Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

RITA Award

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Country
  
United States

RITA Award httpswwwrwaorgmediaytnbwjjdpng

Awarded for
  
Excellence in romantic fiction

Ceremony date
  
July 27, 2017, 4:00 PM PDT

Presented by
  
Romance Writers of America

Winners
  
Must Love Chainmail: A Time Travel RomanceAngela Quarles, Must Love Chainmail: A Time Travel Romance, RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, HimElle Kennedy - Sarina Bowen, Him, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length, Forget TomorrowPintip Dunn, Forget Tomorrow, RITA Award for Best First Book, RITA Award for Best First Book, Flash FireDana Marton, Flash Fire, RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, It Started with a Scandal: Pennyroyal Green SeriesJulie Anne Long, It Started with a Scandal: Pennyroyal Green Series, RITA Award for Best Historical Romance: Short, RITA Award for Best Historical Romance: Short, Brokedown CowboyMaisey Yates, Brokedown Cowboy, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long, Nice Girls Don't Ride, Nice Girls Don't Ride, RITA Award for Best Romance Novella, RITA Award for Best Romance Novella, Tiffany Girl: A NovelDeeanne Gist, Tiffany Girl: A Novel, RITA Award for Best Historical Romance: Long, RITA Award for Best Historical Romance: Long, The Anatomical Shape of a HeartJenn Bennett, The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House Book #1)Kristi Ann Hunter, A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House Book #1), RITA Award for Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements, RITA Award for Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements, The Nanny PlanSarah M Anderson, The Nanny Plan, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Short, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Short, For Real, For Real, RITA Award for Best Erotic Romance, RITA Award for Best Erotic Romance, EvernightKristen Callihan, Evernight, RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, Boys Like YouJuliana Stone, Boys Like You, RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, Concealed in DeathNora Roberts, Concealed in Death, RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, A Texas Rescue ChristmasCaro Carson, A Texas Rescue Christmas, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Short, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Short, His Road HomeAnna Richland, His Road Home, RITA Award for Best Romance Novella, RITA Award for Best Romance Novella, The SaintTiffany Reisz, The Saint, RITA Award for Best Erotic Romance, RITA Award for Best Erotic Romance, Fool Me Twice, Fool Me Twice, RITA Award for Best Historical Romance: Long, RITA Award for Best Historical Romance: Long, Deceived (Private Justice Book #3): A NovelIrene Hannon, Deceived (Private Justice Book #3): A Novel, RITA Award for Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements, RITA Award for Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements, Baby - It's You: A Rainbow Valley Novel:Jane Graves, Baby - It's You: A Rainbow Valley Novel:, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long, One In A MillionJill Shalvis, One In A Million, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length, RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length, Run to You Book One: Deception So DeadlyClara Kensie, Run to You Book One: Deception So Deadly, RITA Award for Best First Book, RITA Award for Best First Book, Beyond the FireMarni Folsom, Beyond the Fire, RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, Five Days in Skye: A NovelCarla Laureano, Five Days in Skye: A Novel, RITA Award for Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements, RITA Award for Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements, Off the Edge: a gritty - sexy romantic suspense spy novel!Carolyn Crane, Off the Edge: a gritty - sexy romantic suspense spy novel!, RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense, Take Me - CowboyJane Porter, Take Me - Cowboy, RITA Award for Best Romance Novella, RITA Award for Best Romance Novella, Claim MeJulie Kenner, Claim Me, RITA Award for Best Erotic Romance, RITA Award for Best Erotic Romance, The Sweet SpotLaura Drake, The Sweet Spot, RITA Award for Best First Book, RITA Award for Best First Book

Nominees (2017)
  
