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Scorched: Love and Survival in a Dying World
After the nuclear warfare that tarnished every society in the world, survival is everything—and betrayal could mean the end of humanity.
Nira’s quest for a life-saving serum leads her across a harsh, unforgiving world—one ravaged by famine, raiders, and the constant threat of death. Her only hope for survival is locked away in an impenetrable fortress, her previous home. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with an old friend—and a mysterious new ally, Dani, a striking stranger with secrets of her own.
Nira is a unique blend of human and robot, the result of a failed experiment by the superpower bent on erasing humanity; Dani, a member of the rebellion fighting the superpower, has her own hidden agenda. To survive, they must learn to trust each other in an uncertain world. Despite the magnetic pull between them, Nira remains cautious, unsure if she can trust the enigmatic woman.
As their bond deepens, so do the stakes. Dani’s hidden past threatens to tear everything apart. The mission that brought her to Nira now conflicts with her growing feelings, and the consequences of her choices could mean life or death—not just for them, but for the future of humanity itself.
In a world where love, loyalty, and betrayal are blurred, Nira must face the truth behind Dani’s secrets. Can they move past their differences in time to save themselves—and the world?
Nira’s quest for a life-saving serum leads her across a harsh, unforgiving world—one ravaged by famine, raiders, and the constant threat of death. Her only hope for survival is locked away in an impenetrable fortress, her previous home. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with an old friend—and a mysterious new ally, Dani, a striking stranger with secrets of her own.
Nira is a unique blend of human and robot, the result of a failed experiment by the superpower bent on erasing humanity; Dani, a member of the rebellion fighting the superpower, has her own hidden agenda. To survive, they must learn to trust each other in an uncertain world. Despite the magnetic pull between them, Nira remains cautious, unsure if she can trust the enigmatic woman.
As their bond deepens, so do the stakes. Dani’s hidden past threatens to tear everything apart. The mission that brought her to Nira now conflicts with her growing feelings, and the consequences of her choices could mean life or death—not just for them, but for the future of humanity itself.
In a world where love, loyalty, and betrayal are blurred, Nira must face the truth behind Dani’s secrets. Can they move past their differences in time to save themselves—and the world?
- GenresRomance
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
7 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 28, 2025
ARC reader:
Obsessed with this book!! I was blessed to be chosen to be an ARC reader for this debut novel and it was the best thing I have ever signed up for!
Scorched starts out with stakes right from the beginning. It begins where most stories would be in the middle. The novel twists and turns and makes you never wanna put it down. I genuinely finished the book in three days; only held back due to work constraints. I have been needing a sapphic book combining all my other favorite books elements and this is it.
C.R. McPhail knocked it out the park. The dystopian setting allows for real stakes and growth of Dani and Nira constantly, just like real life. From Nira struggling with emotions and Dani’s struggle with her past, Scorched ebs and flows through real relationship woes in a dystopian setting. This book is fast paced and will have you giggling and kicking your feet with pure sapphic joy. I cannot say enough great things about this book and am so blessed to have gotten the chance to read it! I can’t wait to see what they write next!!
Obsessed with this book!! I was blessed to be chosen to be an ARC reader for this debut novel and it was the best thing I have ever signed up for!
Scorched starts out with stakes right from the beginning. It begins where most stories would be in the middle. The novel twists and turns and makes you never wanna put it down. I genuinely finished the book in three days; only held back due to work constraints. I have been needing a sapphic book combining all my other favorite books elements and this is it.
C.R. McPhail knocked it out the park. The dystopian setting allows for real stakes and growth of Dani and Nira constantly, just like real life. From Nira struggling with emotions and Dani’s struggle with her past, Scorched ebs and flows through real relationship woes in a dystopian setting. This book is fast paced and will have you giggling and kicking your feet with pure sapphic joy. I cannot say enough great things about this book and am so blessed to have gotten the chance to read it! I can’t wait to see what they write next!!
February 28, 2025
I got to read an ARC for this book and so glad I signed up. This was great for a debut novel and some of the characters in this were so lovable. Worth a read, especially if you like dystopian novels. Had some cool tech and concepts and could definitely tell it took a lot of research to build the world.
February 28, 2025
Scorched is a debut story that is a return to the early 2000s dystopian form, with the romance and trials the MCs face together as the sole focus.
