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Dearly Beloved : An Erotic Friends To Lovers Novelette
An ode to the beautifully painful song by Wale, this is a story of choosing between the life you were given and the love you crave.
Lisa is everything the world expects her to ambitious, educated, and headed for a life of structure and security. But the closer she gets to claiming that predetermined future, the more she yearns for escape.
Malcolm is the door. A self-described "holistic pharmacist", he offers a reality unfiltered—a freedom Lisa only finds in the mind-altering clarity of his world. Their bond quickly transforms from friendship into an undeniable, reckless passion.
As Lisa approaches an unavoidable deadline that will seal her fate, she and Malcolm risk everything for one explosive, unforgettable night. He knows he can't have her forever, but in their final moments together, he resolves to give her a secret memory—one that will make it impossible for her to ever forget him.
Lisa is everything the world expects her to ambitious, educated, and headed for a life of structure and security. But the closer she gets to claiming that predetermined future, the more she yearns for escape.
Malcolm is the door. A self-described "holistic pharmacist", he offers a reality unfiltered—a freedom Lisa only finds in the mind-altering clarity of his world. Their bond quickly transforms from friendship into an undeniable, reckless passion.
As Lisa approaches an unavoidable deadline that will seal her fate, she and Malcolm risk everything for one explosive, unforgettable night. He knows he can't have her forever, but in their final moments together, he resolves to give her a secret memory—one that will make it impossible for her to ever forget him.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
66 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Miko Janel
3 books11 followersMiko Janel lives in Long Beach, California, with her fiancé and their two dogs, Melo and Mochi. She fell in love with reading in the third grade and has been an avid book lover ever since. Influenced by authors like Eric Jerome Dickey and Zane, her writing blends emotional depth with authenticity and edge along with a lot of sexy! When she’s not reading or writing, Miko enjoys slow mornings, good naps, and cozy nights in watching shows with her ma
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 27, 2026
lol literally if you and the plug had some extra things goin on 😅🤭💕 this was a lil silly to me but still pretty cute and spicy
February 1, 2026
I enjoyed this. It was nice to read after listening to the song.
December 7, 2025
When I saw Miko talking about the inspiration behind this book on TikTok, I RANNNNNN to read it! I loved everything about Malcolm and Lisa’s love story!
The way the story is written, you’re pulled in immediately. From the 2am phone call before her wedding to another man, the flashbacks of their friendship leading you right before the wedding…it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I don’t even cry when I read but this one almost made me emotional.
The pictures within the story also add to the realness of their relationship.
For this to be your first novelette, you did that! Can’t wait to see what you write next!
The way the story is written, you’re pulled in immediately. From the 2am phone call before her wedding to another man, the flashbacks of their friendship leading you right before the wedding…it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I don’t even cry when I read but this one almost made me emotional.
The pictures within the story also add to the realness of their relationship.
For this to be your first novelette, you did that! Can’t wait to see what you write next!
January 2, 2026
dearly beloved!!!!
Hands down a great read! She turned a song and an episode of a different world and put it in a novella!!! Mike killed it!! Don’t let the cover fool you, this is an adult story over here!!!!
Hands down a great read! She turned a song and an episode of a different world and put it in a novella!!! Mike killed it!! Don’t let the cover fool you, this is an adult story over here!!!!
February 17, 2026
The pictures were an added bonus I didn’t know I needed. This was an enjoyable read. The story was sweet & spicy loved the storyline and how in the end love won.
January 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story had me completely invested. It’s short, yes, but it carries so much weight that it never once felt unfinished. From the first page, the connection between Lisa and Malcolm felt intimate and inevitable, like two people who finally felt seen in the same room for the first time. Their bond wasn’t rushed or flashy, it was built on conversations, comfort, and that slow realization that friendship can be the most dangerous kind of love.
What really got me was the emotional tension. The push and pull between obligation and desire felt painfully real. Lisa’s struggle between the life that was planned for her and the one she actually wanted hit close to home, and Malcolm’s presence felt like freedom and heartbreak wrapped into one person. Every choice carried consequences, and you could feel the clock ticking the entire time.
For a short story, this did everything I needed it to do. It had a real plot, actual heat with that spicy spice, and a satisfying happily ever after that didn’t feel forced or rushed. Nothing felt missing, which is hard to pull off in a shorter format.
I also loved how cinematic this felt. It read like memories unfolding, moments you know will linger long after the story ends. Soft, aching, and beautifully messy, this one stayed with me way longer than I expected. Reading this on my colorsoft was a whole vibe because the pictures throughout provided great visuals.
