150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Science/Technology
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
The Broken Wife
Kay Elem

2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

The Broken Wife by Kay Elem is Aileen’s story about her grief after her husband’s passing. Ten years earlier, Aileen’s husband, Tom, died of a heart attack while on a business trip, and his death was ruled as natural causes. With new technology, the Pinehill Valley Police Department received new evidence regarding Tom’s death, and the case was reopened. Detective Cooper was assigned this old case, and he accepted it with not much hope of finding the killer after all these years. Aileen offered to help Cooper with his investigation, and he agreed. The atmosphere was initially awkward and tense between Aileen and Cooper, but with the time they spent together, an attraction developed between them. During Cooper's investigation, Aileen found that Tom was not the perfect husband she had believed him to be all these years.
The Broken Wife by Kay Elem kept me on the edge of my seat. Tom and Aileen's past was detailed in one chapter, and then it changed to the present in the next. This way, it was easier to understand them and where they came from. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next, and I could not turn the pages fast enough. The characters were authentic and relatable. Aileen was a normal stay-at-home mom who gave her children all the attention they needed. The topics of betrayal, abuse, and grief were handled with great care. The story was engaging and beautifully written. I enjoyed reading this book and could not believe that I finished it in one sitting. The ending was unexpected and a big surprise.
Recommend this book:
Dangerous Attraction
Anastasi Family Syndicate
Dori Pulitano

2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

Dangerous Attraction by Dori Pulitano weaves an intense tale of crime, loyalty, and romance, centered on Massimo, a Mafia figure, and Madison, who finds herself reluctantly drawn into his dangerous world. Madison applies to work at Velvet Ace Lounge and Casino, the Anastasi family's business. On the day of the interview, Madison's beauty struck Massimo, and at once he was attracted to her. As Massimo tries to manage his feelings for Madison, a break-in happens at Madison's apartment, leaving her vulnerable and leading Massimo to step in as her protector. At this moment, the stage is set for a series of events filled with tension and action, as Massimo’s determination to protect Madison reveals a deeper emotional attraction between them. Massimo and Madison's relationship is put to the test by both external and internal threats. Massimo's family relationships, duties, and lifestyle risks weigh heavily on their lives. The novel explores how love and responsibility may intersect in unexpected and often dangerous ways through scenes of violence, family loyalty, and romance. These experiences create a setting that keeps the characters—and readers—on edge.
Dangerous Attraction is fascinating, with a balance of fast-paced action from Mafia conflicts to calmer, more intimate moments that reveal the characters' intricacies. I like that Massimo and Madison are well-developed characters with vulnerabilities that make them likable, even in the high-stakes world they inhabit. I like that the pace is consistent, with just enough tension developing between scenes, while action scenes and emotional exchanges move the plot along. Dangerous Attraction expertly evokes the grit and intrigue of a society filled with loyalty and betrayal, love and danger. The themes of resilience and loyalty come through, making the book not only engaging but also thought-provoking. If you like stories that fuse romance with thrilling, high-stakes drama, you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Recommend this book:
Exposed Desire
The Benedict Brothers Book 3
Tara Sue Me

2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

Exposed Desire: The Benedict Brothers Book 3 by Tara Sue Me centers around Officer Alyssa and the eldest Benedict brother, Kipling. The heat between them is fierce enough to burn down their town, Charleston, but they cannot be together. For one, Kipling is a wealthy businessman with an infamous reputation as a playboy, whereas Alyssa is quite the ordinary police officer. Even worse, Officer Alyssa has arrested him once and is deeply enmeshed in a case involving his family. At a wedding, they decide to let down their guard and enjoy each other's company. But one dance is not enough; they want so much more. When Kipling’s sister goes missing, can they work together to find her before the Charleston serial killer strikes closer to home?
Although Exposed Desire is the third book in the Benedict Brothers trilogy, I was able to read and enjoy Kipling's and Alyssa’s roles in the story as a stand-alone, but I would recommend following the entire series to enjoy these protective men and the women they love. The suspense builds in this book, and the stakes are even higher. A long-guarded secret and a cold case tie Kipling and Alyssa together, and as they race against time to solve them, their guards come down, and they see each other for who they are beneath the protective façade. Tara Sue Me delivers a steamy, fast-paced, suspenseful romance for readers who enjoy a strong heroine and lots of danger.
Recommend this book:
Damiano's Rescue
The Famiglia
Leah Merrill

