Home of the Published Authors' Contest for Excellence in Romance Fiction













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Quill Winners and Finalists

*The 2010 Winners have not been announced yet.  Please check our website for announcements.

The Desert Rose RWA Chapter is excited to announce this year's Golden Quill Contest winners and finalists. The annual contest recognizes outstanding published authors, and winners will be announced in the July RWR. Congratulations to all the finalists! (the finalists are listed in alphabetical order):

 

2009 Golden Quill Award Winners and Finalists
BEST FIRST BOOK

Winner: The Secret Soldier by Jennifer Morey
Courting Miss Adelaide by Jean Dean
The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
Her One Desire by Kimberly Killion
Romancing Rebecca by Amber Polo
EROTIC ROMANCE
 

Winner: Black Silk by Sharon Page

Lyon, The Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber
She's On Top by Susan Lyons
Hot Silk by Sharon Page
Menagerie by Lara Santiago
Caitlyn's Kisses, Vol. IV by Caitlyn Willows
 

HISTORICAL
 

Winner: To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

Kidnapped By The Cowboy by Pam Crooks
Shadow Rider by Kathryn Dennis
Gentlemen Behaving Badly by Michelle Marcos

The Kiss by Sophia Nash
 

HOT, SEXY & SENSUOUS


Winner: Sex Straight Up by Kathleen O'Reilly

A Sexy Time of It by Cara Summers
Lie With Me by Cara Summers
Does She Dare? by Tawny Weber
Risquι Business by Tawny Weber

INSPIRATIONAL
 

Winner: For Pete's Sake by Linda Windsor
Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska by Irene Brand
Mulberry Park by Judy Duarte
Beach Dreams by Trish Perry
Bluegrass Hero by Allie Pleiter

 

LONG CONTEMPORARY
 

Winner: Be My Babies by Kathryn Shay

The Wedding Heiress by Pamela Ford
More Than A Memory by Roz Denny Fox
Always A Mother by Linda Warren
No Place Like Home by Margaret Watson

MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
 

Winner: Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery

Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery
Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery
Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery
Taking The Heat by Kathryn Shay
Addicted to Love by Lori Wilde

NOVELLA
 

Winner: Aunt Delia's Legacy (Snowbound) by Cara Summers

Shotgun Vows (Western Weddings) by Kate Bridges
Snowbound Bride (Christmas Weddings) by Shirley Jump
I Can Still Feel You (Tex Appeal) by Cara Summers
By New Year's Day (The Holiday Inn) by Phyllis Bourne Williams

PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL
 

Winner: Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue

Your Magic or Mine? by Ann Macela
Wicked Is The Night by Catherine Mulvany
In Twilight's Shadow by Patti O'Shea
Dark Deceiver by Pamela Palmer
 

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

 

Winner: Trust Me by Brenda Novak

Lie To Me by Starr Ambrose
Running From Strangers by C.C. Harrison
Watch Me by Brenda Novak
Conspiracy of Silence by Martha Powers

TRADITIONAL
 

Winner: The Heart Surgeon's Secret Son by Janice Lynn

The Soldier's Homecoming by Donna Alward
Saying Yes To A Millionaire by Fiona Harper
Executive Mother-To-Be by Nicola Marsh
The Rancher's Doorstep Baby by Patricia Thayer
The Millionaire's Proposal by Trish Wylie
 

SHORT CONTEMPORARY
 

Winner: The Firefighter And The Single Mum by Laura Iding

Forever His Bride by Lisa Childs
Marry-Me Christmas by Shirley Jump
You, And No Other by Lynda Sandoval
Texas Heir by Linda Warren

FANTASY, SCI-FI, FUTURISTIC
 

Winner: Dragonborn by Jade Lee

Queen of the Dragons by Shana Abι
Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy
Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy
Electra Galaxy's Mr. Intersteller Feller by Candace Sams

King of Sword and Sky by C.L. Wilson

REGENCY

 

Winner: The Vanishing Viscountess by Diane Gaston

Scandalizing the Ton by Diane Gaston
The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch
Miss Quinn's Quandary by Shirley Marks
An Improper Aristocrat by Deb Marlowe

