Page 52 of The Tenth Muse

dedication

For the eldest daughters who just want gentleness.

author’s note

As a Detroit author, I recognize that the land I live on is stolen. I want to acknowledge that this book was written on the contemporary and ancestral homelands of the three Anishinaabe nations of the council of Three Fires: Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodewatomi (Potawatomi) peoples. Indigenous communities, both here and beyond, continue to be systemically excluded and oppressed; I stand in solidarity with them.

I know I’m supposed to save the thank yous for the end, but this is my book and I do what I want! Thank you to my editors, Sarah and Meg; any remaining fault in this book is my own. Thank you to my alpha readers for encouraging me and keeping me founded. And thank you to my mama, simply because she exists.

Though I do my best to continue my education and support of marginalized groups, I am not and will never be perfect. As a Black woman in America, there are many struggles I can relate to, as well as privileges I benefit from. My intent is never to speak over other marginalized groups, but to celebrate them. I want my books to reflect the beautifuland diverse world I live in, whenever possible, and strive to include people and perspectives from all walks of life. However, if you see space for me to grow, or are in some way harmed by my work, and would like to speak further, please contact me here: [email protected]

Blurb

A fun night out with friends quickly unravels for Lellies when she finds herself kidnapped by two witches. After a spell gone wrong and a little luck, she’s whisked away to safety in another realm by the mysteriously chilling Donella.

But things start to heat up as Lellies and Donella work together to bring justice against the criminal crones. And when it’s all over, Lellies has a choice to make.

A Weekend in Sorealis is a story of compassion, consent, and carnality. It’s great for Kimberly Lemming and K. F. Breene fans, as well as anyone looking for something short and spicy. This novella contains adult language and sex scenes.

Please see the author's website for content warnings.

Pronunciation & Content Included

Pronunciation

Clairce (cl-arse)

Donella (dawn-ella)

Lellies (leh-lease)

Nneke (nih-neck-ay)

Tekemu (teh-key-mu)

Sorealis (so-rall-is)

Content Considerations:

Mild: bugs

Moderate: kidnapping, intent to murder, mention of past abuse (not main character)

Featured Tropes:

fated mates, consent thaddy

Kinks: spanking

Tags: village life, carnival day

one

. . .

The music is so loud,it’s shaking the walls of the frat house as we walk out into muggy Louisiana air. I wait for my ears to stop ringing before I check to make sure I have both my purse and my friends with me. Rachel is already headed down the porch steps so I follow and then help Nneke get down without face-planting in her way-too-high heels. As the designated driver, I’m wearing gym shoes with my dress tonight to make sure I don’t twist an ankle wrangling in my besties but we’re all clear headed tonight.

Nneke gives me a half-smile in thanks, her eyes still glued to the ground. I guess “clearheaded” isn’t the word I should use for us. Nneke’s ex-partner showed up with a new boo just ten minutes ago and was already scarfing her face down in front of everyone. Which would be fine if things had ended amicably between them or at least if Nneke was the one to break things off; but considering they’re the one that ghosted Nneke and blamed her for every bad thing in the relationship, seeing them hooking up with someone else so soon is—icky. So, vibe already ruined, we’re headed out for pizza and reruns in our pajamas instead.

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