Ever since that fateful day, I became an expert at avoidance.
Avoiding attachments. Avoiding relationships. Avoiding love.
My company became my constant, the only companion I needed… until a chance encounter with Jules Weston. I met her at a most vulnerable moment. Despite the tears that streaked her face, I fell in love the first time I ever laid eyes on her. I needed her in my life.
She was broken, but I knew I could heal her. I would wait until she let me into her heart, allowing me to love her. And maybe, just maybe, one day she could heal me too.
**I received an e-book ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Let me start this review by saying that From the Inside Out is the first serial I’ve reading a very long time. They seem to be making a comeback now, and I couldn’t have picked a better one to get back into the swing of things with. I’ve always loved when an author gives readers the chance to choose the fate of the characters, and doing so with a dramatic romance story was a great move by S.L. Scott.
I’ve been Team Austin since I read Scorned, the first book in the series. Dylan just never did it for me. I blame Scott for this, as her character development and writing is so good that I quite literally felt Jules’ pain, and as a result became a little scorned myself when it came to Dylan. Austin was exactly what the new man on the block should be–sweet, sexy, funny, and someone Jules (and readers) could easily fall in love with. So, when I found out there was not one, but two endings to this story, and that I got to choose which one I wanted to read … well, choosing to go with Austin was pretty easy for me.
Austin picks up right where Jealousy left off. I won’t give too many details here, as I don’t want to provide spoilers, but I was catapulted right back into the angst I felt at the end of Jealousy. S.L. brought Jules on a journey of her own with the first two books, and with Austin she brings both Jules and Austin on a journey that they must navigate, both together as well as individually. A myriad of emotions bubbled to the surface when I was reading this. Sadness, anger, frustration, and happiness were just a few of the things I felt while devouring Austin. We learn more about key players in the series and gain some insight as to why they are the way they are and why they may choose to act certain ways given the circumstances of the situations they face. Lingering questions are answered, and most importantly of all, Scott gives readers an all-encompassing ending; one that leaves no loose ends and is fully satisfying.
I’ve contemplated ordering Dylan, but I’m just not sure I’ll do it. I love S.L. Scott and I love her writing, but I felt such a sense of fulfillment after reading Austin that I don’t really think I need to see the other side of this literary coin.
The From the Inside Out serial has been one of my favorite pieces from this year. Scott hooked me early on and left me craving and coming back for more of these characters and their tale. I know that I’ll be going back and revisiting this one often.
If you enjoy a good story, and like reading serials, I absolutely recommend picking this one up. The characters are well developed, the plot is fluid, and the writing is fantastic. S.L. Scott has proven once again just how capable she is of crafting a tale in any genre and any style. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us in the future!
S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.
Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.
Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.
Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.
She welcomes your notes at [email protected].