 
2008 Golden Quill Award Winners and Finalists
BEST FIRST BOOK

Winner: The Charmstone by C.C. Harrison

Dark Rider by Kathrynn Dennis

The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans

The Dark Gate by Pamela Palmer

First, There is a River by Kathy Steffen

EROTIC ROMANCE
 

Winner: Touch Me by Susan Lyons

The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley

Blood Red by Sharon Page

Mona Lisa Blossoming by Sunny

Teamwork by Caitlyn Willows

HISTORICAL
 

Winner: My Fair Mistress by Tracy Anne Warren

Untamed Cowboy by Pam Crooks

Wicked Woman by Denise Eagan

The Perfect Bride by Brenda Joyce

Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne MacLean

HOT, SEXY & SENSUOUS


Winner: The P.I. by Cara Summers

Underneath It All by Lori Borrill

Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy by HelenKay Dimon

Hard and Fast by Lisa Renee Jones

Beyond Seduction by Kathleen O'Reilly

INSPIRATIONAL
 

Winner: Buried Secrets by Margaret Daley

Mountains Stand Strong by Irene Brand

Vanished by Margaret Daley

Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter

Love's Healing Touch by Jane Myers Perrine

 

LONG CONTEMPORARY
 

Winner: Her Sister's Child by Cynthia Thomason

The Sister Switch by Pamela Ford

The Rancher Needs a Wife by Terry McLaughlin

Betting on Santa by Debra Salonen

Small Town Family by Margaret Watson

MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
 

Winner: Close to You by Kathryn Shay

Really Something by Shirley Jump

Knock Off by Rhonda Pollero

First, There is a River by Kathy Steffen

There Goes the Bride by Lori Wilde

ROMANTIC NOVELLA
 

Winner: Blame it on Karma (Jinxed!) by Jacquie D'Alessandro

One Magic Eve (Western Winter Wonderland) by Pam Crooks

Hot Down Under (The Firefighter) by Susan Lyons

Dear Santa (A Blazing Little Christmas) by Kathleen O'Reilly

Diss-Connected (Names I Call My Sister) by Lynda Sandoval

PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL
 

Winner: Immortals: The Calling by Jennifer Ashley

Dark Lies by Vivi Anna

Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband by Melissa Mayhue

Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue

Night Hunter by Cathy McDavid

Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

 

Winner: The Charmstone by C.C. Harrison

White Heat by Cherry Adair

Dead Giveaway by Brenda Novak

Lone Star Legacy by Roxanne Rustand

Love, Lies and a Double Shot of Deception by Lois Winston

TRADITIONAL
 

Winner: The Boss's Little Miracle by Barbara McMahon

Back to Mr. & Mrs. by Shirley Jump

Princess Australia by Nicola Marsh

Raising the Rancher's Family by Patricia Thayer

A Mother For The Tycoon's Child by Patricia Thayer
 

SHORT CONTEMPORARY
 

Winner: His Only Wife by Cathy McDavid

Shadow Whispers by Linda Conrad

Red Wolf's Return by Mary J. Forbes

One Cool Lawman by Diane Pershing

Deja You by Lynda Sandoval

FANTASY
 

Winner: Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson

Insufficient Mating Material by Rowena Cherry

Anaz-Voohri by Vijaya Schartz

Lucinda, Darkly by Sunny

Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson

REGENCY

 

Winner: The Earl's Secret by Terri Brisbin

The Rake's Redemption by Georgina Devon

A Certain Want of Reason by Kate Dolan

A Limited Engagement by Saralee Etter

The Secret Hunter by Susanne Saville

 
2007 Golden Quill Award Winners and Finalists
BEST FIRST BOOK
Winner - Step Into Darkness – Naomi Bells
Mona Lisa Awakening – Sunny
Eyes of Crow – Jeri Ready-Smith
The Raven Prince – Elizabeth Hoyt
Calamity Jane – Kathleen Bacus
EROTIC ROMANCE
Winner - Champagne Rules – Susan Lyons
Mona Lisa Awakening – Sunny
Seduced by Magic – Cheyenne McCray
Hot in Here – Susan Lyons
Caitlyn's Kisses, Vol. 3 – Caitlyn Willows
HISTORICAL
Winner: The Husband Trap – Tracy Anne Warren
Lady X's Cowboy – Zoe Archer
Maidensong – Diana Groe
Portrait of a Lover – Julianne MacLean
Tempting Juliana – Lauren Royal
HOT, SEXY & SENSUOUS
Winner - When She Was Bad – Cara Summers
Asking for Trouble – Leslie Kelly
Real Women Don't Wear Size 2 – Kelly St. John
Tell Me Your Secrets – Cara Summers
A Tall Dark Cowboy – Mackenzie McKade
INSPIRATIONAL
Winner - No Place Like Home – Debra Clopton
Rekindled – Tamera Alexander
Reclaiming Nick – Susan May Warren
An Unexpected Blessing – Merrillee Whren
Revealed – Tamera Alexander
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Winner - Family First – Margaret Watson
Shadow Watch – Linda Conrad
The Cowboy's Return – Linda Warren
Make-Believe Cowboy – Terry McLaughlin
Angels of the Big Sky – Roz Denny Fox
MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
Winner - River's Edge – Marie Bostwick
The Marcelli Bride – Susan Mallery
Sweet Water – Anna Jeffrey
Best Man for the Job – Susan Yarina
Pieces of the Heart – Karen White
ROMANTIC NOVELLA
Winner - Viva Las Vampires – Jennifer Ashley
Just Like the Ones We Used to Know – Brenda Novak
Once Upon a Christmas – Catherine Mulvany
You Can't Steal First – Annette Blair
Chocolate Kisses – Renee Luke
 
PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL
Winner - Sojourn – Jana G. Oliver
Eyes of Crow – Jeri Smith-Ready
Always Mine – Sophia Johnson
Haunted – Lisa Childs
Beloved Angel: Heart of the Highlands – Victoria Noxon
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Winner - You Only Love Twice – Lori Wilde
Dead Silence – Brenda Novak
Invisible Recruit – Mary Buckham
Shadow Lines – Carol Stephenson
The Last Warrior – Kylie Brant
TRADITIONAL
Winner - Here With Me – Holly Jacobs
Found: His Family – Nicola Marsh
Snowbound Reunion – Barbara McMahon
His Inherited Wife – Barbara McMahon
The Sheikh's Secret – Barbara McMahon

 
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Winner - Mr. and Mistress – Heidi Betts
Bedded Then Wed – Heidi Betts
The Unexpected Millionaire – Susan Mallery
Seven-Year Seduction – Heidi Betts
Court Me, Cowboy – Barbara White Daille
FANTASY
Winner - Crimson Rogue – Liz Maverick
Eternal Nights – Patti O'Shea
Men in Chains – Virginia Reede
The Charade – Mackenzie McKade
 
2006 Golden Quill Award Winners and Finalists
BEST FIRST BOOK
Jane Millionaire
by Janice Lynn

Finalists
Courting Claudia by Robyn DeHart
My Hero by Marianna Jameson
Dance of Desire by Catherine Kean
Worth Every Risk by Dianna Love Snell
EROTIC ROMANCE
Crime Tells: Calista's Men
by Jory Strong

Finalists
Sins and Secrets by Denise A. Agnew
Return to Wonderland: Lord Kir of Oz by Cheyenne McCray & Mackenzie McKade
Treasure Hunters by Caitlyn Willows
Undercover Lover by Caitlyn Willows

HISTORICAL
Lady Dearing's Masquerade
by Elena Greene

Finalists
If You Dare by Kresley Cole
Courting Claudia by Robyn DeHart
Tender is the Knight by Jackie Ivie
Lost in Temptation by Lauren Royal

HOT, SEXY & SENUOUS
Confessions of a "Wicked" Woman
by Susanna Carr

Finalists
Confessions of a Lingerie Addict by Jennifer Ashley
Lip Lock by Susanna Carr
Playing with Fire by Cathy McDavid
Silk Confessions by Joanne Rock

INSPIRATIONAL
Her Brother's Keeper
by Valerie Hansen

Finalists
Light in the Storm by Margaret Daley
A Land of Sheltered Promise by Jane Kirkpatrick
Finding Christmas by Gail Gaymer Martin
Loving Feelings by Gail Gaymer Martin

LONG CONTEMPORARY
Forgotten Son
by Linda Warren

Finalists
Taking Back Mary Ellen Black
by Lisa Childs
A Stranger in Town by Brenda Novak
His Case, Her Child by Linda Style
Rules of Engagement by Bonnie K. Wynn

MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
My Hero
by Marianna Jameson

Finalists
Promises to Keep by Susan Crandall
Blood Moon Over Britain
by Morag McKendrick Pippin
Fool's Gold by Jennifer Skully
Saving Allegheny Green by Lori Wilde

ROMANTIC NOVELLA
The Accidental Duchess
by Sandy Blair

Finalists
A Single Girl's Guide to Christmas
by Jennifer Ashley
Skin Deep by Jasmine Haynes
Merry Texmas by Linda Warren
Secrets Vol. 12: White Heat
by Leigh Wyndfield

PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL
Shadows All Around Her
by Catherine Mulvaney

