll be there when the storm is breaking
In this moment I’m yours
You can always be sure
That together we’re gonna make it
So baby won’t you hold me now
Nothing else matters
It’s just the two of us
And if it all falls down
Nothing else matters
I know we’re strong enough
I’m not giving up
I’m not giving up on us
I said I’m not giving up
I’m not giving up on love

Theme song for Sapphire Talisman

2010-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

As we wait for the big day, I thought I'd share a song that embodies the feeling in the next book. And the imagery in this video is amazing.

10 Books to gift for Christmas (13 actually)

2010-12-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to participate in a Christmas Countdown blogging event with Amaterasu Reads and Fragments of Life. It's wonderful they are promoting such great books and authors for others to explore. They are also reminding readers that books make excellent gifts too. I couldn't agree more.

Here's the schedule:

December 13 – Kick-off Giveaway of The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith + Review

December 14 – Interview with Adele Griffin + Giveaway
December 15 – Interview with Christy Raedeke + Giveaway
December 16 – Interview with Holly Cupala + Giveaway
December 17 – Interview with Amy Holder + Giveaway
December 18 – Interview with Inara Scott + Giveaway
December 19 – Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Review (Prize Pack Giveaway)
December 20 – Interview with Kimberly Derting + Review of The Body Finder (Prize Pack Giveaway)
December 21 – Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers Review (Prize Pack Giveaway)
December 22 – Interview with Brenda Pandos + The Sapphire Talisman Review
December 23 – Interview with Julie Chibbaro + Review of Deadly (Prize Pack Giveaway)
December 24 – Review of Misguided Angel (Prize Pack Giveaway - Revelations)
December 25 – Prize Pack Giveaway

I'll remind you when the time comes.

Hugs, Brenda

Cyber Monday - Talisman Series

2010-11-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

It's Cyber Monday... do you have that special gift for the Twilight and Vampire Diary lovers in your life? The Talisman Series gift set is a perfect gift!

Books come gift wrapped from you and signed with special note from the author (me) with bookmarks.

Purchase The Sapphire Talisman in time for Christmas!

~~$15.99~~

Want a talisman to go with it? Order here

Merry Christmas!
Hugs, Brenda

In the Wild - Books/Ebooks of Brenda Pandos
Questions marked by * are required.
1.	Name: *
2.	Email: *
3.	Upload *
4.	I give Brenda Pandos permission to use this to promote her work. * yes
5.	Notes about the photo: