Burnt Road

Scorch #4

by Toby Neal, Emily Kimelman, Toby Jane

***The Scorch Series: romantic action adventure for fans of romance thriller suspense and family romance sagas!***  
Dante Luciano is a genius gamer with autism who's made millions in computers and lives in a carefully constructed world in the Hollywood Hills, when the chaos of the pandemic Scorch Flu breaks out. Charged by his brother JT with bringing gorgeous actress Melody Parker to the family's secure survival facility in Idaho, Dante is challenged by feelings he thought he was immune to.

Melody Parker uses her beauty, people skills, and bubbly personality to hide a vulnerable heart. She's never met a man like Dante, with the face of an angel, the body of Adonis, and the mind of Spock.

Can Melody and Dante overcome their deepest fears, deadly foes, their own limitations to love--and survive the road to the Haven?

"This is the kind of romantic action series that elevates the genre and satisfies on every level. If the world's got to end, let it be this fulfilling." M.L.Doyle, author of the Desert Goddess and Sgt Harper Series

***Sensitivity warning: this story contains rape themes***

Genres: Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Thriller, Adventure

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2017

About the author

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.

Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...

Reviews

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Road by Emily Kimelman and Toby Neal, is the fourth book in an apocalyptic road trip romance series. This may be my favorite in the series so far because the characters grab your heart tight and don't let go! Dante Luciano, who is on the Autism Spectrum with Asperger Syndrome, and is brilliant with technology, has been asked by his brother, JT, to bring actress Melody Parker to the stronghold called the Haven, as Scorch Flu wreaks havoc on the United States.
Despite the many challenges they face, Dante begins to open up to Melody, especially after she states “I will try to understand you, if you will try to understand me.” With each moment Dante feels his attraction and growing trust for Melody as he comes to understand her laugh, moods, tears and openness to his ‘weirdness’, as he calls it.
As they travel together, the attraction they feel for each other becomes torrid and hard to ignore. Embarrassed that he lacks experience, Dante hopes Melody will be patient with him. When Dante finally holds Melody he thinks with “Melody in his arms, curvy and strong, and perfect, so perfect, the first time a woman had ever felt right to him.”
Melody sees the golden heart within Dante, and realizes “he was a good man, a man worth the effort it would take to understand.” When Melody and Dante encounter some really bad people, Melody has to come to terms with her own past, finally unleashing her buried pain and rage to find her courage. Melody realizes Dante is a man that “for him, she could do anything.”
Together, the journey continues towards the Haven, encountering more sickness, destruction, dying people, and even a young boy named Paul in the wilderness. Paul agrees to join Dante and Melody in the trek to the Haven.
This book resonates with humor, acceptance, heartbreak, understanding and love, so much love. One of the memories Dante has of his brother Nando, is when Nando ignores Dante’s discomfort with being touched and tells him “You gotta relax, bro, and just let love happen.” In the end, Dante does just that.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

BURNT ROAD the 4th in the Scorch Road series by Emily Kilmelman and
Toby Neal. Dante, doesn't like noise, his life is in his mind. With the noise of the rioting because of the outbreak of the Scorch Flu, he had to leave. His brother expected him, and to bring a woman with him. He didn't like this either, they were noisy, loud. Melody, peace of the ocean, surfing, to leave for a safe place called " the haven". They both are wondering why they agreed to this ride, he didn't like puppies, wanted loud music. A night to sleep, awaken by evil men, and the body count begins, the car engine riddled with bullet holes. They find another car ; the silence, she made him feel like Superman, now he has retreated once again. The stress, and the nightmare begin again for her, without her meditation, and yoga. They forge ahead into the darkness, and their fears. Can the opposite of these two overcome, survive and find life and love. A gripping story of evil, fears, and finding new ways of surviving. Well done, Emily and Toby, a good thriller that will have you captured to the end. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! The Scorch Series just keeps getting better and better! I understand a lot about Asperger Syndrome/Autism that I didn't before (“This was his life, his autism, and how it affected him. This was how he was different from other men. He felt everything more.”)… It's touched my family, so Burnt Road is very special to me. Again, Toby and Emily show that love can heal anything. Throw in some HOT romance (“I was thinking that if your kiss made me feel this good, then I would be like Superman if I made love to you. Strong. Bulletproof. Able to fly. Able to carry you up to touch the stars.”), some terrorizing things that could happen to anyone, some joyful and deep breakthroughs (“Melody had admitted her anger and rage. She had never done that before.”), the determination of the human soul, and especially the unconditional love of pets... well, that's the Scorch Series!

[Joyce Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Road … Book 4 of 5 is an awesome series by Toby and Emily!

