1995 winners:
Bridge of Dreams by Christina Skye.
Two hundred years after Gabriel Montserrat’s mysterious death at Draycott Abbey, his body and will have been discovered. American Cathlin O’Neill, whose mother was murdered at Draycott Abbey, is named in the will. But in order to claim the inheritance, she must spend seven days and nights in the British Abbey. Her co-inheritor Dominic Montserrat protects her during her stay. Draycott Abbey series, Book 2. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Selected as the Contemporary Reincarnation Romance. RC 44830.
For the Roses by Julie Garwood.
Teenagers Adam, Douglas, Cole, and Travis are struggling to survive in the alleys of New York City in the 1860s when they discover an abandoned baby girl. Believing she would never survive in an orphanage, the boys decide to keep her, and name her Mary Rose. They become a "family," head west to Montana, and take up ranching. Everything is fine until Lord Harrison MacDonald comes looking for a long-lost Lady Victoria. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected in the Historical Romance category. RC 43563.
Heart of the West by Penelope Williamson.
Boston-reared Clementine Kennicutt longs to escape the authoritarian rule of her pious father. So when she meets cowboy Gus McQueen, she quickly accepts his proposal and elopes with him. But nothing prepares her for meeting Gus's brother, Zach. As Clementine learns to survive in the 1880s Montana wilderness, she struggles against her growing attraction to Zach. Strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Selected as the Best Historical Novel. RC 41259.
Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall.
When Jackson Rule was sixteen, he went to prison for killing his father. Now thirty-one and newly free, Jackson's chances of finding a decent job and helping his troubled sister are bleak until nursery owner Rebecca Hill hires him, despite the protests of her preacher father. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Romance. RC 44789.
Legend by Jude Deveraux.
Shortly before she is to marry, Elizabeth Kady Long impulsively buys an old flour tin. Inside it, she discovers a well-preserved satin wedding dress, just the kind she's been looking for. She tries it on and suddenly finds herself transported in time to a harsh landscape where a man is about to be hanged. Descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Historical Time-Travel Romance. RC 43560.
Night Sins by Tami Hoag.
Widower Mitch Holt is the chief of police in the small Minnesota town of Deer Lake. Megan O'Malley is the new state criminal field agent assigned to his region. The day she arrives, young Josh Kirkwood is kidnapped. The two cops immediately clash in their investigative methods. But as they begin the stressful two-week search for the boy, neither can deny their personal attraction to each other. Ellen North series, Book 1. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Suspense. RC 40834.
Parting Gifts by Lorraine Heath.
Impoverished, alone, and desperate, Maddie Sherwood comes to the Fort Worth brothel knowing what she has to do to survive. The owner decides to auction her services, but Maddie's shame and despair turn to hope when the highest bidder is Charles Lawson, a kind widower who only wants a mother for his three children. Charles offers Maddie marriage and a real home without revealing his fatal illness. In his losing race against time, Charles makes a bold decision: Maddie should build a new life and a loving home with his children. Some descriptions of sex and strong language. Selected as the Best Americana Historical Romance. WOD 451.
Trust Me by Jayne Ann Krentz.
Once more, wealthy computer expert Sam Stark is left at the altar. Caterer Desdemona Wainwright of the Right Touch can't afford to absorb the loss, so she insists Stark pay the bill. Stark hires her to cater functions for Stark Security Systems, but attempted theft of his breakthrough software complicates their lives and leads to murder. Descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected in the Contemporary Romance category. RC 40282.
1996 winners:
Autumn Lover by Elizabeth Lowell.
Elyssa Sutton, twenty, is startled when Hunter Maxwell offers his services as a ramrod who can handle a gun. Together they rally against the Culpeppers, a family of raiders who are stripping the Ladder S ranch of cattle. Maxwells series, Book 1. Strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Selected as the Best K.I.S.S. Hero. RC 43798.
Just Once by Jill Marie Landis.
