1983 winner

The Endearment by LaVyrle Spencer.
Anna Reardon and her brother, James, do not have much of a life in Boston. Their mother is a prostitute, and they are basically raising themselves. When James sees Karl Lindstrom's advertisement for a mail order bride, he convinces Anna to write Karl. Desperate to change their way of life, Anna misrepresents herself in her letters. Now, in Minnesota, the truth is coming out. Descriptions of sex. Selected in the Mainstream Historical category. RC 32021, BR 8464.

1984 winner

Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer.
Miss Abigail McKenzie is known in Stuart's Junction as a model citizen. No one in town ever finds cause to speak ill of her. When the 9:50 train pulls in carrying two injured men, and Doc Dougherty has no place for them to recuperate, Miss Abigail volunteers to care for them at her home. Gentle David offers a happiness she no longer expects. But she cannot get Jesse off her mind. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical category. RC 37522.

1985 winner

Twice Loved by LaVyrle Spencer.
Nantucket, 1837. Rye Dalton is finally returning home from a whaling expedition: his ship was lost at sea, and for five years he has been presumed dead. His only thought is to find his wife, Laura, as soon as possible. But when he does, he also finds a son, and his best friend, Dan, married to Laura. Some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical category. RC 32370, BR 8455.

1986 winner

The Beauty’s Daughter by Monette Cummings.
The beautiful, self-centered Lady Alice Hollady, the victim of an early marriage, tries to keep a secret. Her young secretary, Stiles, is really Priscilla Hollady, her daughter, who has been hidden away at boarding school. Lady Alice does not want to lose her dashing suitor, nine years her junior, should he learn of her daughter's existence. Selected in the Regency category. RC 24163.

1987 winner

By Right of Arms by Robyn Carr.
Sir Hyatt, an English knight exiled by his father on the whim of his evil stepmother, is ordered by Edward III of England to capture and secure a castle in Aquitaine. The castle lord was killed in battle, leaving a beautiful young wife, whom Sir Hyatt claims as a rightful conquest. Some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical category. RC 24819.

1988 winner

The Gamble by LaVyrle Spencer.
Agatha Downing, a milliner with an injured leg, has resigned herself to the dreary life of an 1880s small Kansas cow town until she meets rakish LeMaster Scott Gandy, a saloon keeper and former gambler. When the prim temperance crusader protests the installation of a nude painting in his bar, he responds by dumping her in the mud. But through their adoption of the town orphan, they are brought together and decide to take a gamble on love. Explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical category.
RC 26153.

1989 winners

Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts.
Mystery writer Grace McCabe comes to Washington, D.C., to visit her sister, Kathleen, hoping for rest and a sisterly bond. But everything changes when Kathleen, who works at night as a phone sex operator, is strangled to death. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Suspense category. RC 53372, BR 13783.

Leaves of Fortune by Linda Barlow.
The family motto for the Templeton Tea Company of Boston, "For they shall have prosperity, but neither joy nor peace" seems to be more like a family curse. The story focuses on Minerva, who saved the company in the 1930s, and her granddaughter, Delilah, who leaves Boston to build up a successful herbal tea business in California and then returns to take over the company. Strong language and descriptions of sex. Selected in the Single Title category. RC 29154.

Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer.
Elly Dinsmore, widowed at 26, is pregnant and has a baby and toddler in tow. Will Parker is an ex-con who responds to Elly's advertisement for a husband. Each has had a painful past that willconstantly test them in the future. Set in rural Georgia in 1941. Descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Romance. RC 29013.

1990 winners

The Bride by Julie Garwood.
Britain, 1102. Scottish lord Alec Kincaid is ordered by the king to wed an English woman. He impulsively settles on a baron's youngest daughter, Jamie, while his friend, Daniel, takes her sister, Mary. But Jamie resents the marriage since she is promised to another. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical Single Title category. RC 52154.

The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale.
When both her parents and her sisters die, Leigh Strachan vows to kill the man she holds responsible: Reverend James Chilton. She travels to France in search of the legendary S.T. Maitland, the Prince of Midnight, who she hopes will teach her how to handle a sword and a gun. But Maitland is deaf, suffering from dizzy spells, and starving for female companionship. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Romance. RC 39040.

The Rake and the Reformer by Mary Jo Putney.
The notorious Reggie Davenport unexpectedly inherits an estate. Told that it has been expertly managed, Reggie has no idea that the manager is in fact a woman, the striking "spinster" Alys Weston. Tensions mount when they meet face to face. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Regency category. RC 43053.

1991 winner

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
It is 1945, and Frank and Claire Randall are on a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands, where Claire is studying rare plants and Frank is researching family origins. One day, Claire steps into an ancient stone circle and is hurled back in time to 1743. She is nearly raped by one of Frank's ancestors before being rescued and forced into marriage. Outlander series, book 1. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Romance. RC 36535.

1992 winners

Angel for Hire by Justine Davis.
Alexandra Logan has struggled for eight years to maintain her unusual farm, in spite of the objections of the residents in her small Oregon town. In response to her plea for help, Michael Justice is sent from heaven to help Alexandra maintain her sanctuary for Vietnam veterans. But Michael is not supposed to fall in love! Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal category. RC 38351.

Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd.
In medieval England, young, blind Lady Saura of Roget is resigned to running her stepfather's household until a visiting lord offers her a way out. Impressed by Saura's abilities, Lord Peter asks her to teach his son William to adapt to his blindness. William is not told that Saura is young, blind, or winsome, but his bitterness soon gives way to love. Unfortunately, his enemies interrupt his bliss. Violence and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the First Novel category. RC 35615.

A Human Touch by Glenda Sanders.
After her lover dumped her, pregnant Meredith Quinn dropped out of college and lost her job. Now reduced to living with three-week-old Stacy in her car, she seeks help from a priest. He convinces his friend, attorney Kyle Brooks, to not only sue Stacy's father for palimony, but to hire Meredith as his live-in housekeeper. Kyle's initial reluctance fades as he gets to know Meredith. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Short Contemporary category. RC 37970.

Night Tales by Nora Roberts.
Four connected novels--Night Shift, Night Shadow, Nightshade, and Night Smoke--feature a cast of related characters who enter passionate relationships while investigating dangerous crimes. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Night Shift was selected in the 1992 Romantic Suspense category, and Nightshade was selected in the 1994 Romantic Suspense category. RC 50925.

This Time Forever by Kathleen Eagle.
When rodeo rider Cleve Black Horse’s truck breaks down, he accepts a ride from Arnie Bertram. By night’s end, Arnie is dead and innocent Cleve is arrested for murder. Nurse Susan Ellison is the only jury member who believes Cleve, but she finally agrees to a guilty verdict. When Susan grows attached to an infant patient, she confronts Cleve again: she thinks he is the father. Strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Selected in the Single Title Contemporary category. RC 39740.

1994 winners

Deirdre and Don Juan by Jo Beverly.
Mark Juan Carlos Renfrew, earl of Everdon, first married when he was twenty. But it was a mismatch, and his wife left him within six months. Now, ten years later, he has received word of her death and must, therefore, take a new wife and provide an heir for his estate. This time he wants someone who is quiet, plain, and a stay-at-home. Deirdre Stowe seems to be the perfect solution. But she has promised to marry someone else. Selected in the Regency category. RC 40344.

It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
After her father dies, Phoebe Somerville is shocked that she has temporarily inherited the Chicago Stars football team. To keep the team, she must work with head coach Dan Calebow, whom she dislikes. Chicago Stars series, book 1. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Romance. RC 55305.

Private Scandals by Nora Roberts.
Chicago, 1994. It is midnight when Deanna Reynolds arrives at the CBC TV station, where Angela Perkins has demanded to meet her. They have become enemies in the past few years as Deanna has usurped Angela’s place in the talk-show market and in Finn Riley’s life. Now Deanna hopes to have it out with Angela. But when Deanna walks into the studio, she discovers Angela with her face blown away. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Contemporary Single Title category. RC 38882, BR 9668.

Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell.
Norman knight Dominic le Sabre has returned from the Holy Land to claim his Saxon bride and the vast domain that she will inherit upon the imminent death of her father. Dominic looks forward to his marriage and the heirs he will have. But Lady Margaret suffers from the curse of Glendruid, and she will never bear a son--unless her husband truly loves her and his passion can equal hers. Medieval series, book 1. Explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical Single Title category. RC 36345.

1995 winners

An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers.
Marcus, believing he saw Hadassah die in the arena of lions, has become a bitter man and is unable to forgive his sister Julia for her part in Hadassah's death. But Hadassah lives. Hiding behind a veil and now known as Rapha, she uses her faith to heal others. But can her faith sustain her as she is called upon to help the very person who sent her to her death? Mark of theLion series, book 2. Selected in the Inspirational category. RC 42396.

Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts.
Dora Conroy owns a small antique shop in Philadelphia. Following a buying trip to an auction, where she acquires a curious assortment of items from a newly arrived shipment, Dora becomes the target of break-ins and attempted murder. Fortunately, her actor father rents the apartment across from Dora to ex-policeman Jed Skimmerhorn. Some violence, some strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in Romantic Suspense category. RC 40588.

1996 winners

As Sure As the Dawn by Francine Rivers.
Once again Hadassah awaits death in the cells below the arena. As she waits, Hadassah is visited by Atretes, and she tells him that his son by Julia still lives. Atretes is told to go to John, who has given the son to a young widow named Rizpah. Atretes is reunited with his son, but in order to keep him alive, Atretes must also accept Rizpah into his life. Mark of the Lion series, book 3. Selected in the Inspirational category. RC 42413.

Born in Ice by Nora Roberts.
In this sequel to Born in Fire (RC 39873), Irish Maggie Concannon’s sister, Brianna, has turned the family home into a bed-and-breakfast. Brianna is excited to have a paying guest for the cold winter: American mystery writer Grayson Thayne. She also discovers that her late father has a third child in America and that he made one last long-shot investment before he died. Concannon Family, Book 2. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Contemporary Single Title category. RC 41122.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Lynda Chase.
Jessica Trent is a strong-willed spinster whose brother has taken up with notorious cad Lord Dain, and he is rapidly squandering all her money. While extricating her brother from trouble, Dain snares Jessica in a compromising situation and she exacts revenge. Explicit descriptions of sex. WOD 463.

1997 winners

Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath.
"Clay" Holland, who refused to carry a gun during the Civil War, has been branded a coward since his return to Cedar Grove, Texas. Meg Warner tries to shame him and to commemorate the town’s fallen heroes by commissioning him to carve a memorial statue for the town. But Meg is surprised by Clay’s courage. Some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Short Historical category. RC 46243.

Conor’s Way by Laura Lee Guhrke.
Louisiana, 1871. Impoverished Olivia Maitland has prayed for someone to help her run the farm, but finding a beaten Irish prizefighter on the road is not what she expected. With her three young, adopted daughters, Olivia nurses Conor Branigan back to health. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Selected in the Long Historical category. RC 45910.

Daniel’s Gift by Barbara Freethy.
Twelve-year-old Daniel St. Claire longs to meet his father, Luke Sheridan, head of a California biotech company. But his mother, Jenny, wants nothing to do with Luke, who left her for his career. Then, after attempting a reunion, Danny is hurt in a terrible accident. As he lies unconscious in the hospital, Danny's parents try to make amends. Some strong language.
Selected in the Contemporary Single Title category. RC 45410, BR 11411.

The Lady’s Companion by Carla Kelly.
At twenty-five, Susan Hampton has given up hope of a London season since her father gambled away the family estate. She does not want to stay with her aunt, who will treat her as little more than a servant. So she finds work as a lady’s companion--but the woman doesn’t want her help. Selected in the Regency category. RC 45373.

The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers.
California housewife Sierra Clanton Madrid learns she has much in common with her pioneer ancestor, Mary Kathryn McMurray, as she reads Mary’s tattered journal. Like her predecessor, Sierra is forced to move away from family and friends so her husband can make a new beginning. Both women struggle, but each finds contentment when she turns to God. Selected in the Inspirational category. RC 44425.

See How They Run by Bethany Campbell.
Teacher Laura Stoner and her twin autistic students witness a driveby shooting. The eight-year-old boys’ ability to reel off the license number and describe the shooter puts them in grave danger because the victim is a Mafia don. The trio reluctantly go into protective custody but soon learn that may not help them. Strong language, violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Romantic Suspense category. BR 11343.

Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland.
Genevieve Buchanan owns a successful restoration company. She is told she has inherited an English castle--that just has a few minor quirks. When she arrives at Seakirk Keep, Genevieve discovers that her inheritance includes Kendrick de Piaget, a thirteenth-century ghost with a charming bag of tricks. Some descriptions of sex. Selected in both the First Book and Paranormal categories. RC 48145.

1998 winners

Nobody’s Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Jane, a thirty-four-year-old physics professor, wants a baby. Her football-groupie neighbor promises to find a classy hooker for quarterback Cal Bonner’s birthday. Jane agrees to pose as the call girl, thinking that a child with an athlete’s I.Q. would not be the teased genius she had been. Chicago Stars, Book 3. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in both the Contemporary Single Title category and as RWA’s Favorite Book of 1997. RC 47391.

The Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osborne.
Ornery but honest mule driver Jenny Jones faces a Mexican firing squad because she admits to killing her attacker. A mysterious dying woman offers to take Jenny’s place if she will take the woman’s young daughter to her estranged gringo husband in California and fight off the greedy Mexican relatives who want the girl dead. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Long Historical category. RC 47015.