There’s these brothers … there’s this deadly flu throughout the nation … and everyone in the Luciano family is headed for safety! Each book focuses on one brother making his way through flu ravaged places and going through virtual hell to get himself (and others) to the safe place. Yep, each brother seems to find just the right partner to help him along the way.

“The government was in disarray, the country in shambles, the evil preyed on the weak, and the death toll was beyond counting.”

I love this series (as I have loved all I have read by Toby Neal!). Thanks ladies … can’t wait for the next book … oh no … wait … I’m not sure about that because it will be the final book in this series … what to do … what to do …

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book of The Scorch series. From the very beginning of the book I was intrigued with the way Dante is. I am not familiar at all with autism so reading how Dante felt around others, touching, noises, his feelings I thought the authors did a fabulous job giving readers an idea as to how it feels from Dante's point of view so I appreciate that. I love how Melody and her little puppies just kinda worm into his heart is amazing. The feelings that grew between Melody and Dante seemed so real that this couple are just my fave! I love how she helped him along the way and helped him cope as well. There is definitely some hot romance, and suspenseful scenes. It was a great book and I can't seem to find another book to read. What a hangover. But totally in a good way!! Can't wait for book #5!

[EFinn1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Road is by far one of the most inspired, well written, amazing pieces I have read in many years. I loved Dante and Melody. Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman have created a powerhouse series; they have gone where few writers have gone before with an unlikely (but wonderful) hero and a no-holds barred story of humans at their best and worst. From a hero with autism, to a ravaging plague, a heroine with more rules than a code book and stark reality, this story will take you on a journey you are not soon to forget. Tough times brings these characters together to rise above and become stronger than their circumstances. The story is gritty (good) and sometimes raw but the characters will steal your heart.

[Ashlee Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that it is cliche to say a book is an emotional roller coaster, but this one really is. It is a heart-wrenching, hopeful, love filled, bone chilling, book that will have your motherly instincts on high alert, wanting to throttle people, hold and comfort them, but give you hope that in the end, everything will be okay.

Such a great look into finding love and living as someone on the Autism spectrum, whilst in the midst of an apocalypse none the less!

[Lena Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous books in this series, the characters in this story are well written, captivating, strong survivors that I fell in love with. If you haven't read this series, do yourself a favor, download the series, set aside some uninterrupted time, pour a glass of wine and settle in for good read.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite series has just impressed me again! Each of these stories brings a Luciano family member to Idaho, to escape the Scorch flu and all the evil that has unloaded. Each story runs parallel to the others but should be read in order to fully understand the intensity and adventure. No spoilers here, but they do find love and plenty of hardships along the way. Burnt Road has a love story that rivals any other. Dante is autistic, highly functioning, but yet he has a few limitations that might bother the unaware. Melody, a lovely artistic woman and friend to Elizabeth (from the first book), has a sweet disposition and caring way about her. She does not know about Dante's position on the spectrum, until a bit later, but it has no baring on her feelings for him. He is strong, intelligent, focused but has issues with expressing himself and touching is not allowed. Their relationship blooms naturally and is quite beautiful to read, and probably the most erotic of the stories. With only a few more books to go in the series I can only hope this writing pair will join again for another series. I was given an advanced review copy and have written my review voluntarily.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a romance! I am in love with Dante and this story. This 4th book in this series is it's own unique story. They all have a common background as they are part of a large Italian family,and are all trying to get to the Haven, a safe place ,while the scorch flu is terrorising the country. This book is so emotional, and deals with such a special relationship developing between Dante and Melody. It is love in it's most pure form. Their travel to the Haven is filled with many adventures, some of which are amusing, frustrating, and even terrifying. It captures your interest right from the start, and so hard to put down. I cried, laughed, and cried some more. I feel as little bit of Dante and Melody are now in my heart. Thanks Toby and Emily for this series and this very special story. I am an ARC reader and got to read the book for free, but am doing this review because of my love for this book. With Dante having Autism, the authors have done such a terrific job of showing us the emotions, and struggles he deals with in his life. Great job. Can't wait for the next story.

[Dianne Biscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I got this book earlier today(ARC for my honest opinion) and I burned right through it! Great writing that put me right there beside Dante and Melody in this book. I felt I was in the "tricked-out Escalade" and the SUV they had to use after the engine on their car was shot full of holes and as they walked, rode bikes and eventually horses to reach the Haven a secure ex-military shelter that Dante's brother had in Idaho.

Dante is at the Apserger's end of the Autism Spectrum and Melody has her own past to deal with. But as they continue on their journey the find a way to reach other...and yes there are some beautiful sex scenes in this book. This provides a good balance to all the nastiness and violence in the world dealing with the Scorch Flu.

This book is part of a series but it can be read as a stand-alone story...but trust me...you will want to read the rest of the series and once you get started you will be hooked!

