Interim Results – 2002 Annual Reader Poll
February 1, 2002:
Today we announce the interim results in our sixth annual reader’s poll. Our hope is that by providing you with a list of titles/characters/authors in each category, we can begin to help those of you who have not yet voted narrow down your choices. (And, if this might help, I’ve posted on one of our message boards a list of the 2001 published books we’ve granted DIK status to at http://www.hwforums.com/2034/messages/https://allaboutromance.com/at-the-back-fence-issue-210/ – although I may have missed one or two.) As we’ve done for the past couple of years, this list of interim results will remain online for a full year; many of our readers find the information helpful beyond the poll itself because most (if not all) of the titles that are shown and yet don’t win or place in the final tally are damn good reads.
The titles/characters/authors are presented in no particular order, and authors who have had a “lock” in past years in certain categories may no longer have that lock. There is also no guarantee that any nominee in any particular category will win or place in the final tally, which will be presented here on March 1st. We’ve had “sleepers” in the past win at the last possible moment. As a result, we’ve been extremely inclusive in listing this year’s interim nominees. If you feel strongly about a title, character, or author that isn’t listed below, do vote for it anyway – your vote could make the difference.
[fusion_accordion divider_line=”no” class=”” id=””][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Romance:” open=”no”]Widow’s Kiss by Jane Feather
Danegeld by Susan Squires
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Darkling, I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Sentimental Journey by Jill Barnett
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Funny:” open=”no”]Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Open Season by Linda Howard
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Hanky Read:” open=”no”]Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Phantom Waltz by Catherine Anderson
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Luscious Love Story:” open=”no”]Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Darkling I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
All About Love by Stephanie Laurens
Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
All About Passion by Stephanie Laurens
The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Tortured Hero:” open=”no”]Darius from Dark Fire by Christine Feehan
Brandon from Darkling, I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
Richard from The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
Alexander from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Con from The Dragon’s Bride by Jo Beverley
Gabriel from Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Lucas Gallagher from Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Feistiest Heroine:” open=”no”]Ripley from Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts
Kate from Midnight Bride by Susan Carroll
Letty from The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Eve from Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb
Molly from This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Hero:” open=”no”]Benedict from One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Alexander from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Elliot from The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Theo from Mercy by Julie Garwood
John from The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Roarke from Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb
Stan from Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Kevin from This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Heroine:” open=”no”]Guinevere from Widow’s Kiss by Jane Feather
Tallie from Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
Tatiana from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Molly from This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Amanda from Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Liria from One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Guinevere from The Widow’s Kiss by Jane Feather
Jesamond from Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Teri from Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Couple:” open=”no”]Alyson and Brandon from Darkling I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
Tatania and Alexander from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Elena and Clay from Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Teri and Stan from Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Eve and Roarke from Betrayal in Death and Seduction In Death by J. D. Robb
Alyssa and Sam from Over the Edge and The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (these were secondary characters in both books)
Liria and Benadict from One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Amanda and Jack from Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Claire and Jamie from the Firery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
Lydia Bedford-Brown and Sam Cody from The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory
Jocelyn Shelton and Rand from The Prince’s Bride by Victoria Alexander
Molly and Kevin from This Heart of Mine by Susan Eliabeth Phillips[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Villian:” open=”no”]Yves from Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Dimitri from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Calliope from The Perfect Princess by Elizabeth Thornton[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Annoying Lead Character:” open=”no”]Meg from The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Delaine from Hide and Seek by Cherry Adair
Mary from The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Best Cabin or Road Romance:” open=”no”]I Got You, Babe by Jane Graves
Her Bodyguard by Michelle Jerott
The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite New Author:” open=”no”]Lauren Bach
Anne Gracie
Josie Litton
Kelley Armstrong
Jane Graves[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Best Discovery/Buried Treasure:” open=”no”]Claudia Dain
Gayle Wilson
Carla Kelly
Paullina Simons
Suzanne Brockmann[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Glommed:” open=”no”]Suzanne Brockmann
Carla Kelly
Jo Beverley
Julia Quinn
Christine Feehan
Jo Beverley
Julie Garwood
Marilyn Pappano[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
Danegeld by Susan Squires
