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RITA Awards
"The RITA Awards promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding published romance novels and novellas and is presented by the Romance Writers of America." Click here to visit the official website.
RITA Awards
Best First Book
Once and for All by Rule #1: Military and matrimony don’t mix. But if there’s one person Staff Sergeant Danny MacGregor would break all his rules for, it’s Bree—his first friend, first love, first everything. Maybe he likes playing the hero. Maybe he’s trying to ease ten years of guilt. Either way, he’ll do whatever he can to help her. Bree Dunbar has battled cancer, twice. What she wants most is a fresh start in a place where she can find a new job, and where people aren’t constantly treating her like she’s sick. By some miracle her wish is granted, but it comes with one major string attached— the man who broke her heart ten years before. The rules for this marriage of convenience are simple: when she’s ready to stand on her own two feet, she’ll walk away and he’ll let her go. Only, as they both know all too well, things don’t always go according to plan…
Finalists
- Alterations by Stephanie Scott
- Before Goodbye by Mimi Cross
- Close to You by Kara Isaac
- The Distance From A to Z by Natalie Blitt
- Summer of Supernovas - Darcy Woods
Contemporary Romance: Long
Miracle on 5th Avenue by Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she's given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn't expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner.
Finalists
- Always a Bridesmaid by Lizzie Shane
- Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne Long
- Make Me Sin by J.T. Geissinger
- Pansies by Alexis Hall
- Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne
- Tender is the Night by Barbara Freethy
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length
Carolina Dreaming by Call Number: ROMANCE KANTRAGabe Murphy arrives on Dare Island looking to begin rebuilding his life and bakery owner Jane Clark may just give him a reason to stay for good.
Finalists
- Back in the Saddle by Karen Templeton
- Barefoot at Midnight by Roxanne St. Clair
- Fast Connection by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell
- Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas
- Off the Hook by Laura Drewry
- Once and For All by Cheryl Etchison
- Tell Me How This Ends by Victoria de la O
- The Turning Point by Marie Meyer
- Wanderlust by Roni Loren
Contemporary Romance: Short
Christmas on Crimson Mountain by Call Number: ROMANCE SERIESPeace and quietthat's all Connor Pierce wanted from the rented cabin on Crimson Mountain. Yet the caretaker turned out to be lovely April Sandersa total distraction. As were the two little girls she was caring for. Connor's plan to forget his painful past soon detoured into giving the ladies a Christmas to remember.
Finalists
- APB: Baby by Julie Miller
- Breaking Good by Madeline Ash
- Falling for the Rancher by Tanya Michaels
- Far From Home by Lorelie Brown
- His Stolen Bride by Barbara Dunlop
- A Malibu Kind of Romance by Synithia Williams
- Overwhelming Force by Janie Crouch
- Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst
- Two Doctors & a Baby by Brenda Harlen
Historical Romance: Long
No Mistress of Mine by Call Number: ROMANCE GUHRKEAfter spending his youth as one of the wildest rakes in the ton, Lord Denys Somerton has devoted the past six years to putting his past behind him. He is determined to fulfill his duties, find a suitable wife, and start a family, but that plan changes when Lola Valentine--the red-haired temptress from his past--returns to London, sparking the same irresistible desires that almost ruined his life once before. Lola is a woman with no romantic illusions. She knew love would never be enough for a British lord and an American girl from the wrong side of the tracks. For Denys's sake, she walked away from him and the glittering life he offered. But when an unexpected inheritance brings her back to London, Lola discovers the passion between them is as hot as ever. Can they vanquish it, or will it burn out of control again and destroy them both?
Finalists
Historical Romance: Short
A Duke to Remember by Call Number: ROMANCE BOWENElise deVries is not what she seems. By night, the actress captivates London theatergoers with her chameleon-like ability to slip inside her characters. By day, she uses her mastery of disguise to work undercover for Chegarre & Associates, an elite agency known for its discreet handling of indelicate scandals. But when Elise is tasked with locating the missing Duke of Ashland, she finds herself center stage in a real-life drama. Noah Ellery left the glamour of the London aristocracy to pursue a simpler life in the country. He's managed to avoid any complications or entanglements-that is, until he lays eyes on Elise and realizes there's more to this beautiful woman than meets the eye. But when Elise reveals her real identity - and her true feelings for him - the runaway duke must confront the past he left behind . . . to keep the woman he loves forever.
Finalists
- Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
- Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt
- Left at the Altar by Margaret Brownley
- The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries
- Taming the Highlander by May McGoldrick
Romance Novella
Her Every Wish by Crash has never let the circumstances of his birth, or his lack of a last name, bother him. His sole regret? Once lovely, sweet Daisy Whitlaw learned the truth about how he made his fortune, she cut him off. Daisy’s father is dead, her mother is in ill health, and her available funds have dwindled to a memory. When the local parish announces a Christmas charity bequest to help young people start a trade, it’s her last chance. So what if the grants are intended for men? If she’s good enough, she might bluff her way into a future. When Crash offers to show her how to swagger with confidence, she knows he is up to no good. But with her life in the balance, she’s desperate enough to risk the one thing she hasn’t yet lost: her heart.
