Ownvoices Stories

🏆 Watty Award Winner (2022) This updated edition includes revised chapters and new scenes. Trans guy Collin makes a bet with his coworker that he can land a date with the hot new barista across the street. It should be easy. Except the more time he spends with her, the more the bet starts to feel like the worst idea he's ever had. ### It's 2003 in Santa Cruz, and 21-year-old Collin thought transitioning would be the hard part. But now that he's on hormones and passing with ease, he's still stuck wondering who he is and where he belongs. It doesn't help that his girlfriend of six years just dumped him. So when his coworker challenges him to prove he's still got game, Collin agrees to a stupid bet: get a date with Heather, the cute new barista who just started working at the café across the street. With some unexpected help from his roommate Sam, getting close to her might be easier than Collin expected. But what starts as a harmless distraction quickly turns into something real. And when the truth behind the bet finally comes out, Collin will have to decide whether risking his heart again is worth it... or if he's about to lose the best thing that's happened to him since the breakup. A nostalgic beach-town rom-com about bets, baristas, and what happens when pretending turns into something real. ☕ Tropes: friends-to-lovers vibes, a very bad bet, coffee shop flirting, early-2000s nostalgia, and learning who you are while falling in love. NEW CHAPTERS EVERY TUESAY & FRIDAY

One accident. Two lives that were never meant to collide. Arian is on the run. From his past. From himself. Amira lives for her family, her beliefs, and the hope of a better future. But a single moment changes everything. When their paths cross in a way neither of them can escape, they are forced to confront questions with no easy answers. How do you live with guilt that can never be undone? How do you begin to heal in a world that keeps breaking you? A story about pain, second chances, and the relentless search for justice. _____________ This story is part of a duology, and I'll be sharing it chapter by chapter. One chapter every day, inshaAllah. You are my beta readers before publication-so be honest, be harsh if you need to. And maybe... leave a little kindness too. _____________ © Dahlia Rofasir, 2026. All rights reserved. This story is my original work. No part of it may be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form without my permission.

Some love stories are about finding each other. This one is about choosing each other, every single time. December Solis has dedicated most of her life to learning how to stand on her own. Love was never something she expected to hold onto. That is, until she met River Sato. With him, everything shifts feeling more stable, even if she's not entirely sure she can trust that steadiness. He is present in ways that matter, despite parts of his world sometimes falling apart around him. Together, they start building something real. Not perfect, or certain, but genuine. A life crafted from small moments, quiet promises, and a connection that doesn't depend on everything falling perfectly into place. As they draw closer to what feels like home, they're forced to confront what it truly means to hold onto love when their future remains uncertain. This is a story about connection, memory, and the courage to stay even when staying is the hardest thing to do. - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

One wrong folder. Two very different First Nations teens. And a secret Cultural Heritage report that could stop a luxury resort dead in its tracks from destroying a local community centre. He's determined to do the right thing. She's the smart one - when her chaotic Torres Strait Islander family isn't blowing their cover with auntie drama and Sunday feasts. Now they're stuck together trying to protect Country while everything (and everyone) keeps getting in the way. Funny, warm, and real - this is the story of fighting for what matters.

One man is her family's dream. The other could be her undoing. Suraiya Rao has never quite belonged. She's not white enough for society, not brown enough for her family... not enough for anyone. She's spent her life walking a tightrope between British reality and Indian expectation, doing everything by the book, no matter the cost. Then one chance encounter changes everything. Haydn Ellis Clarke isn't part of the plan. He's rich, ridiculously handsome, and absolutely not the man her family has chosen for her. But he sees her - not the dutiful daughter or the girl buried beneath generations of pressure, but the version of herself she's never dared to be. Mendhi My Heart is a story of identity, belonging, and choosing love, even when it means breaking every rule. Because love doesn't always arrive in the "suitable" package. Sometimes, it wears torn jeans... and gives your grandmother a heart attack.

The world wanted quiet. It got a riot instead. The school called it policy. They called it war. One boy is trapped in a mind that has betrayed him. The other is an artist who stopped sketching and started swinging. But if the world will label them as villains, they might as well give them a reason to be afraid.

Fifteen years ago, Elle's boyfriend left town--and Elle--without so much as an explanation. Today, Ephraim has returned with a child: Bren. Bren is clever, quiet, quick, and almost exactly fifteen years old. Offered a miraculous second chance at the relationship they've wanted back for years, Elle instantly takes it, and desperately holds on, no matter what anyone has to say-- not their best friend (who lied to Elle for years), or the student they're counseling (who, again, is not the counselor here), or said student's parents, who may or may not both be Elle's ex-boyfriends. Oops. [the full work is as yet unedited. this posting includes one sample chapter as the author polishes the work offline.] [for more: https://yvesdot.tumblr.com/sometimesithappens/ ] [read on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16846237/chapters/39549148 ]

Amygdala: "Poll question! What's the best part of the sequel to 'Big City, Little Magics'?" Couch: "Why is there a sequel?" Sleeves: "Pretty sure the author's just obsessed with us and wanted to see what else we'll do." Manchester: "Authors do be like." Harkness: "My favorite part is the conversations like these, because it is fun that we ask and answer such important questions as 'What is home to you?' and 'What do you think red smells like?' and 'What do you love about Harkness?'" *smiling sun emoji* Travis: "I like- well, /most appreciate/ the Manchester POV chapters. Far from easy, but deeply important. I hope they reach the readers who need them." Amygdala: "Of which the author was one." Amygdala: "Best part in my opinion? Getting a chance to further explore the different social dynamics between our various friend combos within the band. I like us liking each other. :)" Sleeves: "I like us speaking probable blasphemies while high." Couch: "I like the new song." Couch: "Not new to us, but to anyone who hasn't heard it yet." Couch: "Edit: /read/ it yet. (The author needs to get around to making audio for this shit.)" Manchester: "Best part of the sequel? Same as the best part of the original: Friend-family making the most of their magics to deepen each other's lives." Sleeves: "Plus the Pride Night aesthetics." Manchester: "Oh, HELL YES, the Pride Night aesthetics."

