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RITA Awards (Romance)

Description: Bookshare is pleased to present RITA award winning romance since 2010. The annual RITA Award is the most prominent award given throughout the genre of romance fiction. #award #adults


Showing 26 through 50 of 105 results
 
 

Romancing the Duke

by Tessa Dare

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one. Ugly duckling turned swan? Abducted by handsome highwayman? Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?No, no, and . . . Heh.Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who's never even been kissed?This one.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2015

Category: Short Historical Romance

A Rogue by Any Other Name

by Sarah MacLean

What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets. . . A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance-including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury. A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures. Bourne may be a prince of London's illicit underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness-a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . .even her heart.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2013

Category: Historical Romance

The Problem with Forever

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a riveting new story about friendship, survival and finding your voiceFor some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory "Mouse" Dodge, it's a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it's been four years since her nightmare ended, she's beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone--spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she's imagined, there's one she never dreamed of--that she'd run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn't seen since childhood, on her very first day.It doesn't take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she's not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider's life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out--for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.

Date Added: 07/28/2017


Year: 2017

Category: Young Adult Romance

Pieces of Sky

by Kaki Warner

Jessica Thornton is a long way from her native England. An author and milliner, she carries the weight of a scandalous secret-a horrible shame that has brought her to the West on a desperate search for the only family she can trust: her brother.

No one prepared Jessica for the heat and the hardships-or for a man like Brady Wilkins, a man strong enough to carve out a home in the wilderness, and passionate enough to restore her faith in herself and in her heart.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2011

Category: Best First Book

Perfect Chemistry

by Simone Elkeles

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2010

Category: Young Adult Romance

The Pages of the Mind

by Jeffe Kennedy

An Orphan's ThroneMagic has broken free over the Twelve Kingdoms. The population is beset by shapeshifters and portents, landscapes that migrate, uncanny allies who are not quite human...and enemies eager to take advantage of the chaos. Dafne Mailloux is no adventurer--she's a librarian. But the High Queen trusts Dafne's ability with languages, her way of winnowing the useful facts from a dusty scroll, and even more important, the subtlety and guile that three decades under the thumb of a tyrant taught her. Dafne never thought to need those skills again. But she accepts her duty. Until her journey drops her into the arms of a barbarian king. He speaks no tongue she knows but that of power, yet he recognizes his captive as a valuable pawn. Dafne must submit to a wedding of alliance, becoming a prisoner-queen in a court she does not understand. If she is to save herself and her country, she will have to learn to read the heart of a wild stranger. And there are more secrets written there than even Dafne could suspect...Praise for The Mark of the Tala"Magnificent...a richly detailed fantasy world." --RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, Top Pick"Well written and swooningly romantic." --Library Journal, starred review

Date Added: 07/28/2017


Year: 2017

Category: Paranormal Romance

One Scream Away

by Kate Brady

"Kate Brady has made her mark with a taut, masterful debut of chilling suspense that grabs you by the throat and heart and won't let go. Riveting storytelling packed with unexpected twists and unforgettable characters. Prepare to stay up all night, then sleep with the lights on." --- Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author "Kate Brady's debut novel is everything romantic suspense should be: scary, sexy, pulse-pounding, and page-turning. Remarkable characters, pitch-perfect pacing, and a memorable villain make ONE SCREAM AWAY a standout book. A winner." --- Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author "Gritty and harrowing! You won't be able to put it down." --- Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author Killer Chevy Bankes is a master of disguise, and just paroled, he's coming after the woman who sent him to jail, the beautiful antiques expert Beth Denison. A set of antique dolls brings Beth into his sight, and inspire Chevy's disturbing crimes as he draws closer to Beth and her young daughter. Chevy sends the dolls to Beth one-by-one and she soon realizes that these antiques carry the same marks as his victims, signaling that the final piece in his collection will be for her. Neil Sheridan gave up his FBI shield five years ago, but his best friend Rick, a cop, pulls him in as a consultant on a case involving a serial killer who is eerily similar to a murderer Neil encountered in the past. The investigation leads Neil to Beth's doorstep, and he is certain she isn't telling him the truth. Neil is the only one who can get through Beth's defenses and, as they grow closer, discover the secrets that Beth is hiding about her fateful night with Chevy.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2010

Category: Best First Book

One in a Million

by Jill Shalvis

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love . . . Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past-and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she-and his son-deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2015

Category: Mid-Length Contemporary Romance

Once and For All

by Cheryl Etchison

The Rangers of the 1st/75th fight hard, train hard and play hard. They are physically strong and mentally tough, disciplined and courageous. But all their military training hasn't prepared them for falling in love.Rule #1: Military and matrimony don't mix.But if there's one person Staff Sergeant Danny MacGregor would break all his rules for, it's Bree--his first friend, first love, first everything. Maybe he likes playing the hero. Maybe he's trying to ease ten years of guilt. Either way, he'll do whatever he can to help her. Wish #1: A little bit of normal.Bree Dunbar has battled cancer, twice. What she wants most is a fresh start in a place where she can find a new job, and where people aren't constantly treating her like she's sick. By some miracle her wish is granted, but it comes with one major string attached--the man who broke her heart ten years before.The rules for this marriage of convenience are simple: when she's ready to stand on her own two feet, she'll walk away and he'll let her go. Only, as they both know all too well, things don't always go according to plan . . .An Avon Romance

Date Added: 07/28/2017


Year: 2017

Category: Best First Book

Off the Clock

by Roni Loren

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LOVING ON THE EDGE NOVELS, THE FIRST IN A SENSUAL NEW SERIESOvertime has never felt so good...Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That's another story. In the research lab, Marin's lack of practical knowledge didn't matter, but now that she's landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can't ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her. Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn't agree more. Donovan knows that Marin's clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove's X-wing.But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there's only one man for the job--him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired--or worse, get attached...Exclusive to this edition only--a bonus short story

Date Added: 07/28/2017


Year: 2017

Category: Erotic Romance

Now That You Mention It

by Kristan Higgins

New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins welcomes you home in this witty, emotionally charged novel about the complications of life, love and family

One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying?

Two major steps back. Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her.

At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant, a wild-child sister in jail and a withdrawn teenage niece as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was, Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

Balancing loss and opportunity, dark events from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

Date Added: 07/20/2018


Year: 2018

Category: Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance

A Not-So-Perfect Past

by Beth Andrews

Nina Carlson knows all about Dillon Ward. Knows he served time in prison. Knows nobody put out the welcome mat when he moved to Serenity Springs. But that doesn't stop her from renting him a place to live. And when someone crashes into her bakery, he's just the man to fix the damage.And Nina isn't the only one who thinks Dillon's the perfect man for the job: her two kids have taken a shine to him. Still, she can't afford to get close to Dillon, even if he is tempting her to toss out her good-girl shoes. Because it's not that she doesn't trust him. It's that she doesn't trust herself.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2010

Category: Contemporary Series

Not Quite a Husband

by Sherry Thomas

Sherry Thomas is one of the hottest new voices in historical romance, garnering the highest praise from today's bestselling writers ("Entrancing." --Mary Balogh; "Ravishingly sinful, intelligent and addictive." --Eloisa James). Now Sherry delivers this powerful story of a remarkable woman and the love she thought she'd never find--with the man she thought she'd lost forever.... Their marriage lasted only slightly longer than the honeymoon--to no one's surprise, not even Bryony Asquith's. A man as talented, handsome, and sought after by society as Leo Marsden couldn't possibly want to spend his entire life with a woman who rebelled against propriety by becoming a doctor. Why, then, three years after their annulment and half a world away, does he track her down at her clinic in the remotest corner of India? Leo has no reason to think Bryony could ever forgive him for the way he treated her, but he won't rest until he's delivered an urgent message from her sister--and fulfilled his duty by escorting her safely back to England. But as they risk their lives for each other on the journey home, will the biggest danger be the treacherous war around them--or their rekindling passion?From the Paperback edition.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2010

Category: Historical Romance

No Mistress of Mine

by Laura Lee Guhrke

A reformed rogue finds his tarnished honor tested by the only woman who ever broke his heart in this “spellbinding, sizzling” Victorian romance (Kirkus, starred review).Once one of the wildest rakes among the ton, Lord Denys Somerton is now devoted to putting his past behind him. He is determined to fulfill his duties, find a suitable wife, and start a family. But that plan changes when Lola Valentine—the red-haired temptress from his past—returns to London, sparking the same irresistible desires that almost ruined his life once before.As an American girl from the wrong side of the tracks—let alone the wrong side of the Atlantic—Lola has no romantic illusions. She knew that she can never be the wife of a British lord. For Denys’s sake, she walked away. But when an unexpected inheritance brings her back to London, Lola discovers the passion between them is as dangerously hot as ever. A RITA® Award Winner for Historical Romance Long!