Finalists
- The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer
- Let it Snow by Jeanette Grey
- Let Us Dream by Alyssa Cole
- Searching for Mine by Jennifer Probst
- Tycoon by Joanna Shupe
- Wild in Rio by Lyssa Kay Adams
Romantic Suspense
Repressed by Hidden Falls is exactly as Samantha Parker left it—small, insular, and prone to gossip. Eighteen years have passed since she witnessed her brother’s murder, but she’s still the talk of the town. Until a handsome child psychologist with haunting memories of his own arrives. Dr. Ethan McClane isn’t exactly a newcomer. If it weren’t for his latest case, he’d never set foot back in Hidden Falls. Thankfully, no one seems to recognize him as the troubled teen from years past. Not even Sam, the delightfully sharp and sexy high school chemistry teacher he can’t stop thinking about. When Sam and Ethan work together to help one of her students, sparks ignite. But Sam’s hazy memories of a long-ago night concern Ethan, and unlocking the repressed images reveals a dark connection between them.
Finalists
- All the Dead Girls by Rita Herron
- Atone by Beth Yarnall
- Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison
- Killer Countdown by Amelia Autin
- Mr. and Mr. Smith by HelenKay Dimon
- One Minute to Midnight by Nico Rosso
- Tall, Dark, and Damaged by Sarah Andre
Paranormal Romance
The Pages of the Mind by Call Number: FANTASY KENNEDYMagic has broken free over the Twelve Kingdoms. The population is beset by shapeshifters and portents, landscapes that migrate, uncanny allies who are not quite human, and enemies eager to take advantage of the chaos. Dafne Mailloux is no adventurer--she's a librarian. But the High Queen trusts Dafne's ability with languages, her way of winnowing the useful facts from a dusty scroll, and even more important, the subtlety and guile that three decades under the thumb of a tyrant taught her. Dafne never thought to need those skills again. But she accepts her duty. Until her journey drops her into the arms of a barbarian king. He speaks no tongue she knows but that of power, yet he recognizes his captive as a valuable pawn. Dafne must submit to a wedding of alliance, becoming a prisoner-queen in a court she does not understand. If she is to save herself and her country, she will have to learn to read the heart of a wild stranger. And there are more secrets written there than even Dafne could suspect.
Finalists
- Bayou Shadow Hunter by Debbie Herbert
- The Beast by JR Ward
- The Champion of Baresh by Susan Grant
- Enchanted Warrior by Sharon Ashwood
- Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella
- The Leopard King by Ann Aguirre
- Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper
Erotic Romance
Off the Clock by Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her. Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing. But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him.
Finalists
- The Dirty Secret by Kira A. Gold
- The Master by Tara Sue Me
- Ravenous by M.S. Force
- Three Sweet Nothings by Nikki Sloane
Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements
My Hope Next Door by Former bad girl Katie Stone can feel the weight of her reputation settle over her as she drives home for the first time in years. Feeling deeply guilty about her past mistakes, Katie wants to do the right thing for once. But the small town where she grew up is not nearly as forgiving as she’d hoped. Despite it all, she’s determined to help her parents cope with her mother’s recent illness, and Katie finds a surprise ally in the man next door. Asher Powell never minded being the son of a small-town pastor until a recent breakup leaves him wounded by lifelong members of his church. He remembers his new neighbor as a mean-spirited high school troublemaker, but he senses that her newfound faith and desire for forgiveness are sincere. Through an unexpected friendship, two people from different worlds find peace, hope, and a second chance they never dreamed was possible.
Finalists
- Close to You by Kara Isaac
- Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher
- Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post
Novel with Romantic Elements
The Moon in the Palace by Call Number: EBOOKThere is no easy path for a woman aspiring to power A concubine at the palace learns quickly that there are many ways to capture the Emperor's attention. Many paint their faces white and style their hair attractively, hoping to lure in the One Above All with their beauty. Some present him with fantastic gifts, such as jade pendants and scrolls of calligraphy, while others rely on their knowledge of seduction to draw his interest. But young Mei knows nothing of these womanly arts, yet she will give the Emperor a gift he can never forget. Mei's intelligence and curiosity, the same traits that make her an outcast among the other concubines, impress the Emperor. But just as she is in a position to seduce the most powerful man in China, divided loyalties split the palace in two, culminating in a perilous battle that Mei can only hope to survive.
Finalists
- The Color of a Promise by Julianne MacLean
- The Depth of Beauty by A.B. Michaels
- Now That It's You by Tawna Fenske
Young Adult Romance
The Problem with Forever by Call Number: YA FICTION ARMENTROGrowing up, Mallory "Mouse" Dodge learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. After she escaped her terrifying childhood and spent years being homeschooled by loving adoptive parents, she is starting her senior year at a public high school. The first day, she runs into Rider Stark, the friend and protector from her childhood, and Mallory realizes that their bond never really faded. But as Rider's life spirals out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out--for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.