Ghost GiftsLaura Spinella, Ghost Gifts, The Champion of Barésh: A Star World Frontier BookSusan Grant, The Champion of Barésh: A Star World Frontier Book, The BeastJessica Bird, The Beast, The Pages of the MindJeffe Kennedy, The Pages of the Mind, Where the Wild Things BiteMolly Harper, Where the Wild Things Bite, The Leopard KingAnn Aguirre, The Leopard King, Bayou Shadow HunterDebbie Herbert, Bayou Shadow Hunter, Enchanted WarriorSharon Ashwood, Enchanted Warrior, All the Dead GirlsRita Herron, All the Dead Girls, RepressedElisabeth Naughton, Repressed, Atone: A Recovered Innocence NovelBeth Yarnall, Atone: A Recovered Innocence Novel, Mr and Mr SmithHelenKay Dimon, Mr and Mr Smith, Field of GravesJT Ellison, Field of Graves, Tall - Dark and Damaged: Damaged Heroes: Book OneSarah Andre, Tall - Dark and Damaged: Damaged Heroes: Book One, Killer CountdownAmelia Autin, Killer Countdown, One Minute to MidnightNico Rosso, One Minute to Midnight, Christmas on Crimson MountainMichelle Major, Christmas on Crimson Mountain, Falling for the RancherTanya Michaels, Falling for the Rancher, Searching for DisasterJennifer Probst, Searching for Disaster, A Malibu Kind of RomanceSynithia Williams, A Malibu Kind of Romance, Two Doctors & a BabyBrenda Harlen, Two Doctors & a Baby, His Stolen BrideBarbara Dunlop, His Stolen Bride, Overwhelming ForceJanie Crouch, Overwhelming Force, Far from HomeLorelie Brown, Far from Home, APB: BabyJulie Miller, APB: Baby, Breaking GoodMadeline Ash, Breaking Good, Susana and the ScotSabrina York, Susana and the Scot, How I Married a MarquessAnna Harrington, How I Married a Marquess, No Mistress of MineLaura Lee Guhrke, No Mistress of Mine, Dukes Prefer BlondesLoretta Chase, Dukes Prefer Blondes, Fast ConnectionSantino Hassell - Megan Erickson, Fast Connection, WanderlustRoni Loren, Wanderlust, Lone Heart PassJodi Thomas, Lone Heart Pass, Off the HookLaura Drewry, Off the Hook, Once and For All: An American Valor NovelCheryl Etchison, Once and For All: An American Valor Novel, Back in the SaddleKaren Templeton, Back in the Saddle, Carolina DreamingVirginia Kantra, Carolina Dreaming, The Turning PointMarie Meyer, The Turning Point, Barefoot at MidnightRoxanne St Claire, Barefoot at Midnight, Tell Me How This EndsVictoria De La O, Tell Me How This Ends, The Problem With ForeverJennifer Armentrout, The Problem With Forever, The Distance from A to ZNatalie Blitt, The Distance from A to Z, Summer of SupernovasDarcy Woods, Summer of Supernovas, Affective NeedsRebecca Taylor, Affective Needs, RavenousMarie Force, Ravenous, The Dirty Secret: An Sensual - Sexy Close-proximity RomanceKira A Gold, The Dirty Secret: An Sensual - Sexy Close-proximity Romance, The MasterTara Sue Me, The Master, Three Sweet NothingsNikki Sloane, Three Sweet Nothings, Off the ClockRoni Loren, Off the Clock, The Husband Maneuver (With This Ring? Collection): A Worthy Pursuit NovellaKaren Witemeyer, The Husband Maneuver (With This Ring? Collection): A Worthy Pursuit Novella, Let It SnowJeanette Grey, Let It Snow, Searching for Mine: A Searching For NovellaJennifer Probst, Searching for Mine: A Searching For Novella, Wild in Rio: A Love at the Games NovellaLyssa Kay Adams, Wild in Rio: A Love at the Games Novella, Let Us DreamAlyssa Cole, Let Us Dream, TycoonJoanna Shupe, Tycoon, Her Every WishCourtney Milan, Her Every Wish, Left at the AltarMargaret Brownley, Left at the Altar, The Study of SeductionSabrina Jeffries, The Study of Seduction, Do You Want to Start a ScandalTessa Dare, Do You Want to Start a Scandal, A Duke to RememberKelly Bowen, A Duke to Remember, Duke of SinElizabeth Hoyt, Duke of Sin, Taming the HighlanderJan Coffey, Taming the Highlander, AlterationsStephanie Scott, Alterations, The Distance from A to ZNatalie Blitt, The Distance from A to Z, Close to You: A NovelKara Isaac, Close to You: A Novel, Once and For All: An American Valor NovelCheryl Etchison, Once and For All: An American Valor Novel, Summer of SupernovasDarcy Woods, Summer of Supernovas, Before GoodbyeMimi Cross, Before Goodbye, Close to You: A NovelKara Isaac, Close to You: A Novel, My Hope Next DoorTammy L Gray, My Hope Next Door, Keeper of the StarsRobin Lee Hatcher, Keeper of the Stars, Trust My HeartCarol J Post, Trust My Heart, Now That It's YouTawna Fenske, Now That It's You, The Moon in the PalaceWeina Dai Randel, The Moon in the Palace, The Color of a PromiseJulianne MacLean, The Color of a Promise, The Depth of Beauty: A Sinner's Grove NovelA B Michaels, The Depth of Beauty: A Sinner's Grove Novel, Miracle on 5th AvenueSarah Morgan, Miracle on 5th Avenue, PansiesAlexis Hall, Pansies, Tender Is The NightBarbara Freethy, Tender Is The Night, Snowfall on Haven PointRaeAnne Thayne, Snowfall on Haven Point, Make Me SinJ T Geissenger, Make Me Sin, Hot in Hellcat CanyonJulie Anne Long, Hot in Hellcat Canyon, Always a BridesmaidLizzie Shane, Always a Bridesmaid

