The Romance Writers of Australia has announced the finalists for the Romantic Book of the Year awards, more commonly known as the R*BY. The winners will be announced on August 17 at an awards gala at RWA’s annual conference. The RB*Ys are one of the few literary awards determined by readers—members of the RWA are ineligible to judge the entries. This always makes the results very interesting, I feel.
I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t read most of the books nominated, and I’m going to try and rectify this. However, it seems unlikely that I’ll get through the list by mid-August. So I’d like to propose a challenge: I’ll send you a free copy of one (or more—but one at a time) titles listed below in exchange for your guest review at Book Thingo. You have to pick a title that hasn’t already been reviewed, and you need to send me the review by the end of July (this gives me time to post them before the awards night). The review should reflect your opinion, and yes, by all means dnf it if it’s not working—and say why in your review—but I ask that you read at least 50 pages before giving up. If you’re interested, leave a comment below or email me at kat@bookthingo.com.au.
And now, the finalists…
Long Romance
Anne Gracie — Bride by Mistake (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — azteclady’s review
Helen Lacey — Marriage Under The Mistletoe (Booktopia | Kobo| Amz | TBD) — Michele’s review
Sarah Mayberry — More Than One Night (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — Envyious’s review
Stephanie Laurens — The Lady Risks All (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — TBR by Sel
Romantic Elements
Elise K Ackers — Small Town Storm (Kobo | Amz | ebooks.com) — TBR by Rudi
Fiona McCallum — Wattle Creek (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz) — Bec Brown’s review
Helene Young — Burning Lies (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz) — Kat’s review
Tricia Stringer — Queen of the Road (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz) — Bec Brown’s review
Short Sexy
Anne Oliver — The Morning After The Wedding Before (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — TBR by Envyious
Melanie Milburne — Enemies at the Altar (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — Jodi’s review
Nicola Marsh — Marrying the Enemy (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — TBR by Roz
Yvonne Lindsay — A Forbidden Affair (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD)
Short Sweet
Alison Roberts — Sydney Harbour Hospital: Zoe’s Baby (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — TBR by Jen
Emily Forbes — Sydney Harbour Hospital: Bella’s Wishlist (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — Jen’s review
Fiona Lowe — Newborn Baby For Christmas (Booktopia | Kobo | Amz | TBD) — Rebeca Troubetas’s review
Madeline Ash — Uncovered by Love (Kobo | Amz | ebooks.com) — Kat’s review
What do you think of the finalists? Are there any books that stand out, good or bad? What books do you think are missing from the list?
I’d be happy to help out.
So many great authors on this list. I haven’t read many either by LOVED Fiona Lowe’s, Elise K Ackers and Helene Young’s!
I’m happy to do a review of either
Fiona McCallum — Wattle Creek
Tricia Stringer — Queen of the Road
(I already have a copy of both so that’s ok)
I would do one of Burning Lies (I have a copy of that too) but I’m waiting for the first two books before I read it.
Do you mind if I put my review on Goodreads and by (little) blog as well?
Thanks, guys! I’ve sent you an email. :D
*bouncing up and down* me too, me too!!!
Any (or all) of these three: Helene Young’s Burning Lies, Sarah Mayberry’s The Lady Risks All and Anne Gracie’s Bride by Mistake
Rats, I just realized you already reviewed Burning Lies *scratches off*
I’ll take any of the ‘Romantic Elements’ or ‘Long Romance’ that you want reviewed. When by?
Emails sent! Thank you, guys!
I’d love to review Marriage Under the Mistletoe if you still need someone!