Past RITA Winners

2019 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Lady in Waiting by Marie Tremayne
Contemporary Romance: Long: Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length: Advanced Physical Chemistry by Susannah Nix
Contemporary Romance: Short: The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise by Teri Wilson
Erotic Romance: Three-Way Split by Elia Winters
Historical Romance: Long: A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy
Historical Romance: Short: A Duke in the Night by Kelly Bowen
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance: How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan
Paranormal Romance: Dearest Ivie by J. R. Ward
Romance Novella: Bad Blood by M. Malone
Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements: The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
Romantic Suspense: Fearless by Elizabeth Dyer
Young Adult Romance: My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma

2018 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Take the Lead by Alexis Daria
Contemporary Romance: Long: Falling Hard by Lexi Ryan
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length: Tell Me by Abigail Strom
Contemporary Romance: Short: Second Chance Summer by Kait Nolan
Erotic Romance: Wicked Dirty by J. Kenner
Historical Romance: Long: Between the Devil and the Duke by Kelly Bowen
Historical Romance: Short: Waltzing with the Earl by Catherine Tinley
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance: Now that You Mention It by Kristan Higgins
Paranormal Romance: Hunt the Darkness by Stephanie Rowe
Romance Novella: Forbidden River by Brynn Kelly
Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements: Then There Was You by Kara Isaac
Romantic Suspense: The Fixer by HelenKay Dimon
Young Adult Romance: Seize Today by Pintip Dunn

2017 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Once and For All: An American Valor Novel by Cheryl Etchison
Contemporary Romance: Long: Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length: Carolina Dreaming by Virginia Kantra
Contemporary Romance: Short: Christmas on Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major
Erotic Romance: Off the Clock by Roni Loren
Historical Romance: Long: No Mistress of Mine by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical Romance: Short: A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance: The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel
Paranormal Romance: The Pages of the Mind by Jeffe Kennedy
Romance Novella: Her Every Wish by Courtney Milan
Romance with Religious of Spiritual Elements: My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray
Romantic Suspense: Repressed by Elisabeth Naughton
Young Adult Romance: The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2016 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn
Contemporary Romance: Long: Brokedown Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length: Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Contemporary Romance: Short: The Nanny Plan by Sarah M. Anderson
Erotic Romance: For Real: A Spires Story by Alexis Hall
Historical Romance: Long: Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist
Historical Romance: Short: It Started with a Scandal by Julie Anne Long
Inspirational Romance: A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
Paranormal Romance: Must Love Chainmail by Angela Quarles
Romance Novella: Nice Girls Don’t Ride by Roni Loren
Romantic Suspense: Flash Fire by Dana Marton
Young Adult Romance: The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

2015 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Run to You by Clara Kensie
Contemporary Romance: Long: Baby, It's You by Jane Graves
Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length: One in a Million by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance: Short: A Texas Rescue Christmas by Caro Carson
Erotic Romance: The Saint by Tiffany Reisz
Historical Romance: Long: Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran
Historical Romance: Short: Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
Inspirational Romance: Deceived by Irene Hannon
Paranormal Romance: Evernight by Kristen Callihan
Romance Novella: His Road Home by Anna Richland
Romantic Suspense: Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb
Young Adult Romance: Boys Like You by Juliana Stone

2014 RITA Winners

Best First Book: The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake
Contemporary Romance: Crazy Thing Called Love by Molly O'Keefe
Erotic Romance: Claim Me by J. Kenner
Historical Romance: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
Inspirational Romance: Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
Paranormal Romance: The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
Romance Novella: Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter
Romantic Suspense: Off the Edge by Carolyn Crane
Short Contemporary Romance: Why Resist a Rebel? by Leah Ashton

