2019 RITA Award Winners

Posted July 27, 2019 by Holly in News | 2 Comments

NEW YORK, NY —Romance Writers of America (RWA), the trade association for published and aspiring romance fiction authors, announced the winners of the 2019 RITA® Awards on Friday, July 26, at a black-tie awards ceremony at its 39th Annual Conference in New York New York.

The RITA® Award is the highest award of distinction in romance fiction and recognizes outstanding published romance novels and novellas.

Up to 2,000 romance novels and novellas from 13 different categories are judged each year in the RITA® competition. After the first round of judging by fellow published romance authors, the competition narrows to approximately 100 finalists. Then, final round judges, also published romance authors, select one winner in each category from among the finalists.

The 2019 RITA® Award winners are:

Romance Novella: Bad Blood by M. Malone

Contemporary Romance Long: Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

Young Adult Romance: My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma

Historical Romance Long: A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy

Romantic Suspense: Fearless by Elizabeth Dyer

Paranormal Romance: Dearest Ivie by J. R. Ward

Erotic Romance: Three-Way Split by Elia Winters

Historical Romance Short: A Duke in the Night by Kelly Bowen

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements: The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

Contemporary Romance Short: The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise by Teri Wilson

Contemporary Romance Mid-length: Advanced Physical Chemistry by Susannah Nix

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance: How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan

Best First Book: Lady in Waiting by Marie Tremayne

The list of winners, along with author photos and book covers, can be found on the RWA website at www.rwa.org.

Romance Writers of America’s mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre. Romance fiction is a $1 billion industry, and it’s a consistent, top-performing category on the best-seller lists. To learn more about romance fiction and RWA, visit http://www.rwa.org or call 832-717-5200, Ext. 128.

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2017 RITA Award Winners Are In

Posted July 27, 2017 by Holly in News | 0 Comments

ORLANDO, FL —Romance Writers of America (RWA), the trade association for published and aspiring romance fiction authors, announced the winners of the 2017 RITA^® Awards on Thursday, July 27, at a black-tie awards ceremony at its 37th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The RITA^® Award is the highest award of distinction in romance fiction and recognizes outstanding published romance novels and novellas.

Up to 2,000 romance novels and novellas from 13 different categories are judged each year in the RITA^®competition. After the first round of judging by fellow published romance authors, the competition narrows to approximately 100 finalists. Then, final round judges, also published romance authors, select one winner in each category from among the finalists.

The 2017 RITA^® Award winners are:

Romance Novella: Her Every Wish by Courtney Milan

Contemporary Romance Long: Miracle on 5^th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

Young Adult Romance: The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Historical Romance Long: No Mistress of Mine by Laura Lee Guhrke

Romantic Suspense: Repressed by Elisabeth Naughton

Paranormal Romance: The Pages of the Mind by Jeffe Kennedy

Erotic Romance: Off the Clock by Roni Loren

Historical Romance Short: A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements: My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray

Contemporary Romance Short: Christmas on Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major

Contemporary Romance Mid-length: Carolina Dreaming by Virginia Kantra

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance: The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel

Best First Book: Once and for All by Cheryl Etchison

The list of winners, along with author photos and book covers, can be found on the RWA website at https://www.rwa.org/page/2017-finalists.

###

Romance Writers of America’s mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre. Romance fiction is a $1 billion industry, and it’s a consistent, top-performing category on the best-seller lists. To learn more about romance fiction and RWA, visit http://www.rwa.org or call 832-717-5200, Ext. 122.

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Tagged: RITA, RWA, RWA 2017

2010 RITA Nominations

Posted March 25, 2010 by Holly in Reviews | 7 Comments

The 2010 RITA noms have been announced. There are some excellent titles on the list – along with, for me, some serious head scratchers.

From RWA, with links to the ones we’ve reviewed:

2010 RITA Finalists

* Please note that finalists are added upon notification.

Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2010 RITA Awards®. The 2010 RITA honors romance fiction published in 2009. Over 1,000 novels and novellas were judged in 12 categories. Winners of the awards will be announced July 31st at the RITA and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony to be held at RWA’s 30th Annual National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

2010 RITA for Best First Book Finalists

One Scream Away by Kate Brady
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Celia Johnson
ISBN: 978-0-446-54152-7

Her Calls Her Doc by Mary Brady
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance
Editor: Kathryn Lye
ISBN: 978-0-373-71561-9

The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical
Editor: Melissa Endlich
ISBN: 978-0-373-82824-1

Angel Vindicated by Viola Estrella
Ellora’s Cave, Cerridwen Press
Editor: Helen Woodall
ISBN: 978-1-419-92068-4

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Editor: Ed Schlesinger
ISBN: 978-1-439-10965-6

Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton
Dorchester Publishing, Love Spell
Editor: Leah Hultenschmidt
ISBN: 978-0-505-52793-6

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Editor: Anica Rissi
ISBN: 978-1-416-98264-7

The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh
Random House Group, Shaye Areheart Books
Editor: Sarah Knight
ISBN: 978-0-230-746157-5

2010 RITA for Contemporary Series Romance Finalists

A Not-So-Perfect Past by Beth Andrews
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance
Editor: Victoria Curran
ISBN: 978-0-373-71556-5

From the Outside by Helen Brenna
Harlequin Enterprises, NASCAR
Editor: Tina James
ISBN: 978-0-373-18522-1

Single Mom Seeks… by Teresa Hill
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition
Editor: Melissa Jeglinski
ISBN: 978-0373654314

Revealed: a Prince and a Pregnancy by Kelly Hunter
Harlequin Enterprises, Mills and Boon Modern Heat
Editor: Joanne Grant
ISBN: 978-0-263-87252-1

I Still Do by Christie Ridgway
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition
Editor: Patience Smith
ISBN: 978-0-373-65432-1

2010 RITA for Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure Finalists

Mountain Investigation by Jessica Andersen
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Intrigue
Editor: Allison Lyons
ISBN: 978-0-373-69414-3

The Christmas Stranger by Beth Cornelison
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Editor: Allison Lyons
ISBN: 978-0-373-27651-6

The Soldier’s Secret Daughter by Cindy Dees
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Editor: Patience Smith
ISBN: 978-0-373-27658-5

In Care of Sam Beaudry by Kathleen Eagle
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition
Editors: Leslie Wainger and Charles Griesman
ISBN: 978-0-373-65451-2

Silent Watch by Elle Kennedy
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Editor: Diana Ventimiglia
ISBN: 978-0-373-27644-8

Cold Case Affair by Loreth Anne White
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Editor: Susan Litman
ISBN: 978-0-373-27652-3

The Christmas Present by Tracy Wolff
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance
Editor: Wanda Ottewell
ISBN: 978-0-373-71607-4

2010 RITA for Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl
Harlequin Enterprises, HQN
Editor: Tara Parsons
ISBN: 978-0-373-77356-5

True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Editor: Lucia Macro
ISBN: 978-0-061-57906-6

For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Amy Pierpont
ISBN: 978-0-446-61918-9

Too Good to Be True by Kristan Higgins
Harlequin Enterprises, HQN
Editors: Keyren Gerlach and Tracy Farrell
ISBN: 978-0-373-77355-8

A Little Night Magic by Joy Nash
Dorchester Publishing, Leisure Fiction
Editor: Alicia Condon
ISBN: 978-0-505-52693-9

Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway (LOVE)
Penguin Group USA, Berkley
Editor: Cindy Hwang
ISBN: 978-0-425-22829-6

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis (LOVE)
Kensington Publishing Corp., Brava
Editor: Kate Duffy
ISBN: 978-0-758-23123-9

Fireside by Susan Wiggs
Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA Books
Editor: Margaret O’Neill Marbury
ISBN: 978-0-778-32910-7

2010 RITA for Historical Romance Finalists

Wicked All Day by Liz Carlyle
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books Romance
Editor: Lauren McKenna
ISBN: 978-0-4165-9492-5

With Seduction in Mind by Laura Lee Guhrke
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Editor: Erika Tsang
ISBN: 978-0-06-145683-1

To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Amy Pierpont
ISBN: 978-0-446-40693-2