1999 winners

The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll.
Reclusive nobleman Anatole St. Leger, who is cursed with the inherited tendency to have visions, employs the family bride-finder. Anatole asks for a heavyset plain woman, but the old man delivers a petite redhead--much like the one the visions warned against. St. Leger Family series, book 1. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Selected in the Paranormal category. RC 49219.

Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
After her embezzling televangelist husband dies in a crash, his destitute young widow, Rachel Stone, brings her little boy back to face the unfriendly town of Salvation, North Carolina. Reeling from his own loss, surly Gabe Bonner is dismayed to find himself helping Rachel. Chicago Stars series, book 4. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Contemporary Single Title category. RC 45735.

Merely Married by Patricia Coughlin.
England, 1819. Adrian Devereau, the Duke of Raven, is tired of being endlessly pursued to marry. He concocts a scheme to wed a dying girl and thus become a grieving widower. Adrian finds the perfect victim in Leah Stretton--but then she recovers. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Short Historical category. RC 51922.

My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway.
Devon, England; 1887. When Horatio Thorne passes away, he leaves his estate to suffragette Lillian Bede--provided she makes the farm profitable within five years. His rightful heir, Avery Thorne, travels around the world, exchanging goading letters with his adversary, Lillian. Eventually, they meet. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Long Historical category. RC 51921.

Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher.
Iowa, 1897. Reverend Linberg and his family tend to their parish of fellow Swedish immigrants. The oldest daughter, Inga, agrees to help farmer Dirk Bridger take care of his orphaned nieces and ill mother. Despite differences Inga and Dirk fall in love. Coming to America series, book 2. Selected in the Inspirational category. RC 54864.

2000 winners

Bodyguard by Suzanne Brockmann.
FBI agent Harry O'Dell reluctantly protects beautiful Mafia widow Alessandra Lamont from her late husband's associates. But Harry falls in love. So when police protection fails, he disguises Alessandra and takes her into his own family circle. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Selected in the Contemporary Single Title category. RC 52406.

Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson.
Wealthy Sara Walsh was abducted and traumatized as a child, and her kidnapper still harasses her anonymously. Life gets better when she falls in love with retired football player Adam Black. With the help of prayer, Adam and her brother Dave, an FBI agent, try to find the culprit. O’Malley series, book 1. Selected in the Inspirational category. BR 14176.

Nell by Jeanette Baker.
Two women, Nell Fitzgerald from the sixteenth century and Jillian Fitzgerald from the twentieth century, are united across time in their search for love. But for both, the conflicts between England and Ireland, Catholics and Protestants, lead to tragedies that tear each from her beloved. Some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Paranormal category. RC 52069.

The Proposition by Judith Ivory.
London, 1898. On a bet, linguist Edwina Bollash has six weeks to transform a Cornish ratcatcher into a proper gentleman who can pass as a viscount at her cousin's annual ball. But the tall and handsome Mick Tremore charms his way into her heart. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Short Historical category. RC 50381.

2001 winners

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts.
As a child Tory Bodeen was deeply affected by her abusive father and the brutal murder of her best friend. Now the adult Tory returns home to South Carolina, where her psychic ability to"see" the past and the future puts her in mortal danger. Some descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Selected in the Romantic Suspense category. RC 49775.

First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
First Lady Cornelia Case has always lived in the political spotlight, so when her husband is assassinated she looks forward to a more private life. But the new president has other ideas and when Cornelia attempts to escape the spotlight, the results surprise everyone. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Contemporary Single Title category. RC 50721.

The Highlander’s Touch by Karen Marie Moning.
Lisa Stone, a twenty-first century woman, is transported back to fourteenth century Scotland after she touches a rare museum artifact. She meets the immortal laird Circenn Brodie, who has pledged to kill the bearer of the flask. Brodie instead falls in love with the beautiful stranger. Highlander series, book 3. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Paranormal category.
RC 53836.

The Mistress by Susan Wiggs.
As fire rages across Chicago, October 8, 1871, Kathleen O'Leary, dressed in her friend's finery, catches the eye of Dylan Kennedy, the supposedly rich gentleman society is speculating about. On impulse, they marry. Neither is prepared for the truth. Chicago Fire series, book 2. Some descriptions of sex and some violence.  Selected in the Short Historical category. BR 14549.

The Shepherd’s Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher.
Ransom, Idaho, 1934. Gabe Talmadge spent ten years in prison. Now four years after his release, he is having trouble finding work and returns home hoping for shelter, if not love, with his father. Unwelcome there, Gabe discovers work, hope, and love with Akira Macauley, who asked God for help on her sheep farm. Selected in the Inspirational category. BR 14071.

