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American Children & Young Adult Literary Awards
The Romance Writers of America are sponsors of the romance-publishing industry's highest award of distinction — the RITA Award. RITA awards are presented annually to the best published romance novels of the year. The award itself is a golden statuette named after RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada, and has become the symbol for the best in published romance fiction.
About the Contest
Up to 1,200 romance novels from 12 different categories are entered each year in the RITA competition. Novels can be entered either by their authors or by the books' publisher. After the first round of judging by fellow published romance authors, the competition narrows to approximately 100 finalists.
2008 RITA awards Winners
2008 RITA for Best First Book
Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
(978-0-06-113615-3)
Erika Tsang, editor
2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Series Romance
Snowbound by Janice Johnson
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance
(0-373-71454-8)
Laura Shin, editor
2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure
Treasure by Helen Brenna
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance -
(0373714033)
Johanna Raisanen, editor
2008 RITA for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance
Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins
Harlequin Enterprises, HQN
(0-373-7724-6)
Tracy Farrell and Keyren Gerlach, editors
2008 RITA for Best Historical Romance
Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter
Bantam Dell Publishing Group
(9780440243946)
Shauna Summers, editor
2008 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance
A Touch of Grace by Linda Goodnight
Harlequin Enterprises, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
(978-0-373-87426-2)
Allison Lyons, editor
2008 RITA for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA
(978-0-7783-2410-2)
Valerie Gray, editor
2008 RITA for Best Paranormal Romance
Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
Penguin Group USA, Signet, Onyx
(978-0-451-41235-5)
Kara Cesare, editor
2008 RITA for Best Regency Historical Romance
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books
(0061230839)
Lyssa Keusch, editor
2008 RITA for Best Romance Novella
“Born in My Heart” in Like Mother, Like Daughter by Jennifer Greene
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin NEXT
(0-373-88134)
Melissa Jeglinski, editor
2008 RITA for Best Romantic Suspense
Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
Harlequin Enterprises, MIRA
(0778324788)
Margaret O'Neil Marbury, editor
2008 RITA for Best Young Adult Romance
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
HarperCollins Publishers, HarperTeen
(978-0-06-121465-3)
Anne Hopp
Past Winners 1982 to present
| 2007 RITA Winners | |
|---|---|
| Best First Book | The Husband Trap by Tracy Anne Warren |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Adios To My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Revealed by Tamera Alexander |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | The Mommy Quest by Lori Handeland |
| Best Long Historical Romance | On the Way To the Wedding by Julia Quinn |
| Best Romantic Novella | “Tis the Silly Season” in A NASCAR Holiday by Roxanne St. Claire |
| Best Paranormal Romance | A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Blackout by Annie Solomon |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | From the First by Jessica Bird |
| Best Short Historical | The Book of True Desires by Batina Krahn |
| Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements | A Lady Raised High by Jennifer Ashley w/a Laurien Gardner |
| Best Traditional Romance | Claiming His Family by Barbara Hannay |
| 2006 RITA Winners | |
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| Best First Book | Show Her The Money by Stephanie Feagan |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Heavens To Betsy by Beth Pattillo |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | Worth Every Risk by Dianna Love Snell |
| Best Long Historical Romance | The Devil to Pay by Liz Carlyle |
| Best Romantic Novella | “The Naked Truth about Guys” in The Naked Truth by Alesia Holliday |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair |
| Best Regency Romance | A Reputable Rake by Diane Gaston |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | The Marriage Miracle by Liz Fielding |
| Best Short Historical | The Texan's Reward by Jodi Thomas |
| Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements | Lady Luck's Map of Vegas by Barbara Samuel |
| Best Traditional Romance | Princess of Convenience by Marion Lennox |
| 2005 RITA Winners | |
| Best First Book | Time Off For Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Grounds To Believe by Shelley Bates |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | John Riley's Girl by Inglath Cooper |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale |
| Best Romantic Novella | "Her Enemy" in Night's Edge by Maggie Shayne |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Blue Moon by Lori Handeland |
| Best Regency Romance | A Passionate Endeavor by Sophia Nash |
| Best Romantic Suspense | I'm Watching You by Karen Rose |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Miss Pruitt's Private Life by Barbara McCauley |
Best Short Historical |
A Wanted Man by Susan Kay Law |
| Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements | A.K.A. Goddess by Evelyn Vaughn |
| Best Traditional Romance | Christmas Eve Marriage by Jessica Hart |
| 2004 RITA Winners | |
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| Best First Book | Back Roads by Susan Crandall |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Birthright by Nora Roberts |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Autumn Dreams by Gayle Roper |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | The Top Gun's Return by Kathleen Creighton |