Make Me Yours by Betina Krahn (LOVE)
Harlequin Enterprises, Blaze
Editor: Brenda Chin
ISBN: 978-0-373-79483-6

Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Alex Logan
ISBN: 978-0-446-55338-4

The Lone Texan by Jodi Thomas
Penguin Group USA, Berkley
Editor: Wendy McCurdy
ISBN: 978-0-425-23062-6

Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas
Bantam Dell Publishing Group
Editor: Caitlin Alexander
ISBN: 978-0-553-59243-6

Taming Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Historical
Editor: Joanne Grant
ISBN: 978-0-373-29566-1

2010 RITA for Inspirational Romance Finalists

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander
Thomas Nelson, Inc., Women of Faith Fiction
Editors: Ami McConnell and Natalie Hanemann
ISBN: 978-1-59554-632-6

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Editor: Natalie Hanemann
ISBN: 978-0-59554-809-2

The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical
Editor: Melissa Endlich
ISBN: 978-0-373-82824-1

Entertaining Angels by Judy Duarte
Kensington Publishing Corp.
Editor: John Scognamiglio
ISBN: 978-0-7582-2016-5

An Eye for an Eye by Irene Hannon
Baker Publishing Group, Revell Books
Editor: Jennifer Leep
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3311-7

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
Bethany House Publishers
Editor: Karen Schurrer
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0707-5

Breach of Trust by Diann Mills
Tyndale House Publishers
Editor: Stephanie Boerne
ISBN: 978-1-414-32047-2

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Random House Publishing, WaterBrook Multnomah
Editor: Jessica Barnes
ISBN: 978-0-307-44474-5

2010 RITA for Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Finalists

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Editor: Ed Schlesinger
ISBN: 978-1-439-10965-6

Scandal Sheet by Gemma Halliday
Dorchester Publishing
Editor Leah Hultenschmidt
ISBN: 978-0-505-52805-6

Red’s Hot Honky Tonk Bar by Pamela Morsi
Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA Books
Editor: Valerie Gray
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2729-5

The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal
Bantam Dell Publishing Group, Discovery
Editor: Shauna Summers
ISBN: 978-0-553-38551-9

Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn
Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA Books
Editor: Valerie Gray
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2614-4

The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax
Penguin Group USA, Berkley
Editor: Wendy McCurdy
ISBN: 978-0-425-22767-1

The Virgin’s Daughters: In the Court of Elizabeth I by Jeane Westin
Penguin Group, USA, NAL Trade
Editor: Ellen Edwards
ISBN: 978-0-451-22667-9

Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs
Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA Books
Editor: Margaret O’Neill Marbury
ISBN: 978-0-778-32689-2

2010 RITA for Paranormal Romance Finalists

What Would Jane Austen Do? by Laurie Brown
Sourcebooks, Inc., Casablanca
Editor: Deb Werksman
ISBN: 978-1-4022-1831-6

Untouchable in Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Editor: Lauren McKenna
ISBN: 978-1-439-15966-8

Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Editor: Lauren McKenna
ISBN: 978-1-416-58094-2

My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Michele Bidelspach
ISBN: 978-0-446-17824-2

The Fire King by Marjorie M. Liu
Dorchester Publishing, Leisure Books
Editor: Chris Keeslar
ISBN: 978-0-843-95940-6

For the Earl’s Pleasure by Anne Mallory
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Editor: May Chen
ISBN: 978-0-061-57914-1

Darkness Unknown by Alexis Morgan
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, Pocket Star
Editor: Micki Nuding
ISBN: 978-1-4165-634-3

Covet by J.R. Ward
Penguin Group USA, Signet
Editor: Kara Cesare
ISBN: 978-0-451-22821-5

Mortal Sins by Eileen Wilks
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Editor: Cindy Hwang
ISBN: 978-0-425-22552-3

2010 RITA for Regency Historical Romance Finalists

Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare
Ballantine/Bantam Dell
Editor: Kate Collins
ISBN: 978-0-345-50687-0

Scandal by Carolyn Jewel
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Editor: Kate Seaver
ISBN: 978-0-425-22551-6