Nira is a human experiment and weapon to a corrupt government, reluctantly allied with Dani, a secret agent of the rebellion with an agenda to take down said government. The following trials are quite action-packed, and a little all over the place, but overall intriguing to read. The reader is thrust right into the world and conflict from the first page, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story above all else, which also had a good amount of unexpected turns.
The writing was easy to read, with simple sentence structure that I thought was perfect for early Nira’s POV, since she has her emotions eradicated, but maybe not Dani’s. It felt like reading a diary of the two MCs put together: great for knowing their state of mind and what they’re thinking, but a bit lacking in terms of showing what’s happening instead of just telling. Some of the word choice was also a bit too simple, with “tippy toes” and “really mad” being used often. Some of that could be due to Nira’s limited experience with emotions and expressing them, but it was still present enough throughout the novel to note.
The MCs also seemed a bit insta-lovey to me. “Strong feelings” were being talked about three days into the story, but sometimes it just happens as lesbians, especially in a rough and aggressive world, so I can kinda see that. They had a rare second act breakup, and were very on and off during this whole book. While this could be seen as realistic, their off moments sometimes made sense for the story but at other times we’re just frustrating. They have a lot of work on, but at least they’re aware of it by the end and topped off the story with a classic domestic HEA.
Overall, this is a fine option for newer sapphic readers who are interested in dystopian romance and want a focus on the MCs and their connection. It had some great discussions on internalized slut shaming, self-defense, redemption, communication, corrupt governments, and sexual assault (there is a mild scene with the MC in here, just so the reader is aware). I thought the depiction of one comforting an individual who went through a traumatic event was great representation of how to do so. The author’s storytelling ability has a lot of potential, and I’m interested in seeing where they take those skills in the future with other projects.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nira is a human experiment and weapon to a corrupt government, reluctantly allied with Dani, a secret agent of the rebellion with an agenda to take down said government. The following trials are quite action-packed, and a little all over the place, but overall intriguing to read. The reader is thrust right into the world and conflict from the first page, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story above all else, which also had a good amount of unexpected turns.
The writing was easy to read, with simple sentence structure that I thought was perfect for early Nira’s POV, since she has her emotions eradicated, but maybe not Dani’s. It felt like reading a diary of the two MCs put together: great for knowing their state of mind and what they’re thinking, but a bit lacking in terms of showing what’s happening instead of just telling. Some of the word choice was also a bit too simple, with “tippy toes” and “really mad” being used often. Some of that could be due to Nira’s limited experience with emotions and expressing them, but it was still present enough throughout the novel to note.
The MCs also seemed a bit insta-lovey to me. “Strong feelings” were being talked about three days into the story, but sometimes it just happens as lesbians, especially in a rough and aggressive world, so I can kinda see that. They had a rare second act breakup, and were very on and off during this whole book. While this could be seen as realistic, their off moments sometimes made sense for the story but at other times we’re just frustrating. They have a lot of work on, but at least they’re aware of it by the end and topped off the story with a classic domestic HEA.
Overall, this is a fine option for newer sapphic readers who are interested in dystopian romance and want a focus on the MCs and their connection. It had some great discussions on internalized slut shaming, self-defense, redemption, communication, corrupt governments, and sexual assault (there is a mild scene with the MC in here, just so the reader is aware). I thought the depiction of one comforting an individual who went through a traumatic event was great representation of how to do so. The author’s storytelling ability has a lot of potential, and I’m interested in seeing where they take those skills in the future with other projects.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read Scorched by C.R. McPhail. Scorched takes readers on an emotional journey through survival, healing, and love. The story centers on two women, Nira and Dani, whose troubled pasts intertwine in a tale of redemption and passion.
The heart of this novel lies in its beautifully written sapphic romance. The characters’ chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, leading to an intense and stirring insta-love connection. While the relationship blooms quickly, it’s clear that both women have unresolved scars that threaten their bond. The tension between them — the push-and-pull of “will they, won’t they” — keeps the reader hooked as they navigate their troubled histories and fight their growing feelings for one another.
Each character has a distinct and complex past, weighed down by loss, trauma, and the collapse of the world they once knew. As they struggle to rebuild and redefine their futures, their love story becomes a beacon of hope amid the chaos. Their journey toward emotional healing is as poignant as it is powerful, making their connection all the more meaningful.
