Romance Writers of America® Announces 2015 Contest Finalists
Romance Writers of America (RWA), the trade association for aspiring and published romance fiction authors, announces the finalists for the 2015 RITA® and Golden Heart® Awards. The RITA — the highest award of distinction in romance fiction — recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. The Golden Heart recognizes excellence in unpublished romance manuscripts.
Up to 2,000 romance novels are entered in the RITA competition each year. A novel may be entered either by the author or by the book's publisher in one of the contest categories. After the first round of judging by published romance authors, entries that meet the qualifications to become a finalist then advance to the final round.
The 2015 winners were announced at a black-tie awards ceremony on July 25 at the 2015 RWA Annual Conference in New York.
Congratulations to the 2015 finalists!
| RITA Finalists: | Golden Heart Finalists: |
| 2015 RITA Finalists | ||
|---|---|---|
Best First Book |
||
 |
 |
A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev Kensington Publishing Martin Biro, editor |
 |
 |
The Dress Thief by Natalie Meg Evans Quercus Publishing Kathryn Taussig, editor |
 |
 |
Fake by Beck Nicholas Harlequin, TEEN Annabel Blay, editor |
 |
 |
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin Baker Publishing, Bethany House Raela Schoenherr, editor |
 |
 |
Mind Sweeper by AE Jones Self-published Faith Freewoman, editor |
 |
 |
Purely Professional by Elia Winters Harlequin, Carina Press Kerri Buckley, editor |
 |
 |
Run to You by Clara Kensie Harlequin, TEEN Natashya Wilson, editor |
 |
 |
The Smuggler Wore Silk by Alyssa Alexander Penguin Group USA, Berkley Julie Mianecki, editor |
 |
 |
To Scotland with Love by Patience Griffin New American Library, Signet Tracy Bernstein, editor |
| Top | ||
Contemporary Romance: Long |
||
 |
 |
Baby, It's You by Jane Graves Grand Central Publishing, Forever Michele Bidelspach, editor |
 |
 |
The Best Medicine by Tracy Brogan Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance Kelli Martin, editor |
 |
 |
Fever Pitch by Heidi Cullinan Samhain Publishing, Ltd Sasha Knight, editor |
 |
 |
It's in His Kiss by Jill Shalvis Grand Central Publishing Alex Logan, editor |
 |
 |
The Place I Belong by Nancy Herkness Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance JoVon Sotak, editor |
 |
 |
Slow Tango with a Prince by Nicole Burnham Self-published Valerie Susan Hayward, editor |
 |
 |
Somebody Like You by Beth Vogt Simon & Schuster, Howard Books Jessica Wong, editor |
 |
 |
The Sweetest September by Liz Talley Harlequin, Superromance Megan Long and Wanda Ottewell, editor |
|
|
To Scotland with Love by Patience Griffin New American Library, Signet Tracy Bernstein, editor |
 |
 |
The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery Self-published Chris Belden and Melissa Demeo, editors |
| Top | ||
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length |
||
 |
 |
Carolina Man by Virginia Kantra Penguin Publishing Group USA, Berkley Sensation Cindy Hwang, editor |
 |
 |
Her Cowboy Hero by Tanya Michaels Harlequin, American Romance Johanna Raisanen, editor |
 |
 |
Her Kind of Trouble by Sarah Mayberry Harlequin, Superromance Wanda Ottewell, editor |
 |
 |
Her Temporary Hero by Jennifer Apodaca Entangled Publishing, Indulgence Kate Fall and Alethea Spiridon Hopson, editors |
 |
 |
Love with a Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books Lucia Macro, editor |
 |
 |
Once a Family by Tara Taylor Quinn Harlequin, Superromance Paula Eykelhof, editor |
 |
|
One in a Million by Jill Shalvis Grand Central Publishing Alex Logan, editor |
 |
 |
Reforming the Playboy by Inara Scott Entangled Publishing, Indulgence Alethea Spiridon Hopson, editor |
 |
 |
Starting with June by Emilie Rose Harlequin, Superromance Wanda Ottewell and Karen Reid, editors |
 |
 |
Worth the Fall by Bria Quinlan writing as Caitie Quinn Self-published Jenn Harris, editor |
| Top | ||
Contemporary Romance: Short |
||
 |
 |
The Bachelor Doctor's Bride by Caro Carson Harlequin, Special Edition Gail Chasan, editor |
 |
 |
Bad Girl by Julie Miller Harlequin, Intrigue NOIR Allison Lyons, editor |
 |
 |
