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Preload #1

by Scarlett Cole

He's a rockstar, she's a ballerina, they're worlds apart yet just what the other needs.

Jordan Steele’s life began when he was ten. When he was taken from his parents and a house that was never a home. When he met his brothers, the other lost and abandoned boys in his group home. When he learned what friendship and family and love looked like.

Now he’s made a career out of playing the music he loves, touring the world with the band he and his brothers formed in that crowded group home. No one but his found family really knows the man under the fame and fortune, the scars he hides behind the rockstar lifestyle. Until he sees her through the windows of the National Ballet, dancing, and suddenly the world doesn’t seem so dark.

Aleksandra Artemov ticks all the ballet boxes. Father a legendary Kirov dancer. Check. Prepping since birth for classical ballet. Check. Compulsive control over the food she eats. Check. Principal dancer at The National Ballet of Canada. Check. But what she craves is freedom.

She craves Jordan.

Everything about him should terrify her. His size, his tattoos, his hard rock edge. But he doesn’t. He stirs her very soul. Jordan has nothing but himself to offer her, and he's never been good enough for anyone. Can he figure out how to face his own demons before he loses his light for good?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Music, Abuse, New Adult, Musicians

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2017

About the author

Four-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.

She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.

When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.

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If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 It Worked on So Many Levels Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free It's Live!!!
In 2016, I stumbled onto Second Circle Tattoos, a series by Scarlett Cole. From the beginning I was drawn into her vision. She wrote with a strong hand about issues which were not all soft, fuzzy and pretty. Her characters were multidimensional and that meant every single one that graced the page had purpose.

Which brings me to Jordan Reclaimed. This is the first entry to Preload, the series inspired by a heavy metal group introduced in Second Circle Tattoos. From the moment they made an appearance, readers just knew these guys deserved to have their stories told. You can start this without reading the previous series...However, being a huge fan of the prior series...If you are interested in having the first taste and backstory of the group...then I would seriously suggest reading The Purest Hook, as that is where we are introduced to the group and Jordan Steele.

To give you an idea of how all of these men are connected, we are told of their placements in the Canadian Foster and Group homes... leading up to their final group home which in many ways saved them. Each member of the group have their own heartbreaking story. There will be nods to them...but in this book, we are given the full understanding of who Jordan Steele is... and how he became this damaged man...

A man who fights his pain and demons to live another day.
A man who needs to know his band brothers are safe in order to rest his head at night...
A man who sees things are changing... and doesn't know if he will be able to hold on...

These boys who had nothing were brought together and influenced by two women who ran a group home... and angels shined on them because these women taught these boys they could see themselves as their own family. It was the first positive thing they had and the bonds became unbreakable. Music was introduced and these boys finally had something that was their own.

Music for Jordan was his release...and it made things better...Fast forward and now these men are one of the top Heavy Metal Bands in the world. Money is no longer an issue...their lead singer Dred found his love Pixie and now she is helping him raise his little angel Petal.

So things are moving forward...Dred has been waiting for Pixie to be able to come and live with him and Petal permanently...and now it will happen. This has caused Jordan to feel more anxiety. All of the guys have lived in the same house...and at least this way Jordan could satisfy his need to know all were safe every night...

Jordan knows this is not a "Normal" need...He knows he is not normal and all of the hate spewed words from his abusive parents replay on a loop in his head...He has to fight it and he is happy for Dred, Pixie and Petal...it is just so hard to see them leave...

Aleksandra Artemov is another soul out there in the world fighting her own battles...She is a Warrior Woman who is packed in the most delicate package...a top Principal with The National Ballet of Canada, she is living the life planned out for her...From her first moments, she was groomed to dance. Her father was from the Kirov, looking to achieve the same success Baryshnikov did...Only he didn't and proceed to focus all of his attention and lost dreams on Lexi.

Well, now she is an accomplished ballerina... only she is wanting more...and looking to see how she can grow...she is fighting the oppression of her father's unwarranted constant criticism...She is fighting her internal doubts about her body...letting comparisons to other dancers feed that doubt...

These two lost souls meet one night and exchange more than any conversation could without ever saying a word...

Lexi is rehearsing in a studio which has a window facing the street...There in the dark, stands Jordan with the only creature who seems to calm his heart, baby Petal... As he stands and gazes at this vision dancing freely... with abandon equal to how he plays when with his brothers on stage...He recognizes the soul of another...A woman who is so beautiful it almost hurts to look at her...

And as Lexi is want to do... she sees this man with the stroller... and starts to dance only for him...She pours out her heart in the movements, the turns and the grace of her arms...Although it is dark and Jordan is not close...These two have connected in a way that cannot be denied...Each wanting to grasp onto this feeling and not let go...

Both are struck by this experience...
Jordan is compelled to create new music expressing everything he felt while watching her...He figures out a way to get it to her...
Lexi takes this music and plans a way to show Jordan how much it means to her...
Somehow these two talk, connect and life for the both of them will never be the same...

I loved this story because it covered so much with the necessary care needed...Jordan's life before he landed in the positive environment of his last home was of nightmares..His story could be any of the worst case studies from child services. We see news reports all the time of children left unattended... left to fend for themselves...eating garbage and somehow being discovered by passing strangers...These news stories are only the tip of the iceberg of pain out there...Jordan's story is handled in such a way we are able to be emphatic to his pain and inability to move forward...Watching him change and try to adjust warms the heart.

Lexi is another who has had forces play with her self image and worth. She is talented and does know it... however, she has been manipulated by her father for a number of reasons...It is extremely difficult to turn your back on your only living relative....emotions and the desire to receive the love you so disparately want from a father... is powerful.

These two come together and both have a way of bettering the other...As damaged as Jordan is... his strength and pure insight to how amazing Lexi is... gives Lexi the ability to see herself through his eyes...Jordan has been love struck by Lexi and it forces him to confront all of his self loathing...He finally is able to see and feel a future life...

There is wonder in this story...little things which are truly big... a retelling of how a boy has been named...or how an everyday occurrence so easily taken for granted can have massive meaning to a person ....

This is a romance which is sexual and emotional; when these two come together it is a way they communicate...yet it doesn't stay that way. Jordan sees Lexi as someone more from the start...Lexi loves all the ways Jordan talks to her... so free and direct...and their coupling is that... But they also go through the challenges couples like them would...

This first entry was strong with us learning of the other fellas... how all of them inter-act... who was the one who was the smart ass- who was the one who could be the sounding board...and who the women were who gave these men their only positive influences when they were kids. In other words we got a slice of life for these guys...causing me to want so much more.

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~

Oh how I loved the Second Circle Tattoos Series...
It was a sneaky surprise which became an obsession with every entry...

Now Scarlett Cole has tempted me again...
She has taken Jordan Steele of the Band Preload...
Made him the first focus of the new spin off series...
And given him....

Aleksandra Artemov, Ballerina Extraordinaire...
Controlled, Focused...yet yearning to be free...

These two...Front and Center...
I can hardly wait for...

Jordan Reclaimed-February 28th 2017

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really packs and emotional punch. It was written beautifully with a plot that takes on some series issues and does so with tact and a great deal of talent. Jordan is the suffered hero our hearts bleed for and Aleksandra is the heroine that fits his needs precisely while bringing her own value to the story.

Their connection was organic and so sweet. Their courtship was unique and riveting. The writing wove the tale in such a way that I was fully committed from the start. There is an emotional component underlying everything that is paced perfectly.

It is absolutely a wonderful read with a touch of something that was simply refreshing. Safety: No others for either of them. No rape. Definite yes to abuse.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE
*Amazon*B&N*

Jordan is a character that I was immensely curious about when we got out first glimpse of him in The Purest Hook and I've been waiting for his story ever since then. In his own book we get to learn all about what Jordan has gone through and how it has impacted the life he now leads with his band mates. And how one ballerina is about to change his life in a drastic way.



This book had all of my emotions coming out in such an intense way. I just couldn't get enough of these beautifully damaged characters and reading what they both had to go through had my heart breaking. Jordan and Lexi were very well suited for each other and I loved how their broken pieces fit together and made the perfect couple. Where Jordan was dark in his pain, Lexi was bright and open, and showed Jordan that you didn't have to live only in your pain.

What was so amazing about Jordan was how he was when he was around Lexi, and how you strived to be a better man for her. He was almost like a completely different man with her and I loved that when she was around he wasn't so quiet. With her he didn't have to hide his feelings or feel like he was a broken man since she accepted him for him, and no other reason.

Lexi didn't have an easy life either and it made her strive for perfection even when she knew it wasn't achievable. Jordan showed her that the world wasn't perfect and sometimes you just have to be okay with your faults. Her character had a lot of strength and I admired that about her, and it made me like her even more.

Overall, this is a must read story. Jordan and Lexi are characters that will have you sobbing along with them while also rooting on their love. I seriously can't get over how much they were perfect for each other and I know everyone else will feel the same way.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** 4.5 Stars!!!! ****

I am so excited to finally be starting the "Preload" series, that is about the men that are members of the rock group "Preload!!" We were introduced to the group in Scarlett Cole's other series "Second Circle." You do not have to read the other series to read this one; but I am very glad that I did, and Dred; who is a member of this group...was a hero in book three of the other series!! ( confused yet??!!LOL)

In this first installment, we get to learn more about the mysterious Jordan. He is a majorly tortured soul, who has so many hang ups that he has given up on the thought of ever living a reasonably normal life. All of the guys in the group had met in a group home for troubled boys when they were kids...and have formed an intense bond ever since. Seeing as they all have their own demons, they have chosen to live together, and basically share their lives together. Jordan can't even imagine not having them around, in fact; he roams the hallways at night making sure his "brothers" are safely in bed. Jordan has so many secrets inside of himself that he feels he will never be good enough for anybody...that is until the night he walks by a ballet company, and spots an angel dancing so beautifully that he can't look away!

I absolutely fell in love with Jordan. I am such a sucker for a hero that may look like he is tough on the outside; but on the inside he is so tortured and vulnerable that he could break. Then he finds a woman who shows him the light, and his life will never be the same. That in a nutshell is one of my most favorite heroes! Jordan did not disappoint me either...he was so darn sweet to Lexi, and wanted to basically walk on water for her! Lexi has her own torment that she lives with...and when these two get together, they become each others solid ground...and that to me is the best kind of romance!!!!

