Celebrating the 2021 NERFA Winners and Looking Forward to 2022!

Contemporary Romance
The Bartender’s Secret by Caro Carson

Erotic Romance   
Hannah’s Bliss by Dania Voss

Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance 
Tears of the Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder

Historical Romance  
Scandal’s Promise by Pamela Gibson

Mainstream
Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson

Romantic Novella 
Chasing the Duke by Tracy Sumner

Inspirational 
Dangerous Exposure by Dianna Shuford

Romantic Suspense  
Cold Horizon by Kristy McCaffrey

Young Adult  
Please Stay for Me by M.W. McKinley

Best First Book
Please Stay for Me by M.W. McKinley

 

2021 NERFA Finalists!

Contemporary Romance

The Bartender’s Secret by Caro Carson
Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jea
The Road Home by LA Witt

Erotic Romance
The Wall Between Hearts by LA Witt
Steal My Heart by Aimee O’Brian
Hannah’s Bliss by Dania Voss

Paranormal Romance

Ripples and Waves by LA Witt
Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe by Melanie A. Smith
Tears of the Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder

 

Historical Romance

Scandal’s Promise by Pamela Gibson
FELICE by Kathleen Bittner Roth
Regarding the Duke by Grace Callaway

 

Mainstream

Home Waters by Elizabeth Devlin
CHRISTMAS CHARMS by Teri Wilson
A Ghoulish Midlife by Lia Davis and LA Boruff

 

Romantic Novella

Chasing the Duke by Tracy Sumner
A MERRY ROYAL LAYOVER by Teri Wilson
Meet Me at the Inn by Roni Denholtz

 

Inspirational

Dangerous Exposure by Dianna Shuford
At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer
An Unexpected Arrangement by Heidi McCahan

 

Romantic Suspense

Cold & Deadly by Toni Anderson
Cold Horizon by Kristy McCaffrey
Shattered Vows by Kaylea Cross

 

Young Adult

Evergreen by Marissa Doyle
Please Stay for Me by M.W. McKinley
ENDURING DESTINY by Shaila  Patel

 

Best First Book

Dangerous Exposure by Dianna Shuford (also IR)
Please Stay for Me by M.W. McKinley (Also YA)
Home Waters by Elizabeth Devlin (Also MR)

 

* indicates FCRW member

2020 NERFA

NO CONTEST DUE TO COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

 

 

Congratulations to the 2019
National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards Winners!

Contemporary Romance 56k words and up

Mischief in Mayhem by L.E. Rico

Contemporary Romance 40k-56k words

Christmas and Cannolis by Peggy Jaeger

Historical Romance

Kidnapped by a Rogue by Margaret Mallory

Romantic Suspense

Shadow Point Deputy by Julie Anne Lindsey

Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Phaze by S.C. Mitchell

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements

His Cinderella Sweetheart by Anna Grace

Young Adult Romance

Fighting Fate by Shaila Patel

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance

The Audacity of an Adirondack Summer by L.R. Smolarek

Erotic Romance

Best Laid Plans by Rebecca Hunter

Romantic Novella

Christmas Dreams and Santa Schemes by Barbara Lohr

Best First Book

Secret Past by Sharee Stover

Congratulations to the 2018
National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards Winners!

Contemporary Romance
His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras

Historical Romance
The Viscount and the Valet by Abigail Dane

Romantic Suspense
A Covert Affair by Susan Mann

Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
The Trouble with Fairies by Liz Roadifer

Inspirational Romance
The Color of Truth by Stacy Monson

Novella Romance
Educating Dr. Mayfield by Rebecca Heflin

Erotic Romance
Keeping his Siren by Kiersten Fay

Best First Book
Her Texas Rebel by LeAnne Bristow

Congratulations to the 2017
National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards Winners!

Contemporary Romance
Home Free by Claire McEwen
Editor: Karen Reid
Agent: Jill Marsal

Paranormal, Fantasy or SciFi Romance
The Beacon by Cara Crescent
Editor: Theodora Bryant

Historical/Regency Romance
Susana and the Scot by Sabrina York
Editor: Monique Patterson
Agent: Nicole Resciniti

Romantic Suspense
Primal Instinct by Tara Wyatt
Editor: Alex Logan

Inspirational Romance
Castles in the Clouds by Myra Johnson
Editor: Ericka McIntyre
Agent: Natasha Kern

Best First Book
1462 South Broadway by KC Decker

Congratulations to the finalist in the
National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards!

Contemporary Romance
1462 South Broadway by KC Decker
Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham

Paranormal, Fantasy or SciFi Romance
Skin Deep by Marissa Doyle
The Haunting of Hotel LaBelle by Sharon Buchbinder

Historical/Regency Romance
The Bluebird by Kristy McCaffrey
The Trouble With Tigers by Kimberly Keyes

Romantic Suspense
Cold Hearted by Toni Anderson
Take a Chance on Me by Virginia Kelly

Inspirational Romance
A Changed Agent by Tracey Lyons
Blindsided by Katy Lee

Best First Book
Angel Falls by Babette de Jongh
Pas de Deux by Wynter S.K. 