All Bostonian Jemma O'Hurley has ever wanted is her father's love, and perhaps marrying the man he has picked for her will help. But when she travels to New Orleans to meet her intended groom, she learns he is dead. Attempting to flee, she meets Hunter Boone and convinces him to help her. Soon she is involved in the adventure of her life. Some descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Historical Love & Laughter novel. RC 47204.
The Outsider by Penelope Williamson.
Rachel Yoder and her young son, Benjo, are trying to survive on a Montana sheep ranch in the 1880s, when severely wounded Johnny Cain comes out of the woods. Although the Amish folks frown upon the widow Rachel taking care of an outsider, she continues to do so. The community is outraged when she hires Cain to help on the ranch. Some violence. Selected as the Best All-Around Historical Romance of the Year. RC 44881.
The Rake’s Rainbow by Allison Lane.
Regency rake Thomas Mannering is so devastated by the love of his life's marriage to someone else that he has spent the last few months in a drunken stupor. When an accident puts him in bed with Caroline Cummings, a vicar's daughter, Thomas realizes he must change his ways. But even the charming and efficient Caroline seems unable to make Thomas forget his former love. Selected as the Best First Regency Romance. RC 45411.
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 as the Best Contemporary Fantasy Romance. RC 48145.
Under the Beetle’s Cellar by Mary Willis Walker.
Claiming that the end of the world is near, Samuel Mordecai and his heavily armed group have kidnapped school-bus driver Walter Demming and eleven children. During the fifty days the hostages are kept in an underground pit, Vietnam-vet Demming rallies them with stories and trains them in defense. Meanwhile, journalist Molly Cates searches for Mordecai's birth mother, hoping she will negotiate with the cult leader. Molly Cates series, Book 2. Strong language and violence. Selected as the Best Contemporary Suspense. RC 42093.
Wrapped in Wishes by Olga Bicos.
After miscarrying and breaking up with her fiancé, Chloe Plum develops insomnia. Her therapist hypnotizes Chloe, who finds herself in the 1880s assisting a ghost-hunting professor while fleeing evil men. After the session, Chloe meets the professor's look-alike in current times, cartoonist Parker Street, whose comic strip mirrors her odd experience. Violence and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Time-Travel Romance. RC 45926.
1997 winners:
Finding Laura by Kay Hooper.
Since childhood, Laura Sutherland has been obsessed with mirrors. After she buys an antique mirror for only two dollars at the Kilbourne family estate sale in Atlanta, Peter Kilbourne tracks her down, asking that she sell the mirror back to his family. Laura refuses, and when Peter is murdered, she falls under suspicion. As she seeks to understand the mirror’s mysterious ties, Laura becomes a pawn in a struggle between Peter’s brother, Daniel, and his grandmother Amelia. Some descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Romantic Suspense. RC 47221, BR 11817.
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith.
As a child in the mountains of Georgia, Claire Maloney developed a special friendship with an older, motherless boy from an outcast family. Twenty years later, Claire returns home to heal from injuries suffered on her job as a reporter investigating domestic violence. She finds that her old friend still loves her. Some strong language and some violence. Selected as the Best Contemporary Novel. RC 45772.
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 as the Best Innovative Historical Romance. RC 47015.
Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters.
Amelia Peabody and her family have come to Cairo in 1903 for an archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings. Upon their arrival, her husband, Radcliff, receives a note warning them to stay away from tomb Twenty-A. Naturally that is no deterrent for Amelia. Within the tomb, they find a mummy, but it is not an ancient Egyptian. Amelia Peabody Emerson series, Book 10. Selected as the Best Historical Romantic Mystery. RC 44785.
Serpent’s Tooth by Faye Kellerman.
Thirteen customers are massacred at a chic L.A. restaurant, and the killer, Harlan Manz, is among the dead. As Lt. Peter Decker investigates, forensic evidence points to a possible accomplice. Checking out Manz's previous job as a tennis pro leads Decker to an heiress with plenty to gain by her parents' deaths. Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus series, Book 10. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Suspense. RC 44839.
Son of the Morning by Linda Howard.
