New Jersey Romance Writers Contests
Previous Winners
2023 Golden Leaf
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Long Contemporary:
Winner: Roz Lee*, Breathless Finalists: Elena Markem, Can’t Let You Go Liz Zerkel, Hungry for Love Mid-length Contemporary: Winner: Karen Foley, Kiss Me Under the Irish Sky Finalists: Karen Foley, Love Me Beneath the Irish Moon Jennifer Vido, Serendipity by the Sea Short Contemporary: Winner: Piper Malone, North Shore Nuptials Finalists: Grace Augustine*, Perfect Morning Gracie Guy*, The Journey Home Historical: Winner: Tina Gabrielle, How Not to Marry a Duke Finalists: Heather McCollum, Highland Beast Grace Calloway, Glory and the Master of Shadows Novella: Winner: Tracy Sumner, The Governess Gamble Finalists: Maria Imbalzano*, Return to Wylder K. Lyn Smith, Star of Wonder |
Paranormal:
Winner: Sydney Winward, A Kiss of Embers Finalists: Everlyn C. Thompson, A Flock of Vampires Gloria Duke, When Life Gives You Vampires Romantic Suspense: Winner: Lori Matthews*, A Lethal Betrayal Finalists: Lori Matthews, Catch and Release Judy Kentrus, Where Dreams Come True Best Book by a New Jersey Author Winner: Tina Gabrielle, How Not to Marry a Duke Finalists: Lori Matthews, A Lethal Betrayal Roz Lee, Breathless Best First Book: Winner: Jennifer Vido, Serendipity by the Sea Finalists: Kaia Misk, The Firstborn Son Everlyn C. Thompson, A Flock of Vampires The Erotic Category did not run due to a lack of entries. |
The Put Your Heart in a Book Contest did not run in 2023.
2022 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Historical:
1st Place—TIE “A Duke in the Hand” by Kate Happ “The Calculus of Love” by Catherine Lawrence 3rd Place “The Secret Writings of Peggy Stewart” by Catherine Lawrence Contemporary 1st Place “The Blue Skies of Colorado” by Eliza Collins 2nd Place “Cause Play Holiday” by Lille Moore 3rd Place “Written in Rock” by Deborah Rittle |
Romantic Suspense
1st Place “Warning Siren” by Kristie Wolf 2nd Place “Ransom Heart” by Kristie Wolf 3rd Place “The Price of Revenge” by Mandi McGuire |
2022 Golden Leaf
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Contemporary Long:
First Place: Deborah Garland The Cowboy’s Rebel Heart Second Place: Miranda Liasson The Sweetheart Deal Third Place: Marina Reznor Cup-Tied Contemporary Mid Length: First Place: Stacey Wilk Taking Root Second Place: Nancy Robards Thompson Cinderella Next Door Third Place: Jennifer Wilck Unlock My Heart Contemporary Short: First Place: K.M. Fawcett Wilde in Love Second Place: Morgan Malone Mick’s Story Third Place: Jodi Payne Not Over You Erotic Romance: First Place: Tori Chase Shared by Her Trainers Second Place: Jordyn Kross Shattered Ice Third Place: Dania Voss Ask Me Nicely Historical: First Place: Lisa Ann Verge The Winter Husband Second Place: Allison B. Hanson Her Forbidden Highlander Husband Third Place (tie): Grace Calloway Pippa and the Prince of Secrets; Jeanine Englert Eloping with the Laird |
Novella:
First Place: Piper Malone The Pizza Guy from Beachside Second Place: Annette Miller Macaroons by Moonlight Third Place: Roni Denholtz Eight Nights of Apricot Cookies Paranormal: First Place (tie): Marissa Doyle What Lies Beneath; Peggy Jaeger The Sheriff and the Psychic Third Place: Mia Downing Chasing Time Romantic Suspense: First Place: Tee O’Fallon Tough Justice Second Place: Lori Matthews Incinerated Third Place: Tee O’Fallon Serve ’n’ Protect Best First Book: First Place: Karen Yakey Home Beyond Hell Second Place: Janet Raye Stevens Cole for Christmas Third Place: Decca Price Memory’s Bride Best Book by a New Jersey Author: First Place: Lisa Ann Verge The Winter Husband Second Place: Stacey Wilk Taking Root Third Place: Terri Brisbin The Highlander’s Substitute Wife |
