Congratulations to the Hearts in Ink winners announced during our Celebration of Romance meeting in Brea, CA on October 10, 2026.
LIGHT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Brian by Alisa Jean - FIRST PLACE
Royal Caleva: Raul by Nancy Herkness - SECOND PLACE
Matthew by Alisa Jean - THIRD PLACE
DARK CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Roses are Dead by Calia Wild - FIRST PLACE
Luka by Alisa Jean - SECOND PLACE
Thrice Bound by Nicole Kelleher - THIRD PLACE
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
How to Live Happily Ever After in the Highlands by Elizabeth Cole - FIRST PLACE
Lyon in the Wild by Diana Lloyd - SECOND PLACE
Past Preserve Us by Carol Nickles - THIRD PLACE
SPECULATIVE ROMANCE
Saved by the Vampire Goddess by Jenna Barwin - FIRST PLACE
The Keeper's Code by Barb DeLong - SECOND PLACE
You Can Make Me by R.L. Merrill - THIRD PLACE
ROMANTIC NOVELLA
Lady Dalton's Deception by Leslie Knowles - FIRST PLACE
Curtain Call in Carter's Landing by Jenny Hansen - SECOND PLACE
Heart and Soul by Selene Grace Silver - THIRD PLACE
