Talking in Code

Set in the spec ops community, this story focuses on the relationship between the men. There are super hot sex scenes and emotional moments. I was thoroughly invested in these guys and enjoyed watching them learn and reach their HEA. Read the free short story called Revelation first so you get the back story. Exciting and emotional, this was awesome and I can't wait to read more from this author.

REVIEW BY: Trio at Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter

Ariel Tachna provides a great set-up and foundation at the first of the book which flows beautifully into the second half. The characters are complex and [she] explores the dynamic of these men as three individual couples as well as a threesome.

It’s clear that Richard and Tim have an established long term relationship and Eric has to find his place with each of them.

'Talking in Code' is a splendid story about three wounded, complex men who love each other and rewrite their relationship due to the events which changed their lives.

Read Full Review at Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter
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Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.

I'm jumping straight, because this book was NOT what I was expecting.

The blurb led me to believe I would be reading about how Tim, Richard and Eric came together, and what happens after Eric is rescued from hostage.

HOWEVER

We get how they came together only in dribs and drabs through out the story. And for about 80% of the book, Tim is unconscious, on a ventilator. So there is very little of the three of them together, and a lot of just Richard and Eric.

BUT!!!

Once I pulled my toys back into the pram and got over my strop, I really REALLY enjoyed this one!

Richard and Tim were already in a long term, committed relationship when they came across Eric. They each watched him from afar for several years and its not until Eric makes a pass at Tim, and Richard walks in on them, that they all decide to make a go of it.

Fast forward 4 years and an op goes wrong, Eric is captured and held hostage for months. Richard and Tim set about to rescue him, but Tim is gravely injured and its up to Richard to get Eric back up and running. But both Richard and Eric have relied heavily on Tim in the past, and Tim can't help now. Not when Eric's demons rear their ugly head.

Like I said, once I got over my "this is not what I wanted to read" strop, the book is quite gripping. Both Richard and Eric are struggling, with Eric's return, with Tim being so poorly, with each other. It makes for painful reading in places because we get all of Eric's panic attacks in their gory detail. I can't for the man, I really did. And I cheered when Richard and Eric were both made to see that what they were doing was making them both worse.

OH! I loved when they delivered the line that made the title make total and utter sense!
I loved that the first thing Tim sees on waking is Richard and Eric kissing.

I would still like to have read more of the beginning of their relationship. I think, though, it would have been too much HERE, if I'm honest. That is a whole nother story!

I wrote 3.5 stars at the top of the page when I sat down to write this review. I've upgraded it to 4.5, rounded down to 4 stars for Amazon and Goodreads. Its not often I changed that initial gut feeling, but some books, once I start to write their review, push and push and just make it known that actually, Debbie, we deserve a higher rating. This book pushed HARD!

First I can see that I've read of this author, I'd love to read more. I'd love to catch up with these guys too. When building this post, I noticed the Dreamspinner search billed this as the Talking In Code series. I hope I get the chance to read them!

So, because its a pushy book, and the review ran into 3 sides of file paper..

4.5 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Reviewed by Meredith for Diverse Reader

We all have our favorite trope. The trope that is just a little bit more loved than all others. For me, that trope is menage. I love so much about it. The psychology of it is most vital, followed by communication, and then the heat. These three things together make a great menage. Talking in Code by Ariel Tachna had great parts and parts that I had some issues with. I recognize that it was a me thing. Something I was having a hard time dealing with.

I had a really hard time getting into this book I started and stopped quite a few times, even started over. It wasn't until I made it to the 65% mark that it grabbed me. Don't get me wrong, it was a fabulous 35%. Let me tell you everything I loved first.

The writing was brilliant. It had great flow and zero repetition. The concept is super creative and I loved the emotion behind each individual character. The secondary characters were vital and added great color to this tale.

Why didn't it grab me then? Individually, I loved the MC's. Eric, who was my most favorite, Richard, and Tim. Separate they were great. It was when they were together that I was having so many issues. When the book starts out these three are already in a relationship that has been going on for four years. Richard and Tim were together for twenty years before Eric joined the duo making it a trio. But for four years it was Tim holding them together. They had more a poly relationship than a menage. It isn't until something happens to Tim that Eric and Richard are forced to connect. For four years they only connected when it came to sex but not communication. They never seemed to fit.

It was here I was having a real hard time adjusting. I had so many thoughts and questions. When it ended, though sweet and happy, the disconnect was still there for me. I recognize this is a personal thing and may not be seen or felt by all those who read it.

It is a great story and like I said the concept is great. It was the connection I just never felt.