At its core, this is a story about survival not only in a broken world but also in the face of inner demons and painful memories. The writing is evocative, pulling readers into a world where every step toward the future feels uncertain, yet filled with possibility. There’s a constant theme of striving for a better tomorrow, and through this romance, we see how love — even when complicated and fraught — can become a catalyst for change.
For those who enjoy a mix of suspense, romance, and personal growth set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, Scorched is an unforgettable journey that will leave you rooting for the characters long after the final page.
The heart of this novel lies in its beautifully written sapphic romance. The characters’ chemistry is undeniable from the very beginning, leading to an intense and stirring insta-love connection. While the relationship blooms quickly, it’s clear that both women have unresolved scars that threaten their bond. The tension between them — the push-and-pull of “will they, won’t they” — keeps the reader hooked as they navigate their troubled histories and fight their growing feelings for one another.
Each character has a distinct and complex past, weighed down by loss, trauma, and the collapse of the world they once knew. As they struggle to rebuild and redefine their futures, their love story becomes a beacon of hope amid the chaos. Their journey toward emotional healing is as poignant as it is powerful, making their connection all the more meaningful.
At its core, this is a story about survival not only in a broken world but also in the face of inner demons and painful memories. The writing is evocative, pulling readers into a world where every step toward the future feels uncertain, yet filled with possibility. There’s a constant theme of striving for a better tomorrow, and through this romance, we see how love — even when complicated and fraught — can become a catalyst for change.
For those who enjoy a mix of suspense, romance, and personal growth set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, Scorched is an unforgettable journey that will leave you rooting for the characters long after the final page.
February 24, 2025
✨ Debut Novel
✨ Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian
✨ Dual POV
✨ Lesbian MC
✨ Experienced x Inexperienced
(Micro-Tropes after review)
Content Warnings at the bottom
C.R. McPhail's debut novel, Scorched, is an action-packed ride from start to finish. The writing style lends itself to being fast-paced and difficult to put down. Combined with compelling characters, Scorched takes the reader on a journey through the darkness of humanity as well as the lightness of love.
The story is told in first person with a dual POV switching between the perspectives of Dani, a member of the rebellion, and Nira, a human-robot hybrid of sorts created by the dystopian ValCorp. Dani is rebellious in more ways than one—something that she struggles with throughout the novel. Nira, on the other hand, is deeply affected and changed by the experiments and mistreatment she experienced at the hands of ValCorp. I found that Nira read as autistic-coded to me. Being autistic myself, I was particularly drawn to her character.
My main complaint with Scorched was the pacing. There was so much that happened. The plot felt very up and down—which resulted in a wild ride. I felt like Scorched could have been split up into two or even three book. There are certain parts of the story I would have loved to see more of (i.e. Aura). I think this is a testament to the intriguing world-building C.R. McPhail has created—there feels like more story to tell in between the lines of what was already told.
I look forward to reading C.R. McPhail's next work and seeing how their writing and story-telling develop over time.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. This review is being left voluntarily and contains only my honest opinion.
Micro-tropes:
✨ Scar kissing
✨ First time (at all)
✨ First time (in love)
Content Warnings
(beware potential spoilers)
this list may not be complete
language, violence, sexually explicit material, near death experience, homophobia (societal), sexual assault of a minor (discussed), sexual assault (on page)
✨ Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian
✨ Dual POV
✨ Lesbian MC
✨ Experienced x Inexperienced
(Micro-Tropes after review)
Content Warnings at the bottom
C.R. McPhail's debut novel, Scorched, is an action-packed ride from start to finish. The writing style lends itself to being fast-paced and difficult to put down. Combined with compelling characters, Scorched takes the reader on a journey through the darkness of humanity as well as the lightness of love.
The story is told in first person with a dual POV switching between the perspectives of Dani, a member of the rebellion, and Nira, a human-robot hybrid of sorts created by the dystopian ValCorp. Dani is rebellious in more ways than one—something that she struggles with throughout the novel. Nira, on the other hand, is deeply affected and changed by the experiments and mistreatment she experienced at the hands of ValCorp. I found that Nira read as autistic-coded to me. Being autistic myself, I was particularly drawn to her character.