2025 Silver Medal
363 Pages
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Romance - Suspense

Leah Merrill’s Damiano’s Rescue is a wildly addictive romance with a quirky, soft-hearted heroine and her dangerously passionate mafia enforcer. Paige is an endearing wildlife rescuer who spends her days rehabilitating injured animals and nursing them back to health. But nothing could have prepared her for the half-dead man she finds bleeding out in the back of her car. His final words to her are a plea not to involve the hospital or police. Instead of running in the opposite direction like most people would, Paige does what she does best. She takes him home, patches him up, and cares for him like one of her rescues. But the sexy, chiseled man in a coma on her couch is not just like her other rescues. Paige will have to do things like undress him and bathe him, right? For medical reasons, obviously! And how is she to know that her patient is awake and in hiding, enjoying every one of her caresses?
Damiano’s Rescue is funny, light-hearted, and sizzling. It’s a mafia romance, so expect lots of violence and action, and leave your scruples at the door. Leah Merrill does not hold back on the grit; there are gunfights, car chases, blood, and danger. This is a sweet, Grumpy x Sunshine novel: a hard-edged, emotionally closed-off hero who finds himself fascinated by the strange and lovely woman who rescued him, and a tender and compassionate heroine. Paige is naïve to the point of silliness, and her internal monologue is hilarious. If you are a fan of humour, suspense, and smoldering chemistry, Damiano’s Rescue is a ride you won’t want to miss
Recommend this book:
The Left Hand
Brittnay J Sears

2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

The Left Hand by Brittnay J. Sears is a gripping romantic thriller that transports readers to the dangerous world of 1950s organized crime. The story follows Jan Hendricks, a Montana farm girl, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for the charismatic Lavio Rossano, a man deeply embedded in a powerful crime family. As their romance deepens, Jan transforms into 'The Left Hand,' becoming the silent but lethal force behind her husband's operations, handling the family's most perilous tasks with calculated precision. Set against a backdrop of smoky jazz clubs and shadowy dealings, the novel explores the intricate dance between love and loyalty, moral compromise and devotion, as Jan navigates her evolution from an innocent farm girl to a crucial player in a dangerous criminal enterprise.
Author Brittnay J. Sears demonstrates an exceptional talent for bringing the 1950s underworld to vivid life. It's an era I adore, so I was thrilled to see such atmospheric and authentic detail throughout the story. I was also completely immersed in her richly descriptive prose, which captures everything from the sultry atmosphere of jazz clubs to the tension-filled moments of criminal operations. The nuanced portrayal of Jan's transformation is remarkably authentic, showing both the psychological and emotional toll of her choices and the close narrative perspective offers brilliant speech and thought presentation as she makes these big decisions. What particularly captivated me was Sears' fresh perspective on organized crime through the lens of the women behind the scenes, offering a unique exploration of power, sacrifice, and the lengths one might go to protect those they love. Overall, The Left Hand is an unforgettable journey into the heart of 1950s crime that will keep readers spellbound until the final page, and I would definitely recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Secret
The Techboys Series
Eve M Riley

2024 Finalist
296 Pages
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Romance - Suspense

The Secret is the third book in the Techboys Series by Eve M Riley. Liss loves to flirt with attractive men as her life shifts between teaching at a university in New York and the volunteer work she does in Africa. She meets her match when Dan Andrews joins her group in the Congo. They have months of stolen glances and lustful moments, but they both know something more long-term is developing. Dan visits Liss in New York, promising to wait for her in Africa, but then he suddenly disappears. Liss tries to discover his whereabouts, seeking the help of the "techboys" her friends love, but she doesn't find him until three years later. Dan's secrets spill out, and Liss wonders if she can handle them all.
Eve M Riley involves her readers from the first page of this intricate romance, starting with an explosive confrontation. As the story progresses, she moves through Liss's and Dan's points of view, giving readers a full understanding of their feelings. The tension builds between Dan and Liss until it erupts into many steamy encounters. I dove into this book without reading the other books in the series, but each book focuses on another character's romance, so it can be read as a standalone novel. Riley wrote on a dual timeline, showing her readers the unfolding romance and revealing their lives after their romance abruptly concluded. I enjoyed the secrets, family difficulties, and the mysterious disappearance that made The Secret a great selection!
Recommend this book:
Paging Dr. Hart
Loving him might give her a heart attack
Melissa Dymond

2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

Paging Dr. Hart by Dr. Melissa Dymond is a contemporary medical romance with a suspenseful twist. Dr. Tiffany Hart, a senior resident in a hospital in Ohio, has built a tough exterior, dedicating her life completely to her studies. With no friends or fun activities, her sole ambition is to graduate as a radiologist with top honors. However, her well-built façade begins to crumble when she receives the responsibility of training the new resident, Dr. Ethan Clark. Despite efforts to maintain a tough persona, working closely with Ethan in Columbus and during the exchange program in Cleveland allows him to slip through her defenses. Scarred by a past where Tiffany was burnt by loved ones in more ways than one, she had resolved to shut herself off from new connections. As Tiffany comes to terms with her growing feelings for Ethan, she finds herself having to confront the ghosts from the past. Will a budding romance and new connections help Tiffany through this struggle, or will past demons drive away her future happiness?
Dr. Melissa Dymond’s Paging Dr. Hart ticks several of my boxes for a good read. The author presents the story using the first-person narrative, allowing me a glimpse into Tiffany's thoughts and feelings. A non-linear narrative gave me a better understanding of Tiffany’s character and provided context and background information on why she came to be the ‘Ice Maiden’ in the hospital. The steady pace, weaving the past and present, kept me invested in the story and helped reveal Tiffany’s vulnerabilities gradually. The theme of healing, both physically and emotionally, is at the heart of the narrative, exploring how past traumas can affect relationships in the present. Although Tiffany’s transformation from a closed-off person to someone willing to open up to new connections is the focus, Ethan, with his patience, kindness, and humor, is just what Tiffany needs. The language is clear with hints of humor, and there is a good balance between medical terminology and relatable descriptions. The beautiful pencil sketches throughout added to the overall appeal of this book for me.
Recommend this book:
Desire in Dairyland
A Small Town Contemporary Mystery Romance
Michelle Caffrey

