Us National Book Award Winners

A decade ago, "Arjun Malhotra", a ruthless billionaire, and "Meera Sharma", a determined woman with dreams of her own, shared a connection that was undeniable yet destructive. Arjun, terrified of emotional attachment, refused to acknowledge his love and instead made a cruel, inappropriate proposal that shattered Meera’s heart. Choosing self-respect over love, Meera walked away, vowing never to look back. Time moved on. Meera built a peaceful life with "Raghav", a kind-hearted man who gave her stability and love. She embraced motherhood, raising their daughter, "Aarini", and balanced her responsibilities with quiet strength. Meanwhile, Arjun buried himself in power, wealth, and fleeting distractions, yet nothing filled the void she left behind. Fate has other plans when Meera unknowingly takes a job at "Arjun’s firm", unaware that he is the one pulling the strings. The moment he sees her again, Arjun’s obsession reignites—this time, he refuses to lose her. Using his power, influence, and emotional manipulation, he weaves himself back into her life, determined to break the barriers she built. As Arjun orchestrates subtle manipulations—forcing late-night meetings, creating moments of doubt about Raghav, and playing on Meera’s emotions—she finds herself caught between the shadows of her past and the life she built. Her once unwavering resolve begins to tremble as old wounds resurface, and the man she once loved becomes an inescapable force in her world. With Raghav sensing the growing strain and Arjun relentless in his pursuit, Meera stands at a crossroads. Will she fight for the love she chose, or will the haunting pull of her past consume her once again? "Shadows of Us" is a gripping tale of love, obsession, and the dangerous allure of unfinished emotions—where the past refuses to stay buried, and the heart is forced to confront the shadows it once ran from.

Driven by desperation to save her ailing father, who requires expensive surgery he cannot afford, a young woman accepts a position as a live-in caretaker at a lavish mansion. Initially focused solely on her father's well-being, she finds herself drawn into an unexpected and forbidden romance with the enigmatic and wealthy owner of the mansion. As their relationship deepens, she grapples with guilt, societal pressures, and the fear of losing everything, including her moral compass, in her pursuit of her father's health.

Aurora Sage, known in the underworld by the code name Aura, is a legend and a five-star assassin who never misses her target. Cold, calculating, and mysterious, she's feared by all in the underworld. Her motto is simple: finish the job, get paid, and disappear. Logan Mason, is the national heartthrob, a top model and actor, with the face that melts the heart and a reputation for being untouchable. Arrogant yet irresistibly charming, Logan has the world at his feet and is used to being adored by everyone until he crosses paths with the wrong woman, the younger sister of a notorious mafia lord. Her bruised ego leads to Ethan's abduction, and the celebrity finds himself in an unexpected situation. When Aura is hired to eliminate the mafia lord, she doesn't expect to find the nation's golden boy, chained and battered in a basement. Against her better judgment, she rescues him because a girl in her she knows his fan. But the mission takes a sharp turn when Logan gets interested in her and gets entangled in her world. Aura tried her best to shake him off but it only made him more obsessed and clingy. But the shadows Aura works in are darker than what Logan can imagine. The enemies she made won't let her go unscathed and to protect the clingy Logan who won't leave her alone, she must confront her past and risk her future because falling for Logan might just be her deadliest mission yet.

In the heart of Ghana, a five-year-old boy named Eric Nyarko has a dream unlike any other—to make his country the greatest in the world. While other children his age are content with play, Eric sees a future where Ghana rises to unimaginable heights. With an unshakable spirit, a mind far beyond his years, and the charisma to rally people to his cause, he embarks on a journey that will shape the destiny of a nation. From humble beginnings, Eric’s vision attracts both admiration and opposition. As he navigates challenges from skeptical elders, political resistance, and societal doubts, he refuses to waver. Through intellect, determination, and an unbreakable love for his homeland, he inspires change, builds alliances, and overcomes obstacles that would break even the strongest of men. But can a mere child truly alter the course of history? Or will the weight of his ambition prove too much for even him to bear? The Boy Who Built a Nation is a powerful tale of vision, resilience, and the belief that greatness knows no age.

Two women,bounded by a forbidden love,navigate the treacherous terrain of secrets and societal expectations when one's constructed identity threatens to unravel,forcing them to confront the shadow of their past and the uncertain future of their love.

