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New Jersey Romance Writers Contests
Previous Winners​

2021 Put Your Heart in a Book

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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Long Contemporary
WINNER:
Jennie Marts  When a Cowboy Loves a Woman

FINALISTS:
Casey Dembowski When We’re Thirty
Deborah Garland  Bossy Billionaire 

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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

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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

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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 
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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

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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

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*

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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
 

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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

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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

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​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 

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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

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

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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

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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*       ​

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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 

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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 ​

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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

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*

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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

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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*

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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*

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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

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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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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

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

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

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

​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

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

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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  • Members Only
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    • HeartBeat Newsletter