1997 RITA® Winners

The following authors were awarded the RITA by the Romance Writers of America in 1997:

Best First Book

• Stardust Of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland, Berkley

• Finalists:
  • His Secret Side by Pamela Burford, Harlequin Intrigue
  • Traveler by Elaine Fox, Dorchester
  • Shadows On Velvet by Haywood Smith, St. Martin's

Best Traditional Romance

• Her Very Own Husband by Lauryn Chandler, Silhouette Romance

• Finalists:
  • For The Love Of Emma by Lucy Gordon, Harlequin Romance
  • Temporary Husband by Day Leclaire, Harlequin Romance
  • The Honeymoon Quest by Dana Lindsey, Silhouette Romance
  • Undercover Daddy by Lindsay Longford, Silhouette Romance
  • Ending In Marriage by Debbie Macomber, Harlequin Romance
  • The Daddy Trap by Leigh Michaels, Harlequin Romance

Best Short Contemporary Series

• Cowboy Pride by Anne McAllister, Silhouette Desire

• Finalists:
  • Charlie All Night by Jennifer Crusie, Harlequin Temptation
  • The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie, Loveswept
  • Family First by Marcia Evanick, Loveswept
  • Angel On A Harley by Janis Reams Hudson, Loveswept
  • Spring Bride by Sandra Marton, Harlequin Presents
  • Christmas With Eve by Elda Minger, Harlequin Temptation

Best Long Contemporary Series

• Wild Blood by Naomi Horton, Silhouette Intimate Moments

• Finalists:
  • Expectant Father by Leanne Banks, Silhouette Special Edition
  • My Fair Gentleman by Jan Freed, Harlequin Superromance
  • His Runaway Son by Dee Holmes, Harlequin Superromance
  • Mackenzie's Pleasure by Linda Howard, Silhouette Intimate Moments
  • The Fall Of Shane MacKade by Nora Roberts, Silhouette Intimate Moments
  • Megan's Mate by Nora Roberts, Silhouette Intimate Moments
  • Having His Baby by Karen Young, Harlequin Superromance

Best Paranormal Romance

• Stardust Of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland, Berkley

• Finalists:
  • A Ghost Of A Chance by Casey Claybourne, Berkley
  • Frankly My Dear by Sandra Hill, Dorchester
  • Dream Catcher by Dinah McCall, Harper
  • Breath Of Magic by Teresa Medeiros, Bantam
  • Now And Forever by Kimberly Raye, Silhouette Shadows
  • The Faery Bride by Lisa Ann Verge, Zebra
  • The Wolf & The Woman's Touch by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Special Edition

Best Inspirational Romance

• The Scarlet Thread]]’’ by [[Francine Rivers, Tyndale House

• Finalists:
  • Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergen, Questar
  • Dreamers by Angela E. Hunt, Bethany House

Best Regency Romance

• The Lady's Companion by Carla Kelly, Penguin

• Finalists:
  • Step In Time by Anne Barbour, NAL
  • Miss Kendal Sets Her Cap by Marian Devon, Ballantine
  • The Unromantic Lady by Penelope Stratton, Fawcett

Best Short Historical Romance

• Always To Remember by Lorraine Heath, Berkley/Jove

• Finalists:
  • Carried Away by Jill Barnett, Pocket
  • Heart Of The Hawk by Justine Dare, Penguin
  • The Wedding Raffle by Geralyn Dawson, Pocket
  • Sparhawk's Angel by Miranda Jarrett, Harlequin Historical
  • Sometimes Forever by Catherine Palmer, Berkley
  • The Bartered Bride by Cheryl Reavis, Harlequin Historical

Best Long Historical Romance

• Conor's Way by Laura Lee Guhrke, Harper

• Finalists:
  • Gold Dust by Emily Carmichael, Warner
  • The Bad Luck Wedding Dress by Geralyn Dawson, Bantam
  • The Love Charm by Pamela Morsi, Avon
  • The Marshall & The Heiress by Patricia Potter, Bantam
  • Shattered Rainbows by Mary Jo Putney, Penguin
  • Denim & Lace by Patricia Rice, Dutton/Signet
  • The Outsider by Penelope Williamson, Warner

Best Romantic Suspense

• See How They Run by Bethany Campbell, Bantam

• Finalists:
  • Reckless Lover by Carly Bishop, Harlequin Intrigue
  • Woman Without A Name by Emilie Richards, Silhouette Intimate Moments
  • Montana Sky by Nora Roberts, Jove
  • Last Night by Meryl Sawyer, Dell

Best Contemporary Single Title

• Daniel's Gift by Barbara Freethy, Avon

• Finalists:
  • Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall, Harper
  • Daring To Dream by Nora Roberts, Berkley