The Rita Awards have been presented annually by the members of the Romance Writers of America [RWA] to romance novels receiving the highest scores by a panel of romance-author judges. Originally known from 1982 to 1989 simply as The Golden Medallion Awards, the name was changed in 1990 to honor Rita Clay Estrada, the first president of RWA. Over the years, both the structure of the awards, and the categories in which the awards have been presented have occasionally changed. Currently, there are twelve categories in which Ritas are presented. Additional information about the Ritas can be found at A History of the Rita Awards. Information about Nebraska chapters of RWA is also available on-line. Although many of the individual Rita Award-winning novels are not owned by the Lincoln City Libraries, those titles in this list which are "hotlinked" to the library's catalog are currently owned by the Lincoln City Libraries. The remaining titles are provided for the sake of historical accuracy. In many cases, the Lincoln City Libraries owns other titles by most of these award-winning authors.
Rita Winners for Best Novel
Best Traditional Romance
| 2007 |
Barbara Hannay |
Claiming His Family |
| 2006 |
Marion Lennox |
Princess of Convenience |
| 2005 |
Jessica Hart |
Christmas Eve Marriage |
| 2004 |
Marion Lennox |
Her Royal Baby |
| 2003 |
Debbie Macomber |
The Christmas Basket |
| 2002 |
Sandra Steffen |
Quinn's Complete Seduction |
| 2001 |
Liz Fielding |
The Best Man and the Bridesmaid |
| 2000 |
Kristin Gabriel |
Annie, Get Your Groom |
| 1999 |
Kristin Gabriel |
Monday Man |
| 1998 |
Lucy Gordon |
His Brother's Child |
| 1997 |
Lauryn Chandler |
Her Very Own Husband |
| 1996 |
Elizabeth Sites |
Stranger in Her Arms |
| 1995 |
Lauryn Chandler |
Oh, Baby! |
| 1994 |
Lindsay Longford |
Annie and the Wise Men |
| 1993 |
Marie Ferrarella |
Father Goose |
| 1992 |
Bethany Campbell |
Every Kind of Heaven |
| 1991 |
Lucy Gordon |
Song of the Lorelei |
| 1990 |
Mona Van Wieren |
Rhapsody in Bloom |
| 1989 |
Bethany Campbell |
Flirtation River |
| 1988 |
Rita Rainville |
It Takes a Thief |
| 1987 |
Sandy Dengler |
Opal Fire |
| 1986 |
Doreen Malek |
The Crystal Unicorn |
| 1985 |
Brittany Young |
The Karas Cup |
| 1984 |
Nora Roberts |
Untamed |
Best Short Contemporary Romance
[Originally identified as a contemporary novel of under 65,000 words]
| 2007 |
Jessica Bird |
From the First |
| 2006 |
Liz Fielding |
The Marriage Miracle |
| 2005 |
Barbara McCauley |
Miss Pruitt's Private Life |
| 2004 |
Nicole Burnham |
The Knight's Kiss |
| 2003 |
Cindy Kay Gerard |
Taming the Outlaw |
| 2002 |
Barbara Daly |
A Long, Hot Christmas |
| 2001 |
Stephanie Bond |
It Takes a Rebel |
| 2000 |
Anne McAllister |
The Stardust Cowboy |
| 1999 |
Caroline Cross |
The Notorious Groom |
| 1998 |
Jennifer Greene |
Nobody's Princess |
| 1997 |
Anne McAllister |
Cowboy Pride |
| 1996 |
Jennifer Greene |
Single Dad |
| 1995 |
Jennifer Crusie |
Getting Rid of Bradley |
| 1994 |
Glenna McReynolds |
Avenging Angel |
| 1993 |
Helen R. Myers |
Navarrone |
| 1992 |
Glenda Sanders |
A Human Touch |
| 1991 |
Jan Hudson |
Step Into My Parlor |
| 1990 |
Jennifer Greene |
Night of the Hunter |
| 1989 |
Kathleen Creighton |
Winter's Daughter |
| 1988 |
Terri Herrington |
Stolen Moments |
| 1987 |
Kathleen Creighton |
Still Waters |
| 1986 |
Joan Hohl |
Much Needed Holiday |
| 1985 |
Nora Roberts |
Opposites Attract |
| 1984 |
Eileen Bryan |
Memory and Desire |
Best Long Contemporary Romance
[Originally identified as a contemporary novel of 65,00-80,000 words]
| 2007 |
Lori Handeland |
The Mommy Quest |
| 2006 |
Dianna Love Snell |
Worth Every Risk |
| 2005 |
Inglath Cooper |
John Riley's Girl |
| 2004 |
Kathleen Creighton |
The Top Gun's Return |
| 2003 |
Catherine Mann |
Taking Cover |
| 2002 |
Fay Robinson |
Coming Home to You |
| 2001 |
Marilyn Pappano |
Rogue's Reform |
| 2000 |
Suzanne Brockmann |
Undercover Princess |
| 1999 |
Ruth Wind |
Meant to be Married |
| 1998 |
Ruth Wind |
Reckless |
| 1997 |
Naomi Horton |
Wild Blood |
| 1996 |
Justine Davis |
The Morning Side of Dawn |
| 1995 |
Kathleen Korbel |
A Soldier's Heart |
| 1994 |
Emilie Richards |
Dragonslayer |
| 1993 |
Karen Young |
The Silence of Midnight |
| 1992 |
Kathleen Korbel |
