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We are delighted to announce that not one, but FIVE Mills & Boon books have been shortlisted for this year’s Romantic Novel Awards! The RoNAs celebrate the very best in romantic fiction and the awards are judged by readers, making them an even more impressive accolade. Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors, and especially to our very own authors who are on these prestigious lists! Read on to find out more about each shortlisted story…
T
he Lord’s Inconvenient Vow by Lara Temple (Mills & Boon Historical)
Editor: Nic Caws
Shortlisted in the Shorter Romantic Novel Category
Samantha Sinclair has always been Lord Edgerton’s complete opposite. But when Edge meets Sam again in Egypt it’s clear the years have changed her as much as him. So when s
About Lara Temple: Lara Temple writes strong and sensual Regency romances about complex individuals who give no quarter but do so with plenty of passion. She lives with her husband, two children, and one very fluffy dog and they are all very understanding about her taking over the kitchen table so she can look out over the garden as she writes and dreams up her Happy Ever Afters.
Lara’s editor Nic said: I adore The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow and I’m thrilled to see it get the nomination Lara Temple so deserves! Lara’s skill at beautifully conveying her historical world and the emotions of her characters makes every book we work on a joy. But what I love most about this one is the belief in second chances; Edge and Sam have battled through tragedy to find each other again at a time when they most need the healing power of love. There could be no better conclusion to Lara’s The Sinful Sinclairs trilogy. I have all my fingers (and toes) crossed!
Miss Amelia’s Mistletoe Marquess by Jenni Fletcher (Mills & Boon Historical)
Editor: Linda Fildew
Shortlisted in the Shorter Romantic Novel Category
When Amelia Fairclough had sought refuge in a blizzard, a brooding stranger had given her warmth and shelter. She’d even tried to soothe him of his demons in return. But as she scurried home at dawn she was spotted! Now he’s in the parlour, offering to do the honourable thing. Surely she’d be a fool to turn down the new Marquess of Falconmore!?
Jenni’s editor Linda said: This is part of Secrets of a Victorian Household – a four-book series with authors Sophia James, Georgie Lee and Virginia Heath. A previous finalist in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Awards, Jenni Fletcher is a versatile author who excels in the Regency and Medieval as well as the Victorian time periods. This story captures all the warmth and charm of the festive season and will wrap the reader in a big, emotional hug.
About Jenni Fletcher: Jenni Fletcher studied English at Cambridge University before doing a PhD on Edwardian literature at Hull. Originally from the north coast of Scotland, she now lives in Yorkshire, where she juggles motherhood and writing. She loves the Medieval and Victorian periods and writes stories set in both.
Jenni’s latest story, Reclaimed by Her Rebel Knight, is available here.
Surprise Baby for the Heir by Ellie Darkins (Mills & Boon True Love)
Editor: Vic Britton
Shortlisted in the Shorter Romantic Novel Category
One night with a gorgeous stranger is the perfect distraction for Elspeth from the happy-ever-after that will never be hers. The trainee doctor and carer has no room in her life for romance, until a surprise pregnancy catapults her back into Fraser’s world…
Ellie’s editor Vic said: There aren’t enough words to describe just how much I enjoyed working with Ellie on bringing Elspeth and Fraser’s story out into the world. Their story is one which really stayed with me, as it fabulously touches on so many fundamental elements – both the light and the dark – of life, love and finding happiness. Ellie is always an utter joy to work with – from her intelligent, quick humour to her professional work ethic – and I am so pleased her work is getting the attention it so rightly deserves.
Ellie’s latest story, Falling Again for Her Island Fling, is available here.
A Return, A Reunion, A Wedding by Annie O’Neil (Mills & Boon Medical)
Editor: Sheila Hodgson
Shortlisted in the Shorter Romantic Novel Category
Jayne had been so happy! Engaged to gorgeous Sam Crenshaw, planning an idyllic life together as GPs in Whitticombe’s close-knit community. Until the day her twin sister died, compelling Jayne to leave the man she loved to fulfil her sister’s dreams. Now a paediatric cardiologist, Jayne’s hit crisis point—and coming home to heal reminds her that her own dream is still life with Sam!
About Annie O’Neil: Annie spent most of her childhood with a leg draped over the family rocking chair and a book in her hand. Novels, baking and writing too much teenage angst poetry ate up most of her youth. Now, Annie splits her time between corralling her husband into helping her with their cows or scratching the backs of their rare breed pigs and spending some very happy hours at her computer writing.
Annie’s editor Sheila said: I was blown away by this lovely romance about a sassy but wounded heroine who relinquished her own dreams to live the life her twin sister dreamed. But when her own world crumbles she realises she sacrificed herself and that the only person who can heal her is the man she once left behind. A wonderful reunion romance about a heroine finding herself again through the man she loves. I’m thrilled that the reader judges were as captivated by this story as I was. It’s wonderful that the RNA has shortlisted this story and highlighted Annie’s amazing talents, once again.
The Uncompromising Lord Flint by Virginia Heath (Mills & Boon Historical)
Editor: Linda Fildew
Shortlisted in the Romantic Thriller Category
Charged with high treason, Lady Jessamine Fane is under the watchful eye of icily calm Lord Peter Flint. It’s a task this spy won’t be swayed from, no matter how alluring his prisoner! Only it’s not long before Flint realises that tenacious Jess hides a lifetime of pain. With so much at stake, can he afford to take a chance on their powerful attraction?
About Virginia Heath: When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. But it still takes her ages to fall asleep.
Virginia’s editor Linda said: This is part of Virginia Heath’s 4-book series The King’s Elite. A former history teacher, previous RoNA Award finalist, Virginia Heath, imbues her Regency novels with absorbing authenticity and creates characters who are believable, witty and totally engaging from first to last.
Virginia’s latest story, The Determined Lord Hadleigh, is available here.