This series is off to such a promising start!! I can't wait to find out what the other men's demons are. Compared to the last series, this one is definitely darker; but not dark to scare readers away. It does have darker components, but it is still quite mild in comparison to a lot that is out there. The sex has big sizzle though!!! On the whole, this has been such a great read, and Jordan will be put on my favorite hero's list!!! Believe it or not...it isn't easy to make my list! I am quite picky...but he for sure fits the bill for one of my greats!!!! Scarlett Cole is fast becoming one of my top go to authors as well!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first 'meeting' (if you want to call it that) between Lexi and Jordan, I was hooked. It was like a compulsion, I HAD to know what was going to happen with their story. The only way I can think to describe it is like fate, their meeting just felt right. Like magic brought them to the same place that night and they connected without words. Then to bring that a step further and expand the connection to his music and her dance. Notice a theme? Once again, there were no words. They spoke at the beginning through their art. The hopes and dreams, downfalls and fears, past and present. I've always believed that artists can feel things differently than those who are more analytical and I think that Jordan was a superb example of that.

"Thunder and lightning always go together. And you told me that you are the dark to my light. You can hear thunder but you can see lightning, as people hear your music but see me dance."

Jordan absolutely destroyed my heart. Shredded it, crushed it into the ground, ran over it with a semi and then threw it in a landfill. Pretty inconsiderate, if you ask me, jeez. ;) But in all seriousness, I have never hurt this badly for a character. Ever. His past was tough to get through. His issues and emotional outbursts were agonizing, but just like what the rest of the band saw, you get glimpses of his heart and that's where he's vulnerable. With Lexi is where he's vulnerable. This is part of what made me fall for him. And on top of that, even after everything he had been through, he just wanted to be able to take care of his ballerina. Lexi in turn was the perfect heroine for a guy like Jordan. She was strong and wouldn't take no for an answer. She was the light to his dark and what helped pull him back into the sunshine.

“You’re my everything, Aleksandra,” he said. “Everything I didn’t know I wanted or needed. Everything I didn’t think I could have.”

Weird time to bring this up, but I don't like Sriracha sauce, it's too hot for me. I won't even eat salsa that's spicier than mild because I'm a bit of a wimp. But where my taste buds lack in the appreciation of heat, my reading choices tend to make up for it and Jordan Reclaimed does not disappoint! Muy caliente, this book is hot and I loved it!

I'm a member of the spoiler police, so I would never intentionally spoil a book. What I'm about to say, I don't think will effect anyone or spoil anything for those who haven't yet read this story. However, if you hate any and all details, even tiny ones, LOOK AWAY! Don't yell at me.
THIS IS YOUR WARNING!
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The heroine, Lexi has a bit of a problem with self image and eating habits. I get it, being a professional dancer and having your body critiqued constantly would be horrible for anyone, let alone a female. So I could see where the eating issue came from, but I wasn't a huge fan of how big of a deal it became. I just didn't understand how it connected with who her character was at the beginning or to Jordan at all. Until the end. Oh good lord above. I had tears. I couldn't possibly fathom what was happening and how awful and excruciating those memories were. I understand the issues of both characters, the connection this caused and why this hurt so badly. I was absolutely crushed. My heart was smashed into smithereens and I just needed to hug everyone. Even Lennon.
.
.
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Okay, you're safe now.

I'm sure a lot of the info (dance) in Jordan Reclaimed was previous knowledge and experience from the author, but you can really feel the amount of effort she put in through research. I can say without a doubt that Scarlett Cole put her heart into every one of these pages. Her love for her craft and her characters is palpable.

I wasn’t expecting you to respond.
That’s what usually happens when you send someone a text.
So I’m meant to respond immediately every time you send a text?
Only if you want to :-)
Don’t think that’s going to be a problem, Angel.

Something that doesn't happen too often to me is staying up late to read. I do, but to an extent. I'm not one of those people who can read until the early morning hours, I like my sleep too much! But wow, I had to bargain with myself last night because I couldn't put this story down. I practically begged myself to stay up and finish it! It was already 1am at this point... ;)

The group dynamic is practically heavenly, too. I can't wait fir the rest of the series, I just love these guys.

Elliott grinned and kissed Lexi’s cheek. “I’m already in love with you, Lexi,” he said and turned toward the stairs.
“Me, too,” Nikan added, kissing her too.
“Can I kiss her?” asked Lennon.
“Not if you want to keep all your teeth. Fuck off,” Jordan answered.
“Are you happy?” Elliott sang as he took the stairs two at a time.
“Are you satisfied?”
“How long can you stand the heat?” Nikan added, as Lennon pounded on the handrail after him.
“Are they singing Queen?” Lexi asked, watching the three of them jog up the stairs.
“Yeah,” he answered gruffly. Another one bites the dust.

There are so few books that I come across that are set in Toronto, so when I find one, I practically start jumping for joy. There's such an amazing feeling that comes along with reading a book set in a city that you're so familiar with. The detail was superb, the setting was fantastic and it just felt so familiar. I could picture the characters walking down Queen Street, or the street cars, or the intersection at Spadina (I refuse to drive through there, it scares me). All of this, simply from Scarlett's words on a page. I could see what the characters were seeing. Along the same lines, I loved the acknowledgement to Toronto at the end of the book. It was super cute and made my little heart happy. Though, being completely honest, I think Scarlett's lying when she said that she misses the traffic in the 401. That highway is what nightmares are made of! You can never get anywhere on time.

I love love love Scarlett's writing, I just can't say that enough! It's captivating and expressive as she weaves compelling complexities and dynamics into not only her plot but her characters too. These pages burn with passion, chemistry and heart. I was transported into the Preload world while reading Jordan Reclaimed and I couldn't imagine it any other way.

“So it’s as simple as that? It’s time for me to become strong?” Maisey put her plate down, reached up to Jordan’s face, and held it. “Oh, Jordan, don’t you see? You’ve always been the strongest one.”

4.5 Stars.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.


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[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's a rockstar, she's a ballerina, they're worlds apart yet just what the other needs.

Jordan is deeply wounded. He barely survived a childhood filled with neglect and extreme abuse, and those traumas control his life.

Alex is a ballerina following in her father's dancing footsteps. Her father is a brutal coach and she suffers under his harsh love.

I really liked this story…but it perpetuates the old adage that women can heal wounded men. There is nothing he does to help heal himself. He meets her and all of a sudden he's changing his entire life for her.

Lexi just twirled into my life, and she’s like the light I’ve been living without. But I’m terrified that my darkness will dim her somehow.

Don't get me wrong, this is a beautifully told romance, and I enjoyed reading it, but it left me with questions. How does this couple ultimately get over all of their internal wounds? They just love each other through these huge traumas?

I wish there had been more dancing and music in this story about a ballerina and rockstar.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tad too heavy on the misery and melodrama for me. At times I had to remind myself I was reading about 26 and 30 year old characters and not kids still in high school.

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“… I’m not alone. And neither are you. You’ll never have to do any of this on your own because I’m right here.”


This was a sweet romance with both light and dark under tones I wasn’t expecting. I love when an author surprises me and Scarlett Cole did just that. This was a touching love story with an instant connection between brooding Jordan and feisty Lexi.

This is literally a love at first sight story. I loved their first meeting, Jordan looking in from the outside as Lexi danced for him – it was an emotionally charged scene that set the tone for the rest of the story. Their connection was tangible, the emotion strong. Even before they officially meet, Jordan and Lexi knew each other on a more instinctive level that when they finally do get together, their chemistry was off the charts.

From the moment Jordan's lips touched Lexi's, he couldn't imagine anything else feeling and tasting quite so perfect for the rest of his life.

I'm a sucker for a damaged Hero and Jordan with his soft touch, heartbreaking lyrics and 100% devotion to his girl, had me glued to the pages. I loved watching him accept and even embrace change. For someone who had suffered such hardships and loved so deeply, he was so deserving of his own happy ending.

"You're my everything, Aleksandra. . . Everything I didn't know I wanted or needed. Everything I didn't think I could have."

Jordan and Lexi are adorable together, the way they expressed themselves through different outlets yet were so in sync with each other was touching. I loved the behind the scenes of Lexi's dancing, the passion behind Jordan's music, the closeness of the guys and Jordan with Petal was the cutest. I loved both MCs, these two really were great together, each offering support, love and friendship in equal measures. Yes there were bumps on the road for each of them but it made their relationship stronger for it.

Safety Gang, this was a safe read Although it is mentioned vaguely that Jordan was a bit of a man whore in the past, he’s burned out on that lifestyle and since meeting Lexi, there is no one else for him. So no OW drama. . Neither are virgin, there is no OM drama or cheating. Ends with a HFN.

Triggers: this book does have a few triggers – Child abuse (past tense), suicide (past tense), eating disorders (present) and pushing away (by both H and h).

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Jordan Reclaimed
Series: Preload #1
Author: Scarlett Cole
Release date: February 28, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes

Preload isn't just a rock band, it's a band of brothers. All survivors of their own personal tragedies and misfortunes in childhood, they bonded as foster children and haven't been apart since. Jordan is perhaps the most scarred emotionally in the group, and the most fragile. At the age of nine, he had already survived more than the average person does in their lifetime. The child abuse he endured is a horror story that is all too real in this world. The kind of history that one never really leaves in their past.

Jordan never really does well with change, especially when it comes to his bandmates. Having them all together in one house gives him a sense of safety and support. But now that one of his brothers is engaged and making moves to start his new life with his family, Jordan is overwhelmed with anxiety. Comfort comes from the least likely place, on a walk during a cold winter's night. Seeing a ballerina dancing through her studio window, he's struck by her beauty and talent. And a strange blend of unfamiliar emotions consume him.

[...] the sense of calm she instilled in him as she danced was a quiet that he wasn't used to. She was his light. And like a moth to a potentially lethal flame, he couldn't step away.

To him, she is everything that is pure and good in the world. He couldn't even dare to hope that he was worthy of someone like her, but that doesn't mean he can stay away. What's even more surprising is that she sees him, really sees him. With the song he created and left for her, she choreographs a dance for him that seems to look right into his soul. All of his pain, fear, desperation, and darkness was right there before him in her every movement.

Right from the start, I loved how these two connected. They are both such opposites in almost every way, but yet they are able to understand and accept one another for who they are. He is severely emotionally wounded, and she is living her life for her father's happiness, not her own. Together, they immediately felt an inexplicable harmonious balance. It really felt effortless. Though he had his fears that he wasn't worthy and tried pushing her away a bit, she wasn't having any of it. There was no unnecessary drama, just two people trying to navigate their unfamiliar emotions and learn to trust each other.

Jordan is an extremely unique and complex character. Highly gifted musically, tall, bearded and tatted, he's a scary looking guy. But his intimidating surface just conceals a lost little boy. Someone who was abused, neglected, and unaccepted. Finding Lexi was like finding an oasis in the desert. He soaked up all the love she had to give and it flooded right back out at her.

Lexi was a girl with the world at her fingertips. She lives and breathes to dance and try to make her father happy. But it's a losing battle. He uses guilt trips and manipulation to mold her in whichever direction he wants her. Struggling for acceptance and trying to achieve perfection, she walks a dangerous path that could destroy everything she's worked for. I really felt for this girl. She never had anyone who was on her side, someone with her best interests at heart. Her desperation and isolation were things that I think she identified with in Jordan.

I thought this book was quite different than any other rockstar book I've read. It was an unusual coupling with these two, and I really appreciated how the author made them work so well. I enjoyed meeting the other bandmates and will be interested to see how they all overcome their own demons. The Preload boys have lots of interesting things in store for us.

Give him an audience of twenty thousand and he was fine, but a single woman . . . this woman . . . had his heart racing.

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[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re my everything … Everything I didn’t know I wanted or needed. Everything I didn’t think I could have.”

4.5 stars!

Wow, this book is gorgeous! An emotional, sexy, angst-free love story featuring two broken people overcoming the demons of their past, learning to trust and find strength in each other, and following their hearts. Jordan and Lexi absolutely stole my heart and I loved it.

I love Scarlett Cole’s Second Circle Tattoos series, and from the moment I met the boys of heavy metal band, Preload, while reading The Purest Hook, I knew that I needed more of them, so I was so excited when I discovered that they were getting their own spin-off series – though this can definitely be read as a new series without having to have read the previous books.

The Preload boys are more than a band. They are family. Each of them had a terrible childhood, ending up in a group home where they formed unbreakable bonds and became each other’s whole world. They have overcome adversity to become hugely successful, forming a now-world-famous metal band. But their personal struggles are far from over.

The first book in this series gives us the story of bassist, Jordan Steele. Like the rest of his brothers, Jordan’s childhood was tragic, and he endured horrific abuse and still carries the inner scars to this day. He is the quiet one of the group, the one who has difficulty connecting with anybody outside of his ‘family’, and the one whose circumstances have kept the boys living as close as they do, knowing that he needs their presence and support.

Jordan is struggling with the imminent departure of Dred, who is planning on leaving their home to move in with his girlfriend, Pixie, and their little girl who means so much to Jordan. He is wondering how he will cope without his family all under the same roof, and is anxious about the changes that it will bring to his life. Finding solace in long, night-time walks, he finds himself in the city one evening and becomes mesmerised when he walks past the National Ballet and sees a ballerina dancing alone in a studio. He’s never seen anything as beautiful as the graceful dancer, and he feels an immediate sense of calm and peace as he watches her.

Aleksandra Artemov is a Principal dancer with the Canadian Ballet. Beautiful and successful, she seems to have it all, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Lexi is struggling with her own issues – the strain and physical demands of her career, a difficult home life, and the pressure put on her by her controlling father, who is living out his own shattered dreams through his daughter. She loves dance, but she longs to live her own life on her own terms. Dancing desperately on her own one evening, she is pouring her emotions out through dancing when she sees a man watching her from the darkness outside of the studio window and without words the two of them share an intimate connection that rocks them both.

Him…he was transfixed as his eyes followed her. Such intensity should have scared her, but it didn’t. It aroused her.
…
He held her stare, and she licked her lips to soothe their dryness. The connection between them couldn’t have been anymore real had they been touching. It was solid, and heated, and unlike anything Lexi had ever experienced.

Unable to forget about each other after that night, it is Jordan that reaches out to Lexi by writing music for her, and Lexi returns his gesture by dancing to his music for him. Through artistic expression their connection to each other deepens, they find that understand each other in a way that surprises them both, and as they open up to each other and begin to talk and spend time together, a very natural relationship begins to develop.

I love Jordan and Lexi together. He is all sullen and moody and closed off, terrified that he’s not good enough for Lexi and scared of everything that he is beginning to feel for her, and Lexi is like a breath of fresh air in his life – open and honest about her feelings for him, not allowing him to push her away, and instead wearing her heart on her sleeve for him and coaxing him back to life.

“I’m not the guy for you, no matter how badly both of us want me to be.”

“I’m out of my depth. I don’t date. I don’t share. I don’t do small talk and bistros and ballerinas. I don’t do complicated. But you make me want to try, and it’s fucked up.”
… “Try me, please,” she whispered.

There is a beautifully sweet innocence to their relationship, which is absolutely perfect given Jordan’s inexperience with love and all of the new emotions that he is feeling (as opposed to his previous emotionless manwhoring). But their passion for each other is just as strong as all of the other emotions they are feeling, and the sexy time is hot, steamy and intense.

“Let me touch you. But please. Close your eyes.”
“No … Please, let me be with you, Jordan. No rules,” she said, leaning forward to kiss the scar behind his ear. Jordan shivered at her touch. “Don’t make me look away,” she whispered against his skin as she kissed his neck. “I want to see you. To know it’s you I’m with. To know you know it’s me.”

I honestly loved every moment of this relationship. The angst is minimal, and the drama is understandable and adds to the story rather than just being there for the sake of drama. It works to develop the characters and the story, and brings the feels as we watch Jordan and Lexi lean on each other and be there for each other. They have a true partnership that is functional and honest, and I love that they let their hearts and their vulnerabilities show.

“Don’t leave me, Aleksandra, I don’t think I could deal with that.” He stroked her hair off her forehead and stared deeply into the blue eyes that encouraged him to bare his soul.
“I won’t. I promise.”

Jordan and Lexi are wonderful characters, and I love them equally! Usually it’s the hero that steals my heart, and while Jordan definitely did that, Lexi’s story was just as compelling and I adored her as a character. The book is written in dual POV, and I loved that we got to be in both of their heads, seeing every moment of their individual struggles and growth. Their honesty was refreshing and heart-warming, and despite all that they are dealing with, they are both incredibly strong characters and I love seeing that strength come to the front as they fight for each other and for the life that they so badly want.

“It’s taken me all this time to realize I’m not alone. And neither are you. You’ll never have to do any of this on your own because I’m right here. And I am too fucking stubborn to move because I love you.”

I also love that we got to spend so much time with the Preload boys. They are such a great group, and their dynamic is fantastic! They laugh, tease and banter, but they care for each other deeply, and I can’t wait to read more about them.

I really enjoyed this read. It is heartwarming, emotional, dramatic and gorgeously romantic, and I was hooked from start to finish.

I loved it – 4.5 stars.

Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for review

Great book, but I was expecting a lot more angst and drama and for Jordan to fight falling in love. He walked off the deep end after only one glimpse. Lexi was perfect for him. Her personal issue was the perfect problem to cause Jordan issues. I felt like the problems with her dad were unfinished. Loved seeing the rest of the band. Elliott's story is up next, and we have no idea what his personal hang-up is.

[Francoise · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection.


*-* *-* *-* *-* *-* *-*




Can’t. Get. Enough. Of. These. Books.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

This book has really become a great comfort read and an oft read reread and each time I do read it I enjoy it as much as the first time.

***)))(((***

Still riding the reread train with Jordan Reclaimed. Both Jordan and Lexi are such unforgettable characters it’s like they are real people that I need to revisit from time to time. It was time again.

*****************
5+

Wowzers, where have you been, Scarlett Cole? I was working yesterday with nothing to do, so I was checking out book lists by other readers on GoodReads with similar tastes as mine and came across this one. The price was right, I hadn’t read any by this author, the storyline sounded good. So I took a chance. I started it as soon as I got home from work and simply couldn’t put it down. I ran out of juice on two iPads reading. I ignored CNN, something I haven’t really been able to do since Trump entered the election (it’s like watching a continuous loop of train crashes. You don’t want to watch, but it’s almost impossible not to). This book blew me out of the water. I read it until well into the night, knowing I’d be working the next day, but I couldn’t not finish it. There are SO many things to love about it, I’m not even sure where to start. So I’ll start with Jordan, the hero.



He truly breaks your heart. He’s the bassist of a very popular heavy metal group named Preload, and they’re very successful now. But his history is horrendous. He was locked in an attic when he was a very small child and kept there until he was finally found at age 10. He had no light, no company, nothing. He was never allowed out of the attic, but his ‘father’ had no problem going into the attic and beating poor Jordan. In fact, he didn’t even have a name until he was rescued and a warm-hearted social worker gave him a name. When he was discovered, he was put into foster care but that didn’t work. He was small and skinny with no social skills and was bullied mercilessly, until he was finally put into a group home where he bonded tightly with four other teenage boys who had also been mistreated. In fact, they are who have formed the band.

Jordan is left with all kinds of issues. Fear of abandonment is one of them, and, because of this, the other four band members and Jordan all live in the same house. One of them, Dred Zander (who happens to have his own book in a previous series and one I was absolutely delighted to discover I already own), is planning on moving out and Jordan is freaking. Although he knows it’s irrational, he needs to know where they all are all the time. One of his coping mechanisms is walking. He’s walking one evening with his very young honorary niece when he walks past a dance studio and he sees a young woman dancing. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and her talent, and for a brief time he forgets all his issues. Because he’s also a composer, when he gets home he writes a song for her to dance to.

They meet and it’s like each other has found their other half. Aleksandra Artemov is a ballet dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. Her father was a ballet dancer, who defected from Russia, until he injured himself to the extent he couldn’t dance any longer. So instead he devotes himself to Lexi’s career to the point of abusiveness.

There is such a connection between Jordan and Lexi, but Jordan doesn’t think he’s worthy of her because of all his issues. But other than letting her father walk all over her, she is very strong and nothing that Jordan does or says frightens her away.

So! Why do I love this book so much? First reason is Jordan. He is so damaged that you just want to hug him and hold him and not let him go. Even though he’s this famous rock star, it hasn’t gone to his head at all. In fact, he’s even uncomfortable spending money despite the millions he has. He’s never had any kind of relationship with a woman before, so he has no idea how it works. Though he’s had sex with random women, considering he’s this big musician, he’s not a dog about it. He is quite your atypical rock star.

Lexi is the next reason. I just want to hug her too. She is so there for Jordan. Nothing he does or says fazes her. The only thing she wants is for him to ‘talk’ to her, when one of his trigger raises its ugly head, because he has a tendency to just run off. She has ‘daddy issues,’ but they are completely understandable and she doesn’t escape her own struggles. It’s so heartwarming when Jordan stands up for her.

The world of ballet. I love ballet. In fact, I could so relate near the beginning of the book when she dances the Nutcracker near Christmas. I DID THAT! Not the dancing, of course, but a number of years ago I went to see the National Ballet of Canada perform in Toronto and it was around Christmas. While I don’t know all the dances mentioned, I was familiar enough. I’m a big fan of – or rather I was – of So You Think You Can Dance, so I could really understand Alex’s desire to break out and dance some contemporary dances. The fact that Jordan understood that about her was special.

The book is set in Toronto, Ontario and many of the places she mentions I know of, since it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from where I live, so it was cool that I knew the streets.

This review is longer than I normally do, but I’m just so excited about this book and all the future books in this series I got carried away writing this review. The book is selling for $1.99 on Amazon and I really can’t recommend it high enough

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

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

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

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



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

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

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

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rocker & ballerina love story...YES!!!

