Here Comes "Vivian"

 

It's about this time every year that Romance Writers of America (RWA) announces the finalists for the prestigious RITA award, honoring the best in romance fiction published the previous year. In 2020, the RITA was retired, with thanks to Rita Clay Estrada, the woman for whom the award was named. Since then, the contest has been re-worked with new categories (click for new category definitions) and in-depth training to ensure fair and equitable judging. Last week, RWA revealed their new award, the Vivian, honoring Vivian Stephens, the founder of RWA. (Read more about Ms. Stephens and her many contributions to the romance fiction industry in this Texas Monthly article) It is the hope that this new award will honor today's diversity in publishing and inclusion of all romance voices. 

Today, RWA announced the 2021 finalists for the inaugural Vivian Award. Congratulations to all! I don't know about you but I have lots of new titles to add to my summer reading list. :)

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year.

BEST FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK

Cherokee Summer by Susan Antony

Choosing Theo: The Clecanian Series (Book One) by Victoria Aveline

Greedy Heart by A. P. Murray

Her Outback Driver by Giulia Skye

How to Stay by Christina Mitchell

Love Me Like a Love Song by Annmarie Boyle

Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert

Painting the Lines by Ashley R. King

Perfect Distraction by Allison Ashley

A Song of Secrets by Robyn Chalmers

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - LONG

The Boy Toy by Nicola Marsh

Cherokee Summer by Susan Antony

False Start by Jessica Ruddick

A Fast Woman by Laralyn Doran

Like Lovers Do by Tracey Livesay

Lovestruck by Bronwyn Sell

The Marriage Game by Sarah Desai

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - MID

Heartthrob by Robin Bielman

Pilot Down by Kimberley Troutte

Roughing by Michaela Grey

The Secret Ingredient by Kilby Blades

Swipe Right for a Cowboy by Karen Foley

Tempting Taste by Sara Whitney

Under His Protection by LaQuette

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SHORT

Engaging the Enemy by Reese Ryan

Marriage by Arrangement by Sophia Singh Sasson

There Galapagos My Heart by Philip William Stover

Worth Fighting For by Laura Kaye

EROTIC ROMANCE

Pure Satisfaction by Rebecca Hunter

The Redemption by Nikki Sloane

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - LONG

The Clothier's Daughter by Bronwyn Parry

His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell

Once a Spy by Mary Jo Putney

Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - MID

For This Knight Only by Barbara Bettis

The Footman and I by Valerie Bowman

A Song of Secrets by Robyn Chalmers

A Study in Passion by Louisa Cornell

MAINSTREAM FICTION WITH A CENTRAL ROMANCE

Accidentally Family by Sasha Summers

Every Last Drop by Sarah Robinson

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham

The Last Goodbye by Fiona Lucas

MOST ANTICIPATED ROMANCE

23 and You and Me by Michelle McCraw

Burning Caine by Janet Oppedisano

The Compound by Deena Short

Love, With Complications by Kyl Dinsio

Trivial Pursuit by Ingrid Pierce

ROMANCE WITH RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

Small Town Faith by Michelle Lindo-Rice

Stay with Me by Becky Wade

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE - LONG

Burn by Stephanie Rowe

Code of Conduct by April White

Cold Wicked Lies by Toni Anderson

Hail Mary by Hope Anika

Honor Avenged by Tonya Burrows

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE - MID

Harbour by Claire Boston

K-9 Protector by Julie Miller

Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert

Storm by Janie Crouch

SPECULATIVE ROMANCE - LONG

Curse of Seduction by Claire Robertson

Echoes of the Runes by Christina Courtenay

A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong

Written in Water by Elizabeth Schechter

SPECULATIVE ROMANCE - MID

Betwixt by Darynda Jones

RWA: The 2019 RITA and GH Finalists Are...

2013 RITA Winners Sarah MacLean & Eloisa James

I look forward to this day every year. Today is the day Romance Writers of America® announces the finalists for the Rita® and Golden Heart® awards, honoring the best published books and unpublished manuscripts of 2018. Winners of the 2019 Golden Heart® will be announced at an awards luncheon Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the RWA national conference in New York City. Winners of the RITA® will be announced at an evening awards ceremony on Friday, July 26, 2019, also during the national conference.  

I'll be posting the names of the finalists as they are announced throughout today. All finalists will be revealed by 3:00 PM (Eastern).

What books do you hope to see on the 2019 list?

Which category or categories are your favorites?

Share your thoughts about the finalists. For which books will you be cheering this July?

Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM (Eastern), March 22 will each receive a package of books. (U.S. addresses only)

2010 RITA Finalist Tessa Dare

RITA 

Contemporary Romance: Long

Novels that are set from 1950 to the present that are 84,000 or more words.  

A TALL, DARK COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Maisey Yates
BAD BACHELOR by Stefanie London
BEST OF LUCK by Kate Clayborn
LONG SHOT by Kennedy Ryan
MELT FOR YOU by J.T. Geissinger
THE HEARTLESS BOYFRIEND by Erika Kelly
LUCK OF THE DRAW by Kate Clayborn

Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length

Novels that are set from 1950 to the present that are between 56,000 and 84,000 words in length.

PART-TIME HUSBAND by Noelle Adams
GIVE AND TAKE by Lee Kilraine
LENNON REBORN by Scarlett Cole
KNOCKED-UP CINDERELLA by Julie Hammerle
LOVING A WARRIOR by Melanie Hansen
NOT QUITE CRAZY by Catherine Bybee
CELEBRITY SPIN DOCTOR by Celia Mulder
RELAY by Layla Reyne
SERGEANT SEXYPANTS by Tawna Fenske
SLEEPOVER by Serena Bell
ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY by Susannah Nix


Contemporary Romance: Short
Novels that are set from 1950 to the present that are between 40,000 and 56,000 words in length.

A BABY TO BIND HIS BRIDE by Caitlin Crews
CLAIM ME, COWBOY by Maisey Yates
FAIR GAME by Amy Andrews
TANNER'S PROMISE by Kaylie Newell
THE MILLION POUND MARRIAGE DEAL by Michelle Douglas
THE CAPTAINS' VEGAS VOWS by Caro Carson
THE BACHELOR'S BABY SURPRISE by Teri Wilson
A SAFE PLACE TO LAND by Dee Ernst
A FOOL AND HIS MANNY by Amy Lane
  

2014 Rita Finalist Courtney Milan

Erotic Romance

Novels in which strong, often explicit, sexual interaction is an inherent part of the love story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These novels may contain elements of other romance subgenres (such as paranormal, historical, etc.).

THREE-WAY SPLIT by Elia Winters
PICTURE PERFECT COWBOY by Tiffany Reisz
SINFUL GAMES by Shelly Alexander
TOTAL EXPOSURE by JA Huss

Historical Romance: Long

Novels that are set prior to 1950 and that are longer than 89,000 words.

A WICKED KIND OF HUSBAND by Mia Vincy
AN EARL LIKE YOU by Caroline Linden
A SCANDALOUS DEAL by Joanna Shupe
LADY IN WAITING by Marie Tremayne

Historical Romance: Short

Novels that are set prior to 1950 and that are between 40,000 and 89,000 words.

HELL'S BELLE by Annabelle Anders
NEVER DARE A WICKED EARL by Renee Ann Miller
THE DEVIL TO PAY by K.C. Bateman
A DUKE IN THE NIGHT by Kelly Bowen
WHAT ALES THE EARL by Sally MacKenzie
WITH LOVE IN SIGHT by Christina Britton

2018 Rita Finalist Wendy LaCapra

  

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance

Mainstream Fiction novels in which themes or elements other than the romance are integral to the story even though a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic resolution to the romance are still present. This category is intended for romances that do not fit neatly into any other category due to their mainstream fiction nature but where the central romance could not be removed without damaging the storyline.

A GIRL DIVIDED by Ellen Lindseth MORNINGS ON MAIN by Jodi Thomas
BELLEWETHER by Susanna Kearsley
FIVE YEARS GONE by Marie Force 
HOW TO KEEP A SECRET by Sarah Morgan 
MORNINGS ON MAIN by Jodi Thomas 
  

Paranormal Romance

Novels in which fantasy worlds or paranormal or science fiction elements are an integral part of the plot.

DEBRIEFING THE DEAD by Kerry Blaisdell
TO CATCH A ROGUE by Bec McMaster
THE LAST WOLF by Maria Vale
HAUNTED HEARTS by Kimberly Dean
OUT OF BODY by Suzanne Brockmann
DEAREST IVIE by J.R. Ward
WRETCHED by Cara Crescent
  

Romance Novella

Novellas are between 20,000 and 40,000 words.

CATCHING IRISH by Katy Regnery
BAD BLOOD by M. Malone
DRAGON LORD by Dana Marton
"Lead Counsel" by Aurora Rey in THE BOSS OF HER:OFFICE ROMANCE NOVELLAS
LOVING THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE by Adriana Anders
SAVED BY THE COWBOY by A.J. Pine 
"The Dragons of Summer" by Jeffe Kennedy in SEASONS OF SORCERY 
  

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements

Novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These novels may be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture.

A MOTHER FOR HIS FAMILY by Susanne Dietze
HOME ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL by Jennifer Beckstrand
THEIR AMISH REUNION by Lenora Worth 
THE SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB by Carla Laureano
  

Romantic Suspense

Novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.

BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda Novak

CUT AND RUN by Mary Burton
FEARLESS by Elizabeth Dyer
RELENTLESS by Elizabeth Dyer
RECKLESS HONOR by Tonya Burrows
CONSUMED by J.R. Ward
THE BASTARD'S BARGAIN by Katee Robert

2018 RITA Winner Kelly Bowen

  

Young Adult Romance

Novels in which young adult life is an integral part of the plot.

MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE by Nisha Sharma
CRY BABY by Ginger Scott
LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS by Ann Aguirre
NOT IF I SAVE YOU FIRST by Ally Carter
  

Best First Book

A Novel entered in another contest category. To be eligible, the author (or authors in the case of a writing team) shall not have had any other novel or novella previously commercially available in any format.

A WICKED KIND OF HUSBAND by Mia Vincy
LADY IN WAITING by Marie Tremayne
THE LAST WOLF by Maria Vale
CELEBRITY SPIN DOCTOR by Celia Mulder
WITH LOVE IN SIGHT by Christina Britton

GOLDEN HEART

Contemporary Romance

Manuscripts that are set from 1950 to the present that are greater than 65,000 words.

THE CINDERELLA FACTOR by Elly Kate
FOCUSED ON A COWBOY by Makenna Lee
HE OWNS MY HEART by Evie Drae
HOME TO YOU by Sandra Marine
HOT RAIDER by Joy Adare 
NEVER HAVE I EVER by Rosie Donan
PAGE SIX by Alexis De Girolami
ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES by Margot Pierce
SALT + STILETTOS by Janet Walden-West
TEMPTING TALK by Sara Netzley
THE TO DO LIST by Denise Williams
 

Contemporary Romance: Short

Manuscripts that are set from 1950 to the present that are less than 65,000 words in length.

BILLIONAIRE FOR HIRE by Melanie McCarthy
CHASING HOME by Priscilla Cook
LOVE ON THE BOOKS by Betsy Gray
MURPHY'S DEBT by Becke Turner
WOUNDED MARTYR by Courtney Maguire
YOU'LL NEVER LOVE IN THIS TOWN AGAIN by McKinley Reed

Historical Romance 

Manuscripts that are set prior to 1950.

A DANGEROUS AFFINITY by Emily Sullivan
A SEASON FOR SCANDAL by Mary Baumhoer
DANGEROUS PURSUIT by Ann Cheney
INTRIGUING THE IRISHMAN by Emily Sullivan
TEMPTING THE HEIRESS by Emily Sullivan
AN UNLOVED EARL by Eileen Emerson
EVERY TIME YOU'RE NEAR by Shannon Gallagher 
WYLDE AT HEART by Elizabeth King

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance

Mainstream Fiction novels in which themes or elements other than the romance are integral to the story even though a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic resolution to the romance are still present. This category is intended for romances that do not fit neatly into any other category due to their mainstream fiction nature but where the central romance could not be removed without damaging the storyline.

BROKEN WHITE LINES by Melissa Wiesner
EVERYTHING COMES BACK TO YOU by Melissa Wiesner
JANE DARLING'S RULES OF INHERITANCE by Megan McGee
LEARNING CURVE by Sharon M. Peterson
LOLITA'S MUSE by Claire DeWolf
PLAYING NICE by Evi Kline
RESURRECTING ANNIE WOLFF by Anna Collins
THE SODA FOUNTAIN SISTER AND THE FLOWER LADY by Sheri Taylor-Emery

Paranormal Romance

Manuscripts in which fantasy worlds or paranormal or science fiction elements are an integral part of the plot.

BLESS YOUR HEART AND OTHER SOUTHERN CURSES by Heather Leonard
INHERENT LIES by Alicia Anthony
TOUCH 3.3 by Valen Cox
THE TRANSFORMATION OF ALEXIS DOE by Jilly Wood
WARRIOR OF EDEN by Fenley Grant
WITCH WAY DOWN by Chelly Pike

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements

Novels in which religious or spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These novels may be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture.

COUNTERFEIT LOVE by Crystal Caudill
THE INN AT MILL CREEK by Kellie Parker
THE PROMISE OF SPRING by Mary Hutchens
  

Romantic Suspense

Manuscripts in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.

ALL YOUR BROKEN PIECES by Evie Drae
DIRTY MONEY by Monique Headley
FREE MY HEART by Diane Wiggs
HIGH HEELS AND HANDGUNS by Lisa Heartman
THE HUSTLER by Angie Hockman
DEADLY AIM by Tracy Brody
  

Young Adult Romance

Manuscripts in which young adult life is an integral part of the plot.

