The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) announced the winners of its annual Reading List awards in several categories, including Romance, for books published last year.

WINNER

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Summary: A lady is ruined. A merchant’s son is trapped. Class differences loom large in this charming and playful take on the arranged marriage. Balogh’s Regency gem, where nothing is quite as it seems, is filled with affection and wit.

Click here to read May's review of A Matter of Class.

Read-Alikes

Faro’s Daughter by Georgette Heyer

Summary: When Max Ravenscar, renowned gamester, and by his own definition, untroubled by a romantic disposition, meets Deborah Grantham, beautiful mistress of her aunt’s gaming house, all his experience of risk and gambles finds him unprepared.

In for a Penny by Rose Lerner

Summary: A dashing and feckless lord enters a marriage of convenience with the lovely and practical daughter of a wealthy merchant to salvage his family fortune, but they find themselves unprepared for scandal, rioting tenants, a menacing neighbor-and discovering a love that is neither convenient nor practical but entirely heartfelt and enduring.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Summary: The town is shocked when Anthony Bridgerton, confirmed bachelor and consummate rake, actually chooses a bride. His only obstacle is his intended′s stunning, meddlesome elder sibling, Kate. When Anthony closes his eyes at night, it′s Kate who haunts his increasingly erotic dreams. Kate is determined to protect her innocent sister from the handsome viscount whom all London considers the most wicked rogue of all. But she fears how own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony′s lips touch hers, she′s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible cad.

Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas

May's Review: I admit that I found Thomas' first novel Private Arrangements to be okay but not entirely amazing in spite of the fact that the title garnered a couple of 2009 RITA awards. I decided to give her another shot with her latest book Not Quite a Husband which has now garnered the 2010 RITA award for best historical romance novel. Was I destined for another round of disappointment?

I am happy to report NOT this time. First let's start with the premise. Bryony Asquith and Leo Marsden are a somewhat unusual pair. Bryony is a female doctor and four years older than her ex-husband while Leo is a brilliant and popular mathematician making quite the name for himself in various academic circles. Their marriage unravels shortly after the ceremony and they soon part ways. Yet for some reason, three years later, Leo feels compelled to track down his ex-wife in India to give her a message in-person that her father is dying rather than sending a messenger. Will sparks be rekindled?

Obviously yes but unlike in Barely a Lady (click on this link to read my earlier review) where the heroine is portrayed as the naive and innocent martyr and the hero is easily manipulated and just plain gullible, both Bryony and Leo are more even matched both in temperament and intellect. As they travel across India amidst a civil uprising, both individuals realize they are equally at fault for the dissolution of their marriage and gradually fall in love with one another as they are now (e.g. older and slightly wiser) as opposed to what they were back then (e.g. younger, somewhat obsessed with the notion of love and perhaps idealistic about overcoming each other' s shortcomings). The characters have matured, reconciled with their past, and are determined to face the future with one another by remaining true to their nature. What I mean is that Bryony doesn't give up being a doctor nor does Leo give up being an academic. The two of them simply found a way to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal life. And really, isn't that what relationships are all about anyway?

Since I haven't read too many of the other books that were nominated in this category, I can say that Not Quite a Husband exceeded my expectations and was enjoyable from start to finish.

Romance Writers of America® (RWA) handed out the RITA awards, which honors the best romance fiction published in 2009, last weekend. As our readers are well aware, we have been highlighting the nominees in each of the major categories.

Congratulations and without any further adieu, here are the winners:

BEST CONTEMPORARY SERIES A Not-So-Perfect Past by Beth Andrews Summary: Nina Carlson knows all about Dillon Ward. Knows he served time in prison. Knows nobody put out the welcome mat when he moved to Serenity Springs. But that doesn't stop her from renting him a place to live. And when someone crashes into her bakery, he's just the man to fix the damage. And Nina isn't the only one who thinks Dillon's the perfect man for the job: her two kids have taken a shine to him. Still, she can't afford to get close to Dillon, even if he is tempting her to toss out her good-girl shoes. Because it's not that she doesn't trust him. It's that she doesn't trust herself.
BEST CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE/ADVENTURE SERIES ROMANCE The Soldier's Secret Daughter by Cindy Dees Summary: Dashing spy Jagger Holtz lived in a world of danger. Not even a sweet brown-eyed siren alone on New Year's Eve could be trusted, especially when he had to bring down her employer. Somehow Emily Grainger broke through his defenses—and set him up for two years of torturous captivity. Or so he thought. Emily hadn't expected a cryptic message to lead her to rescue the man who'd disappeared after their night of passion. Nor had she known that he'd been held prisoner all that time and believed that she was responsible. Despite the suspicion, they must work together to stop the threat against them…and protect their precious daughter.
BEST FIRST BOOK One Scream Away by Kate Brady Summary: Killer Chevy Bankes is a master of disguise, and just paroled, he's coming after the woman who sent him to jail, the beautiful antiques expert Beth Denison. A set of antique dolls brings Beth into his sight, and inspire Chevy's disturbing crimes as he draws closer to Beth and her young daughter. Neil Sheridan gave up his FBI shield five years ago, but his best friend Rick, a cop, pulls him in as a consultant on a case involving a serial killer who is eerily similar to a murderer Neil encountered in the past. The investigation leads Neil to Beth's doorstep, and he is certain she isn't telling him the truth.
BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas Summary: Their marriage lasted only slightly longer than the honeymoon—to no one’s surprise, not even Bryony Asquith’s. A man as talented, handsome, and sought after by society as Leo Marsden couldn't possibly want to spend his entire life with a woman who rebelled against propriety by becoming a doctor. Why, then, three years after their annulment and half a world away, does he track her down at her clinic in the remotest corner of India? Leo has no reason to think Bryony could ever forgive him for the way he treated her, but he won’t rest until he’s delivered an urgent message from her sister—and fulfilled his duty by escorting her safely back to England. But as they risk their lives for each other on the journey home, will the biggest danger be the treacherous war around them—or their rekindling passion?
BEST INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander Summary: Determined to tame her younger brother's rebellious streak, McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin's invitation to move west and to begin again. But she quickly discovers that life in Copper Creek, Colorado is far from what she expected. U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll. When his path intersects with that of McKenna, he comes face-to-face with a past he never wanted to relive--and the one woman who can help him find the future he's been longing for.
BEST NOVEL WITH STRONG ROMANTIC ELEMENTS The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal Summary: It’s the opportunity Elena Alvarez has been waiting for–the challenge of running her own kitchen in a world-class restaurant. Haunted by an accident of which she was the lone survivor, Elena knows better than anyone how to survive the odds. With her faithful dog, Alvin, and her grandmother’s recipes, Elena arrives in Colorado to find a restaurant in as desperate need of a fresh start as she is–and a man whose passionate approach to food and life rivals her own. Owner Julian Liswood is a name many people know but a man few do. He’s come to Aspen with a troubled teenage daughter and a dream of the kind of stability and love only a family can provide. But for Elena, old ghosts don’t die quietly, yet a chance to find happiness at last is worth the risk.
BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole Summary: Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart. Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs. With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?
BEST REGENCY HISTORICAL ROMANCE What Happens in London by Julia Quinn Summary: When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancee, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself.
BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin Summary: When Courtney Glass finds herself at the heart of a brutal murder plot, she has two choices: run, or trust the detective in charge to discover the truth. But when their attraction gets the better of them, has she found the perfect man, or enabled the perfect crime?
BEST YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles Summary: When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) announced the winners of its annual Reading List awards last month in several categories, including best romance novel:

What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

Summary: When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiance, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself...

Read-Alikes:

Love Letters from a Duke by Elizabeth Boyle

Summary: Felicity Langley had set her sights on marrying a duke from almost the moment she perfected her curtsey at age five. She begins corresponding with Aubrey Walworth, the Marquess of Standon (the Duke of Hollindrake's heir) and by the time Felicity is ready for her Season, she is quite confident she'll be the next Duchess of Hollindrake. But unbeknownst to her, she's been corresponding with the current Duke, not his heir. So when the real heir, Captain Thatcher, returns home from the war, he finds he's not only inherited the dukedom, but also that he's nearly betrothed to some unseen (and quite possibly mad) chit. However, Felicity mistakes him as her new footman and an unlikely romance begins to blossom...

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Summary: Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, planning to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke...

The Winning Hand by Nora Roberts

Summary: In one extraordinary moment, Darcy Wallace was transformed from being down-on-her-luck into a millionaire sharing candlelight dinners with Robert MacGregor Blade. Mac was the most seductive man she'd ever met - though he certainly wasn't the marrying kind. But Darcy was feeling lucky... So with searching kisses and aching vulnerability, the innocent beauty set about making the stubborn bachelor see that love was the biggest gamble - and he was going to have to ante up!

Short List:

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Summary: Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother . . . an encounter that has them both seeing stars. A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends--and business partners--to see her way to her own happy ending.

Chemistry for Beginners by Anthony Strong (note: TITLE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE)

Summary: Dr. Steven J. Fisher thinks he has love down to an exact science. But for all his candor about human sexuality in the lab, he is really a shy scientist, a beginner in the ways of love. Dr. Fisher and his research team are weeks away from launching the drug when Annie -- a brilliant but orgasmically challenged Ph.D. student -- joins his study as a test subject. For the first time, Dr. Fisher's results don't seem to add up. And as he and Annie bond over IP addresses and romantic poetry, Bunsen burner-lit meals created through molecular gastronomy, Pink Floyd, and sessions of Swamps and Sorcerers, he has to ask himself, What scientific hypothesis can explain this new data -- let alone the change in his own feelings?

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

Summary: After 12 years in India, Robert, Duke of Dovedale, returns to his estates in England with a mission in mind-- to infiltrate the infamous Hellfire club to unmask the man who murdered his mentor at the Battle of Assaye. Intent on revenge, Robert never anticipates that an even more difficult challenge awaits him, in the person of one Lady Charlotte Lansdowne. Throughout her secluded youth, Robert was Lady Charlotte’s favorite knight in shining armor, the focus of all her adolescent daydreams. The intervening years have only served to render him more dashing. But, unbeknownst to Charlotte, Robert has an ulterior motive of his own for returning to England, a motive that has nothing to do with taking up the ducal mantle.

This past weekend, the Romance Writers of America® (RWA) announced the 2009 RITA award winners. The RITAs honor the best romance fiction published in 2008:

