2018 Emma Award Finalists Announced

Romance Slam Jam (aka the RSJ Book Lovers Convention), the networking event for diversity in literature, announces the finalists for the 2018 Emma Awards. The Emma — the premier award for diversity in romantic literature — recognizes excellence in published romance novels, novellas, and women’s fiction featuring diverse and multicultural protagonists (such as black, African-American, Latino, biracial, etc.).

The 2018 winners will be announced at the Romance Slam Jam Convention during the finale dinner celebration on June 16th.

2018 Finalists

~~ READER’S CHOICE AWARDS ~~

BEST BOOK COVER
Phire: I’m Just Saying (Iris Bolling)
A Pleasing Temptation (Deborah Fletcher Mello)
Sweet Stallion (Deborah Fletcher Mello)
Giving My All To You (Sheryl Lister)

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Iris Bolling
Deborah Fletcher Mello
Elle Wright
D. Camille

FAVORITE HEROINE
Phire Lassiter (Phire: I’m Just Saying by Iris Bolling)
Selena Culhane (Sweet Stallion by Deborah Fletcher Mello)
Victoria Lashley (Pleasured by a Donovan by A.C. Arthur)
London Drake (Lavish Loving by Zuri Day)

FAVORITE HERO
LT Palmer (Phire: I’m Just Saying by Iris Bolling)
Patrick Brian (Sweet Stallion by Deborah Fletcher Mello)
Henry Patterson (When Henry Met Mille by D. Camille)
Sammael (Beyond the Shadow of Death by EJ Brock)

BOOK OF THE YEAR
Phire: I’m Just Saying (Iris Bolling)
Sweet Stallion (Deborah Fletcher Mello)
A Pleasing Temptation (Deborah Fletcher Mello)
Beyond the Shadow of Death (EJ Brock)

~~ JUDGED BOOK AWARDS ~~

BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Crazy for You (Rina Grey)
Love Me Forever (Serenity King)
Love Tango (J.M. Jeffries)

BEST EROTIC ROMANCE
Unlawful Desires (Sassy Sinclair)
Snapdragon (Kilby Blades)
Insignia (Averil Day Merritt)

BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE
No Hiding for the Guilty (Vanessa Riley)
The Swan: The Twelve Days of Christmas (Piper Huguley)
When Curtis Met Pearl (D. Camille)

BEST INSPIRATIONAL/SPIRITUAL ROMANCE
Samson’s Issues – The Nazarites (EJ Brock)
No Hiding for the Guilty (Vanessa Riley)
Beyond the Shadow of Death (EJ Brock)

BEST INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
Samson’s Issues – The Nazarites (EJ Brock)
No Hiding for the Guilty (Vanessa Riley)
Chrysalis (Kilby Blades)
Love Will Always Remember (Tracey Livesay)

BEST NOVELLA ROMANCE
Arch (Deborah Fletcher Mello)
The Swan: The Twelve Days of Christmas (Piper Huguley)
Beyond the Shadow of Death (EJ Brock)

BEST PARANORMAL/SUPERNATURAL/
SCI-FI/FANTASY ROMANCE
Samson’s Issues – The Nazarites (EJ Brock)
Fire In Ice (Saharra Sandhu)
Insignia (Averil Day Merritt)
Forsaking All Else When Love is Ordained (EJ Brock)

BEST SUSPENSE ROMANCE
Deadly Attraction (Tracee Gardner)
Phire: I’m Just Saying (Iris Bolling)
Act One (D. Camille)
Invested (Iris Bolling)

DEBUT AUTHOR
Kilby Blades
Averil Day Merritt

~~ SPECIAL AWARDS ~~

SPIRIT AWARD
MidnightAce Scotty (Sisterhood of the Traveling Books)
Brenda Watson Larnell
Cynthia Morgan Medley

Leslie Esdaile Banks
ASPIRING AUTHOR CONTEST
Deanna McNeil
Terryl Martin
JM Labous-Ndiaye

WHO ARE THE WINNERS?
GET MORE DETAILS

RSJ Cancellation & Refund Policies

RSJ Book Lovers' Convention hopes all who register for the convention will be able to attend; however, we here at RSJ know that extenuating circumstances do occur. The RSJ Cancellation and Refund Policies are as follows:

CONVENTION REFUND and CANCELLATION POLICY

Registration canceled on or before 90 days to the start of the convention, is refundable; however, it is subject to a $50 administrative planning fee.

Registrants canceling within 90 days to the start of the convention, will not receive a refund. The refund and cancellation policy will not be waived. However, Registration fees may be transferred to another individual; a transfer fee of $50 will be charged to the transfer recipient. Transfer request must be sent to info@rsjconvention.com promptly as to validate your request before your Registration can reflect the new registrant's name.

In the event RSJ must cancel the convention due to unforeseen circumstances, RSJ will refund the full cost of Registration. However, RSJ does not assume responsibility for any additional expenses, charges, or fees, including charges made for travel and lodging.

There were minimal to no issues, and participants were still able to make connections and network online. Every detail of the conference was well thought out, and I'm thankful I was able to participate.

Xan Tucker, Author

They create a great atmosphere and invite you to spend time learning not just from the workshops but from each other. I’ll be supporting RSJ for years to come!

Amarilys Acosta, Editor

You not only talk with the authors, but you can join a group and write a romance story with them too! The Friday night Pajama Party had me rushing to Amazon to add more books to my library. I came away with new favorites. Looking forward to attending again!!!

Janice Kenner, Reader

I could probably write a novel about the experiences of the RSJ and still miss something! Suffice to say it was one of the greatest experiences I have had as an author.

Raynetta Manees, Author

I have tons of notes from the excellent sessions and was able to connect with some great authors. What a fantastic conference! I can’t wait to attend next year!

Jenn Greybeal , Book Coach

I was thrilled to be going, even if it would only be online. And Oh joy, oh delight! I can honestly say that I had the best time I’d had all year, and certainly since the last time I was away at a conference for readers and writers. I can’t wait for next year!

K. T. Bond, Author

2018 Emma Award Finalists Announced

2018 Finalists

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Cancellation Policy

RSJ Cancellation & Refund Policies

2018 Emma Award Finalists Announced

2018 Finalists

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