Grace St. John is translating manuscripts involving the Knights Templar when her husband and brother are murdered. Grace flees and finds herself transported back to fourteenth century Scotland, where she falls in love with Niall MacRobert, the guardian of a treasure. Explicit descriptions of sex, some strong language, and some violence. Selected as the Best Contemporary Time-Travel/Reincarnation Romance. RC 48552.
Splendor by Brenda Joyce.
The daughter of a London bookseller, Carolyn Browne is an enlightened eighteen-year-old who has been writing articles for the Morning Chronicle under the name of Charles Copperville. When she lampoons Prince Nicholas Sverayov of Russia, he seeks out Copperville, quickly uncovering Carolyn's identity and beginning a new game of deception. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Historical Romance of the Year. RC 45284.
Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb.
In the year 2058, New York cop Eve Dallas is faced with a serial killer who appears to have some connection with her billionaire husband Roarke's past. As Eve chases clues that keep pointing to Roarke's servant, Roarke secretly tries to solve the case too. Eve Dallas series, book 6. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Futuristic Romance. RC 45064.
1998 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 his visions warned against. St. Leger Family series, Book 1. Explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Selected as the Historical Romance of the Year. RC 49219.
Essence of My Desire by Jill Jones.
Perfumer Simone Lefèvre seeks revenge against Nick Rutledge, who stole her father's business secrets and caused his death. Nick hopes to invent a perfume to restore his family's firm. Instead, they both rediscover an ancient potion that creates an escape to a mystical place where they become lovers. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Fantasy Romance.RC 48315.
Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati.
In 1792, spinster Elizabeth Middleton leaves England to join her brother and father in upstate New York to teach school. Once there, her father is determined to marry her off to a wealthy doctor, Richard Todd. But Elizabeth falls in love with Nathaniel Bonner, son of a Hawkeye and a member of the Mohawk tribe. Wilderness Series, Book 1. Selected as the Best Historical Novel. RC 57979, BR 12298.
Never Love a Cowboy by Jill Gregory.
When Emma Malloy returns to her father's Montana ranch in 1882 after six years at boarding school, she's shocked to learn that the long-standing feud between her father and the neighboring Garrettsons has led to murder. She's also annoyed that Tucker Garrettson has become extremely handsome. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Western Historical Romance. RC 48381.
1999 winners:
Bones by Jan Burke.
When an edgy, rebellious teenage girl asks reporter Irene Kelly to look for her missing mother, Irene crosses the path of the very dangerous serial killer Nicholas Parrish. He is a totally anonymous but enormously gifted and resourceful villain. He kills women that look similar to his abusive mother, as Irene does, and attracts devoted disciples to his grisly cause. Because of Irene's involvement, several more lives are damaged or endangered, and the strain takes its toll on the reporter's mental stability. Irene Kelly series, Book 7. Selected as the Best Contemporary Mystery. RC 50393.
Gravity by Tess Gerritsen.
On her first NASA mission to the international space station, Dr. Emma Watson fights to contain an experiment gone wrong. A culture of organisms brought aboard the station grows rapidly in space, having fatal consequences for the astronauts. Emma’s only hope of stopping the alien life form lies in help from her estranged husband, Jack McCallum, who is still on Earth. Some strong language. Selected as the Best Suspense Novel. RC 48872.
Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews.
Meg is knocking herself out trying to be a bridesmaid for the weddings of her brother, mother, and best friend. As she tries to help her ditzy relatives prepare for their various outrageous festivities, one of the guests is murdered, old crimes are uncovered, and she falls in love. Selected as the Best First Mystery. BR 13270.
“O” is for Outlaw by Sue Grafton.
When private eye Kinsey Millhone buys items from a storage salvager, she is surprised to find an old letter exonerating her ex-husband, vice cop Mickey Magruder, of murder. Now Mickey has been shot and lies in a coma. Kinsey investigates the shooting and becomes the next target. Kinsey Millhone series, Book 15. Some violence. Selected as the Best P.I. Novel. RC 48818, BR 12393.
Somewhere Lies the Moon by Kathryn Lynn Davis.