My main complaint with Scorched was the pacing. There was so much that happened. The plot felt very up and down—which resulted in a wild ride. I felt like Scorched could have been split up into two or even three book. There are certain parts of the story I would have loved to see more of (i.e. Aura). I think this is a testament to the intriguing world-building C.R. McPhail has created—there feels like more story to tell in between the lines of what was already told.
I look forward to reading C.R. McPhail's next work and seeing how their writing and story-telling develop over time.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. This review is being left voluntarily and contains only my honest opinion.
Micro-tropes:
✨ Scar kissing
✨ First time (at all)
✨ First time (in love)
Content Warnings
(beware potential spoilers)
this list may not be complete
language, violence, sexually explicit material, near death experience, homophobia (societal), sexual assault of a minor (discussed), sexual assault (on page)
February 8, 2025
Scorched is an intoxicating blend of passion, tension, and raw emotion that keeps you hooked from the very first page. The novel masterfully weaves a story of love, survival, and resilience, set against a backdrop that feels both vivid and hauntingly intense.
The protagonist is beautifully complex—lawd yet deeply compelling, making her journey all the more immersive. The first-person narration pulls you straight into her mind, allowing you to feel every ounce of longing, pain, and hope. The romance is intense, slow-burning yet deeply rewarding, with a chemistry that sizzles off the page.
One of McPhail’s greatest strengths is the prose lyrical yet sharp, making even the smallest moments feel significant. The tension builds expertly, creating an addictive rhythm that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. And despite the darker themes, Scorched ultimately delivers a satisfying, well-earned happy ending that makes the journey worthwhile (that was so heartwarming)
The protagonist is beautifully complex—lawd yet deeply compelling, making her journey all the more immersive. The first-person narration pulls you straight into her mind, allowing you to feel every ounce of longing, pain, and hope. The romance is intense, slow-burning yet deeply rewarding, with a chemistry that sizzles off the page.
One of McPhail’s greatest strengths is the prose lyrical yet sharp, making even the smallest moments feel significant. The tension builds expertly, creating an addictive rhythm that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. And despite the darker themes, Scorched ultimately delivers a satisfying, well-earned happy ending that makes the journey worthwhile (that was so heartwarming)
March 2, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and I'm so glad I did - this was a really enjoyable book and I'm hoping for more in the future!
The characters were believable, distinct, and showed growth over the course of the story. Even the minor characters had depth to them. The world-building was also good. It wasn't all explained at once, but rather became clear through the eyes of the characters as the story continued. It was nice to see it unfold. The ending was satisfying as a standalone story, while still leaving room for future stories in this world or about some of these characters.
The one distraction, for me, was the writing style. I believe this is the author's first novel, and the writing was not as mature as I'd have liked to see. It wasn't bad, just in need of some refinement. With that said, since this IS the first novel, I'm still very likely to come back for more from this author in the future.
The characters were believable, distinct, and showed growth over the course of the story. Even the minor characters had depth to them. The world-building was also good. It wasn't all explained at once, but rather became clear through the eyes of the characters as the story continued. It was nice to see it unfold. The ending was satisfying as a standalone story, while still leaving room for future stories in this world or about some of these characters.
The one distraction, for me, was the writing style. I believe this is the author's first novel, and the writing was not as mature as I'd have liked to see. It wasn't bad, just in need of some refinement. With that said, since this IS the first novel, I'm still very likely to come back for more from this author in the future.
February 20, 2025
Scorched is an exciting and wonderfully action-packed debut novel. Exploring the intricacies of finding yourself in a world that is hostile to differences and commanded by the heavy hand of an overreaching corporation. The main characters must battle the world around them as well as their own pasts while they try to forge a path forward together. The complex relationship they share is heart-stopping and will always have you coming back for more.
The passion behind all of the science and technology in this book makes it that much more exciting to read. Scorched is fast-paced, emotional, insightful, and the tension alone will ensure you simply cant put it down until you know the fate of this wonderfully crafted world.
The passion behind all of the science and technology in this book makes it that much more exciting to read. Scorched is fast-paced, emotional, insightful, and the tension alone will ensure you simply cant put it down until you know the fate of this wonderfully crafted world.