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Darkling, I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Sentimental Journey by Jill Barnett
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Funny:” open=”no”]Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Open Season by Linda Howard
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Hanky Read:” open=”no”]Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Phantom Waltz by Catherine Anderson
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Luscious Love Story:” open=”no”]Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Darkling I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
All About Love by Stephanie Laurens
Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
All About Passion by Stephanie Laurens
The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Tortured Hero:” open=”no”]Darius from Dark Fire by Christine Feehan
Brandon from Darkling, I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
Richard from The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
Alexander from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Con from The Dragon’s Bride by Jo Beverley
Gabriel from Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Lucas Gallagher from Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Feistiest Heroine:” open=”no”]Ripley from Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts
Kate from Midnight Bride by Susan Carroll
Letty from The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Eve from Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb
Molly from This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Hero:” open=”no”]Benedict from One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Alexander from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Elliot from The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
Theo from Mercy by Julie Garwood
John from The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Roarke from Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb
Stan from Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Kevin from This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Heroine:” open=”no”]Guinevere from Widow’s Kiss by Jane Feather
Tallie from Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
Tatiana from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Molly from This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Amanda from Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Liria from One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Guinevere from The Widow’s Kiss by Jane Feather
Jesamond from Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Teri from Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Couple:” open=”no”]Alyson and Brandon from Darkling I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
Tatania and Alexander from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Elena and Clay from Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Teri and Stan from Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Eve and Roarke from Betrayal in Death and Seduction In Death by J. D. Robb
Alyssa and Sam from Over the Edge and The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (these were secondary characters in both books)
Liria and Benadict from One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Amanda and Jack from Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Claire and Jamie from the Firery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
Lydia Bedford-Brown and Sam Cody from The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory
Jocelyn Shelton and Rand from The Prince’s Bride by Victoria Alexander
Molly and Kevin from This Heart of Mine by Susan Eliabeth Phillips[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Villian:” open=”no”]Yves from Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Dimitri from The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Calliope from The Perfect Princess by Elizabeth Thornton[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Annoying Lead Character:” open=”no”]Meg from The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Delaine from Hide and Seek by Cherry Adair
Mary from The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Best Cabin or Road Romance:” open=”no”]I Got You, Babe by Jane Graves
Her Bodyguard by Michelle Jerott
The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite New Author:” open=”no”]Lauren Bach
Anne Gracie
Josie Litton
Kelley Armstrong
Jane Graves[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Best Discovery/Buried Treasure:” open=”no”]Claudia Dain
Gayle Wilson
Carla Kelly
Paullina Simons
Suzanne Brockmann[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Glommed:” open=”no”]Suzanne Brockmann
Carla Kelly
Jo Beverley
Julia Quinn
Christine Feehan
Jo Beverley
Julie Garwood
Marilyn Pappano[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[fusion_accordion divider_line=”no” class=”” id=””][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Medieval:” open=”no”]The Husband Test by Betina Krahn
Danegeld by Susan Squires
My Lady DeBurgh by Deborah Simmons
Devil In a Kilt by Sue Ellen Welfonder
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor
The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
Dream of Me by Josie Litton
By Design by Madeline Hunter[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Medieval:” open=”no”]The Husband Test by Betina Krahn
Danegeld by Susan Squires
My Lady DeBurgh by Deborah Simmons
Devil In a Kilt by Sue Ellen Welfonder
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor
The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
Dream of Me by Josie Litton
By Design by Madeline Hunter[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Regency:” open=”no”]Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Reclaiming Lord Rockleigh by Nancy Butler[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite European Historical:” open=”no”]A Woman of Virtue by Liz Carlyle
All About Love by Stephanie Laurens
A Matter of Scandal by Suzanne Enoch
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Midnight Bride by Susan Carroll[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite American/Western Historical:” open=”no”]The Bride of Willow Creek by Maggie Osborne
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
The Outlaw and the Lady by Lorraine Heath
The Bad Man’s Bride by Susan Kay Law
Gifts of the Sea by Jane Goodger[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Contemporary:” open=”no”]Open Season by Linda Howard
Her Bodyguard by Michelle Jerott