This was an easy five stars for me. I can’t wait to see what this author does next because I’m absolutely locked in.
This story had me completely invested. It’s short, yes, but it carries so much weight that it never once felt unfinished. From the first page, the connection between Lisa and Malcolm felt intimate and inevitable, like two people who finally felt seen in the same room for the first time. Their bond wasn’t rushed or flashy, it was built on conversations, comfort, and that slow realization that friendship can be the most dangerous kind of love.
What really got me was the emotional tension. The push and pull between obligation and desire felt painfully real. Lisa’s struggle between the life that was planned for her and the one she actually wanted hit close to home, and Malcolm’s presence felt like freedom and heartbreak wrapped into one person. Every choice carried consequences, and you could feel the clock ticking the entire time.
For a short story, this did everything I needed it to do. It had a real plot, actual heat with that spicy spice, and a satisfying happily ever after that didn’t feel forced or rushed. Nothing felt missing, which is hard to pull off in a shorter format.
I also loved how cinematic this felt. It read like memories unfolding, moments you know will linger long after the story ends. Soft, aching, and beautifully messy, this one stayed with me way longer than I expected. Reading this on my colorsoft was a whole vibe because the pictures throughout provided great visuals.
This was an easy five stars for me. I can’t wait to see what this author does next because I’m absolutely locked in.
January 5, 2026
Dearly Beloved
I loved everything about this story 🥰 Dearly Beloved inspired by Wale’s song captured everything it needed to.. and even though it was a novella, I still felt the story was completed.. Lisa, a law student was having trouble sleeping and eating.. she was referred by her cousin to his “plug” and met Malcom.. he guided her thru getting high for the 1st time and they formed a friendship.. after a year, they cross boundaries and became lovers.. the only problem was she was already engaged to Ryan.. a guy who was kind of chosen by her family and his.. Lisa was confused, between her own happiness and her parent’s happiness.. Malcom showed up in the middle of the night on her wedding day and they had one last woohah.. and then he sat up close at her wedding so she could see him during her wedding to Ryan.. I loved this story 🥰
I loved everything about this story 🥰 Dearly Beloved inspired by Wale’s song captured everything it needed to.. and even though it was a novella, I still felt the story was completed.. Lisa, a law student was having trouble sleeping and eating.. she was referred by her cousin to his “plug” and met Malcom.. he guided her thru getting high for the 1st time and they formed a friendship.. after a year, they cross boundaries and became lovers.. the only problem was she was already engaged to Ryan.. a guy who was kind of chosen by her family and his.. Lisa was confused, between her own happiness and her parent’s happiness.. Malcom showed up in the middle of the night on her wedding day and they had one last woohah.. and then he sat up close at her wedding so she could see him during her wedding to Ryan.. I loved this story 🥰
February 16, 2026
Le livre était prometteur mais il y a une chose qui m’a dérangée.. les illustrations faites par IA, perso, je ne supporte pas. J’aurai aimé également voulu voir plus d’alchimie entre les 2 protagonistes mais c’est vrai que l’histoire était courte donc je comprends…
SPOILER
Je ne sais pas si choisir Malcolm était la meilleure idée selon moi. Dans le sens, où elle commence à s’émanciper du joug de ses parents donc je ne suis pas sûre qu’elle devrait être avec lui à ce moment précis, j’ai l’impression que c’est arrivée bcp trop vite. Je pense qu’il aurait fallu plus de temps pour que leurs sentiments soient certains et se développent mais sinon l’histoire était chouette.
SPOILER
Je ne sais pas si choisir Malcolm était la meilleure idée selon moi. Dans le sens, où elle commence à s’émanciper du joug de ses parents donc je ne suis pas sûre qu’elle devrait être avec lui à ce moment précis, j’ai l’impression que c’est arrivée bcp trop vite. Je pense qu’il aurait fallu plus de temps pour que leurs sentiments soient certains et se développent mais sinon l’histoire était chouette.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
wow
Idk why but by the end of this book I was in full blown tears. It reminded me of my past and what could never be. And I guess in a way it was me grieving that. Now, this is not a sad story by any means! It’s a beautiful story between friends who became lovers. I listened to Wale Matrimony on the last chapter and it made it so much better. My only con is I wish the book was longer and I wish it had more spice and maybe more of a twist in the plot like her getting pregnant or something but other than that it was beautiful.
