The Scorch Series: romantic action adventure for fans of romance thriller suspense and family romance stories!
Cold, calculating Dolf Luciano is a rock-climbing powerbroker in a tailored suit. An identical twin, he is the “brain,” and his brother Nando, the “heart.” Nando is swept away by the Scorch Flu as a pandemic ravages the nation, leaving his beautiful widow Avital alone--the woman Dolf has loved his entire life.
An ER doctor dedicated to her work and family, Avital refuses to leave her post as the flu ravages their hometown of Philadelphia, even as the rest of the Lucianos head west to the Haven, a secure compound where they have a fighting chance at survival.
Dolf stays with Avital, having promised his brother to watch over her--but how can he protect his twin’s brave, stubborn wife and hide his feelings from her, as they struggle to live long enough to reach the Haven?
Toby 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.
This series continues to heat up as the Lucianos world falls apart. Despite JT’s pleading, Avital and Dolf remained in Philadelphia. Avital’s insistence to continue working at the hospital leaves Dolf with only one choices--to stay behind and protect her.
The friction between the two escalates when they are forced to flee the city as it’s overran by fires and desperate victims of the Scorch flu. Now on the road to the Haven, their journey is far from over as they continue to face the dangers that lie between them and JT’s promised sanctuary.
Dolf and Avital’s story offers thought provoking emotions and undeniable heat on their heart-stopping adventure! I can’t wait to dig into Smoke Road next!
Cinder was brilliant, sweet, tender, thrilling, amazing. Oh my goodness the lengths people will go to and I know it's fiction but you can really see it all happening, a total world gone mad apocalypse I loved every page I was devastated when I came to the last page now I'm hanging for the next one.
Adolfo Luciano, identical twin of Nando Luciano in love with his twin brothers wife since the first day they met but not soon enough as she had already met Nando. Adolfo always felt a step behind his brother, but he always loved him to that was the hardest part because he would never deny Nando anything, but Nando is gone now died from schorch flu like so many others and his wife is still here just as beautiful as they first day he saw her, Dolf made a promise to his brother to always take care of Avital, but how can he do that and keep his hands and his heart to himself he really isn't the Tin Man they all think he is, Dolf loves fiercely and more importantly for keeps.
Avital is to young to loose her husband, her true love, the one man for her forever but she has and now his identical twin is always here and reminding her of everything she has lost so Avital dives in to helping anyone and everyone she can as a doctor even when it get's her into trouble and Dolf rescues her, Oh how that man makes it hard for her not to fall for him. Dolf may have been Nando's twin but they are completely different people and Avi has always loved them both in different ways, she loved Nandos sweetness and Dolf's fierce protectiveness. Avi is starting to think she is lucky to have been loved by 2 amazing men but does she deserve it?
Cinder Road the second book in this amazing series by Emily Kimelman and Toby Neal, it is an amazing adventure full of heartbreak, wonder and the coming together of two amazing people, it will keep you on the edge of your seat while you read every page.
It was hard for me to put out a review on this - because normally a story line like this, even though I know there is suspension of disbelief, would leave me saying "C'mon", but Toby and Emily make it work. They have you hoping for love to play out when, normally, it might not feel right. They have you at the edge of your seat flipping pages to see what happens next, and there were even some tears.
A masterly crafted story that has you falling in love with the characters, excited for their futures, worried for their safety, and mean mugging your spouse asking why they can't love you like that.
And, of course, pre-ordering the next book because this series keeps you wanting more.
Emily and I "found our voice" as co authors in this searing story of an intense and self sacrificing love triangle in the time of pandemic. These characters and their love will be in my heart forever.
Great read-feverishly good pace. The saga of the Luciano family continues. Dolf, torn in half over the death of his twin and Avital, his buttoned down sister-in-law are left behind when the rest of the families flees a deadly epidemic. Avital stays out of stubbornness, Dolf stays out of love and duty- that is until the city they love turns deadly and they must make their way thousands of miles across country fraught with thieves, desperate people, plague and the harshness of a mid-west winter to reach the safety of the family's Haven. While fighting to stay alive, they find that they both have a lot to learn about themselves and each other.
If you like a story with action, romance, suspense and really great writing- look no further. Warrior men, fierce women and a touch of something extra.
If you didn't read the first book, there is enough backstory here to bring you current but you won't want to miss one page of the brother's saga.
Incredible! I loved the first book, Scorch Road, and this one was even more exciting. I loved reading the story of Dolf and Avital. It was a real page-turner and a true roller-coaster of emotions. Believe me, have tissues ready because you will cry tears of laughter, sadness, and happiness.
An amazing story by two authors that continue to keep writing stories that just keep you reading until the end. Twins, where one is the brain and one the heart and one woman loved by both. Unfortunately Avital's husband contacts the flu and dies. She's an ER Dr and continues to work even though it's dangerous. Dolf has always been in love with her and promised his brother he would take care of her. A beautiful story, appreciated the chance to read it
I loved this book from the first page. The characters told this story like they wrote it themselves. The pain and loss of a spouse, and the blossoming of awareness for a new love, all while fighting just to stay alive. A wonderful book.
Book 2 in the Scorch Series is another edge of your seat adventure! It is the story of twins Nando and Adolfo Luciano & the woman they both loved, Avital. Nando & Avital were married but the Scorch Flu took Nando's life. Nando had always known his twin Dolf loved Avital. In his will, he left his home and his wife to his twin. Avital is a doctor and finally Dolf has to force her away from the hospital where there are no longer any supplies and very few workers still surviving. Dolf takes Avital and they leave Philly heading for his brother JT's fortress the Haven located on the other side of the US. What takes place on their trip is a time of discovering how passionately they love each other, how desperate other people have become, what lengths they are willing to go to in order to protect each other, when Dolf almost dies, Avital realizes how much she loves and needs him in her life. Will they be rescued? Will their family accept them as a couple? What more can happen to the other family members?
LOVED this book! This series is fantastic, the characters are lovable, the dangers keep you on the edge of your seat. Fast paced and exciting is the norm for these authors and they do not disappoint with Cinder Road.
CINDER ROAD is the 2nd in the Scorch series by Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman. A tense thriller, that keep you on your toes, will the Luciano's survive, the flu that is ravaging the nation. They flee to a compound in Haven, to be safe. As the twins share, they also fell in love with the same woman. Nando met her first, but he is gone now a victim of the flu. Working with the widow Avital at the hospital, for Adolfo promised his brother he would look after her. Also because he wanted to be with her. The trials, they face when they had to leave the city, on the way to Haven. Love grows as Avital nurses Adolfo, from the flu. Will they make it to Haven, and will the family accept them as a couple. Great read, from cover to cover. Looking forward to the next in series. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
With my heart in my throat I just couldn't put it down! Backtracking a bit with the first book we have the death of Nando, the uncomfortable feelings between Dolf and Avital, and the destruction of their neighborhood. The tension and love that exists painfully with these two is almost palpable through the pages. Their adventure is rough and dangerous but Dolf shows his true self to Avi, although she knew it all along. I believe this will be a six part series with each following a different member of the Luciano family. If you enjoy a good dystopian/romance/thriller then start reading. They must be read in order as the story builds and possibly overlaps a bit. Over the last few years I have read and devoured their independent series but I still cannot tell who wrote which parts of this book. Their style is seamless and captivating. I received an early copy and voluntarily wrote this review to support this book.
OH, MY! #2 in this collaboration of Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman certainly continues the saga of a nation being brought down by a terrible bioterrorism attack of ‘Scorch Flu’. Whether released accidentally, or on purpose, it has spread like wild fire. The (HOT) Italian Luciano family fights to save not only themselves, but many others along the way (beloved pets included!). There's so much I could say about this book! Scalding HOT at times, danger, compassion, unrequited love... Dolf, one of twins, so much like his brother, yet so different, torn for years between what could have been the love of his life and his love for his brother. Plenty of action, narrow escapes, changing and challenging emotions, a dog AND a cat. My kind of book! This series is quite the undertaking by Toby and Emily. Very well thought out, very descriptive, very addictive! I’m reminded of Michener’s saga, “Hawaii”. Maybe all five books should, some day, be bound into a giant volume! HA!
