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Scorch #1
Scorch Road
A new romantic action adventure for fans of romance thriller suspense and family romance series!
One of six Italian brothers and a sister, JT Luciano is a widowed environmental biologist with a touch of the Sight who is preparing for an apocalyptic event he knows is coming. Holed up at the military survival camp prepared for his family, the Haven, JT is ready for whatever might come… except for one woman.
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, virologist and Senator’s daughter, is carrying precious cells for a vaccine against the swiftly-evolving, deadly flu that’s sweeping the nation. Her plane crashes in JT’s potato field—and she must convince him to leave the Haven and help her get to Washington, DC.
One by one, the structures of society implode in the face of the flu’s devastation as JT and Elizabeth travel a scorching road cross country.
Can danger bring them together to find one good, true thing in a changing world?
One of six Italian brothers and a sister, JT Luciano is a widowed environmental biologist with a touch of the Sight who is preparing for an apocalyptic event he knows is coming. Holed up at the military survival camp prepared for his family, the Haven, JT is ready for whatever might come… except for one woman.
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, virologist and Senator’s daughter, is carrying precious cells for a vaccine against the swiftly-evolving, deadly flu that’s sweeping the nation. Her plane crashes in JT’s potato field—and she must convince him to leave the Haven and help her get to Washington, DC.
One by one, the structures of society implode in the face of the flu’s devastation as JT and Elizabeth travel a scorching road cross country.
Can danger bring them together to find one good, true thing in a changing world?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
475 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
81 books987 followersToby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she eventually settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.”
Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.
Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...
Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.
Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
February 16, 2017
Scorching Romance, Thrilling Adventure!
As a long time apocalyptic fiction fan, SCORCH ROAD likens to Stephen King’s THE STAND in theme while weaving a SCORCHING romance sure to make you fall in love with the Lucianos. I couldn’t put it down and flew through the pages until finding myself at the end. Mixing elements of thriller, romance, and even mystery, this series makes you believe you can face anything with the Lucianos as allies.
I’m so excited to delve into the rest of this series, and I absolutely love that each release is only a few weeks away from the last. Toby and Emily have a lifetime fan here!
As a long time apocalyptic fiction fan, SCORCH ROAD likens to Stephen King’s THE STAND in theme while weaving a SCORCHING romance sure to make you fall in love with the Lucianos. I couldn’t put it down and flew through the pages until finding myself at the end. Mixing elements of thriller, romance, and even mystery, this series makes you believe you can face anything with the Lucianos as allies.
I’m so excited to delve into the rest of this series, and I absolutely love that each release is only a few weeks away from the last. Toby and Emily have a lifetime fan here!
June 19, 2018
Blankety blank kindle dropped my review AGAIN
Four gushing paragraphs and 20 minutes spent on praising this book. No time to repeat it all again, but I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. Will be reading the next in the series. Plus AMAZON, you really need to fix whatever happens when someone scrolls through a review to proofread before submitting, and poof, GONE.
Four gushing paragraphs and 20 minutes spent on praising this book. No time to repeat it all again, but I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. Will be reading the next in the series. Plus AMAZON, you really need to fix whatever happens when someone scrolls through a review to proofread before submitting, and poof, GONE.
January 13, 2019
My first adventure in co-authoring with the amazing Emily Kimelman. We learned a lot of lessons on this book and worked VERY hard on it...and I'm proud of what we made, and the world of unforgettable characters and their unique loves that we built that began here.
Yay, to JT and Elizabeth! And a toast to all of the beautiful Lucianos and the force for good they are in the world.
Yay, to JT and Elizabeth! And a toast to all of the beautiful Lucianos and the force for good they are in the world.