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely Dark

I absolutely loved Dante. It was fascinating trying to see the world through his eyes and the changes he went through because of Melody. Now I have to give a couple warnings about this book. Have tissues ready if you decide to go here. If rape is a trigger then you will want to skip this one. There is a brutal rape in this book and I mean extremely brutal. Rape is not a trigger for me and I found it deeply disturbing. The fact that the writers choose to go through that whole scene when it doesn't make sense and wasn't necessary is why this is 3 stars instead of 5. Now spoiler ahead while I talk about what really bothered me. I really think this could have been done without taking that scene all the way through. Especially with him being on the autistic scale. I could never see anyone who already has such extreme sensory issues being able to recover from it that quickly, if at all. Not even for love. Seriously think about it. She still wasn't over her rape and she was drugged, with little memory of it and she wasn't brutalized at a, much less by two men. I hated it and felt like it was too dark for this series. That whole scene also made me think so much less of Melody. I get she was traumatized many years ago, but running off and leaving Dante to suffer a much worse fate was cowardly and selfish. Yes, she finally got over that, but it was a day late and a million dollars short. When she shot at him with the shotgun, unless he was too far away, she should have hit him. It's what shotguns are good for. They spray buckshot in a pattern that makes it almost impossible to completely miss something. She should have winged him and then went in and shot him then snuck back to the house and took out Bent before he completed his awful activities. The book could have been written that way. He would still ha e been forced to learn to cope with the touching issues and it would have been more understandable when he was able to be touched by her within a week. Could have had the kissing, the beating and torture up to the actual brutalization. The way she ran and that unnecessary brutality just turned me off from a story that I was so loving. Now don't get me wrong. I have read many books that had scenes like this and as they were known before hand to be an extremely dark series, I could handle it and it even made sense. This does not in any way fall under that category. Know your audience. I get that things are going to get darker in an end of society novel, but that was purely a shock value scene that was out of place in the story up till now. I was already having some issues with Melody having no problem selfishly making Dante dig holes and burn towns, while probably killing tons of animals in the process. Maybe killing live people that stumbled upon the town needing food and shelter. 90% of the wood is dying, wake up and deal. Urging guys that would have raped and killed you was just stupid even by civil society standards. Sorry, this girl irked me and after she left him to get brutalized, I had absolutely no respect for her despite her becoming a better person after the fact. So anyone that would have issues I have brought up, then skip this one. It's bad. If it had not been for the fact that I loved the Dante character, I would have given it one star because that is how much I hated what they did to his character.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books are turning out to be some of my favourite reads from these two authors. Each book focuses one one member of the Luciano family, each of whom pairs up with another person to make their way to The Haven. Scorch flue has decimated the country, and each person has to fight their own demons in order to reach safety. Dante is on the Autistic spectrum, normally hiding himself away with computers, shunning any form of personal interaction. Melody is an aspiring actress who was raped as a young woman, who blamed herself for that situation. Their struggles to cross the country and reach safety were, to me, some of the most harrowing moments I have read about - but their eventual healing and reaching the security of Dante's family together had me crying tears of joy as I finished the book.
Most of all I want to thank whoever created the character of Dante. I have a granddaughter who is on the Autistic spectrum - although possibly not as high on the scale as Dante. It had helped me to understand her better, and to see that although as Grandma I want to cuddle her to bits - that may not be what is best for her. Thank you Toby and Emily.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER INTENSE!

Burnt Road is Book 4 in The Scorch Series. This book tells the story of brother Dante Luciano who is a brilliant gaming designer who has managed to find his place in the world in spite of his autism. He has been asked to pick up Melody Parker, the best friend of his brother's girlfriend. The two could not be more opposite! They are leaving the Los Angeles area & must travel to Idaho to reach the Haven. The Scorch Flu is in full force and so is the depravity of mankind. As the pair make their way across the country, they are faced with many difficult choices. Choices which will either bring them together or tear them apart. Each of the books in this series is so completely different than the one before because of the complexity of the characters. This one is the most intense so far.

[Sharon Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in The Scorch Road series. Although I admit to saying this each time I have finished a book in this series, this was my favorite. I literally could not put it down. A journey into the heart and mind of an autistic man and his newly met future girlfriend is an amazing relationship. And their horrifying trip to the safe haven where Dantes family is waiting is fast paced and frightening, but the couple persevere and come out of their trip alive and together. Even though they have been through hell and back, the love they have for each other keeps them whole and alive.

