A huge thank you to lisa_london_ for judging the NA romance category, and congratulations to all our participants!
Check out our top three finalists from NA romance, and stay tuned for our Grand Winner across all categories being announced next month!
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First Place Winner
Espresso Shot Through the Heart by MilaForLife
The main character may not have fallen in love with the love interest immediately in this story, but I certainly did! Mira had me smitten from the first time she toppled a potted plant (a fake plastic one at that) and apologized to it. How could I not love her? Well Natalie doesn't, yet at least, but I can't wait to see how these two opposites will find each other. I also applaud the courage to have a main character in Natalie who is far from perfect. She is a player when it comes to the ladies. She is petty. She is volatile at times. But we still root for her and that is a skill that is difficult to master as an author.
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Second Place Winner
Food Courting by laurendoubleu
Love the innovative setting for this story and all details of working in such a place do seem very accurate. I can really feel Cora's frustration about not being appreciated in her workplace and how that is driving her to show her worth. The chemistry between her and Farron is palpable and I thoroughly enjoyed their constant competitions against one another. I was snorting at the lunch-off as both of them refused to give in, making fools of themselves in the process.
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Third Place Winner
Keeping a Straight Face by minimxmist
I love the build-up of tension in this story, letting us know what is as stakes (a lifelong friendship) while also framing the attraction between the characters and how it eventually may be difficult to deny. The relationship between Taylor and Darko felt very realistic and lived in, making it clear why they mean so much to each other. Which makes the story all the more powerful because they have a lot to lose, but also a lot to win if they give in to their longings.
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YOU ARE READING
The Pride Awards
CasualeThe Pride Awards are an annual event hosted by the Rainbow Bookclub, a community dedicated to creating a safe space for all writers, with the goal of recognizing the writing of positive representation for LGBTQIA characters and stories.