January 13, 2017
JT Luciano and Elizabeth Johnson make for an unlikely pairing, JT is one of 5 Italian brothers he has a sister to so you can imagine a big loud Italian family then you have Elizabeth or E as JT calls her now Elizabeth is an only child of a United States Senator she is also a gorgeous geeky scientist with a heart of gold and a die hard attitude, she is a fighter, a survivor and from the moment they met she rocked JT's world in so many unexpected ways. What better way to a mans heart than a woman who continually surprises him, keeps him on his toes and shows she will do anything for him JT never had a chance.
This was such a great story, like the movie Outbreak with a punch of so much more I was totally mesmerised by the thrilling action packed story, I loved the characters and I am looking forward to meeting more of JT's family, This story had a uniqueness to it there were uplifting family moments, sweet romantic moments admits an unknown terror and a great mystery to unfold, it really had it all.
This was such a great story, like the movie Outbreak with a punch of so much more I was totally mesmerised by the thrilling action packed story, I loved the characters and I am looking forward to meeting more of JT's family, This story had a uniqueness to it there were uplifting family moments, sweet romantic moments admits an unknown terror and a great mystery to unfold, it really had it all.
January 18, 2017
As a long time Stephen King fan I found a lot of the same End Days theme as in his The Stand in this book but without the supernatural elements. SCORCH ROAD branched off into its own direction by adding the emotional impact and the toll on the human psyche that the loss of a loved ones and the fight for survival can bring and with that the strength of the human spirit to come back from it all.
I loved meeting the Lucianos and can't wait to see more of them in the next books and to see where these bright authors take them!
A love story, a family saga and a thriller all rolled into one!
I loved meeting the Lucianos and can't wait to see more of them in the next books and to see where these bright authors take them!
A love story, a family saga and a thriller all rolled into one!
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January 20, 2017
Scorch Road is the story of a brilliant young scientist entrusted with a capsule of live virus cells that need to get from Washington State to Washington D.C.
Her plane crashes in the field of a place called The Haven, a sanctuary created by a psychic who foresaw the pandemic which is fastly becoming a reality for the world as the Scorch flu spreads and lives are lost.
Neal and Kimelman have created a Romance set in a disaster setting that keeps you turning pages long into the night. For anyone who reads Dystopian, there is a healthy dose of this for you and for anyone who loves Romance, there is lots of chemistry between the two main characters.
The novel is a Romance, the relationship being the main focus of the book and the authors do not disappoint their Romance readers. JT and Elizabeth are wildly attracted to each other and fight those feelings throughout the story, trying to stay focused on the task at hand--saving humanity! The authors have written some steamy scenes between our two heroes that will knock your socks off your feet.
As JT's family heads for The Haven, I see great promise of a hit series that involves sexy brothers and others who end up sheltering in a Xanadu-type compound while the virus is contained and a vaccine is concocted (maybe by Elizabeth!)
Can't wait for the next novel in this series.
Her plane crashes in the field of a place called The Haven, a sanctuary created by a psychic who foresaw the pandemic which is fastly becoming a reality for the world as the Scorch flu spreads and lives are lost.
Neal and Kimelman have created a Romance set in a disaster setting that keeps you turning pages long into the night. For anyone who reads Dystopian, there is a healthy dose of this for you and for anyone who loves Romance, there is lots of chemistry between the two main characters.
The novel is a Romance, the relationship being the main focus of the book and the authors do not disappoint their Romance readers. JT and Elizabeth are wildly attracted to each other and fight those feelings throughout the story, trying to stay focused on the task at hand--saving humanity! The authors have written some steamy scenes between our two heroes that will knock your socks off your feet.
As JT's family heads for The Haven, I see great promise of a hit series that involves sexy brothers and others who end up sheltering in a Xanadu-type compound while the virus is contained and a vaccine is concocted (maybe by Elizabeth!)
Can't wait for the next novel in this series.
January 14, 2017
Having read Toby and Emily's other books, I was looking forward to reading Scorch Road to see how they would combine their talents. The book kept me reading it straight through until the end! The premise, action, and the building of the romance between Elizabeth and JT kept me fully engaged.