Finalists
- Affective Needs by Rebecca Taylor
- The Distance From A to Z by Natalie Blitt
- Summer of Supernovas by Darcy Woods
Best First Book
Forget Tomorrow by Call Number: TEEN DUNNOn Callie's seventeenth birthday, she receives her vision of the future--a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they're meant to be. But Callie's vision shows her murdering her younger sister, and she is arrested and sent to a prison for those destined to break the law. Callie escapes and, on the run from the government and from her future, hoping to change her fate and protect her sister.
Finalists
- Altered by Marnee Blake
- Night Hush by Leslie Jones
- No Better Man by Sara Richardson
- A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
- Pairing Off by Elizabeth Harmon
- The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole
- Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Marie Bradley
Contemporary Romance: Long
Brokedown Cowboy by Call Number: ROMANCE YATESWhen his friend Felicity Foster, who needs a place to stay, moves in with him temporarily, widowed rancher Connor Garrett , unable to resist temptation, takes their friendship to a whole new level, which changes everything for both of them.
Finalists
- Fire Me Up by Kimberly Kincaid
- Love Me Sweet by Tracy Brogan
- Love Somebody Like You by Susan Fox
- Once Kissed by Cecy Robson
- Ransom Canyon by Jodi Thomas
- Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne
- Searching for Beautiful by Jennifer Probst
- Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis
- The Secret Sister by Brenda Novak
Contemporary Romance: Midlength
Him by Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died. Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.
Finalists
- A Cold Creek Christmas Story by RaeAnne Thayne
- Dances Under the Harvest Moon by Joanne Rock
- Falling For Mister Wrong by Lizzie Shane
- Just Say Yes by Elizabeth Hayley
- Love After All by Jaci Burton
- The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert
- Not a Fairy Tale by Romy Sommer
- Once Pure by Cecy Robson
- Romancing Miss Right by Lizzie Shane
Contemporary Romance: Short
The Nanny Plan by Call Number: ROMANCE SERIESThis billionaire bachelor has a baby challenge... Being a father to his orphaned infant niece is out of this tech billionaire's comfort zone. Lucky for Nate Longmire, Trish Hunter is a natural at motherhood, and she's agreed to be his temporary nanny. But long glances, slow kisses and not-so-innocent touches are strictly off-limits... Trish's goal is to help Nate in exchange for a big donation to her charity for Lakota kids. Falling for her bachelor boss--and his adorable baby girl--is not part of the plan. But when the month is up, will she be able to walk away?
Finalists
- A Bramble House Christmas by CJ Carmichael
- Carter Bravo's Christmas Bride by Christine Rimmer
- Chance of a Lifetime by Marissa Clarke
- Heated Moments by Phyllis Bourne
- His Lost-and-Found Bride by Scarlet Wilson
- One Night With Her Bachelor by Kat Latham
- The Prince She Never Forgot by Scarlet Wilson
- Tempting the Knight by Heidi Rice
- Three Nights Before Christmas by Kat Latham
Erotic Romance
For Real by Laurence Dalziel is worn down and washed up, and for him, the BDSM scene is all played out. Six years on from his last relationship, he’s pushing forty and tired of going through the motions of submission. Then he meets Toby Finch. Nineteen years old. Fearless, fierce, and vulnerable. Everything Laurie can’t remember being. The problem is, while Laurie will surrender his body, he won’t surrender his heart. Because Toby is too young, too intense, too easy to hurt. And what they have—no matter how right it feels—can’t last. It can’t mean anything. It can't be real.
Finalists
- Break Me Down by Roni Loren
- Say My Name by J. Kenner
- Sugar by Seressia Glass
- Three Little Mistakes by Nikki Sloane
Historical Romance: Long
Tiffany Girl by Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to be an independent New Woman at a time when most of the fair sex stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than she anticipated. From a Casanova male to an unconventional married couple and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.
Finalists
Historical Romance: Short
It Started with a Scandal by Call Number: ROMANCE LONGLord Philippe Lavay once took to the high seas armed with charm as lethal as his sword, and a stone-cold conviction: he'll restore his family's fortune and honor, no matter the cost. Victory is at last within reach—when a brutal attack snatches it from his grasp and lands him in Pennyroyal Green. An afternoon of bliss brings a cascade of consequences for Elise Fountain. She is shunned by her family and ousted from a job she loves, and her survival means a plummet down the social ladder to a position no woman has yet been able to keep: housekeeper to a frighteningly formidable prince. The bold and gentle Elise sees past his battered body into Philippe's barricaded heart . . . and her innate sensuality ignites his blood. Now a man who thought he could never love and a woman who thought she would never again trust must fight an incendiary passion that could be the ruin of them both.
Finalists
Inspirational Romance
A Noble Masquerade by Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke-with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet. When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
Finalists
- A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
- Mistletoe Justice by Carol J. Post
- The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes
- The Rescued by Marta Perry
Paranormal Romance
Must Love Chainmail by With a day planner attached to her hip, the last thing Katy Tolson wants is a romance that threatens her well-ordered life. She's set to marry the safe--but bland--guy, but something's not quite...right. A careless wish thrusts her through time into medieval Wales and into the arms of a knight in somewhat shining armor...