2016 Winners & Finalists

Contemporary Series Romance
Winner: Rebecca Hunter for Stockholm Diaries, Caroline
Finalists:

Janie Crouch for Untraceable (Omega Sector)
Kate James for When the Right One Comes Along

Contemporary Single Title Romance
Winner: Penny Watson for A Taste of Heaven
Finalists:

Debby Grahl for Rue Toulouse
Bev Pettersen for Backstretch Baby

Erotic Romance
Winner: Christina James for Operation: Desire Me (Operation Series Book 3)
Finalists:

Betsy Anne for A Love We Deserve (True Love)(Volume 2)
LaQuette for Power Privilege & Pleasure: Queens of Kings (Book 4)

Paranormal and Futuristic
Winner: Debra Jess for Blood Surfer: A Thunder City Novel, Book 1 *
Finalists:

Lisa Kessler for Ice Moon
Katrina Snow for Forbidden

Historical/Regency Romance
Winner: Terri Brisbin for Stolen by the Highlander
Finalists:

Georgie Lee for A Debt Paid in Marriage (The Business of Marriage)
Madeline Martin for Possession of a Highlander *

Inspirational Romance
Winner: Stacy Monson for Dance of Grace (Chain of Lakes Book 2)
Finalists:

Stacy Monson for Shattered Image (Chain of Lakes)(Volume 1)
Tina Radcliffe for Safe in the Fireman’s Arms

Novel with Romantic Elements
Winner: Deeanne Gist for Tiffany Girl: A Novel
Finalists:

Linda Lucretia Shuler for Hidden Shadows
Kate Parker for The Conspiring Woman (A Victorian Bookshop Mystery)(Volume 4)

Novella
Winner: Anthea Lawson for A Duke for Midwinter: A Victorian Christmas Novella
Finalists:

Kerri Carpenter for Kissing Mr. Wrong (Wrong Man)
Cheryl Yeko for Eyes of a Hero (Hero Series Book 2)

Romantic Suspense
Winner: Lena Diaz for EXIT Strategy: An EXIT Inc. Thriller *
Finalists:

Stanalei Fletcher for Dead Reckoning (Northstar Security Series)
Leslie Jones for Bait: Duty & Honor Book Two

Young Adult Romance
Winner: Jessica Ruddick for Letting Go
Finalists:

Kate Bridges for When I find Her
Anthea Sharp for Marny: Feyguard Book 3

Best First Book
Winner: Katrina Snow for Forbidden
Finalists:

Debra Jess for Blood Surfer: A Thunder City Novel, Book 1 *
Stacy Monson for Shattered Image (Chain of Lakes Book 1)

 

* Indicates member of FCRW.

2015 Winners & Finalists

Contemporary Series

Winner: A League of Her Own by Karen Rock
Finalists:
Primal Instinct by Janie Crouch
Stalked by Beverly Long

Single Title

Winner: Just One Thing by Holly Jacobs
Finalists:
Abstract Love by Samantha Christy
Unleashed by Rachel Lacey

Novella

Winner: The Gift by Margaret Mallory
Finalists:
Night Angel by Lisa Kessler
A Pony for Christmas by Bev Petterson

Erotic Romance

Winner: Hers to Own by Anne Lange
Finalists:
Tempting Meredith by Samantha Ann King
Cowboys Never Fold by Lexi Post

Romantic Suspense

Winner: Cold Pursuit by Toni Anderson
Finalists:
A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson
Saving Sophie by Cate Beauman

Historical

Winner: What a Duke Dares by Anna Campbell
Finalists:
The Unexpected Duchess by Valerie Bowman
Must Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels

Romantic Elements

Winner: Fair Play by Deeanne Gist
Finalists:
A Tide Too High by Carole Brungar
Amber Light by Virginia McCullough

Paranormal/Futuristic

Winner: Spark Rising by Kate Corcino
Finalists: 
Wicked Flames by Sharon Kay
Overload Flux by Carol Van Natta

Young Adult

Winner: Innocent by Callie James
Finalists:
This Is Your Afterlife by Vanessa Barneveld
Student Bodyguard for Hire by Callie James

Best First Book

Winner: Must Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels
Finalists:
A Tide Too High by Carole Brungar
Unleashed by Rachel Lacey

2014 Winners & Finalists

Contemporary Series

WINNER A Kiss to Die For by Gail Barrett, Harlequin Romantic Suspense, editor Susan Litman, agent Pam Hopkins

**The Cradle Conspiracy by Robin Perini, Harlequin Intrigue, editor Allison Lyons, agent Jill Marsal

**Undercover Texas by Robin Perini, Harlequin Intrigue, editor Rachel Burkot, agent Jill Marsal

Contemporary Single Title

WINNER Country Roads by Nancy Herkness, Montlake Romance, editors JoVon Sotak and Kelli Martin, agent Jane Dystel