Date Added: 07/28/2017


Year: 2017

Category: Long Historical Romance

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished

by Sarah MacLean

A rogue ruined . . .He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London's corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he's dreamed of . . . absolution.A lady returned . . .Mara planned never to return to the world from which she'd run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple's exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows...that he is no killer.A scandal revealed . . .It's a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady--and her past--are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2014

Category: Historical Romance

A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House)

by Kristi Ann Hunter

Sparkling Regency Romance from a Captivating New Voice Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned. When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

Date Added: 09/18/2017


Year: 2016

Category: Inspirational Romance

A Night to Surrender

by Tessa Dare

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladieswith delicate constitutions come for the sea air,and men in their prime are . . . nowhere to be found.Or are they?Spindle Cove is the destination of choice forcertain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony,and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there.Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff,knows he doesn't belong here. So far as he can tell, there's nothing in this place but spinsters . . .and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders togather a militia. It's a simple mission,made complicated by the spirited, exquisiteSusanna Finch--a woman who is determined tosave her personal utopia from the invasion ofBram's makeshift army.Susanna has no use for aggravating men;Bram has sworn off interfering women. The sceneis set for an epic battle...but who can be namedthe winner when both have so much to lose?

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2012

Category: Regency Historical Romance

A Night of No Return

by Sarah Morgan

Money, charm and sensual skills don't make up for a heart colder than ice...Wild parties, wanton women, relentless work-nothing helps tycoon Lucas Jackson escape his dark and haunting past. Arriving at his rural castle in a snarling snowstorm, he craves only complete isolation.... But it seems oblivion can take an unexpected and highly intoxicating form!Personally delivering the vital file left on her boss's desk, secretary Emma Gray starts to seriously regret her dutiful overtime mission. She never expected the dark side of the usually controlled Lucas could generate such a primitive, powerful-and entirely inappropriate-reaction.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2013

Category: Short Contemporary Series

The Night Before Christmas

by Brenda Novak and Day Leclaire and Molly O'Keefe

When their private plane crashes in the Sierra Nevada, two political enemies discover that survival means more than just living--it also means loving. A gripping story by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak. Wrapped in a bow and left on a doorstep, an innocent baby proves a true gift for three couples who have let hurt feelings get in the way of healing hearts. A tender tale of family and forgiveness by USA TODAY bestselling author Day Leclaire. Reluctantly returned home after a disastrous breakup, a young woman is thrown together with the man she once pushed away--but never forgot. A touching story of secrets revealed and love reclaimed, by beloved Harlequin author Molly O'Keefe.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2010

Category: Romance Novella

Nice Girls Don't Ride

by Roni Loren

In this erotically charged novella by the New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me, Nothing Between Us, and Not Until You two strangers take an asphalt-burning ride into the wildest night of their lives...Natalie Bourne thinks she has the perfect night planned for her twenty-first birthday. But when her car breaks down and her boyfriend bails on her, she's left stranded in an auto shop dealing with a way too cocky, way too hot mechanic, who seems to be intent on pushing every button she has.Monroe Hawkins knows he shouldn't be messing with a girl from the uppity private college. Especially when he can tell she sees him as the help. But he's having trouble resisting the redhead with the smart mouth and the killer legs. So when Natalie's night goes from bad to worse, there's no way he's letting her spend her birthday alone. He makes her a deal--he'll take her home but not until the sun comes up.Ten hours, one motorcycle, and the city of Austin at their fingertips...things are about to take a major detour. And soon, there may be no U-turn in sight.Includes a preview of Roni Loren's Call on Me Praise for Roni Loren and her novels "Hot and romantic, with an edge of suspense."--Shayla Black, New York Times bestselling author "Revved up and red-hot sexy."--Lorelei James, New York Times bestselling author "Sure to have readers begging for more!"--Jo Davis, national bestselling author Roni Loren is the New York Times bestselling author of the Loving on the Edge novels which include Nothing Between Us, Not Until You, Need You Tonight, Fall into You, Melt into You, and Crash into You. She lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she's not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts--yeah, that's it.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2016

