RITA®: Best Traditional Romance

In 1984, the Traditional category was introduced, in an apparent attempt to differentiate between the more sensual tone of category romance and the traditional, sweet titles associated with the style. The category title changed slightly in 2002, only to return in 2003. After an almost unprecedented run without a title change, the Traditional category was renamed Traditional Romance in 2002. As with other RITA® categories, the descriptor "Best" was added to the category name in 2004.

In 2008, this category was eliminated from the contest.

Winners

• Marion Lennox - 2006 - Princess Of Convenience, Harlequin Books
• Jessica Hart - 2005 - Christmas Eve Marriage
• Marion Lennox - 2004 - Her Royal Baby
• Debbie Macomber - 2003 - The Christmas Basket
• Sandra Steffen - 2002 - Quinn's Complete Seduction
• Liz Fielding - 2001 - Best Man & The Bridesmaid, The
• Kristin Gabriel - 2000 - Annie, Get Your Groom
• Kristin Gabriel - 1999 - Monday Man
• Lucy Gordon - 1998 - His Brother's Child
• Lauryn Chandler - 1997 - Her Very Own Husband
• Elizabeth Sites - 1996 - Stranger In Her Arms
• Lauryn Chandler - 1995 - Oh Baby! - Lauryn Chandler
• Lindsay Longford - 1994 - Annie And The Wise Men
• Marie Ferrarella - 1993 - Father Goose
• Bethany Campbell - 1992 RITA - Every Kind Of Heaven
• Lucy Gordon - 1991 - Song Of The Lorelei
• Mona Van Wieren - 1990 - Rhapsody In Bloom
• Bethany Campbell - 1989 - Flirtation River
• Rita Rainville - 1988 - It Takes A Thief
• Sandy Dengler - 1987 - Opal Fire
• Doreen Owens Malek - 1986 - The Crystal Unicorn
• Brittany Young - 1985 - The Karas Cup
• Nora Roberts - 1984 - Untamed