Bec Skrabl (centre) with Annie Reid and Josh Bywaters at the launch of her debut novel.
The novel, which was released in September is up for five awards - Favourite continuing romance series, favourite Australian romance author 2012, best first meeting between a couple in romance published in 2012, best love scene from a romance published in 2012 and favourite cover from a romance published in 2012.
Ms Skrabl, who writes under the name Bec McMaster said she couldn't believe it when she found out she was up for nomination in so many categories.
"The award season is just starting, so I've entered it in a few things, but this is one that you don't enter, they nominate you, so I was a little shocked and definitely didn't expect to get five nominations - I wasn't expecting to get any," she said.
"Since the book was published I've received really good feedback from everyone and my editor is really pleased with sales. I never expected this though, absolutely not because a lot of the names in the categories are pretty big names.
"Winners of the Australian Romance Readers Awards will be announced at the gala dinner in Brisbane on March 2.
Ms Skrabl said she had been busy over the last few months putting the finishing touches on her next two novels.
Heart of Iron, book two in the London Steampunk Series, will be launched in May.
The novel is set in the mist-shrouded streets of London's dreaded Whitechapel district, where werewolves, vampires and a clockwork army are one step away from battle.
Ms Skrabl said a third book in the series would be released in October, in the meantime Kiss of Steel is available from all online retailers and some local traders including the Ararat Newsagency.