AFTER I BID YOU ADIEU by Sammi Spizziri
DRAGGED! by Susan Lee
SONG OF THE SOPHOS by A. Y. Chao
THE NASCENT BLOOM by Janet Raye Stevens
THE WALLS BETWEEN by Christine Gunderson


  

Today's Special - - Second Chances

I've long been a fan of anthologies and short story collections. Many of them have been the vehicle of discovery of authors who have gone on to secure places among my author favorites or even become auto-buys. Today, we shine our spotlight on a new collection of (short) stories, this one featuring seventeen authors, brought to you by Romance Writers of America®, and featuring a "second chances" theme. Four of the participating authors join us today to share what second chance romance means to them. 

Ariella Moon
"Covert Hearts" (Young Adult)

Life doesn't give us many Do Overs. And how often does Fate bring us true love? To have any chance at love is amazing, and to have a second chance is extraordinary. Sometimes we don't recognize true love until it is too late, or circumstances beyond our control separate us from our soul mate. Second Chance romances are special because they represent love delayed and a well-earned Happily Ever After.

Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her series include The Two Realms Trilogy, a medieval fantasy adventure, and The Teen Wytche Saga, a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances. Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students that mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.

Tina Ferraro
"One Hot Mess" (Young Adult)

I find it heartwarming to watch a heroine and hero find their ways back from deal-breaking issues to the chemistry and passion that once brought them together, a true made-for-each-other romance. 

Tina Ferraro is the author of numerous novels and novellas, and a two-time RITA finalist for Young Adult Romance.  She can usually be found in front of a keyboard in the Los Angeles home she shares with her husband and their two cats, writing her butt off--or, let's be honest, adding more on.

Tara Wyatt
"Reload" (Contemporary-Romantic Suspense)

I think a second chance romance is the ultimate HEA - the characters have had to fight their way back to each other after failing to make it work once. The weight of the past adds to the tension between them, and they know how good they could be together--if only they could work through their baggage.

Tara Wyatt is a contemporary romance and romantic suspense author. Known for her humor and steamy love scenes, Tara’s writing has won several awards, including the Librarian's Readers' Choice Award, the New England Readers' Choice Award, the Golden Quill, and the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award. A librarian by day and author by night, Tara lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the world's cutest dog and a husband who makes all of her heroes look like chumps. Visit her online at www.tara-wyatt.com.

Photo Credit: Suzanne German

Marilyn Brant
"When Life Imitates Art" (Contemporary)

The stakes are often very high in second chance romances because both parties know what it means to have lost out on a relationship opportunity before. I think there’s a tremendous sense of appreciation for that romantic connection when it happens again, and a great hope that -- this time around -- true love will win out against all odds.​

Marilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary women’s fiction, romantic comedy, and mystery. In 2013, she was named Author of the Year by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She loves Sherlock Holmes, travel, music, chocolate, and all things Jane Austen. Her Austen-inspired debut novel, ACCORDING TO JANE, won RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award, and Buzzle.com named it one of the 100 Best Romance Novels of All Time. Marilyn’s romantic women’s fiction has been included in the Doubleday Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, Literary Guild, and Rhapsody Book Club. She's also written several romantic comedies, like ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE, as well as a coming-of-age mystery called THE ROAD TO YOU. Her latest releases are sexy contemporary romances in her “Mirabelle Harbor” series, set on the shores of Lake Michigan, near her home in the Chicago suburbs. For updates, visit her website: www.marilynbrant.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you believe in second chances? 

Do you enjoy them in your romances?

Are you a fan of anthologies? 

Have you ever discovered a now-favorite author through an anthology?

PJ's Birthday Giveaway

Two randomly chosen people who leave a comment before 

11:00 PM, September 13, 2017 will receive

a Kindle copy of the Second Chances collection.

Romance Writers of America brings together seventeen of today's hottest authors in an anthology of never-before-published tales that reveal true love always deserves a happy ending.

Follow New York Times best-selling authors J. Kenner and Christina Lauren back to reader-favorite worlds.

New York Times bestseller Alyssa Day sprinkles djinn magic in her humorous paranormal romance, while Rachel Hauck brings the enchantment of the holidays in her New Year’s Eve contemporary love story.

And Liliana Hart delivers thrills and adventure in her characters’ search for the impossible. 

With characters who find love through tough situations, in an elegant 1800s ballroom, with an old friend who shows up when least expected, at a tender age when cliques and homework get in the way of relationships, or after a random encounter in an unlikely setting, Second Chances delivers romance to strike every reader’s fancy.

Plus tales from:

Marilyn Brant
Kerri Carpenter
CiCi Coughlin
Cassandra Dean
Tina Ferraro
Renee Luke
Ariella Moon
Brandi Willis Schreiber
Lizzie Shane
Sharon Sobel
Damon Suede
Tara Wyatt

Where to buy SECOND CHANCES

Avon: https://www.rwa.org/page/anthology  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZL166F

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chances-j-kenner/1126792622?ean=2940158730757        

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/second-chances/id1275623865?mt=11        

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/second-chances-235

Check it out on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35714526-second-chances