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Kiss and Tell by Cherry Adair[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Series Romance:” open=”no”]Taylor’s Temptation by Suzanne Brockman
Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
Renegade with a Badge by Claire King[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Romantic Suspense:” open=”no”]Touching Evil by Kay Hooper
Darkling I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
Betrayal In Death by J. D. Robb
Mercy by Julie Garwood
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Open Season by Linda Howard
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
The Villa by Nora Roberts[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Short Story:” open=”no”]Demon’s Mistress by Jo Beverly from In Praise of Younger Men
Interlude In Death by J. D. Robb from Out of This World
Luring Lucy by Lori Foster from Hot and Bothered
An Honest Bargain by Julia Justiss from The Officer’s Bride[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Alternate Reality Romance:” open=”no”]Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
My Heart Stood Still by Lynn Kurland
The Star Prince by Susan Grant
Betrayal in Death by J.D. Robb
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Secret of the Wolf by Susan Krinard
Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Author You Gave Up On:” open=”no”]Sandra Brown
Suzanne Brockmann
Jo Beverley
Jayne Ann Krentz
Nora Roberts
Johanna Lindsey
Geralyn Dawson
Jude Deveraux
Julie Garwood[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Authors Others Love But You Don’t:” open=”no”]Lori Foster
Julie Garwood
Stephanie Laurens
Nora Roberts
Robin Schone
Adele Ashworth
Dara Joy
Jennifer Crusie
Jude Deveraux
Julie Garwood
Susan Wiggs[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Disappointing Read:” open=”no”]Open Season by Linda Howard
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
Narcissus In Chains by Laurell K Hamilton
Mercy by Julie Garwood
Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Worst Read:” open=”no”]Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
Narcissus In Chains by Laurell K Hamilton
By Design by Madeline Hunter
Texas Ranger by Diana Palmer
To Tame A Duke by Patricia Grasso
Hide and Seek by Cherry Adair[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Purple Prose:” open=”no”]Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Desire by Nicole Jordan[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
Danegeld by Susan Squires
My Lady DeBurgh by Deborah Simmons
Devil In a Kilt by Sue Ellen Welfonder
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor
The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
Dream of Me by Josie Litton
By Design by Madeline Hunter[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Medieval:” open=”no”]The Husband Test by Betina Krahn
Danegeld by Susan Squires
My Lady DeBurgh by Deborah Simmons
Devil In a Kilt by Sue Ellen Welfonder
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor
The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
Dream of Me by Josie Litton
By Design by Madeline Hunter[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Regency:” open=”no”]Tallie’s Knight by Anne Gracie
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
Reclaiming Lord Rockleigh by Nancy Butler[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite European Historical:” open=”no”]A Woman of Virtue by Liz Carlyle
All About Love by Stephanie Laurens
A Matter of Scandal by Suzanne Enoch
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
Midnight Bride by Susan Carroll[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite American/Western Historical:” open=”no”]The Bride of Willow Creek by Maggie Osborne
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
The Outlaw and the Lady by Lorraine Heath
The Bad Man’s Bride by Susan Kay Law
Gifts of the Sea by Jane Goodger[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Contemporary:” open=”no”]Open Season by Linda Howard
Her Bodyguard by Michelle Jerott
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Kiss and Tell by Cherry Adair[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Series Romance:” open=”no”]Taylor’s Temptation by Suzanne Brockman
Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
Renegade with a Badge by Claire King[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Romantic Suspense:” open=”no”]Touching Evil by Kay Hooper
Darkling I Listen by Katherine Sutcliffe
Betrayal In Death by J. D. Robb
Mercy by Julie Garwood
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
Open Season by Linda Howard
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
The Villa by Nora Roberts[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Short Story:” open=”no”]Demon’s Mistress by Jo Beverly from In Praise of Younger Men
Interlude In Death by J. D. Robb from Out of This World
Luring Lucy by Lori Foster from Hot and Bothered
An Honest Bargain by Julia Justiss from The Officer’s Bride[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Favorite Alternate Reality Romance:” open=”no”]Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
My Heart Stood Still by Lynn Kurland
The Star Prince by Susan Grant
Betrayal in Death by J.D. Robb
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
Secret of the Wolf by Susan Krinard
Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Author You Gave Up On:” open=”no”]Sandra Brown
Suzanne Brockmann
Jo Beverley
Jayne Ann Krentz
Nora Roberts
Johanna Lindsey
Geralyn Dawson
Jude Deveraux
Julie Garwood[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Authors Others Love But You Don’t:” open=”no”]Lori Foster
Julie Garwood
Stephanie Laurens
Nora Roberts
Robin Schone
Adele Ashworth
Dara Joy
Jennifer Crusie
Jude Deveraux
Julie Garwood
Susan Wiggs[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Disappointing Read:” open=”no”]Open Season by Linda Howard
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
Narcissus In Chains by Laurell K Hamilton
Mercy by Julie Garwood
Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Worst Read:” open=”no”]Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
Narcissus In Chains by Laurell K Hamilton
By Design by Madeline Hunter
Texas Ranger by Diana Palmer
To Tame A Duke by Patricia Grasso
Hide and Seek by Cherry Adair[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Most Purple Prose:” open=”no”]Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly
Gabriel’s Woman by Robin Schone
Desire by Nicole Jordan[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]