INCREDIBLE, the series are getting better and better. The story of Dolf got my mind spiraling. Dolf has been in love with his twin's wife since he first met her. Now that she is a widow, he looks to approach her but he does not how and it is very sweet because he is not a man of word but of action. Avital is angry at herself for feeling how she is feeling about Dolf but she can't help it. Dolf is trying to get her safe to his brother's place and in their way they find each other and the many obstacles they have to endure to get to their family. The story is incredible, sweet, conflicting emotions, strong, lovely. You won't regret it!
This was not my favorite book. Timing just seemed way off for one thing. They travelled by vehicle a couple days then walked a couple weeks to end up close to their destination, when it took JT and Elizabeth almost a week to travel by car to travel the same distance. They must have been walking some serious miles there. Walking and stopping at every home to offer medical help also seemed beyond stupid, especially after what they went through. When they needed it, there were empty homes and vehicles, but when they needed one, they couldn't find one, so instead they walked through a few states instead! Putting both of them in terrible danger. There had to have been hundred of vehicles available in every small town on the way. There was a little action, but it all resolved quickly and easily. If you really wanted them to spend more time on the road, then more danger would have been a way to do that. Or even just this bungee breaking down and taking a couple weeks to find a part to fix it. May be even in a nice town. The whole walking thing just didn't sit well as believable. Spoiler ahead: Lastly, we have Ave thinking she has always loved Dolph, but not once anywhere previous to that thought near the end has she ever thought that or even acted like it. That just came out of left field. It would have actually made things more interesting if we knew that earlier and she was experiencing guilt for the fact that she felt that way. You see absolutely no indication that she felt anything for him at all. Just too many off things for me to give this 4 stars. It wasn't bad, just had me rolling my eyes a lot.
She meet the twins in high school and later married one. When the Scorch Flu killed her husband she thought she hated Dolf, the twin that survived. As Dolf and Avital battle their attraction they must travel across a devastated and dangerous USA to get to safety and the rest of their family in Idaho.
Surviving all that these two have to go through is remarkable. So many time they only lived because they worked together. This book made me very anxious so much was happening at once.
Rated R. Nando is gone, dead from Scorch Fever. His twin, Dolf, is determined to take care of Nando’s widow, Avital. He just has to somehow get her safely to The Haven or die trying.
Book two in the Scorch series continues the adventure and romance as set in book one. Set in an apocalyptic time where thousands are dying, Avital buries her husband, Nando. His twin brother Dolf has always loved Avital, and because she vows to remain working in the hospital, Dolf stays to look out for her. The night of Nando's funeral, they sleep together, igniting a apssion which they both try to ignore - Avital because she feels guilty for sleeping with her dead husband's brother and Dolf because he vowed he would not let her know his true feelings, especially so soon after the death of his twin. Eventually the situation requires they they escape the city and try to head to The Haven - a sanctuary set up by his brother JT, where the rest of his family are congregating. Adventure and romance lie side by side as they attempt to reach their goal - but along the way they discover that whole communities will try to stop them. Unfortunately this series, has a ring of truth about it - I could plainly see a future where this type of epidemic could turn normal communities into vigilante style groups; where the safety of your family means you will do anything to survive. And it is to the credit of both authors that we follow along their journey. We care about the characters who we come to know (and love) in their books; we want them to survive and grow; we need to know that there are "good" people who will triumph in times of severe hardship. And Toby and Emily, writing as a pair have nailed all of those feeling in this series.
I received an advanced copy from the authors in exchange for this review.
This is the second book in Toby's newest series. Dolf is half of a whole. His identical twin Nando suffers from the Scorch flu and eventually dies leaving a huge hole in Dolf's life. Dubbed the tin man for the majority of his life Dolf is devastated. Having always loved his brother's wife, Dolf promises Nando that he will protect Avi. Avi is afraid to show her love for Dolf but, after the hospital that she works at is overrun from the flu they leave the city to head to JT and Haven. The journey is long and gives them a chance to figure out their feelings and who they are without Nando. Beautifully written and a great story centered around amazing characters. Can't wait for Luca's story.
Cinder Road was better than Scorch Road, and I didn't think that was possible. These two ladies work flawlessly together. I am so looking forward to Smoke Road. I can see that smoke in the distance now...patiently waiting...Each book in this series is like waiting for Christmas.
