The new series from Scarlett Cole is simply wonderful storytelling. I love this new world of the band PRELOAD. Jordan and Alexsandra are far more then two people from the opposite sides of the tracks. Their purposes is to be with each other. This soaring romance is ultimately about redemption. forgiveness and love. I highly recommend this book.

Oh my gosh I could not have loved this book more. Seriously Scarlett Cole needs to stop because I don’t think there is enough room in my heart to love any more of her characters. SOOO much freaking love for Jordan (the character and the story).

Jordan we got introduced to in Purest Hook. He’s Dred’s band member and best friend. All the members of Preload have been through alot and Jordan has been through some of the worst stuff imaginable. When he’s out one night he walks to a dancing studio and sees the most beautiful dancer in the world and ever since he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. When she finds him and asks to perform for him he knows he’s in deep with her.

Aleksandra Artemov has been a dancer as long as she can remember. Her life has always revolved around dancing because of who her father was to the dancing world in Russia. Now Lexi does everything she can to be the best dancer she can be. She’s had a rough life trying to support her abusive father after losing her mother. When she meets Jordan everything feels right for her finally.

Wow just wow. Jordan and Lexi’s story was beyond amazing. Jordan messes up a lot. Having had a dark past he doesn’t know how to go to Lexi when he needs help, but he tries. I love that their story was realistic and that the problems didn’t just go away with right away. Everything took time and they were both patient and supportive of one another. I couldn’t have loved these two characters more and to read about Dred and Pixie some more made me super happy.

I loved this story if you coudln’t tell already. Jordan is broken and damaged but that didn’t mean he couldn’t love and Lexie despite her upbringing being a tad better than Jordan’s she struggled and needed support and love too. I found this story amazing. Everyone deserves love and I love how the Preload band brings forth just how difficult it can be for some people to find normal again.

Phenomenal story from a phenomenal author. Couldn't have loved this story more if I tried. Great realistic character. Hot sexy times with a couple who does actual coupling and not just having sex all the time. Both characters are flawed, not just one, and the drama was realistic but not over the top. Loved this story so much and was so glad to see that Jordan finally got his own happy ending.

Couldn't put it down. Loved Jordan and Lexi and how they helped each other grow and accept love. Looking forward to more Preload novels!

I have read other books by author Scarlett Cole and this new series about a rock band called Preload is as fabulous as her previous stories. Not giving anything away, the author grabs you right from the beginning and tugs you into the story, giving you the emotional ups and downs of a relationship. Wonderful start to a new series.

If you’ve read any of the posts on this site and on Knockin’ Books, you’ll know that I’m a huge Scarlett Cole fan. Trent from The Strongest Steel even made our list of the top 10 new adult romance book boyfriends of all time.


But my love for Ms. Cole doesn’t change the fact that she’s a little rough on her characters. Kinda mean, even. They never have an easy road to their HEA. They work for it, every step of the way. I might not tolerate this kind of author-on-character bullying from just any author.

But Scarlett Cole is clearly not just any author.

Levels of angst that would irritate me in other books were touching, moving in this one. I really felt for both Jordan and Aleksandra. So much was expected of her, so little was expected of him--and they both rose to great levels of success due to their drive and talent. At a quick glance, they were polar opposites. But at heart, they were very much alike. To me, this made their instant attraction and inevitable love all the sweeter and more believable.

Jordan’s backstory was heartbreaking. I mean, on an emotional level, for me, it was right up there with Bobby’s backstory from Supernatural, which made me bawl like a baby. As a reader, I completely understood his reluctance to make emotional attachments. So when he initially resisted his attraction to Aleksandra, it didn’t annoy me like it would’ve in virtually any other romance novel. His actions as a character made complete sense.

Aleksandra was an interesting heroine. I loved that she didn’t sit idly by and let Jordan push her away. She knew what she wanted, and she went after it. That’s probably my favorite quality in a romance heroine.

As for the mechanics of the story, as usual, they were flawless. The book is well-written, had a nice flow to it, and the dialogue was smart and snappy. Secondary characters weren’t just one-dimensional plot devices. They are super interesting, and I hope I will eventually read all of their stories.

