We are delighted to announce that an incredible SEVEN Mills & Boon books have been shortlisted for this year’s Romantic Novel Awards! The RNAs 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…

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The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance by Lucy Morris

Shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel Award

When Thorstein Bergson rescues a beautiful woman from a storm-tossed longship he little expects to broker a powerful marriage alliance with her. This high-status ice queen is not the comfortable wife this warrior chief is seeking, but maybe the bittersweet pain in Gyda’s eyes hides another woman beneath? The one he tasted that first night, when she kissed him with such pent-up longing…

About Lucy Morris: Lucy Morris lives in Essex with her husband, two young children and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves gin, bubbly and Irn-Bru. She was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Mills & Boon after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted! submission blitz for Viking, Medieval and Highlander romances. Writing for Mills & Boon is a dream come true.

Lara’s editor Linda Fildew says: I’m delighted about Lucy’s nomination for the Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award.  The stormy sea rescue in Lucy’s first chapter, which she submitted to our Warriors Wanted! blitz, opened her story in such a dramatic way, and showed such brilliant potential, that we just had to see the whole manuscript.  And this was promptly bought!  Strong Viking hero reluctantly rescuing a hugely capable yet vulnerable heroine, what’s not to love!  Amazing debut from Lucy with more Vikings to come from her in 2022.    Way to go, Lucy!

 

The Marquess Next Door by Virginia Heath

Shortlisted in the Historical Novel Category

To avoid an unwanted suitor at a ball, Hope Brookes asks another gentleman to rescue her. He obliges – with a surprisingly passionate kiss! Revealed as her sinfully handsome new neighbour, Lucius, Marquess of Thundersley, they forge a friendship over their balconies. It’s refreshing that Lucius is more interested in her writer dreams than her looks, so why can’t she stop thinking about that kiss?

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 their happy ending. One day she decided to embrace her insomnia and start writing them down. Virginia lives in Essex with her wonderful husband. It still takes her forever to fall asleep…

Virginia’s editor Linda Fildew says:  Huge congratulations to Virginia.  The Marquess Next Door is truly worthy of its nomination for the Historical Romantic Novel Award.  This is the second in her The Talk of the Beau Monde trilogy featuring three unconventional sisters.  I loved this warm, witty, sensual Regency with a guarded heroine who opens up to her sexy next-door neighbour.  Their balcony scenes at night are poignantly emotional.  Such a wonderful story. I’m delighted to see this nomination, Virginia.

 

A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess by Catherine Tinley

Shortlisted in the Historical Novel Category

Sir Nicholas Denny is desperate to find a governess to care for his boisterous nieces and nephews. Demure vicar’s daughter Mary Smith seems ideal—at first. All too soon Nicholas discovers a different side to her… She’s a beautiful, vivacious woman, even if she infuriates him with her strong opinions! When he waltzes with Mary at a party he knows he’s in trouble—the spark between them is so tempting, but she challenges everything he thought he wanted in a wife!

About Catherine Tinley: Catherine Tinley is an award-winning writer of witty, heartwarming Regency love stories. Her first novel, Waltzing with the Earl, won the prestigious Rita(R) Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, while her 2020 novel, Rags-to-Riches Wife, was nominated for a RoNA award. She lives in Ireland with her family and can be reached at www.CatherineTinley.com and on social media.

Catherine’s editor Laurie Johnson said: I love stepping into the beautiful world Catherine creates. Her amazing stories are escapist, heart-warming historical romances with wonderfully colourful characters, and this delightful Regency is no exception. We are absolutely thrilled for Catherine on getting this well-deserved nomination!

 

A Proposal to Risk their Friendship by Louise Allen

Shortlisted in the Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Category

Respecting each other’s desire for independence, Lord Henry Cary and writer Melissa Taverner enjoy an uncomplicated friendship. Henry finds her amusing, intelligent company, but she’s also an attractive woman and he’s alarmed to find lust sneaking in… Having always viewed marriage as a cold matter of convenience, Henry dare not risk their friendship with a proposal. Yet when their closeness sparks rumours, he might not have a choice!

About Louise Allen: Louise Allen has been immersing herself in history for as long as she can remember, finding landscapes and places evoke powerful images of the past. Venice, Burgundy and the Greek islands are favourites. Louise lives on the Norfolk coast and spends her spare time gardening, researching family history or travelling.

Louise’s editor Linda Fildew says:  I’m thrilled that this story, part of Louise’s Liberated Ladies series, should have been nominated for The Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award.  Friends to lovers storylines are always such fun and spirited, independent Melissa is just the woman to intrigue and fascinate diplomat Henry.  A great story and a well-deserved nomination.  Many congratulations, Louise.

 

Hawaiian Medic to Rescue his Heart by Annie O’Neil

Shortlisted in the Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Category

Firefighter and paramedic Zach is looking forward to a quieter life in Hawaii and building a brighter future for himself and his son. But his beautiful, kind, vibrant new colleague, Lulu, has the potential to derail all of his plans…

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, listening to audio books whilst weeding and spending some very happy hours at her computer writing.

Ella’s editor Sheila Hodgson says: Annie O’Neil has done it again with this emotional, fun and uplifting story of a single dad who takes the risk of a lifetime by moving to stunning Hawaii with his little boy.    Huge congratulations to Annie O’Neil on being shortlisted once more by the RNA for the 2022 Romantic Novel of  the Year Awards, Shorter Romantic Novel category with her gorgeous story HAWAIIAN MEDIC TO RESCUE HIS HEART.  We couldn’t be more thrilled for Annie.  Thank you RNA.

 

The Highlander’s Inconvenient Bride by Terri Brisbin

Shortlisted in the Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Category

To strengthen an alliance between their clans, future chieftain of the mighty Cameron Clan, Robbie Cameron, must marry Sheena MacLerie. Only, she is the last person he would have picked – after her betrayal years ago. Now she is as infuriatingly elusive as ever, and worse, seems intent on breaking their betrothal! Just what is his inconvenient bride hiding? Uncovering her secrets means earning her trust – but that also ignites a simmering passion!

About Terri Brisbin: When USA TODAY bestselling author Terri Brisbin is not being a glamorous romance author, or is not in deadline-writing mania, she’s a wife, mum, grandma and dental hygienist in the southern New Jersey area. A three-time RWA RITA® finalist, Terri has had more than 45 historical and paranormal romance novels, novellas and short stories published since 1998.

Terri’s editor Linda Fildew says: I’m beyond delighted that Terri’s story, part of A Highland Feuding miniseries, has been nominated for The Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award.  Terri whisks you away to the Scottish Highlands with this emotionally poignant story between Sheena, who is hiding shameful secrets, and her childhood nemesis Robbie.  It will bring a tear to your eye and joy to your heart.  This has a special place in my heart, too, Terri.

 

Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount by Sarah Mallory

Shortlisted in the Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Category

Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, survived Waterloo, but can he survive the Season as London’s most eligible bachelor? Convinced his battle scars make him unlovable, and to escape Society’s matchmakers, Ross proposes a wedding in name only to shy, sensible Carenza Bettridge.  Liberated from her cruel stepmother and bullying half-sisters, she blossoms into a confident, altogether desirable woman. He promised Carenza a convenient marriage, but inconveniently finds himself wanting more…

About Sarah Mallory: Sarah Mallory grew up in the West Country, England, telling stories. She moved to Yorkshire with her young family, but after nearly thirty years of living in a farmhouse on the Pennines she has now moved to live by the sea in Scotland. Sarah is an award-winning novelist, with more than twenty books published by Mills & Boon Historical.

Sarah’s editor Linda Fildew says: this is such a delightful book and well deserves its nomination for The Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award.  Both James and Carenza are people with whom you can totally empathise as they both suffer from touching insecurities.  Their marriage of convenience is heartwarming and deliciously romantic.  Everything you could want from a Cinderella meets the Beast storyline.  A fairytale come true in Regency times.  So enjoyable.   Congratulations on your nomination, Sarah.

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By Lauren Gardiner