4.5 Stars

Nikan’s story began when he was a young boy. His life was forever changed the day he witnessed the murder of his mother. After being tossed from foster home to foster home he finally found a family with Ellen and Maisey. With 5 other boys living in the foster home with him they quickly became a family. Nikan was always the glue that held his brothers together. Even now he is always the one fixing all of their problems. The only problem with this is he forgot to deal with his own problems in the process.

When re-united with an ex-girlfriend his insight on what he wants out of life changes. His adult life has revolved around his rock band Preload. He is financially set but all he wants is to prove to Jenny that she can trust him again. Nikan finally decides to put himself first for once and tells his brothers that he needs a break from the band.

Will he be able to find what he is looking for professionally and personally?

I have enjoyed this series very much but Nikan kept me glued to my reading until I was finished. I was torn between devouring it and wanting to read it slowly to make it last as long as I could.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Book number one for 2018 is a fabulous start to the New Year. I've not read any of the previous novels in the Preload series, something I need to change because I loved Nikan and Jenny's second chance romance.

Nikan Monture has it all, except he doesn't. He's never forgotten his first love, the woman he betrayed eight years ago, who vanished into thin air. Now she's back working at the home he and his brothers lived and he wants her back. However, he has to convince her that what they had before can be better because he's a changed man.

Jenny McKade is nervous and excited about returning to Toronto to work. She's going to temporarily manage the home her ex and his band lived when they were teenagers and she has fond memories of spending time there when she was growing up too. The job is everything she's worked for only, the man who betrayed her is likely to cross her path at some point during her temporary job there and she's not sure her heart can handle seeing him again, or can it?

I went in blind with this novel and was instantly intrigued by the author's letter before the beginning of the novel. The inclusion and history of Nikan's First Nations heritage were insightful, informative and sympathetic to the plight of thousands of children taken into care. Nikan was a lucky one, despite his tough start in life, unlike his grandparents. His experience helped to shape the man he became, but simultaneously, he lost touch with whom he was because he'd always managed to put others before himself, except when he didn't and made the biggest mistake of his life...losing Jenny.

"Fall back in love with your life."

Additionally, Jenny's own tragic background and upbringing was a surprise, yet she became a strong independent woman. I loved that she didn't rush to reconcile with Nikan and made sure she worked through her doubts about a reconciliation as he tried to impress her...only to find she appreciated gestures similar to ones she remembered him for and not the ones he could afford now. A woman to love Nikan for the man he always was rather than the wealthy rock star he became.

Although I knew nothing about either the supporting characters and the protagonists before reading this novel, it didn't detract from the reading experience in any way. Ms Cole successfully kept me engaged within the narrative at all time and I instantly became invested in Nikan and Jenny. Their chemistry is electric and the rebuilding of their relationship is believable as is the interactions between secondary characters. At no time did I feel cheated out of not knowing more about any of them, so I can vouch for the standalone status of this novel.

Overall, Nikan Rebuilt is a narrative full of the unexpected. While I'm now interested in reading the earlier books in this series, Lennon's story is definitely one I want to read next.

***arc received courtesy of Swerve via NetGalley***

Another great book by Ms. Cole. Nik is realizing that his life is not what he wants. He wants the love of his life back, Jenny, the girl he lost years ago from his stupidity. To record the music he wants for a change. He was never a selfish person but for once he wants to be. Nik has always been there for the other guys in the band but never himself really.
Jenny has always been left back in life, never being chosen in life, so decides to stop depending on others. When she moves back home and runs into Nik her life is safe up until then. Can she learn to depend on others again and let Nik back into her heart.
Fast read but a great read
Honest review in exchange for ARC.

Let me start by saying that Scarlett Cole is a master of ripping your heart out, stomping all over it, returning it and making you enjoy it. This book was such an emotional roller-coaster, it took me days to get over it and I’m still not sure I am. I LOVED IT!!!!!

I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but trust me when I say by the time you finish this book you will understand why. This book was an unforgettable read mainly because the pain the characters in Nik and Jenny, feel so real.

Their story is for me two-fold. It’s about a second chance with the love of your life and about coming to terms with your past and moving forward. Both will lead to heartbreak and pain but ultimately, it’s something Jenny and Nik needed to do.