With the people of several Pacific Northwest states falling prey and dying from "Scorch Flu", scientist Elizabeth is plane bound on her way to the CDC in Washington, D.C, with the isolated cells of the flu. The plane runs into trouble and crashes into the potato fields of serious (and seriously hunky) prepper JT. Also blessed with the gift of second sight, JT has known something bad was coming and has been trying to get his large Italian family to join him on his property.
Elizabeth talks JT into helping her get to D.C., with JT thinking he can get to his family and talk them into coming back to his place with him, as one reason he agrees to escort Elizabeth. What ensues is their adventure and travails of dealing with a country gone to chaos, their learning to trust and rely on each other while their growing attraction to each other adds another dimension to the story. At one point early in the story JT asks Elizabeth a question about her training because he thought she was really smart in how she had reacted to something. She responded with "It's easier to think smart when you're in danger." They come across a variety of dangers in their cross country survival trip, and their combined thinking and reliance on each other helps grow their trust with each other. That trust adds to the love story between them.
I'm looking forward to reading the series and learning more about Elizabeth, JT, and the other characters introduced in this first of the Scorch series.
With the people of several Pacific Northwest states falling prey and dying from "Scorch Flu", scientist Elizabeth is plane bound on her way to the CDC in Washington, D.C, with the isolated cells of the flu. The plane runs into trouble and crashes into the potato fields of serious (and seriously hunky) prepper JT. Also blessed with the gift of second sight, JT has known something bad was coming and has been trying to get his large Italian family to join him on his property.
Elizabeth talks JT into helping her get to D.C., with JT thinking he can get to his family and talk them into coming back to his place with him, as one reason he agrees to escort Elizabeth. What ensues is their adventure and travails of dealing with a country gone to chaos, their learning to trust and rely on each other while their growing attraction to each other adds another dimension to the story. At one point early in the story JT asks Elizabeth a question about her training because he thought she was really smart in how she had reacted to something. She responded with "It's easier to think smart when you're in danger." They come across a variety of dangers in their cross country survival trip, and their combined thinking and reliance on each other helps grow their trust with each other. That trust adds to the love story between them.
I'm looking forward to reading the series and learning more about Elizabeth, JT, and the other characters introduced in this first of the Scorch series.
January 18, 2017
I got the ARC copy of Scorch Road by Tony Neal and Emily Kimelman. I LOVE Toby's Lei Crime series, but haven't read anything by Emily.
I feel bad giving this book its first non five star rating. The book was well written and I love the characters. I see how this series can turn into more than three books and why it had to stop at these two characters, but I wanted more. I wanted to hear about the trip back to the Haven and any problems they encountered on the way back.
Don't get me wrong, I love the epilogue and the tie up to the storyline, but I felt I was missing 1/4 of the whole story. The brief encounters with JT's brothers face to face or via phone makes me curious about the next few books.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to preview this book.
I feel bad giving this book its first non five star rating. The book was well written and I love the characters. I see how this series can turn into more than three books and why it had to stop at these two characters, but I wanted more. I wanted to hear about the trip back to the Haven and any problems they encountered on the way back.
Don't get me wrong, I love the epilogue and the tie up to the storyline, but I felt I was missing 1/4 of the whole story. The brief encounters with JT's brothers face to face or via phone makes me curious about the next few books.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to preview this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2017
This is a very intense, Hair turning, good book. I found myself halfway through before realizing it. The story covers a very real subject that could happen at any given time. The scare of thinking is Elizabeth going to make it in time? Where is everyone? Will her and JT ever see eye to eye? Is there help? Will they get sick? All questions that kept me going. Each question is answered and very well. I was very happy with Elizabeth and JT at the end. I am still worried about the other families out there and hope Elizabeth can help save the world. I am looking forward to the next book and am very happy I found this one.
