What Is The RSJ Emma Romance Book Awards?
The RSJ Online Romance Book Convention, sponsored by Diverse Writers and Readers International, is delighted to reveal the winners for the 2025 Emma Romance Book Awards. The Emma Awards, known as the most prestigious book awards for diversity in romantic literature, is an annual event that recognizes authors of color and their excellence in published romance novels, novellas, and women’s fiction featuring diverse and multicultural protagonists (such as Black, African-American, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, biracial, and more) that are often underrepresented in the publishing world.
Emma Awards Submissions: The Most Prestigious Book Awards For Romance Books And Diversity
The romance book awards 2025 competition was intense, with every book entry shining bright in its own way. The results were exceptionally close, reflecting the incredible talent across diverse subgenres of romance. Each story brought something unique to the book awards 2025 table—from moving contemporary romances to richly layered cultural narratives and gripping, page-turning adventures. To all participants: thank you for sharing your incredible stories with us because your creativity and talent truly stood out, making the 2025 selection process both fiercely challenging and inspiring.
Let’s keep the excitement alive as we continue to celebrate these brilliant authors and their remarkable works in the Emma Awards most prestigious book awards! Please join us in congratulating these outstanding book awards winners:
EMMA BOOK AWARDS 2025 Winners
The Most Prestigious Book Awards For Diversity
Judged Book Categories
BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
“Girls with Bad Reputations” by Xio Axelrod
BEST INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
“Wyoming Undercover Escape” by Juno Rushdan
BEST ROMANTIC COMEDY
“The Takeover” by Cara Tanamachi
BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
“Wyoming Undercover Escape” by Juno Rushdan
BEST NOVELLA ROMANCE
“The Deed with the Duke” by Sri Savita
BEST PARANORMAL/SCI-FI/FANTASY ROMANCE
“A Dagger in the Ivy” by Dorothy Dreyer
BEST COMMERCIAL FICTION
“The False Flat” by Melissa R. Collings
BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE
“The Deed with the Duke” by Sri Savita
BEST SWEET & CLEAN
“Grounds for Romance” by Mel Walker
BEST INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE
“The Archangel of Death – SAMMAEL” by EJ Brock
DEBUT AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
“The Next Round” by Eva Frances
*****
BOOK OF THE YEAR
“Girls with Bad Reputations” by Xio Axelrod
*****
Readers’ Choice Book Categories
FAVORITE AUTHOR OF THE YEAR – WINNERS
Readers’ Choice – Emma Awards
1st Place – “Girls with Bad Reputations” by Xio Axelrod
2nd Place – “Taco ‘Bout Love” by Candice Y. Johnson
3rd Place – “Love Notes” by Blue Saffire
FAVORITE HEROINE & HERO – WINNERS
Readers’ Choice – Emma Awards
1st Place – Tyrell – “Girls with Bad Reputations” by Xio Axelrod
2nd Place – Bishop – “Love Notes” by Blue Saffire
3rd Place – Everson – “Taco ‘Bout Love” by Candice Y. Johnson
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WANT MORE? STAY CONNECTED TO THE ROMANCE BOOK CONFERENCE?
Loaded with workshops and tons of fun, Authors can pitch with Harlequin Books and Entangled Publishing. Readers can get free books, prizes, & games at the Virtual Romance Book Con. – CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCE TIX!