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KERIA THOMSON

Micah Rivera is my past, my present, and my future.

But this story is the forsaken romance of our history. He was my best friend, and somehow, I fell deeply and passionately in love with him—I lost all sense of reason. I followed him down the forsaken path like he was my prince of darkness and I was the light amidst the anarchy.

Like everything that happens in a world covered in corruption, I succumbed to its allure. Even though I saw the truth, the ugly and twisted truth.

I left him alone and locked him in that jail cell. I ran. I embraced the monster and never looked back—until that moment.

He told me I could never escape him because I was his precious, little hummingbird—marked by his forsaken touch.

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

22 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Aleena Rhea James

9 books34 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Brownskinnedreader.
204 reviews40 followers
October 27, 2023
4.5 Stars!

A angsty Interracial Friends to Lovers, Dark MC romance that will have you wanting more!

I held my review for a few days because I truly didn't know what to say. This was the first time I've read a book and message the author to ask her how long is it going to take for her to complete the second one. Now I know this is a long book but it takes you through the characters stories and created the perfect set up for the 2nd book. This a dual POV and has a few chapters that are flashbacks. This gives some context on why the characters are the way they are.

I loved watching Micah and Keira's relationship evolve. The angst between them was strong and honestly it killed me! They clearly loved each other and everyone could see it but them. Micah wanted to keep Keira out of his crooked world but boy if only he knew about her past. There was more to Keria than meets the eyes. She lived a dark life in the past and this new small town was supposed to be her refuge. She would have never thought about how it was actually another cage. Micah's vow to protect her is harder than he thinks and he will do anything to try and keep it.

Now, this is not a HEA! The last 2-3 chapters had me kicking and screaming! The epilogue at the end didn't help my stress either *jaw dropped*! I can't wait for the next book!

Please check your trigger warnings prior to reading this book.

I received this free ARC for an honest review! I would like to thank the author for sending me this ARC and for being very responsive when I needed to vent about her characters.

Book is now available on KU!
Profile Image for Cali Mafiaa.
407 reviews23 followers
November 22, 2025
Oohhh my gosh I really enjoyed reading this book!!! I loved Keria & Micah!!! They were just everything!!! This is definitely a must read!!
Profile Image for Nicole Banks.
Author 42 books382 followers
October 14, 2023
OOOOOO what a start to what's going to be an incredible series.

I will say it did take me a little bit to get my bearings (MC is not something I normally read but do enjoy from time to time) but once I got going it was hard for me to put the book down. I would sneak in reads where I could.

I loved witnessing Micah and Kiera's relationship from the start to where they end up. Most books we either start at the beginning and skip to the "end" and we spend the rest of the book learning about what happened to get to where they are.

Aleena does a great job at making you route for them as a couple while keeping you on the edge of the seat of what's about to go down and trust me shit goes down. There's an air of trouble I feel that lingers in the pages of the book. Even when we see good times I was holding my breath waiting for the shoe to drop and when it does???????!?!?!?!?!

BRUH!

All I'm going to say was while I was able to pinpoint most of the plot twists there's one that I didn't see coming and it left me BIG MAD! Like I was ready to square up in this fictional world. LMAO.

All in all a great read.

If MC romances are your thing you're going to want to add this to your list ASAP. Please do check your triggers!
Profile Image for Morgan .
104 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2023
This book follows Micah and Keria. It’s a biker (my fav) and friends to lovers romance. Aleena brought all the emotions and feels with this one. There were jaw dropping moments, twists and turns, all the tension, and the best of spice. 🖤

This is just one of the books where there’s so much to the plot, that it’s difficult to say too much without spoiling it. So, I won’t do that. But what I will say is that I absolutely loved watching this relationship evolve. Micah and Keria’s chemistry and connection is evident from the start. They quickly form such a strong bond and relationship, even though it’s initially “just friends.” But as always, there’s so much in store for these two.. I wasn’t even the slightest bit prepared.