A Rose for Maggie |
| 1991 |
Cheryl Reavis |
Patrick Gallagher's Widow |
| 1990 |
Kathleen Korbel |
The Ice Cream Man |
| 1989 |
Cheryl Reavis |
A Crime of the Heart |
| 1988 |
Kathleen Creighton |
In Defense of Love |
| 1987 |
Nora Roberts |
One Summer |
| 1986 |
Georgia Bockoven |
Today, Tomorrow and Always |
| 1985 |
Nora Roberts |
A Matter of Choice |
| 1984 |
Deirdre Mardon |
Destiny's Sweet Errand [tie] |
| 1984 |
Nora Roberts |
This Magic Moment [tie] |
Best Paranormal Romance
[Includes novels with strong Paranormal, Fantasy or Science Fiction themes]
| 2007 |
Kresley Cole |
A Hunger Like no Other |
| 2006 |
Linnea Sinclair |
Gabriel's Ghost |
| 2005 |
Lori Handeland |
Blue Moon |
| 2004 |
Linda Fallon |
Shades of Midnight |
| 2003 |
Susan Grant |
Contact |
| 2002 |
Robin D. Owens |
Heart Mate |
| 2001 |
Karen Marie Moning |
The Highlander's Touch |
| 2000 |
Jeanette Baker |
Nell |
| 1999 |
Susan Carroll |
The Bride Finder |
| 1998 |
Justine Dare |
FireHawk |
| 1997 |
Lynn Kurland |
Stardust of Yesterday |
| 1996 |
Modean Moon |
The Covenant |
| 1995 |
Justine Davis |
Lord of the Storm |
| 1994 |
Anne Stuart |
Falling Angel |
| 1993 |
Antoinette Stockenberg |
Emily's Ghost |
| 1992 |
Justine Davis |
Angel for Hire |
Best Inspirational Romance
[Novels featuring a strong religious or spiritual theme]
Best Romantic Novella
[Shorter works, often appearing in magazines or anthologies]
| 2007 |
Roxanne St. Claire |
"Tis the Silly Season" from A NASCAR Holiday |
| 2006 |
Alesia Holliday |
"The Naked Truth About Guys" from The Naked Truth |
| 2005 |
Maggie Shayne |
"Her Best Enemy" from Night's Edge |
| 2004 |
Gayle Wilson |
"Prisoner of the Tower" from The Wedding Chase |
| 2003 |
Lynn Kurland |
"To Kiss in Shadows" |
| 2002 |
Lisa Kleypas |
"I Will" from Wish List |
| 2001 |
Merlene Lovelace |
"Final Approach to Forever" from Once Upon a Dream |
| 2000 |
Marianne Willman |
"Starry, Starry Night" |
Best First Book
| 2007 |
Tracy Anne Warren |
The Husband Trap |
| 2006 |
Stephanie Feagan |
Show Her the Money |
| 2005 |
Lani Diane Rich |
Time Off for Good Behavior |
| 2004 |
Susan Crandall |
Back Roads |
| 2003 |
Wendy Lindstrom |
Shades of Honor |
| 2002 |
Elizabeth English |
The Border Bride |
| 2001 |
Fay Robinson |
A Man Like Mac |
| 2000 |
Isolde Martyn |
The Maiden and the Unicorn |
| 1999 |
Adele Ashworth |
My Darling Caroline |
| 1998 |
Elizabeth Boyle |
Brazen Angel |
| 1997 |
Lynn Kurland |
Stardust of Yesterday |
| 1996 |
Elizabeth Elliot |
The Warlord |
| 1995 |
Angie Ray |
Ghostly Enchantment |
| 1994 |
Megan Chance |
A Candle in the Dark |
| 1993 |
Jeane Renick |
Trust Me |
| 1992 |
Christina Dodd |
Candle in the Window |
| 1991 |
Dee Holmes |
Black Horse Island |
| 1990 |
Alaina Hawthorne |
Out of the Blue |
Best Regency Romance
| 2006 |
Diana Gaston |
A Reputable Rake |
| 2005 |
Sophia Nash |
A Passionate Endeavor |
| 2004 |
Nancy Butler |
Prospero's Daughter |
| 2003 |
Barbara Metzger |
A Debt to Delia |
| 2002 |
Jessica Benson |
Much Obliged |
| 2001 |
Emma Jensen |
A Grand Design |
| 2000 |
Nancy Butler |
The Rake's Retreat |
| 1999 |
Emma Jenson |
His Grace Endures |
| 1998 |
Jean R. Ewing |
Love's Reward |
| 1997 |
Carla Kelly |
The Lady's Companion |
| 1996 |
Lynn Kerstan & Alicia Rasley |
Gwen's Christmas Ghost |
| 1995 |
Carla Kelly |
Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand |
| 1994 |
Jo Beverley |
Deidre and Don Juan |
| 1993 |
Jo Beverley |
An Unwilling Bride |
| 1992 |
Jo Beverley |
Emily and the Dark Angel |
| 1991 |
Loretta Chase |
The Sandalwood Princess |
| 1990 |
Mary Jo Putney |
The Rake and the Reformer |
| 1989 |
Susan Carroll |
Brighton Road |
| 1988 |
Susan Carroll |
Sugar Rose |
| 1987 |
Amanda Scott |
Lord Abberley's Nemesis |
| 1986 |
Monette Cummings |
The Beauty's Daughter |
| 1985 |
Kasey Michaels |
The Lurid Lady of Lockport |
Best Short Historical Romance
Best Long Historical Romance
Best Romantic Suspense
Best Single Title Contemporary Romance
Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements
The remaining Rita Award categories listed below have been used in past years, either once or several times, but have been phased out in favor of the thirteen categories listed above. They are provided here for historical context.
Category Contemporary
| 1982 |
Brooke Hastings |
Winner Take All |
Mainstream Contemporary
| 1983 |
Lynda Trent |
Opal Fires |
| 1982 |
Barbara Faith |
The Sun Dancers |
Contemporary Sensual
Contemporary Sweet
| 1983 |
Dixie Browning |
Renegade Player |
Category Historical
| 1984 |
Julie Jeffries |
The Clergyman's Daughter |
| 1983 |
Mara Seger |
Defiant Love |
| 1982 |
Constance Ravenlock |
Rendezvous at Gramercy |
Historical
| 1995 |
Jodi Thomas |
To Tame a Texan's Heart |
| 1989 |
Jill Marie Landis |
Sunflower |
| 1988 |
LaVyrle Spencer |
The Gamble |
| 1987 |
Robyn Carr |
By Right of Arms |
| 1986 |
Francine Rivers |
Not So Wild a Dream |
| 1985 |
LaVyrle Spencer |
Twice Loved |
| 1984 |
LaVyrle Spencer |
Hummingbird |
Mainstream Historical
| 1983 |
LaVyrle Spencer |
The Endearment |
| 1982 |
Anna James |
Day Beyond Destiny |
Series Historical
| 1994 |
Jo Beverley |
My Lady Notorious |
| 1993 |
Cheryl Reavis |
The Prisoner |
| 1992 |
Jodi Thomas |
The Tender Texan |
| 1991 |
Penelope Williamson |
A Wild Yearning |
| 1990 |
Patricia Gardner |
Silver Noose |
Single Title Historical
| 1994 |
Elizabeth Lowell |
Untamed |
| 1993 |
Penelope Williamson |
Keeper of the Dream |
| 1992 |
Pamela Morsi |
Courting Miss Hattie |
| 1991 |
Elizabeth Stuart |
Where Love Dwells |
| 1990 |
Julie Garwood |
The Bride |
Young Adult
| 1996 |
Cheryl Zach |
Runaway |
| 1995 |
Arleynn Presser |
Second to None |
| 1994 |
Wendy Corsi Staub |
Summer Lightning |
| 1993 |
Sherry Garland |
Song of the Buffalo Boy |
| 1992 |
Lurlene McDaniel |
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep |
| 1991 |
[no award] |
[no award] |
| 1990 |
Vivian Schurfranz |
Renee |
| 1989 |
Eileen Charbonneau |
The Ghosts of Stony Cove |
| 1988 |
Arlene Erlbach |
Does Your Nose Get in the Way, Too? |
| 1987 |
Kathleen Garvey |
Video Fever |
| 1986 |
Cheryl Zach |
Waiting for Amanda |
| 1985 |
Cheryl Zach |
The Frog Princess |
| 1984 |
Barbara Bartholomew |
Julie's Magic Moment |
| 1983 |
Jo Stewart |
Andrea |
Mainstream
| 1985 |
Kathleen Gilles Seidel |
After All These Years |
Single Title Release
| 1990 |
Diane Chamberlain |
Private Relations |
| 1989 |
Linda Barlow |
Leaves of Fortune |
| 1988 |
Barbara Delinsky |
Twilight Whispers |
| 1987 |
Tom and Sharon Curtis |
Sunshine and Shadow |
| 1986 |
Anne Stuart |
Banish Misfortune |
Best Romance of [previous publishing year]
RWA's Favorite Book of [previous publishing year]
Updated September 2007 sdc
Looking for additional novels on this or other subjects? Try out the NoveList database!
 | Interested in other romance stories? You might want to sign up for our On-Line Romance Book Club at our On-Line Book Clubs page, or take a look at our other romance-themed lists on our booklists page. |
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