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.

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

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.

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!

***5 ‘Rough and Smooth’ Stars***

That’s exactly what Elliott Redeemed was, rough and smooth, sweet and smexy and heart breaking while making my heart all kinds of wonky and twitterpated. It had it all and then some. From page one I was totally immersed into the story, and even when I had to take a moment to process all that was going on, I couldn’t wait to dive back in and see how everything worked out for Elliott, Kendalee and Daniel and in the end, it was all worth it.

It’s no secret that I’ve loved all of Scarlett Cole’s men, but Elliott has just shot his way past all of them. Even with all of the demons that plague, and believe me he’s got a lot to battle, his heart is absolutely golden. He’s got an interesting alpha AF thing going on, but it’s a little different than the norm and totally works in his favor.

I totally admired Kendalee. This woman is strength, determination and heart personified. Most people would break under the weight that she is carrying, and it isn’t that she isn’t bending and twisting all over the place, because she is, but she refuses to give up and it’s all because of her son. He may be in a bad place, but she refuses to give up on him.

And then there is Daniel, Kendalee’s son. My heart broke for him. All that he’s dealing with and attempting to come to terms with is nothing a child his age should, but to watch as he took the steps to work through it all was amazing.

Kendalee and Elliott’s journey was a bumpy one, especially with all that they were dealing with, but it was a worthwhile one. They helped each other figure out just want they wanted and who they wanted to be for themselves, each other and even for Daniel, who plays a huge role in their relationship and how it’s evolution. It was sweet, smexy and though there was drama, it was low on the angsty scale which I liked considering all that going on already. The big bump in the road wasn’t a surprise, but I loved what came out of it and where they were at the end of the book.


This one was an emotional roller coaster of a ride from page one, and I will say here that some will have issues with the subject matter that is dealt with throughout the book, but I think that Ms. Cole presented it all in a respectful and non-gratuitous manner. But the serious is well balanced out with humor and heart and this may just be my favorite of Ms. Cole’s...so far anyway. We do get to spend time with the Preload guys and their women, which was fun to get a little deeper insight into their relationships with each other. Nikan and Lennon are the last men standing and though Nikan’s is next, I’m not sure whose book I’m looking forward to more. The set up for Nikan’s has me wanting the book, like yesterday, but Lennon is the one stuck in my head. Regardless, I’m making mental grabby hands for their books and can’t wait to see what’s in store for them.

~ Copy provided by the publisher & voluntarily reviewed ~

This book is a really emotional read. Some serious issues. Excellent writing.
Elliott is amazing esp with his empathy for Kendalee and her son, Daniel. He showed real courage facing up to his difficult past. A real tear jerker at times.
There are references to other characters from the series do it is best to read book 1 first.

5++ Stars A fantastic story on another of the guys from the band, Preload. This time it is Elliott’s story that will break your heart. The guys from Preload had all been in the foster care system and luckily ended up in a group home that turned into a real home that was desperately needed by all of these boys.

Elliott’s issues had to do with fire so when he had the chance to meet a 14 year old boy who was in the hospital with severe burns he knew that this could bring up a lot of the old issues that he was still dealing with. Daniel was a huge fan of the band so he was more than excited that he got to meet Elliott. Kendalee, Daniel’s mother sure got Elliott’s attention and he had no issues that she was older than him. He was impressed with the way Kendalee cared for her son and put Daniel first in anything she said or done.

How exactly does Elliott figure he will be able to help a boy when he still needs to deal with his own demons? Would Elliott and Kendalee ever be able to look past that age difference? Then we have to add in that Kendalee is not a fan of the band and thinks their music is just loud. Lol

This is a series that really takes you down some dark roads in which all of these men have had to learn to deal with and they have had to overcome things that would haunt most people in their dreams. You will have to read the other books in this series as well because each and every book has been tremendous. This is an exceptional series that has really made me a fan and I cannot wait to see who our next band member is that will get their story told.

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

Elliott Dawson was not nicknamed "Pyro" for nothing as he fought his way out of his inner hell by literally setting things on fire. Kendalee Walker lost her husband to another woman but not before she had long before lost herself to an empty marriage. When Kendalee's fourteen year old son, Daniel, ends up in the SickKids Hospital's burn unit Elliott and Kendalee are instantly drawn to each other and bond in their mutual goal of helping Daniel recover. Can they find the love they need to heal their own tattered spirits?

Get comfortable because trying to pull yourself away from a Scarlett Cole book is nearly impossible, the woman writes with spellbinding intent and super glue in her ink. Elliott Redeemed, book two in her Preload series, brings another of this band's members to the spotlight and cuts deep. This writer is not afraid to go to dark and emotionally wrenching places, but the pain is worth it. Elliott needed love and Ms. Cole's readers will want to love him, this guy will break your heart and this author will piece it back together as Elliott finds his happiness. Kendalee was exquisitely understated as she handled every obstacle thrown at her with dignity, grit and kindness. What really stood out with both of these characters was their generous hearts and how strong they were individually, yet it took the love they found in each other to recognize these traits in themselves. This couple's relationship was rooted in the beauty they found within one another and Ms. Cole did a fantastic job of dismissing both her characters and readers doubts on just how perfectly suited Elliott and Kendalee were together. Moments of poignant sweetness washed over the tragic darkness haunting this story and brought hope in the contrast. Readers will be brought to their knees with the power of Scarlet Cole's writing and Elliott's redemption.

It's always exciting when an author gives us something new and this third installment totally delivers!!!! I honestly don't remember Elliott from the prior books. But that doesn't mean he's a wallflower. There is so much to this guy. I didn't even notice the age difference because he is so mature, sweet and such a great guy!! And I found the pyro so interesting.

Petal... she was so stinkin cute with her jealousy!! And I love how the guys are with her. If I could change one thing, I'd add so many more scenes with all the characters. I love their banter and the family aspect.

And I can't give enough props for one of the best one liners ever!!!!!! "Wasn't it porn if you can see pubes?" Freaking hilarious!!!

Can't wait for Nik and Jenny. Why did he do what he did or did he??? Who knows.

Gah! I'm an ugly crying, emotional mess after reading Elliott and Kendalee's story. I swear that Scarlett Cole will kill me with her words one day. And what a way to go.

Scarlett has this insane talent of creating such beautiful characters. And I'm not talking about their looks.

Elliott is...god he's everything. He's sweet. He's compassionate. He's talented. He's sexy. And he's also a little kinky. That's a lethal combination, and down on her luck Kendalee doesn't stand a chance when he sets his eyes on her.

Kendalee is so tender, and loving. The depth of love she has for her son just called to me. She literally has nothing, but she keeps going for her son. She's by his side no matter what. And then she walks into his room and sees his visitor and...BAM!!! It's over. She's putty in Elliott's hands.

There are so many scenes that grabbed me during this story, but honestly the ones that will be forever etched in my heart are the moments between Elliott, and Kendalee's son, Daniel. They were heart wrenching, but oh so beautiful. And yes I shed a tear or a thousand.

This story is a stellar second instalment in the Preload Series. It has it all, humour, heartache, and good lord the sexy times! Be prepared ladies, because Elliott's gonna melt your hearts and possibly your panties! 😈😉

P.S. He's Stacey's so back off!!!! 😂

Elliott is the lead singer in a heavy metal band with a tortured past. Fame is great but it doesn't fix all problems. Visiting teens in the burn unit of a hospital, he relates well to the kids because he's been there. Daniel is severely burned and is having a hard time overcoming past abuse too. His mom, Kendalee, doesn't know how to reach him and is amazed at how well Elliott can. Great gritty story of overcoming obstacles and finding love.

I was excited to have the opportunity to read Elliott's story, and it was nothing like what I expected it to be, or like anything I've read before. I love that Ms. Cole keeps coming up with original stories with interesting, unique characters instead of following the same shallow, cookie-cutter formula that I come across so often in reading. This story is gritty and intense, and the characters are realistically flawed. I cringed, I smiled, I seethed, I swooned. I was exhausted after reading this one, but in the best way. Elliott and Kendalee are not your typical couple, and their story is not a fairytale, but it is captivating, and the ending is splendidly satisfying. I'll read this one again, and I'll probably enjoy it more the second time because I won't be so anxious! I highly recommend this book; it can be read as a standalone, but trust me when I say that it's so worth reading the first book in the series first, as well as the series from which this one is a spin-off.