Best Contemporary Series Romance A Mother’s Wish by Karen Templeton Summary: Winnie Porter just couldn't forget the child she'd given up for adoption all those years ago…or the wonderful family that had taken him in. Now it was finally time to see her son one last time. Still reeling from his wife's untimely death, the last thing Aidan Black needed to deal with was the unwed mother who brought his beloved Robbie into the world. Especially when she was all grown up into a beautiful, vivacious young woman who'd immediately drawn his boy into her spell—not to mention Aidan himself. Would Winnie's secret shatter Aidan's family—or make it whole again?
Best Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure Danger Signals by Kathleen Creighton Summary: After tracking a serial killer through six brutal murders, detective Wade Callahan didn't know where to turn. Then Tierney Doyle, an empath and the police force's secret weapon, joined the search. Wade was immediately attracted to the beautiful blonde--but he didn't trust her abilities. He didn't trust her. Until Tierney uncovered a fact he couldn't deny. Someone was watching Wade--someone who might be connected to the recurring nightmare he'd had since childhood. And as he and Tierney both came into the killer's sights, Wade knew he'd face down death to keep this woman by his side.
Best Contemporary Single Title Romance Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson Summary: What does a gal have to do to get a good date in this town? Adele Harris can't even begin to answer that question. She's had so many lousy dates that she's sure she's cursed. Why else would every man she goes out with suddenly act like he's lost his mind—and his manners? Adele thought life couldn't get any more confusing . . . until she learns the marriage of her seemingly Miss Perfect sister is on the rocks. So she goes back to their hometown to give her a shoulder to cry on, only to run smack into Zach Zemaitis . . . the one who got away. Texans love God, family, and football, though not always in that order.
Best First Book Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs TITLE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. Please request through INTERLIBRARY LOAN Summary: When Phoebe’s mom returns from Greece with a new husband and plans to move to an island in the Aegean Sea, Phoebe’s well-plotted senior year becomes ancient history. Now, instead of enjoying a triumphant track season and planning for college with her best friends, Phoebe is trying to keep her head above water at the überexclusive Academy. If it isn’t hard enough being the new kid in school, Phoebe’s classmates are all descendents of the Greek gods! When you’re running against teammates with superpowers, dealing with a stepsister from Hades, and nursing a crush on a boy who is quite literally a god, the drama takes on mythic proportions!
Best Historical Romance The Edge of Impropriety by Pam Rosenthal Summary: The ribald private life of novelist Countess Marina Wyatt is the stuff of public scandal—and it doesn’t hurt the sale of her romances either. But she’s totally unprepared for her consuming new affair with Jasper James Hedges, noted art appraiser and her former lover’s uncle. In Marina, Jasper sees a work of art of another kind. And for all of Marina’s passionate inventions, nothing can compare to what Jasper delivers—an erotic and dangerous voyage to the edge of impropriety and beyond.
Best Inspirational Romance Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren Title CURRENTLY unavailable. Please order through INTERLIBRARY LOAN. Summary: Everyone around Stefanie Noble is content, but it seems that her "happily ever after" has passed her by. Then two troubled girls and their older brother, Gideon, show up in town and clearly need help. Could they bring the fulfillment that Stefanie has been searching for? Hollywood hotshot Lincoln Cash has made a life playing the role of an action hero, basking in the laurels of his fame, fortune, and adoring fans. But when he's diagnosed with a debilitating disease, he knows that life will soon be over. He only has a small window of time to start a new career, one that will earn him legitimate filmmaker kudos. He soon heads to Phillips, Montana, to put his plan into action. Not everyone is pleased with the movie star's arrival, especially not Stefanie Noble.
Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Tribute by Nora Roberts Summary: Cilla McGowan, former child star and granddaughter of the legendary actress Janet Hardy, moves to her late grandmother's Virginia farm to make a new start and to bring the once famous house back to life. Little does she know that someone in her grandmother's past doesn't want her there to solve old mysteries, and that person will go to any length to drive her out.
Best Paranormal Romance Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready Summary: Mr. Darcy just isn't Flip Allison's style. She prefers novels with hot sex on the bathroom sink to the mannerly, high-tension longing of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. That is, until she pays a visit to Madame K, who promises a therapeutic massage with an opportunity to "Imagine Yourself in Your Favorite Book." Somehow, on the way to a sizzling sink-top session with a Venetian Adonis, Flip lands right in the middle of Regency England -- and dangerously close to handsome Mr. Darcy. So close, in fact, that she discovers a side of him even Jane Austen couldn't have imagined.
Best Regency Historical Romance My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne Summary: Jess Whitby, daughter of suspected spy Josiah Whitby, is doing everything in her power to exonerate her imprisoned father. In order to free him, she must prove that someone other than her father is the Cinq, a notorious mole. But Jess has met her match in Capt. Sebastian Kennett, wealthy bastard son of an English nobleman, equally as clever at keeping tabs on Jess as she is at tracking him.
Best Romantic Suspense Take No Prisoners by Cindy Gerard Summary: After wily smuggler Fredrick Nader kills investigator Sam Lang's sister, Sam swears to quit Black Ops Inc. Then he learns that Vegas blackjack dealer Abbie Hughes could lead him to Nader's hideaway in Honduras. Sam's plan to seduce information out of Abbie backfires: they fall in love, while Nader kidnaps Abbie's brother, Cory. She heads south with the Black Ops boys, determined to rescue Cory and deal with Nader once and for all.
Best Young Adult Romance Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore Summary: While working undercover on a series of stories for her campus newspaper, college freshman Maggie reluctantly endures mixers, rites, and peculiar rules, but soon learns that members of the sorority to which she has pledged have strange powers and a terrible secret.

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), announced its romance selections for the 2009 Reading List Awards:

The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne.

Take a British spymaster and a resourceful French agent, spice with clever banter, toss in a refreshing and unexpected plot, add a heaping measure of sexual chemistry, and the result is an irresistible read with Napoleon’s ambitions for England hanging in the balance.

Read-Alikes:

It’s in His Kiss by Julia Quinn.

Summary: Too intelligent for her own good and best friends with Lady Danbury, Hyacinth is unimpressed by the male selection. Only Lady Danbury's handsome Gareth St. Clair can hold his own in a conversation with her and sometimes even leaves her in a speechless, stomach-flipping state. When Hyacinth offers to translate the diary of Gareth's deceased Italian grandmother, the pair find themselves comparing notes and exchanging kisses. But the diary also holds secrets that could jeopardize their new love.

Shortlist:

* My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne.

Summary: Jess Whitby, daughter of suspected spy Josiah Whitby, is doing everything in her power to exonerate her imprisoned father. In order to free him, she must prove that someone other than her father is the Cinq, a notorious mole. But Jess has met her match in Capt. Sebastian Kennett, wealthy bastard son of an English nobleman, equally as clever at keeping tabs on Jess as she is at tracking him.

* Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas.

Summary: To all of London society, Lord and Lady Tremaine had the perfect marriage, but for the last ten years, husband and wife have resided on separate continents. When Lady Tremaine wishes to marry another, Lord Tremaine agrees to the divorce on one condition: if she will give him an heir before the year is over.

* The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig.