Read
January 14, 2017This book is amazing... I love JT and Elizabeth.. This story is so well written I was hooked on the first page. I Loved how they leaned to trust and love each other while the world is going to hell. The best part is when Elizabeth satnds up to her parents and the Goverment about what they are doing and goes back to find JT waiting for her. A love like that is magical!!! I can not wait for the next book !!!
February 19, 2017
Thriller - Love Story
A flu virus is running rampant throughout the country and taking lives at an extremely fast pace. Elizabeth needs to get a vaccine to the lab in DC and needs TJ's help after her plane goes down. Hot romance blooms giving the story a nice twist, however the explicit sex was a bit much for my taste.
A flu virus is running rampant throughout the country and taking lives at an extremely fast pace. Elizabeth needs to get a vaccine to the lab in DC and needs TJ's help after her plane goes down. Hot romance blooms giving the story a nice twist, however the explicit sex was a bit much for my taste.
January 19, 2017
Awesome! Really enjoyed this completely different thriller from Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman. I hope they keep up the partnership.
Yes, I got an advance copy for free but I would happily pay for good books like this.
Yes, I got an advance copy for free but I would happily pay for good books like this.
January 18, 2017
I got this book as an ARC - I couldn't put it down. It was a fast-paced, thrilling read that is a real page turner. I really enjoyed the characters and can't wait to read the next books in the series to follow the rest of the family.
April 7, 2017
The "thriller" part of Scorch Road
The initial draw to this novel, for me, was the "thriller" part of the title. A flu epidemic? In my mind, that meant shades of Michael Crichton. I wasn't disappointed as the plot quickly thickened.
For those who lean toward the romantic side of a story, you can read the fabulous reviews that focus on that area of this Romance Thriller genre.
What impresses me most, aside from the excellent writing and imaginative storyline, is the concept of Toby and Emily, two highly successful authors in their own right and extremely independent, choosing to collaborate on this project and then generously sharing their process with readers.
The initial draw to this novel, for me, was the "thriller" part of the title. A flu epidemic? In my mind, that meant shades of Michael Crichton. I wasn't disappointed as the plot quickly thickened.
For those who lean toward the romantic side of a story, you can read the fabulous reviews that focus on that area of this Romance Thriller genre.
What impresses me most, aside from the excellent writing and imaginative storyline, is the concept of Toby and Emily, two highly successful authors in their own right and extremely independent, choosing to collaborate on this project and then generously sharing their process with readers.
January 15, 2017
After spending the afternoon with two of my most loved authors reading Scorch Road, co-authored by Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman, I know this is going to be an epic block buster series. This first in the Scorch series is about JT and E, they meet in a potato field of all places. Really! JT and E are both still caught up in past experiences and get off to a rough start. But she's gorgeous and tiny, and he's handsome and big, she's a little fire cracker and he's a big ole grenade launcher and soon sparks fly! Mix together wonderful characters, surviving an apocalyptic virus, romance, a little premonition, danger, and bravery, along with a few tears, and you end up with a smashing and interesting story you can't put down. I loved it! There is a sample of Cinder Road, #2 in the Scorch series at the end. The second book features one of JT's brothers Dolf, and Lucy who is the widow of Dolf's twin brother. At this point I think the continuing stories will be about the other members of JT's family and E's coming together at the Haven, which JT prepared because he somehow knew that something big and bad was coming. And more good news, this series is going to be released one book per month, so no 6 month or 1 year wait for the next exciting episode! Happy dance........and smiles.
January 16, 2017
Scorch Road, the first in a new series written by Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t sure how I would like a novel written by two authors who each wrote the story for one character. They explain how they did this in the acknowledgements but I still wasn’t sure it would work. However, I enjoyed this fast-paced novel and can’t wait to read the next in the series. This book has it all, intrigue, romance, and a Stephan King-type virus!
There are some great scenes in this book. I love when Elizabeth refers to JT as Mr. Gruff each time he is a bit bossy and gruff! JT’s family is Italian and their gatherings and use of food to fix “all things” is reminiscent of my Italian friends! And of course, the journey from Idaho to Philadelphia would be a great movie.