2021 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Contemporary – Long
WINNER: “Lark Lake Lodge” by Maggie Eliot FINALISTS: “See Sadie Jane Run” by Kelly Elizabeth Huston “Unsound” by Ash Finley Contemporary – Short WINNER: “Bali Escape with the Single Dad” by Rachel Armstrong FINALISTS: “Land of Gold” by Greta Smyth “Sea of Deceit” by Greta Smyth Speculative WINNER: “Knight & Shade” by Kate Mahon FINALISTS: “The Time In Between” by Annabeth Lynch “Waves of Change” by Jen Schoenbein |
Romantic Suspense
WINNER: “Savoring Sage” by Elizabeth Grey* FINALISTS: “Buried Secrets” by Denise Diana Huddle “Going for Broke” by Victoria Elliot Historical WINNER: “Earl Trouble” by Kate Happ FINALISTS: “A Deal with a Duke” by Leslie Holman* “Talk of Tokyo” by Heather Hallman* |
2021 Golden Leaf
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ong Contemporary
WINNER: Jennie Marts When a Cowboy Loves a Woman FINALISTS: Casey Dembowski When We’re Thirty Deborah Garland Bossy Billionaire |
Mid-Length Contemporary
WINNER: Nancy Herkness The Hacker FINALISTS: Jessica Calla* and Heather Van Fleet Love in the Aisles Ada Austen Better Late Than Never |
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Short Contemporary
WINNER: Laurel Greer Snowbound with the Sheriff FINALISTS: Tracey J. Lyons* The Amish Teacher’s Wish J.B. Schroeder Xanadu XOXO |
Erotica
WINNER: Barbara Nolan Beyond Regret FINALISTS: Opal Carew Stroke of Luck Ann Jensen Caught in the Dark |
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Historical
WINNER: Terri Brisbin Tempted by Her Viking Enemy FINALISTS: Cecelia Rene The Bachelor Duke Terri Brisbin* An Outlaw’s Honor |
Paranormal
WINNER: Roni Denholtz* Lightning Strikes Again FINALISTS: Roni Denholtz* Lightning Strikes Roni Denholtz* Lightning Strikes Twice |
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Novella
WINNERS: Caro Carson Gingerbread and Jingle Bells Deborah Garland The Cowboy’s Forbidden Crush FINALIST: Maria Imbalzano* The Blueberry Swirl Waltz |
Romantic Suspense
WINNER: Judy Kentrus Frozen Hearts FINALISTS: Elizabeth John* Forever Keep Your Secret Nonna Henry The Rough Ride |
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Best Book by a New Jersey Author
WINNER: Ada Austen Better Late Than Never FINALISTS: Jessica Calla* Snowed In Nancy Herkness* The Hacker |
Best First Book
WINNER: Nonna Henry The Rough Ride FINALISTS: Ann Jensen Saved by the Dark Casey Dembowski When We’re Thirty |
2020 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Contemporary – Long
WINNER: “Charm Campaign” by Maggie North FINALISTS: “The Lady Detective” by Ava January “Sana’s Suitors” by Noreen Mughees Contemporary – Short WINNER: “Restoring a Highland Thistle” by Victoria Logan* FINALISTS: “Saved by the Dark” by Ann Jensen* “Wasting Love” by Jessica Bashar |
Paranormal
WINNER: “Blyted” by Lauraine S. Blake FINALISTS: “The Wilder Light of Flame and Shadow” by Lauraine S. Blake “Saltwater Hearts” by Kate Prior Romantic Suspense WINNER: “The Guardian’s Mark” by Victoria Farhat* FINALISTS: “A Girl, Stuck” by Kelly Elizabeth Huston “The Oath of Monte Carlo” by Patricia Rochelle |
2020 Golden Leaf
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Best Book by an NJ Author
WINNER: Smash and Grab, by Lori Matthews* FINALISTS: The Money Man, by Nancy Herkness* Beyond Redemption, by Barbara Nolan* |
Romantic Suspense
WINNER: Spooning Leads to Forking, by Kilby Blades FINALISTS: Break and Enter, by Lori Matthews* Trap ’N' Trace, by Tee O'Fallon |
