We are delighted to announce the shortlists for the 2018 RoNAs, featuring the best in romantic fiction from big publishers, small presses and self-published authors. A number of bestselling authors feature, including Jenny Colgan, Sue Moorcroft, Milly Johnson, Trisha Ashley, Ruth Hogan, Matt Haig and Rowan Coleman.

This year’s shortlists demonstrate the diversity of romantic fiction. RNA Chair, Nicola Cornick, commented, “The breadth of fiction which features on this year’s short list is a brilliant illustration of what a broad spectrum the romance genre encompasses. I’m delighted that this year’s contending novels explore some profound and thought provoking themes. Our awards celebrate the many shades of romantic fiction, highlighting the wide appeal of the genre and some of the best examples from the last year.”

David Headley, Managing Director of Goldsboro Books, commented, “The range of themes explored in this year’s shortlist is a testament to the many facets of the romantic fiction genre. Goldsboro Books is delighted to be sponsoring the awards for a third year, and bringing these diverse and entertaining books to readers’ attention.”

Reverend Richard Coles, broadcaster, dancer and former pop star, will present the Awards for 2018 during a ceremony in the Gladstone Library, One Whitehall Place, London SW1 on 5^th March. The winners of the seven categories will be announced during the evening and from these an overall winner will be selected to receive the RNA’s highest accolade, the Goldsboro Books Romantic Novel of the Year, a prize of £5000. Tickets for the event are available here.

Congratulations and good luck to all the shortlistees.

The Category Shortlists

Contemporary Romantic Novel

Together, Julie Cohen, Orion

The Picture House by the Sea, Holly Hepburn, Simon & Schuster

The Keeper of Lost Things, Ruth Hogan – Two Roads, John Murray Press

The Dangers of Family Secrets, Debby Holt, Accent Press

The Queen of Wishful Thinking, Milly Johnson, Simon & Schuster

Just For The Holidays, Sue Moorcroft, Avon Books

My Summer of Magic Moments, Caroline Roberts, HarperImpulse

Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage, Heidi Swain, Simon & Schuster

Epic Romantic Novel

This Love, Dani Atkins, Simon & Schuster

What Was Rescued, Jane Bailey, Lake Union Publishing

A Winter Love Song, Rita Bradshaw, Pan Macmillan

The Man I Thought You Were, Leah Mercer, Lake Union Publishing

The Hourglass, Tracy Rees, Quercus

Historical Romantic Novel

A Master of Litigation, Susan Leona Fisher, independently published

Besieged and Betrothed, Jenni Fletcher, Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical

The Designer, Marius Gabriel, Lake Union Publishing

Wives of War, Soraya M Lane, Lake Union Publishing

The Silk Weaver’s Wife, Debbie Rix, Bookouture

Paranormal or Speculative Romantic Novel

The Summer of Impossible Things, Rowan Coleman, Ebury Press

How to Stop Time, Matt Haig, Canongate Books

The Other Us, Fiona Harper, HQ

Max Seventeen: Firebrand, Kate Johnson, independently published

Hold Back the Stars, Katie Khan, Doubleday

Romantic Comedy Novel

The Little Teashop of Lost and Found, Trisha Ashley, Black Swan

The Hygge Holiday, Rosie Blake, Sphere/Little, Brown

The Summer Seaside Kitchen, Jenny Colgan, Sphere/Little, Brown

The Little Clock House on the Green, Eve Devon, HarperImpulse

13 Dates, Matt Dunn, Lake Union Publishing

Little Teashop of Horrors, Jane Lovering, Choc Lit

RONA Rose for shorter romantic novels

The Convenient Felstone Marriage, Jenni Fletcher, Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical

Wedding Bells by the Creek, Janet Gover, independently published

Their Double Baby Gift, Louisa Heaton, Harlequin Mills & Boon Medical

Christmas at the Little Village School, Jane Lovering, Choc Lit

The Mysterious Italian Houseguest, Scarlet Wilson, Harlequin Mills & Boon

Young Adult Romantic Novel

Margot and Me, Juno Dawson, Hot Key Books

One Italian Summer, Keris Stainton, Hot Key Books

Ten Birthdays, Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture

You can view a gallery of the shortlistees here.