Nik and Jenny are such complex characters which for me only made the story that much richer and sucked me in further. Seeing them rebuild what they had and watch it grow will stick with me for a long time.

I’m truly struggling (as you can probably already tell) to convey how phenomenal this book is. I don’t think my crappy words can give it justice or explain how engaged I was with this story and these characters. There were times when I had to stop reading because I needed to take a deep breath and tell myself it will all work out in the end.

Let me put it this way….If you don’t read this book or this series, you are missing out. Scarlett Cole is a genius with words and is the reason that weeks after finishing the damn book and after a second and okay 3rd skim, I still can’t write a decent review of it. Like I said, my words would not do it justice.

Scarlett Cole has managed to top herself once again. Each book in this series continues to get better. Her writing is vivid, engaging, thoughtful, and visceral. The characters are genuine and flawed in the most beautiful and tragic ways. She sweeps her readers into the story from the first sentence. Constantly building imagery and connection until the last word is read. I couldn't put this book down. I HAD to know Nikan and Jenny's story.

Nikan is the foundation of the Preload brothers/band. He is the oldest and has always taken care of his brothers. He is the peace keeper, the confidant, and the unofficial "patriarch." He takes on the burden and responsibility of making sure everyone else is okay, often at his own expense. Jenny was the love of his life, but he screwed it up. However, he has never gotten over his love for her.

Jenny is independent, hard working, and guarded. She had a horrific childhood, but found her footing again when she met Nikan. Their love was transformative, collaborative, and hopeful. Then Jenny was blindsided. She left heartbroken and tried to move on with her life. Eight years have passed and suddenly Nikan and Jenny cross paths. Nikan knows that Jenny is his true love and is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back. Jenny realizes almost instantly that her heart still belongs to Nikan, but her head won't let her forget that her heart isn't safe with him.

Both Jenny and Nikan have grown, changed, and matured. The path to love is emotional and revealing. I love that the story didn't feel rushed. The heat builds as their relationship develops. It unfolds itself in a myriad of raw, honest, and healing emotions. I could go on and on about how beautifully written this love story is, but instead I will simply tell you to read it! I already know that the next book, Lennon Reborn, is going to break me and I can't wait to read it!

I love a good second chance romance and Scarlett Cole delivers with Nikan! I have been anxiously anticipating his story ever since she introduced the band in her other series. I mean a hot, sexy Rockstar, what's not to love!
Nikan and Jenny meet as kids in foster care and fall in love. Unfortunately it is not a fairytale ending because love isn't always enough. My heart broke for both Nikan and Jenny, their story back to each other is not easy. Nikan has a lot of demons to deal with and he handled it badly. Jenny is a strong independent woman and I love how she doesn't make excuses for Nikan. Ms. Cole weaves an emotional story that made me cry and swoon and laugh. And of course her sexy times are HOT! Her secondary characters and the relationships between the guys in Preload just add to this incredible book. What a heartfelt journey of redemption, forgiveness and second chances. Another beautiful story from Scarlett Cole.

Nikan rebuilt is the third and second to last of the Preload series, which is a spin-off of the Second circle tatoo series. I didn’t read the two previous books but I wanted to read this one because I love reunion themes.

Scarlett Cole is my 2017 favourite new author. I discovered her thanks to her French publisher with The strongest still, then I read her in English with Under fire, and I found again everything that pleased me in her stories: kind and determined characters, the writing at the third person, no episodes, relatives and family who are present and supportive, and above all, a real HEA each time. With Nikan rebuilt, she is now on my to-read authors list.

We can read and like Nikan rebuilt even if we didn’t read the previous volumes. That’s the first good point. Nikan is the guitarist and the backup vocalist of his band named Preload. He is considered the most mature in the band, and he is an anchor for the other members because he’s the one who always made sure that they stayed solid, in the good and bad times. He embraced this mission when they all met in the group home when they were young, and he never broke with it. But this mission carries weight in him sometimes and is the reason why the couple he formed with Jenny, our heroine, split 8 years ago. Nikan never recovered from this break up. When Jenny and Nikan meet again, he’s determined to win her back at all cost. And he will need all his determination because not only the heroine has to forgive him, she also has to trust him again.
The feelings between Nikan and Jenny are very strong. From the beginning of the book, we feel that they still love each other, and that Jenny will have to take the final decision about their reunion. But we also know that Nikan will never give up and will take the time he needs. I loved this in the book, knowing that whatever the obstacles, Nikan will overcome them all.

