The 2021 RSJ Virtual Romance Book Con event for diversity in literature has announced the winners of the 2021 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.). Of the submissions entered into the contest, below are the winners. Congratulations to all.
~~ 2021 RSJ EMMA AWARD WINNERS ~~
~ JUDGED BOOK AWARDS ~
BEST COMMERCIAL ROMANCE
“Orange Blossoms: Love Bloom” by Dalia Dupris
BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
“Blind Copy” by Olivia Gaines
BEST EROTIC ROMANCE
“Kyler’s Blind Date Seduction” by Stephanie Morris
BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE
“Scarred” by Roe Braddy
BEST INSPIRATIONAL/SPIRITUAL ROMANCE
“Christmas Dinner” by Pat Simmons
BEST INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
“Like Lovers Do’” by Tracey Livesay
BEST NOVELLA ROMANCE
“Keeping Busy” by Tracy Gray
BEST PARANORMAL/SUPERNATURAL/
SCI-FI/FANTASY ROMANCE
“Defiant Love” by M.J. Duffy
BEST SUSPENSE ROMANCE
“When I Needed You” by Tina Martin
BEST SWEET & CLEAN ROMANCE
“Small Town Faith” by Michelle Lindo-Rice and Michelle Stimpson
~~DEBUT AUTHOR~~
Dalia Dupris
~~ BOOK OF THE YEAR ~~
Christmas Dinner (Pat Simmons)
~~ BEST BOOK COVER~~
All submissions in the Judged Book Award categories are automatically entered.
Winner: “Major” by Tina Martin
~~ SPIRIT AWARD WINNER ~~
Nominated by Authors as a great supporter of diversity in literature.
Miriam Pace
~~ READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS ~~
Selected by Readers (author with the most reader nominations wins).
FAVORITE HEROINE
Mavis Butler “Scarred” by Rovenia (Roe) Braddy
FAVORITE HERO
Ed Proctori: “Scarred” by Rovenia (Roe) Braddy
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Rovenia (Roe) Braddy
LESLIE ESDAILE BANKS
~~ ASPIRING AUTHOR CONTEST WINNER~~
Marta Petrocelli