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Paranormal
WINNER: The Rogue King, by Abigail Owen FINALISTS: Evergreen, by Marissa Doyle Bloodborn, by Sydney Winward |
Novella
WINNER: Reluctant Billionaire, by Deborah Garland FINALISTS: A Perfect Grey Christmas, by Anna Sugden Tides of Desire, by Tracy Sumner |
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Historical
WINNER: The Duke Redemption, by Grace Callaway FINALISTS: Return of the Fox, by Pamela Gibson The Work of Art, by Mimi Matthews |
Erotica
WINNER: Winter's List, by Jordyn Kross FINALISTS: Alaska Bound, by Margaret Frank Yours… Mine… Always, by Cadence Vonn |
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Mid-Length Contemporary
WINNER: Nobody Else But You, by Claire Marti FINALISTS: For The Love of You, by Claire Marti Crushing on You, by Jen Trinh |
Long Contemporary
WINNER: Wish Upon a Cowboy, by Jennie Marts FINALISTS: A Timeless Kiss, by Judy Kentrus* Love Me Not, by Lisa McLuckie |
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Short Contemporary
WINNER: Swipe Right for a Cowboy, by Karen Foley FINALISTS: Harvest Hideaway, by Christina James Want Me Always, by Lea Nolan |
Best First Book
WINNER: A Lady's Revenge, by Edie Cay FINALISTS: Crushing on You, by Jen Trinh High Heels and Handguns, by Lisa Heartman |
* - Indicates NJRW member
2019 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Contemporary, Single Title
First Place: “Something to Talk About” - Despina Karras Second Place: “A Fast Woman” - Laralyn Doran Third Place: “First Comes Marriage” - Casey Dembowski Contemporary, Series First Place: “Better than One” - Margot Ryan* Second Place: “Hardwired” - RR Taylor Third Place: “Blue-Eyed Devlin” - Lorraine Quinn Paranormal First Place: “Forever More” - Gloria Duke Second Place: “Blood Sugar” - Kat Turner Third Place: “Chasing Paradise” - Priscilla Alden |
Historical
First Place: “The Pearson Plot” - Angelica Hawthorne Second Place: “Finding Desire” - Alexandra Sterling Third Place: “Betting on a Duke's Heart” - Royaline Sing Romantic Suspense First Place: “Saratoga Sleep” - Joyce Hunt Second Place: “VIPER - Too Deadly to Love” - Kristie Wolf* Third Place: “All Fired Up” - Sue Jaskula |
2019 Golden Leaf
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Best First Book
First Place Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson Finalists North to Nara by Amanda Marin Christmas Catch by Mary Shotwell |
Best Book by a New Jersey Romance Author
First Place Undone by JB Schroeder* Finalists A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe* A Healer for the Highlander by Terri Brisbin* |
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Erotic Romance
First Place Will-Ingram Brothers #1 by Roz Lee* Finalists Renovating the Billionaire by Jean Joachim Indecent Proposal by Sarah McGregor |
Paranormal Romance
First Place Reach for Me by Elizabeth Cole Finalists Angel Fire by Marie Johnston Out of Body by Suzanne Brockmann |
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Contemporary Romance – Long
First Place Second Time Around by Nancy Herkness* Finalists Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson Second Act by Nancy Herkness* |
Contemporary Romance – Mid-Length
First Place Counterpoint by Lauren E. Rico Finalists The Reluctant Billionaire Bride by Roz Lee* Rancher in Training by Marie Johnston Mischief and Mayhem by L.E. Rico |
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Contemporary Romance – Short
First Place Engaging the Enemy by Reese Ryan Finalists Love in San Francisco by Shirley Hailstock* Christmas Chaos (Mistletoe in Mayhem) by L.E. Rico Falling for the Rebel Cowboy by Allison B. Collins |
Historical Romance
First Place Only a Captain Will Do by Teresa Sweeney Finalists A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe* A Healer for the Highlander by Terri Brisbin* |
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Romantic Suspense
First Place Undone by JB Schroeder* Finalists And Then There Was You by Barb Warner Deane Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan |
Novella
First Place Christmas with the Carmichaels by Christine Bush* Finalists Hannah’s Heart by Christine Bush* Baby Bedlam (Mistletoe in Mayhem) by L.E. Rico |
2018 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Single Title Contemporary
Winner: “Tattooed & Scarred,” Raine Carson Finalists: 2nd: “Heat in Little Havana,” Danys Castillo 3rd: “Loving Trouble,” Sarah Storin Contemporary Series Winner: “Steal My Heart,” Aimee O’Brian Finalists: 2nd: “All Your Broken Pieces,” Evie Drae 3rd: “Someone Special,” Ann McKay Thoroman* Paranormal Winner: “The Brass Queen,” Elizabeth Chatsworth Finalists: 2nd: “Some Strangeness,” J. Morgyn White 3rd: “The Ravine,” Michelle Joyce Bond* |
Historical
Winner: “Seduction of a Spy,” Emmaline Warden Finalists: 2nd: “To Catch a Marquess’ Murderess,” Felicia Grossman 3rd: “Miss Bryson Heads for a Fall,” Celeste de Sales Romantic Suspense Winner: “Dangerous Paradise,” Barbara Forlenza* Finalists: 2nd: “VIPER – Too Dangerous to Love,” Kristie Wolf* 3rd: “The Cat Lover’s Assassins,” Dennis Lee Young Adult Winner: “Ask Jack and Jill,” Gigi Collins* Finalists: 2nd: “Treading Water,” Arel Jansen 3rd: “I’m Not Your Robogirl,” Rachael Cadra* |
2018 Golden Leaf
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Best Book by a New Jersey Romance Author
First Place Brewed for Love by Leigh Raffaele* Finalists Absolved by Marnee Blake* Haunted by Shari Nichols* |
Best First Book
First Place Brewed for Love by Leigh Raffaele* Finalists Three Lessons in Seduction by Sofie Darling Loving Matt by Helen Lynch |
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Erotic Romance
First Place Dirty Talk by Opal Carew* (2nd win) Finalists X Marks the Spot by Opal Carew* On His Knees by Laura Kaye |
Contemporary Romance - Long
First Place Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson* Finalists Must Love Fashion by Deborah Garland* A Crazy Kind of Love by Mary Ann Marlowe |
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Paranormal Romance
First Place Absolved by Marnee Blake* (2nd win) Keep Me Close by Elizabeth Cole Finalists Haunted by Shari Nichols* |
Contemporary Romance – Mid-Length
First Place In Tune Out of Sync by Kate Forest* Finalists Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher by Seana Kelly At First Blush by Marianne Rice |
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Contemporary Romance - Short
First Place A Family for the Rancher by Allison B. Collins Finalists Bayside’s Most Unexpected Bride by Kerri Carpenter His Convenient Husband by Robin Covington The Boss’s Fake Fiancée by Susan Meier* |
Romantic Suspense
First Place The Storm: A Berry Springs Novel by Amanda McKinney Finalists Killing Her Softly by Barb Warner Deane A Covert Affair by Susan Mann |
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Historical Romance
First Place A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe* (2nd win) Finalists Watch Over Me by Eileen Charbonneau The Luck of the Bride by Janna MacGregor |
Novella
First Place Christmas With the Cat Lady by Christine Bush* (2nd win) Finalists Like a Boss by Liz Matis Written on his Skin by Simone Stark |