These authors combine to make well thought out and exciting read. Really looking forward to book three. * I was given this book in exchange for an honest review*
This series just keeps getting better and better!! The second book begins with Dolf's story and my oh my it's a good one!! Dolf and Avital's story is a unique story and one I don't think I hear of frequently. To see Dolf go from "Tin-man" to a protective and loving guy just had me swooning! This story was packed with action, suspense, and romance. I still couldn't believe that it was written by two different authors because the way it is written it just goes from Avital's and Dolf's POV seamlessly and one doesn't have to guess whose story it is. You can tell by the narrative so I love that and I applaud the authors for doing a great job! Looking forward to reading Smoke Road!! Can't wait!!
This KU library read is a great addition to the Scorch series. Timewise, it overlaps book one, featuring Dolph Luciano and his deceased twin's widow, Dr. Avital Luciano. The deadly Scorch Flu pandemic has spread across the nation, leaving vacuums in law enforcement. Dolph promised Nando that he would protect Avital, but she's making it hard. Avital has been burying herself in work at the hospital since Nando's death, and she is angry. Angry that he died, angry that she is attracted to Dolph, and angry that she acted on that attraction the night of Nando's funeral. Dolph understands her anger, as much as it hurts him, because the family has called him the Tin Man, the twin with no heart, the opposite of Nando. He was the dark to Nando's light. And he plans to use that darkness to keep the woman he loves safe, no matter how many times she pushes him away.
What a wild ride!! Absolutely could not put this book down after I started it (except to go to work). So many tears were shed while reading g this especially at the end. Dolf not believing his mom loved him and that he was the forgotten twin really struck at the heartstrings. And Nando passing away in the beginning just broke my heart. So glad they have a happy ending and cannot wait to start reading Smoke Road
Book 2 gives us a little more insight into Adolfo "Dolf" Luciano. Having lost his identical twin Nando to the Scorch Flu there's very little left for him outside of his family. Except Avital. The love of his life. Who also happens to be his sister in law. If you ask Dolf, Nando was the lucky brother who met Avital first. But Dolf was content to be a part of her life from the outside looking in if it meant being close to her. Stolen moments where he wished he was married to Avital instead of his brother. Nando has always known how his brother felt and with that trusted that Dolf would look after Avital and make sure she was taken care of after he was gone. Question was whether Avital would be eager to have him or would he be a constant reminder of her pain and loss. They may be identical but they are definitely different. During their dangerous journey to The Haven Avital begins to realize that she can accept Dolf in her life and that she isn't betraying Nando by opening her heart to him. The one thing that Dolf has desired most in his life is finally within his grasp but will there be a future to look forward to?
Action packed, fast paced, edge of your seat, unrequited love, romance, suspense, apocalyptic dystopian thriller and so much more!
This is the second book in the Scorch Series and is the story of Adolfo "Dolf" Luciano. It took me a little to get my bearing since this story doesn't start where book 1 left off but rather starts about midway through the timeline of the first book. And while I didn't particularly like Dolf at the beginning of the book, the more I learned of his character I grew to appreciate him more.
This book was a quick read and I highly recommend reading this book. I love when each book in a series can be read on it's own but also has recurring characters. Can't wait to read the story of the next brother.
Loved this book; great love story set during a very dark time with the deadly Scorch Flu threatening the country. I really loved the characters, and the way they handle this terrible situation. Interesting story, characters, and the authors descriptive and compelling writing make this a book you've got to read. It can be read independently of the first in this series, it gives a recap of the prior story, and then goes on. But I really also liked the first story, and think this whole series will be made up of so many wonderful characters and their stories.
I literally read this book in one sitting. Once I got started I couldn't stop! Toby and Emily have hit their stride with Book 2 in this romantic, post apocalyptic thriller series. I cannot wait for the next book!
Morningfull love. What a heart string pulling story. This book had so many struggles in it. To love, not to love, how to love. I was so worried they wouldn't make it. This was a very good story. The Scorch Flu had really taken over the world. The road they travel on is full of all kinds of trouble. I'm so glad they come to accept their life journey. That they can move on to a better life at the end.