-- A Story of Us follows the intertwining lives of [Main Character 1] and [Main Character 2], two souls brought together by fate, torn apart by circumstances, and bound by an unbreakable love. From chance encounters to heart-wrenching separations, their journey is a testament to love’s resilience and the choices that define us. As they navigate life's unpredictable twists—family expectations, personal ambitions, and past wounds—will their love endure, or will it become just another memory in the story of their lives? A heartfelt romance filled with passion, longing, and second chances, A Story of Us explores the beauty of love that lingers even when the world tries to pull two hearts apart. ---

* * _______________Description________________ Anthony Robinson, a humble and hard-working cook, finds himself entangled in the clutches of a notorious mafia family. His ex-girlfriend, with whom he lives, not only cheats on him but also abandons him to deal with her children. She doesn't even bother to hide her indiscretions while they share a home, spending her days with the mafia boss Alexander's enforcer. To make matters worse, Anthony's true love has broken up with him because he couldn't meet her expectations and failed to improve their relationship. He even squandered his second chance at life, neglecting their son Nick and letting go of the happy family they once had. Now, his mental health is deteriorating, and his passive nature and laziness prevent him from finding any happiness or seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. One fateful day, Anthony wakes up to the harsh reality of being a disposable pawn. He finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun held by someone he once trusted-a person who epitomizes betrayal. Will he survive this dangerous predicament and reclaim his life? *______________________Description______________*_*_______________________*

He finally finds his debut group, too bad one of the members his a previous one night stand. After a few years of trying to make the group a success they will need to race against the clock to finally become a success or disband the group. Will they put the group in jeopardy by acting upon there impulsive feelings？

After nearly a decade after one fatal night, Luna finds herself secluded through life, trying to find her long lost twin sister. Not knowing if she's even alive, she works part-time after school to save enough money to one day go out and search the country for her. That is until one fateful night after work, she stumbles upon one of her classmates being harassed by some strangers. Seeing no one else helping, she decides to help, but little did she know that that's when her life began to change.

A World Divided by Darkness. Once a haven of peace, the world is now fractured by the rise of the supernatural. Werewolves, vampires, and creatures of the night have emerged, plunging the world into chaos and sparking an all-out war for dominance. A prophecy whispers of a powerful supernatural being, capable of tipping the scales of power in favor of one side. Humans, desperate for survival, seek to destroy this entity, while the supernatural crave its power. Kaiden Corvus, a legendary hunter who swore to protect humanity, is caught in the crossfire. After a brutal encounter with a vampire, his life takes a dark turn. He becomes the very monster he vowed to eradicate - a vampire. Haunted by his transformation, Kaiden is hunted by his former comrades, the elite hunters who once stood by his side. Now a fugitive, Kaiden must navigate a world where his former skills are turned against him. He races against time to find a way to reverse his transformation and reclaim his humanity before the prophecy unfolds and the world is consumed by chaos. His journey will lead him into the heart of unknown territories and more, where he must confront not only the monsters he fears but also the monster he has become. This is a story of survival, sacrifice, and the struggle to hold onto one's humanity in a world consumed by darkness.

**His eyes were sharp, filled with anger. "What. The. Hell," he said, each word dripping with barely controlled rage. "Who are you, and what did you do?" Lily blinked, her mouth dry. "I—I didn’t do anything!" she stammered, finally finding her voice, though it wavered. "I don’t even know how I got here. I swear, I didn’t—" Logan cut her off, his expression darkening further. "You expect me to believe that? That you just happened to end up in my bed?"** Lily’s life was turned upside down when she woke up in the bed of Logan Carter, her billionaire boss she’d been secretly drooling over for months. One minute she was attending a high-society event as a last-minute invitee, and the next, she was tangled in bed with the guy she thought was untouchable. It turns out, Logan’s sister Bianca, who thought it’d be fun to play matchmaker, spiked her drink and tossed her into a whirlwind she wasn’t ready for. Logan’s reaction was pure fury. He flipped out, accusing Lily of drugging him (which she hadn’t), and kicked her out of his house in disgrace. But the drama didn’t end there. Lily’s life took another wild turn when she found out she wasn’t just an unwelcome guest; she was a scandalous headline. Logan’s family was furious, and suddenly, she’s the target of every socialite’s scorn, especially since she’s now the wife of the most eligible bachelor in town. Despite Logan’s intense dislike for her, his business and family demands forced him into a quick marriage with Lily. And so, Lily’s new job wasn’t just to navigate the treacherous waters of high society; it was to tame Logan, the nation’s hot headed mess of a husband. Lily found herself fighting not only for her place in Logan’s life but also for her right to be recognized and respected among the elite.

