Talking Trouble by Barbara Elsborg

Talking Trouble by Barbara Elsborg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I loved this book. Talking Trouble features my favorite type of ménage relationship – one woman with two bisexual men. I haven’t read many novels in which the two men have a prior relationship and are reunited by the woman between them and the few I have were a bit awkward and rather angsty considering that the characters tended to be in their late twenties or older. So I wasn’t sure how well it would play out. But having read Ms. Elsborg before and having enjoyed her writing immensely, I was quick to grab this one and I am oh so very glad I did.

I found each of the main characters fascinating in their own way. The author does a wonderful job using each of the first three chapters to introduce us to Flint, Mollie, and Lysander and then continues to alternate between the characters’ points of view for an even fuller look into how they each fare within the relationship that ultimately develops. In an effort not to spoil the book for others, I will say that I found the incident that left Flint speechless utterly terrifying and realistic. Although I was able to suss out what happened before he did, I found myself afraid for Flint as his world was turned upside down. His subsequent confusion and depression were completely understandable and it was no surprise that he was so elated when he was able to connect with Mollie. Or that he latched onto her so thoroughly when they were able to communicate. But this was not the sole source of his fascination with her. Flint felt an attraction for Mollie that he hadn’t felt for a woman in years. In fact, it was almost on par with his feelings for the only person who broke his heart…Lysander. Yes, THAT Lysander. Lysander is the cocky yet tortured artist and as the book plays out we learn that he truly is tortured. While part of Lysander’s “torture” is of his own making part is not, but even he is unaware of the truth behind his tragedy. Just as Mollie plays a huge part in Flint’s recovery, she also finds herself at Lysander’s side as his truths are revealed. Mollie is an interesting enigma in that she projects a happy innocence yet proves to be far more open-minded and accepting of Lysander and Flint than either expected, especially when learning of their past relationship. And it is Mollie’s secrets that have the power to destroy their budding happiness… or save it.

The relationships that develop between the characters in Talking Trouble were each unique. Yes both men were attracted to Mollie and she to them, but the relationship she developed with Flint was entirely different from her relationship with Lysander. While there is quite a bit of drama and conflict in the book, it isn’t muddled with unnecessary angst. There are a few moments of angst as each character tries to decide if the other two would be better off without him or her, but it wasn’t the back and forth “should I/shouldn’t I” that dragged on and on unnecessarily. Despite the heightened emotions and injured feelings, these characters actually communicated – they talked to one another and worked out their issues. Once they began to form their ménage relationship, any ganging up of two parties on one was to prove to the one that they were a vital part of the relationship. The chemistry was electric and this made for some sizzling sex scenes, complete with MF, MM, MFM, and MMF interactions. I found myself reading later into the night than planned and waking early the following morning to finish it because I had to know how Ms. Elsborg would give Flint, Mollie, and Lysander the happy ending they deserved. And the Epilogue was perfect! My only complaint is that their story is over because I absolutely adored these characters and would love to read more books about them.

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