Finalists
- Midnight's Kiss by Thea Harrison
- Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood
- The Shattered Court by MJ Scott
- Soulbound by Kristen Callihan
- Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts
- Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley
Romance Novella
Nice Girls Don't Ride by Natalie Bourne thinks she has the perfect night planned for her twenty-first birthday. But when her car breaks down and her boyfriend bails on her, she’s left stranded in an auto shop dealing with a way too cocky, way too hot mechanic, who seems to be intent on pushing every button she has. Monroe Hawkins knows he shouldn’t be messing with a girl from the uppity private college. Especially when he can tell she sees him as the help. But he’s having trouble resisting the redhead with the smart mouth and the killer legs. So when Natalie’s night goes from bad to worse, there’s no way he’s letting her spend her birthday alone. He makes her a deal—he’ll take her home but not until the sun comes up. Ten hours, one motorcycle, and the city of Austin at their fingertips…things are about to take a major detour.
Finalists
- All's Fair in Love and Scandal by Caroline Linden
- Blue Streak by Jules Barnard
- Desert Heat by Merline Lovelace
- Her Secret Prince by Madeline Ash
- Let it Shine by Alyssa Cole
- One Little Kiss by Robin Covington
- The Resurrection of Sam Sloan by Erin Quinn
- Toward the Sunrise by Elizabeth Camden
Romantic Suspense
Flash Fire by When an American teenager disappears abroad, Clara Roberts, a by-the-book investigator on a secret mission, joins forces with Light Walker, an ex-SEAL turned lawless mercenary, to save her. The sparks they generate—and the trouble they stir up—threaten to set the jungle ablaze. Nothing is what it seems in this fast-paced romantic thriller. As attraction grows into love, looming danger turns into all-out war, and the whole region explodes around them. Clara and Walker must hold on to each other and race against time to survive.
Finalists
- Barefoot With a Bodyguard by Roxanne St. Claire
- Barefoot With a Stranger by Roxanne St. Claire
- Facing Fire by HelenKay Dimon
- Fatal Frenzy by Marie Force
- In the Waning Light by Loreth Anne White
- She Can Kill by Melinda Leigh
- The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole
- Target Engaged by ML Buchman
Young Adult Romance
The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Call Number: YA FICTION BENNETTSparks fly when Beatrix Adams, seventeen, who strives to be a medical illustrator, meets Jack, one of San Francisco's most notorious graffiti artists, but even as Beatrix begins to uncover the secrets that have left Jack so wounded, her own family secrets threaten to tear them apart.
Finalists
- Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg
- Rikki by Abigail Strom
- Unspoken by CC Hunter
Best First Book
Run to You by Sarah Spencer has a secret: her real name is Tessa Carson, and to stay alive, she can tell no one the truth about her psychically gifted family and the danger they are running from. As the new girl in the latest of countless schools, she also runs from her attraction to Tristan Walker—after all, she can’t even tell him her real name. But Tristan won’t be put off by a few secrets. Not even dangerous ones that might rip Tessa from his arms before they even kiss…Run to You is Tessa and Tristan's saga—two books about psychic gifts, secret lives and dangerous loves.
Finalists
- A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev
- The Dress Thief by Natalie Meg Evans
- Fake by Beck Nicholas
- For Such a Time by Kate Breslin
- Mind Sweeper by AE Jones
- Purely Professional by Ella Winters
- The Smuggler Wore Silk by Alyssa Alexander
- To Scotland With Love by Patience Griffin
Contemporary Romance: Long
Baby, It's You by Call Number: ROMANCE GRAVESRunaway bride Kari Worthington's search for a job and a new life brings her to the doorstep of winery owner Marc Cordero, who is prepared to leave his family's business behind until Kari makes him question his priorities.
Finalists
- The Best Medicine by Tracy Brogan
- Fever Pitch by Heidi Cullinan
- It's In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis
- The Place I Belong by Nancy Herkness
- Slow Tango With a Prince by Nicole Burnham
- Somebody Like You by Beth Vogt
- The Sweetest September by Liz Talley
- To Scotland With Love by Patience Griffin
- The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery
Contemporary Romance: Midlength
One in a Million by Call Number: ROMANCE SHALVISAs the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and "not" looking. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love . . .Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past--and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she--and his son--deserve.
Finalists
- Carolina Man by Virginia Kantra
- Her Cowboy Hero by Tanya Michaels
- Her Kind of Trouble by Sarah Mayberry
- Her Temporary Hero by Jennifer Apodaca
- Love With a Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde
- Once a Family by Tara Taylor Quinn
- Reforming the Playboy by Inara Scott
- Starting With June by Emilie Rose
- Worth the Fall by Caitie Quinn
Contemporary Romance: Short
A Texas Rescue Christmas by Call Number: ROMANCE SERIESTrey Waterston has been on the outside looking in for so long he nearly forgot where home is. But when he has to go back to the ranch that is his Texas birthright, he expects it to be as difficult to navigate as everything else in his life. He does not expect to find a halfhearted search afoot for a missing heiress. Beautiful and innocent Rebecca Cargill has disappeared, and nightfall--and a snowstorm--is coming. If they don't find her, she could die. Instinctively, and directed only by a photograph, Trey knows he is the only one who can help her. Maybe he can finally claim his legacy. But why is he suddenly so sure Rebecca is a part of it?
Finalists
- The Bachelor Doctor's Bride by Caro Carson
- Bad Girl by Julie Miller
- Blueprint for a Kiss by Nancy Warren
- A Bride for the Black Sheep Brother by Emily McKay
- Enemies With Benefits by Louisa George
- The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz
- Her Unforgettable Royal Lover by Merline Lovelace
- What the Greek Can't Resist by Maya Blake
- Yours Forever by Farrah Rochon
Erotic Romance
The Saint by Call Number: ROMANCE REISZRebellious, green-eyed Eleanor never met a rule she didn't want to break. She's sick of her mother's zealotry and the confines of Catholic school, and declares she'll never go to church again. But her first glimpse of beautiful, magnetic Father Marcus Stearns and his lust-worthy Italian motorcycle is an epiphany. Eleanor is consumed--yet even she knows being in love with a priest can't be right. But when one desperate mistake nearly costs Eleanor everything, it is Marcus who steps in to save her. When she vows to repay him with complete obedience, a whole world opens before her as he reveals to her his deepest secrets that will change everything.
Finalists
- Bonds of Denial by Lynda Aicher
- Call Me Saffron by Talia Surova
- Purely Professional by Elia Winters
- Wanted by J. Kenner
Historical Romance: Long
Fool Me Twice by Running for her life, exhausted and out of options, Olivia Holladay wants nothing more than the chance to make a home for herself. So when she realizes that the infamous Duke of Marwick might hold the key to her freedom, she boldly disguises herself as the newest and bravest in a long line of the duke’s notoriously temperamental housekeepers. Little does she know that the wickedly handsome Alastair de Grey has very different plans for her.
Finalists
- Douglas: Lord of Heartache by Grace Burrowes
- A Place Called Harmony by Jodi Thomas
- Where the Horses Run by Kaki Warner
- Worth: Lord of Reckoning by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance: Short
Romancing the Duke by Call Number: ROMANCE DAREAs the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off ... Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who's never even been kissed?
Finalists
- The Bells of Times Square by Amy Lane
- The Cowboy's Reluctant Bride by Debra Cowan
- Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt
- The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee
- In Bed With a Rogue by Samantha Grace
Inspirational Romance
Deceived by For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.
Finalists
- For Such a Time by Kate Breslin
- Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie
- Huckleberry Summer by Jennifer Beckstrand
- The Widow's Suitor by Rose Ross Zediker
Paranormal Romance
Evernight by Will Thorne is living a nightmare, his sanity slowly being drained away by a force he can't control. His talents have made him the perfect assassin for hire. But as he loses his grip on reality, there is no calming him—until he finds his next target: the mysterious Holly Evernight. Holly cannot fathom who would put a contract on her life, yet the moment she touches Will, the connection between them is elemental, undeniable—and she's the only one who can tame his bouts of madness. But other assassins are coming for Holly. Will must transform from killer to protector and find the man who wants Holly dead . . . or his only chance for redemption will be lost.
Finalists
- Be Careful What You Kiss For by Jane Lynne Daniels
- Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett
- Burn for Me by Cynthia Eden
- The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter
- Forged by Desire by Bec McMaster
- Mind Sweeper by AE Jones
- My Lady, My Lord by Katharine Ashe
Romance Novella
His Road Home by To avoid an Afghan warlord’s matchmaking, Staff Sergeant Rey Cruz invents a fiancée he’ll never meet—until he’s flat on his back in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and marine biologist Grace Kim shows up with one question: why did you lie? Cruz can’t explain his fabrication because his traumatic brain injury has manifested as aphasia, leaving him with few words to navigate his new world. Grace offers friendship, and texting throughout his recovery, they connect in ways neither anticipates
Finalists
- 10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date by Heidi Rice
- A Game of Brides by Megan Crane
- Her Best Laid Plans by Cara McKenna
- Kiss and Tell by Grace Burrowes
- The Last Wicked Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath
- A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher
- Pushing the Line by Kimberly Kincaid
- Will You Be My Wi-Fi by Caroline Linden
- A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt
Romantic Suspense
Concealed in Death by Call Number: MYSTERY ROBBIn a decrepit, long-empty New York building, Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s husband begins the demolition process, but when the dust clears, there are two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it. He summons his wife immediately—and by the time she’s done with the crime scene, there are twelve murders to be solved. The place once housed a makeshift shelter for troubled teenagers, back in the mid-2040s, and Eve tracks down the people who ran it. As Eve begins to put names and faces to the remains, she realizes they are all young girls. Then Eve discovers a connection between the victims and someone she knows. And she grows even more determined to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and the evil concealed in one human heart.
Finalists
- Forged in Ash by Trish McCallan
- Grave Danger by Katy Lee
- Honor Reclaimed by Tonya Burrows
- Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane
- Lock and Load by Kimberley Troutte
- Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy
- You're Not Safe by Mary Burton
Young Adult Romance
Boys Like You by When Monroe Blackwell, who is spending the summer at her grandmother's Louisiana bed-and-breakfast, meets Nathan Everets, who has a court-appointed job there, they share, and begin to recover from, their respective feelings of loss and guilt.
Finalists
- Plus One by Elizabeth Fama
- Run to You by Clara Kensie
- Some Boys by Patty Blount
Best First Book
The Sweet Spot by Call Number: ROMANCE DRAKECharla Rae Denny was the perfect wife with a perfect life, content to keep the home fires burning while her husband, JB, competed as a champion bull rider. Then their son died in a tragic accident--and everything fell apart. Divorced and saddled with a hill of bills and a failing ranch, Charla must now cowboy up to put her life back together. James "JB" Denny doesn't stay where he isn't welcome. So when Charla shut him out of her grieving heart--and their home--a year ago, he took comfort where he could find it. Now after seeing beautiful Charla again, he wants it all back. She can't work the ranch alone, and deep in his heart he knows he can be the man she needs. But after so much history and heartbreak, can JB convince Charla to take a risk and give their love a second chance?
Finalists
- Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
- Fix You by Beck Anderson
- Private Practice by Samanthe Beck
- Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Contemporary Romance
Crazy Thing Called Love by Call Number: ROMANCE O'KEEFEForced to work with sexy hockey superstar Billy Wilkins, who is also her ex-husband, Dallas TV morning show host Madelyn Cornish finds herself skating on thin ice when he asks for one more shot at making things right.
Finalists
- Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox
- Beach House No. 9 by Christie Ridgway
- Country Roads by Nancy Herkness
- Fix You by Beck Anderson
- Half Moon Hill by Toni Blake
- Home to Whiskey Creek by Brenda Novak
- Homecoming Ranch by Julia London
- It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis
- Letters to Nowhere by Julie Cross
- Rescued by a Stranger by Lizbeth Selvig
- Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis
- The Second Chance Cafe by Alison Kent
- Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan
- The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake
- Talk of the Town by Beth Andrews
- The Way You Look Tonight by Bella Andre
- Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
Erotic Romance
Claim Me by Call Number: ROMANCE KENNERFrom J. Kenner comes the second novel in the fast-paced trilogy that started with Release Me. This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who's never had to take "no" for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says "yes" on her own terms.
Finalists
- Private Practice by Samanthe Beck
- When I'm Bad I'm Better by Stephanie Draven
Historical Romance
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Call Number: ROMANCE MACLEANA rogue ruined...He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London's corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he's dreamed of...absolution. A lady returned...Mara planned never to return to the world from which she'd run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple's exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows...that he is no killer.
Finalists
- Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare
- The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie
- The Chieftain's Curse by Frances Housden
- The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan
- Darius by Grace Burrowes
- Dark Angel: A Gothic Fairy Tale by TJ Bennett
- Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt
- The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick
- Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden
- The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas
- Never Desire a Duke by Lily Dalton
- Plaid Tidings by Mia Marlowe
- A Rake's Midnight Kiss by Anna Campbell
- The Rogue's Proposal by Jennifer Haymore
- Sins of a Ruthless Rogue by Anna Randol
- Sonata For a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson
Inspirational Romance
Five Days in Skye by Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last chance to snag a high-profile client or she'll have to kiss her dreams of promotion good-bye. When she's sent to meet Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, she just wants to finish her work as efficiently as possible. Yet her client is not the opportunistic womanizer he portrays himself to be, and her attraction to him soon dredges up memories she'd rather leave buried. For James, renovating the family hotel is a fulfillment of his late father's dreams. When his hired consultant turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely unimpressed by his public persona, he makes it his mission to win her over. He just never expects to fall under her spell.
Finalists
- Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Paranormal Romance
The Firebird by Nicola Marter was born with a gift. When she touches an object, she sometimes glimpses those who have owned it before. When a woman arrives with a small wooden carving at the gallery Nicola works at, she can see the object’s history and knows that it was named after the Firebird—the mythical creature from an old Russian fable. Compelled to know more, Nicola follows a young girl named Anna into the past who leads her on a quest through the glittering backdrops of the Jacobites and Russian courts, unearthing a tale of love, courage, and redemption.