No spoilers but be sure to read Scorch Road so you don’t miss out on the adventure!
There are some great scenes in this book. I love when Elizabeth refers to JT as Mr. Gruff each time he is a bit bossy and gruff! JT’s family is Italian and their gatherings and use of food to fix “all things” is reminiscent of my Italian friends! And of course, the journey from Idaho to Philadelphia would be a great movie.
No spoilers but be sure to read Scorch Road so you don’t miss out on the adventure!
January 15, 2017
What a ride! In Scorch Road we have two complete opposites that are put together by, in my opinion, fate.
JT and Elizabeth have lived in two different worlds, but as the whole US starts to have life shattering problems with a new virus, the pair find themselves working together to get back to those they love.
JT has known heartache and loss so he is taking the only path he can...locking himself away in the middle of no where.
Elizabeth has thrown herself into work to forget her troubling past. When she holds a key to fighting the evil that is taking over the world, she takes off on a cross country trip that drops her right into JT's back yard.
This is the first book in this series about JT and his family. A must read for those who enjoys a love story taking place when the world is falling apart.
JT and Elizabeth have lived in two different worlds, but as the whole US starts to have life shattering problems with a new virus, the pair find themselves working together to get back to those they love.
JT has known heartache and loss so he is taking the only path he can...locking himself away in the middle of no where.
Elizabeth has thrown herself into work to forget her troubling past. When she holds a key to fighting the evil that is taking over the world, she takes off on a cross country trip that drops her right into JT's back yard.
This is the first book in this series about JT and his family. A must read for those who enjoys a love story taking place when the world is falling apart.
January 15, 2017
I knew I was hooked after reading the first couple of sentences in chapter 1. Elizabeth's story is very interesting and that's what had me hooked to the story. I wanted to know exactly what happened and then you have JT in the mix and my oh my the plot thickens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in two days. It was hard to put this book down! So good!! I was surprised to see how well JT and Elizabeth worked well together and that just made me root for them. Their journey on the road was awesome! This book was definitely a roller coaster, packed with action along with some romance. Definitely looking forward to Cinder Road, book 2!! Just preordered it! Looking forward to reading more books from these talented authors!
I kept forgetting that this book was written by two authors and was surprised at how well of a job they did writing this book together. Well done!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in two days. It was hard to put this book down! So good!! I was surprised to see how well JT and Elizabeth worked well together and that just made me root for them. Their journey on the road was awesome! This book was definitely a roller coaster, packed with action along with some romance. Definitely looking forward to Cinder Road, book 2!! Just preordered it! Looking forward to reading more books from these talented authors!
I kept forgetting that this book was written by two authors and was surprised at how well of a job they did writing this book together. Well done!!
January 21, 2017
This is going to be the series of the year! A bit of romance, a bit thrill ride and plenty of a cute dog named Pinocchio. The world is falling apart due to the scorch flu and Elizabeth must get important cells to D.C. J.T. is a hot prepper prepared for anything even a cute scientist full independence and grit. Elizabeth is definitely his match but yet his total opposite. Created by two of my favorite authors, each with her own successful series, I still can't tell who contributed which parts of the story. The writing was seamless and intriguing while providing a little comic relief with Pinocchio. There will be six books altogether as JT's family works their way to his prepper compound in Idaho. This is the kind of book that sticks to you for a bit and I'm only sorry that I have to wait for another. I was given an advanced copy and have written this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2017
OMG!!!!!!!
This book was all that I had hoped it would be and more. I have not read any books from Emily yet but they are on my to read list. I was captivated from the first page.
I am waiting(very impatiently)for the next book. If you are looking for action, suspense, and romance that will melt your heartstrings then you will NEED to read this book.!!!!!!!!!!!
