Novel & Cerita Audio Book Award Winners

Chapter 88 – Gray at the Temples, Gold in the Glow (Eli POV – 18 Years Later) The award sat on the mantel like it was embarrassed to be there. A small glass plaque—nothing flashy—engraved with “Best Edited Literary Collection” and the name of the anthology I’d spent three years fighting for. Authors from six countries. Voices that had almost been silenced. A book that almost didn’t exist. It won on a Thursday. I found out at 7:12 p.m. via email while Dante was in the garage tinkering with the old motorcycle he swore he’d “fix one day.”

“For the winner of the sustainability and accessibility award, the winner is Orion Belmont!” “...after coming to the realization that those who could not get the book will be able to access through a website, and that was how I came up with the idea of building a digital company that had something to do with books,” the words tumbled out in a rush as he walked back to his seat.” Other names were called and they were given their award just like every other person, and those who could not make it sent their PA’s. “And second to the last award for today, Readers' Choice award,” silence filled the air as the woman slowly took the name out of the envelope.

Kennedy POV. The weather was bad, but I needed to get that new book, it's Robert birthday gift, who'd knew a grown up man would kill for the newest werewolf love book. I got into my car, drove carefully toward the local book store, they had the new book reserved for me. It was supposed to one quick drive, until I walked into the library. A girl was sitting on a bean bag, her blond hair was covering her eyes with overgrown bangs, she tried to huff them away from her face but to no use. She looked young, maybe she's just here with her parents, looking down at the book she had in her hands it was a kids story. Does she read for the local kids? Or is it just for her?

He shifts back; putting a seat between us and truly looking horrified. Bibah simply shakes her head at our childish shenanigans and takes a sip of her iced latte, metal straw clinking in the Hydro Flask. “The Awoo Book Club’s pick for this week is H.P Lovecraft.” She pats the voluminous book atop the pile and I notice it’s the library copy of H.P Lovecraft’s Omnibus 3. “I’m so excited to roast his ass.”

“What?” “You heard me,” I said, keeping my tone serious even though the corner of my mouth threatened to betray me. “Best member of the book club. That’s my prize.” His laugh grew louder, spilling out of him until his shoulders shook. “You’re not serious, are you?” “Oh, I’m serious.” I leaned against the wall, arms still folded. “You guys have all these little awards and recognition things, right? Most creative member, best reader, whatever. I want the top one. Best member. That’s mine.”

Jarred shouted, making everyone laugh. CEO Reyes chuckled. “Right, my bad! Rule number one in Arrow — no plagiarism!” Laughter echoed through the hall. Then he looked back at me, eyes warm. “Kidding aside — I have some good news. Our dear Sin has been nominated for the National Book Award for her debut novel, The Four Seasons of Love! For the first time in twenty years, we finally have a nominee!” Applause erupted. I blinked in disbelief. My heart pounded so hard I almost forgot to breathe.

That night, after tucking Lila in, Emma curled into Jake’s side on the couch. “I said yes to a reading,” she said. Jake kissed her temple. “Good.” “I’m nervous.” He smiled. “That means you still care.” The next morning brought an email. Her second book had been nominated for a national award. She stared at the screen, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Claire sent her a voice message: “You better go accept that award in something fierce. Also I told you. Your words change people.” Emma whispered thanks to the sky. The reading took place on a clear evening, the bookstore filled with people sipping cider and tea. Emma wore a soft sweater and boots. Nothing flashy. Just herself.

“We improvise it live.” Pauly handed her a slim, battered paperback—Mockingbird, cover worn, pages gutted to hold a wafer-thin transceiver and a micro-SD slot. “Your new copy. Same weight as the real one. Press the title twice if you’re burned; it wipes your last three hours and plays an audiobook. Press the author twice and it pings us with location.” She slid the book into her tote without looking. “And if I press the spine?” “It complains about being objectified,” Pauly said.

I wasn’t even sure if he’d gotten everything settled with his frat brothers when he drove me to the airport in the morning. I tried to let those thoughts fade away while on my flight home. I put in my earbuds and decided to listen to one of the smutty werewolf audio books Hana has gotten me hooked on, Alpha Gray by CJ Primer, with Theo and Maddie as narrators. The book is HOT, and Theo’s voice… yeah, it makes for an enjoyable two-and-a-half-hour flight. I love how he changes his voice when speaking for each Alpha. Hana told me they’ve done the narration for the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to listen.