Tempting Fate by Alissa Johnson
Dorchester Publishing, Leisure Books
Editor: Leah Hultenschmidt
ISBN: 978-0-843-96156-0

A View to a Kiss by Caroline Linden
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Editor: Lyssa Keusch
ISBN: 978-0-061-70635-6

Revealed by Kate Noble
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Editor: Cindy Hwang
ISBN: 978-0-425-22174-7

What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (LOVE)
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Editor: Lyssa Keusch
ISBN: 978-0-061-49188-7

Lord Braybrook’s Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Historical
Editor: Linda Fildew
ISBN: 978-0-373-29548-7

2010 RITA for Romance Novella Finalists

“A Little Night Magic” by Allyson James in Hot for the Holidays
Penguin Group USA, Berkley, Jove
Editor: Kate Seaver
ISBN: 978-0515-14700-1

“The Robber Bride” by Marjorie M. Liu in Huntress
St. Martin’s Press
Editor:
ISBN: 978-0-312-94382-0

“Annalise and the Scandalous Rake” by Deb Marlowe in The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Historical
Editor: Linda Fildew
ISBN: 978-0-373-29543-2

“Charlotte and the Wicked Lord” by Amanda McCabe in The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Historical
Editor: Joanne Grant
ISBN: 978-0-373-29543-2

“This Wicked Gift” by Courtney Milan in The Heart of Christmas
Harlequin Enterprises, HQN
Editor: Ann Leslie Tuttle
ISBN: 978-0-373-77427-2

“On a Snowy Christmas” by Brenda Novak in The Night Before Christmas
Harlequin Enterprises
Editor: Paula Eykelhof
ISBN: 978-0-373-83736-6

“The Christmas Eve Promise” by Molly O’Keefe in The Night Before Christmas
Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Releases
Editor: Stacy Boyd
ISBN: 978-0-373-83736-6

2010 RITA for Romantic Suspense Finalists

One Scream Away by Kate Brady
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Celia Johnson
ISBN: 978-0-446-54152-7

Waking the Dead by Kylie Brant (LOVE)
Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation
Editor: Cindy Hwang
ISBN: 978-0-425-23114-2

A Dark Love by Margaret Carroll
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
Editor: Carrie Feron
ISBN: 978-0-06-165278-3

Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffis Messer
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, Pocket Star
Editor: Abby Zidle
ISBN: 978-1-416-57064-6

Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton (LOVE)
Dorchester Publishing, Love Spell
Editor: Leah Hultenschmidt
ISBN: 978-0-505-52793-6

Dark Country by Bronwyn Parry
Hachette Livre, Hachette Australia
Editor: Bernadette Foley
ISBN: 978-0-733-62323-3

Promises in Death by J.D. Robb
Penguin Group USA, Putnam
Editor: Leslie Gelbman
ISBN: 978-0-399-15548-2

Kill for Me by Karen Rose (LOVE)
Grand Central Publishing, Vision
Editor: Karen Kosztolnyik
ISBN: 978-0-446-51030-1

2010 RITA for Young Adult Romance

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
Random House Group, Delacorte Press
Editor:
ISBN: 978-0-385-738494

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
Hyperion Books for Children
Editor: Jennifer Besser
ISBN: 978-1-423-11638-7

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Walker Books for Young Readers
Editor: Emily Easton
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9823-7

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, MTV Books
Editor: Jennifer Heddle
ISBN: 978-1-416-57173-5

The ABC’s of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
Random House Group, Delacorte Press
Editor: Krista Marino
ISBN: 978-0-385-73582-7

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Editor: Anica Rissi
ISBN: 978-1-416-98264-7

Although we read quite a few, there are a lot we haven’t read. I might make it a goal to read most (if not all) of these this year. Maybe.

So, who do are you rooting for? Give us your picks from each category.

7 Comments

Tagged: 2010, HQN, Reviews, RITA

2010 RITA Nominations

Posted March 25, 2010 by Holly in News | 7 Comments

The 2010 RITA noms have been announced. There are some excellent titles on the list – along with, for me, some serious head scratchers.

From RWA, with links to the ones we’ve reviewed:

2010 RITA Finalists

Please note that finalists are added upon notification.