January 3, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ what a great debut novel!!!! this book was so action packed with a thick plot line i really enjoyed and the romance was amazing as well. i really enjoyed how it wasn’t a side plot but part of the main storyline. the character development was amazing to watch and the little world the author built was so interesting and exciting to read 🙌🏻
February 17, 2025
Scorched is a wonderful debut novel that explores the complexities of finding new order in the face of corruption, discovering sexuality, and the raw emotion and tension of first love. I am used to reading fantasy novels and about worlds with magic systems in them, so this novel was different, in a good way. I adored how the technology was based on science and medical research. This is a very fast-paced novel that will keep you guessing, and the romance between the main characters will make you keep wanting to come back to know more. I definitely recommend Scorched for those who enjoy a fast-burn romance, action, and bad ass characters that you’ll be rooting for the whole time.
Thank you C.R. McPhail for the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader! Keep up the amazing work ☺���
Thank you C.R. McPhail for the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader! Keep up the amazing work ☺���
February 21, 2025
This is a great debut novel, set in a dystopian world. It has lots of action, good dialogue, and good Sapphic rep. The main characters take physical and emotional journey with a number of bumps in the road. It's definitely worth a read.
I received an ARC of this novel and am freely and voluntarily posting this review.
I received an ARC of this novel and am freely and voluntarily posting this review.
February 28, 2025
A beautifully written sapphic romance that is telling you what the real struggles are of a lesbian relationship. Well, it’s all relationships. But journey through this dystopian style land and enjoy the struggles of each character. The internal and external. How do they come over it? Will they end up together? Be prepared!!!
March 7, 2025
What a debut!!! The world building in this book is top-notch! This story is a dual POV alternating between Nira and Dani. And is chock-full of badass women and has a wonderful found family vibe. All the tech that ValCorp has, and that makes up Nira is fascinating. Nira is grappling with feeling emotions again and falling in love makes the reader sympathize with her character. Dani overcoming her hatred of Nira and struggling to find balance as she falls for Nira, needing to complete her mission, all while feeling guilt about withholding her true identity from Nira, kept me in suspense the closer the two characters got to each other. I was tentative about this because of the garbage fire that is the world right now, I worried that a dystopian novel might not be enjoyable for me. But I was worried for no reason. This book is so richly detailed and the relationship between all the main characters and the queer representation made it well worth the read.
Tropes this book contains: enemies to lovers, betrayal, touch her and die, and found family elements. If you enjoy dystopian/ sci-fi romance novels, definitely give this one a shot!
Tropes this book contains: enemies to lovers, betrayal, touch her and die, and found family elements. If you enjoy dystopian/ sci-fi romance novels, definitely give this one a shot!
March 3, 2025
First of all, I would like to thank C. R. Mcphail for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book. This book is a great debut novel with a scientific world that is creative and unique. The romance, though quick, is endearing and feels genuine once it gets over the inital hurtles that are thrown their way.
There is definitely room to grow, though as the book had its flaws. I personally wish that the world building was more filled out, as the setting of each part of the book gave me the dystopian setting in some parts but left me yearning to know more about the greater world. There is also a lot to be said about the concept of "show, not tell" that could been incorporated to strength the world and the major relationships in the book.
Overall, I am grateful to have had the chance to read this book and look forward to the later books created by this author.
There is definitely room to grow, though as the book had its flaws. I personally wish that the world building was more filled out, as the setting of each part of the book gave me the dystopian setting in some parts but left me yearning to know more about the greater world. There is also a lot to be said about the concept of "show, not tell" that could been incorporated to strength the world and the major relationships in the book.
Overall, I am grateful to have had the chance to read this book and look forward to the later books created by this author.
March 16, 2025
Dystopian meets sapphic in this wonderful debut novel that will really get your curiosity peaking. The complexity of the characters and the surroundings they've been established in really knocks this story out of the park for me. I was extremely lucky to be selected as an arc reader for this fantastic debut novel, and I'm very ecstatic to say that this truly was quite wonderfully written and well designed.
From the characters, to their backgrounds, to the descriptions and the overall plot that's been put forward, I'd say scorched is definitely a must read for dystopian fans out there.
From the characters, to their backgrounds, to the descriptions and the overall plot that's been put forward, I'd say scorched is definitely a must read for dystopian fans out there.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews