In 2006, when my third book A Reputable Rake won the RITA for Best Regency Romance, who knew it would be the last one ever awarded? In those days, “Regency Romance” meant the shorter length traditional regencies released by lines such as Zebra and Signet, but, luckily for me, Harlequin Historical Regencies also fit the guidelines.
Once upon a time several publishers released traditional regency lines but gradually the number dwindled and even the two mainstays, Zebra and Signet closed. Even though there were still the short Regencies being offered by Harlequin Historical, Avalon, Cerriden Press, and others, by 2007 there were not enough books to hold the Best Regency Romance category in the RITAs. By 2008 the category was eliminated.
Which brings me to remembering one of my favorite Best Regency Romance RITA winners, Much Obliged by Jessica Benson, the 2002 winner.
In both my 