2017 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Historical
FIRST PLACE: "The Seduction of Mrs. Smith" by Elizabeth Everett SECOND PLACE: "Where the Meadowlands are Green" by Felicia Grossman THIRD PLACE: "Love Me If You Dare" by Margot Radcliffe Single Title Contemporary FIRST PLACE: "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by PJ Ryley SECOND PLACE: "Head Over Boots for You" by Lena Pinto* THIRD PLACE: "Forbidden Paradise" by Barbara Forlenza* Contemporary Series FIRST PLACE: "The Way You Make Me Feel" by K.E. White SECOND PLACE: "The Road to Hollydale" by Tanya Agler THIRD PLACE: "Double Engagement" by Barb Piper* |
Romantic Suspense
FIRST PLACE: "The Fire Beckons" by Lynnette Labelle SECOND PLACE: "Lovely Digits" by Jeanine Englert THIRD PLACE: "Smash and Grab" by Lori Matthews* Paranormal FIRST PLACE: "Praetorian Rising" by Lisa Knight SECOND PLACE: "The Twenty-Eighth Kiss" by Michelle Joyce Bond* THIRD PLACE: "The Wish Granter" by Barb Piper* Young Adult FIRST PLACE: "Casualty" by Paula Huffman SECOND PLACE: "Below the Surface" by Arel Jansen THIRD PLACE: "Beneath Us" by Michelle Joyce Bond* |
2017 Golden Leaf
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Novella
First Place: A Secret Rose by Debra Jess Finalists: The Irishman’s Christmas Gamble by Nancy Herkness* The Ghost of You (featured in the Haunted Havenport Anthology) by Emma Kaye* Dangerous Protector by Katie Reus Romantic Suspense First Place: Midnight Obsession by Melinda Leigh* (3rd win) Finalists: Almost Anonymous by Christine Bush* Main Street by Dianna Wilkes Historical Romance First Place: Claimed by a Highlander by Margaret Mallory Finalists: I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett Taming the Highlander by May McGoldrick* Baron by Joanna Shupe* Contemporary Romance - Short First Place: Rodeo Father by Mary Sullivan Finalists: Second Chance with the CEO by Anna DePalo* Rodeo Rancher by Mary Sullivan |
Contemporary Romance – Mid-Length
First Place: Falling in Angels Falls by Casey Hagen* Finalists: The Last In Love by Terri Osburn Mann Cakes by Mysti Parker Contemporary Romance - Long First Place: Sunny’s Smile by Christine Bush* Finalists: Someone To Love by Donna Alward* She Runs Away by Jessica Calla* Paranormal Romance First Place: Avenged by Marnee Blake* Finalists: Bishop by Marie Johnston Saved by Darkness by Katie Reus Erotic Romance First Place: Stealing Beauty by Jessica Collins Finalists: Nailed by Opal Carew* Heat by Opal Carew* Educating Anthony by Kara Keen Best First Book First Place: Main Street by Dianna Wilkes Finalists: Burn by Dawn Altieri* The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor |
2016 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Historical
1st: Love's Whisper Jeanine Englert 2nd: Three Lessons in Seduction Tracy Johnston 3rd: Taming Julia Jodie Wolfe Paranormal 1st: He Loves Me Knot Sarah McGregor 2nd: Desperate Sacrifice Linda Schad 3rd: The Seductress Jessica Grace Kelley Romantic Suspense 1st: Hit and Run Lori Matthews* 2nd: The President's Assassin Renita Bradley 3rd: Beyond Paradise Barbara Forlenza* |
Single Title Contemporary
1st: Love Around the Ring Alleyne Dickens 2nd: Hearts on the Vine Jessica Holt 3rd: Meadow Wind Betty L. Unkel Contemporary Series 1st: The Hottest Guy Gloria Duke 2nd: Scooped: Confessions of a Former Tattletale C.A. Speakman 3rd: Trial Run Masha Levinson Young Adult 1st: Road to Eugenica A.M. Rose 2nd: Lucky Laura Cumbie 3rd: From There to Here Laura Cumbie |
2016 Golden Leaf
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Novella