Summary: Mary accepts an assignment from Lord Vaughn which is to gain access to the ranks of the French spy, the Black Tulip, and she also deals with her growing attraction to Lord Vaughn.

* Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase.

Summary: James Cordier is all blue blood and entirely dangerous. He's a master of disguise, a brilliant thief, a first-class lover—all for King and Country—and, by gad, he's so weary of it. Francesca Bonnard has weathered heartbreak, scorn, and scandal. She's independent, happy, and definitely fallen; and she's learned that "gentlemen" are more trouble than they're worth. But as bad as James is, there are others far worse also searching for Francesca's letters. And suddenly nothing is simple—especially the nearly incendiary chemistry between the two most jaded, sinful souls in Europe. And just as suddenly, risking everything may be worth the prize.

Earlier this month, The Romance Writers of America handed out its annual RITA Awards for best published romance novels in the following categories:

Contemporary Series Romance:

Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson.

Summary: When a blizzard strands Fiona MacPherson and her students in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, their only hope of survival is to seek shelter at Thunder Mountain Lodge. Their host is John Fallon, a handsome, enigmatic war veteran haunted by secrets and scars that may never heal.

Contemporary Series Romance - Suspense/Adventure:

Treasure by Helen Brenna

Summary: Jake Rawlings has been searching for the Spanish galleon Concha his whole life. And he's paid a heavy price. Suddenly he's saddled with Annie Miller, a marine archaeologist who claims she can take him to it. As they set sail for the Bahamas, maybe the real treasure is staring them in the face.

Young Adult Romance:

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Summary: High school junior Aislinn and her grandmother have followed strict rules all their lives to hide their ability to see faeries because faeries don't like it when mortals can see them, and faeries can be very cruel. Only the strongest faeries can withstand iron, however, so Aislinn prefers the city with its steel girders and bridges. But now Aislinn is being stalked by two of the faeries who are able to take on human form and are not deterred by steel. What do they want from her?

Historical Romance:

Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter

Summary: He first appears beneath her prison window as her savior—a sinfully attractive man whose charm and connections have ensured her release from an unjust arrest. But author and publisher Phaedra Blair quickly learns that the price of her “freedom” is to be virtually bound to her irresistible rescuer. For Elliot Rothman didn’t come solely on a mission of goodwill. He came to extract a promise that Phaedra won’t publish a slanderous manuscript that could destroy his family’s name, and he’s not above bribery, threats, or bedding her to get his way.

Regency Historical Romance:

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

Summary: Miranda Cheever fell in love with the aristocratic Nigel Bevelstoke, Viscount Turner, when she was 10 and he 19. Now 20, and still in love, Miranda's designs are thwarted by the indiscretions of Nigel's late wife—heartbroken, Nigel isn't willing to risk another shot at love, even if it means hurting his close friend Miranda.

Inspirational Romance:

A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight

Title currently unavailable at Regina Public Library.

Paranormal Romance:

Lover Revealed: A Novel of Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

Summary: Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements:

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Summary: Determined to bring her husband's murderer to justice, Lady Julia Grey engages the enigmatic detective Nicholas Brisbane to help her investigate Edward's demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival.

Romantic Suspense:

Ice Blue by Anne Stuart

Summary: Museum curator Summer Hawthorne considered the exquisite ice-blue ceramic bowl given to her by her beloved Japanese nanny a treasure of sentimental value—until somebody tried to kill her for it. The priceless relic is about to ignite a global power struggle that must be stopped at all costs. It's a desperate situation, and international operative Takashi O'Brien has received his directive: everybody is expendable.

Contemporary Single Title Romance:

Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins

Title currently unavailable at Regina Public Library.

Best First Book:

Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey

Summary: Following a near-death experience, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Atlanta discovers that she can see dead people—and worse, hear them—in this sprightly but derivative series launch. When Nicki Styx awakens in the hospital after a heart attack, she doesn't intend to let her newfound heart defect cramp her funky style—but a series of close encounters with ghosts might, particularly her meeting with a murdered friend, Caprice, who seems intent on dragging Nicki into the voodoo underworld. On the plus side, the clinical interest of sexy emergency room doctor Joe Bascombe (who's researching near-death experiences) warms into a fascination with Nicki herself; he has more than a little trouble, however, accepting her otherworldly encounters.

For more information about the Rita awards (including past winners) and the Romance Writers of America, check out their official website.

The finalists for the 2008 RITA awards are posted on the Romance Writers of America website. Winners are going to be announced in early August. To see the list of all the finalists, go here.