Going home for the holidays can be a difficult time. Especially with a family who you know can never accept who you truly are. Content Warnings: dysphoria, implied abuse, sensory overload, suicidal ideation

Sands of Destiny transports readers to the ancient world of Egypt, where magic and mystery reign supreme. In the bustling city of Thebes, a young girl named Amunet discovers she is the descendant of powerful Egyptian gods and holds the key to protecting Egypt from the forces of Chaos. With the guidance of her mentor, the wise Thoth, and the support of her allies, Amunet embarks on a perilous journey across the sands of Egypt to unlock the secrets of her heritage and fulfill her destiny as a guardian of the Nile, Filled with ancient prophecies, mythical creatures, and epic battles, "Sands of Destiny" is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure that will captivate readers of all ages.

Dacre Lenore was sure of a lot of things, but what he was sure of most was his hatred for vampires. Vermin. Corpses puppeteered by demons. The extermination of them was his noble birthright, his holy burden to bear, and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of that. And then he became one. Which got in the way of that. +++ The Old Knife was a sect of the church dedicated to the extermination of vampires, founded by the ten aristocratic families of Upper Hartbury. Killing vampires was their prerogative. Corruption within was a well-known secret. Dacre Lenore had his future planned down to the letter. Train rigorously, rise up the political ranks of the Old Knife, marry the Cardinal's daughter and then one day become Cardinal himself. Restoring honour to the noble name of Lenore was his duty, and nothing would stop him from succeeding. And then he met Casper McPhee - scrappy, common Casper McPhee, and that future started looking like one big cruel joke. Crueller still, being turned into a vampire to then be hunted down by a less-scrappy, more terrifying looking Casper McPhee. +++ EXTREMELY ROUGH DRAFT, MINIMAL EDITING! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. hey guys wassup

If you could see into the future, would it still turn out the same? Awesome trailer by @ysmnnaa available here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iin3ZcQnxho&feature=youtu.be! Be sure to follow her for book trailers!

In the vibrant world of Eltryia, Ryn stands as a shining star, celebrated for her mesmerizing performances that light up the virtual realm. As the monthly competition approaches, anticipation crackles in the air. Gamers from all corners gear up for a series of intricate puzzles that promise grand rewards. Yet, as Ryn dives into the challenges, an unsettling realization sets in---the puzzles delve into her personal story in a way that could unveil her real-world secret as she is the final piece. VRChat meets Belle meets Ready Player One meets Code Lyoko #1 Cyber Love

***A sequel to Fright Fest 2016 Gold Winner RED RAIN*** "Surprise! This is a different kind of superhero story!" -Deadpool Red Rain was just the beginning. Blue Monday made everything worse. Luca Scagliotti used to be on the sidelines as far as the increasingly weird - and lethal - goings-on in the life of his best friend were concerned. Alex Snow no longer wanted to be involved, especially after losing the two people he loved the most in the space of only a few months. Destiny had other plans. The war against Preston Holly and his armies of light scrivs will be fought on two fronts - one for each of the two universes, Prime and Second. As they get dragged into this fight to save the mortal souls of both 'verses, Luca and Alex will reunite with loved ones, race to prevent acts of terror, and confront the mysteries of life, death, and the afterlife which have spent so long boggling their minds. (Third in the Red Rain series. Cover designed by @Whisperingwater.) Reader Reviews: "I think my mind may have just been blown." @WhenWeBleed

Magic was never part of her plan. But you know what they say about plans... Juliette Mariana Fontaine has a secret, and it's not about spoilers on the telenovela in which she stars. There's magic in the air around her, and she can't decide if it excites her or frightens her - or both. All she knows is that she can't tell anyone, not her ailing auntie, or even her best friend. Victor Hernandez, Juliette's best friend, also has a secret or two. Not only is he a witch, but he's been tasked with protecting her and keeping her in the dark as much as possible. With Juliette's aunt's health declining rapidly, and Victor leaving for college soon, the time for honesty is running out. To make matters worse, magic has awakened in their little swamp town, bringing with it an ancient evil lurking in the shadows, seeking a human soul. Unfortunately, it has settled on Juliette as the perfect match. Struggling to balance her magic, Juliette must face difficult truths about herself, her feelings for Victor, and the price she'll pay if she claims her power. Can Juliette come to terms with who she is in time to save herself and everyone she loves? Full book available on Amazon and Kobo!

Mechanic is a coming-of-age novel set in early 2000s Oakland, following sixteen-year-old JayJohnson as he returns home from juvenile detention and tries to rebuild his life under the reluctant mentorship of Reggie, his late father's old friend and the owner of a neighborhood auto shop. With one foot still tangled in the streets-friends chasing fast money and reputations-and the other stepping toward GED classes, honest work, and an emerging connection with Maya, an aspiring artist, Jay finds himself at a crossroads. As his world tests whether he can change, Mechanic explores the quiet resilience it takes to break cycles, build trust, and become the kind of man you weren't supposed to be.