Idk why but by the end of this book I was in full blown tears. It reminded me of my past and what could never be. And I guess in a way it was me grieving that. Now, this is not a sad story by any means! It’s a beautiful story between friends who became lovers. I listened to Wale Matrimony on the last chapter and it made it so much better. My only con is I wish the book was longer and I wish it had more spice and maybe more of a twist in the plot like her getting pregnant or something but other than that it was beautiful.
January 5, 2026
WOW… I came across this book review today on TikTok and the way she described it made me stop was I was reading and start this one! Baby Ms Miko did not disappoint me at all! As I read this it was like a tv show playing in mind! Then there was the page art that just solidified the each “episode” for me! I absolutely loved Lisa and Malcom. Nothing makes me smile harder than a man or woman who knows what they want and will stop and nothing to get it. Not even a damn wedding!!!
I can’t wait to see what else Ms Miko comes out with!
I can’t wait to see what else Ms Miko comes out with!
January 6, 2026
So good!
This is a very short read but you get a full and complete story. Lisa is referred to Malcolm, her cousin’s weed man, because she needs help with her life/law school induced insomnia. As he becomes her weed man they also become the best of friends and lovers. Lisa is living the unfulfilling life that is expected of her leaving Malcolm to be the only person in her life who truly sees her. Told in about four acts over the course of two years you fall in love with and root for them. It’s a beautiful debut novel. Enjoy!
This is a very short read but you get a full and complete story. Lisa is referred to Malcolm, her cousin’s weed man, because she needs help with her life/law school induced insomnia. As he becomes her weed man they also become the best of friends and lovers. Lisa is living the unfulfilling life that is expected of her leaving Malcolm to be the only person in her life who truly sees her. Told in about four acts over the course of two years you fall in love with and root for them. It’s a beautiful debut novel. Enjoy!
January 12, 2026
Had Me There For a Minute...
Someone recommended this book on Tic Tac Toe and I am glad I read it. This was about facing hard truths and freedom. Malcolm and Lisa's relationship was TOXIC but if they were honest with one another and set a clear understanding that they needed to be together it would not have been. Had me nervous all last chapter. Can't believe this is the authors first book!!! Great short read.
Someone recommended this book on Tic Tac Toe and I am glad I read it. This was about facing hard truths and freedom. Malcolm and Lisa's relationship was TOXIC but if they were honest with one another and set a clear understanding that they needed to be together it would not have been. Had me nervous all last chapter. Can't believe this is the authors first book!!! Great short read.
January 13, 2026
quick but captivating from the 1st page
Only thing I didn’t like was when it was over! This book was so good! From page one I was intrigued. I loved the set up of the chapters and how there was an actual visual at the end of every chapter. Making the characters so real. Can’t wait to read more from Miko
Only thing I didn’t like was when it was over! This book was so good! From page one I was intrigued. I loved the set up of the chapters and how there was an actual visual at the end of every chapter. Making the characters so real. Can’t wait to read more from Miko
January 28, 2026
I love it!
I loved the format! I'm really surprised to hear that this is the author's first book. I ran across a review on TicTok that said the book was based on the song or a similar scenario of Dearly Beloved. I knew then I had to read it. Even though it was a novelette, it read like a novel. I'm definitely going to read more from Miko.
I loved the format! I'm really surprised to hear that this is the author's first book. I ran across a review on TicTok that said the book was based on the song or a similar scenario of Dearly Beloved. I knew then I had to read it. Even though it was a novelette, it read like a novel. I'm definitely going to read more from Miko.
December 6, 2025
As someone who loves those “baby please” moments I ate this up ! It’s just something about that kind of yearning that does it for me.
The thing that I think was done so well here, was the honest and true genuine friendship that was built between these two. Nothing like seeing the friendship flourish before the love story truly begins.
Which is why I was a crying mess at the end 🥹
Alsoooo the playlist and that character art *perfection*
I’ll take a follow up on them now thank you lol
The thing that I think was done so well here, was the honest and true genuine friendship that was built between these two. Nothing like seeing the friendship flourish before the love story truly begins.
Which is why I was a crying mess at the end 🥹
Alsoooo the playlist and that character art *perfection*
I’ll take a follow up on them now thank you lol
December 11, 2025
I went to this totally blind best decision i made it lives rent free in my head never thought a book could have me telling everyone about it Malcom and Lisa I want more of their story the playlist chef's kiss
January 6, 2026
Short, and sweet
Omg I just loved this book. What a way to start my 2026 reads . It was short but it didn't feel like it was missing anything at al. I can't wait for more by this author. Oh yeah did I mention there's pictures!!!
