The RITA Awards are sponsored by the Romance Writers of America. The 2014 winners are:

Best first book: The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake
“Charla Rae Denny was the perfect wife with a perfect life, content to keep the home fires burning while her husband, JB, competed as a champion bull rider. Then their son died in a tragic accident–and everything fell apart. Divorced and saddled with a hill of bills and a failing ranch, Charla must now cowboy up to put her life back together. James “JB” Denny doesn’t stay where he isn’t welcome. So when Charla shut him out of her grieving heart–and their home–a year ago, he took comfort where he could find it. Now after seeing beautiful Charla again, he wants it all back. She can’t work the ranch alone, and deep in his heart he knows he can be the man she needs. But after so much history and heartbreak, can JB convince Charla to take a risk and give their love a second chance?”

Contemporary romance: Crazy Thing Called Love by Molly O’Keefe
“Forced to work with sexy hockey superstar Billy Wilkins, who is also her ex-husband, Dallas TV morning show host Madelyn Cornish finds herself skating on thin ice when he asks for one more shot at making things right.”

Erotic romance: Claim Me by J. Kenner

Historical romance: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
“A rogue ruined…He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of…absolution. A lady returned…Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows…that he is no killer.”

Inspirational romance: Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Paranormal romance: The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
“Nicola Marter was born with a gift so rare and dangerous, she kept it buried deep. When she encounters a desperate woman trying to sell a small wooden carving called “The Firebird,” claiming it belonged to Russia’s Empress Catherine, it’s a problem. There’s no proof. But Nicola’s held the object. She knows the woman is telling the truth.”

Romance novella: Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter

Romantic suspense: Off the Edge by Carolyn Crane

Short contemporary romance: Why Resist a Rebel? by Leah Ashton

If you are interested in reading a title listed above that is not owned by a NOBLE library, try interlibrary loan or the virtual catalog.