This plot threw me for a whirlwind. I went through so many different emotions. And as much as I wish I could say these two get their HEA at the end…. Well, I can’t. But Aleena did a great job leaving me desperate for the second book. So many questions to be answered, and I’m so eager to see what’s in store for these two. And while this is a bit cryptic, you just have to read it for yourself… but please heed the TW’s first. Definitely recommend! 🖤
Profile Image for Antonella Nunez-Reyes.
22 reviews
February 2, 2024
Absolutely adored it! Aleena's storytelling is pure magic, and this book had me hooked from the beginning. The development from friendship to something more, and the incorporation of the cheating trope were all brilliantly executed. The spice factor? Oh, it was SO nice! Despite the book's length, the story never left me bored, and the illustrations added a nice touch. It felt like watching a captivating movie, and once you start, it's nearly impossible to put down. The angst in this book is next level, and the representation of multiple cultures adds a refreshing layer. Aleena skillfully weaves biker culture into the narrative, creating an atmosphere of distrust that keeps you on your toes. Micah and Kiera's story, spanning ages and memories, is a masterpiece of character development. The foreshadowing, complex characters, and intense moments make it a must-read for fans of friends-to-lovers, motorcycle romances, and heart-wrenching angst. Seriously, check the triggers and dive into this captivating tale!
Profile Image for Ashly.
2 reviews
Read
August 14, 2025
The Valley of Forsaken Souls swept me into a world pulsing with danger, desire, and heartbreaking depth. From the opening scene, Aleena Rhea James hooks you with razor-sharp tension—every page crackles as Keria Thomson confronts the demons of her past and Micah Rivera fights to keep his world from swallowing her whole.
Keria and Micah’s slow-burn friends-to-lovers journey is nothing short of magnetic. They’re both beautifully flawed: Keria’s fierce light battles the shadows she’s run from, while Micah’s dark loyalty makes him a terrifying protector. Watching them navigate betrayal, heartache, and the pull of an outlaw biker world is an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to leave.
James’s prose is raw and intoxicating, blending gritty realism with moments of exquisite vulnerability. The small-town setting feels alive with corruption and whispered secrets, and the “forsaken souls” at its core linger long after the final page. If you crave a dark, passionate romance that grabs you by the heart and never lets go, this is one ride you must take.
10 reviews7 followers
September 24, 2023
💔 💔 Death Valley is Heart-wrenching 💔 💔

Micah and Keria deserve all of the hugs and love. I swear! These two have been through it! These two were not perfect and made a lot of mistakes, but it’s young people making mistakes in love. Haven’t we all bee there? Micah and his Hummingbird really do belong together and I look forward to them figuring out how to navigate time and betrayal in the next book.

This book was well-written and I loved the illustrations. I think they really worked in this book. This book is worth a read for sure! I have read this author’s other book Kingdom of Cruel Intentions. The consistent thing about her work is the fact she writes FMCs that are badass, but we go through their metamorphosis with them. It’s painful in the best way. The MMCs aren’t perfect princes, but deeply flawed and deeply in love. Which I think anyone can appreciate.

I received an ARC copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for areadforyourmental .
300 reviews
October 11, 2023
Death Valley: The Valley of Forsaken Souls is a new biker romance. It is the story of Keria and Micah, childhood friends turned lovers! It is one emotional rollercoaster, full of twist, turns and secrets. And, the spice is slow burning but when it arrives… holy he** it’s 🥵!

Micah and Keria story was enjoyable to read. They had chemistry and a connection that made it obvious they belonged together. The angst was heavy and emotional, in a good way, it tested me! You experience so much with these characters — their love that gradually morphs into more and their heartbreak that sets up events that keeps you wanting to read more. At the end, I put my kindle down with a dropped jaw because I wasn’t expecting some of those revelations and now I have to wait for book 2 —- 😩 my heart!!

If your looking for a book with equal parts suspense, drama, and dark romance —- this is it! Releases on October 17th!

Please, please, please research TWs ⚠️

✨ARC Review✨
Profile Image for Nina.
130 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2023
I loved, loved, LOVED this book! From the subtle foreshadowing to the complex character development, Micah and Kiera's story was indeed one of the ages!

Starting on one fateful meeting as children, Micah and Kiera's relationship budded from an innocent friendship and blooded into seductive intrigue. Another feature I loved about this book is the shifting stages of ages and memories because it assisted in furthering the character development. Some stages of the story make you wonder why, but as the story progresses and reveals the story behind the closed doors—you'll be sucked in at every step. The angst moments truly pulled at my heartstrings, and the spice scenes left me blushing like a schoolgirl. All in all—I loved this freaking book!

If you like Friends-to-lovers, motorcycle romances, and angst with all the tear-jerking moments, this book is for you! Please check the triggers and then dive in!
Profile Image for Ellasfavebooks.
160 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2023
This book is for my best friend’s brother lovers, my motorcycle club ladies, my angst cravers and for those who love a good friends to lovers with pining and jealousy. That push and pull was both agonizing and exciting 😂

Aleena created a complex world with this book. So much detail and alot is going on. At the beginning of the book both main characters are with other people even though its clear they are perfect for eachother. Aleena built that tension so high and once the two got together.. it was explosive.
This book also has motorcylcle club and mafia vibes. So get ready for some dark content!

Overall, you’ll love Micah and Keria. They are childhood friends who turn to lovers. If you love a slow build up, you definitely need to check out this book.

Aleena please dont make us wait too long for book 2!
Profile Image for Deborah (sleepyowl_reads) rodriguez.
50 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
(ARC Review)


This is not for the faint hearted, there are a lot of heavy topics discussed in this book.
so please look after your mental health before picking up this read.