2013 RITA Winners

Best First Book: The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Contemporary Single Title Romance: The Way Back Home by Barbara Freethy
Historical Romance: A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
Inspirational Romance: Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
Long Contemporary Series Romance: A Gift for All Seasons by Karen Templeton
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Paranormal Romance: Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole
Romance Novella: Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James
Romantic Suspense: Scorched by Laura Griffin
Short Contemporary Series Romance: A Night of No Return by Sarah Morgan
Young Adult Romance: The Farm by Emily McKay

2012 RITA Winners

Best First Book: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
Contemporary Series Romance: Doukakis's Apprentice by Sarah Morgan
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure: Soldier's Last Stand by Cindy Dees
Contemporary Single Title Romance: Boomerang Bride by Fiona Lowe
Historical Romance: The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne
Inspirational Romance: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal
Paranormal Romance: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Regency Historical Romance: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
Romance Novella: I Love the Earl by Caroline Linden
Romantic Suspense: New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb
Young Adult Romance: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

2011 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner
Contemporary Series Romance: Welcome Home, Cowboy by Karen Templeton
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure: The Moon That Night by Helen Brenna
Contemporary Single Title Romance: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
Historical Romance: His at Night by Sherry Thomas
Inspirational Romance: In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas
Paranormal Romance: Unchained: The Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood
Regency Historical Romance: The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
Romance Novella: "Shifting Sea" by Virginia Kantra in Burning Up
Romantic Suspense: Silent Scream by Karen Rose
Young Adult Romance: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

2010 RITA Winners

Best First Book: One Scream Away by Kate Brady
Contemporary Series Romance: A Not-So-Perfect Past by Beth Andrews
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure: The Soldier's Secret Daughter by Cindy Dees
Contemporary Single Title Romance: Too Good to Be True by Kristan Higgins
Historical Romance: Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas
Inspirational Romance: The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal
Paranormal Romance: Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole
Regency Historical Romance: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
Romance Novella: "The Christmas Eve Promise" by Molly O'Keefe in The Night Before Christmas
Romantic Suspense: Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin
Young Adult Romance: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 

2009 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
Contemporary Series Romance: A Mother's Wish by Karen Templeton
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure: Danger Signals by Kathleen Creighton
Historical Romance: The Edge of Impropriety by Pam Rosenthal
Inspirational Romance: Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: Tribute by Nora Roberts
Paranormal Romance: Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
Regency Historical Romance: My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
Romance Novella: "The Fall of Rogue Gerard" by Stephanie Laurens in It Happened One Night
Romantic Suspense: Take No Prisoners by Cindy Gerard
Young Adult Romance: Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore

2008 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey
Contemporary Series Romance: Snowbound by Janice Johnson
Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure: Treasure by Helen Brenna
Contemporary Single Title Romance: Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins
Historical Romance: Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter
Inspirational Romance: A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
Paranormal Romance: Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
Regency Historical Romance: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
Romance Novella: “Born in My Heart” by Jennifer Greene in Like Mother, Like Daughter
Romantic Suspense: Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
Young Adult Romance: Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

2007 RITA Winners

Best First Book: The Husband Trap by Tracy Anne Warren
Contemporary Single Title: Adiós to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer
Inspirational Romance: Revealed by Tamera Alexander
Long Contemporary Romance: The Mommy Quest by Lori Handeland
Long Historical Romance: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
Romantic Novella: “Tis the Silly Season” in A NASCAR Holiday by Roxanne St. Claire
Paranormal Romance: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
Romantic Suspense: Blackout by Annie Solomon
Short Contemporary Romance: From the First by Jessica Bird
Short Historical: The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: A Lady Raised High by Jennifer Ashley w/a Laurien Gardner
Traditional Romance: Claiming His Family by Barbara Hannay

