Purpose
The Diamond Heart Awards recognize authors who have mastered the craft of romance writing and showcase their talent and creativity in producing romances that are equitable and inclusive and are exemplary models of the romance genre. We celebrate the power of the romance genre with its central message of hope and love, because romance is for everyone.
Vision
Envisioning a celebration of romance in its myriad forms, we aspire to recognize, honor, and elevate the craft of romance writing in all its diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Through the Diamond Heart Awards, we aim to recognize and honor those storytellers who beautifully weave narratives of love and hope, breaking barriers and embracing all shades of the human experience. We champion authors whose writing redefines the contours of the romance genre, contributing to a literary world where “happily ever afters” or “happy for nows” are for everyone. Our vision is to illuminate the power of romantic narratives that transcend differences, foster connections, and inspire hope, while ensuring the rich tapestry of our collective experiences is reflected and respected in every romantic tale we celebrate.
2024 Diamond Heart Awards
Contemporary Romance
Coming Home to Magnolia Bay by Babette de Jongh (Winner)
Faking a Fairy Tale by Teri Wilson (Finalist)
Royal Caleva: Gabriel by Nancy Herkness (Finalist)
Historical Romance
Painting the Duke by Georgina North (Winner)
Highland Beast by Heather McCollum (Finalist)
Devil in Our Hearts by Lizzie Jenks (Finalist)
Romantic Suspense
Not My Shadow by Elaine Levine (Winner)
Lost in the Dark by Gail Chianese (Finalist)
Cliffhaven by A.M. Grimm (Finalist)
Speculative
The Viking Who Fell Through Time by Maureen Castell (Winner)
His Orc Charioteer Bride by K. R. Treadway (Finalist)
Curses, Cats, and Crime: A Love Story by Fenley Grant (Finalist)
Her Highlander Choice by Fenley Grant (Finalist)
Best First Book
The Viking Who Fell Through Time by Maureen Castell (Winner)
Categories
Category Descriptions
- All entries must contain a central love story and the resolution of the romance must be emotionally satisfying and optimistic.
- Word count is determined based on computer word count. A plus or minus two percent of the total word count is permissible.
- With the exception of Erotic Romance, all categories may have varying levels of sensuality.
- Entries to categories without a length designation must be 20,000 words or more.
Contemporary Romance
Works that are set no more than 50 years before the contest date to the present.
Erotic Romance
Works in which strong, often explicit, sexual interaction is an inherent part of the love story, character growth and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These works may contain elements of other romance subgenres such as paranormal, historical, etc.).
Historical Romance
Works that are set at least 50 years before the contest date.
Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance
Works in which themes or elements other than the romance are integral to the story even though a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic resolution to the romance are still present.
Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements
Works in which spiritual beliefs are an inherent part of the love story, character growth, or relationship development, and could not be removed without damaging the storyline. These novels may be set in the context of any religious or spiritual belief system of any culture.
Romantic Suspense
Works in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.
Speculative Romance
Works in which fantasy worlds, paranormal or science fiction elements are an integral part of the plot).
Young Adult Romance
Works in which young adult life is an integral part of the plot.
Best First Book
To be eligible, the author (or authors in the case of a writing team) shall not have had any other novel or novella previously commercially available in any format.
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