Romance Slam Jam (a.k.a. the RSJ Book Lovers Convention, a.k.a.), the The 2020 RSJ Virtual; Romance Book Con), the networking event for diversity in literature, announces the finalists for the 2020 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 American, Hispanic Americans, biracial, etc.). Winners will be announced on Sunday, June 28, 2020.
~~ 2020 RSJ EMMA AWARD FINALIST ~~
~~ JUDGED BOOK AWARDS ~~
BEST COMMERCIAL ROMANCE
“Redemption of the Heart” by Moni Boyce
“It’s Always Been You” by F.Y. Dawn
“Broken Benevolence” by S.F. Powell
“Love Lost Forever” by Porsha Deun
BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
“Love In New York” by Shirley Hailstock
“Love In San Francisco” by Shirley Hailstock
“Lovers Hiatus” by Taylor Love
“Stoically Yours” by Renee Shelbey
BEST INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
“Rules of a Rebound” by Nina Crespo
“Sweet Talkin’ Lover” by Tracey Livesay
“Leland’s Resolution” by Stephanie Morris
“Find Me Lonely” by Kelly Violet
BEST NOVELLA ROMANCE
“Swiping for Love” by Ashley Hence
“Heat at First Sight” by Barbara Keaton
“Winter Wonder” by Tina Martin
“Dalton’s Christmas Ultimatum” by Stephanie Morris
“The Eyes of Love” by J. E. Smythe
BEST PARANORMAL/SUPERNATURAL/
SCI-FI/FANTASY ROMANCE
“Awakened: The Oracle Chronicles” by Moni Boyce
“Summer Thunder” by A.B. Gibson
“Body & Soul” by Terri Molina
BEST SUSPENSE ROMANCE
“A Warm Heart of Steele” by Roe Braddy
“Act II: Playing With Fire” by Michele Sims
“The Fire God Tour” by Michele Sims
~~DEBUT AUTHOR~~
Moni Boyce
Ashley Hence
Renee Shelbey
~~ BEST BOOK COVER~~
All submissions in the Judged Book Award categories are automatically entered into the Best
“Love in New York” by Shirley Hailstock
“Lover’s Hiatus” by Taylor Love
“Winter Wonder” by Tina Martin
“Leland’s Resolution” by Stephanie Morris
~~ BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR~~
“Redemption of the Heart” by Moni Boyce
“Love In San Francisco” by Shirley Hailstock
“Sweet Talkin’ Lover” by Tracey Livesay
“Winter Wonder” by Tina Martin
~~ READER’S CHOICE AWARDS ~~
FAVORITE HEROINE
Bailey Thorne “Grumpy Jake” by Melissa Blue
Nezzie,”A Warm Heart of Steele” by Rovenia (Roe) Braddy
Elizabeth “Battered Road to Restoration” by EJ Brock
Livina Nelson “Winter Wonder” by Tina Martin
FAVORITE HERO
Jake Polaski: “Grumpy Jake” by Melissa Blue
Pastor Floyd Walker ”Battered Road to Restoration” by EJ Brock
Mathias, “A Warm Heart of Steele” by Rovenia (Roe) Braddy
Drake Lennox, “Winter Wonder” by Tina Martin
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Moni Boyce
Melissa Blue
Rovenia (Roe) Braddy
Tina Martin
LESLIE ESDAILE BANKS
~~ ASPIRING AUTHOR CONTEST FINALIST~~
Jayna Briegh
Tracie Webb & Dana Richey
