Jordan Reclaimed

Jordan Reclaimed by Scarlett Cole
Book #1: Preload Series
Source: Netgalley and purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:

Welcome back to the boys of Preload!!

Jordan Steele has lived what is, by any standard, a hard life. All he really remembers about his childhood is being locked in an attic out of the way of his junkie parents. He often starved, was often far too hot or cold for any level of comfort, and was frequently the target of his father’s violent outbursts. At age ten, Jordan was finally taken from the home and placed in a group home. While this may sound a bit like from the frying pan and into the fire, the group home was the best thing that had ever happened to Jordon. It was in the group home that Jordan learned about love and show more friendship, and found his love of music.

Fast forward . . . . . .

As an adult, Jordan still deals with the demons of his past. Those bastards are Godzilla sized and haunt nearly every aspect of his life. Jordan still sleeps in an attic, he channels his anger into his music, and he can’t sleep at night until he knows all the other members of his band, Preload are safe and secure. The thought of being separated from his bandmates (all guys from the same group home) terrifies Jordan and he just doesn’t know how to deal with the fear. Problem is, he’s going to have to figure it out soon because since Dred, the band’s lead singer is moving into a home he bought for himself, his fiancé, and infant daughter. It is with this knowledge gnawing at him that leads Jordan out into the night and to Alex.

Alex, or Aleksandra, is a ballerina with the Canadian National Ballet and is the most stunning creature Jordan has ever seen. Their first “meeting” isn’t a meeting at all, but a moment when Alex finds Jordan watching her dance through the studio window. Though neither can explain why, there is a connection made and that connection is strengthened a few days later when Jordan drops off access to music he has written specifically for Alex. For Alex’s part, Jordan is something she never expected to have. As a principal in a major ballet company, Alex spends the vast majority of her time training. She dances for hours on end every day and in her limited free time, she is abused by her father. Though Alex owns and pays for the home she shares with her father, he rules the roost with an iron fist. He is critical, unkind, controlling, and both physically and mentally abusive. Until Jordan, Alex thought there would never be an end to her situation, a possibility of a bright future where she not only makes her own decisions, but enjoys the life and gifts she’s been given.

Between Alex’s home and work situation and Jordan’s monster issues, a normal relationship just isn’t in the cards. Jordan has no idea how to be in a relationship and often falters or simply runs when Alex tries to get too close. Opening up to someone about his past is not something Jordan has ever done, but Alex makes him want to try. Alex’s own struggles begin to manifest in a very obvious way which creates even more problems for the young couple. To get to an HEA, both are going to have to accept that they can’t always control every situation and they are going to have to rely on others for help from time to time.

The Bottom Line: I am so damn excited to see this series take flight! The Preload series is a spin-off of the wildly popular (and one of my favorite!) Second Circle Tattoo series. From the beginning, Reclaiming Jordan is an angst-filled read about two totally lost souls who seemingly have it all. On the surface, both Jordan and Alex appear put together and confident, but on the inside, they are two steaming hot messes!! Because of their respective issues with abuse, it seems natural they would find and be able to understand one another far better than anyone else ever could. The road is so very rocky and sad, but in the end, they are able to find the forever kind of happiness each so desperately wants and deserves. My only complaint about this book is how abruptly it ends. Even with the epilogue, I still felt like I was missing something. For example, what happens to Alex’s dad? This didn’t keep me from enjoying the book, and this isn’t my first rodeo with Scarlett Cole. I suspect she will answer all my questions as the series moves forward. For once in my life, I’m OK with waiting  show less

Finally I feel like I read a 'rockstar with tortured past' done right.

To me this is what Sadie Grubor's Falling Stars tried to achieve and thoroughly failed.

Jordan was so amazing, yes he had a hard life and it took awhile for him to get there but unlike the other book I mentioned this one was successful because Jordan tried! He didn't do everything perfectly but he freaking tried and it was beautiful watching him work through all his fears and phobias. I will definitely be reading Scarlett Coles other series so I can see when the band is first introduced in Pixies book.

Jordan Reclaimed by Scarlett Cole
Preload Novel #1

Success does not always deter demons.

Five men forged a brotherhood of the heart while living in a state sponsored group home. All have had rough times during childhood. All have issues to deal with. All depend on one another. All hope to one day have more – but not just more money – they have plenty of that. Dred, one of the members of this brotherhood, had his story told in THE PUREST HOOK (Second Circle Tattoos #3) and from that story this series was begun. I can hardly wait to see how each of these wonderful men will find their happiness in the future!

One winter night Jordan Steele sees Aleksandra “Lexi” Artemov dancing through a studio window. He is enchanted. When she sees show more him outside the window she is fascinated. How they eventually meet face to face is delightful. The openness and caring of both as they get to know one another is heartwarming. Their growing love is encouraging. The demons that ride them are huge and not easily shared – and when shared – not easily dealt with. Being there for one another is a cleansing and beautiful thing for both of them. Having Jordan’s “brothers” there for both of them is marvelous always and in all ways. Jordan and Lexi eventually find their HEA though they still may have some demons lurking about…and yet…with their family of the heart there for them…there is hope aplenty.

I loved this book. It was painful to read at times but so worth reading. Jordan and Lexi deserved happiness and a future together and I am thankful the author agreed with me ;) I was kind of curious how a tattooed rock star could find anything in common with a ballerina – but he did :)

Next up will be Elliott and I am eager to find out who will be able to tame his demons – can’t wait to read his story!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.

5 Stars show less

A great start to this new series.
Jordan has had a difficult life growing up and it has left scars, but band members are his closes friends and they were always there to help he when he needed them. Lexi was pushed to hard by her dad which led her to her own personal problems. Jordan and Lexi made a sweet couple, they were made for each other.
The loved seeing the rest of the band, they sound a fun crew, and look forward to their stories.

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