NEWPORT teen author Beth Reeks has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists Association Awards.

The 18 year-old physics student at Exeter University, has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year award under the Young Adult Romantic Novel category for her teen romance The Kissing Booth.

Beth who writes under the name Beth Reekles, said that the nomination was “brilliant news.”

She has been nominated along with fellow young authors Liz Bankes, author of the novel Irresistible; Christina Courtney, author of New England Rocks; Alex Gutteridge, author of Last Chance Angel; Imogen Howson, author of Linked; and Marie-Louise Jenson, author of Smuggler’s Kiss.

Previously ranked number 13 on a list of the world’s most influential teenagers by a major US news magazine, Beth has also been nominated in the Young Star category of the awards which aim to recognise talented women under the age of 35.

Beth wrote the romance novel as part of a three-book deal when she was just 17.

A film deal has already been optioned by Random House Children’s Screen Entertainment for the book.

Independent publisher Choc Lit is leading the nominations with 36 authors shortlisted across six categories.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on March 17, in a ceremony presented by Darcey Bussell.

An overall winner, chosen from the category winners, will then be announced, winning £5,000.

The RoNA Rose Award will also be given out, with the winner receiving £1,000.