Category: Romance Novella

New York To Dallas

by J. D. Robb

The new novel from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author, which takes readers deeper into the mind of Eve Dallas than ever before. The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name - and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood. When a monster named Isaac McQueen - taken down by Eve back in her uniform days - escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2012

Category: Romantic Suspense

The Nanny Plan

by Sarah M. Anderson

This billionaire bachelor has a baby challenge… Being a father to his orphaned infant niece is out of this tech billionaire's comfort zone. Lucky for Nate Longmire, Trish Hunter is a natural at motherhood, and she's agreed to be his temporary nanny. But long glances, slow kisses and not-so-innocent touches are strictly off-limits… Trish's goal is to help Nate in exchange for a big donation to her charity for Lakota kids. Falling for her bachelor boss—and his adorable baby girl—is not part of the plan. But when the month is up, will she be able to walk away?

Date Added: 05/29/2017


Year: 2016

Category: Short Contemporary Romance

My So-Called Bollywood Life

by Nisha Sharma

The romance of Stephanie Perkins meets the quirk of Maureen Johnson, then gets a Bollywood twist in this fate-filled debut that takes the future into its own hands.

Winnie Mehta was never really convinced that Raj was her soul mate, but their love was written in the stars.

Literally, a pandit predicted Winnie would find the love of her life before her eighteenth birthday, and Raj meets all the qualifications. Which is why Winnie is shocked when she returns from her summer at film camp to find her boyfriend of three years hooking up with Jenny Dickens.

As a self-proclaimed Bollywood expert, Winnie knows this is not how her perfect ending is scripted.

Then there's Dev, a fellow film geek and one of the few people Winnie can count on. Dev is smart and charming, and he challenges Winnie to look beyond her horoscope and find someone she'd pick for herself. But does falling for Dev mean giving up on her prophecy and her chance to live happily ever after?

To find her perfect ending, Winnie will need a little bit of help from fate, family, and of course, a Bollywood movie star.

Date Added: 07/29/2019


Year: 2019

Category: Young Adult Romance

My Hope Next Door

by Tammy L. Gray

RITA Award winner, Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements.

Former bad girl Katie Stone can feel the weight of her reputation settle over her as she drives home for the first time in years. Feeling deeply guilty about her past mistakes, Katie wants to do the right thing for once. But the small town where she grew up is not nearly as forgiving as she'd hoped. Despite it all, she's determined to help her parents cope with her mother's recent illness, and Katie finds a surprise ally in the man next door.

Asher Powell never minded being the son of a small-town pastor until a recent breakup leaves him wounded by lifelong members of his church. He remembers his new neighbor as a mean-spirited high school troublemaker, but he senses that her newfound faith and desire for forgiveness are sincere.

Through an unexpected friendship, two people from different worlds find peace, hope, and a second chance they never dreamed was possible.

Date Added: 09/20/2017


Year: 2017

Category: Inspirational Romance

Must Love Chainmail

by Angela Quarles

Trapped in the wrong time, she needs a knight in shining armor, but this damsel in distress might be the real savior. A damsel in distress. . . With a day planner attached to her hip, the last thing Katy Tolson wants is a romance that threatens her well-ordered life. She's set to marry the safe--but bland--guy, but something's not quite. . . right. A careless wish thrusts her through time into medieval Wales and into the arms of. . . A knight in somewhat shining armor. . . Sir Robert Beucol, half-Norman and half-Welsh, lives with the shame of his father's treason and vows to reclaim his family's holdings and thereby his honor. To prove himself to his king, he must be more Norman than a full-blooded Norman. What better way to show loyalty than to fight his mother's people? He has no desire to be sidetracked by the mysterious wench with pink toenails, peculiar habits, and passion smoldering behind her cool, collected exterior. A rebellion that challenges both. . . The Welsh uprising fits perfectly into Robert's plans. Katy's on the other hand? That's a no. As they embark on a perilous journey through the heart of Wales, each passionate encounter pulls them closer together, but farther from their goals. When everything they value is at stake, can they save each other and their love?

Date Added: 09/19/2017


Year: 2016

Category: Paranormal Romance


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