What are the characteristics of Rita award winning romance novels?

Award - winning romance novels often have well - developed characters. The main characters are complex, with their own personalities, dreams, and flaws. For example, in 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, Jane is a strong - willed and independent woman, which makes her relationship with Mr. Rochester more interesting.

A great example is 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang as well. It features an autistic heroine and a male escort who enter into a relationship that starts out as a business deal but soon turns into a very real and deep emotional connection. The characters are well - developed and the story is both heartwarming and romantic.

The detailed historical settings. Readers love to be transported to different eras like the Victorian age or medieval times. It gives a sense of escapism.

Award - winning Christian romance novels usually feature chaste relationships. The love stories are built on mutual respect, shared values, and spiritual connection. They also tend to have positive messages about forgiveness, grace, and the power of love in a Christian context. For instance, in many of these novels, the characters might struggle with past sins or mistakes, but through their faith and the love they find, they are able to overcome and grow closer to God.

Unique storylines. Award - winning contemporary romance novels often avoid clichés. Take 'Beach Read' which has a very different take on the enemies - to - lovers trope, set in an interesting location by the beach.

One of the well - known Rita award - winning historical romance novels is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time - travel with a richly detailed historical setting in Scotland.

Often, award - winning novels have strong and unique themes. For example, they might explore deep human emotions like love, loss, or identity. They also tend to have well - developed characters. Take 'Jane Eyre' as an example. The character of Jane is complex and multi - dimensional. The writing style is usually of high quality, with engaging prose.

They usually have engaging characters. In 'All the Light We Cannot See', the two main characters are so well - developed that readers can't help but be drawn into their individual plights and the overarching story of the war. The characters feel real and their emotions are palpable.

Well, most award - winning YA novels have relatable characters. Teens can see themselves or someone they know in the protagonists. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', the characters deal with real - life issues like illness and mortality. Another characteristic is engaging storylines. They often have elements of adventure, mystery, or romance to keep readers hooked. Like in 'The Hunger Games', the high - stakes battle royale is very exciting.

Well - developed characters are also important. In 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, the characters of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter are so vivid. Their interactions and their own internal struggles add depth to the mystery. Usually, award winning mystery novels also have a great sense of suspense. They keep the reader on the edge of their seat, like in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories. Doyle was a master at creating suspenseful situations that make the reader eager to find out how Holmes will solve the mystery.