First Place Christmas Laurel by Christine Bush* Finalists In the Spinster’s Bed by Sally MacKenzie Guarding the Quarterback by Liz Matis Romantic Suspense First Place Seconds to Live by Melinda Leigh* Finalists Energized by Mary Behre* True Peril by Veronica Forand When Secrets Strike by Marta Perry Historical Romance First Place Magnate by Joanna Shupe* Finalists What To Do With A Duke by Sally MacKenzie The Daughter of an Earl by Victoria Morgan Contemporary Romance – Short First Place Two Doctors & a Baby by Brenda Harlen Finalists Wedding Date for Hire by Jennifer Shirk* The Rancher’s Surprise Son by Christine Wenger The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal by Barbara White Daille* |
Contemporary Romance – Mid-Length
First Place Carolina Dreaming by Virginia Kantra* Finalists Her Second-Chance Family by Holly Jacobs These Three Words by Holly Jacobs Contemporary Romance – Long First Place Sunset At Lake Crane by Casey Hagen* Finalists The CEO Buys In by Nancy Herkness* The All-Star Antes Up by Nancy Herkness* Paranormal Romance First Place Skin Deep by Marissa Doyle Finalists Cottage in the Mist by Dee Davis* Forbidden by Katrina Snow Heir To The Pack by Laura Welling Erotic Romance First Place Hard Ride by Opal Carew* Finalists My Best Friend’s Stepfather by Opal Carew* Operation: Desire Me by Christina James Best First Book First Place The Ghost Chronicles by Marlo Berliner* Finalists The Love Square by Jessica Calla* Tiger Lily by Wende Dikec |
2015 Put Your Heart in a Book
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Historical
1st: Denny Bryce* - Wild Women and the Blues 2nd: Janna MacGregor - The Secret Affairs of a Duke 3rd: Linda Olson - An Improper Pursuit Paranormal: 1st: Harris Fischer - Queen of Hearts 2nd: Kari Cole - Constant Craving 3rd: Michelle Edwards w/a Elle McKay - Seducing Death Single Title Contemporary: 1st: Victoria Handel DeLa O - The Rule of Thirds 2nd: Celeste Deveney - My Fair Mademoiselle 3rd: Darlene Pytlinski - Not My Type |
Contemporary Series:
1st: Rebekah Millet - 15 Days 2nd: Beth Seeber w/a Sera Cassell - Princes Charming 3rd: Sia Huff - One Night Together? Young Adult: 1st: Colleen Oefelein - Bagged 2nd: Sandra Havriluk - Hide the False Heart 3rd: Debbie VanBrunt - Beest Romantic Suspense: 1st: Harris Fischer - The Keys to Her Heart 2nd: Anna Sweringen* - All My Sins Remembered 3rd: Susan Dunn - Betrayed |
2015 Golden Leaf
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Novella
First Place One Little Kiss by Robin Covington Finalists Christmas Rose by Christine Bush* Flirting on Ice by Veronica Forand and Susan Scott Shelley Romantic Suspense First Place Meant To Be by Jessica James Finalists Minutes to Kill by Melinda Leigh Exchange of Fire by P.A. DePaul* Historical First Place Sinfully Yours by Cara Elliott Finalists A Scandalous Rogue by Janmarie Anello A Lady of Notoriety by Diane Gaston* Short Contemporary First Place Carry Her Heart by Holly Jacobs Finalists The Magnate’s Manifesto by Jennifer Hayward Secret Obsession by Robin Perini* |
Contemporary
First Place Reunion in October by Gina Ardito* Finalists All or Nothing by Cheri Allan Riding Steele by Opal Carew Summer on Kendall Farm by Shirley Hailstock* Paranormal First Place Rising Fire: A Novel of the Stone Circles by Terri Brisbin* Finalists Knight of Rapture by Ruth A. Casie* Three Wishes by Debra Dunbar Best First Book First Place For the Love of the Dame by Miriam Allenson* Finalists Triple Threat by Regina Kyle The Dressmaker’s Duke by Jess Russell |
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