2006 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Show Her the Money by Stephanie Feagan
Contemporary Single Title: Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Inspirational Romance: Heavens to Betsy by Beth Pattillo
Long Contemporary Romance: Worth Every Risk by Dianna Love Snell
Long Historical Romance: The Devil to Pay by Liz Carlyle
Romantic Novella: “The Naked Truth about Guys” in The Naked Truth by Alesia Holliday
Paranormal Romance: Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
Regency Romance: A Reputable Rake by Diane Gaston
Romantic Suspense: Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
Short Contemporary Romance: The Marriage Miracle by Liz Fielding
Short Historical: The Texan's Reward by Jodi Thomas
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: Lady Luck's Map of Vegas by Barbara Samuel
Traditional Romance: Princess of Convenience by Marion Lennox

2005 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Time Off for Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich
Contemporary Single Title: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Inspirational Romance: Grounds to Believe by Shelley Bates
Long Contemporary Romance: John Riley's Girl by Inglath Cooper
Long Historical Romance: Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale
Romantic Novella: "Her Enemy" in Night's Edge by Maggie Shayne
Paranormal Romance: Blue Moon by Lori Handeland
Regency Romance: A Passionate Endeavor by Sophia Nash
Romantic Suspense: I'm Watching You by Karen Rose
Short Contemporary Romance: Miss Pruitt's Private Life by Barbara McCauley
Short Historical: A Wanted Man by Susan Kay Law
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: A.K.A. Goddess by Evelyn Vaughn
Traditional Romance: Christmas Eve Marriage by Jessica Hart

2004 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Back Roads by Susan Crandall
Contemporary Single Title: Birthright by Nora Roberts
Inspirational Romance: Autumn Dreams by Gayle Roper
Long Contemporary Romance: The Top Gun's Return by Kathleen Creighton
Long Historical Romance: The Destiny by Kathleen Givens
Romantic Novella: "Prisoner of the Tower" in The Wedding Chase by Gayle Wilson
Paranormal Romance: Shades of Midnight by Linda Fallon
Regency Romance: Prospero's Daughter by Nancy Butler
Romantic Suspense: Remember When - Part 1 by Nora Roberts
Short Contemporary Romance: The Knight's Kiss by Nicole Burnham
Short Historical: Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah
Traditional Romance: Her Royal Baby by Marion Lennox

2003 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Shades of Honor by Wendy Lindstrom
Contemporary Single Title: No Place Like Home by Barbara Samuel
Inspirational Romance: Never Say Goodbye by Irene Hannon
Long Contemporary Romance: Taking Cover by Catherine Mann
Long Historical Romance: Stealing Heaven by Madeline Hunter
Romantic Novella: “To Kiss in Shadows” by Lynn Kurland
Paranormal Romance: Contact by Susan Grant
Regency Romance: A Debt to Delia by Barbara Metzger
Romantic Suspense: Three Fates by Nora Roberts
Short Contemporary Romance: Taming the Outlaw by Cindy Kay Gerard
Short Historical: The Bride Fair by Cheryl Reavis
Traditional Romance: The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber

2002 RITA Winners

Best First Book: The Border Bride by Elizabeth English
Contemporary Single Title: True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Inspirational Romance: Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney
Long Contemporary Romance: Coming Home to You by Fay Robinson
Long Historical Romance: The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Romantic Novella: "I Will" from Wish List by Lisa Kleypas
Paranormal Romance: Heart Mate by Robin D. Owens
Regency Romance: Much Obliged by Jessica Benson
Romantic Suspense: The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
Short Contemporary Romance: A Long Hot Christmas by Barbara Daly
Short Historical: Tempt Me Twice by Barbara Dawson Smith
Traditional Romance: Quinn's Complete Seduction by Sandra Steffen

2001 RITA Winners

Best First Book: A Man Like Mac by Fay Robinson
Contemporary Single Title: First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Inspirational Romance: The Shepherd's Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher
Long Contemporary Romance: Rogue's Reform by Marilyn Pappano
Long Historical Romance: Devilish by Jo Beverley
Romantic Novella: "Final Approach to Forever" by Merline Lovelace in Once Upon a Dream
Paranormal Romance: The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning
Regency Romance: A Grand Design by Emma Jensen
Romantic Suspense: Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
Short Contemporary Romance: It Takes a Rebel by Stephanie Bond
Short Historical: The Mistress by Susan Wiggs
Traditional Romance: The Best Man & The Bridesmaid by Liz Fielding

2000 RITA Winners

Best First Book: The Maiden and the Unicorn by Isolde Martyn
Contemporary Single Title: Body Guard by Suzanne Brockmann
Inspirational Romance: Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson
Long Contemporary Romance: Undercover Princess by Suzanne Brockmann
Long Historical Romance: Silken Threads by Patricia Ryan
Romantic Novella: Starry, Starry Night by Marianne Willman
Paranormal Romance: Nell by Jeanette Baker
Regency Romance: The Rake's Retreat by Nancy Butler
Romantic Suspense: The Bride's Protector by Gayle Wilson
Short Contemporary Romance: The Stardust Cowboy by Anne McAllister
Short Historical: The Proposition by Judith Ivory
Traditional Romance: Annie, Get Your Groom by Kristin Gabriel

1999 RITA Winners

Best First Book: My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Contemporary Single Title: Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Inspirational Romance: Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
Long Contemporary Romance: Meant to Be Married by Ruth Wind
Long Historical Romance: My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway
Paranormal Romance: The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll
Regency Romance: His Grace Endures by Emma Jenson
Romantic Suspense: Cool Shade by Theresa Weir
Short Contemporary Romance: The Notorious Groom by Caroline Cross
Short Historical: Merely Married by Patricia Coughlin
Traditional Romance: Monday Man by Kristin Gabriel

1998 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Brazen Angel by Elizabeth Boyle
Contemporary Single Title: Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Inspirational Romance: Homeward by Melody Carlson
Long Contemporary Series Romance: Reckless by Ruth Wind
Long Historical Romance: Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osborne
Paranormal Romance: FireHawk by Justine Dare
Regency Romance: Love's Reward by Jean R. Ewing
Romantic Suspense: On the Way to a Wedding by Ingrid Weaver
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Nobody's Princess by Jennifer Greene
Short Historical: Heart of a Knight by Barbara Samuel
Traditional Romance: His Brother's Child by Lucy Gordon
RWA's Favorite Book of 1997: Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

1997 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland
Contemporary Single Title: Daniel’s Gift by Barbara Freethy
Inspirational Romance: The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
Long Contemporary Series Romance: Wild Blood by Naomi Horton
Long Historical Romance: Conor’s Way by Laura Lee Guhrke
Paranormal Romance: Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland
Regency Romance: The Lady’s Companion by Carla Kelly
Romantic Suspense: See How They Run by Bethany Campbell
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Cowboy Pride by Anne McAllister
Short Historical: Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath
Traditional Romance: Her Very Own Husband by Lauryn Chandler

1996 RITA Winners

Best First Book: The Warlord by Elizabeth Elliot
Contemporary Single Title: Born in Ice by Nora Roberts
Inspirational Romance: As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers
Long Contemporary Series Romance: The Morning Side of Dawn by Justine Davis
Long Historical Romance: Something Shady by Pamela Morsi
Paranormal Romance: The Covenant by Modean Moon
Regency Romance: Gwen’s Christmas Ghost by Lynn Kerstan and Alicia Rasley
Romantic Suspense: Winter’s Edge by Anne Stuart
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Single Dad by Jennifer Greene
Short Historical: Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Traditional Romance: Stranger in Her Arms by Elizabeth Sites
Young Adult Romance: Runaway by Cheryl Zach
Best Romance of 1995: Born in Ice by Nora Roberts

1995 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Ghostly Enchantment by Angie Ray
Contemporary Single Title: Again by Kathleen Gilles Seidel
Historical Romance: To Tame a Texan’s Heart by Jodi Thomas
Inspirational Romance: An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers
Long Contemporary Series Romance: A Soldier’s Heart by Kathleen Korbel
Long Historical Romance: Dancing on the Wind by Mary Jo Putney
Paranormal Romance: Lord of the Storm by Justine Davis
Regency Romance: Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand by Carla Kelly
Romantic Suspense: Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie
Traditional Romance: Oh Baby! by Lauryn Chandler
Young Adult Romance: Second to None by Arleynn Presser
Best Romance of 1994: It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