Long-story-short: this one’s another winner for Scarlett Cole. Bring on the next book!

Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 Stars

First of all I want to thank the publisher for always providing me the early copy of Scarlet Cole's new book. I feel so honored.

This book is the first installment of Ms. Scarlet Cole new series about the Preload member.

I really adore Ms. Cole's writing, but after reading 4 of her works, I kind of noticed something..
It seems all her works have the same pattern in each story: insta-love, the hero and/or heroine always have fucked-up parents/family as the background story, and the hero is just too cheesy.

And it kind of reminds me of this one author I used to like but now, I don't even want to hear her name, let alone to continue reading her works anymore.
That author always, I mean, ALWAYS writes exactly the same plot but with different characters.
It's so getting old and honestly I DON'T WANT Scarlet Cole to be like that too.

I'm disappointed that this book also has the same pattern with the previous series, Second Circle Tattoo.
I was really hoping for a new and fresh story.

Lexi's father really irritated me. I've started this book since few weeks ago but I keep putting it down because this book is pretty boring and instead of making me relax, it makes me even more stressful because the characters really pissed me off most of the time.
I don't really like Jordan either. In my opinion, he's just too weak and pathetic to be a 'hot' hero.

Beside that, I don't understand Russian language and culture at all, and there are too many Russian things in this book. It kind of annoys me because I don't even know how to pronounce all those Russian terms correctly.

Truth to be said, I'm actually just skimming through this book. The story bored me and it's kind of so predictable.

I didn't really enjoy it. I'm sorry.
But thank you so much to the publisher for always providing me the ARC.

I've been craving a series for Preload after reading The Purest Hook. I'm so excited it's finally here. It starts with Jordan. Jordan didn't have the greatest childhood, but meeting his brothers and band mates changed his life. Then he sees ballet dancer Lexi. That moment will be the beginning of his future. Scarlett Cole weaves such an emotional depth with these characters that it just grips me. I could hardly put this book down. I just adored the scenes with Jordan and Petal. Such sweet moments. Both Jordan and Lexi have a few inner issues to work through, but when they're together as a reader you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just loved the epilogue. I can't wait for more from this series.

4.5 stars

Author Scarlett Cole has delivered another beautifully written, emotional and heartfelt read in Jordan Reclaimed.

Jordan and Lexi, have an emotional connection from the first moment they see each other and I felt it. Author Scarlett has such a way with her words she quickly draws you into their life and you can't help but fall in love with these complex and emotionally scarred characters.

I loved watching Jordan and Lexi open themselves to each other, they're two beautiful souls who blossomed with each other's love and support.
It warmed my heart seeing them find their happily ever after, especially after everything they've been through.

Overall, Jordan Reclaimed was a well written, emotional read with strong likable characters that will bring out all the feels and leave you with a heart full of love.
This is the first book in the Preload series and I highly recommend it.

*Purchase Links*
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jorda...
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/jord...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jord...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...

*A big thank you to the publisher St Martin's Press ~ Swerve for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*

I do this thing sometimes where I read a book that leaves me void of words but overflowing with feelings ... I say I'll review when my heart isn't so full and I can put words together. And then I try to go back days or weeks even after I've finished and I just can't. This was one of those books. I have said this many times before but let me say it again for those of you in the back ... Scarlett Cole is a force to be reckoned with. Her words are flawless. Her stories are powerful. She isn't going places anymore ... she came and she conquered and she is here to stay!! okay, so I might be a fan :) lol

We first met Jordan Steel in The Purest Hook (Second Circle Tattoos, #3) and altho this book can be read on its own, you get a fuller picture of not only Jordan, but the rest of the band as well if you read it first ... in my opinion :) (and you know, it's a ridiculously awesome book so why would you want to miss it?!) Jordan has serious separation anxiety. You will learn in this book that all the members of Preload have a shattered background and together they came out on the other side winners but not without some side effects. That's all I really want to mention about that because you need to read the book yourself and experience the depth of emotion in the story without prejudice. You just have to trust me that these men lifted themselves out of darkness and into the light but the light still has shadows.