Finalists
Stone Maiden by Tina Gerow
The Last Bride by Sandra Landry
Forbidden Magic by Cheyenne McCray
Through a Crimson Veil by Patti O'Shea

REGENCY
Ask Jane
by Victoria Hinshaw

Finalists
Twin Peril by Susannah Carleton
The Captain by Lynn Collum
Least Likely Lovers by Victoria Hinshaw
The Convenient Bride by Teresa McCarthy

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Back in Texas
by Roxanne Rustand

Finalists
The Business of Strangers by Kylie Brant
Camouflage Heart by Dana Marton
The Sheik's Safety by Dana Marton
Every Waking Moment by Brenda Novak

SHORT CONTEMPORARY
X-treme Dating
by Cathy McDavid

Finalists
Bought by a Millionaire by Heidi Betts
When the Lights Go Down by Heidi Betts
Bound by Honor by Donna Clayton
One Night in Texas by Jane Sullivan

2005 Golden Quill Award Winners and Finalists
TRADITIONAL
Marriage in Name Only

by Barbara McMahon
Harlequin Romance

Finalists:
The Bowen Bride by Nicole Burnham
Her Frog Prince by Shirley Jump
The Daddy's Promise by Shirley Jump
Wyatt's Ready-Made Family by Patricia Thayer

 

SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Tall, Dark and Texan
by Jane Sullivan
Harlequin Temptation

Finalists:
One Bachelor to Go by Nicole Burnham
Between Strangers by Linda Conrad
Hung Up On You by Holly Jacobs
When He Was Bad by Jane Sullivan
 

LONG CONTEMPORARY
Most Wanted
by Jean Brashear
Harlequin SuperRomance

Finalists:
A Family of Her Own by Brenda Novak
Operation Texas by Roxanne Rustand
Which Child is Mine? by Karen Rose Smith
The Witness by Linda Style
 

PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL
Sight Unseen
by Gayle Wilson
Harlequin Intrigue

Finalists:
Echoes by Erin Grady
Stone Heart by Candace Sams
Racing Against the Clock by Lori Wilde
TimeQuest by Susan Yarina
 

INSPIRATIONAL
Winter Winds

by Gayle Roper
Multnomah Publishers

Finalists:
A Family for Tory by Margaret Daley
Gold in the Fire by Margaret Daley
Mending Places by Denise Hunter
A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney
 

BEST FIRST BOOK
Ain't Love Grand?
by Dana Taylor
Echelon Embrace

Finalists:
To the Limit by Virginia Kelly
Never Naughty Enough by Jill Monroe
The Mistress of Trevelyan by Jennifer St. Giles
The Dark Plain by Sloan St. James
 

REGENCY
Saving Lord Verwood
by Elena Greene
Signet Regency/NAL

Finalists:
Lady Scandal by Shannon Donnelly
The Madcap Marriage by Allison Lane
A Proper Introduction by Christine Locksy
Lady Elinor's Escape by Linda McLaughlin
 

HISTORICAL
Once a Gentleman

by Candice Hern
Avon Romance

Finalists:
Moon in the Water by Elizabeth Grayson
An Affair Most Wicked by Julianne MacLean
My Favorite Thief by Karyn Monk
The Knight's Redemption by Joanne Rock
 

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Maximum Security

by Tracy Montoya
Harlequin Intrigue

Finalists:
Dangerous Deception by Kylie Brant
Echoes by Erin Grady
Cold Feet by Brenda Novak
Charmed and Dangerous by Lori Wilde
 

MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
Killing Time

by Leslie Kelly
Harlequin Special Release

Finalists:
Secret Shadows by Judie Aitken
Shower of Stars by Nancy Herkness
In Your Eyes by Laura Moore
Unsettling by Lynda Sandoval
 

HOT, SEXY AND SENSUOUS
Very Truly Sexy
by Dawn Atkins
Harlequin Blaze

Finalists:
Absolute Pleasure by Jamie Denton
Colt's Choice by Patrice Michelle
Never Naughty Enough by Jill Monroe
Gotta Have It by Lori Wilde
 

Erotic Romance
Wonderland: King of Clubs

by Cheyenne McCray
Ellora's Cave

Finalists:
Summer Heat by Jaci Burton
My Immortal Knight: Love Bites
by Delilah Devlin
Vampire Dreams by
Cheyenne McCray & Annie Windsor
Caitlyn's Kisses--Volume I by Caitlyn Willows
 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic
The Power of Two
by Patti O'Shea
Dorchester, Love Spell

