The Romance Writers of Australia has announced the winners of their 2009 contests and awards. A big CONGRATULATIONS to the finalists and winners!

R*BY awards

The Romantic Book of the Year Award—more commonly known as the R*BY or Ruby Award—is awarded to the best romance book published the previous year by an Australian or New Zealand romance author, as voted on by Australian readers. More details on the RWA website.

Short Sweet — Marion Lennox (His Island Bride)
Short Sexy — Trish Morey (The Italian Boss’s Mistress of Revenge)
Long Romance — Anne Gracie (The Stolen Princess)
Romantic Elements — Suzanne Perazzini (Beneath The Surface)

Emerald awards

Designed to mirror the submission process, contestants enter 18 pages to be scored and judged by romance readers. In the second round, contestants submit the full novel. More details on the RWA website.

Category — Helen Lacey
Single Title — A J McPherson

Other awards

First Kiss — Enisa Hasic
Selling Synopsis — Shannon Stein
High Five — Louie Groarke
STALI (Single Title and Loving It) — Allison Withers
ROMA True Romantic — Weekender Sunshine Coast
Lynn Wilding Meritorious Service Award — Anne Gracie
Honorary Life Membership Award — Trish Morey
Valerie Parv Award — Kylie Short
Anna Campbell Award — Tess LeSue

You can read the full list of winners and placegetters on the RWA website.