Aleksandra Artemov is a famous dancer. This is what she has done since birth. It is her life. It encompasses everything she is ... but it kinda isn't. She is trapped. She is trapped in a reality that even I cannot fathom. Her love of dance is now overshadowed by the constant demands on her to do better and be better. She is strong and passionate and has such a beautiful soul. I was in awe of her.

Jordan and Lexi are two puzzle pieces that clicked together the moment they set eyes on each other. They connected on a level much deeper than mere sight. Their souls spoke to one another. They were meant to journey into the future together. Scarlett Cole created two characters in Jordan and Lexi that could not be better suited. It was kismet. They each had inside what the other needed to chase the shadows. Their journey was inspiring and heart-breaking and freeing and oh so intense. It was pure and it was phenomenal.

I could go on and on about this story but I need to stop because the feelings this story brought out in me are still very raw. And I don't think that will ever go away. That is the power Scarlett Cole has with her words. They stay with you. Forever. So do yourselves a favor and invest the time in her stories. #TRUST

Copy provided for blog tour review

I feel in love with the characters in this book almost from the start. We'd meet before in Scarlett's Second Circle Tattoo series, and I was quickly drawn into their world. They'd met in a group foster home in Canada; five boys who'd all suffered horrific abuse at the hands of their biological families and often as not, within the foster care system. Thankfully, the author led us beautifully through Jordan's story and gifted him with a wonderful heroine to star at his side.

Lexi knew her father's behavior wasn't right, but his help had gotten her so far as a principal dancer at the Canadian Ballet. She didn't enjoy the extra rehearsals, the verbal abuse, and the tremendous control over her diet that he wielded, but at times she felt she deserved the bad treatment. Her father had almost convinced her it was her fault that her mother had died and that she somehow owed it to him to achieve the ultimate dancer award he'd been denied.

Lexi wondered though, sometimes, when she'd get to do what she wanted X-Files contemporary dance pieces. A personal life? Bah! She didn't get one. So the night the tall, dark stranger watched her dancing from outside her studio window was...exciting. He really seemed to feel her dancing. She kept watching for him to return, and when he did, it started a fire in both of theme that wouldn't be denied.

Watching their relationship unfold was heady bliss, and as they began unfolding into the people they should and could be, it was dynamite. I loved the way these two learned to live with and for each other. I can't wait for more of the series, and I'm just thrilled to be on the front row to watch this prolific and talented writer create magic! Thanks, Scarlett!

This is Book 1 in the "Preload" Series and I absolutely loved it! This story about a tough rocker and a ballerina stole my heart!
Jordan Steele is such a wonderful character! Tough exterior, a tougher childhood, his only refuge are his friends and his music. His scars are deep and his emotional damage seems impossible to heal.

Lexi loves dancing. Her life is devoted to that but no matter how hard she tries or what she accomplishes, she never meets her father's approval. He was also a dancer and now he is bitter, depressed and an alcoholic.

When Jordan and lexi meet, the chemistry between them is beautiful and strong.

Lexi will struggle with her own demons and their love will be tested.

I really loved reading this book!

4 “Ballerina & Rock’n’Roll” Stars

ARC via NetGalley.

Thank you, Swerve!

So, yeah, I have a confession to make.

The confession is the following: I wasn’t expecting to like this half as much as I did. This book was a pleasant surprise.

I’m not new to Scarlett Cole’s writing—I read some of her books from the Second Circle Tattoos series, and while I enjoyed those books, they were romantic suspense, which I guess isn’t my favorite genre. But here, Scarlett wrote something that fits exactly what I love: contemporary romance. It didn’t hurt that the story (and her new series) focuses on rock stars with dark pasts.

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I am a huge fan of rock star romances. I partially blame Kristen Callihan’s VIP series for my newly-found obsession, but *shrugs* I don’t really care. I’m glad I found another good author writing about guys with serious issues and a love for rock’n’roll.