Rwa 2016 rita awards book awards season 12


The RITA Award is the most prominent award given throughout the genre of romance fiction. It is presented by Romance Writers of America (RWA). The purpose of the RITA Award is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding published novels and novellas. It is named for the RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada.

Contents

On the rita award red carpet with avon romance


Procedure

The RITA Award opens for entries in the fall. Entrants must supply five printed books by the posted deadline. Each title is judged by five separate judges during the preliminary round. Finalist are announced in mid-March. Winners are announced at the annual award ceremony, held on the last day of RWA's National Conference, which is normally held in July. Winners receive a gold statuette, book editors receive a plaque.

Current contest rules may be found on the RWA website (www.rwa.org), in the Awards section.

Categories

Current award categories are:

  • Best First Book
  • Long Contemporary Romance
  • Mid-Length Contemporary Romance
  • Short Contemporary Romance
  • Erotic Romance
  • Long Historical Romance
  • Short Historical Romance
  • Inspirational Romance
  • Paranormal Romance
  • Romance Novella
  • Romantic Suspense
  • Young Adult Romance
  • Best First Book

  • 1990 Out of the Blue by Alaina Hawthorne
  • 1991 Black Horse Island by Dee Holmes
  • 1992 Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd
  • 1993 Trust Me by Jeane Renick
  • 1994 A Candle in the Dark by Megan Chance
  • 1995 Ghostly Enchantment by Angie Ray
  • 1996 The Warlord by Elizabeth Elliott
  • 1997 Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland
  • 1998 Brazen Angel by Elizabeth Boyle
  • 1999 My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
  • 2000 The Maiden and The Unicorn by Isolde Martyn
  • 2001 A Man Like Mac by Fay Robinson
  • 2002 The Border Bride by Elizabeth English
  • 2003 Shades of Honor by Wendy Lindstrom
  • 2004 Back Roads by Susan Crandall
  • 2005 Time Off For Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich
  • 2006 Show Her The Money by Stephanie Feagan
  • 2007 The Husband Trap by Tracy Anne Warren
  • 2008 Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey
  • 2009 Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
  • 2010 One Scream Away by Kate Brady
  • 2011 Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner
  • 2012 First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
  • 2013 The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
  • 2014 The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake
  • 2015 Run to You by Clara Kensie
  • 2016 Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn
  • Contemporary Romance

    Past winners:

