What are the characteristics of Rita award winning romance novels?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top award - winning novels usually have excellent writing styles. Take 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. Its stream - of - consciousness writing is complex yet masterful. They also tend to have a great impact on society or the literary world. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, for instance, brought the issue of slavery and its aftermath to the forefront of American literature.

They usually deal with mature themes. Take 'The Kite Runner' as an example. It tackles themes such as guilt, redemption, and the political situation in Afghanistan. These are themes that are more suitable for adult audiences who can better understand and reflect on them.