On July 20th, the Romance Writers of America (RWA) announced the winners of the 2013 RITA Awards, which honor excellence in romantic fiction. From supernatural mysteries, to teen dystopian fiction, to fresh contemporary love stories, these books represent the diversity and breadth of the romance genre.
The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Equal parts ghost story, mystery, and love story, Simone St. James’ gripping debut about a woman who gets enlisted to help a ghost hunter in post-World War I England won “Best First Book” as well as “Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements.”
The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
A marine makes a promise to a dying fellow soldier that he will help the family the fallen soldier leaves behind, eventually finding love with the man’s twin sister. Barbara Freethy’s heartwarming tale nabbed “Best Contemporary Single Title Romance” this year.
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
After losing his inheritance when he was young, Michael vows revenge. Over the years he grows ruthless as he accumulates wealth and power, and even gets a vast estate as a dowry for marrying an older bride. Is there a chance he could actually grow to love her, though? Find out in this year’s “Best Historical Romance.”
The Farm by Emily McKay
Emily McKay’s fresh take on vampires takes place in a violent and disturbing future plagued with creatures known as “ticks.” Healthy teens have been quarantined into camps, known as “farms,” where they are kept in captivity for protection, but twins Lily and Mel suspect that there’s something sinister happening and plan to escape. Things get more complicated when a boy Lily used to know arrives at the camp. Emily McKay’s foray into teen fiction won the “Best Young Adult Romance” award.
And here are some other winners:
Best Inspirational Romance: Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
Best Paranormal Romance: Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole
Best Romance Novella: Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James
Best Romantic Suspense: Scorched by Laura Griffin
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