That being said…
Reading this book, was like watching this like a movie.
it’s so captivating that it’s definitely hard to put down once you start.
The level of angst, scratch that this book is the embodiment of angst lol
I absolutely adore the multiple cultures represented in this book/characters! Definitely refreshing and very much appreciated to see💜
the author did an excellent job with character building, tying in biker culture and making sure the reader understands that absolutely no one is to be trusted 👀

Thank you so much Aleena Rhea for the opportunity to read this phenomenal gripping story I can’t wait for what comes next in the future books! Counting down the days for publication day!
Profile Image for Carly.
161 reviews13 followers
February 11, 2024
*commence book hangover*

What a wild ride! This book will stick with me forever! I cannot wait for book 2! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing made me feel so connected to the characters and immersed in the story. I absolutely loved all the advocacy in this book too!

🌶️The spice was spicing and the plot…the plot was definitely plotting! The twists and turns this book took had me on a rollercoaster of emotions! I don’t know if I will fully recover from the emotional damage 😂 The last 2-3 chapters had me in my feels for sure. Yes, this story ends on a brutal cliffy 🫠

This is a TRUE slow burn romance where you get to see the main characters evolve, develop, and fall in love. AT FIRST, I didn’t think it was that dark but boy when it turned… woah!! So deliciously dark 😈 (always check your TW ⚠️)

Highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Bookhookedmum📚.
92 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2023
Loved it! I had a very good time reading this one. It was well written and immediately had me hooked. I loved the banter and watching the friendship develop into more. I am a sucker for the cheating trope as well. And oh the spice!! The spice was SO nice!! The story kept me interested which doesn’t happen often for me with a longer book like this one but I was never bored with the story. I am eager to see how it all unfolds in the future. I would recommend this book to everyone because there is something for everyone in it. So many tropes. The illustrations were a nice touch, too. Truthfully, I will read any book by Aleena. Her storytelling is simply amazing.
Profile Image for Micky Luciano NefariousReads.
584 reviews65 followers
October 14, 2023
"You can fly away all you want, little hummingbird, but you will always fly back home."

This book was action packed, and full of spice. These two have a instant connection, and watching them struggle with their emotions for years was like watching a beautiful be made. The process included a lot of hurt, pain, and growth, but in the end it their magnetic attraction over came all... until the cliffy of an ending! There was so much suspense, secrets, and betrayal all packed into this storyline. I'm not sure how this story is going to eventually unfold, but I'm curious to find out.

This book is a friends to lovers and a mc romance with a lot of spice.
Profile Image for Alissa.
442 reviews19 followers
October 21, 2023
Thank you to the author for the e-arc,

FIRST of all that ending was crazy, I was expecting a HEA and that did not happen. My jaw dropped and I honestly can’t wait for book two!

This is a spicy dark biker romance about Micah and and Keria. This child hood friends to lovers story is going to take on a rollercoaster ride. There’s dual POV and some flashbacks. The chemistry, the connection and the angst between these two characters is everything. Just pick it up go into it blind, I promise u won’t be disappointed. Lastly really love the illustrations the author has in the book!

Please check TW
Profile Image for Danielle Sarah Sarah.
Author 11 books71 followers
October 21, 2023
If you’re a fan of dark and twisty MC Romances then this is the book for you!!! Micah and Keris’s story is filled with so much emotion, pain, friends to lovers goodness that leaves you wanting more. The book is a slowburn but there is so much mouth watering tension between the two characters and once it gets going let me say the spice SPICES!!! 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 and if that’s not enough to get you going to pick it up then don’t be fooled!! The plot of the book is just as great as the spice, with twists and turns and cliffie that has you on the edge of your seat, I can’t wait for book 2!!

As always make sure to check your trigger warnings before reading!
Profile Image for Bree Voltaire.
Author 12 books43 followers
October 25, 2023
ABSOLUTELY FUCKING AMAZING! MICAH AND KERIA WERE ONE HELL OF A ROLLCOASTER RIDE!!!

I had the privilege to read Death Valley when Aleena was in the midst of writing our beloved Forsaken MC, and I'm so grateful for that opportunity. When I tell you they gave all the feels it's because Aleena did an excellent job at bringing these characters to life through her unique style of writing. Micah and Keria were real, messy, flawed, and above all in love with one another aka soulmates. Though their journey hasn't ended and there are many trials and tribulations left for them to overcome I can't wait to see them get their HEA!