  • 1982
  • Category Contemporary: Winner Take All by Brooke Hastings
  • Mainstream Contemporary: The Sun Dancers by Barbara Faith
  • 1983
  • Contemporary Mainstream: Opal Fires by Lynda Trent
  • Contemporary Sensual: The Heart’s Victory by Nora Roberts
  • Contemporary Sweet: Renegade Player by Dixie Browning
  • 1984
  • Contemporary Under 65,000 words: Memory and Desire by Eileen Bryan
  • Contemporary 65-80,000 words: This Magic Moment by Nora Roberts & Destiny's Sweet Errand by Deirdre Mardon
  • Traditional: Untamed by Nora Roberts
  • 1985
  • Long Contemporary Series: A Matter of Choice by Nora Roberts
  • Mainstream: After All These Years by Kathleen Gilles Seidel
  • Short Contemporary: Opposites Attract by Nora Roberts
  • Traditional: The Karas Cup by Brittany Young
  • 1986
  • Long Contemporary Series: Today, Tomorrow and Always by Georgia Bockoven
  • Short Contemporary: Much Needed Holiday by Joan Hohl
  • Single Title: Banish Misfortune by Anne Stuart
  • Traditional: The Crystal Unicorn by Doreen Malek
  • 1987
  • Long Contemporary Series: One Summer by Nora Roberts
  • Short Contemporary: Still Waters by Kathleen Creighton
  • Single Title: Sunshine and Shadow by Tom and Sharon Curtis
  • Traditional: Opal Fire by Sandy Dengler
  • 1988
  • Long Contemporary Series: In the Defense of Love by Kathleen Creighton
  • Short Contemporary: Stolen Moments by Terri Herrington
  • Single Title: Twilight Whispers by Barbara Delinsky
  • Traditional: It Takes a Thief by Rita Rainville
  • 1989
  • Long Contemporary Series: A Crime of the Heart by Cheryl Reavis
  • Short Contemporary: Winter’s Daughter by Kathleen Creighton
  • Single Title: Leaves of Fortune by Linda Barlow
  • Traditional: Flirtation River by Bethany Campbell
  • 1990
  • Long Contemporary Series: The Ice Cream Man by Kathleen Korbel
  • Short Contemporary Series: Night of the Hunter by Jennifer Greene
  • Single Title Contemporary: Private Relations by Diane Chamberlain
  • Traditional: Rhapsody in Bloom by Mona Van Wieren
  • 1991
  • Long Contemporary Series: Patrick Gallagher’s Widow by Cheryl Reavis
  • Short Contemporary Series: Step Into My Parlor by Jan Hudson
  • Traditional: Song of the Lorelei by Lucy Gordon
  • 1992
  • Long Contemporary Series: A Rose for Maggie by Kathleen Korbel
  • Short Contemporary Series: A Human Touch by Glenda Sanders
  • Single Title Contemporary: A Man to Die For by Eileen Dreyer
  • Traditional: Every Kind of Heaven by Bethany Campbell
  • 1993
  • Long Contemporary Series: The Silence of Midnight by Karen Young
  • Short Contemporary Series: Navarrone by Helen R. Myers
  • Single Title Contemporary: This Time Forever by Kathleen Eagle
  • Traditional: Father Goose by Marie Ferrarella
  • 1994
  • Long Contemporary Series: Dragonslayer by Emilie Richards
  • Short Contemporary Series: Avenging Angel by Glenna McReynolds
  • Contemporary Single Title: Private Scandals by Nora Roberts
  • Traditional: Annie and the Wise Men by Lindsay Longford
  • 1995
  • Contemporary Single Title: Again by Kathleen Gilles Seidel
  • Long Contemporary Series: A Soldier’s Heart by Kathleen Korbel
  • Short Contemporary Series: Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie
  • Traditional: Oh Baby! by Lauryn Chandler
  • 1996
  • Contemporary Single Title: Born in Ice by Nora Roberts
  • Long Contemporary Series: The Morning Side of Dawn by Justine Davis
  • Short Contemporary Series: Single Dad by Jennifer Greene
  • Traditional: Stranger in Her Arms by Elizabeth Sites
  • 1997
  • Contemporary Single Title: Daniel’s Gift by Barbara Freethy
  • Long Contemporary Series: Wild Blood by Naomi Horton
  • Short Contemporary Series: Cowboy Pride by Anne McAllister
  • Traditional: Her Very Own Husband by Lauryn Chandler
  • 1998
  • Contemporary Single Title: Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • Long Contemporary Series: Reckless by Ruth Wind
  • Short Contemporary Series: Nobody's Princess by Jennifer Greene
  • Traditional: His Brother's Child by Lucy Gordon
  • 1999
  • Contemporary Single Title: Dream A Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • Long Contemporary: Meant to Be Married by Ruth Wind
  • Short Contemporary: The Notorious Groom by Caroline Cross