The Preload series is a Second Circle Tattoos’ spin-off series—at least that’s how I see it—since we were introduced to the band and its members in one of the SCT books. Preload is the name of the metal band that has Jordan, this book’s main character, as the bassist. Jordan, like the rest of the band members, is damaged goods. They were all foster children who met and bonded while in the system and later founded the band.

When I met these guys, Jordan came across as one with the biggest problems. He had tried to commit suicide once because he couldn’t handle being separated from his friends, forcing them to make the decision to all live together. But things are changing now, since the lead singer met the love of his life (in one of the SCT books) and is moving to a new home where they’ll start a new family.

So Jordan is trying to deal with that change when he meets Lexi, a ballerina dealing with problems with her oppressing father and a soon-to-become eating disorder.

Lexi, despite her issues, is the light Jordan needs in his dark life, which makes them perfect for each other.

I loved Lexi. She’s the kind of girl who isn’t afraid to put herself out there and make a move. When she meets Jordan, she realizes there’s something heavy about him, something dark, but she isn’t scared. She connects with him through their mutual love for music—he composes and she dances—and she can see him for who he truly is. She soon realizes being with Jordan won’t be a walk in the park, but she fights for him. She’s someone I can get behind.

Jordan is also likable. He’s troubled and broken in that way that makes you root for Lexi to reach out to him and take care of him. He makes it easy to like him too because he isn’t a douchebag. Sure he has his douchy moments, but he isn’t mean or abusive, despite having been abused in ways that made me sick. Jordan’s backstory is hard to swallow because it makes you think about all the horrible things human beings are capable of, but it also makes you root for him to find happiness.

Like I said, Jordan and Lexi are perfect for each other, and watching them find their way to each other is a pleasure. They’re hot, broken and swoon-worthy.


I also enjoyed seeing glimpses of the other characters and hints of who they are and what their stories might be. I’m more than curious to see what Scarlett Cole has planned for the rest of the guys.

Jordan Steele had a very sad childhood that every once in a while leaks into his future. Aleksandra “Lexi” Artemov really loves her calling, which feeds her creativity. She has a father who sucks the air out of a room when he enters – you can almost see her light go out. This shows how close being happy and sad can be in our lives.

I found it hard to believe that this was the first book in the Preload Series. Jordan’s friend, Dred, has a happy ending that I wanted to know more about. So, the semi-detective that I am, I found that his story is in another series called the Second Circle Tattoos. And if you find that you want to read his book, like I do, it’s called The Purest Hook. And if you want to stay true to Jordan and his friends, then like me you’ll grab a copy. You don’t need to read Dred’s story in order to enjoy Jordan’s story. But there is a scene that just may have spoilers so you will need to make the final decision.

The author created a scene I totally fell in love with – when Jordan sees Aleksandra for the first time. Tissue may be something to keep close at hand. There’s no way that your heart can’t get involved with this story. Your head may get involved too – a few choice words come to mind for the people that have hurt our two main characters. At times it felt like Ms. Cole didn’t want Jordan to get too serious and spoil a little bit of happiness so she would lighten the mood via his friends. She also includes a little sweetie pie that will steal your heart – even though she only makes a few appearances.

What was great to see was how Jordan comes to realize that there’s something more important to him than feeling sorry for himself. Something that impressed me was that the issues surrounding Lexi and Jordan didn’t just disappear once their feelings come to light. The struggles of their childhood may strike a cord for some. This makes the story seem more plausible. Our main characters show that even two battered souls can find happiness together. And if you read to the end you just may get a sneak peek at the next book in the series coming out in July.

5 HEALING CROWNS

The Preload series is going to kill me. Each of these men are so damaged and seemingly incapable of love, yet every single one of them is so deserving of it. Their traumas have shaped them, and it seems that love will be the only way to heal them.

Jordan absolutely destroyed my heart in the Dred's book, and it only continued to ache for him as his past is revealed. It is truly amazing that Jordan is as well adjusted as he is. Underneath the tumultuous and uncertain facade of this man, his someone who is searching for love and looking for someone to give his love to. He is kind and considereate, and he is incredibly sensitive and supportive. There really is not a thing about this man that will turn readers away. He is prefect in all of his broken glory, and when readers get to the end of his journey, hey get to see a man fully restored.