Scotland, 1993. Eva Crawford inexplicably refuses a marriage proposal. Her ancestral journals seem to be pulling her into the past, and in a series of flashbacks, Eva unites with family matriarch Mairi Rose and her half-sisters Ailsa, Genevra, and Lian. Scottish Women series, Book 3. Selected as the Best Historical Novel. RC 50383.
The Stargazer by Michele Jaffe.
Venice, 1585. Bianca Salva, an “unofficial physician,” and Ian Foscari, the Conte d'Aosto, meet over the body of a murdered courtesan. Each suspects the other of the crime. Ian contrives a plan to work with Bianca on the investigation: they will announce they are engaged. Some violence and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Historical Romantic Mystery. RC 49429.
The Wild Child by Mary Jo Putney.
Because Kyle Renbourne has a more important mission than spending two weeks courting his betrothed, he convinces his twin, Dominic, to take his place. Since the intended bride, Lady Meriel, is thought to be mad, Kyle thinks his plan will work. But everyone is surprised by the results. Bride series, Book 1. Some descriptions of sex. Selected in the Best Regency Historical Romance category.RC 49450.
2000 winners:
Ahab’s Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund.
Una recounts her life story in mid-nineteenth-century America when whaling and slavery were prevalent. She has firsthand adventures at sea disguised as a boy before her second marriage to Ahab, captain of the whaler Pequod. And as a widow, she finds a new role for herself in New England. Selected as the Best Historical Novel. RC 48867.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier.
In this first installment of a new trilogy, Lord Colum of Sevenwaters has six talented sons. But it is his seventh child and only daughter Sorcha who can restore his sons to humanity after Colum's new wife changes them into swans. Sevenwaters series, Book 1. Some descriptions of sex and some violence. Selected as the Best Fantasy Novel. RC 53155.
Death on a Silver Tray by Rosemary Stevens.
London, 1805. George "Beau" Brummell is beseeched by his friend the duchess of York to clear a ladies' companion, whom she had recommended, of murder charges. The dreadful old Lady Wrayburn has been poisoned and the duchess wants to avoid a scandal. Selected as the Best First Mystery. BR 13293.
He Shall Thunder in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters.
The extended Peabody Emerson family returns to Egypt for further archaeological excavation in the winter of 1914-15, even as World War I reaches the Middle East. Amidst the turmoil, Sethos, the master criminal and Amelia's nemesis, reappears. Amelia Peabody Emerson series, Book 13. Selected as the Best Historical Mystery. RC 51073.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard.
Jaine and three coworkers jokingly create a list of requirements for the ideal man. When the list goes public, someone secretly vows to kill the listmakers. Meanwhile, Jaine goes from hating her new neighbor to thinking he's "Mr. Perfect." Explicit descriptions of sex, strong language, and some violence. Selected as the Best Romantic Intrigue. RC 50936.
Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper.
Psychic Cassie Neill fails to prevent a murder in Los Angeles and flees to North Carolina. Once there, however, a stalker invades her mind. No one believes her until a body is found. Then she becomes a suspect. Shadows series. Violence and strong language. Selected as the Best Romantic Suspense. RC 51473.
Witness in Death by J. D. Robb.
New York City, 2059. While attending a play, policewoman Eve Dallas and her husband witness a stage actor's murder when a real knife is substituted for a prop. During her investigation Eve discovers that the victim was a vile and unscrupulous fiend. Eve Dallas series, book 10. Explicit descriptions of sex, violence, and strong language. Selected as the Best Futuristic Romance. RC 50031.
The Wrong Dog by Carol L. Benjamin.
Private detective Rachel Alexander is hired by Sophie Gordon to track down a dog-cloning company that, after providing a flawed replacement puppy for Sophie's beloved service dog, has disappeared. But soon Sophie is murdered, and Rachel and her pit bull, Dashiell, investigate. Alexander and Dash series, Book 5. Some violence and some strong language. Selected as the Best P.I. Novel. BR 13436.
2001 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 as Best Inspirational Romance. RC 57150.
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie.