  • Traditional: Monday Man by Kristin Gabriel
  • 2000
  • Contemporary Single Title: Body Guard by Suzanne Brockmann
  • Long Contemporary: Undercover Princess by Suzanne Brockmann
  • Short Contemporary: The Stardust Cowboy by Anne McAllister
  • Traditional: Annie, Get Your Groom by Kristin Gabriel
  • 2001
  • Contemporary Single Title: First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • Long Contemporary: Rogue's Reform by Marilyn Pappano
  • Short Contemporary: It Takes A Rebel by Stephanie Bond
  • Traditional Romance: The Best Man & The Bridesmaid by Liz Fielding
  • 2002
  • Contemporary Single Title: True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
  • Long Contemporary: Coming Home To You by Fay Robinson
  • Short Contemporary: A Long Hot Christmas by Barbara Daly
  • Traditional: Quinn's Complete Seduction by Sandra Steffen
  • 2003
  • Contemporary Single Title: No Place Like Home by Barbara Samuel
  • Long Contemporary: Taking Cover by Catherine Mann
  • Short Contemporary: Taming The Outlaw by Cindy Kay Gerard
  • Traditional: The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber
  • 2004
  • Contemporary Single Title: Birthright by Nora Roberts
  • Long Contemporary: The Top Gun's Return by Kathleen Creighton
  • Short Contemporary: The Knight's Kiss by Nicole Burnham
  • Traditional: Her Royal Baby by Marion Lennox
  • 2005
  • Contemporary Single Title: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
  • Long Contemporary: John Riley's Girl by Inglath Cooper
  • Short Contemporary: Miss Pruitt's Private Life by Barbara McCauley
  • Traditional: Christmas Eve Marriage by Jessica Hart
  • 2006
  • Contemporary Single Title: Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
  • Long Contemporary: Worth Every Risk by Dianna Love Snell
  • Short Contemporary: The Marriage Miracle by Liz Fielding
  • Traditional: Princess of Convenience by Marion Lennox
  • 2007
  • Contemporary Single Title: Adios To My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer
  • Long Contemporary: The Mommy Quest by Lori Handeland
  • Short Contemporary: From the First by Jessica Bird
  • Traditional: Claiming His Family by Barbara Hannay
  • 2008
  • Contemporary Single Title: Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins
  • Contemporary Series: Snowbound by Janice Johnson
  • Contemporary Series-Suspense/Adventure: Treasure by Helen Brenna
  • 2009
  • Contemporary Single Title: Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson
  • Contemporary Series: A Mother's Wish by Karen Templeton
  • Contemporary Series-Suspense/Adventure: Danger Signals by Kathleen Creighton
  • 2010
  • Contemporary Single Title: Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins
  • Contemporary Series: A Not-So-Perfect Past by Beth Andrews
  • Contemporary Series-Suspense/Adventure: The Soldier's Secret Daughter by Cindy Dees
  • 2011
  • Contemporary Single Title: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
  • Contemporary Series: Welcome Home, Cowboy by Karen Templeton
  • Contemporary Series-Suspense/Adventure: The Moon That Night by Helen Brenna
  • 2012
  • Contemporary Single Title: Boomerang Bride by Fiona Lowe
  • Contemporary Series: Doukaki's Apprentice by Sarah Morgan
  • Contemporary Series-Suspense/Adventure: Soldier's Last Stand by Cindy Dees
  • 2013
  • Contemporary Single Title: The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
  • Long Contemporary Series: A Gift For All Season by Karen Templeton
  • Short Contemporary Series: A Night of No Return by Sarah Morgan
  • 2014
  • Contemporary Single Title: Crazy Thing Called Love by Molly O'Keefe
  • Short Contemporary Series: Why Resist a Rebel? by Leah Ashton
  • 2015
  • Long Contemporary Romance: Baby, It's You by Jane Graves
  • Mid-Length Contemporary Romance: One in a Million by Jill Shalvis
  • Short Contemporary Romance: A Texas Rescue Christmas by Caro Carson
  • 2016
  • Long Contemporary Romance: Brokedown Cowboy by Maisey Yates
  • Mid-Length Contemporary Romance: Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy (first self-published winner in this category)
  • Short Contemporary Romance: The Nanny Plan by Sarah M. Anderson
  • Erotic Romance

  • 2014 Claim Me by J. Kenner
  • 2015 The Saint by Tiffany Reisz
  • 2016 For Real: A Spires Story by Alexis Hall
  • Historical Romance

  • 1982
  • Best Mainstream Historical Romance: Day Beyond Destiny by Anna James
  • Best Category Historical Romance: Rendezvous at Gramercy by Constance Ravenlock
  • 1983
  • Best Mainstream Historical Romance: The Endearment by LaVyrle Spencer
  • Best Category Historical Romance: Defiant Love by Mara Seger
  • 1984
  • Best Historical Romance: Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer
  • Best Category Historical Romance: The Clergyman’s Daughter by Julie Jeffries
  • 1985
  • Best Regency Romance: The Lurid Lady Lockport by Kasey Micheals
  • Best Historical Romance: Twice Loved by LaVyrle Spencer
  • 1986
  • Best Regency Romance: The Beauty’s Daughter by Monette Cummings
  • Best Historical Romance: Not So Wild a Dream by Francine Rivers
  • 1987
  • Best Regency Romance: Lord Abberley’s Nemesis by Amanda Scott
  • Best Historical Romance: By Right of Arms by Robyn Carr
  • 1988
  • Best Regency Romance: Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll
  • Best Historical Romance: The Gamble by LaVyrle Spencer
  • 1989
  • Best Regency Romance: Brighton Road by Susan Carroll
  • Best Historical Romance: Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis
  • 1990
  • Best Series Historical: Silver Noose by Patricia Gardner
  • Best Single Title Historical: The Bride by Julie Garwood
  • Best Regency Romance: The Rake and the Reformer by Mary Jo Putney
  • 1991
  • Best Series Historical: A Wild Yearning by Penelope Williamson
  • Best Single Title Historical : Where Love Dwells by Elizabeth Stuart
  • Best Regency Romance: The Sandalwood Princess by Loretta Chase
  • 1992
  • Best Series Historical: The Tender Texan by Jodi Thomas
  • Best Single Title Historical: Courting Miss Hattie by Pamela Morsi
  • Best Regency Romance: Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley
  • 1993
  • Best Historical Series: The Prisoner by Cheryl Reavis
  • Best Historical Single Title: Keeper of the Dream by Penelope Williamson
  • Best Regency Romance: An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley
  • 1994
  • Best Historical Series: My Lady Notorious by Jo Beverley
  • Best Historical Single Title: Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell
  • Best Regency Romance: Deidre and Don Juan by Jo Beverley
  • 1995
  • Best Historical Romance: To Tame a Texan’s Heart by Jodi Thomas
  • Best Long Historical Romance: Dancing on the Wind by Mary Jo Putney
  • Best Regency Romance: Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand by Carla Kelly
  • 1996
  • Long Historical Romance: Something Shady by Pamela Morsi
  • Short Historical Romance: Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
  • Best Regency Romance: Gwen's Christmas Ghost by Lynn Kerstan and Alicia Rasley
  • 1997
  • Long Historical Romance: Conor's Way by Laura Lee Guhrke
  • Short Historical Romance: Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath
  • Best Regency Romance: The Lady's Companion by Carla Kelly
  • 1998
  • Long Historical Romance: Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osborne
  • Short Historical Romance: Heart of a Knight by Barbara Samuel
  • Best Regency Romance: Love's Reward by Jean R. Ewing
  • 1999
  • Long Historical Romance: My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway
  • Short Historical Romance: Merely Married by Patricia Coughlin
  • Best Regency Romance: His Grace Endures by Emma Jenson
  • 2000
  • Long Historical Romance: Silken Threads by Patricia Ryan
  • Short Historical Romance: The Proposition by Judith Ivory
  • Best Regency Romance: The Rake's Retreat by Nancy Butler
  • 2001
  • Long Historical Romance: Devilish by Jo Beverley
  • Short Historical Romance: The Mistress by Susan Wiggs
  • Best Regency Romance: A Grand Design by Emma Jensen
  • 2002
  • Long Historical Romance: The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
  • Short Historical Romance: Tempt Me Twice by Barbara Dawson Smith
  • Best Regency Romance: Much Obliged by Jessica Benson
  • 2003
  • Long Historical Romance: Stealing Heaven by Madeline Hunter
  • Short Historical Romance: The Bride Fair by Cheryl Reavis
  • Best Regency Romance: Debt to Delia by Barbara Metzger
  • 2004
  • Long Historical Romance: The Destiny by Kathleen Givens
  • Short Historical Romance: Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
  • Best Regency Romance: Prospero's Daughter by Nancy Butler
  • 2005
  • Long Historical Romance: Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale
  • Short Historical Romance: A Wanted Man by Susan Kay Law
  • Best Regency Romance: A Passionate Endeavor by Sophia Nash
  • 2006
  • Long Historical Romance: The Devil to Pay by Liz Carlyle
  • Short Historical Romance: The Texan's Reward by Jodi Thomas
  • Best Regency Romance: A Reputable Rake by Diane Gaston
  • 2007
  • Long Historical Romance: On the Way To the Wedding by Julia Quinn
  • Short Historical Romance: The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn
  • 2008
  • Historical Romance: Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter
  • Regency Historical Romance: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
  • 2009
  • Historical Romance: The Edge of Impropriety by Pam Rosenthal
  • Regency Historical Romance: My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
  • 2010
  • Historical Romance: Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas
  • Regency Historical Romance: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
  • 2011
  • Historical Romance: His at Night by Sherry Thomas
  • Regency Historical Romance: The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
  • 2012
  • Historical Romance: The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne
  • Regency Historical Romance: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
  • 2013
  • Historical Romance: A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
  • 2014
  • Historical Romance: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
  • 2015
  • Long Historical Romance: Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran
  • Short Historical Romance: Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
  • 2016
  • Long Historical Romance: Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist
  • Short Historical Romance: It Started with a Scandal by Julie Anne Long
  • Inspirational Romance

  • 1985 For the Love of Mike by Charlotte Nichols
  • 1986 From This Day Forward by Kathleen Karr
  • 1987-1994 (no award)
  • 1995 An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers
  • 1996 As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers
  • 1997 The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
  • 1998 Homeward by Melody Carlson
  • 1999 Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
  • 2000 Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson
  • 2001 The Shepherd's Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher
  • 2002 Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney
  • 2003 Never Say Goodbye by Irene Hannon
  • 2004 Autumn Dreams by Gayle Roper
  • 2005 Grounds To Believe by Shelley Bates
  • 2006 Heavens To Betsy by Beth Pattillo
  • 2007 Revealed by Tamera Alexander
  • 2008 A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
  • 2009 Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
  • 2010 The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander
  • 2011 In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
  • 2012 The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena B. Miller
  • 2013 Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
  • 2014 Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
  • 2015 Deceived by Irene Hannon
  • 2016 A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
  • Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

    This award may correlate to:

  • Best Romance from 1990 to 1996
  • RWA's Favorite Book in 1998
  • Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements from 2004 to 2008
  • Past winners are:

  • 1990 Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
  • 1991 The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale
  • 1992 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
  • 1993 Come Spring by Jill Marie Landis
  • 1994 Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs
  • 1995 It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • 1996 Born in Ice by Nora Roberts
  • 1998 Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • 2004 Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah
  • 2005 A.K.A. Goddess by Evelyn Vaughn
  • 2006 Lady Luck's Map of Vegas by Barbara Samuel
  • 2007 A Lady Raised High by Jennifer Ashley w/a Laurien Gardner
  • 2008 Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
  • 2009 Tribute by Nora Roberts
  • 2010 The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal
  • 2011 Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas
  • 2012 How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal
  • 2013 The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
  • Paranormal Romance

    This award may correlate to:

  • Best Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance from 1992-1994
  • Winners:

  • 1992 Angel for Hire by Justine Davis
  • 1993 Emily’s Ghost by Antoinette Stokenberg
  • 1994 Falling Angel by Anne Stuart
  • 1995 Lord of the Storm by Justine Davis
  • 1996 The Covenant by Modean Moon
  • 1997 Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland
  • 1998 FireHawk by Justine Dare
  • 1999 The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll
  • 2000 Nell by Jeanette Baker
  • 2001 The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning
  • 2002 Heart Mate by Robin D. Owens
  • 2003 Contact by Susan Grant
  • 2004 Shades of Midnight by Linda Fallon
  • 2005 Blue Moon by Lori Handeland
  • 2006 Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
  • 2007 A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
  • 2008 Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
  • 2009 Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
  • 2010 Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole
  • 2011 Unchained: The Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood
  • 2012 Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
  • 2013 Shadow's Claim by Kresley Cole
  • 2014 The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
  • 2015 Evernight by Kristen Callihan
  • 2016 Must Love Chainmail by Angela Quarles (first self-published winner in this category)
  • Romance Novella

