Finalist in the Romantic Thriller category for the RNA Novel Awards
I’m thrilled to announce that Deadly Treasures has been named as a finalist in the Romantic Thriller category for the RNA Novel Awards.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ROMANTIC NOVELISTS’ ASSOCIATION 8th APRIL 2025
AUTHOR SHORTLISTED IN THE ROMANTIC NOVELISTS’ ASSOCIATION ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARDS 2025
Jane McParkes has been shortlisted in the Romantic Thriller Romantic Novel Award category with her novel, Deadly Treasures for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) Romantic Novel Awards 2025. The awards celebrate excellence in romantic fiction in all its forms.
After a lifetime of secret scribbling, it was the diagnosis of a rare, but treatable cancer that focused Jane’s mind on taking her writing seriously and see her dreams realised. Her debut novel, the first in a Cornish cosy crime series with an eco-twist, was traditionally published in December 2022 and then un-published fifty days later when the publisher collapsed. Undeterred, Jane decided to explore self-publishing, re-edited her novel, commissioned a new cover and re-published it in April 2023. Having discovered the joys of self-publishing, Jane continued to build a professional team around her, and published Deadly Treasures in July 2024 with more confidence. She is currently writing her third book in the series.
She commented, ‘The wonderful news came as I was nearing the end of five months of my most recent cancer-induced ‘house-arrest’ and was the shaft of light I needed to pierce my gloom and get my writing mojo back. It has definitely helped me make the important shift from cancer survivor to cancer thriver and start enjoying life again. So thank you!’
The Chair of the RNA, Seána Talbot said: “This year’s shortlist is a tremendous testament to romantic fiction’s diversity and strength. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding books and this exciting mix of new and established writers. They make a vital contribution to this popular, much-loved genre.”
Sharon Ibbotson, the RNA Awards Coordinator, said, “It’s a pleasure to announce these shortlists. Our reader-judges have once again chosen wonderful love stories as this year’s favourites, and their authors deserve their praise. Congratulations to all our finalists and thanks once again to our reader-judges – these awards wouldn’t happen without them.”
The awards, which began in 1960, celebrate the very best of romantic fiction and are highly respected within the UK publishing industry. Over the past 64 years, winners have included bestselling authors Santa Montefiore, Joe Heap, Julie Cohen and Milly Johnson. The finalists represent both independent and traditional publishers, reflecting romantic fiction’s dynamic market.
The award categories are as follows: The Fantasy Romantic Novel Award, the Romantic Thriller Award, the Debut Romantic Novel Award, the Festive Holiday Romantic Novel Award, the Shorter Romantic Novel Award, the Romantic Saga Award, the Romantic Comedy Award, the Historical Romantic Novel Award, the Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, and the Popular Romantic Fiction Award (voted for by librarians, booksellers and book bloggers/reviewers and readers.).
The Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers which is sponsored by the Estate of Dr David Hessayon will also be presented at the ceremony by Melissa Oliver (winner of the Award in 2020 and now its Coordinator). RNA President and Sunday Times Bestselling Author Sue Moorcroft will present the Contemporary Romantic Novel Award and RNA Chair and Award Winning Author Seana Talbot will present the remainder of the Awards. Award winning author Brigid Coady will host the evening.
For the full list of finalists please visit romanticnovelistsassociation.org
Winners will be announced during the RNA’s Romantic Novel of the Year Awards ceremony, which is held this year at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel, 8-14 Cooper’s Row, London EC3N 2BQ on 19th May at 6.30pm.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA INFORMATION ABOUT Jane McParkes
Deadly Treasures
BOOK BLURB (Publisher: Pencreek Publishing)
At the launch party for eco-architect Olivia’s latest project, a waitress is found dead. Is she connected to barrister Jago’s recent trial, or are other forces at work? As their professional lives collide, can they work together to uncover those responsible or are their problems more personal than they thought?
YOU CAN FIND JANE ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA @JaneMcParkes