Finalists
- The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
- Caged Warrior by Lindsey Piper
- Demon Hunting in a Dive Bar by Lexi George
- The Devil's Heart by Cathy Maxwell
- Diamond Dust by Vivian Arend
- Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh
- His Clockwork Canary by Beth Ciotta
- Immortally Ever After by Angie Fox
- Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan
- Skies of Gold: The Ether Chronicles by Zoe Archer
- Teardrop by Lauren Kate
- Witch Bound by Eleri Stone
Romance Novella
Take Me, Cowboy by When Jenny Wright’s fiancé leaves her standing at the altar in a Vera Wang bridal gown she can’t afford, she’s humiliated and heartbroken. To have Marietta hero bull riding champ Colton Thorpe witness her shame - makes the rejection even more devastating. Sexy, rugged Colton didn't get to be a national champion by chance. He's a man that takes risks and goes after what he wants. During the rodeo weekend, Colton makes it clear he wants Jenny. Flustered but flattered, Jenny finds it difficult to resist his charm. But what happens when the rodeo ends and Colton leaves town? Will she dare to dream again?
Finalists
- The Bridesmaid by Julia London
- Defending Truth by Shannon McNear
- How to Marry a Highlander by Katharine Ashe
- How to Misbehave by Ruthie Knox
- Imagine Me and You by Maisey Yates
- Mine Under the Mistletoe by Kat Latham
- Take What You Want by Jeanette Grey
- Too Fast to Fall by Victoria Dahl
Romantic Suspense
Off the Edge by For deadly secret agent Peter Macmillan, language is a weapon—one he uses to hunt criminals, destroy plots, and charm enemies. Seducing information out of a beautiful singer in Bangkok hotel should be easy…except this particular singer has the power to destroy his cool façade, and with it, his last defense against a dark past. Laney Lancaster should hate Peter, but when she discovers him shirtless, sweaty, and chained up in the hotel’s dungeon, all she can think about is freeing him. Because she knows what it’s like to be trapped and alone. And she could use a dangerous friend. They may be wrong for each other, but the instant they join forces, Laney and Peter are plunged into an odyssey of hot sex and dark danger. To survive, they must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts.
Finalists
- Justice for Sara by Erica Spindler
- The Killing Game by Toni Anderson
- Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker
Contemporary Romance: Short
Why Resist a Rebel? by Ruby Bell has put scandal and relationships behind her to forge a successful career in film. Then the talk of Hollywood himself, actor Devlin Cooper, strolls onto her Outback set—fired from his two previous movies, and looking decidedly tempting! The last thing Ruby needs is Dev making outrageous demands and causing her to question her "no romance at work" rule. But what's a girl to do when Dev's taking her on a lavish date one moment, then calling "cut" on their growing closeness the next? What exactly does he want with her—and what's causing the shadows behind those famous blue eyes? Now she's too intrigued to walk away.
Finalists
- A Conflict of Interest by Barbara Dunlop
- Free Fall by Karen Foley
- Her Accidental Boyfriend by Robin Bielman
- Her Secret, His Baby by Tanya Michaels
- A Royal Without Rules by Caitlin Crews
Best First Book
The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Sarah Piper's lonely, threadbare existence changes when her temporary agency sends her to assist a ghost hunter. Alistair Gellis-rich, handsome, scarred by World War I, and obsessed with ghosts- has been summoned to investigate the spirit of nineteen-year-old maid Maddy Clare, who is haunting the barn where she committed suicide. Since Maddy hated men in life, it is Sarah's task to confront her in death. Soon Sarah is caught up in a deperate struggle. For Maddy's ghost is real, she's angry, and she has powers that defy all reason. Can Sarah and Alistair's assistant, the rough, unsettling Matthew Ryder, discover who Maddy was, whereshe came from, and what is driving her desire for vengeance-before she destroys them all?
Finalists
- The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber
- Crazy Little Thing by Tracy Brogan
- Firelight by Kristen Callihan
- Forged in Fire by Trish McCallan
- Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher
- My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
- Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Contemporary Single Title Romance
The Way Back Home by Call Number: ROMANCE FREETHYEx-Marine Gabe Ryder is fulfilling the last request of his best friend Rob, who was killed in a firefight during their final days of service. He promised to help Rob’s family—especially Rob’s twin sister, Alicia—with their struggling river rafting business. Gabe has a hidden past with Alicia, however; she’s the woman who taught him that love might exist, but he walked away from her. Alicia has more than enough on her plate with her brother’s death, her father’s injury from a tragic rafting accident, the entire town turning against them, and a series of dangerous attacks on her business. She doesn’t need this rugged loner who broke her heart. But passion flares between them, and this time, they can’t walk away. Alicia can’t help wondering: did Rob really send Gabe to watch over her—or did he want her to show Gabe the way home?
Finalists
- About Last Night by Ruthie Knox
- Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire
- Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis
- Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis
- Melt Into You by Roni Loren
- Sugar Springs by Kim Law
- Zoe's Muster by Barbara Hannay
Historical Romance
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Call Number: ROMANCE MACLEANA decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance-including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury. A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures. Bourne may be a prince of London's illicit underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness-a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them...even her heart.
Finalists
- Beauty and the Bounty Hunter by Lori Austin
- Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie
- Defiant by Pamela Clare
- A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries
- The Recruit by Monica McCarty
- Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott
- Wedded in Sin by Jade Lee
Inspirational Romance
Against the Tide by As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy. However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.