| Best Long Historical Romance | The Destiny by Kathleen Givens |
| Best Romantic Novella | "Prisoner of the Tower" in The Wedding Chase by Gayle Wilson |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Shades of Midnight by Linda Fallon |
| Best Regency Romance | Prospero's Daughter by Nancy Butler |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Remember When - Part 1 by Nora Roberts |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | The Knight's Kiss by Nicole Burnham |
Best Short Historical |
Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas |
| Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements | Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah |
| Best Traditional Romance | Her Royal Baby by Marion Lennox |
| 2003 RITA Winners | |
| Best First Book | Shades of Honor by Wendy Lindstrom |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | No Place Like Home by Barbara Samuel |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Never Say Goodbye by Irene Hannon |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | Taking Cover by Catherine Mann |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Stealing Heaven by Madeline Hunter |
| Best Romantic Novella | “To Kiss in Shadows” by Lynn Kurland |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Contact by Susan Grant |
| Best Regency Romance | A Debt To Delia by Barbara Metzger |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Three Fates by Nora Roberts |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Taming The Outlaw by Cindy Kay Gerard |
Best Short Historical |
The Bride Fair by Cheryl Reavis |
| Best Traditional Romance | The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber |
| 2002 RITA Winners | |
| Best First Book | The Border Bride by Elizabeth English |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | True Confessions by Rachel Gibson |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | Coming Home To You by Fay Robinson |
| Best Long Historical Romance | The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway |
| Best Romantic Novella | "I Will" from Wish List by Lisa Kleypas |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Heart Mate by Robin D. Owens |
| Best Regency Romance | Much Obliged by Jessica Benson |
| Best Romantic Suspense | The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | A Long Hot Christmas by Barbara Daly |
Best Short Historical |
Tempt Me Twice by Barbara Dawson Smith |
| Best Traditional Romance | Quinn's Complete Seduction by Sandra Steffen |
| 2001 RITA Winners | |
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| Best First Book | A Man Like Mac by Fay Robinson |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| Best Inspirational Romance | The Shepherd's Voice by Robin Lee Hatcher |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | Rogue's Reform by Marilyn Pappano |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Devilish by Jo Beverley |
| Best Romantic Novella | "Final Approach to Forever" (from Once Upon A Dream) by Merline Lovelace |
| Best Paranormal Romance | The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning |
| Best Regency Romance | A Grand Design by Emma Jensen |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | It Takes A Rebel by Stephanie Bond |
Best Short Historical |
The Mistress by Susan Wiggs |
| Best Traditional Romance | The Best Man & The Bridesmaid by Liz Fielding |
| 2000 RITA Winners | |
| Best First Book | The Maiden and The Unicorn by Isolde Martyn |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Body Guard by Suzanne Brockmann |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | Undercover Princess by Suzanne Brockmann |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Silken Threads by Patricia Ryan |
| Best Romantic Novella | Starry, Starry Night by Marianne Willman |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Nell by Jeanette Baker |
| Best Regency Romance | The Rake's Retreat by Nancy Butler |
| Best Romantic Suspense | The Bride's Protector by Gayle Wilson |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | The Stardust Cowboy by Anne McAllister |
Best Short Historical |
The Proposition by Judith Ivory |
| Best Traditional Romance | Annie, Get Your Groom by Kristin Gabriel |
| 1999 RITA Winners | |
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| Best First Book | My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Dream A Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher |
| Best Long Contemporary Romance | Meant to Be Married by Ruth Wind |
| Best Long Historical Romance | My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway |
| Best Paranormal Romance | The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll |
| Best Regency Romance | His Grace Endures by Emma Jenson |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Cool Shade by Theresa Weir |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | The Notorious Groom by Caroline Cross |
Best Short Historical |
Merely Married by Patricia Coughlin |
| Best Traditional Romance | Monday Man by Kristin Gabriel |
| 1998 RITA Winners | |
| Best First Book | Brazen Angel by Elizabeth Boyle |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| Best Inspirational Romance | Homeward by Melody Carlson |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | Reckless by Ruth Wind |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osborne |
| Best Paranormal Romance | FireHawk by Justine Dare |
| Best Regency Romance | Love's Reward by Jean R. Ewing |
| Best Romantic Suspense | On the Way to a Wedding by Ingrid Weaver |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Nobody's Princess by Jennifer Greene |
