The 2022 RSJ Virtual Romance Book Con event for diversity in literature has announced the winners of the 2022 RSJ Emma Awards. The RSJ 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.
~~ 2022 RSJ EMMA AWARD FINALIST ~~
~~ JUDGED BOOK AWARDS ~~
~~BEST COMMERCIAL ROMANCE~~
“The Perfect Betrayal” by Xan Tucker
~~BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE~~
“Ruined Without You” by Renee Shelbey
~~BEST EROTIC ROMANCE~~
“At His Command” by Stephanie Morris
~~BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE~~
Wading” by Roe Braddy
~~BEST INSPIRATIONAL / SPIRITUAL ROMANCE~~
“Queen’s Surrender” by Pat Simmons
~~BEST INTERRACIAL ROMANCE~~
“His Christmas Love” by KT Bond
~~BEST NOVELLA ROMANCE~~
“Picture Perfect Christmas” by Sharon Blount
~~BEST ROMANTIC / COMEDY ROMANCE~~
“Queisha’s Cove” by Saharra K. Sandhu
~~BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE ~~
“Dante’s Revenge” by Lotchie Burton
~~BEST SWEET AND CLEAN ROMANCE~~
“Slow Dancing in a Black Storm” by Tana Jenkins
~~BEST WOMEN’S FICTION ROMANCE~~
“A Chef’s Kiss” by Nina Crespo
~~DEBUT AUTHOR~~
Tana Jenkins “Slow Dancing in a Black Storm”
~~ BEST BOOK COVER~~
All submissions in the Judged Book Award categories are automatically entered into the Best
“Wrecked Without You” by Renee Shelbey
~~ BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR~~
~~BOOK OF THE YEAR~~
“Dante’s Revenge” by Lotchie Burton
~~ READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS ~~
~~FAVORITE HEROINE~~
Alexis Carter “The Perfect Betrayal” by Xan Tucker
~~FAVORITE HERO~~
Dante Wilkes “Dante’s Revenge” by Lotchie Burton
~~AUTHOR OF THE YEAR~~
Xan Tucker
~~ SPIRIT AWARDS ~~
Stephanie Morris
LESLIE ESDAILE BANKS
~~ ASPIRING AUTHOR CONTEST FINALIST~~
Ruby Jam (Janice Morgan)