Finalists
- Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher
- An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere
- A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens
- My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
- Naomi's Christmas by Marta Perry
- The Soldier's Wife by Cheryl Reavis
- The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Long Contemporary Series Romance
A Gift for All Seasons by Hiring Patrick Shaughnessy to landscape her new inn was strictly a business arrangement. Until April Ross got to know the war-scarred single father …and his irrepressible little girl. Patrick made it clear he wasn't looking for romance. Neither was April. But could she make him see that some risks were worth taking?
Finalists
- A Cold Creek Noel by RaeAnne Thayne
- From Father to Son by Janice Kay Johnson
- A Life Rebuilt by Jean Brashear
- Making Her Way Home by Janice Kay Johnson
- No Ordinary Joe by Michelle Celmer
- Out of the Depths by Pamela Hearon
- A Texas Chance by Jean Brashear
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
- The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Sarah Piper's lonely, threadbare existence changes when her temporary agency sends her to assist a ghost hunter. Alistair Gellis-rich, handsome, scarred by World War I, and obsessed with ghosts- has been summoned to investigate the spirit of nineteen-year-old maid Maddy Clare, who is haunting the barn where she committed suicide. Since Maddy hated men in life, it is Sarah's task to confront her in death. Soon Sarah is caught up in a deperate struggle. For Maddy's ghost is real, she's angry, and she has powers that defy all reason. Can Sarah and Alistair's assistant, the rough, unsettling Matthew Ryder, discover who Maddy was, whereshe came from, and what is driving her desire for vengeance-before she destroys them all?
Finalists
- The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber
- Before and Ever Since by Sharla Lovelace
- Bride of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris
- A Girl Like You by Maria Geraci
- Time's Echo by Pamela Hartshorne
- The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine
Paranormal Romance
Shadow's Claim by Call Number: ROMANCE COLEShadow’s Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament— to the death.
Finalists
- Angel in Chains by Cynthia Eden
- Edge of Oblivion by JT Geissinger
- Immortally Yours by Angie Fox
- Lothaire by Kresley Cole
- Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne
- Moonglow by Kristen Callihan
- Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione
Romance Novella
Seduced by a Pirate by Sir Griffin Barry leapt out of the bedchamber window at age seventeen after a very disappointing wedding night, drank a bit too much at the pub and woke to find that he'd joined the crew of a pirate ship! Years later, he has become one of the most feared pirates on the high seas, piloting the Flying Poppy, a ship he named after the wife whom he fondly (if vaguely) remembers. What happens when a pirate decides to come home to his wife — if she is his wife — given that the marriage was never consummated? And what happens when that pirate strolls through his front door and is met by... well, that's a surprise!
Finalists
- Breathless by Sophie Jordan
- The Duchess of Love by Sally MacKenzie
- Room at the Inn by Ruthie Knox
- Sleeping With a Beauty by Leslie Kelly
- The Valentine's Curse by Jodi Thomas
Romantic Suspense
Scorched by Call Number: ROMANCE GRIFFINWhen her investigation of a find from a remote Philippines dig leads her to the scene of her ex-fiancé's murder, forensic anthropologist Kelsey Quinn turns to Navy SEAL Gage Brewer for help in unraveling a deadly conspiracy.
Finalists
- Celebrity in Death by JD Robb
- Dead Heat by Bronwyn Parry
- Don't Cry For Me by Sharon Sala
- Forged in Fire by Trish McCallan
- Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard
- Twisted by Laura Griffin
- Vortex by Cherry Adair
Short Contemporary Series Romance
A Night of No Return by Wild parties, wanton women, relentless work - nothing helps tycoon Lucas Jackson escape his dark and haunting past. Arriving at his rural castle in a snarling snowstorm, he craves only complete isolation.... But it seems oblivion can take an unexpected and highly intoxicating form! Personally delivering the vital file left on her boss's desk, secretary Emma Gray starts to seriously regret her dutiful overtime mission. She never expected the dark side of the usually controlled Lucas could generate such a primitive, powerful - and entirely inappropriate - reaction.
Finalists
- Becoming Dante by Day Leclaire
- Cowboy in the Crossfire by Robin Perini
- The Last Single Maverick by Christine Rimmer
- A Marriage Worth Fighting For by Lilian Darcy
- Surgeon Sheik's Rescue by Loreth Anne White
- The Tycoon's Secret Daughter by Susan Meier
- We'll Always Have Paris by Jessica Hart
Young Adult Romance
The Farm by For Lily and her twin sister Mel there is only the Farm . . .It's a prison, a blood bank, a death camp - where fear and paranoia rule. But it's also home, of sorts. Because beyond the electric fence awaits a fate much, much worse. But Lily has a plan. She and Mel are going to escape - into the ravaged land outside, a place of freedom and chaos and horrors. Except Lily hasn't reckoned on two things: first, her sister's ability to control the horrors; and, secondly, on those out there who desperately want to find and control Mel. Mel's growing power might save the world, or utterly end it. But only Lily can protect Mel from what is to come . . .