Welcome Gamer] a blue screen appeared in front my face. What's this? [You have been chosen for the Gamer System] A young man suddenly finds his world flipped upside down as he finds himself reincarnated into the Naruto world in the Hidden Cloud Village with the Gamer System. Determined to survive, he dives into a world of Shinobi, Chakra and dungeons, all while trying to keep a low profile, regain memories of his past life and survive the ridiculous missions given to him by the System. Note: I'll be posting this on FanFiction, AO3 and hopefully Royalread as Shadow_Khaos

What would happen if you put 150 students together in a school-like system and had them compete in various challenges to earn points to try and become number one? The outcome has been pretty bland for the past few years at Astral Academy, and the results are not what the higher-ups who run it want, until now. New students have enrolled and will change everything. New faces with clashing personalities will compete against each other to get the reward that first place offers. Five different classes with thirty different students in each class. Who will come out on top? Malakai, who came from London to compete in this academy? Maria, the daughter of a famous actress? Alexander, who has got everything he has ever wanted? Ryan, who can get anything he wants? Isabella, who has never had to try for anything she's done. Dillon, who wants everything everyone else has? Adam, who wants to prove a point? Too many names but only one top spot. Will they be entertaining? I post chapters every Saturday.

Evolution has changed us, we were just common men once, but over the years we changed. My Grandma told me Stories of how it all started,  The  "AI" (Artificial Intelligence) Project was a success, the goal was to create a perfect human through the use of Artificial Intelligence, making a Robot with human attributes. Movement, Respiration, Nutrition Irritability, Growth, Excretion, Reproduction and Death. The Company In charge of the project succeeded in producing fifty female Robots. This Robots were tested and allowed to live in the society alongside humans. They soon had a life, married, had Families and Increase in numbers. Humans and Robots living together and making families, the results were sets of offsprings known as Trybots part Human part Robot. This Trybots have abnormal abilities like Telepathy,  the ability to communicate with their thoughts, hear the thought of others and also control other people's thought. Teleportation, is the ability to transport oneself from place to another without any obstruction, also the ability to transport people from one place to another. Telekinesis, the ability to move objects, items, and things, and also the ability to stop, slow, and bring back time. This Super Humans began to multiply, handling positions in governments and making decisions, and not long they became head of government. Our Human Nation was now ruled by Trybots they called the new nation  the Red Nation, they built their own city with well advanced Technology, Good Health Care Facilities, and Good Education. Only Trybots were allowed to live in the city,  and only the Humans who were Trybot slaves and worked for the Trybots, were allowed to live in the city. The other Humans lived outside the city, and were known as commoners.

Fourteen years of war nearly destroyed the world. Seven years of peace have barely held it together. The Seven Nation Army, forged from the ashes of World War III, stopped the bloodshed and vowed to protect the fragile balance. But peace has a price—and not everyone is willing to pay it. A shadow looms over the fractured world. The New World Order, a ruthless organization born of chaos, plots to tear apart the fragile ceasefire. Their vision? Burn the old world to the ground and rebuild it on their terms. At the forefront of this conflict, Bravo Squad stands as humanity's shield. Led by Captain Sohel Choudhury, callsign "Ghost," this elite unit faces a daunting task: unravel the NWO's plans before the world is plunged into World War IV. But trust is scarce, alliances are fickle, and the battlefield is no longer confined to nations—it’s everywhere. Victory isn’t guaranteed, but failure means the end of everything. — “If taking one life can save a thousand, we have to pull the trigger. If that one life is at the end of your barrel, and you won't be able to take the shot, leave this room right now. Because if you don't take the shot, your enemy will. And he won't hesitate. I assembled you here to win a war, not to turn all of you into cannon fodder.” Sohel took a deep breath and looked out over his squad. “Now, let me ask again, does anybody want to leave? Does anyone here think that he'd not be able to pull the trigger?” The room buzzed with one synchronized sound, “No, sir.”

Thea is always bound to misfortunes, from her family to opportunities and always thought it may be because of her negative mindset. With her big dreams to live a peaceful and fruitful life, she strived behind those, but with her entanglement to Dimitri led her to know that her misfortunes is not just about her thinking.

You could call me crazy. You could call me a freak. But I would do anything if it was for us. No matter who got in the way. No matter who hurt you. I would do anything to protect you. Because at the end of the day you are always a fighter. Because if you can’t fight for your love then Your love isn’t worth fighting for. Did I want to kill them? No. Did I need to kill them? Yes. Because they were going to hurt you, hurt us. And I couldn’t stand us getting hurt. So I did what I needed to do. You could call me crazy. You could call me a freak. But I would do anything if it was for us.

