Congratulations to the 2023 NERFA Winners
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Metalsome Hearts by Kate Baldwin
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl by Grace Callaway
MAINSTREAM ROMANCE
Perfect Silence by Kari Lemor
ROMANCE NOVELLA
Mistletoe, Merriment, and Murder: A Love Story by Fenley Grant
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Cold Deceit by Toni Anderson
SPECULATIVE ROMANCE
The Naked Moon by Nicole Kelleher
YOUNG ADULT
We did not receive enough entries for this category.
BEST FIRST BOOK
Tides of Blue by Sharon Brubaker
Congratulations to the NERFA 2023 Finalists!
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
A Full-Bodied Love by Amber Cross
Never Enough Cowboy: Creedence Horse Rescue Book 4 by Jennie Marts
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Eloping with the Laird by Jeanine Englert
The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner
MAINSTREAM ROMANCE
Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts
Seeking Tranquility by Amy Schisler
ROMANCE NOVELLA
Aliases, Artifacts, and Attraction: A Love Story by Fenley Grant
The Governess Gamble by Tracy Sumner
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Into the Storm by Rachel Grant
Rough Riot by Karen Renee
SPECULATIVE ROMANCE
Ancient Vengeance by Katie Reus
Dragon Fire by Aleah Raynes
YOUNG ADULT
We did not receive enough entries for this category.
BEST FIRST BOOK
Ballroom Blitz by Natalie Cross
Thumb Fire Desire by Carol Nickles
Congratulations to the 2022 NERFA Winners!
Contemporary Romance
Accidental Homecoming by Sabrina York
Historical Romance
Highland Warrior by Heather McCollum
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance
Dead Sound by Anise Eden
Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Ancient Enforcer by Katie Reus
Romantic Novella (15k to 40k words)
Falling for Irish by Katie Reus
Romantic Suspense
Cold Cruel Kiss by Toni Anderson
Best First Book
The Refusal by Eve M. Riley
Congratulations to the NERFA 2022 Finalists!
Contemporary Romance
The Agent by Nancy Herkness
Lost Dreams by Kari Lemor
Historical Romance
Highland Prodigy by Willa Blair
Home In Wylder by Jane Lewis
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance
The Healing Summer by Heather B. Moore
Loving Summer by Carole Brungar
Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Redeemed By Fire by C J Bahr
Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day
Romantic Novella (15k to 40k words)
Unintended Target by Katie Reus
Operation Santa by Tina Susedik
Romantic Suspense
Cold As Ice by Toni Anderson
Tactical Revenge by Kari Lemor
Best First Book
The Astronomer’s Obsession by K. Lyn Smith
Cole For Christmas by Janet Raye Stevens
Celebrating the 2021 NERFA Winner
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
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
Paranormal Romance
Ripples and Waves by LA Witt
Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe by Melanie A. Smith
Historical Romance
FELICE by Kathleen Bittner Roth
Regarding the Duke by Grace Callaway
Mainstream
Home Waters by Elizabeth Devlin
A Ghoulish Midlife by Lia Davis and LA Boruff
Romantic Novella
A Merry Royal Layover by Teri Wilson
Meet Me at the Inn by Roni Denholtz
Inspirational
At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer
An Unexpected Arrangement by Heidi McCahan
Romantic Suspense
Cold & Deadly by Toni Anderson
Shattered Vows by Kaylea Cross
Young Adult
Evergreen by Marissa Doyle
Enduring Destiny by Shaila Patel
Best First Book
Dangerous Exposure by Dianna Shuford (also IR)
Home Waters by Elizabeth Devlin (Also MR)
2020 NERFA
NO CONTEST DUE TO COVID-19 LOCKDOWN
Congratulations to the 2019 NERFA
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 NERFA 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 NERFA 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 2017 NERFA
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 & NERFA 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 & NERFA 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
Best First Book
Winner: Must Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels
Finalists: A Tide Too High by Carole Brungar
Unleashed by Rachel Lacey
Student Bodyguard for Hire by Callie James
2014 Winners & NERFA Finalists
Contemporary Series
Winner: Kiss to Die For by Gail Barrett, Harlequin Romantic Suspense, editor Susan Litman, agent Pam Hopkins
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee, Simon and Schuster Gallery, editor Abby Zidle, agent Emmanuelle Morgen
White Lies Emily Harper, Emily Harper, editor Emily Ferko
Novella
Winner: Pleasure Palace by Kelli Scott, Ellora’s Cave, editor Kelli Collins
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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
Finalists:
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 Kathy Bryson, Soul Mate Publishing, editor Debbie Gilbert
Finalists:
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
2013 WINNERS & NERFA FINALISTS
Best First Book
Winner: Blood Marriage by Regina Richards
Finalists:
A Bride Opens a Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
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
No Hero by Mallory Kane
Contemporary Single Title Romance
Winner: Hot Under Pressure by Louisa Edwards
Finalists:
Planning for Love by Christie Barth
More Than A Kiss by Stacy Joy Netzel
Romantic Suspense
Winner: For Better or Hearse by Ann Yost
Finalists:
Avenging Angel by Anne Marie Becker
Simon Says Die by Lena Diaz*
Novel with Romantic Elements
Winner: Christmas on Mimosa Lane by Anne DeStefano
Finalists:
The Third Scroll by Dana Martin
Too Close for Comfort by Lynne Marshall
Historical/Regency Romance
Winner: Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman*
Finalists:
The Casanova Code by Donna MacMeans
His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly*
Paranormal and Futuristic Romance
Winner: Tempted by Blood by Laurie London
Finalists:
Heart of Atlantis by Alyssa Day*
The Reluctant Amazon by Sandy James
Romance Novella
Winner: Those Violet Eyes by Vonnie Davis
Finalists:
A Tale of Two Djinns by Mina Khan
Assassin’s Touch by Laurie London
Inspirational Romance
Winner: A Bride Opens a Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
Finalists:
Love of a Lifetime by Carol Voss
Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners
Young Adult Romance
Winner: Savage Cinderella by PJ Sharon
Finalists:
Waning Moon by PJ Sharon
Ashes of Twilight by Kassy Tayler
Erotic Romance
Winner: Hair of the Dog by Kelli Scott
Finalists:
Frat Boy & Toppy by Anne Tenino
Hers for the Holidays by Samantha Hunter
* indicates FCRW member