Finalists:
Forced Mate by Rowena Cherry
Dark Passion by April Reid
Operation: Pleiades Relics by Vijaya Schartz
White Tiger by Vijaya Schartz
 

 
2004 Golden Quill Award Winners
TRADITIONAL
The Wish
by Diane Pershing
Silhouette Romance
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
The Montana Bride
by Barbara Clark
Wings ePress, Inc.
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Completely Smitten
by Susan Mallery
Silhouette Special Edition
PARANORMAL
Dance with the Devil
by Sherilyn Kenyon
St. Martin's Press
INSPIRATIONAL
Promised to Me
by Robin Lee Hatcher
Zondervan
BEST FIRST BOOK
Back Roads
by Susan Crandall
Warner Books/Warner Forever
REGENCY
The Redwyck Charm
by Elena Greene
Signet Regency/NAL
HISTORICAL
Rose
by Lauren Royal
NAL/Signet Books
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Christmas at Shadow Creek
by Roxanne Rustand
Harlequin Superromance
MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
The Sparkling One
by Susan Mallery
Pocket Star
HOT, SEXY AND SENSUOUS
A Mutual Favor
by Anna Jacobs
Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
2003 Golden Quill Award Winners
TRADITIONAL
A Husband in Her Eyes
by Karen Rose Smith
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Double Exposure
by Vicki Lewis Thompson
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Cowboy at the Crossroads
by Linda Warren
PARANORMAL
Midnight Embrace
by Amanda Ashley
INSPIRATIONAL
Summer Shadows
by Gayle Roper
BEST FIRST BOOK
Love Me Again
by Wendy Burge
REGENCY
Duel of Hearts
by Diane Farr
HISTORICAL
Lady in Waiting
by Nicole Byrd
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Behind the Mask
by Metsy Hingle
MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
Doctor, Doctor
by Carmen Green
2000-2001 Golden Quill Award Winners
TRADITIONAL
A Mother for Molly
by Barbara McMahon
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Expecting the Boss's Baby
by Leanne Banks
LONG CONTEMPORARY
The Cowboy and the Heiress
by Anna DeForest
PARANORMAL
A Touch of Fire
by Barbara Clark
INSPIRATIONAL
The Negotiator
by Dee Henderson
BEST FIRST BOOK
A Perfect Love
by Sandra Landry
REGENCY
The Christmas Charm
by Lynn Collum
HISTORICAL
A Scandalous Proposal
by Julia Justiss
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
More Than Gold
by Shirley Hailstock
MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
Kiss and Tell
by Cherry Adair
1999-2000 Golden Quill Award Winners
TRADITIONAL
The Nine Dollar Daddy
by Day Leclaire
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Say "Ahh..."
by Donna Sterling
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Yours for Ninety Days
by Barbara McMahon
PARANORMAL
A Cry at Midnight
by Victoria Chancellor
INSPIRATIONAL
Daughter of Joy
by Kathleen Morgan
BEST FIRST BOOK
Kentucky Dream
by Terry Blain
REGENCY
Annabella's Diamond
by Judith A. Lansdowne
HISTORICAL
Red Roses Mean Love
by Jacquie D'Alessandro
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Secret Legacy
by Carolee Joy
MAINSTREAM/SINGLE TITLE
Duplicity
by Vicki Hinze
1998-1999 Golden Quill Award Winners
TRADITIONAL
The Twenty-Four Hour Bride
by Day LeClaire
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Operation Gigolo
by Vicki Lewis Thompson
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Cop of the Year
by Kathryn Shay
PARANORMAL
This Time for Keeps
by Kathleen Kane
INSPIRATIONAL
The Golden Cross
by Angela Hunt
BEST FIRST BOOK
Willow King
by Chris Platt
REGENCY
Devall's Angel
by Allison Lane
HISTORICAL
Balmorrow's Bride
by Judith Lansdowne
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Suspicion
by Christiane Heggan
1997-1998 Golden Quill Award Winners
TRADITIONAL
Her Secret Santa
by Day LeClaire
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Marry Me Cowboy
by Peggy Moreland
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Michael's Family
by Kathryn Shay
PARANORMAL
Dared to Dream
by Tammy Hilz McCallum
INSPIRATIONAL
Morning Song
by Patricia Rushford
REGENCY
Francesca's Rake
by Lynn Kerstan
LONG HISTORICAL
White Heather
by Jaclyn Reding
SHORT HISTORICAL
Texas Destiny
by Lorraine Heath
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
No Regrets
by Pat Warren
and
Too Close for Comfort
by Eve Gaddy