[Sandra Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a emotional roller coaster ride! This story is heartwarming, touching and devastatingly beautiful. I loved Dante and Melody. It was interesting learning about Austim, specifically Asperger's Syndrome. I adored the things Dante said and how he was trying to understand Melody's emotions. The obstacles and struggles they endure on their journey to the Haven were downright horrific and life changing. Some people would not be able to come back from what they endured, but Dante and Melody prove to both be strong individuals who allow their love for each other to heal them. Love is healing and Love conquers!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Each book in this series seems better than the one before, which is hard to imagine because they are all so good. There are certain scenes in some books that are hauntingly beautiful and this book contains one of those scenes. As difficult as it was to read at one point, it was heartbreakingly beautiful - beautifully written and beautifully woven to be an integral part of the story as a testimony to the strength of both characters. This book was just absolutely perfect.

[kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series improves with each book. This one explores the autistic mind of Luciano brother, Dante, who must find a way to JT's compound in Idaho after picking up Elizabeth's friend, Melody. The two must learn to understand their differences to make the hazardous journey. Well done, ladies! (Be aware: violence and sex)

[Nell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest book, Burnt Road , Dante and Melody fall in love as they try to reach Dante's family compound. That love helps them survive the horrible things that happen in a apocalyptic world.
Darker than the other books in this set, addressing much more serious issues than the other books have, this book is a great read that is both thought provoking and romantic.

[Diane Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the best yet in the series. I love the authors shines a light on autism. Dante is a special character. Him and Melody are perfect together. For me personally, this story was deeper, more raw, and more in-depth. Grab some tissues and enjoy the journey!

[Stephanie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt Road is the fourth book in this series!!! I got so into it i couldn't put it down until i was finished with it!! I love this book this book the most because of all the emotions and feelings going on. It was amazing. I can not wait until the next book in this series!!!

[Paula Sindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby and Emily have done it again. While I think Luca is my favourite brother ... so far, I really loved Dante. I have several friends with Asbergers syndrome so I recognised a lot that makes the world so difficult for him. Melody is also a great character. Can't wait for the next book.

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 4 out of 5]

BURNT ROAD the 4th in the Scorch Road series by Emily Kilmelman and
Toby Neal. This book was a little darker then the others. Although each journey has had it's dangers, the horrors Dante and Melody face will tear your heart out.
Dante is and adult with Autism and is driven out of his comfort zone by Scorch Flu. He has been asked by his brother, JT Luciano, to bring Melody, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson's best friend, with him to Idaho and Haven. The two each deal with their own demons along the road as they make their way to Haven and each other.

[Mommysmoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically written. Book four gives us the story of Dante and Melody. Dante is different always has been. But, Melody makes him feel things he has never felt. A calmness and rightness with his world. Melody is strong and resilient. As the two of them make their way to the Haven, they encounter many obstacles that bring their pasts and futures together.

This book deals with some really hard stuff. Not just Dante's autism which is hard in itself. But, rape which is an extremely sensitive subject. But, Toby and Emily outdid themselves. It was beautifully written with knowledge and care. I absolutely loved it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scorch Series is great and Burnt Road is an exciting addition. It tells the story of Dante an independent Luciano brother who realizes the apocalypse is near, and it's time to accept JT's invitation and relocate to the safe ranch established by JT a few years back. His adventure is both harrowing and romantic. Can be read as a stand alone or as part of a series. Either way it's an enjoyable story. Recommended.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! This has been my favorite Luciano son story by far.

Dante super computer genius is packed and ready to head for his brother's place, Haven, in Idaho, when he get a call from brother JT to stop and pick up a total stranger, a woman no less, and bring her with him!

Melody Parker also receives a call from her BFF, Elizabeth, to be ready to leave home and go to safety in Idaho.

This is the beginning of a wild tale of the ravages of Scorch flu, death, evil men and how to survive with someone that has autism.

Oh, and by the way, several steamy images that still are playing in my head! (mic drop)

Hurray May for the next Luciano brother, Cash's story!!!

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions! Toby and Emily have definitely outdone themselves with this book. I didn't know whether I should cry or be happy the whole time I was reading this. You will want to make time to read this all in one shot or you will have very sleepless nights till you finally know what happens.

[Susan de Gracia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, these books just keep getting better and better!

These books just keep getting better and better. Truthfully, I didn't think I'd like them as much as I do, not being a great fan of romance fiction, but what I initially missed was the word "thriller," romance t h r i l l e r, and boy are they thrilling! Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman are two of my favorite writers and together they are writing dynamite, meant to be together as much as the hero and heroine in each book are meant to be together. Do yourself a favor, pick up a copy of the first book and start reading the Scorch Road Series from the beginning. You will fall in love with it and the whole Luciano family, along with the people who come into their lives. And once again, for the record, Dolph is still my favorite brother, but Dante sure comes in a very close second!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think these talented writers could top their last book, but I was wrong! Each book becomes my new favorite. Dante and Melody's journey has fast paced action along with an amazing romance. But keep the Kleenex close!

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite in the series so far! Really enjoyed reading Dante's story. Can't wait for the next one!