Lexi is perfect for Jordan. Dealing with her own familial issues, she can understand and empathize with Jordan. She brings him out of his shell and out his head, keeping him anchored in the present. She keeps him from running, and in return, he provides her with the support and love she doesn't get at home.

These two truly make each other better. They give each other a safe space, a home, a person who will absolutely love with no conditions.

This story is surprisingly low angst for the damage these two characters have endured, and while Scarlett Cole does spend time divulging their pasts in order to understand character motivation, she does not dwell on it. The focus isn't on the pain but the healing. This story is about moving on, making peace with the past, and making a home with the people they love. More than all that, it is a story healing and recognizing value in who they, knowing they are worthy of the good in life.

Jordan Reclaimed is a fantastic start to the Preload series. Filled with complex characters, this story of redemption and reclaiming a life that was stolen by their past is beautiful and emotional. I certainly cannot wait to get more from these men!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book! Jordan and Lexi are perfect! This author does a fantastic job of getting her readers to fall in love with her characters. I adored both Jordan and Lexi and can't wait to read more by this author!

I have chosen to DNF this title, however the blog promo tour is scheduled, I am just not running a review.

Oh my...talk about a broken hero!! Jordan has such a sad backstory! If you can't feel for him, you are not human! And while I have no idea what its like to be a ballerina, Lexi's like isn't all sunshine and daisies either. Her father is a horrible man and it creates this amazing dichotomy between Jordan, who had no family, and Lexi, whose father is ruining her life.

Jordan's backstory is sad, but the true tragedy is how it continues to affect him today. Terrified of being alone, unable to make deep connections with anyone except his band mates (who were in the group home with him as a child), he feels connected to Lexi for some reason after seeing her dance. She is instantly intrigued by him as well. But, Jordan feels he can't pursue anything. Lexi is beautiful and talented and Jordan feels he has nothing to offer.

This is a book that gives you 'the feels'. Jordan Reclaimed is not a light read by any means, but it is well written and emotional. I enjoyed the characters and emotional journey of the plot to redemption and acceptance. My biggest struggle is the 3rd person narration. In a story that is so character driven, I tend to prefer 1st person because it feels more emotional. However, this is a personal choice; I know lots of people don't like 1st person at all!

This series, Preload, is a spin off of the Second Circle Tattoo series that I really enjoyed. Dred, the lead singer of the band, already had his story in that series, but you don't need to read his story first to enjoy Jordan Reclaimed!

Another amazing series! Scarlett Cole just writes some AMAZING characters, that are raw, real but still fictional enough that they could be your next book boyfriend or real enough that it's someone you know. Jordan is SO much that. He's wonderfully flawed. Yes he's hot but he has a deeper side to him and Lexi touches that. Lexi is absolutely the light to his dark but she's also the one who saves him from himself.

Jordan and Lexi both have their issues and battles to overcome but with each other, they're stronger and able to do that.

I can't wait for more of the Preload boys. I love their relationship and want to know more of each!

Have tissues handy when you read Jordan's story because, oh boy is it a heart breaker!

I have been patiently (okay not so patiently) waiting for Jordan's story, and holy cow was it worth it. Scarlett Cole does a wonderful job bringing two people together in such a way that not only do they complement one another but they complete each other. Two souls that become one is what I believe happened with Jordan and Lexi, I adored these two. Lexi is a principal dancer and Jordan is a musician...a match made in heaven.

If you have read Scarlett Cole's Second Circle Tattoos Series then you have met the mysterious Jordan, the bassist of Preload, and if you're like me you wanted to know everything about him, his likes, his dislikes, his childhood, the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all. But sometimes you get more than you're prepared for. Ms. Cole drew us a picture of the heartbreaking childhood that Jordan endured and it left me a mess, red nose and blood shot eyes, but when Lexi's story began to unravel WOW I felt like I was sucker punched in the gut. If you know someone with an eating disorder or have suffered one yourself, be prepared because Lexi's story gutted me.

This was a fabulous beginning to the Preload series and I look forward to Elliott's story which is up next in Elliott Redeemed.