Was that the same Candle from Talon’s book?? Towards the end it sounded like this all took place a few weeks after Talon but I’m seriously confused about the timeline and everyone’s connections - friends, coworkers, barely tolerate each other?

Same as all of this author’s books I’m conflicted. The characters are oddly written and all over the place with their personal decisions and feelings but the consistent action keeps me coming back. Someone will intrigue me enough to want to read their book but I’m always left liking them a little less and confused.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first book by Sybil Bartel that I read and it might also be the last one.
I didn't like this book mainly because of Neil, the one whose name is in the title, so he should be likeable, don't you think? At least after a while, right?

4% in and I already sided with one other review I read about this book, and that review said: Neil is a dick, jerk and so on. I agree wholeheartedly. I would like it just quote the whole review and be done with writing mine, but I won't do that. There were some moments where I thought he would redeem himself but the next sentence he was back to his asshole-ish behaviour. So no. No redemption for Neil.

The writing style of the book overall was really good, which is maybe the only reason I finished this book, but the characters, not only Neil, killed the book for me.

Rating: 2,25 stars