I loved Jenny. It’s not easy to forgive such a thing, yet she does it once she understands everything. By the way, the author handled her theme very well, and she gave a very good explanation to our hero’s behaviour 8 years ago. Well done, Scarlett!
There are not a lot of hot scenes because the story is focused on the reunion and the trust which must be restored.

The other band members are there, and some with their soul mate. Nikan has to take some decisions about his future with Preload too, as there are some tensions, some of them because of Lennon, who is the last single man. I have to say that I can’t wait for his story, which hit the shelves in May 2018.

To conclude, another great book by Scarlett Cole which I highly recommend.

Vous le savez depuis que j'ai découvert la plume de Scarlett Cole, j'en suis devenue absolument fan. J'ai donc lu les deux premiers tomes de sa saga Second Circle Tattoo mais je n'avais pas encore lu son autre saga Preload, qui est un spin off de la saga dont je vous parle un peu plus haut étant donné que nous allons découvrir en avril prochain en VF l'histoire de Dred et de Pixie et donc du groupe Preload. Les précédents tomes sont sur les membres de ce groupe de rock metal mais je vous avoue que la lecture de ce tome n'a pas été problématique même si je me suis évidemment spoilée quelques histoires.



Nikan Rebuilt se focalise donc sur Nikan , le "patriarche" du groupe qui a toujours pris soin du groupe depuis 15 ans. Mais voilà Nikan en a marre de toujours arrondir les angles, il en a marre de la musique qu'ils font et ils regrettent profondément l'erreur qui lui a coûté très cher il y a plus de 10 ans. Nikan est donc arrivé à un point de saturation intense et on peut même dire qu'il est au bord de l'implosion. J'ai découvert le passé de Nikan mais aussi d'Elliott, Jordan , Dred ou encore Lennon dans ce tome et j'ai adoré l'implication de tous ces personnages dans le foyer qui leur tient tant à coeur. En effet, Nikan est un des piliers du foyer qui accueille des jeunes adolescents en détresse et qui tente de les remettre sur les droits chemin. Ce foyer est dirigé par Ellen, qui a très souvent fait figure de mère aux yeux d'un grand nombre de personnages, mais cette dernière va devoir déléguer son pouvoir quelques temps après une mauvaise chute. Le passé va alors lui revenir en pleine figure et le destin lui offre peut être une chance de se racheter. Nikan est donc un être écorché vif qui a toujours fait figure de tampon entre les différents membres du groupe mais alors que ces derniers ont tous ont une vie de famille, lui devra tenter de recoller les morceaux.



Ce que j'ai apprécié est le fait d'avoir des flashbacks qui nous permettent d'entrer complètement dans le passé et de découvrir la structure familiale défaillante dans laquelle il a vécu. Sa mère a vécu des moments très sombres et il en a fait les frais. Cela explique l'homme qu'il est devenu et les cauchemars qui le hantent continuellement. C'est un homme faillible donc qui a payé très cher l'erreur qu'il a commise. Mais quand Jenny revient dans sa vie , cette fois ci , il ne va pas se défiler et tout mettre en oeuvre pour tenter de lui donner une explication sur ce moment qui a tout fait basculer. Nikan est toujours à la une de la presse à scandales mais cette fois ci à ses dépends. Lui laissera t-on une seconde chance? Parviendra t-il à partager son mal être avec ses frères de coeur? Saura t-il regagner la confiance et l'amour de Jenny?



Jenny McKade est une jeune femme formidable qui a vécu l'horreur et qui a su se relever. Dès l'enfance , elle a fait partie de l'environnement proche des membres de Preload. Quand la bombe a éclaté , elle a su trouver refuge dans une autre partie du Canada pour tenter de se reconstruire et de panser ses blessures. Quand je l'ai vu aussi investie dans le foyer d'accueil de ces enfants perdus, j'ai eu le coeur serré car on sent son investissement et son envie de les protéger de ce qu'elle a déjà vécu. Les foyers, elle connait parfaitement et si elle n'était pas tombé sur Ellen , qui sait ce qu'elle serait devenu. Cette structure familiale de substitution a été une bulle de bonheur pendant un certain temps et Nikan a provoqué sa fuite. Quand elle se retrouve confrontée à lui, elle ne peut s'empêcher d'être encore sous le coup de l'émotion mais elle ne peut pas pardonner ce qui a été fait. Nikan a brisé une partie d'elle même et il va devoir ramer pour parvenir à retrouver ce qu'ils avaient réussi à construire. Ce que j'ai aimé chez elle est le fait que ce soit une battante qui est prête à faire passer le bonheur des autres avant le sien.



Quand je l'ai vu interagir avec les enfants, je n'ai pu m'empêcher de penser à Rylee dans la saga Driven car ceux sont deux femmes formidables qui vont devenir des mamans ours en protégeant les petits qui leur sont confiés. Son travail est donc intense et on sent la flamme qui l'anime. Elle ne recule jamais devant l'adversité et elle est même prête à travailler main dans la main avec Nikan car ce dernier a su aider Albi à un moment clé. J'ai aussi aimé le lien qu'elle a su tisser et conserver avec les autres membres de Preload car on sent qu'elle fait toujours partie de la famille. Les scènes avec Leon , Thomas ou encore Harry sont très prenantes et émouvantes car les émotions sont vives et à l'état brut. La vie ne les a épargnés et on espère qu'ils pourront trouver une structure forte et fiable pour rebondir et se reconstruire. Jenny laissera t-elle à Nikan l'opportunité de lui expliquer ce qui s'est passé? Pourront ils redevenir amis? Auront ils une deuxième chance au bonheur?



Bref, une fois de plus Scarlett Cole m'a complètement conquise avec cette superbe histoire avec des personnages intenses, écorchés vif qui vont nous faire vivre des moments d'émotion profonds. Outre la thème de la seconde chance, nous découvrons aussi la question de l'identité, de la place qu'on peut occuper dans la société et l'emprise que notre passé peut avoir sur nous. Je ne peux que vous recommander cette petite merveille qui vous fera passer un excellent moment de lecture

Nikan Rebuilt by Scarlet Cole
Preload #3

Nikan is a rock star
Jenny was his first love
And he was hers
One decision he made
Sent her running
For eight years
Now she’s back
Second chances do happen…
Sometimes…

Nik and Jenny had horrible, no good, very bad childhoods that left them broken in more ways than one. Both of them ended up in group homes in Canada. They met one another in their early teens and became friends, fell in love and thought they had a forever love together. They communicated and cared and loved and had mutual friends in the rest of the Preload band members – young men that were like a family to Nikan (and Jenny) BUT when Nikan cheated during his first band tour…well… that finished things in Jenny’s mind and she ran away, hid and licked her wounds. Nikan looked for her but never found her. He eventually gave his life over to the rock star hedonism that so often occurs when one is rich and famous.

When Nikan helps out Albi then drops him off at the group home he lives in he runs into Jenny for the first time in almost a decade. She has stepped in to substitute for someone taking sick leave. When the two lay eyes on one another the sparks fly and embers once banked begin to burn again. Sure, Jenny is leery and standoffish and less than welcoming. Nik is sure he wants Jenny in his life. He has always felt she was the other half of his soul. He is prepared to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to win her back. And the wooing and courtship and seduction begin.

This book deals with the issues of First Nation People, colonial abuse of natives in the past, childhood traumas, living in group homes, cheating, forgiveness, communication, counseling, family, following one’s dreams and finding one’s happily ever after ending. I enjoyed reading about how the men of Preload became a family and then of how they continued to give back to boys in the group home they met and connected in. Hearing about how the men who are already in relationships were doing was a delight. I am now oh so eager to read how Lennon will finally find his HEA and am curious to find out what the future holds in store for the members of Preload.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press-Swerve an Barclay Publicity for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Nikan Rebuilt is the perfect title for this story. We got to see Nikan basically stripped down and built back up.

Nikan and Jenny met when they were kids, both struggling with traumatic pasts. They’ve been through many of their first experiences together. When Nikan’s band finally gets noticed and they go on their first tour, he did the unthinkable. When Jenny finds out, she left and never looked back.

Eight years later, Jenny moves back to town and takes a temp job at the group home Nikan came from. She knew their was a chance she would run into him again but it was still a shock when he shows up at the home with one of the boys. Nikan has never been able to get over Jenny. When he sees her again, he’s determined to win her back no matter what he has to do.

This is probably one of the best grovel books I’ve read. First, let me just say that I detest cheating in romance books. I struggled with what Nikan did to Jenny. I struggled because the author did such a good job of showing the man Nikan became. How much he grew and how much he regretted what he did. And most importantly, how much he truly loves Jenny.

It’s rare for me to give a book with cheating a chance. The fact that the author could have me fall for Nikan despite it and root for him is pretty amazing. And these boys in the group home just melts my heart! I love that they’ve been a big part of this series. I’m looking forward to Lennon’s story. Arc provided by NetGalley.

After reading and loving the first two books in the Preload series, I was very much looking forward to Nikan and Jenny’s story. I knew this was going to be another emotional read in this series.

Nikan and Jenny met years ago when they were both in group homes. Both had very painful pasts, but for different reasons. They became everything to each other and could see a forever kind of love for their future.

But Nikan makes a very big mistake one night while on tour with his brothers. A betrayal that causes him to lose Jenny, the love of his life. She moves away and he’s never gotten over the loss.

Now 8 year’s later, Jenny has come to temporarily work at the group home that Nikan grew up in. He is so shocked to see her when he comes to the house one day. Nikan is going to do everything he can to prove to her that he is not the same man he was back then and that he has never stopped loving her. Jenny still feels deep pain from what he did and doesn’t know if she can ever trust him again.

Nikan is determined to win her back. Even though she never stopped loving him, will Jenny be able to trust him again? Can they heal from the hurt and pain caused from his betrayal?

This was a really good, emotional, sexy, second chance romance.

Even though this is technically a stand-alone, I do recommend reading the first two books in the series first to get the full enjoyment of this series and the brothers’ backstories.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another beautiful love story! Nikan did the thing we all assume happens to rockers on tour, and it destroyed his girlfriend. He and Jenny were attached at the hip for years when he failed her. Years later they get their chance to see if they have a second chance at love. Cole writes wonderful stories that grip at heartstrings and make you feel. Kids growing up in the system, dads in prison, and not knowing how to manage anger are very realistic situations that were dealt with respect and accuracy. Can't wait to read about mysterious Lennon. I received my copy through Netgalley but wrote my review voluntarily.

4.5☆ Once again Scarlett Cole has written a brilliant story. That sucked me in from the start. As Nikon comes face to face with the only girl he has ever loved and tries to prove that he really has changed and that he'll do anything to atone for the mistakes he once made. Yet there is also much more to this story as Nikon the eldest of the Preload guys is struggling to deal with his past and with being the glue that holds everyone together. Then there is Jenny who is back in Toronto for the first time since Nikon cheated on her. Not to mention the rest of the band who are as complex and wonderful as ever, especially Lennon. Whose story is still to come and based on hints in about him during this story I really can't wait. As for Nikon Rebuilt I would happily recommend it to others. As it really was a brilliant read.

***5 ‘Demovation’ Stars***

I was all kinds of excited to get my hands on this book and I knew that once I started it there was a huge chance that I wouldn’t be able to put it down. So, I waited for the perfect time to start it, which of course never came because life always gets in the way, and finally decided to just ‘do it’ and about 2 - 2.5 hrs later I was done. I DEVOURED this baby. I knew I had things to do (#workthingsbutshhhhdonttell), but I became so invested in Nikan, Jenny and their journey that I just couldn’t make myself put the Kindle to the side and wait. Their story was everything I didn’t know I wanted out of a second chance romance and loved how everything played out and came together for the characters.

I adored Nikan and Jenny. Both have been through hell and back, and though they may have stumbled more times than they’d like to admit, they have come out of it stronger than they could ever believe possible. They both have huge, though bruised hearts and I loved how they both made it a priority to give back and help kids who happen to be in the same situations they had been in.

Their second chance romance was not what I expected it to be, well not fully, but I loved the direction it went in. It was emotionally charged, but it never dove fully into the agnst arena because both Nikan and Jenny actually acted like the mature adults they are. There was a bunch of push and pull going on, but there was also a lot of communication which helped temper the drama. But there was also that spark between them that showed if the trust that was broken could begin to be repaired then they had an good chance that spark would become more than either could ever hope for.

It’s no secret that I’m a fangirl of Scarlett Cole’s books in general. I enjoy her writing style and voice and how I always find myself hooked by the words she lays down. Part of my enjoyment was catching up with the rest of the Preload guys and their women as well as Ellen and Maisy and getting to know the the boys who now live in the home. I love how the family dynamic jumps off the page when they are interacting, but also liked seeing how that dynamic has changed as each band member has found his own HEA. Lennon is the last man standing and that little tease of his book at the end was all kinds of WTF?!? So...how many more days will I be waiting for his book to drop into my hands???

Wow, this book! Second chance romances are not usually my go to reads but Scarlett Cole is one of my instant one click authors and I was not disappointed! I loved reading Nikan and Jenny’s story, there was so much heartbreak and history there, it was so beautifully done, I think I have a new favourite of the Preload gang! But I want more! The wait is torture!

I honestly could gush for days about how fantastic I think this book and series are. All I will add is that if you haven't started reading every Scarlett Cole book yet....get to it. You will be so happy you did. Since first discovering her I have anxiously awaited every new release and Nikan's story is the latest. All these characters are beautifully flawed and their stories will rip all the emotions straight from your heart. Nikan and Jenny are so accepting of one another and their story is beautiful even with their struggles. This one should top everyone's must read list! I highly recommend it.

The Preload series has been one of those that breaks your heart and makes you thankful for what you have no matter how bad you think you have it. The boys all had horrific lives and ended up in a group home run by a woman who had love to give and would do anything to make these boys feel a part of something. This is Nikan’s story and as being the eldest of the guys he was the one who pulled everyone together so that these boys could be men who had something to hold onto…the family they built together.

Nikan had been the force behind all of the younger boys and he was lucky enough to have met Jenny who happened to come from a group home herself not far from his. He was her knight in shining armor trying to protect her from the kids who bullied her not know everything this poor little girl had gone through. Overtime their friendship grew into something beautiful and full of love with planning their lives together. Jenny was behind Nikan all the way so when the band first headed out on tour she was totally blindsided by Nikan’s actions. So eight years later they meet once again and neither has ever stopped thinking of the other and all that they had even if the hurt had won out.

This is another of a fantastic story in the Scarlett Cole series Preload. Each and every one of these stories has been beyond what a good book brings to the table. If you haven’t read this series yet, do. You won’t be able to get through any of them without shedding a tear and making you realize how fortunate you really are.

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

Sexy. Classy. Flashy. Trashy. Nikan Rebuilt is everything you would expect of a Scarlet Cole novel. It's dramatic, romantic and shocking. Nik and Jenny are the product of a storm, made up of lust and mistrust. She was the girl who needed to be rescued. He was the boy determined to be her savior. In the end, each had to learn to fight their own battles. There is truth in each line and scenario that makes up the inspirational tale that is Nikan and Jenny. Emotion paints a vivid watercolor of some of life's hardest moments and hope supplies the courage to overcome the tragedies.

Nikan is the eldest member of the band Preload, always looking after his band mates and putting their needs first. However, he is not without his flaws and one mistake years ago cost him the love of his life. Now back in town, Nikan sees his opportunity to reconnect with Jenny and to show her he is a changed man, one who can be there for her too, if only she can allow him back into her life and put the past behind her.

Nikan Rebuilt is a sweet second chance love story, very emotional at times. I love Jenny, such a strong determined character who has overcome so much in her life. Although I felt Nikan did apologise a little too much for his mistake, I admired his strength, his surprising vulnerability, and the way he steadfastly refused to give up on their relationship. Beautifully written, the inclusion of the other band mates and boys who live in the group home adds even more depth to the story and shows you what love and family are all about. A poignant, gripping, sexy romance, I enjoyed very much.