I fall in love more with this series every time i read a new book. It has a lot of heart, heat, and emotion. It took me for one heck of ride. I had tears in my eyes while reading some of it. Hearing what Daniel and Elliott has endured broke my heart, but having a good strong support system they both can survive. I really loved reading Elliott's interaction with Kendalee. She deserves someone who treats her like Elliott does. It's one of the beautiful parts of this book. I can't say enough good things about this book. I can't wait for more from this series. I liked the set up for the next at the end of this one.

Kendalee Walker is struggling to make ends meet, but there's nothing more important to her than her son whose life has been turned upside down by a horrible wrong doing. However, when Kendalee and her son Daniel meet Elliott 'Pyro' Dawson, the lead guitarist of Preload, Kendalee believes things can only get better, especially when Elliott connects with Daniel like no one ever has before. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Elliott finds his feelings for Kendalee growing until he knows he can no longer keep his past a secret. Will Elliott be able to win Kendalee's heart, or will his past send her running scared?

What a wonderful and captivating read Ms. Cole has penned in this book where the main characters back stories tugged at my heartstrings, especially that of the hero, as he's survived so much in his past that is still having an effect on his life. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the hero, as the torment he suffered at the hands of someone that should have loved him and the lose of a friend are painful reminders of his past that continue to surface. Will there ever be a time when he doesn't remember? Yet, what I enjoyed most about the beginning of this story is the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time, as there is an instant attraction that just keeps getting stronger and it made me want to keep reading to discover more about the hero and whether the heroine would be able to handle whatever Elliott was keeping from her.

As for the dialogue, it was powerful and emotional due to the main characters back stories and what the heroine's son has been through that creates a bond between Elliott and Daniel, as Elliott had a horrible past that makes him the best person for Kendalee's teenage boy to respond to and hopefully open up to. Will Elliott be able to help Daniel? Will Kendalee be able to accept that she may not be able to help her son without Elliott? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to do everything in her power to make things easier for her son, even if it means preventing her soon-to-be ex-husband from having any contact with the boy. I also liked how the heroine let Elliott into her life, because she needs someone to unload to, even though accepting help doesn't come easily not after what her ex did. While the hero, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him when it came to his past. Yet, in saying that, he's done well for himself with being a part of Preload and I liked how kind and caring he was towards the heroine's son with the way he lent a friendly ear. However, what I liked most about the hero is the way he was determined to help the heroine and her son because it's palpable he needs them just as much as they need him.

Overall, Ms. Cole has delivered a fantastic and scorching read in this book where the chemistry was wonderful, the romance so hot that it was a wonder my kindle didn't go up in flames, and the ending had me sympathizing with the main characters, as Elliott's past certainly makes it hard for the heroine not to feel the way she does. Can Kendalee find a way to understand all that he's been through without comparing his past to what her son did to lessen his pain? However, I loved how the heroine made things right with Elliott and the decision the hero made to help him deal with everything that's happened to him in the past and help him to be the man Kendalee needs without her having to worry about him falling back on dangerous habits. I would recommend Elliott Redeemed by Scarlett Cole, if you enjoy second chance romances; rockstar romances; or books by authors Meghan March, Lauren Blakely, Cari Quinn and Kylie Scott.

Continuing her emotion-packed and oh-so-sexy Preload series, Cole brings another absolute knock-out with Elliott Redeemed. It kept my heart tied up in knots from the beginning and didn’t let me go even after the last page.

I’m going to start with my only complaint about this series. I just don’t get enough of the band together! That is one of the things that is so special about this group of guys – how they bonded as kids in a foster home and have been there through ups & downs ever since. I get that these stories are their chance to create their own individual lives and find a HEA, plus I had a similar issue with Jordan Reclaimed so I guess it shouldn’t be a big surprise, and it is FANTASTIC to get to see these guys more in depth … but I just really want to see that connection continue.

Elliott has a lot of scars he’s carrying around from his childhood – both physical and mental. He’s managed to find a way to subsist but he’s still not thriving. Meeting a young burn victim and finding out everything that has happened to the boy brings all of his own personal demons to the front, forcing him to face it or be swept up. His growing feelings for the boy’s mom only complicates things even more.

Kendalee is carrying a lot of weight at the moment. Her husband left her for another woman and she’s pretty much dealing with her son’s troubles all on her own. Meeting a sexy man, a surprise visit for Daniel while he’s in the hospital, is just one more thing she may not be up for … especially when she sees what a great heart Elliott has and how much he’s helping her son.

It amazes me how Cole can manage to pack so much into her stories every time but never brings the drama or shorts her characters. They are always complex, touching, and over before I’m ready to be done. Sexy, emotional, and funny when it needs to be, Elliott Redeemed is a must read!

3.5 stars
The men of Preload are back and now it is Elliott’s turn to shine. This book was full of emotions. Elliott has had a tragic past and though he is in a successful band, it is never too far behind. But when he meets a boy named Daniel and his mom Kendalee, he realizes that perhaps some things need to change. Elliott was such a sweetheart. I loved the interactions he had with both Daniel and Kendalee. The connection with Daniel was strong and I enjoyed how that relationship played out. It was a definite learning experience and seeing the change in Elliott because of Daniel was great. I also loved how he was with Kendalee. He was charming and loving-these two together were sweet and fantastic. There are some intense moments in the story and I truly felt for these characters. I was all for them and hoping they get the happiness. All of the band members of Preload have some tough backgrounds and Scarlett does a good job handling them with care. The love these guys have for each other is the best-they are truly brothers. I was so involved in the story and I was intrigued to see how it would all go. This was a great read with nice characters and a full storyline. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Scarlet is a great storyteller and I have liked all the books I’ve read from her. I can’t wait for Nikan’s story. I love a good second chance romance :)

This is the first book by Scarlett Cole that I have read. She surely didn't disappoint.

Yes there are heavy issues but geez this book was great. I love this group of band mates, and this story is heart wrenching! 

Unfortunately I missed Book one in this series so I'll be downloading that next.

A brilliant book in an amazing series.

Elliott might be my favorite. Of course Scarlett Cole's books are often like that where each story makes me love that main character more than the last. Each of Scarlett Cole's characters are amazing but flawed in a way that makes them real. Each guy isn't Prince Charming and that's just one of many things I love about her stories!

Elliott is the lead guitarist for Preload and has had a rough life. But he's found ways to deal with it. Well sort of. But when he and the band are asked to appear as a Make a Wish like request. While walking the halls, Elliott wanders into Kendalee's son's room and they hit it off. Plus Elliott likes Kendalee.

Kendalee is a part-time grocery clerk who is now homeless and is spending all her time at the hospital with her son. Elliott walks in and besides being famous, he's great with her son. And can get him to open up.

Another great Scarlett Cole book! I can't wait to see whose story is next. I love these guys and their beautiful but flawed selves.

Scarlett Cole writes some of the VERY BEST heroes who have so much going on in their head, but have the most tender side to them! Elliott Dawson was just A-MA-ZING :)

So, we've come back to this group of rockers who are dysfunctionality at it's finest. They met in a group home, each having a horrible childhood that placed them there. As we've come to know these guys, I've fallen for each of them. Their individual histories, their history as a family of brothers, their ability to deal with the crap life handed them and make themselves better just blows me away. And the women they fall in love with is the icing on the cake.

Elliott and Kendalee meet in a children's hospital because her son, Daniel, is there with severe burns o. His legs after having torched his family home. His situation is such a trigger for Elliott, but Elliott knows he can help the kid. Daniel and his mom help Elliot as much as he helps them. They make him realize he isn't as recovered as he thought he was and he wants to be better for them. This was as heart breaking as it was beautiful.

I think I know what will happen with Nik's story, and I'll be glad to see it. But the story I am dying for is Lennon's. It can't come soon enough.

*thanks to Barclay Publicity for sharing a copy of this with me*

4.5 Flaming CROWNS

I have always enjoyed Scarlett Cole's story-telling. Not only does she deliver romances with moments of suspense, but her writing style is also one that appeals to me as a reader. This spin-off series in particular is quickly becoming my favorite due to the broken heroes of Preload. There is really nothing better than seeing a hero who is at his heart good, yet broken, find redemption and healing in the arms of someone he loves.

Elliott has a hard past filled with abuse and abandonment, and he found solace in the flames. Although reckless in youth, he has found a way to harness it in his adulthood, making the readers much more capable of relating to his character. That with the additional background information on his character, readers will have so much sympathy for the lead guitarist of Preload that they will be helpless but to love him. His attachment to fire also serves as the connection and the impetus for his romantic involvement with Kendalee, making their introduction authentic. What I really enjoyed about his character is the distinction made by the author through Elliott between being an arsonist and pyromaniac. There might be some readers that don't like how the impulse seems to die off as the novel progress, but Elliott's self-awareness at the end of the novel shows how much he struggles internally, even if that struggle is hidden. At the end of the day, readers will fall in love with this hero for his ability to care and nurture Daniel, to show how much he cares for Kendalee, and for his unrelenting quest for happiness and family.

Kendalee has had a rough road in the past few months, and as a mother there is no way I can even begin to comprehend everything that has happened to her. Readers, especially mothers, will connect to her, to the need to protect a child at all costs and the consequences when failing to do so. Readers will also understand her desire to be a woman, a sexual being, and not just a mom. Never once did I question her choices or decisions, and I love the way she loves not only Elliott but also Daniel. She is really a fantastic heroine.

This story has so many different plot-lines stemming from the many issues effecting the different characters. There is the obvious issue with helping Daniel and Kendalee and how that will effect the psyche of Elliott. There are the many problems facing Kendalee in the face of the trauma of her son, specifically how she sees herself and how she plans to move forward. Then there is the trauma and effects that Daniel is facing on a daily basis. All of these different characters and their evolution through the story is pieced together flawlessly by Scarlett Cole. Readers get to see each of these characters change and grow through their interactions with each other, and the end result is great, as it shows a realistic happily-ever-after.

I am absolutely loving this series, and my excitement only grows for the rest of the Preload men. Although their stories are heartbreaking, Scarlett Cole heals them and gives them everything they have been missing in their lives, and I cannot wait for Nikan and Lennon to get their turn.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Although you don't necessarily have to read the first installment to keep up with this, I still strongly suggest it. Not just because it's an amazing story, but you get to understand the bands bond which is extremely important (at least in my eyes).

I'm falling in love. Each and every one of these Preload men have reached in to my heart, plucking their own specific string. To think that this is only the second story from the band makes me so happy. Because I'm already counting the days until I can get my hands on the next one...

Elliott is the guitarist. The hot as sin, body of a God, tattooed sleeve hunk that every woman would drool over. But underneath the armor is a very damaged man. A man who still struggles with his own personal demons. Which is why going to a children's hospital (part of the bands charity work) isn't the best idea. Throw in the fact that he's stepping in to the burn unit and it's an even bigger mistake. That is until he meets Daniel and his gorgeous mom, Kendalee. Wait, mom? Yep. But that apparently doesn't matter to Elliott, because there's something about her that helps him. And he's willing to do just about anything to keep her.

Kendalee is having THE worst year, and even worse month. A cheating husband, a son recovering from burns he got from starting a fire that burned down the house (the reason is heartbreaking) and being homeless would be enough to make any person completely break down. But she seems to be holding it together like a champ. And now? Now there's this really hot musician that her son worships hitting on her. Yep, she's stepped in to the land of "what the heck-ville". But guess what? She's finding herself again. She's allowing someone else to take care of her for a change and it feels good. But will it last?

There is so much more to this story than a love story. The healing process that each character goes through is beautiful to watch. The love that I felt through this book really hit home on so many levels. This story is amazing. The guys in the band are amazing. The way the story was told, is amazing. Do you see where I'm going with this? Yep. Amazing!!!! I can't wait for the next one.....please be Nik....PLEASE!!!!

reviewed by Chris

I'm loving the Preload crew! They are all having to face their fears. Great story!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Triggers: Click HERE to see Mary Jo’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Kendalee is living a mother's worst nightmare. Her child, her son was sexually abused in her home by her husband's identical twin. Compounding that nightmare is the day her son burned their home down, with him still inside.

Her soon to be ex-husband is estranged from Daniel because he didn't believe Daniel when he finally had the courage to tell his parents what was happening to him.

At a time when there are no bright spots in her world, Elliott stops by the burn ward to spend some time with Daniel and forms a connection with him. Elliott likes Daniel and sees a lot of himself in the boy, in the trials that he's facing, and their shared demon: fire.

Elliott has a hard time controlling his urges and love for fire. What started out as a painful memory, fire has now become a way for him to release the demons inside him, even though he knows it’s not healthy.

What Elliott didn't expect was falling for Kendalee. He doesn't care that she's a decade older than he is, what he sees is her heart, her love for child, and how being in her arms calms the demons inside him.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This was a great story about Elliott and Kendalee. We start out with knowing a little about Elliott – he has a love of fire. Along with his band brothers, they have made it big and now do special events at children's hospitals and the like. When Elliott is asked to go and visit a kid in the hospital, his old fears and anxiety returns. He knows what it's like to be in the hospital, having been abused as a child.

Daniel is hurting physically, emotionally, and mentally. His father has cheated on his mom, left their family six months ago to be with his secretary and essentially left Daniel and Kendalee without anything. Daniel was subjected to abuse from his uncle, his father's identical twin, for several years and when he gathers enough courage to tell his parents, his father doesn't believe him. Despite all that Kendalee has going on, she sticks by her son. Daniel is triggered every time his father tries to see him in the hospital and so Kendalee has to stand firm and tell Adrian that he is only allowed to hear what the doctors know, from the doctors.

While this is all happening, there is the underlying issue that one of the reasons that they are in the situation is because Daniel set fire to the house where the abuse occurred and with that gone, he and his mom are homeless.

In walks a member from Daniel's favorite band – Elliott. Elliott knows what it's like to watch fire burn, smell burned flesh, and how it feels to be abused. He connects with Daniel on a level that nobody else there can do. Elliott is also wildly attracted to Kendalee and the attraction is definitely reciprocated.

We get to watch Elliott figure out how to deal with his own feelings and protect and love both Daniel and Kendalee. Even though there is some drama, this was mostly about learning to deal with the long and buried issues that Elliott has so that he can move forward with Kendalee and Daniel. I do wish that we had more of a resolution in regard to the ex-husband, but overall, this was a very well done story.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆☆
I'm very much enjoying the spin-off Preload series! The boys of Preload all grew up together in a group home. They all have their own issues and demons and this story is Elliott's, lead guitarist and diagnosed pyromaniac. Elliott comes from an abusive home and had a rough past.

Kendalee's son, Daniel, is in the burn unit after having set fire to their home after being abused by his uncle. While Elliott is at the hospital meeting with young cancer patients, he's asked to visit a huge fan having issues in the burn unit. Elliott agrees but finds Daniel's issues hit very close to his own.

Elliott also finds Daniel's mother amazing. Kind, caring, and the best mom a kid could want, Elliott finds himself drawn to this small family like a moth to a flame. He will have to come clean about his past and how close his problems mirror Daniel's, but he just wants to enjoy their budding relationship.

Kendalee can’t believe she's attracted to a much younger, heavy metal band member! Elliott is a flirt and a very sexy, confident man. It's nice to have his attention after her lackluster marriage to Daniel's father.

The two together were a great read! Lots of layers both with Daniel and Elliott that gave a huge depth of emotion and the will to overcome the past. I found the story written well and the characters, while flawed, redeeming. Absolutely loved the rock star treatment moment in the hotel between the two characters – HOT! HOT!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
Wow. Wow. Wow. I love Scarlett Cole more with each new book. The Preload books are absolutely brilliant and once again, Elliott’s story grabbed me by the heart and refused to let go.

Like the rest of the Preload band members who met in a Toronto group home, Elliott survived horrific childhood trauma before becoming a music superstar. Meeting a fan with a similar history brings the past back to Elliott and he is forced to confront his issues and realise that his coping strategies aren’t very effective.

As a foster carer, the childhood experiences of the Preload guys are a little too familiar. In this story, I love the way the author draws Elliott with both insight and empathy. She doesn’t minimise the effects of trauma and abuse, but she also refuses to make Elliott a victim. He’s a survivor. He’s resilient. And it was impossible for me not to fall in love with him.

I love that Kendalee is considerably older than Elliott. She’s wonderful and she’s also a most improbable partner for a heavy metal star. When we meet her, the single mum is homeless and trying to navigate a series of explosive family problems. She’s a lifelong good girl and a devoted mother. With Kendalee and Elliott coming from such different worlds, the author didn’t need to add any further conflict.

This is as much a story about personal growth as it is a romance. Elliott, Kendalee, and her son Daniel all have to overcome huge obstacles before they can work as a family. This is a gritty, high angst story and I was immediately emotionally invested in all three characters.

As with the previous books, this story is full of potential triggers. The depictions of child abuse are graphic and uncomfortably realistic. Daniel’s burns are distressing. Elliott’s mental health issues aren’t easy to accept or understand. But what I love about these books is the sense of hope, the wonderful friendships, and the chosen family that keeps these men strong.

I don’t think this book would stand alone and I don’t know why anyone would want to miss the previous stories. Readers should start at the beginning of the Second Circle Tattoos series with The Strongest Steel or if they really want to skip to the first Preload book, they should start with Dred’s story The Purest Hook. I have loved all of these books and I can’t wait for the next one.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I adored Jordan Reclaimed, so I had very high expectations for this new installment in the series – well let me tell you, this is at least as good, possibly better, because I was already invested in the group. If you have not read either yet, then you have a huge treat awaiting you.

This book revealed to me that the tortured-soul rock star who has a wide romantic streak for the right woman, is possibly one of the sexiest characters I have ever wanted to... meet – Jordan gave me a hint, but Elliott completely guaranteed it. He is such a credit to Ellen and Maisie. His nascent relationship with Daniel is one of the most lovely that I have read, when potential boyfriend has to bond with son. Oh, more proof of Elliott's unexpected perfection!

I found the fire issues which Elliott has to deal with, exacerbated by Daniel's accident, to be very carefully addressed, and so incredibly moving at times. It was an inspired way to draw him out of the average pampered, rich musician, and give him a huge obstacle to overcome in order to win the woman of his dreams. The support he gets from the rest of the band is epic too.

Kendalee is also well created, as she is someone who is prepared to accept that her previously easy life is gone and she will do anything for her son, even working at a checkout and sleeping in his hospital room. She is also hilarious with her opinion of Preload's music – it made me laugh a lot!

So, if you are ready for a deep, sexy, and still fun read, this should be top of your list.

I cannot get enough of Scarlett Cole’s books. Honestly I cannot. She is amazing and I have been so excited to dive into Preload since The Purest Hook.

Elliott is in the band Preload with his best friends and foster brothers. Each brother has their own emotional scarring that keeps them from having normal, healthy relationships outside of each other. Elliott has a fire problem in that he craves burning things to make him feel better. Then he meets Kendalee and her son Daniel who reminds him so much of himself he becomes a little scared. I loved how Elliott struggled with wanting to be better for Kendalee and Daniel, but at the same time recognized that he was also having issues as well. Elliott was a great character to read about. He’s very caring and loving of his brothers and has so much love to give to everyone he meets.

Kendalee has had a very bad year. He husband left her for another woman and left her with no money. Also, now her 14 year old son is in the hospital for burning the house down. She’s broke, working full time, and trying to take care of her son. Kendalee was a kick butt character. She stands up for her son no matter what and does everything she can to provide for him. When she meets Elliott she knows she’s too old, but they have an instant connection that had me swooning. I like how Kendalee came to understand what was missing for her in her relationship with her husband and didn’t settle for anything less than what she needed.

The best aspects about this book to me was that the characters sought to better themselves for themselves. I loved that. They started wanting to be better for someone else and then realized that isn’t enough. Seriously that was beyond amazing to read. It shows that while someone may help you realize you want to be better, you can only be better truly for yourself if you want to.

The other aspect of this book I loved was how there was no big fight. There was no “leave me alone” moment or a time when they broke up. I liked that since it wasn’t the predictable route.

Elliott Redeemed is an amazing story of romance and self-discovery. You couldn’t find two more deserving people in need of love. It was also amazing to see the other characters whom I’ve grown so attached to. Definitely can’t want to find out how the rest of the boys get love and what their demons are.

Get ready for some steamy romance in Scarlett Cole’s latest novel in the Preload series, Elliott Redeemed! Unfortunately, I have not read book 1 in the series but it absolutely did not impact my reading enjoyment 🙂

Kendalee is in her late thirties and living a life of hell. Her husband left her for a younger woman, she’s working at a grocery store, homeless and spending all of her time at the hospital with her 14-year-old son. Daniel’s life has been full of pain for the past three years and had recently shared some heartbreaking news with Kendalee before seriously acted out on his agressions.

Elliott is in his late twenties and is the hot guitar player for the band, Preload. After a horrible childhood, Elliott has tried to come to grips with his past and his problems, yet he doesn’t fully realize how far he is from feeling whole until he goes to SickKids Hospital and meets Daniel. Soon, Elliott finds himself crazy about Daniel and wanting to help him, attracted and drawn to Kendalee, and struggling to fight his own inner demons.

I loved Elliott!! I cannot stress how much I loved this character, he just makes my heart swoon! On one hand he was a badass rocker, but on the other hand, he was incredible sweet, caring, intelligent, and just adorable. I wasn’t quite as crazy over Kendalee as I was Elliott, but the author still made her a unique, complex, and realistic character that was literally going through hell. There were times it appeared as if she were ready to break, but then she would come back roaring like a mama lion and I had nothing but the utmost respect for her character. Daniel was an incredible character in that there were times he perfectly captured teenaged angst, but he had some extremely honest and emotional moments that just stole the show.

Elliott Redeemed is definitely a romance but it is also so much more. Author Scarlett Cole has packed this novel with so many different themes and experiences, making it wonderfully complex without being too heavy. The imagery and dialogue are incredible that propelled me right into the novel as if I were one of the characters. This novel said so much about family, trust, pain from our pasts, and hope for the future. I cannot recommend this one enough to lovers of contemporary romance with an edge.

Elliott Redeemed by Scarlett Cole
Preload #2

I wanted to scoop these characters up in my arms and hug them!

Elliott had such a rotten childhood and Kendalee was hurting from the loss of her dreams with a son in the hospital and Daniel (her son) was also hurting – in more ways than one.

I *FELT* and
I *CARED* and
I *Hurt* with them all

That said…I really liked Elliott as a person and his realization that Kendalee was the woman for him…no matter what. I enjoyed seeing Kendalee come out of her shell and realize that Elliott was the person she needed in her life…no matter what. I loved the interactions between Elliott and Daniel. I just really really REALLY enjoyed this book – even though it was painful for the characters to deal with the issues they faced in the story. And, I was thrilled with the ending and hope to hear how the three are doing in the next books of the series.

Preload is a group of men that I adore. Meeting them in Cole’s first series was a treat but getting to know them better in this series is oh so special. The talented rock stars of Preload have all gone through H*LL as children and come out on the other side stronger but with backstories/issues that impact them as adults. The fact that they are able to meet women that see beyond their fame, money and issues to the men they are and accept and love them creates powerful love stories with wonderful couples. I can’t WAIT for the rest of this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Pres-Swerve for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Elliott Redeemed
Preload series book #2
Release Date: August 29, 2017
Review copy provided by the publisher

Jesus. This book wrecked me. Like, it twisted my heart, flipped my tummy, and made me ugly cry. Picture me sitting all by myself snot and bawling! It was not pretty! I'm not gonna lie, some of the stuff in this story was difficult to read. The brutal truth in this book is both heartbreaking and amazing. Scarlett Cole has swept me off of my feet again with her brilliant story telling, and captivating characters!

Elliott had a shit start to his life. He was robbed of what most of us take for granted...a childhood. He was denied love and affection from the people who should have protected him from the world. So many times in this book I wanted to reach into the pages and cuddle him. I wanted to take his pain away. Kendalee was his chance at a redemption. She settled something in him. But she, and her son, also stirred up his demons. Poor Elliott was so conflicted.

Kendalee is a mother who would do anything to protect her child. Her life is in turmoil and she doesn't have time for sexy rockstars. At least, that was before Elliott waltzed into her son's hospital room and smiled at her.

I love these two together. They are both on their own journeys of healing, or trying to heal, but they recognize that being together quiets the raging storms in their minds. Gah! So many emotions in this book! I was in a constant state of blubberiness! One moment I'm all like...yay! It's sexy times with the rockstar! And then I was a hot mess because I spent time "inside" Elliott's head! I loved every moment of happiness and sadness. The raw truth in this book will bring you to your knees. You just have to be brave enough to go on the journey.

I love that we get to visit with the whole band in each of these books. And in true Scarlett Cole fashion, she's already pulling you in with little glimpses of storylines to come. She has a knack for torturing her readers with snippets of upcoming books. And the crazy thing is, I love it! I'm like a damn junkie!

It's difficult for me to list all the reasons why I adore this book. I can't tell Elliott's story. It would feel like a betrayal to not let him tell it. One thing I can say for sure is that Scarlett Cole can write a story unlike anything I've ever read. She will drag you in and keep you turning the pages until the very end. You'll feel like you've been pulled through the mud by the end of it all, but it'll be worth it. If you're anything like me you'll curse her for the emotional upheaval, and praise her because you wouldn't have it any other way!

This book could be read as a stand alone, but I really REALLY think you should start with book #1, Jordan Reclaimed. You'll be happy you did!

Elliott is so far my favorite in this series. He has a heart of gold. The only thing I would done different about this character is have him be a little standoffish with others, but if the author did that he wouldn't been likable guy.

Kendalee is faced with the hard reality of being a mother with a child who was facing traumatic salutations physical and emotional from very resent events. She is doing what any mother would do for the sake for a their child. Elliott is just the guy who needs to help her and son, plus in the long run himself.

Elliott is book 2 in the Preload series and I have been looking forward to his story for what seems like forever. Once again Scarlett Cole does not disappoint!! Elliott had a horrific childhood and bares those scars emotionally and physically. Then he meets Kendalee and her son Daniel at the hospital burn unit. He finds it hard not to fall for the beautiful slightly older mom who is going through a hell of her own with her son and own personal issues. What follows is beautiful and heartbreaking journey to battle his own demons as well as helping Kendalee and her son to fight their own. Will he be able to conquer his past in order to have a future with the woman he loves? I laughed, I cried and I fell more in love with Elliott with each page I read. His kindness and compassion for someone he barely knew just blew me away. I loved how he pursued her and his connection with Daniel was so wonderfully written. I was rooting for them every second of this story. I look forward to what this talented author writes next!

*thank you to the author and publisher for providing an arc**

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm a huge fan of Scarlett Cole's and she yet again does an amazing job with her newest book Elliott Redeemed. The Preload gang is back in action and Elliott is about to grab your attention with his story.

Elliott is the guitarist for the band Preload and is exhausted from their European Tour, but he can't say no to seeing kids in the hospital. When he meets Daniel not only does he get captured by his story he is captivated by Daniel's mother.

Kendalee is trying to juggle her son being in the hospital with extensive burns, her husband leaving her, getting a job and her son burning the house down. When she meets Elliott she quickly notices the connection he forms with her son and can't help but notice how attractive he is.

Elliott cannot ignore the pull he has for KendaLee and Daniel and will do whatever he can to make sure they have all that they need. And when he decides he can't let the attraction go between him and KendaLee he will need to pull out all the stops to break down her walls.

Will KendaLee let herself live again or will she sit back and let the one good thing in her life in awhile slip through her fingers.

Scarlett Cole is one of my go-to authors because her stories are so vivid, captivating, and heartwarming. She has a gift for making people on paper come to life and her words draw you into the lives of the characters. You want the characters to be real, to be your friends, and to grow with them.

Now for Elliott's story. Hoo boy! I have to warn you guys, you'll need tissues handy as you're reading this. There were times I was a snot-nosed mess huddled in bed trying to not to wake up my hubby and my kid. I was sniffling so loud. I'm not kidding. And if I wasn't crying, I was laughing during certain scenes. I was a crazy mess. But imo, the books that make me cry AND also make me laugh like an idiot... the ones that touch my heart and turn me into said hot mess are what I consider to be damn effing fantastic reads. This is one of them.

It's stories like this --- like Elliott, Kendalee and Daniel (Kendalee's son) that satisfy my booklover's heart. This book is more than a romance. At it's heart, it's about love, family, and relationships. You'll go on a journey that's at times heartbreaking and hard but at the end of it, you'll cheer for Elliott, Kendalee, and Daniel. I was so happy at how it all ended. I loved it.