I fell in love with the guys from Preload in Jordan's book and now Elliott. He is a damaged man who is sort of finding his way. When he goes to the hospital to visit a dying child his life changes in a way that is so drastic that it's almost comical. He still has a lot of work to do and it takes a boy and his demons and a mom and her inspirational quotes along with the love he's found for both of them for him to try to heal once and for all. The question is whether or not she will still have him after she finds out his secrets and whether she'll be there for him.

When a visit from a local band member opens her son up and puts the first smile on his face in weeks, Kendalee, may not like their music but she loves the fact that her son is smiling, if just for a moment.

This book is an emotional roller-coaster and will bring tears to your eyes, smiles to you face, and anger to your heart. I have it three stars because at times it had some serious lulls. Will it keep me from recommending it or reading the next one? No. I can't wait for the next one.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 “Fire & Rock’n’Roll” Stars

ARC via NetGalley.

Thank you, Swerve!

I don't know why I keep getting surprised at how much I enjoy Scarlett Cole's books, especially when they're about one of my favorite romance tropes: rock stars.

I read Jordan Reclaimed, the first book in the Preload series in the beginning of the year and went all Wow, this is a pleasant surprise, and yet again felt the same way about Elliott Redeemed, which, yeah, totally makes me look silly.

Scarlett Cole has proven time and time again that she can write great, hot and angsty romance. She did it with her romantic suspense series, and, in my humble opinion, she's doing it even better now with the Preload series.

I'm still so very much in love with all the band members, and dying to get my hands on the next titles. I'm guessing Lennon's story will reduce me to ashes, so I'm here...not-so-patiently waiting for that.

Elliott Redeemed (this title is impossible to spell right with all the double laters. LOL) is the story of band's guitarist, and just like the rest of his friends, he has some serious issues due to a troubled childhood. Issues that follow him to this day. Elliott is a diagnosed pyromaniac, but he's been keeping his urge to set things on fire under certain level control. This control is threatened when Elliott visits a kids' hospital and meets Daniel, a teen who burned himself badly after setting fire to his parents' house.

Elliott also meets Daniel's mom, Kendalee, and that's when the romance kicks in.

I really enjoyed the fact that Kendalee was older than Elliott. She was a mature woman going through a lot (husband had cheated and left her, kid in the hospital, homeless), and she found in Elliott a chance to start things new. A chance to live her dreams and fantasies. Despite their age difference, I never felt like Kendalee had to "teach" Elliott anything. It felt more like they were both learning from each other, and trying to hold on to each other and build a new, happy life. *sighs*

One thing I wished had been better explored about Kendalee was her relationship with religion. I liked seeing a religious woman as the main character, but I thought the story could've explored that element better. I didn't feel like there was a conclusion to that arc.

I also wished Kendalee had been divorced already. I didn't feel like that plot involving her ex-husband added to the story in a positive way. Their romance didn't need another obstacle with everything that was already going on--Kendalee's doubt about how she fit in Elliott's life and how he fit in hers, her situation with Daniel and everything that had happened to him, and Elliott's secret and how it influenced Daniel's life. So the whole divorce thing was unecesssary, and almost left a bad taste in my mouth because she was still legally married when she started getting involved with Elliott.

Those two elements aside, I truly enjoyed how Kendalee and Elliott found each other and developed a beautiful relationship. I loved Elliott for putting himself out there to help Daniel, even though it was hard and brought back bad memories. I also loved the few scenes we got with the rest of the band members and their loved ones interacting.

As I said before, I'm anxious to see what Scarlett Cole writes next for these rock stars, and I'll try not to be surprised at how much I'll probably like that one, too.

*Amazon review will go live on release date*

I love Scarlett cole and her books! Always keep you captivated in the story! Loved it from start to finish! Highly recommend reading this story!

This is the second story in the series about a rock band named Preload. All the band members had nightmare childhoods and equally damaging experiences in the foster care system. Until their last home. There, they were allowed to find themselves and form a bond of brotherhood nothing could break. They will never forget Ellen and and her partner Maisey for saving their lives.

Kendalee Walker and Elliott Dawson met totally by accident. Preload was visiting some children/fans in the hospital and somehow ended up in Daniel Walker's room. Daniel was hospitalized with severe burns to his legs and feet, and was going through the slow, painful process of healing. His mom, Kendalee was always at his side day and night when she wasn't at work as a cashier in a grocery store. Elliott felt a deep connection to Daniel and an instant spark with Kendalee. He was totally amazed at her strength and courage. Daniel is carrying a mountain of guilt and pain. Her cheating ex had left her months ago and left her without money, and homeless with a son severely depressed who refused to see his Dad. Elliott took things under his control. Members of the band visited frequently, he would take turns occasionally so Kendalee could get some sleep, whenever anything was needed, he took care of it and Kendalee fell under his spell. Their relationship was quick and off the charts hot. But Elliott is trying to find a way to tell her of his past and is terrified it will send her away. He needs help, and only knows one way to get it, but it threatens their future together.

There is so much pain in this story, but the love counters it and gives hope. This band of brothers damaged as children are emerging as wonderful, talented men with huge hearts. I have read and re-read all Ms. Coles books, and this one is one of her best. It can be read as a stand alone, but don't miss the others in this series and her first series, Second Circle Tattoo. Her work is amazing, and each new book a joy to read.

I received this eBook from the publisher and Netgalley for review.
Pat

WOW! totally enjoyed "Elliott Redeemed". First book I've read my Scarlett Cole and won't be the last.

This was a truly wonderful, heartbreaking, raw, emotion filled story. That I ended up devouring. Even though it did get off to a bit of a slow start. Yet it very quickly picked up and completely captured my attention. So much so I literally spent every minute I had reading this book throughout the day and found it extremely hard to put down.

As the characters in Elliott Redeemed and in fact the Prelude Series are so unique and in their own ways broken. But also incredibly strong, resilient and amazing. And Elliott is no different, plus his story really reflected that. As did the relationship that develops between him and Kendalee. Which I have to admit I wasn't sure about to begin with. But it really worked and the more I read. The more I realised they were perfect for each other.

I also loved the bond that developed almost instantly between Kendalees son Daniel and Elliott. And I thought Daniels story was extremely well written and sensitively handled. I could also tell that Scarlett Cole had real first hand knowledge of the treatment of burn injuries and those sort of details for me really added to this story. And I thought overall Elliott Redeemed was a fabulous read. That I would happily recommend to all.

Elliott Redeemed is the second book in the Preload series by the amazingly talented Scarlett Cole. It was a deeply touching and thought-provoking story on so many levels since it handles sensitive topics like child abuse and compulsive behavior. She has portrayed the characters' struggles in a realistic way and without any sugarcoating. Some scenes were difficult to read and made my heart clench in pain. I truly admire people like Elliott and Daniel who survived such horrible things and came out of it strong and determined to not let these experiences drag them down. 

This story was well-paced and the plot highly entertaining. I was emotionally invested from page one and couldn't put this amazing book down for the life of me. Scarlett has broken my heart but she put it back together again piece by piece. This read will take you on a journey you soon won't forget and you are going to fall head over heels for these damaged, lovable and charming characters.

Elliott Dawson meets 14 year old Daniel Walker one day at the SickKids hospital during one of his bands charity visits. Daniel has severe burn scars from a fire he set to his parents' house and he is depressed and angry. Elliott's calm presence and intuitivity are the reasons why this kid opens up to him. Elliott can relate to Daniel's feelings and secrets since they remind him of his own. Some of these demons are still haunting him.
 
Kendalee Walker doesn't have it easy in life. Her husband left her six months ago and now she is penniless and without a roof over her head after her teenage son set their home on fire. She is working as a grocery store cashier trying to make ends meet while spending each night in the hospital at Daniel's bed. When a decade younger gorgeous rockstar offers Lee his help she finds herself in a huge dilemma.

When these two are together sparks are flying everywhere. They know that a relationship between them is forbidden and wrong but it's never been so hard to resist a temptation. Will they be able to play with fire without getting burned? Can Elliott find the family he never had with this amazing woman and her beloved son or will he fall back on his dark habits? 

I liked the fact that Kendalee was 10 years older than Elliott since he was very mature for his age. They've been a well-matched couple. What he admired about Lee was how devoted she was to Daniel and that she always put him first - something Elliott's mother never did. She was a hardworking, proud woman who didn't want to benefit from his money and fame. Kendalee loved Elliott for being kind, caring and offering her son the help and support she wasn't able to give.

I loved this story hard and highly recommend it. Scarlett Cole took my breath away with this tear-jerker and gave me another Preload member to swoon about. Who wouldn't adore a guy who fights for a woman and her kid with all his heart and wants to take care of them and make them happy? I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to see what the author has in tow for Nikan.

Scarlett Cole did it again! She made me fall in love with another poignant story from her. It's amazing after having read all of her books that she still manages to surprise me. From page one until the end, I couldn't put this book down. It was occupying my every thought. I felt such a strong connection to the characters and deeply cared for them. I knew that Elliott Redeemed will be an emotional book to read, but I totally underestimated how heart-breakingly beautiful it would be.  Now let me say it right away that this story is not all hearts and flowers romance. It's a book about two people with a lot of beggage that find their peace and salvation in each other's arms. There is nothing better than books with a strong message that gives you hope!

Elliot "Pyro" Dawson is the lead guitarist of the metal-band Preload. His nickname isn't just a clever play on words. It's much darker and linked to a past he's fought like hell to overcome.

Grocery store cashier Kendalee Walker is at her wits end. Not only did her husband cheated on her, her fourteen-year-old son Daniel went off the rails resulting in him being stationed at a children hospital for burn victims and them being homeless.

The first time these two run into each other is at the hospital where Elliott visits some little patients, Daniel being one of them. The sexy musican and the beautiful strawberry-blond instantly feel attracted to each other. Despite the bad timing and the unhappy circumstances Kandalee can't stay away from the man that made it his mission to help her son and win her heart. Will Elliott find the family he never had with her and her son? Or will he fall back on his dark habits? 

Getting to read Elliott's story, his early childhood and the abuse he survived, made me cry buckets of tears! I wanted to hug him and comfort him badly. I admired his strenght and willingness to help little Daniel and others who suffered like him. He has that calm and trusting nature that makes people confide in him. I will love him forever and more for his gracious and giving heart. He is trully a very special man!

Kandalee was a wonderful and devoted mother and the calm to Elliott's fire. Whenever the compulsions from his past haunted him, her presence calmed him. She gave him the feeling that he is worth of her love and affection which was essential because he never felt like he was enough for anyone.

I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! This book can be read as a standalone but I strongly suggest to read Jordan Reclaimed before. Because first, it's a great book and second, it will give you a better insight into the band Preload and the special connection it's members share.

Great job Scarlett Cole! I'm looking forward to the next books in this highly addictive series!

Holy moly, what a ride! I adored every word of this amazing book! At times emotional, heartbreaking, scorching hot, and hilarious, this is a book I know I'll devour over and over again.

So, if you haven't read this series before: Preload is a heavy rock band formed by a group of boys who lived in a last-chance group home together. In their own unique ways each of them is badly mentally and physically scarred by the abuse they suffered but slowly, through love, each of them is finding peace.

WARNING: this could have all kinds of triggers for people who have suffered abuse!

Elliott Dawson was tortured by his step-father who delighted in stubbing out cigarettes on Elliott's body. Unfortunately, this led to Elliott having a fascination with fire and having control - something that has led him to be diagnosed as a pyrotechnic. One day he visits a local hospital at the request of the band's management, against his better judgement he agrees to visit a young fan, Daniel, who has suffered horrific burns to his legs after setting fire to his family home. When Elliott meets Daniel's mother Kendalee Walker he is immediately drawn to her, but associating with another person who has an unhealthy relationship to fires is not good for Elliott.

Poor Kendalee isn't just saddled with a stupid name, her husband left her for his secretary, the insurance won't pay out because Daniel set the fire deliberately, she is broke, homeless and sleeping on her friend's couch and to top things off? The reason Daniel set the fire is because his uncle, his father's twin brother, was abusing him.

Oh Scarlett Cole, you really know how to pile on the angst don't you? My heart bled for poor Daniel and poor Elliott and the abuse that they suffered and continue to suffer mentally. I don'[t think I've read a single one of these books where I haven't had tears in my eyes.

As long as you can read about a whole load of angst this is a great love story. Elliott is a kind and patient man, he doesn't just lust after Kendalee he loves her and Daniel, almost from the first moment. Kendalee is just a leetle too good to be true - but then I guess any good mom would do anything she could for her son, especially after what he has been through.

So, another winner! Just one request ... could your next heroine not be so small? It feels like all the females in this series are teeny tiny women - it's giving me a complex.

Scarlett Cole never disappoints! I really enjoyed this book. The writing, as always, was great and I loved both MCs. The most important thing is that I could really feel their connection. The pace of the book was spot on and if you like your characters with real life issues and emotions plus sexy times (they were great:) ) then you'll love this book!

Absolutely loved this book! The pull between Elliott and Kendalee and her son Daniel is incredible, and how they interact with each other is awesome. There's something about Kendalee that has Elliott feeling protective of her, and yet being with her and Daniel forces him to acknowledge those parts of his life he wishes didn't exist. But seeing him with Daniel? I had to step back from the book because the feels got me. If you decide to read this book (and I highly recommend it!) just know it's a series and part one needs to be read before jumping into this one.

Scarlett Cole skillfully writes heartrending, emotionally wounded heroes with tragic pasts, and if you’re a fan of broody, haunted, angsty men, you’ll fall in love with Elliott Dawson in Elliott Redeemed, the second, stand-alone book in the Preload series. Elliott is complicated, flawed, enigmatic, and sensitive, and he will both break and win your heart. He’s brought to life by Ms. Cole’s evocative writing style, and this happily-ever-after is particularly memorable and deeply satisfying.

Elliott had a horrific childhood in which he experienced unimaginable cruelties. He found stability and friendship in a group home when he was a teenager and he’s now twenty-seven and a famous guitarist for the mega-successful rock band Preload. On the surface, he has everything anyone could ever ask for, but he’s physically and emotionally scarred, burdened by the weight of bad memories, and struggles to cope when he feels overwhelmed. He’s living with intense internal chaos, and readers will find themselves overcome with emotion as we are allowed into Elliott’s inner turmoil.

“He was anxious. Negative thoughts were on a constant loop, running through his head night and day, putting chaos and turmoil he felt into words, challenging him to do things he shouldn’t.”

We begin to understand more about Elliott and see a glimpse of his thoughtful, gentle nature when he agrees to visit a children’s hospital as part of an altruistic endeavor by his band, especially considering that he hates hospital environments and worries that visiting one might involuntarily trigger him.

“He hated going. He hated doctors and—he was ashamed to admit to himself—he hated patients more. It was impossible to deal with their pain.”

During Elliott’s visit to the hospital, he meets Kendalee Walker and her fourteen-year old son Daniel, who was severally burned on thirty-five percent of his body, and it feels as though fate is playing its hand. He’s mesmerized by Kendalee and drawn to her troubled, wounded son, but he worries that getting to know them could be the worst thing for him personally.

“Perhaps helping the kid work through his demons would help Elliott think through his own. Or perhaps it would push him over the edge.”

Ultimately, Elliott cannot resist Kendalee. He instinctively wants to support her through this difficult time, relieve her of some of her burdens, and shield her from some of her pain. He begins doing sweet and considerate things for her and quietly woos her—and the reader—in the process, and it’s breathtakingly romantic to witness.

Elliott feels everything deeply, and his evolving relationship with Kendalee challenges him at every turn and on every level, making him question if he will be able to ever be whole enough to truly be there for her and Daniel—no matter how much he desperately wants to be.

“Fire would always be his mistress. He didn’t have room for anyone else.”

Truthfully, Elliott and Kendalee’s relationship sometimes feels improbable and potentially doomed, but Ms. Cole deftly lays a solid foundation and meticulously develops a beautiful, deep connection between them. Emotion vibrates off the page as we take this turbulent, difficult, and joyous journey with them. The reader will be invested in Elliott and rooting for him to conquer his demons, seize the promise of a new beginning, and find peace with his past

Elliott Redeemed makes the impossible feel possible, and it is the quintessential story of a tortured hero falling in love, healing, and finding solace. Ms. Cole’s writing powerfully conveys Elliott’s complexity making this an honest, heartwarming, and gripping romance. I adore Elliott and Elliott Redeemed, and I believe you will, too.

This is Book 2 in the "Preload" Series and a wonderful read. The author does a great job touching very difficult subjects as pyromania, child abuse, burns and rape and she does it all in a way that I felt deeply connected to the characters but not with low blows.

The age difference between Elliott and Kendalee could have been a subject but the characters are so well done that it really doesn't matter.

Entertaining, gripping, heartbreaking, romantic, sexy!!! A wonderful read!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Usually, in romance novels about Rock Bands, the lead singer gets all the glory and is the star. The back-up musicians may get their own love story and book, however, they usually lack the shine and intensity of the lead's romance. That is definitely not the case with Scarlett Cole's Preload series. I fell in love with this group of damaged rockstars when I first read about them in the Second Circles series. This group of five musicians are more than just a rock band, they are brothers in all the ways that count. They may not have blood ties, but the ties that bind them are much much more stronger. Having been fostered in the same house, they know all about each others problems and issues. And believe me, they have a lot of deep scarring issues. In this second book of the series, we get a closer look at Elliott "Pyro" Dawson, the lead guitarist of Preload.

It doesn't take much to understand why Elliott is nicknamed "Pyro". We got a feeling from previous books that he had a certain passion for fire. Now we finally understand his drive for fire and the constant struggle that he goes through to fight it. Having been physically abused by his stepfather, Elliott still carries not on,y the physical scars of the abuse, but also the emotional scars. And even though he has gone through therapy in order to fight his compulsion disorder and pyromania, he still finds himself drawn to the flame when he is under stress. And there is no bigger trigger for his compulsion than a boy he meets in the hospital, who is going through his own injuries caused by fire. And when he meets his mother, it seems that Elliott has finally found his salvation.

Kendalee Walker has always been a god fearing woman. A woman who has been there for the ones she loves and those who need her. But when her husband cheats on her with his young assistant, leaving her and their fourteen year old son Daniel, in debt and alone she starts doubting her faith. Her whole world comes crumbling down when she finds out first the abuse that her son suffered and then when Daniel burns down their house and they are not only left homeless but now have to stay in hospital for an extended time in order to treat the burns that he suffered. It seems to her that God has left her. But an angel comes to help them and he is nothing like what she would expect. Can she trust not only herself but also her wounded son to a tattooed rockstar? A man who is ten years her junior but who looks at her as if she is the most beautiful and valuable woman in the world.

As always Scarlett Cole does a fantastic job of not only bringing us a highly emotional read, but also a chemistry that sizzles and burns all throughout the book. Elliott may be my dream man!!! A must read!!!

This book... This book is so sexy and powerful. Cole delivers another hot installment in her Preload series that will have you swooning and leave you breathless. Elliot and Kendalee's story will have you rooting for their happy ending. These two were brought together for a reason. I loved that Elliot was able to help Kendalee and her son, Daniel, through their tough time. They were absolutely perfect for each other. 5 stars.

Scarlett Cole is back with the second book in the Preload series Elliott Redeemed and it totally blew me away. 5 stars will not convey how amazing this book was. It was stupendously good, I love, love, loved it.

Hours after finishing this book, I still can’t stop thinking about the story, characters and how freaking great it was. This book wrecked me and I have a massive book hang over from reading it and I’m so not sorry.

When I say it wrecked me, I’m not kidding. I was an emotional mess after finishing. Be warned dear reader, this book will shred you. You will go through all the feels while reading and come out feeling emotionally beat up but it will be so worth it.

Fair warning to those with sexual abuse triggers, this is not the book for you. But that said, what happens is part of the storyline that will leave you gutted, but seeing the strength of a survivor will warm your heart.

Elliott, the hero certainly lives up to his title in this book and if I hadn’t already loved him before, I would have now. To see him fall, hard, whole heartedly and so fast is a journey that I will never forget. To see him fight his demons to help a child…..priceless.

As for his heroine Kendalee, to me she’s as unique as her name and I absolutely loved her. To see her blossom under the attention of Elliott was something as special as they are together. I’m finding it hard to put into words what an amazing character she was.

Put this unlikely paring together and you have enough sparks to light up a room, more passion than you expected and the fact that they balance each other out in ways that are totally unexpected and you get to experience a love story that is heart-wrenchingly fantastic and one that is going to stay with me for a long time.

Sorry if I am rambling, but this is one of those books that come along and knock you on your ass and send you into a loop. I can honestly say that Elliott Redeemed did both of those things.

For those of you who love this authors books, the other guys from Preload and their gals also appear in the book and of course Petal who steals whatever scene she is in.

Yes this can be read as a stand-alone, but if you do so you are missing out believe me. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, I just have to emotionally prepare myself for it. LOL.

Scarlett Cole you are a genius. Seriously.

Love this author and this series. Cannot wait for the next one to come out.

I am sooooo loving this series! These characters are raw, flawed, and so damn lovable. Elliott like the other members of Preload has demons from his past he fights everyday. He earned his nickname Pyro honestly but he's got things under control. Or so he thinks. When he meets a young boy that reminds him of himself he questions whether he's as together as he thinks he is. The boys mother, Kendalee, makes him want to be a better man. For her and for her son so he needs to start working on himself. This story is their journey and it's fantastic! Put this one on the must read list!