We are absolutely delighted to share that not one but TWO  Mills & Boon authors won awards at the annual Romantic Novel Awards at a ceremony in London on Monday 7th March.

Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners, especially our very own Louise Allen and Catherine Tinley who picked up the awards for Shorter Romantic Novel and Historical Romantic Novel.

Read more about their winning books below…

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A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess by Catherine Tinley

Winner of the Historical Novel Award

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

Winner of the Libertá Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award

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.

Linda also got a mention early on to acknowledge her 46+ year career editing romantic fiction and her amazing achievement of being the editor of 5 of the finalists! The Historical authors presented her with this lovely blue plaque!

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By Lauren Gardiner