2024 Bronze Medal
301 Pages
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Romance - Suspense

Desire in Dairyland is a crime drama romance novel by Michelle Caffrey. After being accepted into med school, Ruth Markson returns to her childhood home in the small town of Eureka, Wisconsin, hoping to make enough money for her tuition. She joins the Golden Years retirement facility as a nurse, but Ruth is shocked to learn about the unexpected deaths in the establishment. Meanwhile, she slowly begins to see her childhood friend, Tyler Kelly, in another light altogether, and soon, the two start a burgeoning romance. Tyler helps Ruth investigate the odd events surrounding Golden Years. However, Ruth must be careful as she unwittingly puts herself at the center of an insidious conspiracy. Can Ruth uncover the truth and help the residents? What does the future have in store for Ruth and Tyler?
Author Michelle Caffrey masterfully combines the genres of contemporary romance and sleuth mystery to deliver a riveting tale of romance, intrigue, suspense, and drama. Desire in Dairyland switches narrative tones seamlessly with Caffrey's generous use of dry humor and witty dialogue, and toward the end, an action-packed climax you never see coming. The plot has its share of twists and turns, along with some shocking reveals that keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. The narrative adds a small-town atmosphere to the setting, featuring some vibrant characters whose distinct personalities enhance Caffrey's storytelling. I really enjoyed the humor, especially the scenes involving the foul-mouthed Lillian. In conclusion, this is one of the most entertaining books I've read all year. I highly recommend it to lovers of contemporary romance and sleuth mystery readers.
Recommend this book:
In the Dark of Night
The Men of Fire Beach Book 9
Lorana Hoopes

2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

In the Dark of Night is the ninth installment of The Men of Fire Beach series by Lorana Hoopes. Dr. Garrett Young, a pediatrician, has had enough of Chicago after a broken relationship and arrives in the coastal town of Fire Beach, hoping to start his life anew. He joins the Fire Beach Hospital, where he meets the beautiful pediatric nurse, Renee Mackey. Both Garrett and Renee feel an intense mutual attraction. However, their pasts make them hesitant to take the next step in their relationship. While attending to patients at an immigrant camp, Garrett is attacked. Meanwhile, he treats a kid who he suspects has been poisoned. When someone unexpectedly kidnaps Garrett, it's up to Renee and his brother, Officer Clay Young, to find him and rescue another innocent life.
Lorana Hoopes touches upon themes of redemption, faith, and hope in this riveting tale of love against all odds. In the Dark of Night is packed with romance, mystery, suspense, and intrigue. The plot is evenly paced and contains a couple of twists and turns that will pull the rug from under the feet of even the most ardent of thriller enthusiasts. However, the primary highlight of the book remains the love story between Garrett and Renee. The two main characters share much in common, including their faiths and complicated past relationships with other people. As a reader, you want to see them end up together. The ending wraps everything up with a nice little bow, and I found it immensely satisfying. Readers of contemporary romance will love this book.
Recommend this book:
Sins of the Father
RRMC
Nikki Landis

2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense

Sins of the Father by Nikki Landis is a romantic suspense novel set in the gritty world of motorcycle clubs. Edge, the son of a disgraced former president of the Ravage Riders MC, returns home after three years in prison, determined to restore his club and reclaim his lost love, Rae. As tensions rise between the Ravage Riders and their rivals, Satan’s Outlaws, Edge finds himself embroiled in a deadly turf war while uncovering dark secrets from his father's past. With danger closing in, Edge must navigate betrayal, violence, and his own demons to protect those he loves. Landis offers her readers a gripping and fast-paced narrative that keeps them hooked in every chapter, packed with intense action and high emotional stakes for the rugged hero and his lost love. This concept immediately warms readers to Edge, and his chequered past is an exciting prospect to begin the story.
Nikki Landis’s portrayal of complex, flawed characters is realistically penned, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and relatable through a close narration of their every thought and action. I felt like I knew all the intricate reasons why Edge acted the way he did, even when it seemed shocking, and getting to know him on such a deep level made me invested in the tale’s outcomes with Rae and his family drama. The pacing offers plenty of suspense and romance to split up the action and vary the excitement, balancing the tension of a high-stakes biker war with the passionate connection that readers can’t help but love. Overall, I would certainly recommend Sins of the Father to fans of exciting romantic dramas that throw them right into the center of the action.