Thank you so much again friend!
Profile Image for Morrigan Calloway.
20 reviews
September 20, 2025
Death Valley is a powerful and atmospheric read that hooked me from the very first page. Aleena Rhea James paints the desert landscape so vividly it feels alive haunting, beautiful, and unforgiving all at once. The characters are written with such depth that their struggles and emotions stay with you long after finishing. This isn’t just a story it’s an experience that pulls you in and refuses to let go. An unforgettable read I’d recommend to anyone who loves gripping, emotionally charged fiction.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,540 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2023
Please please please check all CW and TW before divining into this one. Ok my jaw is on the floor. Started out with a slow build up that let you get to know the characters and their background or so I thought!!! Keira and Micah are best friends the minute she appears in Death Valley but as they get old the tension just gets delicious. Their push and pull had me not wanting to put this book down. And OMG!!!!!! The twists that I didn’t see coming! I need book 2 ASAP!
Profile Image for Talya Collazo.
42 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2023
4/ 5 ⭐️

Thank you Aleena Rhea James for allowing me access to an advanced reader copy for an honest review.

I enjoyed the story! At first, I wasn’t 100 percent sold but I think it’s because it starts a little different than a lot of books I have read ( which is amazing).

After the first couple of chapters, I was hooked and intrigued to know more about Micah and Keria.

The book follows them as kids and as they grow up and find love for one another.
The book will have you on a rollercoaster ride because love isn’t easy and the author depicts that in the book.

Overall the book was very enjoyable and had so many different tropes and they all worked together seamlessly.

⚠️Please read Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Profile Image for Aja James.
70 reviews
February 16, 2025
Wow! In the ‘what’s next’ at the end of the book, the author says not to throw your Kindle at that cliffhanger, but man did I want to!! So good!! Keria and Micah ran the gamut from friends to cheaters to lovers to enemies, and my head is spinning! If you’re looking for your next dark mafia/MC romance, definitely add this one to your list!!
Profile Image for Tiffany Barnett.
671 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2024
This book was a kick to the heart! Micah and Keria were childhood friends to lovers to...

This story had me all up in my feels. Just the slow burn that truly burned! I can't wait to see what happens next because that ending blew my mind!!
Profile Image for Tamara.
8 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
This book was so good it was worth losing sleep to read! I love that you get the backstory and how you feel like you know the characters better! I can’t wait until book 2, I have so many questions that need answered!
Profile Image for Bria  Boyd.
458 reviews
October 18, 2023
😭😭 just in my feelings it's okay I promise!

Aleena - you wrote such a beautiful story and I cannot wait to see more from you and this series!
Profile Image for Jessica St Hilaire.
77 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2025
ARC Read. An amazing enemies to lovers story! And did I mention the MC? This book has everything! The tension! The drama! The hot spice! Leaves a perfect opening for book 2!
Profile Image for Kalin.
19 reviews
November 16, 2025
This is definitely a book to read! Loved the main characters and how the author would go into detail about them! Definitely leaves u ready to start the next book!
Profile Image for Kiersten J.
102 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2023
Baby! Was this a ride.

My favorite things about this book.

- Diverse Characters
- MC/Mafia romance
- This book gets dark! (check content warnings)
- So many twists and turns. My jaw was dropped in hell.

I need the second book, because the cliffhanger! Aleena was down bad for that one!
Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Dayton.
517 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2025
This was a good and decent read!

Well written characters, plot that doesn’t lose you and keeps you hooked, with a pace written to match the flow of the reading.

I’d recommend this book!
Profile Image for Aleena James.
Author 9 books34 followers
Read
October 15, 2023
𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐘 : 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑠

Thank everyone who was on the team for helping me bring this book to life. Thank you for your feedback and for staying up with me in the late hours of the night analyzing character development and plot holes. Thank you for being there for the 'OMG' moments, and I realize how I can make a new plot twist! Thank you. I cannot truly grasp how honored I am to have the people in my life who helped me on this journey.

Writing this book was a rollercoaster. After I finished Kingdom of Cruel Intention, I had very 'intention' to return to book two. I'm glad I didn't because I kept having this dream of Micah and Keria. They wanted a moment; they needed the spotlight, so I started writing. Micah and Keria's love story helped me find my voice as an author. It helped me mix together themes and tropes effortlessly. I love Micah and Keria's love story because it is so raw; mistakes, heartache, and angst exist. There is a lot of angst, but the love is so true, honest, and beautiful. I hope as you read it, you see it too. I hope you fall for this character as much as I did in creating them. I hope you can connect and feel the scene with some of the mental health and family dysfunction themes. Masking your authentic self and making hard choices that very well can impact the people you care about most.

𝑇𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠
🖤 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭
🖤 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
🖤 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥
𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧
🖤 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞
🖤 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤
𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚
🖤 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲
𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡
🖤 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲
𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲
🖤 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞
🖤 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜

CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS : https://authoraleenarheaja.wixsite.co...

Coming Oct. 17th. 2023!
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