    This award may correlate to:

  • Best Romantic Novella 2000-2007
  • Past Winners:

  • 2000 "Starry, Starry Night" by Marianne Willman
  • 2001 "Final Approach to Forever" by Merline Lovelace from Once Upon A Dream
  • 2002 "I Will" by Lisa Kleypas from Wish List
  • 2003 "To Kiss in Shadows" by Lynn Kurland
  • 2004 "Prisoner of the Tower" by Gayle Wilson in The Wedding Chase
  • 2005 "Her Enemy" by Maggie Shayne in Night's Edge
  • 2006 "The Naked Truth about Guys" by Alesia Holliday in The Naked Truth
  • 2007 "Tis the Silly Season" by Roxanne St. Claire in A NASCAR Holiday
  • 2008 "Born in My Heart" by Jennifer Greene in Like Mother, Like Daughter
  • 2009 "The Fall of Rogue Gerard" by Stephanie Laurens in It Happened One Night
  • 2010 "The Christmas Eve Promise" by Molly O'Keefe in The Night Before Christmas
  • 2011 "Shifting Sea" by Virginia Kantra in Burning Up
  • 2012 I Love the Earl by Caroline Linden
  • 2013 Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James
  • 2014 Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter
  • 2015 His Road Home by Anna Richland
  • 2016 Nice Girls Don't Ride by Roni Loren
  • Romantic Suspense

    This may correlate to:

  • Best Suspense 1989
  • Past winners:

  • 1989 Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts
  • 1990 Perchance to Dream by Kathleen Korbel
  • 1991 Night Spice by Karen Keast
  • 1992 Night Shift by Nora Roberts
  • 1993 Divine Evil by Nora Roberts
  • 1994 Nightshade by Nora Roberts
  • 1995 Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts
  • 1996 Winter’s Edge by Anne Stuart
  • 1997 See How They Run by Bethany Campbell
  • 1998 On the Way to a Wedding by Ingrid Weave
  • 1999 Cool Shade by Theresa Weir
  • 2000 The Bride's Protector by Gayle Wilson
  • 2001 Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
  • 2002 The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
  • 2003 Three Fates by Nora Roberts
  • 2004 Remember When - Part 1 by Nora Roberts
  • 2005 I'm Watching You by Karen Rose
  • 2006 Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
  • 2007 Blackout by Annie Solomon
  • 2008 Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
  • 2009 Take No Prisoners by Cindy Gerard
  • 2010 Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin
  • 2011 Silent Scream by Karen Rose
  • 2012 New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb
  • 2013 Scorched by Laura Griffin
  • 2014 Off the Edge by Carolyn Crane (first self-published winner)
  • 2015 Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb
  • 2016 Flash Fire by Dana Marton
  • Young Adult Romance

  • 1983 Andrea by Jo Stewart
  • 1984 Julie’s Magic Moment by Barbara Bartholomew
  • 1985 The Frog Princess by Cheryl Zach
  • 1986 Waiting for Amanda by Cheryl Zach
  • 1987 Video Fever by Kathleen Garvey
  • 1988 Does Your Nose Get in the Way, Too? by Arlene Erlbach
  • 1989 The Ghosts of Stony Cove by Eileen Charbonneau
  • 1990 Renee by Vivan Schurfranz
  • 1991 (no award)
  • 1992 Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep by Lurlene McDaniel
  • 1993 Song of the Buffalo Boy by Sherry Garland
  • 1994 Summer Lightning by Wendy Corsi Staub
  • 1995 Second to None by Arleynn Presser
  • 1996 Runaway by Cheryl Zach
  • 1997 - 2007 (no award)
  • 2008 Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
  • 2009 Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore
  • 2010 Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
  • 2011 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
  • 2012 Enclave by Ann Aguirre
  • 2013 The Farm by Emily McKay
  • 2015 Boys Like You by Juliana Stone
  • 2016 The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett
  • References

    RITA Award Wikipedia