Sisters-in-law Nell, Suze, and Margie are looking for more meaningful lives. Along the way, Nell finds work at a detective agency, Margie worries about a missing husband, and Suze leaves hers. They also become involved in dog napping, murder, arson, embezzlement, and family cover-ups. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Contemporary Novel. RC 53247.
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon.
North Carolina, 1771. The Revolution looms as Jamie Fraser and his time-traveling wife, Claire, plan for daughter Brianna's marriage. Also, Jamie must choose between his oath to the Crown and the independence struggle. Outlander series, Book 5. Descriptions of sex, strong language, and some violence. Selected as the Best Historical Novel. RC 53366.
More Than a Mistress by Mary Balogh.
Jane Ingleby came to Regency-era London to escape scheming relatives. Walking through Hyde Park, she happens upon a duel. Her screams result in the duke of Tresham’s being shot and Jane’s becoming his nurse for three weeks. Later she is given three options for her future. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Historical Romance of the Year. RC 53118.
Murphy’s Law by Rhys Bowen.
Ireland, 1901. Molly Murphy flees to New York City after killing a would-be rapist in her home village. She assumes an alias for passage aboard ship, but at Ellis Island she is once again accused of murder. Handsome New York Police Department Captain Daniel Sullivan is willing to help her prove her innocence. Molly Murphy series, Book 1. Selected as the Best Historical Mystery. BR 14095.
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas.
To end her spinster status, novelist Amanda Briars hires a male prostitute for one night of fantasy on her thirtieth birthday. She is appalled to again encounter Jack, also known as John Devlin, a notorious publisher at a dinner party. He then makes her an offer she cannot refuse. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Sensual Historical Romance. BR 14971.
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 as the Best Suspense Novel. RC 54007.
Total Recall by Sara Paretsky.
Pursuing two seemingly unrelated cases, the private eye explores insurance fraud and probes the past to help her mentor Dr. Lotty Herschel. Lotty is being stalked by a man who claims he is a child survivor of the Holocaust as well as her relative. V.I. investigates whether he is an imposter. V.I. Warshawski series, Book 11. Selected as the Best PI Novel. RC 52911, BR 13634.
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson.
Los Angeles 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 as the Best Contemporary Romance. RC 56056.
2002 winners:
The Big Dig by Linda Barnes.
Boston private investigator Carlotta Carlyle is hired to find a missing roommate while she is working undercover to investigate graft and fraud in the city’s notorious underground road building project. Carlotta discovers that a kidnapping has occurred and that the two cases are connected. Carlotta Carlyle series, Book 9. Strong language and some violence. Selected as the Best Private Investigator Novel. RC 55061.
The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning.
Daegus MacKeltar, returned from the sixteenth century having saved his twin brother, now must exorcise the thirteen demons that possess his own soul. Antiquities student Chloe Zanders comes to his aid. Together they become caught up in an ancient prophecy. Highlander series, Book 5. Explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Paranormal. RC 55859.
Duchess in Love by Eloisa James.
Gina was wed as young girl to Cam Serrard, a duke. Cam fled to Greece after the ceremony, but returns twelve years later to give Gina an annulment so she can remarry. The couple unexpectedly fall in love. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as Best Regency-Set Historical Romance. RC 57930.
Irresistible by Karen Robards.
England, 1813. Following the Banning sisters' escape from libelous accusations, Lady Claire Lynes is kidnapped by a band of spies. Claire and their leader, Hugh Battancourt, fall in love, but her marital status stands in the way of their future. Banning Sisters series, Book 2. Explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Historical Romance of the Year. RC 55143.
Mother of the Bride by Lynn Michaels.
Thirty-two-year-old Cydney Parrish plans her nineteen-year-old niece Bebe's marriage to the nephew of reclusive mystery writer Angus Munroe. But Angus disapproves of Bebe's eccentric family and places obstacles in the way. That is until he falls in love with Cydney. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Contemporary Romance. RC 56585.
The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin.
Satirical take on rich New Yorkers who hire caregivers to be substitute parents. A New York University student majoring in child development opts for a part-time nanny job to pay her rent and winds up with more family involvement than she anticipated. Some strong language. Selected as the Best Chick Lit Novel. RC 54032.