This book was all that I had hoped it would be and more. I have not read any books from Emily yet but they are on my to read list. I was captivated from the first page.
I am waiting(very impatiently)for the next book. If you are looking for action, suspense, and romance that will melt your heartstrings then you will NEED to read this book.!!!!!!!!!!!
January 18, 2017
This had the action that normal romance books lack and the romance what apocalyptic/dystopian novels usually can't pull off. It perfectly combined to create an unputdownable tale. I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next one!
*This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review*
*This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review*
January 31, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it.
What an awesome book!! I did not know what to expect, but what I got was romance, excitement and a massively well written super exciting thrilling story
I highly recommend this, and 5 stars just is not enough
What an awesome book!! I did not know what to expect, but what I got was romance, excitement and a massively well written super exciting thrilling story
I highly recommend this, and 5 stars just is not enough
June 13, 2019
A great start to this series and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for J.T. and Elizabeth. I am fascinated with the whole "Haven" thing and how it will figure into the new world.
September 4, 2017
Definitely Romance
This was definitely a romance at heart, but we still got lots of action despite that. I look forward to seeing the other stories. The book was well written. While they fell in love pretty quickly, it wasn't installed love. It was instant attraction, but that just makes things exciting.
This was definitely a romance at heart, but we still got lots of action despite that. I look forward to seeing the other stories. The book was well written. While they fell in love pretty quickly, it wasn't installed love. It was instant attraction, but that just makes things exciting.
August 10, 2018
I loved this book! A deadly epidemic is spreading through the United States and young scientist Elizabeth must get the latest vaccine research to the CDC in DC. Her plane crashes in the potato field of T.J., a handsome prepper. Their frightening and dangerous travels peppered with romance and denial will keep you awake waaay past your bedtime!
March 10, 2019
Not really a fan of romantic books but as I am a big fan of Toby Neal thought I would give this a try.
I did enjoy it more than expected as it is also strong on adventure as well as romance but still prefer thrillers. Will certainly give Flame Road a try.
Excellent for readers who prefer romance. Good strong characters and well written.
I did enjoy it more than expected as it is also strong on adventure as well as romance but still prefer thrillers. Will certainly give Flame Road a try.
Excellent for readers who prefer romance. Good strong characters and well written.
March 14, 2017
I have read all of Toby Neal's books and loved them. When I saw she had a new series with a co-author I was curious and decided to start the first book. I was not disappointed. These two ladies out did themselves. This dystopian like series has a great story line. An Italian family is caught in the middle of the scorch flu. With knowledge from the "sight" Jt tries to prepare the Haven for his family. Getting them there is another thing, especially after he is sidetracked by a gorgeous blond scientist trying to get flu samples to Washington DC to help find a cure. The story is awesome, full of suspense and intrigue. Lovable and interesting characters add to this series that you aren't going to want to put down. You will fall in love with the Luciano family. I know I did.
August 20, 2018
I’ve read books by both of these authors and I knew their collaboration would create a goodread. To start is a separate in depth development of the two main characters. Elizabeth, a student working on a cure for a deadly virus and JT, a society dropout building his secluded Haven compound.
The plot has these two unlikely people on a mission to get the cure to DC. This is where the book has everything to keep you reading, unbelievably fast paced action and twists that continually change the storyline. It truly is an emotional roller coaster with an unexpected saddening completed mission. As I expected from Neal and Kimelman, a great read! A must read that will not disappoint!
The plot has these two unlikely people on a mission to get the cure to DC. This is where the book has everything to keep you reading, unbelievably fast paced action and twists that continually change the storyline. It truly is an emotional roller coaster with an unexpected saddening completed mission. As I expected from Neal and Kimelman, a great read! A must read that will not disappoint!
March 14, 2017
This had the action that normal romance books lack and the romance what apocalyptic/dystopian novels usually can't pull off. It perfectly combined to create an unputdownable tale. I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next one!
*This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review*
*This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews