This book was amazing. I love the Preload guys and you will, too!

This story is beautifully written. It has depth and emotion that you could relate to,

Just fantastic. I can't wait for Elliot's book!

I tried so hard to like this book. I just couldn't connect with the characters on any level. Maybe that makes me lucky, because they were dealt a bad hand at life. I can say I have really enjoyed other books by Scarlett Cole. I absolutely loved The Strongest Steel.
Jordan and Lexi's relationship is a different level of chemistry.It just wasn't for me.
I will continue to read and enjoy Scarlett Cole. Looking forward to the next one.

I've been itching for Jordan's book since he was introduced in The Purest Hook. His interactions with Petal, latched onto my heart and weren't letting go until he had his own book. Luckily enough, Ms Cole delivered...in a big way.

She gave you 2 broken souls, who by the end of the book were not fully healed but then again the best people never fully heal after going through things that no one ever should have to. Aleksandra was a great heroine to Jordan's hero...they are both broken but help each other fill one another's cracks.

I feel there were some plot holes but you can get over them, especially when you have numerous Jordan/Petal scenes.

I can not wait for the rest of this series. Pick this book up, along with Ms. Cole's previous series Second Circle Tattoos.

Scarlett Cole writes a great story and this lead off into Preload is perfect.
We finally get to see Jordan and his background, we met him in the Second Circle series and this one is all angsty and full of emotion. The book will wring you dry. We've already seen most of the past with the boys growing up, this gives a closer look at Jordan and it's just not pretty.
I thought Lexi was a good match for him. Yes she had some issues as well, but together their dance was sheer beauty. I don't think I've read anything like this before. The window scene will capture you, if it doesn't check your pulse.
If you haven't read the whole series, read this. You can double back and read Second circle. Scarlett Cole is a writer of the nth degree. She pulls from the depths and you feel every word. She makes sure of that. There's also beauty in her books. Petal... sigh. All around these books collective should not be missed. Jordan Reclaimed is a winner, hands down.
4.5 stars

**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for a fair review***

A heavy metal rocker and a ballerina. Such and odd pairing but I loved them together. I've been looking forward to Jordan's story since learning about him in the third book of the Second Circle Tattoos series. He seemed so broken. Who would have that a ballerina would be his salvation and that he would be her salvation as well.

Jordan's story was heartbreaking and explained his need for having everyone close. His story brought the rest of the band members to the forefront. Each have their own tragic past that connects each of them and I'm eager to read the each of their own stories. Great series! ARC provided by NetGalley.

I have been a fan of Scarlett Cole since her debut novel and every book I read I am reminded as to why I just love her and her stories. They are unique and different. Dark at times without being depressing and full of hot moments and swoony scenes. Jordan Reclaimed is the latest of her stories to renew my love for her.

Jordan Steele is the base player for the metal band, Preload. He is possible one of the most tragic characters I have read which has caused him to grow up to be a man with major dependency issues. He is frozen in time as the boy with abandonment issues and the thought our his foster brothers/ bandmates moving on with their lives and out of their shared house causes him intense anxiety.

“I’m sorry. I’m out of my depth. I don’t date. I don’t share. I don’t do small talk and bistros and ballerinas.”

Lexi is living the ballerina dream but with that dream comes untold pressure. Especially from her father who is cold and demanding. When a stranger walking by on Christmas night stops and watches through the window at her practicing she is drawn to him even though they have never spoken a word. Over time they come to know one another and while both damaged and flawed to the point where it is hard to turn around they both want what they could have together desperately.

Jordan Reclaimed had me tearing up over and over but also had me smiling and hopeful in the same chapter. It was a perfect balance. While my heart ached for the pain these two have been forced to endure watching them come out of the flames of it all and find their way made this story for me. Scarlett Cole has succeeded in writing a book unlike any other and I am desperate now to get my hands on the next in the series, Elliott Redeemed.

~miranda

Jordan Reclaimed was an emotional journey. The characters are multi-layered and relatable. Jordan's strength and ability to love are woven throughout his story, yet he is unable to see it. Lexi is determined and strong. She is carrying the weight of her world on her shoulders. When Jordan and Lexi connect, they both feel lighter and free. Their connection is magnetic and intoxicating. The push and pull is both internal and external. Their journey is flawed, potent, and beautiful! Jordan Reclaimed is filled with personal growth, hope, and most of all love!

The perfect spinoff from the Second Circle Tattoos series. We met Dred and watched his relationship with Pixie blossom, and got a peek at Jordan, in Purest Hook. Jordan is Dred's bandmate and brother, growing up in a foster home the five boys are still extremely close. He has many issues, one of those being alone, but the guys have helped him cope. After meeting Lexi, the beautiful Russian ballerina, his attachment to her scares and excites him. She is also struggling with family matters but her maturity surpasses her years and she handles things smartly. This isn't an instalove story but it grabs your heart quickly and it's hard to put down. Cole has a way of making magic out of words and turning big tough guys into soft gentle sweethearts. Can't wait for Elliot to get his love. I received an advanced copy through Netgalley and have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

***4 ‘Try Me’ Stars***

Ever since meeting the Preload guys in The Purest Hook I’ve been keeping my toes crossed that they would get their own books because I needed to know more about them, their pasts and was curious as to what kind of woman could bring these broken, but beautiful souls to their knees while helping them heal. So when it was announced that not only would they be getting their own series I was thrilled and did a little squee-happy dance that Jordan would be the first one up on the chopping block and I couldn’t have been happier with his journey to his HEA.

Jordan is the bassist and main composer for Preload and while he has the world in the palm of his hand, his dark past still has a choke hold on him that he hasn’t figured out how to fully break free from. I loved Jordan. He was the one I was most curious about and dear lord did my heart hurt for what he’d been through as a child. But despite the horrors he lived through, he was like a big ‘ole smexy as hell teddy bear with a huge heart that I just wanted to hug and then take to bed.

Lexi has been groomed to be a Principal ballet dancer from birth and though she loves the art form she is starting to feel the walls start to close in on her as the pressure to be the perfect ballerina starts to grow. I loved that while Lexi appeared fragile and shy, she wasn’t. There were things that she had to roll with, but she wasn’t a doormat. She had grit, backbone and heart.

I loved how Jordan and Lexi came together because of dance and music. Through their chosen art forms they were able to communicate without words, but they did communicate ~ at times quite bluntly, well all the time when it came to Jordan ~ which I loved. As with any relationship there are twists, turns and bombs sprinkled throughout the journey, and theirs had their fair share of them because of their own demons, but I liked how they worked through them. I loved Jordan and Lexi together, their bantering, their honesty and how they fought for each other even when things weren’t looking so good.

No question that I’m a Scarlett Cole fangirl and loved this book. The writing was engaging and I loved the dual 3rd person POV’s and I loved that it was a little bit more on the sweet side of the coin, but with a good amount of heat. The only thing that I can’t shake is that I feel like I needed just a little more from it. I would have like a little more closure/expansion with Lexi’s father and even her dipping her toes into the more contemporary side of things, but that’s just me. As for the rest of the band. I loved hanging out with all of them and the whole family by choice, not blood vibe they have going on, and of course keeping up with Dred, Pixie and Petal, who was just too adorable, but I’m not sure who’s book I really want next. Alls I know is that I want one to fall into my greedy little hands sooner rather than later!

Jordan Reclaimed by Scarlett Cole is a story about learning to love and live. To move forward and open yourself up. It was touching, heartbreaking and intense.

Jordan Steele’s early life was one of loneliness, deprivation and abuse until the age of ten, when he met his brothers. Other lost and abandoned boys who came together and created their own family. Years later he and those boys are making it big as the band Preload. They have fame, fortune and are living it up, but Jordan still suffers the effects of what happened to him. Until her, his light.

Aleksandra Artemov, Lexi, loves ballet. It is her dream, but her dreams generally take a backseat for her father’s dreams. Haunted by his depression and overbearing ways, she finds herself living a vicious cycle. Then one night she spies a man watching her practicing. He opens her to new wants, desires and a different way of life.

Jordan is a broken man. Afraid to move forward and of losing everything at a drop of a hat. He has no idea how to be with someone like Lexi. Up until now, he has been a love them and leave them type of guy. He is afraid his darkness will snuff out her light. Lexi, on the other hand, sees a man who awakens her soul. All she wants is him, but he is afraid of what they could be together.

Jordan broke my heart. He has suffered and lost so much, he holds a tight rein on those he loves and is afraid of losing everything that matters to him. As the life of those around him starts to change, he does not know how to cope. But Lexi gives him hope. But Lexi is fighting her own demons. Can they find a way to help each other before it’s too late?

This was a story of second chances and learning to let go, in order to hold on to what matters more. It was both uplifting and heartbreaking. But their journey helped heal them and find their way. A truly touching story that deals with so much loss and despair, but also hope and love.

With Jordan Reclaimed, the first book in her new Preload series, Scarlett Cole has woven a brilliant, multilayered story of healing, hope and true love. Jordan and Lexi are captivating heroes, and their story grabbed me from the very first pages. The subject matter is gut-wrenching and yet it’s absolutely not a sad story. I loved every minute of this unforgettable read.

Jordan Steele is a rockstar, the bassist of Preload, a world famous rock group. He is a complex character, who has experienced abuse and neglect in childhood and has been going down a path of self-destruction. His past story was heartbreaking. His trauma runs very deep but he was saved by his brothers by bond, the other members of Preload. These guys are wonderful, they are protective of him and always have his back. They are his family. Jordan has everything he could wish for in terms of celebrity or material comfort, but his emotional scars are still unhealed. He has been trying to bury his past, without success, and still feels unworthy of love.

His relationship with Aleksandra, Lexi, Artemov is based on mutual fascination at first sight. She is a talented ballet dancer, and her grace inspires him. They share the same need and talent to create. Lexi is a wonderful character, genuine, optimistic and forthright. She is a ray of sunshine and gives Jordan so much hope. Although he is in unknown territory, for the first time is his life, he feels the need to experience his emotions with someone. I loved these characters so much, they just fit together and their chemistry was palpable. They found their way to each other in a realistic way.

Jordan Reclaimed is a beautiful story that packs a powerful emotional punch. With the great cast of secondary characters, I’m sure there will be more wonderful stories in this series. Although the Preload series is interconnected with Scarlett Cole’s previous series “Second Circle Tattoos”, Jordan Reclaimed can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to read more books by this talented author!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.

I'm in love! I can label this book many things, but the most accurate one for me would be emotional. This book hits home for me on so many levels it's going to be hard for me to even get through this review without spewing all of my secrets. But it'll be worth it.

Jordan is the bassist for a very well known metal band. He's also damaged goods. After surviving multiple abusive families, he finally found a home with his "brothers" and soon to be band mates at a group home. This is where they all fell in love with music and formed their band. But each one of the them still struggle with their past. This is Jordan's story and it's a heart breaker. It's also a story that the author tells so well, that I'm not gonna. Because every word written and read is too important to mess up in my review.

Lex is a ballerina. Not just any ballerina. She's one of the best. Although her father doesn't seem to think so and is constantly riding her to be better, thinner and smarter about her choices. After a chance encounter, Lex is mesmerized by Jordan and the music he created for her. One thing leads to another and we're taken on a journey of self worth and acceptance that will make you fall in love, just as I have, with this entire band...and author.

This isn't your typical contemporary romance. This is plagued with memories of abuse as well as self abuse issues that may be triggers for some. But if you can get past the sad, the light at the end of the tunnel is so bright, that it leaves you with feels that will last a very long time. I had a mix of tears and smiles, but all are in a very positive way. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the bands' story. I'm officially a Preload fan!

reviewed by Chris

I became an instant fan of Scarlett Cole when I read "The Strongest Steel". Her characters are so deep, their stories so heart wrenching that you find yourself immersed in their stories. They all may have been to hell and back, but their strength and the support of their loved ones keeps them standing and strong. I was truly devasted when I read the fourth book of the "Second Circle Tattoos" series. I really didn't want it to end and was keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that Scarlett Cole would write a spinoff series about the hot members of Preload. Dred was enough to whet my appetite and I was really hoping that the other guys would follow. And thankfully, they did!!

Jordan Steele is the somber bassist of Preload. With his insistance to live in the attic, in a bare and cold room and his need to keep the whole band, his brothers, under the same roof, he was definitely an intriguing character. I was really looking forward to finding more about him and his past. What kind of woman would be able to heal a man with such deep scars as Jordan? Well it seems that that woman is a beautiful ballerina who has her own emotional scars to overcome. But a woman with such a beautiful face and soul that she blasts like a bolt of lightning into Jordan's life, bringing with her joy and light.

Aleksandra "Lexi" Artemov has been working her whole life to be the best ballet dancer at The National Ballet of Canada. She may be the principal dancer, however, no matter what she does, she just can't seem to satisfy her father. An ex-dancer in the Kirov ballet, her father never had the chance to become the best. He completely loses himself after losing his wife in an accident and blames his daughter. He is determined to make Lexi become everything that he was never able to achieve. And he uses every means to make sure that she gets there, whether it be physical or emotional abuse.
Lexi finally finds the strenghth that she needs when she meets a man that writes music that breaks her heart and moves her soul. Music that she can only express through her dance.

A beautiful and emotional read that will leave you in tears. But don't fret, it will also leave you breathless with its intense and scorching love scenes. Not to mention the amazing chemistry between Jordan and Lexi. Can't wait for the next book of the series!!!

Another great read by Ms. Cole. This is Jordan's book and I loved it. Jordan has had a tragic life that has haunted him even now that he is grown. He doesn't know how to let go of the past and realize things will be ok with life. He can't grasp that change is ok and is part of life we live in.
Alex a balerina in the Canadian company is trying to make her own choices and live her own life but has her father who wants to run it for her. She being the good daughter lets him have his way most of the time just to make life easier. Her father who can't let go of his past pushes Alex too far one day and she runs. Jordan knows he needs to live in the present and let his past stay in the past and Alex is helping him with that, question is can his insecurities push her away or can he be strong and be there for her when Alex needs help with her life! A great read about how to overcome life challenges and meet them face on, and letting the past not control your future! Look forward to the next book in the series as the band is a colorful bunch of guys I love learning about. Honest review in exchange for ARC.

I fell in love with Ms. Cole’s writing last year when I discovered her Second Circle Tattoos series and quickly read the entire series. I was ecstatic to see she was going a spin off series - Preload. Jordan Reclaimed is the first book and features Jordan Steele, who we met in The Purest Hook. He is a character you could not help but notice, and I was thrilled to see his story would be told in Jordan Reclaimed, and it is a story you do not want to miss.

Jordan was abused and abandoned by his family (They do not really deserve to be called ‘family.’) and he grew up in the foster care system. He met his best friends, whom he now considers his true family, when they all lived together in a group hope. The men later formed the heavy metal rock group Preload, which is now extremely successful. All of me have issues (no surprise) stemming from their childhood, but Jordan is quite damaged.

Jordan is terrified he will lose his family again and haunted by the abuse he endured. He’s figured out how to live with his fears, but it is a constant struggle. One way he copes is by taking walks, and one night he is out walking late at night when he walks by a dance studio and sees Aleksandra Artemov practicing through a window. He is utterly mesmerized by her and by her dancing.

Aleksandra has been training to be a principal ballerina her entire life under the rigid control of her domineering father. She notices Jordan watching her practice, and she is just as captivated by the dark and broody stranger. Both cannot stop thinking about the other. Jordan begins to write and record music and leave it for her, and she begins using his music and choreographing a dance in the hopes he will come by again. He does come by and the two meet and… you must read to find out where they go from there.

Jordan Reclaimed is widely romantic and incredibly heartfelt with an intense and complex storyline. There is passion, hope, recovery and undeniable love, and I was riveted from the very beginning. I did not want it to end. As Ms. Cole often does, there are some darker storylines in Jordan Reclaimed - darker than typical romance novels. It is something I normally shy away from, but she really has a talent for presenting them with a sensitive touch and including them to craft a truly remarkable and memorable story. I can’t recommend Jordan Reclaimed highly enough, and I cannot wait for the next book in the Preload series.

Jordan Reclaimed by Scarlett Cole
Book #1: Preload Series
Source: Netgalley and purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:

Welcome back to the boys of Preload!!

Jordan Steele has lived what is, by any standard, a hard life. All he really remembers about his childhood is being locked in an attic out of the way of his junkie parents. He often starved, was often far too hot or cold for any level of comfort, and was frequently the target of his father’s violent outbursts. At age ten, Jordan was finally taken from the home and placed in a group home. While this may sound a bit like from the frying pan and into the fire, the group home was the best thing that had ever happened to Jordon. It was in the group home that Jordan learned about love and friendship, and found his love of music.

Fast forward . . . . . .

As an adult, Jordan still deals with the demons of his past. Those bastards are Godzilla sized and haunt nearly every aspect of his life. Jordan still sleeps in an attic, he channels his anger into his music, and he can’t sleep at night until he knows all the other members of his band, Preload are safe and secure. The thought of being separated from his bandmates (all guys from the same group home) terrifies Jordan and he just doesn’t know how to deal with the fear. Problem is, he’s going to have to figure it out soon because since Dred, the band’s lead singer is moving into a home he bought for himself, his fiancé, and infant daughter. It is with this knowledge gnawing at him that leads Jordan out into the night and to Alex.

Alex, or Aleksandra, is a ballerina with the Canadian National Ballet and is the most stunning creature Jordan has ever seen. Their first “meeting” isn’t a meeting at all, but a moment when Alex finds Jordan watching her dance through the studio window. Though neither can explain why, there is a connection made and that connection is strengthened a few days later when Jordan drops off access to music he has written specifically for Alex. For Alex’s part, Jordan is something she never expected to have. As a principal in a major ballet company, Alex spends the vast majority of her time training. She dances for hours on end every day and in her limited free time, she is abused by her father. Though Alex owns and pays for the home she shares with her father, he rules the roost with an iron fist. He is critical, unkind, controlling, and both physically and mentally abusive. Until Jordan, Alex thought there would never be an end to her situation, a possibility of a bright future where she not only makes her own decisions, but enjoys the life and gifts she’s been given.

Between Alex’s home and work situation and Jordan’s monster issues, a normal relationship just isn’t in the cards. Jordan has no idea how to be in a relationship and often falters or simply runs when Alex tries to get too close. Opening up to someone about his past is not something Jordan has ever done, but Alex makes him want to try. Alex’s own struggles begin to manifest in a very obvious way which creates even more problems for the young couple. To get to an HEA, both are going to have to accept that they can’t always control every situation and they are going to have to rely on others for help from time to time.

The Bottom Line: I am so damn excited to see this series take flight! The Preload series is a spin-off of the wildly popular (and one of my favorite!) Second Circle Tattoo series. From the beginning, Reclaiming Jordan is an angst-filled read about two totally lost souls who seemingly have it all. On the surface, both Jordan and Alex appear put together and confident, but on the inside, they are two steaming hot messes!! Because of their respective issues with abuse, it seems natural they would find and be able to understand one another far better than anyone else ever could. The road is so very rocky and sad, but in the end, they are able to find the forever kind of happiness each so desperately wants and deserves. My only complaint about this book is how abruptly it ends. Even with the epilogue, I still felt like I was missing something. For example, what happens to Alex’s dad? This didn’t keep me from enjoying the book, and this isn’t my first rodeo with Scarlett Cole. I suspect she will answer all my questions as the series moves forward. For once in my life, I’m OK with waiting :)

A new series, but familiar characters from Cole. I am glad that we got to read Jordan's story right away, to learn what makes him tick.

Wow, Cole knows how to make characters who have lived through hell, find a happily ever after. I loved the passion, tension, and watching these two characters learn how to love.

I can only describe this new book from Scarlett Cole as AMAZING!!!! I loved it. I can honestly say that Jordan Reclaimed has outright ruined other rocker books for me. Yes this is now on record, I think by the end of this series I will be done with this trope because I don’t think anybody will write a better series than this, if Reclaimed is anything to go by.

Big call I know, but this book…….I am having trouble putting all my feelings about it into coherent sentences because NOTHING I write will do this book justice. Be ready for fan girling rambling.

When I saw that Preload were getting a spin off series, I was jumping for joy because I wanted to know the guys better. Then comes along Jordan Reclaimed and I dived on it because hey it was about the guys. What I didn’t expect was to fall so far in love with this group of men. And to feel absolutely gutted, heart sore but a thousand percent satisfied by the end of the book. Yes, I may have sat there for a few minutes in a daze when I was done thinking holy crap that was amazing.

I had all the feels while inhaling a story that will be staying with me for a long time. There were moments when I had to stop reading because my heart was breaking because of what was either happening or had happened to hero Jordan and his heroine in more ways than one Lexi.

Jordan, bassist for the band Preload, has had an unbelievably crappy life till he was brought together with his brothers in a group home where he finally had a family. His life before this will break your heart, trust me.

Lexi, a ballet dancer for a prestigious ballet company hasn’t been all roses either. What with an overbearing father, the constant pressure to be a better dancer, no mother and the need to dance the way she wants to, she has an idea of the misery Jordan lives with.

With one walk past a ballet studio, Jordan’s life is about to change forever. Because a dancer who makes him want, will claim his heart with one dance and set in motion a love story that will make you smile, swoon, cry, want to punch somebody out and fall in love with both Jordan and Lexi.

Throw in the rest of the band and Pixie from The Purest Hook with the super adorable Petal and you get a story that will instantly go to your keeper shelf but will also stay in your heart because it was so beautiful to see these two broken people not only find each other but to find a way to fight their demons to a HEA.

I can’t wait for the next book Elliott Redeemed. It’s going to be stellar. I loved, loved, loved this book and I’m sure I won’t be alone in this. Scarlett Cole you ROCK!!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for review.

My first book by this author....and boy, was it a good one!

Jordan is the bassist from Preload, grew up in a foster home and is very close to his 'brothers'. (in fact seeing how close they were, how they looked after each other, bought a tear to my eye).

Lexi....a ballet dancer with so much pressure.

Both fighting demons that come in all shapes and sizes.

One glance through a window and both are enthralled.

One moment changes their lives.

This story was beautiful, tragic, powerful and so, so lovely.