Elliott Redeemed: A Preload Novel

4.5 stars — Well, that was an emotional rollercoaster that I devoured. I seriously ended up biking way past my goal time because I was so absorbed, gotta love that! I don’t know what expectations I had for Elliott, but I don’t remember being as excited for his story as some of the others. And yet I ADORED him. I think I had this strange image of what a pyromaniac is, and he gave me a more realistic one. As with all the boys of Preload, his childhood story is rather devastating. I ached for the confused child he was in his flashbacks, and how much he still hadn’t dealt with over the years. I was SOOOO proud of the way his journey progressed in this story, and how it turned out in the end. I can’t give spoilers, but I was really satisfied with the decisions he made and the reasons. I loved that he was drawn to helping other troubled boys just like him…what an admirable quality, and one I know doesn’t fit for everyone. I hurt watching him struggle with wanting to help Daniel while being afraid of his own triggers. And on the romance front? OMG, he was sooooo cute! I wasn’t expecting that at all, and I really loved it! I mean, don’t get me wrong — he was also sexually filthy, but I adored his romantic side. Kendalee was not at all what I was expecting either. I didn’t anticipate her faith (or her struggle with it). I also hadn’t anticipated how damaged she would be from her broken marriage. It was a really interesting perspective, and it made me cheer for her when she started to wake up to the automatic reactions she had with Adrian. She had her own journey to go on, but I really appreciated how her heart was generally always in the right place, and that she truly wanted what was best for her son. And Daniel. Oh poor Daniel. He broke my heart, but he started mending it by the end. I don’t know…I just really enjoyed this story. I think I *might* still love Jordan’s more, but honestly I’m super happy with what the Preload stories are giving me — so much grit, but with beautiful lightness as well.

I fall in love more with this series every time i read a new book. It has a lot of heart, heat, and emotion. It took me for one heck of ride. I had tears in my eyes while reading some of it. Hearing what Daniel and Elliott has endured broke my heart, but having a good strong support system they both can survive. I really loved reading Elliott's interaction with Kendalee. She deserves someone who treats her like Elliott does. It's one of the beautiful parts of this book. I can't say enough good things about this book. I can't wait for more from this series. I liked the set up for the next at the end of this one.

Continuing her emotion-packed and oh-so-sexy Preload series, Cole brings another absolute knock-out with Elliott Redeemed. It kept my heart tied up in knots from the beginning and didn’t let me go even after the last page. I’m going to start with my only complaint about this series. I just don’t get enough of the band together! That is one of the things that is so special about this group of guys – how they bonded as kids in a foster home and have been there through ups & downs ever since. I get that these stories are their chance to create their own individual lives and find a HEA, plus I had a similar issue with Jordan Reclaimed so I guess it shouldn’t be a big surprise, and it is FANTASTIC to get to see these guys more in depth … but I just really want to see that connection continue. Elliott has a lot of scars he’s carrying around from his childhood – both physical and mental. He’s managed to find a way to subsist but he’s still not thriving. Meeting a young burn victim and finding out everything that has happened to the boy brings all of his own personal demons to the front, forcing him to face it or be swept up. His growing feelings for the boy’s mom only complicates things even more. Kendalee is carrying a lot of weight at the moment. Her husband left her for another woman and she’s pretty much dealing with her son’s troubles all on her own. Meeting a sexy man, a surprise visit for Daniel while he’s in the hospital, is just one more thing she may not be up for … especially when she sees what a great heart Elliott has and how much he’s helping her son. It amazes me how Cole can manage to pack so much into her stories every time but never brings the drama or shorts her characters. They are always complex, touching, and over before I’m ready to be done. Sexy, emotional, and funny when it needs to be, Elliott Redeemed is a must read! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***