Omg I just loved this book. What a way to start my 2026 reads . It was short but it didn't feel like it was missing anything at al. I can't wait for more by this author. Oh yeah did I mention there's pictures!!!
January 11, 2026
❤️😍
This was short but so good! Malcom made Lisa feel seen and she made him feel love. I was scared of the outcome when he ass walked down that aisle but whew I love a HEA.
This is my first read from this author and I can wait to read what’s next in her catalog.
This was short but so good! Malcom made Lisa feel seen and she made him feel love. I was scared of the outcome when he ass walked down that aisle but whew I love a HEA.
This is my first read from this author and I can wait to read what’s next in her catalog.
January 17, 2026
Dearly Beloved
Let me say this and hear me clearly. This novelette was SPECTACULAR! I wish I could give it more stars than five. I mean I felt every word, every scene. I'm in AWE!!! Absolutely AMAZING!!!
Cola
Let me say this and hear me clearly. This novelette was SPECTACULAR! I wish I could give it more stars than five. I mean I felt every word, every scene. I'm in AWE!!! Absolutely AMAZING!!!
Cola
February 1, 2026
i enjoyed this!
This was a solid novella! I feel like i hit a full story in these few pages. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing that pulled me out the story. And as a music lover, her song choices were 10/10!
This was a solid novella! I feel like i hit a full story in these few pages. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing that pulled me out the story. And as a music lover, her song choices were 10/10!
February 2, 2026
sweet and sexy read
This was my first read by this author and I adored this book. The characters love story was beautiful and the way they connected made me swoon. I would definitely be peaking in this author’s catalog for more of her books to read.
This was my first read by this author and I adored this book. The characters love story was beautiful and the way they connected made me swoon. I would definitely be peaking in this author’s catalog for more of her books to read.
February 5, 2026
Love a good love story. Although this book was short I felt like it provided enough details to see how they fell in love. He was the calm to her storm and i loved that! I also liked the visuals in the book.
🌶️🌶️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
February 9, 2026
This was my second time reading a book in a day, so you know what that means it’s was hot 🥵.
Malcolm is my new book boyfriend 🤸🏽🤸🏽🤸🏽
Malcolm had me hot and ready cuz baby the way he love the FMC and helping her learn how to 💨… Boy teach me anything.
RUNN 🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️ and read this
Malcolm is my new book boyfriend 🤸🏽🤸🏽🤸🏽
Malcolm had me hot and ready cuz baby the way he love the FMC and helping her learn how to 💨… Boy teach me anything.
RUNN 🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️ and read this
February 14, 2026
Dearly Beloved
Now this is how you do an erotica. As a friends to lovers girl I loved reading about Malcom and Lisa. Their chemistry was absolutely everything. It was a perfect read.
Now this is how you do an erotica. As a friends to lovers girl I loved reading about Malcom and Lisa. Their chemistry was absolutely everything. It was a perfect read.
February 17, 2026
I delayed reading this book and then forgot about it.
I know, SHAMEFUL!
I ended up reading Power Play but this author and enjoyed their writing so I circled back to this book.
Yeah, I messed up.... This book was SOOOOO GOOOOOD!
I loved this couple.
The concept and their connection was so unique and palpable.
Definitely recommend this read and the spice was nice!!!!
I know, SHAMEFUL!
I ended up reading Power Play but this author and enjoyed their writing so I circled back to this book.
Yeah, I messed up.... This book was SOOOOO GOOOOOD!
I loved this couple.
The concept and their connection was so unique and palpable.
Definitely recommend this read and the spice was nice!!!!
January 5, 2026
VERY CUTE READ
A perfect novella. A stressful situation for Lisa allows her to develop a new perspective of her life by way of Malcolm.
A perfect novella. A stressful situation for Lisa allows her to develop a new perspective of her life by way of Malcolm.
January 6, 2026
Love the connection between a Wale song and any good piece of writing. This book played out like a silent video for "Dearly Beloved".
January 7, 2026
MALCOLM MALCOLM MALCOLM… That Damn MALCOLM…BABBYYYYYYY where can I find me one. This book was absolutely phenomenal. Loved every bit of it. 💜
January 7, 2026
Wow
This was the perfect story over a tight beat!!! Aahhh I love the references this story aligns with!! Y’all go read this book!!
This was the perfect story over a tight beat!!! Aahhh I love the references this story aligns with!! Y’all go read this book!!
January 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this, it had just enough back story the plot was great the spice was amazing and that ending...TEA!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews