One of my earlier books was “The Winner Is Love”. It was my first Christmas Romance published. I got into this book way deeper than I thought I would. Funny thing is, it started out as a stand alone, but a I neared the end, I just knew it couldn’t stop there. The story needed to go on and some of the leading characters needed to have a voice too. Did I just give away something? Oh well.
The 2nd book is “The Winner Takes All”. It continues the love story of Stacy and Slade. But this one takes an interesting twist that will make you wonder up until the ending. I’m really excited about the turns this story is taking. This is one reason this book has been a long time coming.
When you have a story pop into your head you never know how many turns it might take before publication. This story was so obvious in my mind, but guess what, the characters decided to take over and make it their own. If you’re not a writer you probably think that last statement was a little nutsy, but as a writer you’d know exactly where I’m headed with it. Characters have a tendancy to want to speak up and tell their story too.
Let’s just say, I’m hoping the many fans I gained with the first installment will follow with this one. Many of my devoted Cowboy Romance fans were surprised that no cowboys showed up during this series. Believe me when I say it’s hard not to put a cowboy, ranch or horse in my work. This book has a different feel from my normal writing. Check out book one before book two comes out.
It’s looking like it will be a May release. The first book is available in several formats including ebook, paperback and audiobook. By the way it’s my bestselling audiobook to date. My audiobooks have been such a refreshing surprise.
Here’s a little unedited sneek peek of “The Winner Is Love”:
This had to be the most romantic proposal ever. He’d really outdone himself. She was still in awe of everything he’d done.
Then all of a sudden the door burst open and Andrew came in with the crew. “Great, are you two ready for this?” He asked as he came around to where they were standing in front of the tree.
“Let’s get this over with Andrew.” Slade walked over and put a log on the fire.
Suddenly the floor seemed to fall out from under Stacy. Wait a minute, was this done for publicity? Did he ask her to marry him just to get a story? She turned to look at Slade. He was suddenly being aloof.
Andrew came over and reached out for her hand. “Now that’s a beautiful ring. Congratulations by the way.” He then walked over and shook Slade’s hand. “Great job man.”
Slade smiled and winked at her. “Well when I see something I want I go after it.”
Her mouth dropped open and all she could do was stare at them. “Was this whole thing a publicity stunt for you two?”
Slade paled and walked quickly over to her. He put his hand on her arm and pulled her away from the crew. “No Stacy. I meant every word.” He could see she was getting upset. “I told Andrew to keep the crew away until after I proposed. I thought that part should be just us and not the whole world.”
Her heart told her he was being truthful, but something wasn’t right. She turned back and saw Andrew waiting for them. “Let me guess, we’re on a time schedule.”
Andrew walked over and put his arm around her shoulders. “Stacy, I know how this must look, but Slade’s telling you the truth.”
She turned to Slade. “I’m sorry. It just threw me when the crew came in.”
They took their places in front of the tree. The news anchor came in to do the interview. It went fairly fast. When it was over everyone started packing up the equipment. She sat down on the hearth and stared into the fire. Her heart was racing. Everything was happening really fast.
Slade walked over and sat down beside her. He knew she was not used to this kind of life. He put his arms around her and kissed her shoulder. “What’s on that beautiful mind of yours?”
“I was just thinking how fast everything is going with us. We’ve only known each other for a little over a month.” She looked up from the fire and met his blue eyes. He was devastatingly handsome. She was a lucky woman. Two months ago she would never have imagined that she’d be engaged to Slade Collins.
When the crew left they all said their congratulations and shut the door. Andrew turned to them and grinned. “Ok, we’re leaving you two alone. Have a great Christmas Eve?”
I will be posting a sneek peek of the cover really soon. By the way it’s already in the works and almost complete. I love it and it really makes a statement. I do hope you guys have a wonderful Friday.
As always, good writing and May God Bless You…
P.S.: Here’s a couple of links to “The Winner Is Love”
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-winner-is-love-stephanie-payne-hurt/1113881708
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/260085
http://www.amazon.com/Winner-Love-Stephanie-Payne-Hurt/dp/1481133772 (Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Winner-Is-Love/dp/B00EECEEWK (Audiobook)
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-winner-is-love
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-winner-is-love/id585945263?mt=11
Stephanie Hurt - Romance Author 