Blueprint for a Kiss by Nancy Warren Self-published Trish Milburn, editor |
 |
 |
A Bride for the Blacksheep Brother by Emily McKay Harlequin, Desire Charles Griemsman, editor |
 |
 |
Enemies with Benefits by Louisa George Harlequin Mills & Boon, Modern Tempted/KISS Flo Nicoll, editor |
 |
 |
The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz Harlequin, E-Shivers Danielle Padula, editor |
 |
 |
Her Unforgettable Royal Lover by Merline Lovelace Harlequin, Desire Gail Chasan, editor |
 |
|
A Texas Rescue Christmas by Caro Carson Harlequin, Special Edition Gail Chasan, editor |
 |
 |
What the Greek Can't Resist by Maya Blake Harlequin Mills & Boon, Presents Suzanne Clarke, editor |
 |
 |
Yours Forever by Farrah Rochon Harlequin, Kimani Romance Tara Gavin, editor |
| Top | ||
Erotic Romance |
||
 |
 |
Bonds of Denial by Lynda Aicher Harlequin, Carina Press Rhonda Helms, editor |
 |
 |
Call Me Saffron by Talia Surova Self-published |
|
|
Purely Professional by Elia Winters Harlequin, Carina Press Kerri Buckley, editor |
 |
|
The Saint by Tiffany Reisz Harlequin, Mira Susan Swinwood, editor |
 |
 |
Wanted by J. Kenner Random House, Ballantine Bantam Dell Shauna Summers, editor |
| Top | ||
Historical Romance: Long |
||
 |
 |
Douglas: Lord of Heartache by Grace Burrowes Sourcebooks, Casablanca Deb Werksman, editor |
 |
 |
Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books Lauren McKenna, editor |
 |
 |
A Place Called Harmony by Jodi Thomas Penguin Group USA, Berkley Wendy McCurdy, editor |
 |
 |
Where the Horses Run by Kaki Warner Penguin Group USA, Berkley Wendy McCurdy, editor |
 |
|
Worth: Lord of Reckoning by Grace Burrowes Self-published |
| Top | ||
Historical Romance: Short |
||
 |
 |
The Bells of Times Square by Amy Lane Riptide Publishing Sarah Frantz Lyons, editor |
 |
 |
The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride by Debra Cowan Harlequin, Historical Rachel Burkot, editor |
 |
 |
Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt Grand Central Publishing Leah Hultenschmidt, editor |
 |
 |
The Gentleman Rogue by Margaret McPhee Harlequin Mills & Boon, Historical Pippa Roscoe, editor |
 |
 |
In Bed with a Rogue by Samantha Grace Sourcebooks Cat Clyne, editor |
 |
 |
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books Tessa Woodward, editor |
| Top | ||
Inspirational Romance |
||
 |
 |
Deceived by Irene Hannon Baker Publishing Group, Revell Jennifer Leep, editor |
|
|
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Raela Schoenherr, editor |
 |
 |
Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie Grand Central Publishing, Forever Lauren Plude, editor |
 |
 |
Huckleberry Summer by Jennifer Beckstrand Kensington Publishing John Scognamiglio, editor |
 |
 |
The Widow's Suitor by Rose Ross Zediker Harlequin, Heartsong Presents Kathy Davis, editor |
| Top | ||
Paranormal Romance |
||
 |
 |
Be Careful What You Kiss For by Jane Lynne Daniels Boroughs Publishing Group Jill Limber, editor |
 |
 |
Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation Leis Pedersen, editor |
 |
 |
Burn for Me by Cynthia Eden Kensington Publishing, Brava Esi Sogah, editor |
 |
 |
The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter Harlequin, HQN Emily Ohanjanians, editor |
 |
 |
Evernight by Kristen Callihan Grand Central Publishing, Forever Alex Logan, editor |
 |
 |
Forged by Desire by Bec McMaster Sourcebooks, Casablanca Mary Altman, editor |
|
|
Mind Sweeper by AE Jones Self-published Faith Freewoman, editor |
 |
 |
My Lady, My Lord by Katharine Ashe Self-published Martha Trachtenberg, editor |
| Top | ||
Romance Novella |
||
 |
 |
10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date by Heidi Rice Harlequin, Cosmo Red-Hot Reads Bryony Green, editor |
 |
 |
“A Game of Brides” by Megan Crane in Love Me True Tule Publishing Group, LLC Sinclair Sawhney, editor |
 |
 |
Her Best Laid Plans by Cara McKenna Harlequin, Cosmo Red-Hot Reads Malle Vallik, editor |
 |
 |
His Road Home by Anna Richland Harlequin, Carina Press Rhonda Helms, editor |
 |
|
Kiss and Tell by Grace Burrowes Self-published |
 |
 |
The Last Wicked Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Impulse May Chen, editor |
 |
 |
"A Love Letter to the Editor" by Robin Lee Hatcher in Four Weddings & a Kiss Thomas Nelson, Inc. Traci Depree and Ami McConnell, editors |
 |
 |
Pushing the Line by Kimberly Kincaid Self-published Curtis Brown Digital, editor |
 |
 |
"Will You Be My Wi-Fi?" by Caroline Linden in At the Billionaire’s Wedding Self-published, The Lady Authors Martha Trachtenberg, editor |
 |
 |
"A Yorkshire Christmas" by Kate Hewitt in All I Want for Christmas Tule Publishing Group, LLC Sinclair Sawhney, editor |
| Top | ||
Romantic Suspense |
||
 |
 |
Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb Penguin Group USA, G.P. Putnam's Sons Leslie Gelbman, editor |
 |
 |
Forged in Ash by Trish McCallan Amazon Publishing, Montlake Romance Charlotte Herscher and JoVon Sotak, editors |
 |
 |
Grave Danger by Katy Lee Harlequin, Love Inspired Suspense Emily Rodmell, editor |
 |
 |
Honor Reclaimed by Tonya Burrows Entangled Publishing, Select Heather Howland, editor |
 |
 |
Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane Self-published Deb Nemeth and my fabulous critique partners, editors |
 |
 |
Lock and Load by Kimberley Troutte Self-published Georgia Woods, editor |
 |
 |
Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy New American Library, Signet Laura Fazio, editor |
 |
 |
You're Not Safe by Mary Burton Kensington Publishing, Zebra John Scognamiglio, editor |
| Top | ||
Young Adult Romance |
||
 |
 |
Boys Like You by Juliana Stone Sourcebooks, Fire Leah Hultenschmidt and Aubrey Poole, editors |
 |
 |
Plus One by Elizabeth Fama Macmillan, Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR Simon Boughton, editor |
|
|
Run to You by Clara Kensie Harlequin, TEEN Natashya Wilson, editor |
 |
 |
Some Boys by Patty Blount Sourcebooks, Fire Aubrey Poole, editor |
| Top | ||
| 2015 Golden Heart Finalists | ||
|---|---|---|
Contemporary Romance |
||
 |
“Call Me Mrs. Whitlock” by Kimberly Buckner |
|
 |
“Caught on Film” by Arianna James |
|
 |
“Chasing Crazy” by Kelly Siskind |
|
 |
“Good Girl’s Guide to Talking Dirty” by Alice Faris |
|
 |
“His Perfect Partner” by Priscilla Kissinger |
|
 |
“Homecoming” by Jo Anne Banker | |
 |
“The House of D’Innocenzi” by Susan J. Bickford | |
 |
“Mace, Men, and Margaritas” by Jennifer Brodie | |
 |
“Port Fairlight Summer” by Jen Gilroy | |
 |
“Puppy Love” by Kelly Farmer | |
| Top | ||
Erotic Romance |
||
 |
"A Deal for Love" by Michele Arris |
|
 |
"Indulge My Fantasy" by Caroline Bradley | |
 |
"Sorting Out the Kinks" by Elle Mason | |
| Top | ||
Historical Romance |
||
 |
"A Convenient Engagement" by Kimberly Bell |
|
 |
"A Dangerous Chemistry" by Marnee Blake | |
 |
"Dragon’s Lair" by Lori Sanders Foley | |
 |
"Never Dare a Wicked Earl" by Renee Ann Miller | |
 |
"A Proper Scandal" by Laurie Benson | |
 |
"A Question of Loyalty" by Ellen Lindseth | |
 |
"Rescuing Mr. Gracey" by Eileen K Barnes | |
 |
"The Reunion" by Sara Leyton | |
 |
"Sawyer's Rose" by Kim Turner | |
| Top | ||
Paranormal Romance |
||
 |
"Better Dead" by Pamela Kopfler |
|
 |
"Coyote Walks" by Maria Powers | |
 |
"Demons Don’t" by Jeanne Oates Estridge | |
 |
"Howlin Hearts" by Kristal Hollis | |
 |
"Magic City" by Heather Leonard | |
 |
"The Magical Librarian of Tulsa, Oklahoma" by Nancy Coiner | |
 |
"Mapping Fate" by Kimberly MacCarron | |
 |
"Stone Hunter" by Tara Sheets | |
 |
"Undercover Enchanter" by Melanie McCarthy | |
| Top | ||
Romantic Suspense |
||
 |
"Deception Island" by Brynn Kelly | |
 |
"Every Unworthy Thing" by Sharon Wray | |
|
"Hope Craves an Execution" by Sharon Wray | |
 |
"Murder, Curlers, and Cream" by Arlene McFarlane | |
 |
"Scandal" by Jessica Darago | |
 |
"A Shot Worth Taking" by Tracy Poole | |
| Top | ||
Short Contemporary Romance |
||
 |
"At Her Service" by Mia Sosa | |
 |
"A Night at the Rosemont" by Mary Oldham | |
 |
"Waiting for Meggie" by Debra Moser | |
 |
"Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher" by Seana Kelly | |
| "Winning Her Over" by Alexa Rowan | ||
| Top | ||
Young Adult Romance |
||
 |
"The Culloden Immortals" by TL Sumner |
|
 |
"The Jade Quest" by Mary Sullivan | |
 |
"Mind Traveler" by Diana Munoz Stewart | |
 |
"Our Souls to Keep" by Stephanie Winkelhake | |
 |
"Sharing Hunter" by Julie Glover | |
|
"When I Wake" by Stephanie Winkelhake |
|
| Top | ||