We’re thrilled to reveal that SIX Mills & Boon authors have been shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Awards 2024! The RNA awards celebrate excellence in romantic fiction and the awards are judged by readers, making them an impressive accolade. Congratulations to all authors nominated!
Find out more about the six shortlisted Mills & Boon novels below…
Shortlisted in the Popular Fiction Award category . . .
One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny
‘One Night in Hartswood is deliciously sweet and vividly imagined: delightful and filled with endearing friendship that turns to heart-stopping romance. Emma Denny is master of the slow-burn, spellbinding love story.’ – Cat Camacho, Emma’s Editor
Oxford 1360
When his sister’s betrothed vanishes the night before her politically arranged marriage, Raff Barden must track and return the elusive groom to restore his family’s honour.
William de Foucart — known to his friends as Penn — had no choice but to abandon his intended, and with it his own earldom, when he fled the night before his enforced marriage. But ill-equipped to survive on the run he must trust the kindness of a stranger, Raff, to help him escape.
Unaware their fates are already entwined, the men journey north. But amidst the snow-capped forests an unexpected bond deepens into a far more precious relationship, one that will test all that they hold dear. And when secrets are finally revealed, both men must decide what they will risk for the one they love…
Shortlisted in the Shorter Romantic Novel category . . .
Tempted by Her Fake Fiancé by Kate Hardy
‘A gorgeously romantic read about overcoming past hurts, finding home again, and the guy next door (who sings to cows…!) – it’s guaranteed to sweep you away! Kate puts so much thought and research into every single novel, you always feel like you are right there with the characters, experiencing something incredibly authentic. And this award nomination is particularly special as Tempted by Her Fake Fiancé is Kate’s 100th book for Mills & Boon! Congratulations and good luck, Kate!’ – Laurie Johnson, Kate’s Editor
A fiancé for the cameras…or for ever?
In Kate Hardy’s 100th book, marketing executive Elle must put her childhood home on the map by helping manager Charlie promote Bluebell Farm as a wedding venue. Ignoring their chemistry isn’t easy—especially when they become the focus of the campaign and everyone is convinced their posed engagement is real! And when the lines blur Elle’s tempted to dream it could be too…
The Housekeeper’s Forbidden Earl by Laura Martin
‘Laura Martin’s has quickly become a powerhouse in regency romance for Mills & Boon, and is always a delight to work with. The Housekeeper’s Forbidden Earl is packed with a sweeping romance, forbidden deliciousness, and some great spice!’ – Soraya Bouazzaoui, Laura’s Editor
A desire too strong to deny!
After being abandoned at the altar, housekeeper Kate Winters has finally found peace working at a grand house. Until her new employer Lord Henderson unexpectedly returns, resolved to sell his estate… Determined to remind the brooding Earl of the beauty of his home, Kate begins to discover the allure of the man behind the title. Scarred by her past, does she dare risk her future by surrendering to this forbidden attraction…?
Cinderella’s Deal with the Colonel by Jenni Fletcher
‘Jenni Fletcher’s ability to create heroines that are both strong and soft is at expert level. Cinderella’s Deal with the Colonel is full of wit, humour and a gorgeous romance that had me aching for more!’ – Soraya Bouazzaoui, Jenni’s Editor
A penniless Cinderella
And a tempting offer from the Colonel…
When a marquess’s scheme leads to the debt and demise of Abigail’s father she wants retribution! Only her plans of confronting the scoundrel go awry when his handsome younger brother Colonel Theodore Marshall offers her a job as his secretary. Theo’s deal helps Abigail rescue her family from financial ruin, but working so closely with him isn’t as easy as she expected. Especially when each encounter sparks with tension!
Becoming the Earl’s Convenient Wife by Louise Allen
‘I am delighted that Louise Allen’s friends-to-lovers Regency romance captivated the judging panel for the RNA Awards. Sparkling with wit and warmth, the stakes are sky-high in Becoming the Earl’s Convenient Wife, when Isobel must become Leo’s convenient countess!’ – Hannah Rossiter, Louise’s Editor
The friend she’s loved…
Is now the husband she must resist…
Lady Isobel might be the daughter of the late Lord Martyn, but she’s treated by her family as a maid. So when her childhood best friend Leo Havelock reveals that he will only inherit his fortune if he marries—immediately!—she agrees to be his convenient countess. Their union offers Isobel the chance to escape her home…but can she escape the feelings she has long had for her husband?
Shortlisted in the Historical Novel category . . .
The Night She Met the Duke by Sarah Mallory
‘I am over the moon that Sarah Mallory’s dazzling Regency romance has been recognized by the RNA Awards. Pru has had enough of being a wallflower…And her new life in Bath is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table!’ – Hannah Rossiter, Sarah’s Editor
Who is her mysterious midnight visitor?
The Duke!
Hearing herself described as ‘a lady as dull as her name’ is the final straw in Prudence Clifford’s disastrous Season, so she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru’s new life is anything but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table! Pru knows she will never forget the emotional connection they shared. But it’s their unexpected reunion three months later which will prove truly unforgettable…
A huge congratulations to all of our nominated authors! Wishing you the best of luck!
Shop all of the shortlisted books here.
The winners of the awards will be announced during the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Romantic Novel Awards ceremony on Monday 20th May 2024.