**Leave the Lights On by Karen Stivali, Samhain

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell, editor Jamie Farrell

Erotic Romance

WINNER The Naughty Never Die by L.L. Kellogg, LK Books, editor Gwynlyn MacKenzie

All Fired Up by Nikki Dee Houston, Etopia Press, editor Matt Dale

Emily’s Cowboy by Donna Gallagher, Totally Bound Publishing, editor Amy Parker

Historical Romance

WINNER Sweet Madness by Heather Snow, NAL Signet Eclipse, editor Danielle Perez, agent Barbara Poelle

A Rake’s Midnight Kiss by Anna Campbell, Grand Central, editor Amy Pierpont, agent Nancy Yost

*Secrets of a Runaway Bride by Valerie Bowman, St. Martin’s Press, editor Holly Ingraham, agent Kevan Lyons

Inspirational Romance

WINNER *The Outlaw’s Redemption by Renee Ryan, Harlequin Love Inspired Historical, editor Melissa Endlich

A Melody for James by Hallee Bridgeman, Olivia Kimbrell Press

Threads of Love by Andrea Boeshaar, Charisma House Realms, editor Debbie Marrie, agent Steve Laube

Novel with Romantic Elements

WINNER It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist, Simon and Schuster/Howard, editor Beth Adams, agent Will LoTurco

The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee, Simon and Schuster Gallery, editor Abby Zidle, agent Emmanuelle Morgen

White Lies by Emily Harper, Emily Harper, editor Emily Ferko

Novella

WINNER Pleasure Palace by Kelli Scott, Ellora’s Cave, editor Kelli Collins

**Decadence by Karen Stivali, Ellora’s Cave/Moderne, editor Jillian Bell

The Christmas Crossing by Bev Pettersen, Debra Holland, editor Debra Holland

Romantic Suspense

WINNER Deadly Bonds by Anne Marie Becker, Carina Press, editor Deborah Nemeth, agent Jill Marsal

*Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead by Lena Diaz, HarperCollins Avon Impulse, editor Chelsey Emmelhainz, agent Nalini Akolekar

**Redemption for Liars by Elizabeth Janette, Soul Mate Publishing, editor Cheryl Yeko

Paranormal and Futuristic Romance

WINNER Escape From Zulaire by Veronica Scott, Veronica Scott

**Feeling Lucky by Kathy Bryson, Soul Mate Publishing, editor Debbie Gilbert

*The Cursed by Alyssa Day, Berkley, editor Cindy Hwang, agent Jim McCarthy

Young Adult Romance

WINNER Starstruck by Brenda Hiatt, Brenda Hiatt, editor Chuck McDaniel

Compliance by Maureen McGowan, Amazon Publishing/Skyscape, editors Lindsay Guzzardo and Margery Cuyler, agent Charlie Olsen

Spark by Anthea Sharp, Anthea Sharp

Best First Book

WINNER **Feeling Lucky by Kathy Bryson, Soul Mate Publishing, editor Debbie Gilbert

**Redemption for Liars by Elizabeth Janette, Soul Mate Publishing, editor Cheryl Yeko

Symphony of Light and Winter by Renea Mason, Etopia Press, editor Kyle Lewis

* FCRW Member

** Double Finalist

PREVIOUS WINNERS & FINALISTS

2013

Best First Book

Winner        Blood Marriage by Regina Richards
Finalist        A Bride Opens a Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
Finalist        Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman*

Contemporary Series Romance

Winner        Finding Her Son by Robin Perini
Finalist         Rancher’s Son by Leigh Duncan
Finalist         No Hero by Mallory Kane

Contemporary Single Title Romance

Winner        Hot Under Pressure by Louisa Edwards
Finalist         Planning for Love by Christie Barth
Finalist         More Than A Kiss by Stacy Joy Netzel

Romantic Suspense

Winner        For Better or Hearse by Ann Yost
Finalist         Avenging Angel by Anne Marie Becker
Finalist         Simon Says Die by Lena Diaz*

Novel with Romantic Elements

Winner        Christmas on Mimosa Lane by Anne DeStefano
Finalist         The Third Scroll by Dana Martin
Finalist         Too Close for Comfort by Lynne Marshall

Historical/Regency Romance

Winner        Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman* 
Finalist         The Casanova Code by Donna MacMeans
Finalist         His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly*

Paranormal and Futuristic Romance

Winner         Tempted by Blood by Laurie London
Finalist          Heart of Atlantis by Alyssa Day*
Finalist          The Reluctant Amazon by Sandy James

Romance Novella

Winner        Those Violet Eyes by Vonnie Davis
Finalist         A Tale of Two Djinns by Mina Khan
Finalist         Assassin’s Touch by Laurie London

Inspirational Romance

Winner         A Bride Opens a Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
Finalist          Love of a Lifetime by Carol Voss
Finalist          Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners

Young Adult Romance

Winner         Savage Cinderella by PJ Sharon
Finalist          Waning Moon by PJ Sharon
Finalist          Ashes of Twilight by Kassy Tayler

Erotic Romance

Winner         Hair of the Dog by Kelli Scott
Finalist          Frat Boy & Toppy by Anne Tenino
Finalist          Hers for the Holidays by Samantha Hunter

* indicates FCRW member