In the dystopian city of Rylos, where the government dictates love through a behavioral score-based lottery, Nico Knight is a man who’s always gotten what he wants. A nightclub tycoon with a reputation, he’s never had to answer to anyone until the lottery pairs him with Odalis, a quiet librarian with an air of calm that feels almost too controlled. To Nico, Odalis is a puzzle of a woman too ordinary, too unremarkable to pique his interest. But there’s something about her stillness that begins to intrigue him. Beneath the surface, he senses a storm she’s carefully hiding. Nico finds himself questioning whether he really knows what he wants or if his true challenge lies in the mystery of Odalis herself. (Sneak peak scene) Nico slouched on the couch, drunk, eyes fixed on Odalis as she read, the quiet hum of the room wrapping around them like a soft cocoon. Nico: You know, I never imagined a woman like you would be in my life. Quiet, composed... not my taste. Odalis (without looking up): And what did you imagine? Nico: Someone like me. Loud. Reckless. Odalis: Sorry for the disappointment. He blinked, his eyelids heavy, the pull of sleep growing stronger. Nico: “You’re like... an angel, in the wrong place.” His head dropped back, surrendering to sleep. Odalis glanced at him, a faint smile playing at her lips. Odalis (whispering): “You’re wrong, Nico Knight. Maybe the wrong place is exactly where I need to be.” She tucked him in, the soft rustle of fabric the only sound, and returned to her book. The silence between them now felt strangely comfortable.

Maya is no stranger to heartache. After years of painful memories and broken trust, she’s built walls around her heart, vowing never to let anyone in again. But when Azel, the man who once held her heart, reappears in her life, everything she thought she knew about love and forgiveness is thrown into question. Azel, regretful and determined, has changed. Time apart has made him realize the depth of his mistakes, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove he’s no longer the man who hurt Maya. But Maya is hesitant. The scars from the past run deep, and she’s not sure she’s ready to trust again. Yet, the connection between them is undeniable—something lingers, a spark that refuses to die. As Maya and Azel navigate the rocky terrain of forgiveness, trust, and healing, they must confront not only their painful past but also the difficult questions that arise when two people try to rebuild what they once had. Is it possible to love again after betrayal? And can they move forward without losing themselves in the process? In this heartfelt story of second chances, Maya and Azel learn that love isn’t just about finding your way back to each other; it’s about finding the strength to trust again, no matter how long it takes.

As the last of the mist was expelled from her lips the man holding onto her stiffened further. He could only watch on helplessly as her silver eyes that used to glower at him with disdain slowly dim. His hands quiver out of despair and helplessness. "Wang Lan Biyu, keep your eyes on me. Do not fade away yet, do you hear me? I don't permit you to die!" The woman's pale face splashed with bits of blood rose into a weak disdainful smile. "You-*gasp..still want *gasp to act better than me..in the end*cough-" His eyes redden as another splash of red covers her pale lips. "Lan Biyu..." "-Chuanli*cough my guqin from master,...you hold onto it for me...ok?" Her last sentence was a faint weak whisper before her eyes flutter close shaking his heart and rattling his mind. "Lan Biyu!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -Please be civilized and don't steal my cover as your own.

Finding Us is a heartfelt tale of love, resilience, and self-discovery. Mira and Jake, two college students with contrasting personalities, are drawn together by an undeniable connection. As their romance blossoms, an unforeseen dilemma tests their bond, threatening to pull them apart. Faced with challenges that force them to confront their fears and insecurities, Mira and Jake embark on a journey of healing and growth. Through love, trust, and determination, they find their way back to each other, proving that true love can endure even the toughest trials. Finding Us is a moving story about navigating life’s obstacles and rediscovering what truly matters.

Mara Ellison is a reclusive painter whose works are renowned for their raw emotion and haunting beauty. After a devastating breakup that leads to creative block, she retreats to her family’s old coastal estate, hoping solitude will bring inspiration. But inspiration comes in an unexpected form. Enter Rhys Calloway, a drifter with a magnetic presence, a smile that hints at trouble, and secrets etched into his very skin—scars, tattoos, and a gaze that sees too much. Against her better judgment, she asks him to model for her. What begins as an artist-muse relationship quickly spirals into something far more consuming. Rhys awakens a side of Mara she’s long buried—wild, reckless, hungry. But as her passion for him pours onto the canvas, she begins to unravel the secrets Rhys is hiding—and the darkness he’s running from. Their bond is electric, but it’s also volatile. Will loving him cost Mara everything she’s rebuilt—or will it save them both?

young scientists met as teenagers on discord