2018 Emma Award Winners Announced at the Romance Slam Jam Book Lovers Convention

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Romance Slam Jam, informally known as the “RSJ Book Lovers Convention,” constitutes the networking event for diversity in romantic literature. As the longest running book lovers convention (in its 23rd year) dedicated exclusively to recognition and development of “own voices” authors who feature diverse and multicultural protagonists (such as black, African-American, Latino, biracial, etc.) in their romance novels and works of women’s fiction, the Romance Slam Jam began distributing its Emma Awards in the year 2001.

The Emma — the premier award for diversity in romantic literature — recognizes excellence in romantic fiction by those who have systematically been excluded from other industry awards and contests. This year’s winners were announced at the 2018 Romance Slam Jam Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, during the finale dinner celebration on June 16, 2018, with host author Lisa Rayne (a 4-time Emma Award recipient herself) serving as emcee.

Congratulations to all this year’s award recipients!

2018 Winners

~~ READER’S CHOICE AWARDS ~~

BEST BOOK COVER
Phire: I’m Just Saying (Iris Bolling)

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Iris Bolling

FAVORITE HEROINE
Sapphire Lassiter (Phire: I’m Just Saying by Iris Bolling)

FAVORITE HERO
Patrick O’Brien (Sweet Stallion by Deborah Fletcher Mello)

BOOK OF THE YEAR
Phire: I’m Just Saying (Iris Bolling)

~~ JUDGED BOOK AWARDS ~~

BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Love Tango (J.M. Jeffries)

BEST EROTIC ROMANCE
Unlawful Desires (Sassy Sinclair)

BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE
No Hiding for the Guilty (Vanessa Riley)

BEST INSPIRATIONAL/SPIRITUAL ROMANCE
Beyond the Shadow of Death (EJ Brock)

BEST INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
Love Will Always Remember (Tracey Livesay)

BEST NOVELLA ROMANCE
Beyond the Shadow of Death (EJ Brock)

BEST PARANORMAL/SUPERNATURAL/
SCI-FI/FANTASY ROMANCE
Fire In Ice (Saharra Sandhu)

BEST SUSPENSE ROMANCE
Invested (Iris Bolling)

DEBUT AUTHOR
Kilby Blades

~~ SPECIAL AWARDS ~~

SPIRIT AWARD
MidnightAce Scotty (Sisterhood of the Traveling Books)

Leslie Esdaile Banks
ASPIRING AUTHOR CONTEST
Deanna McNeil

By RSJ Book Lovers' Convention|2023-05-21T17:00:27-04:00June 20th, 2018|African American Books, Announcement, Book Industry News, Emma Awards|0 Comments

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The RSJ Mission

To celebrate and support talented authors of romantic novels and women's fiction via craft workshops and reader engagements. We'll also present discussions on multicultural, and interracial protagonists and provide a platform for authors, readers, and industry professionals to interact and bring the movement for more "#ownvoices" romance books to life.

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Cancellation Policy

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

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 Winners Announced at the Romance Slam Jam Book Lovers Convention

2018 Winners

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