Jordan Steele as had anything but an easy life and due to that he's become a recluse but only being comfortable with his "brothers". I appreciated being able to read about his past and why he was the way he was. Little did he realize that his life was about to be turned upside down.

Aleksandra-Lexi, lives for the love of ballet yet no matter how hard she tries, she will never be good enough for her father's approval. She's done everything within her grasp to show him how much ballet means to her but no matter what it's never good enough.

The night her eyes land on Jordan she knows her life will never be the same. Hard as Jordan tries to ignore his want to get to know Lexi he just can't because the pull between them is strong.

My heart went out to these two battered souls hoping they will get their much deserved happiness. A beautiful emotional story that will have you rooting for Lexi & Jordan! -Kara, 4.5 Stars

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

Copy provided for blog tour review

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Link to full review below! Emotional and well written, Jordan and Lexi will break your heart! See full review on The Book Disciple

[Ilaria 🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to a dear goodreads friends I have discovered this jewel
This book is beautiful sad happy sexy and sweet
Thank you for the gift

Enjoyed like a honey candy
I did not want to finish it

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my first time that I've read an amazing story by this author. She knows how to turn the most unbelievable situations into a beautiful love story that will make you feel like you want to be a part of the main character's life.

I've waited for this story to come out for so long. Since I've read the stories from secondary characters that appear in this book, I knew that Jordan's life wasn't easy or pretty. I also knew that whatever his journey in this book would be, it had to be an amazing read. And that's exactly what it was. I wanted to know the reason for his fears and in the end I really felt for him. He craved the feeling of not being alone and he wanted to hold onto the people that he saw as his family. And then of course the unexpected happened and he met 'his light'.

This is a story that will make your emotions come to life. It's a beautiful journey of love, hope and how you can overcome your fears. I'm not giving away any details about how the story unfolds, since I do believe you shuld make judgements for yourself by reading  the book. I did not regret reading it in any way and I'm already looking forward to this authors next book.

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

JORDAN RECLAIMED is the first book to kick off the Preload Series, a spinoff from The Second Circle Tattoo Series. In her latest rock star romance, Scarlett Cole introduces readers to a band of brothers that are at the top of their game professionally, but each is suffering pasts filled with the horrors from which nightmares are made.

Jordan is a bad boy rock star who turns knight in shining armor when he catches glimpse through a window of a tiny ballerina as she dances her way into his heart. The harmony between them goes off key until they find a way to trust each other enough to work through the emotional traumas both have suffered. It was heartbreaking and definitely not easy to read the atrocities inflicted on Jordan as a child for so many years. And the sharp and critical negative words and physical punishment perpetrated by a father on his daughter made me grind my teeth.

I truly enjoyed how the daily ballet practices were so eloquently detailed giving readers front and center seats to the hard work and talent that makes opening night possible. The story is deeply emotional and intimate. The emotions of our characters, their thoughts and feelings are so honest and frank in baring their hearts and souls. But most of all, I was impressed with the author's ability to masterfully and engagingly give Jordan and Lexi’s relationship such a passionate blending of two broken hearts as they discover just the perfect composition for their very own special song of endless love.

Only one small nitpick being that I felt the ending was overly rushed. This is a series so I’m hoping to see more of this couple with updates in the upcoming books.

[monica ♪ · Rating 2 out of 5]

UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT!

2.5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dilek VT · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the love story of a ballerina and a rock star. It really had potential and it could have been such a better book for me if it weren't so verbose. Too many inner thoughts, too many descriptions but scarce dialogues. That kind of writing bores me.

I really liked the heroine. The hero is depressive, he kinda sucks the life energy out of everyone around him and also the reader. Because he had such a horrifying childhood, I understood where he was coming from with all his fears and obsessions.

The other characters are also interesting and normally I would like to read about them as well but I am afraid this is Ms. Cole's writing style and the following books will probably be as wordy so I don't think I will continue the series.

“I’m out of my depth. I don’t date. I don’t share. I don’t do small talk and bistros and ballerinas. I don’t do complicated. But you make me want to try, and it’s fucked up."

“Try me, please,” she whispered.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Contemporary Romance

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in two minds about this one. Whilst I adored Scarlett Cole's Second Circle Tattoo series I was not so keen on the idea of a new series based on the guys in Dred's metal band Preload. But hey, they offered me a book to review, and it's Scarlett Cole so I pushed past my initial reluctance and requested the book. And then it sat there on my Kindle, judging me, watching me pick other books, waiting.

If you've read The Purest Hook, Jordan Steele is the member of the band that has had a traumatic childhood and, as a consequence, can't seem to break away from his past. Kept locked in the attic by his 'parents', he now lives in the attic with barely any possessions. A millionaire many times over, he doesn't have a phone, he can't drive and borrows Dred's guitars because he doesn't have any of his own. Basically, he is afraid to accept good things. He and the band members live together because he has night-terrors and is afraid of being alone. Every he obsesses about making sure everyone is home and safe. Then one night, whilst walking Dred and Pixie's baby daughter through the streets he sees Aleksandra Artemov (Lexi) practicing her ballet routine through the windows of the National Ballet of Canada. Astounded by her dancing Jordan goes home and composes some music just for her.

Lexi may be a Principal Dancer at the National Ballet but her father, himself a former dancer, is never satisfied. He pushes her and tries to manage her career, forcing her to follow the career path he wanted rather than what she wants. Soon Lexi and Jordan are an item, but can Jordan overcome the trauma of his past and can Lexi stand up to her father?

Scarlett Cole walked the delicate tightrope between tugging at the reader's heartstrings and sinking into a pit of angst and despair like a boss. Like. A. Boss. I'll admit, I had my doubts, at one point I thought the novel was going to be too sad, too dark, Jordan and Lexi were just going to be too broken. But no, Scarlett pirouetted along that tightrope with the lightest of touches and before I knew it we were at the epilogue. And what a beautiful epilogue it was. Funny, loving and touching and not the usual "one year later ..." same-old, same-old that you see with other authors.

I am now totally invested in Preload, my only question is which one of the band do I want to read about next? Oooo, just seen the sneak peek at the back of the book, hurrah!

In summary, loved it, now a total metal convert.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the Second Circle Tattoos series where the members of Preload were introduced and it is great to be able catch up on them - as well as Pixie and Petal - again. Having said that, the author does explain the scenarios and provides relevant background information to enable new-to-the-series readers to understand what has happened and putting everything into context.

Jordan is a musical savant, he also has problems coping with changes in his close knit group of friends and when Dred proposes to Pixie he knows more changes are on their way. He takes the teething Petal out for a walk and it is during that late night walk that he looks through a window and sees Aleksandra Artemov, a talented ballerina, rehearsing. The two may have a window between them but the connection is there and after that he secretly composes music for her, posting it on a private website and leaving a note for her, even though he doesn't even know her name. . . . .

This is a very emotive story, with an autistic lead male character struggling to cope with life and relationships, always feeling himself unloveable and needing routines and stability to help him cope with life and living. Aleksandra's life is full of routines, most imposed on her by her domineering and ambitious for her father who seems more concerned with her achieving his goals rather than helping her fulfil her own dreams. With two such contrasting characters connecting so strongly, you just know this will be a great read - and it is!

I love how the author brings the characters to life, how their emotions, anxieties, dreams and lives are portrayed so brilliantly. This is a story which takes the reader along an rollercoaster of emotions, so get the tissues ready and start reading it as soon as you can!

Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.

[JAIME LOUISE · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE. Do you know, for a moment there, I couldn't even remember if our hero and heroine even got is on in this story? Because the story was enough on it's own and didn't need a sex scene twice every chapter. Promising start to the series.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this love story. Though it is always beyond hard for me to read about what some kids go through as abused children (and can make me a bit homicidal, to be honest), I liked Jordan a lot and was really rooting for him, and I thought that Lexi was the perfect match for him. I also liked that things weren't so clear cut in her life as they appeared, showing you can't judge ANY books by their covers, and that they both had chances to be the one to love and support the other through some hard times. I especially liked that this book balanced out showing parents and caretakers who are neglectful and/or abusive by showing social workers and those who take care of foster kids in their homes in a positive light, too, since they are mostly portrayed as heartless and lazy villains in books, movies and on TV, when I know many personally as well as professionally (during my 17 years of teaching) who do those jobs because they have huge hearts and just want to help kids, just like the wonderful Maisie and Ellen in the story. I was also touched by the connection and friendship between the 5 boys, now men, who were raised as foster kids together. Though they definitely knew the easiest routes to hurt each other because of what they each knew about each other, what you could see most between them was a deep understanding and compassion for each other's wounds, and love and support for their "brothers" who were their family. I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!! I’m not sure where to begin with this so I don’t lose you which in turn would make it so that you missed one totally awesome book. I have read the Second Circle Tattoo series by Ms. Cole where she first introduced us to the guys from the rock band Preload. I knew that after being so taken in by this author and since I was a rock romance fan, the stories on the Preload boys were going to be great but I had no idea the depths that Ms. Cole would take me to yet again. It seems that as most rockers those that have flaws are some of the better rock stars out there and now with Jordan’s story front and center that couldn’t prove to be truer.

The backstory on Jordan is to say the least heartbreaking with the childhood he had to endure only to lead him to the group home where he met the rest of his “brothers”. Ms. Cole had my heart breaking and at the same time filled me with so much anger because it was just unfathomable to me that any child could be treated this way. I don’t think I have come to love a band as much as these guys because of what they have all went through and because of that they are always there for each other no matter how “weird” things may seem to the outsider. Due to Jordan’s issues the band all lived together in one house and everyone knew what Jordan needed from each and every one of them. Sure Jordan had the meaningless sex with groupies but when it came to a real relationship that was something he was sure he would never be worthy of.

Seeing the beautiful and talented ballet dancer one night in a window practicing drew him in to her beauty and the depth that she performed with. Jordan couldn’t help be come back to watch this beauty and he did not go undetected because Lexi also noted that man outside the studio as well. Jordan had even returned to the studio to record some classical music that he thought of when watching Lexi practice so when she noticed him there yet again she performed his musical dance for him only to steel his breath away at how she truly understood Jordan and the music within him.

Their story is one of struggles and triumphs from both of their childhoods until their adulthoods but would they be able to come together and believe that they were really deserving of a love they never thought they deserved. Will Jordan actually be that phoenix rising from the ashes? They definitely had chemistry but it was something much deeper that Ms. Cole gave you. She wasn’t afraid to touch on taboo subjects such as child abuse, suicide and anorexia and did it with grace and understanding. This is one book that I would highly recommend as well as her other books from Second Circle Tattoo series one of which introduces you to another of the Preload guys, Dredd. I think you will fall for them as hard as I have and I can’t wait for the next story on the guys from Preload.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given honest review.

[Francesca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trop classique, trop superficiel, je n’ai pas aimé