Short Contemporary Category

1st Place
Tracey Livesay* – The Billionaire’s Socialite Bride

2nd Place
Rebecca Sampson – A Future for Abby

3rd Place
Mary Ann Libera – Nicolai, My Love

Finalist Judge
Elizabeth Mazer, Assistant Editor, Harlequin

Long Contemporary Category

1st Place
Pamela Gibson – Perfect Balance (full requested)

2nd Place
Donna Meier – Fatal Trust

3rd Place
Ellen Russell – Damn Enchanted Evening

Finalist Judge
Meredith Giordan, Assistant Editor, Berkley Publishing Group

Historical Category

1st Place
Jennifer McQuiston – A Private Affair (full requested)

2nd Place
Kathleen Bittner Roth – A Duke’s Wicked Kiss

3rd Place
Jacqui Nelson – The Shadow Hour

Finalist Judge
Lucy Gilmour, Harlequin Editor

Inspirational Category

1st Place
Sarah Elizabeth Ladd – Heiress of Winterwood (full requested)

2nd Place
Anita Mae Draper – The Key to His Heart

3rd Place
Melissa Jagears – Her Heart’s Home

Finalist Judge
David Long, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Bethany House

Paranormal Category

1st Place
Sasha Cain – Return to Celio (full requested)

2nd Place
J.J. Black – Last Chance

3rd Place
Michalea Moore – Queen of Heka

Finalist Judge
Amanda Barnett, Senior Editor, The Wild Rose Press

Romantic Suspense Category

1st Place
Jan Jackson – Runaway (full requested)

2nd Place
Sherry Foley – A Captive Heart

3rd Place
Janis Thereault – The Way You Love Me

Finalist Judge
Keyren Gerlach, Associate Editor, Harlequin

Published Author Category

1st Place
Lisa Chaplin – Rebel’s Daughter (recommended to send to specific editor)

2nd Place
Jean Harrington – A Wild Colonial Girl

3rd Place
Alexa Darin – Holding On

Finalist Judge
Stacy Boyd, Senior Editor, Harlequin