The PHS Presents the RoNA Rose Award Nominees
It’s that time again! On March 13th the RNA (UK Romantic Novelists’ Association) hold the RoNAs and we’re super excited about the RoNA Rose Award nominees.
As it says on the RNA website, ‘The RoNA Rose Award recognises the best in category, series and shorter romance that focus on developing a love affair between the hero and heroine’ and this year we can personally vouch for the quality of the five nominees…
Gorgeous, rich CEO Hugh Montcrieff might be the of office’s reluctant heart-throb, but he never dates his employees! Until he needs a fake date for an upcoming engagement, and decides his quirky new graphic designer Bella Faraday is the perfect candidate…
Kate says:
I''m absolutely thrilled because Billionaire, Boss...Bridegroom? is one of my favourite books I've written - it has music, laughter, bluebells, dogs and cake. (And if you're a Sound of Music fan, you will particularly enjoy my heroine.)
The best bit about the awards is getting to see my author friends in person - it's just wonderful to meet up and share hugs and laughter. And I'm wearing a little black dress... Though now you have to guess the colour of my shoes (provided the puppy doesn't manage to get his teeth on them!)
"Choosing a wife is not a task that should be undertaken lightly."
Bennett Montague, sixteenth Duke of Aveley, is seeking the perfect bride. He's narrowed his search to five worthy "Potentials"…until the arrival of his aunt's companion unravels his carefully laid plans.
Having fought for everything she has, Amelia Mansfield is incensed by Bennett's wife-selection methods. But as she's forced to spend time in his company, she begins to see another side to Bennett—and that man is infinitely more tantalizing and enticing…
Virginia says:
I'm delighted The Discerning Gentleman's Guide has been shortlisted. It was a special book to write as all the way through it felt right and flowed. I love my hero Bennett, he is my Mr Darcy, and Amelia my heroine is one of the feistiest I've ever written. The perfect foil for the very-so-slightly pompous hero. The pair of them together were huge fun to write.
As to what I'm looking forward to about the RoNAs- I have no idea! This is my first year as a published author, so I've never been before, but I've heard it's a great night. I just chuffed to be going as a nominee. How mad is that?
The frock is a source of great consternation. I've bought five (not that my husband knows that). Two out and out glamourous ones, which are the same dress in two colours- black and scarlet. And two classic shift dresses, one black lace over nude fabric, the other a peachy pink and then a final black wrap-over dress which hovers somewhere between classic and glam. I need some advice from the seasoned RoNA attendees on which way to go!
One week to win her back!
For neurologist Beau Judd, a medical survival course in Yellowstone Park is her chance to experience something completely different. But her trip half-way around the world only brings her closer to her past—the man who left her at the altar!
Twelve years ago Dr Gray McGregor made the most difficult decision of his life. Now, brought back together with Beau as they head into the wild, he realises what a mistake it was. Can he win back the woman he loves in just seven days?
Louisa says:
I freaked out halfway through writing Seven Nights With Her Ex. Why on earth had I ever thought that it was a good idea to set a MEDICAL in the middle of a national park? I cried over it. Tore things up and threw them in the bin. And finally pulled myself together to finish it in time for my deadline, with a little help from my husband who kept telling me, "you're a published author. You know how to do this" So the fact this book is up for an award makes me smile. A lot. Because sometimes I think the hardest books to write are the ones readers love the most.
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone on the night. Meeting those who have been online buddies for years. Meeting my heroes. And I have bought my dress and shoes and even though I thought I'd be going for a Little Black Dress, I've actually gone for something in pink. Because I think a romance author can get away with wearing pink, can't they?
More than just a job!
Cara Winstone is determined to bounce back from her last—disastrous—PA job, and working for Max Firebrace is exactly how she's going to do it. Little does Cara know that walking into her brooding boss's luxurious London town house also has her walking into his past…
Since losing his wife, Max doesn't think he has any love left to give. But something in the warmth of Cara's smile jump-starts Max's heart again, making him wonder if he's ready for a new happy-ever-after…with Cara by his side.
Christy says:
I’m absolutely over the moon Unlocking her Boss’s Heart has been nominated for a RoNA Rose. It’s the first book I wrote for the Cherish/Romance line, and I have a real soft spot for the characters Max and Cara—they’re both damaged souls, but also incredibly compassionate and determined people.
The thing I’m most looking forward to is meeting up with the other Harlequin nominees on the day. We’re off to lunch with our editors first, which will be a lovely way to celebrate together before the awards ceremony.
I’m not sure what I’ll be wearing yet, I’ve not had chance to go shopping for a dress, but I’m thinking something bright and spring-like to counteract all the dark colours I’ve been wearing this winter. And heels. Definitely some sky-high heels!
The maid who saved Christmas
Chambermaid Grace Ellis loves Christmas, but after losing her beloved grandmother, she’ll be spending this festive season working. So when her boss, Finlay ‘Scrooge’ Armstrong offers her a magical Christmas in Scotland, it’s a welcome distraction from her grief.
Widower Finlay is haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past, but snowbound together in his Scottish castle, Grace starts to melt the ice around his heart. He never thought he’d find love again, but maybe finding Grace is his very own Christmas miracle…!
Scarlet says:
Scarlet by name, Scarlet by nature, I hope to be wearing red as it's my favourite colour!
Christmas in the Boss's Castle was an easy book for me to write since I especially love Christmas stories and I have a rugged Scotsman as my hero, throw in a Scottish castle in the snow and I loved every minute of writing this story. The best part of the award ceremony is always the socialisation aspect. I love getting to see all the other authors
Good luck ladies, from all of us at the PHS!
Have you read any of the nominated books? If you were attending the awards ceremony what would you wear? Let us know in the comments or join us on