2002 winners

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney.
Missionary Daria Camfield returns home, grieving her husband's death. She overcomes her loss and falls in love again, but is shocked to learn that her husband is still alive. Now Daria discovers that her faith in God will help her resolve her dilemma. Camfield series, book 1. Selected in the Inspirational Romance category. RC 57150.

Border Bride by Elizabeth English.
The Borderlands, 1375. English Lord Darnley promises his daughter Maude to Scottish Jemmy Kirallen. When he sends his illegitimate daughter Alyson instead, the two fall in love. Alyson's identity is soon discovered, jeopardizing her life. Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Darnley and Kirallen series, book 1. Selected in the First Book category. RC 56030.

The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway.
Victorian England. Runaway music hall performer Letty Potts finds a train ticket and travels to Little Bidewell, Northumberland. She is mistaken for wedding planner Lady Agatha Whyte, and manages to orchestrate a high society nuptial. Sir Elliot March, despite his suspicions, falls in love with Letty. Bridal series, Book 1. Selected in the Best Long Historical Romance category. RC 56853.

Quinn’s Complete Seduction by Sandra Steffen.
More than a year ago Nathan Quinn's wife died. As spring blossoms, he considers that it is time to find a new woman to help raise his daughter, Holly. Crystal Galloway, new to Jasper Gulch, South Dakota, is also searching for something, but not a husband. Selected in the Best Traditional Romance category. RC 57094.

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen.
Trauma surgeon Catherine Cordell left Savannah after escaping from a serial murderer whom she managed to kill. A copycat is now stalking her in Boston while finding other victims, and Catherine falls in love with the detective on the case. Jane Rizzoli series, book 1. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex.  Selected in the Best Romantic Suspense category. RC 54007.

Tempt Me Twice by Barbara Dawson Smith.
Regency England. Lord Gabriel Kenyon returns to London from Africa to inform Kate Talisford of her father’s death there. Kate holds a grudge against Gabriel, but needs him to help find her parent’s treasure--and along the way they fall in love. Some explicit descriptions of sex. RC 56054.

True Confessions by Rachel Gibson.
L.A. tabloid reporter Hope Spencer recovers incognito from her tumultuous divorce in rural Gospel, Idaho. She falls in love with local sheriff Dylan Taber, a single father, who also conceals secrets from his past. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected in the Best Contemporary Single Title category. RC 56056.

2003 winners

The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber.
Noelle McDowell has not been home for the holidays in Rose, Oregon, in ten years because she did not want to risk running into Thom Sutton. Once she had planned to elope with him, but Thom jilted her. Now she is home, it is Christmas, and miracles do happen. Selected in the Best Traditional category. RC 56364.

Three Fates by Nora Roberts.
Irish siblings Malachi, Gideon, and Rebecca Sullivan seek the return of a family heirloom, a small antique statue, and the whereabouts of its matching pieces. During their dangerous quest, they manipulate suspects but also fall in love. Strong language, some explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Selected in the Best Romantic Suspense category. RC 54462.

2004 winners

Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah.
Time and differences have kept divorce lawyer Meghann Dontess and her sister, Claire, from the closeness they shared during a difficult childhood. Reunited for Claire's wedding, theyestablish new bonds, and Meghann finds herself falling in love as well. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected in the Novel With Romantic Elements category. RC 58727.

Birthright by Nora Roberts.
Ancient bones are uncovered at a construction site in Maryland and archaeologist Callie Dunbrook and her ex-husband are asked to investigate. When a local woman claims that Callie is her long-lost daughter--kidnapped twenty-nine years earlier--Callie must search for the truth. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Best Contemporary Single Title category.
RC 55869.

Remember When by J.D. Robb.
Laine Tavish discovers that a man killed outside her Maryland shop helped her father steal millions in diamonds. Max Gannon, investigating the theft, falls in love with Laine. Fifty years later, NYC police detective Eve Dallas assists their endangered granddaughter who unknowingly has the stones. Eve Dallas series, book 18. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected in the Best Romantic Suspense category. RC 56898.

Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas.
Unable to face a future with Lord Radnor, to whom she was betrothed as a child, Charlotte Howard runs away. Bow Street runner Nick Gentry is hired to find her, but isn't ready for what he encounters. Bow Street series, book 2. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Best Short Historical Romance category. RC 55731.

2005 winner

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie.
Thirty-three-year-old Minerva Dobbs’s boyfriend not only dumps her right before her sister’s wedding but also bets his buddy, Cal Morrisey, that Min will sleep with Cal. Min overhears them and although she plans revenge falls in love instead. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Best Contemporary Single Title category. RC 58276.