Elliott Redeemed

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Dramatic Black & white composition with bold red and white fonts. Catches and keeps the eye. Synopsis pulls you in. As a fan of Scarlett Cole's previous works, I was excited for the opportunity to read and review her newest release.

> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third Person
Setting ~> Canada

Preload Guitarist, Elliot, suffered a traumatic childhood - much like the rest of his bandmates, but as a result, he was diagnosed with Pyromania and struggled to contain the destructive impulses.
Kendalee's son's act of arson landed him in a special children's hospital where he was being treated for burns suffered when he was unable to outrun the inferno he created of his own home in retribution for years of abuse suffered behind his parents' backs.
As a PR visit, Elliot visited a cancer patient with little time left but when that visit was over, a nurse asked him to stop in to see a sullen burn patient that was a big fan of his.
An immediate attraction hit him when he met the mom, despite the age difference and the fact that she was still legally married although separated. But the further Kendalee pulled him in, the more Daniel's suffering, recovery, and experiences triggered Elliot's own compulsions and neurosis.
This was yet another emotional installment to the series. The chemistry between Elliot and Kendalee was a little bit push-and-pull, but the attraction was hot from the start, as was the bond of like recognizing like for Daniel and Elliot - despite all of Adrian's protests.

"She'd somehow felt she wasn't enough for him in bed. And he'd recognized it. Because as they both closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep, he worried that he wouldn't be good enough for her out of it."

The plot was dynamic and layered. It made me smile and laugh. It also made me sad and mad. It did not fail to keep the reader up to date on Dred, Pixie, and Petal as well as Jordan and Lexi. Nikan and Lennon were given some face time, too.
There were a few conflicts along the way, some resolved more efficiently than others. The predictability was very low. The conclusion is solid enough for now and implies the couple have a HEA, but as the series has shown, their story will continue in the background as the others' are doing now.
Overall, it was another really strong read and I would recommend it fans of Strong but sensitive males, capable and independent females, damaged or flawed heroes looking for the one woman to see past their scars, rockstar romance, etc.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.3 ~ Stars: 4

==========================

⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Barclay Publicity and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

I just love Scarlett Cole, I really do. Now, I am not a huge fan of "rocker" books but from the moment I met the Preload boys I fell hard for them. I know nothing about metal bands and the men who make them up. But this mix of foster brothers turned band mates is so appealing and full of depth it is impossible not to fall in love with each of them as their stories unravel.
Elliott is a damaged man, his stepdad growing up made it impossible for him to not turn out somewhat screwed up but since getting his life straight at the foster home he met his boys at he has held it all together. Kendalee is a Christian mother of a boy in the hospital when Elliott visits. Her son has faced the unthinkable and she has stood by his side. Despite the fact that she is ten years older than Elliott neither can deny the instant attraction they have nor the feelings they develop as they spend more time together.
This story was so original. My heart ached for each of the characters and I spent the whole time reading desperate to get to the part where they got their HEA. Each chapter gave us more insight into these complex characters and the writing made the story flow beautifully. It was sweet, super sexy, and sent me in to a tailspin of emotions. I definitely recommend this one!
~miranda

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

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

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

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