So, when it comes to the Australian Romance Readers Awards, Escape has been feeling a bit like pre-2016-Oscars Leonardo DiCaprio. We had respect, sure! And lots (58!) of nominations! But no matter how many supermodels we partied with (OK, Down & Dusty cover models) (in our heads), we hadn’t won an ARRA.

Well I’m pleased to announce that as of last night’s ARRA awards dinner, we’re feeling a bit like smug post-Oscars Leo.

Congratulations to the winners!

Favourite Cover: The Horse Thief by Tea Cooper.

Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance: Base by Cathleen Ross

In addition to these fabulous wins, we’re excited that this year’s favourite new romance author winner, Kerrie Paterson, is about to make her Escape debut with the May release of Return to Jacaranda Avenue. Here’s a sneak preview of her cover—look out for prerelease dates soon!