Prairie Moon by Maggie Osborne.
Della Ward has been widowed for ten years when lawman James Cameron arrives to explain to her how her husband died in the Civil War. Once they meet, James, who has carried Della’s picture for a decade, knows the truth may destroy them both. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best K.I.S.S. Hero. RC 55352.
Queenmaker by India Edghill.
Soon after Michal, daughter of King Saul, marries David, the future king of Israel, Saul plots to kill him. David escapes, leaving Michal to marry another. Years later King David demands her return, and thus begins Queen Michal's reign. She befriends Bathsheba and readies Solomon, Bathsheba's son, for the throne. Selected as the Best First Historical Romance. RC 55483.
Safe Harbor by Luanne Rice.
Artist Dana Underhill returns home to the Connecticut shore after her sister, Lily, and Lily's husband drown. Dana takes charge of her nieces, Quinn and Allie, and becomes reacquainted with childhood friend Sam Trevor. Hubbard's Point series, Book 2. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Contemporary Novel. RC 55729.
Shadowsinger by L.E. Modesitt.
Secca, now sorceress protector of the East, finds romance with fellow sorcerer Alcaren. Together they wield their powers against their greatest challengers, from invading Sturinnese to menacing Sea-Priests. Spellsong Cycle series, Book 5. Some violence. Selected as the Best Epic Fantasy Novel. RC 56998.
The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel.
Ayla and Jondalar, with their two horses and a wolf, arrive at the caves of the Zelandonii, Jondalar's people, and receive a mixed welcome. Ayla, as an outsider with strange customs, strives to win acceptance. Earth’s Children series, Book 5. Series Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Historical Novel. RC 53756.
The Survivor’s Club by Lisa Gardner.
Jillian, Carol, and Meg, all survivors of a vicious rape, form a support group. When the serial rapist is shot on his way to court and his attacker is murdered, the women become the prime suspects. Rhode Island detective Roan Griffin heads the investigation when another rape occurs. Violence and strong language. Selected as the Best Suspense Novel. RC 55680.
To Kiss a Spy by Jane Feather.
London, England, 1552. Widowed Lady Pen never believed that her baby died at birth two years ago. When Owen D'Arcy, a French spy, approaches her for information, she enlists him to investigate her son's disappearance. Kissing series. Explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best British-Set Historical Romance. RC 54311.
Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper.
Psychic FBI agent Nell Gallagher returns to her hometown presumably for a funeral, but her real motive is to help catch a serial killer. With Max Tanner, an old boyfriend, she uncovers the truth and falls in love. Evil Trilogy series, Book 2. Strong language and some violence. Selected as the Best Contemporary Mystery. RC 54805.
2003 winners:
The Breathtaker by Alice Blanchard.
In the aftermath of a devastating twister, widowed police chief Charlie Grover discovers the bodies of three apparent tornado victims. When autopsies reveal foul play, Charlie, aided by storm chasing specialist Willa Bellman, races to stop a killer using cyclones to camouflage murder. Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Suspense Novel. RC 57636.
Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters.
Amelia Peabody’s family, including twin grandchildren, return to Egypt after World War 1 to continue archaeological work. Violence plagues their work site, including kidnapping, theft, and a nemesis from the past. Amelia Peabody Emerson series, Book 16. Selected as the Best Historical Mystery. RC 55871.
A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter.
Georgia coroner Sara Linton and her ex-husband, detective Jeffrey Tolliver, investigate a series of suicides at the local college. Sara’s pregnant sister is attacked on the campus, where an untrustworthy former policewoman now works. Sara Linton series, Book 3. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Contemporary Mystery. BR 15088.
No Angel by Penny Vincenzi.
Heedless of the constraints on women at the turn of the century, Celia schemes to have both a family and a job at her husband’s publishing firm. Her successes mount while she deals with World War I, women’s suffrage, and a new love. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Fictionalized Saga. RC 57360.
One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros.