1994 RITA Winners

Best First Book: A Candle in the Dark by Megan Chance
Contemporary Single Title: Private Scandals by Nora Roberts
Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance: Falling Angel by Anne Stuart
Historical Series Romance: My Lady Notorious by Jo Beverley
Historical Single Title Romance: Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell
Long Contemporary Series Romance: Dragonslayer by Emilie Richards
Regency Romance: Deidre and Don Juan by Jo Beverley
Romantic Suspense: Nightshade by Nora Roberts
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Avenging Angel by Glenna McReynolds
Traditional Romance: Annie and the Wise Men by Lindsay Longford
Young Adult Romance: Summer Lightning by Wendy Corsi Staub
Best Romance of 1993: Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs

1993 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Trust Me by Jeane Renick
Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance: Emily’s Ghost by Antoinette Stokenberg
Historical Series Romance: The Prisoner by Cheryl Reavis
Long Contemporary Series Romance: The Silence of Midnight by Karen Young
Regency Romance: An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley
Romantic Suspense: Divine Evil by Nora Roberts
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Navarrone by Helen R. Myers
Single Title Contemporary Romance: This Time Forever by Kathleen Eagle
Single Title Historical Romance: Keeper of the Dream by Penelope Williamson
Traditional Romance: Father Goose by Marie Ferrarella
Young Adult Romance: Song of the Buffalo Boy by Sherry Garland
Best Romance of 1992: Come Spring by Jill Marie Landis

1992 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd
Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance: Angel for Hire by Justine Davis
Long Contemporary Series Romance: A Rose for Maggie by Kathleen Korbel
Regency Romance: Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley
Romantic Suspense: Night Shift by Nora Roberts
Series Historical Romance: The Tender Texan by Jodi Thomas
Short Contemporary Series Romance: A Human Touch by Glenda Sanders
Single Title Contemporary Romance: A Man to Die For by Eileen Dreyer
Single Title Historical Romance: Courting Miss Hattie by Pamela Morsi
Traditional Romance: Every Kind of Heaven by Bethany Campbell
Young Adult Romance: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep by Lurlene McDaniel
Best Romance of 1991: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

1991 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Black Horse Island by Dee Holmes
Long Contemporary Series Romance: Patrick Gallagher’s Widow by Cheryl Reavis
Regency Romance: The Sandalwood Princess by Loretta Chase
Romantic Suspense: Night Spice by Karen Keast
Series Historical Romance: A Wild Yearning by Penelope Williamson
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Step into My Parlor by Jan Hudson
Single Title Historical Romance: Where Love Dwells by Elizabeth Stuart
Traditional Romance: Song of the Lorelei by Lucy Gordon
Best Romance of 1990: The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale

1990 RITA Winners

Best First Book: Out of the Blue by Alaina Hawthorne
Long Contemporary Series Romance: The Ice Cream Man by Kathleen Korbel
Regency Romance: The Rake and the Reformer by Mary Jo Putney
Romantic Suspense: Perchance to Dream by Kathleen Korbel
Series Historical Romance: Silver Noose by Patricia Gardner
Short Contemporary Series Romance: Night of the Hunter by Jennifer Greene
Single Title Contemporary Romance: Private Relations by Diane Chamberlain
Single Title Historical Romance: The Bride by Julie Garwood
Traditional Romance: Rhapsody in Bloom by Mona Van Wieren
Young Adult Romance: Renee by Vivan Schurfranz
Best Romance of 1989: Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer

1989 Golden Medallion* Winners

*The RITA was formerly called the Golden Medallion

Historical Romance: Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis
Long Contemporary Series Romance: A Crime of the Heart by Cheryl Reavis
Regency Romance: Brighton Road by Susan Caroll
Short Contemporary Romance: Winter’s Daughter by Kathleen Creighton
Single Title Romance: Leaves of Fortune by Linda Barlow
Suspense Romance: Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts
Traditional Romance: Flirtation River by Bethany Campbell
Young Adult Romance: The Ghosts of Stony Cove by Eileen Charbonneau

1988 Golden Medallion Winners

Historical Romance: The Gamble by LaVyrle Spencer
Long Contemporary Series Romance: In the Defense of Love by Kathleen Creighton
Regency Romance: Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll
Short Contemporary Romance: Stolen Moments by Terri Herrington
Single Title Romance: Twilight Whispers by Barbara Delinsky
Traditional Romance: It Takes a Thief by Rita Rainville
Young Adult Romance: Does Your Nose Get in the Way, Too? by Arlene Erlbach

1987 Golden Medallion Winners

Historical Romance: By Right of Arms by Robyn Carr
Long Contemporary Series Romance: One Summer by Nora Roberts
Regency Romance: Lord Abberley’s Nemesis by Amanda Scott
Short Contemporary Romance: Still Waters by Kathleen Creighton
Single Title Romance: Sunshine and Shadow by Tom and Sharon Curtis
Traditional Romance: Opal Fire by Sandy Dengler
Young Adult Romance: Video Fever by Kathleen Garvey

1986 Golden Medallion Winners

Historical Romance: Not So Wild a Dream by Francine Rivers
Inspirational Romance: From This Day Forward by Kathleen Karr
Long Contemporary Series Romance: Today, Tomorrow and Always by Georgia Bockoven
Regency Romance: The Beauty’s Daughter by Monette Cummings
Short Contemporary Romance: Much Needed Holiday by Joan Hohl
Single Title Romance: Banish Misfortune by Anne Stuart
Traditional Romance: The Crystal Unicorn by Doreen Malek
Young Adult Romance: Waiting for Amanda by Cheryl Zach

1985 Golden Medallion Winners

Historical Romance: Twice Loved by LaVyrle Spencer
Inspirational Romance: For the Love of Mike by Charlotte Nichols
Long Contemporary Series Romance: A Matter of Choice by Nora Roberts
Mainstream Romance: After All These Years by Kathleen Gilles Seidel
Regency Romance: The Lurid Lady Lockport by Kasey Micheals
Short Contemporary Romance: Opposites Attract by Nora Roberts
Traditional Romance: The Karas Cup by Brittany Young
Young Adult Romance: The Frog Princess by Cheryl Zach

1984 Golden Medallion Winners

Category Historical Romance: The Clergyman’s Daughter by Julie Jeffries
Contemporary Romance Under 65,000 Words: Memory and Desire by Eileen Bryan
Contemporary Romance 65-80,000 Words: Destiny's Sweet Errand by Deirdre Mardon
Contemporary Romance Over 80,000 Words: This Magic Moment by Nora Roberts
Historical Romance: Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer
Traditional Romance: Untamed by Nora Roberts
Young Adult Romance: Julie’s Magic Moment by Barbara Bartholomew

1983 Golden Medallion Winners

Category Historical Romance: Defiant Love by Mara Seger
Contemporary Mainstream Romance: Opal Fires by Lynda Trent
Contemporary Sensual Romance: The Heart’s Victory by Nora Roberts
Contemporary Sweet Romance: Renegade Player by Dixie Browning
Mainstream Historical Romance: The Endearment by LaVyrle Spencer
Young Adult Romance: Andrea by Jo Stewart

1982 Golden Medallion Winners

Category Contemporary Romance: Winner Take All by Brooke Hastings
Category Historical Romance: Rendezvous at Gramercy by Constance Ravenlock
Mainstream Category Romance: The Sun Dancers by Barbara Faith
Mainstream Historical Romance: Day Beyond Destiny by Anna James