Best Short Historical |
Heart of a Knight by Barbara Samuel |
| Best Traditional Romance | His Brother's Child by Lucy Gordon |
| RWA's Favorite Book of 1997 | Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| 1997 RITA Winners | |
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| Best First Book | Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Daniel’s Gift by Barbara Freethy |
| Best Inspirational Romance | The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | Wild Blood by Naomi Horton |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Conor’s Way by Laura Lee Guhrke |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland |
| Best Regency Romance | The Lady’s Companion by Carla Kelly |
| Best Romantic Suspense | See How They Run by Bethany Campbell |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Cowboy Pride by Anne McAllister |
Best Short Historical |
Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath |
| Best Traditional Romance | Her Very Own Husband by Lauryn Chandler |
| 1996 RITA Winners | |
| Best Romance of 1995 | Born in Ice by Nora Roberts |
| Best First Book | The Warlord by Elizabeth Elliot |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Born in Ice by Nora Roberts |
| Best Inspirational Romance | As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | The Morning Side of Dawn by Justine Davis |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Something Shady by Pamela Morsi |
| Best Paranormal Romance | The Covenant by Modean Moon |
| Best Regency Romance | Gwen’s Christmas Ghost by Lynn Kerstan and Alicia Rasley |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Winter’s Edge by Anne Stuart |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Single Dad by Jennifer Greene |
Best Short Historical |
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase |
| Best Traditional Romance | Stranger in Her Arms by Elizabeth Sites |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Runaway by Cheryl Zach |
| 1995 RITA Winners | |
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| Best Romance of 1994 | It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| Best First Book | Ghostly Enchantment by Angie Ray |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Again by Kathleen Gilles Seidel |
| Best Historical | To Tame a Texan’s Heart by Jodi Thomas |
| Best Inspirational Romance | An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | A Soldier’s Heart by Kathleen Korbel |
| Best Long Historical Romance | Dancing on the Wind by Mary Jo Putney |
| Best Paranormal Romance | Lord of the Storm by Justine Davis |
| Best Regency Romance | Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand by Carla Kelly |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie |
| Best Traditional Romance | Oh Baby! by Lauryn Chandler |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Second to None by Arleynn Presser |
| 1994 RITA Winners | |
| Best Romance of 1993 | Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs |
| Best First Book | A Candle in the Dark by Megan Chance |
| Best Contemporary Single Title | Private Scandals by Nora Roberts |
| Best Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance | Falling Angel by Anne Stuart |
| Best Historical Series | My Lady Notorious by Jo Beverley |
| Best Historical Single Title | Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | Dragonslayer by Emilie Richards |
| Best Regency Romance | Deidre and Don Juan by Jo Beverley |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Nightshade by Nora Roberts |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Avenging Angel by Glenna McReynolds |
| Best Traditional Romance | Annie and the Wise Men by Lindsay Longford |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Summer Lightning by Wendy Corsi Staub |
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| 1993 RITA Winners | |
| Best Romance of 1992 | Come Spring by Jill Marie Landis |
| Best First Book | Trust Me by Jeane Renick |
| Best Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance | Emily’s Ghost by Antoinette Stokenberg |
| Best Historical Series | The Prisoner by Cheryl Reavis |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | The Silence of Midnight by Karen Young |
| Best Regency Romance | An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Divine Evil by Nora Roberts |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Navarrone by Helen R. Myers |
| Best Single Title Contemporary | This Time Forever by Kathleen Eagle |
| Best Single Title Historical | Keeper of the Dream by Penelope Williamson |
| Best Traditional Romance | Father Goose by Marie Ferrarella |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Song of the Buffalo Boy by Sherry Garland |
| 1992 RITA Winners | |
| Best Romance of 1991 | Outlander by Diana Gabaldon |
| Best First Book | Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd |
| Best Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance | Angel for Hire by Justine Davis |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | A Rose for Maggie by Kathleen Korbel |
| Best Regency Romance | Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Night Shift by Nora Roberts |
| Best Series Historical | The Tender Texan by Jodi Thomas |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | A Human Touch by Glenda Sanders |
| Best Single Title Contemporary | A Man to Die For by Eileen Dreyer |
| Best Single Title Historical | Courting Miss Hattie by Pamela Morsi |
| Best Traditional Romance | Every Kind of Heaven by Bethany Campbell |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep by Lurlene McDaniel |
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| 1991 RITA Winners | |
| Best Romance of 1990 | The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale |
| Best First Book | Black Horse Island by Dee Holmes |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | Patrick Gallagher’s Widow by Cheryl Reavis |
| Best Regency Romance | The Sandalwood Princess by Loretta Chase |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Night Spice by Karen Keast |
| Best Series Historical | A Wild Yearning by Penelope Williamson |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Step Into My Parlor by Jan Hudson |
| Best Single Title Historical | Where Love Dwells by Elizabeth Stuart |
| Best Traditional Romance | Song of the Lorelei by Lucy Gordon |
| 1990 RITA Winners | |
| Best Romance of 1989 | Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer |
| Best First Book | Out of the Blue by Alaina Hawthorne |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | The Ice Cream Man by Kathleen Korbel |
| Best Regency Romance | The Rake and the Reformer by Mary Jo Putney |
| Best Romantic Suspense | Perchance to Dream by Kathleen Korbel |
| Best Series Historical | Silver Noose by Patricia Gardner |
| Best Short Contemporary Series Romance | Night of the Hunter by Jennifer Greene |
| Best Single Title Contemporary | Private Relations by Diane Chamberlain |
| Best Single Title Historical | The Bride by Julie Garwood |
| Best Traditional Romance | Rhapsody in Bloom by Mona Van Wieren |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Renee by Vivan Schurfranz |
| 1989 Golden Medallion* Winners (*The RITA was formerly called the Golden Medallion.) | |
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| Best Historical Romance | Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | A Crime of the Heart by Cheryl Reavis |
| Best Regency Romance | Brighton Road by Susan Caroll |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Winter’s Daughter by Kathleen Creighton |
| Best Single Title Romance | Leaves of Fortune by Linda Barlow |
| Best Suspense | Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts |
| Best Traditional Romance | Flirtation River by Bethany Campbell |
| Best Young Adult Romance | The Ghosts of Stony Cove by Eileen Charbonneau |
| 1988 Golden Medallion Winners | |
| Best Historical Romance | The Gamble by LaVyrle Spencer |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | In the Defense of Love by Kathleen Creighton |
| Best Regency Romance | Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Stolen Moments by Terri Herrington |
| Best Single Title Romance | Twilight Whispers by Barbara Delinsky |
| Best Traditional Romance | It Takes a Thief by Rita Rainville |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Does Your Nose Get in the Way, Too? by Arlene Erlbach |
| 1987 Golden Medallion Winners | |
| Best Historical Romance | By Right of Arms by Robyn Carr |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | One Summer by Nora Roberts |
| Best Regency Romance | Lord Abberley’s Nemesis by Amanda Scott |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Still Waters by Kathleen Creighton |
| Best Single Title Romance | Sunshine and Shadow by Tom and Sharon Curtis |
| Best Traditional Romance | Opal Fire by Sandy Dengler |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Video Fever by Kathleen Garvey |
| 1986 Golden Medallion Winners | |
| Best Historical Romance | Not So Wild a Dream by Francine Rivers |
| Best Inspirational Romance | From This Day Forward by Kathleen Karr |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | Today, Tomorrow and Always by Georgia Bockoven |
| Best Regency Romance | The Beauty’s Daughter by Monette Cummings |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Much Needed Holiday by Joan Hohl |
| Best Single Title Romance | Banish Misfortune by Anne Stuart |
| Best Traditional Romance | The Crystal Unicorn by Doreen Malek |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Waiting for Amanda by Cheryl Zach |
| 1985 Golden Medallion Winners | |
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| Best Historical Romance | Twice Loved by LaVyrle Spencer |
| Best Inspirational Romance | For the Love of Mike by Charlotte Nichols |
| Best Long Contemporary Series Romance | A Matter of Choice by Nora Roberts |
| Best Mainstream | After All These Years by Kathleen Gilles Seidel |
| Best Regency Romance | The Lurid Lady Lockport by Kasey Micheals |
| Best Short Contemporary Romance | Opposites Attract by Nora Roberts |
| Best Traditional Romance | The Karas Cup by Brittany Young |
| Best Young Adult Romance | The Frog Princess by Cheryl Zach |
| 1984 Golden Medallion Winners | |
| Best Category Historical Romance | The Clergyman’s Daughter by Julie Jeffries |
| Best Contemporary Under 65,000 words | Memory and Desire by Eileen Bryan |
| Best Contemporary 65-80,000 words | This Magic Moment by Nora Roberts & Destiny's Sweet Errand by Deirdre Mardon |
| Best Contemporary over 80,000 words | Research was unclear |
| Best Historical Romance | Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer |
| Best Traditional Romance | Untamed by Nora Roberts |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Julie’s Magic Moment by Barbara Bartholomew |
| 1983 Golden Medallion Winners | |
| Best Category Historical Romance | Defiant Love by Mara Seger |
| Best Contemporary Mainstream Romance | Opal Fires by Lynda Trent |
| Best Contemporary Sensual Romance | The Heart’s Victory by Nora Roberts |
| Best Contemporary Sweet Romance | Renegade Player by Dixie Browning |
| Best Mainstream Historical Romance | The Endearment by LaVyrle Spencer |
| Best Young Adult Romance | Andrea by Jo Stewart |
| 1982 Golden Medallion Winners | |
| Best Category Contemporary Romance | Winner Take All by Brooke Hastings |
| Best Category Historical Romance | Rendezvous at Gramercy by Constance Ravenlock |
| Best Mainstream Category Romance | The Sun Dancers by Barbara Faith |
| Best Mainstream Historical Romance | Day Beyond Destiny by Anna James |