Before a London party, young Carlotta Fairleigh is discovered kissing Hayden St. Clair, a notorious neighbor dubbed the “Murderous Marquess,” and is forced into marriage. At his Cornwall estate Carlotta contends with Hayden’s daughter while investigating his first wife’s mysterious death. Explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Historical Romance of the Year. RC 56896.
Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold.
Free of the madness imprisoning her, widowed dowager Royina Ista of Chalion undertakes a pilgrimage of atonement. Accompanied by loyal followers, Ista contends with gods, demons, and soldier bandits until she is rescued by the hero of her visions. Curse of Chalion series, Book 2. Some descriptions of sex and some violence. Selected as the Best Fantasy Novel. RC 57356.
Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb.
Police lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner search for a serial killer who taunts the media with photographs of his victims before and after death. Meanwhile Eve’s husband, Roarke, discovers a disturbing secret about his past. Eve Dallas series, book 16. Explicit descriptions of sex, violence, and strong language. Selected as the Best Futuristic Romance. RC 55866.
Second Glance by Jodi Picoult.
Developers acquiring property from an elderly scientist spark protests from Native Americans claiming the site is a burial ground. After a rash of unexplained phenomena, ghost hunter Ross Wakeman investigates. The paranormal activity shows disturbing links to eugenics projects in the 1920s and 1930s. Some descriptions of sex and some violence. Selected as the Best Women’s Fiction Novel. RC 58036.
Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh.
Lady Freyja Bedwyn is surprised when a stranger bursts into her room and begs her to hide him. Joshua Moore, the marquess of Hallmere, them makes a daring request for Freyja to pose as his betrothed and help thwart his family’s matchmaking schemes. Bedwyn Family series, book 4. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Selected as the Best Regency-Set Historical Romance. RC 57714.
2004 winners:
Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn.
Poverty-stricken Elizabeth hopes to meet an angel to improve her life. Meanwhile Rebekah, raised in the angel-hating Jansai tribe, secretly nurses the injured angel Obadiah back to health. The two women find love in unexpected places. Samaria series, book 5. Selected as the Best Science Fiction Novel. RC 60411.
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen.
Boston medical examiner Maura Isles discovers that the dead woman in her driveway is her identical twin. Detective Jane Rizzoli, who is expecting a child, assists officer Rick Ballard and Maura in the investigation, which leads them to a serial killer who targets pregnant women. Violence and strong language. Selected as Best Contemporary Mystery. RC 61421.
Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella.
On a flight to London, Emma Corrigan shares her deepest secrets with a seatmate. After landing safely, Emma expects life to return to normal, but then she discovers the fellow traveler is none other than her "mega-boss," Jack Harper. He keeps finding reasons to cross Emma's path. Strong language. Selected as the Best Chick Lit Novel. RC 58052.
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice.
Baker Jane Porter returns to Rhode Island to care for her ailing mother and to locate the now-teenage daughter, Chloe, she gave up for adoption. Jane hides the truth when she unexpectedly falls in love with Chloe's widowed uncle, Dylan. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Selected as the Best Women’s Fiction Novel. RC 59123.
Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson.
After caterer Goldy Schulz's ex-husband John Richard Korman is released from prison, Goldy is attacked and her kitchen sabotaged. Later, Korman is found shot to death in the home of his stripper girlfriend, and Goldy looks like the prime suspect. Recipes are included. Some violence and some strong language. Selected as the Best Amateur Sleuth. RC 59547.
Falling Awake by Jayne Ann Krentz.
Dream analyst Isabel Wright, whose work helps solve crimes, loses her job when her boss's son takes over the company. Government agent and former dream subject Ellis Cutler recruits Isabel for his agency, where she can continue investigating cases--and fall in love. Some violence and some strong language. Selected as the Best Romantic Intrigue. RC 59416.
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts.
In Lunacy, Alaska, new sheriff Nate Burke finds the job challenging. While the former cop recovers from his Baltimore partner's violent death, he investigates an unsolved crime that threatens his current life and love, fiery bush pilot Meg Galloway. Explicit descriptions of sex and strong language. Selected as the Best Contemporary Novel with Romantic Elements. RC 58932.