As someone who is alcohol free and wholly monogamous, I wasn’t sure how I’d like this story about an NYC mixologist and her polyamorous relationship but I was so pleasantly surprised!! The writing was so much fun and the characters were each so unique and well developed.

I found myself laughing out loud plenty of times and I was really invested in each characters happiness.

I can’t wait to read more by this author!

I have very complicated feelings about this book. First off, anyone reading the description will know it is surely not for everyone, that’s ok it will find its audience. I liked it but I had some problems with it that were distracting enough that it took me far longer than it should have to finish it.

I guess my biggest issue would be confusion. O felt like I wasn’t sure what was going on with the characters too often, which frustrated me. On the plus this leads to the explanation of how communication is so important but too often it doesn’t happen. Some things resolve too quickly or seem like there will be more to it, but there isn’t.

That being said, it is a fun book, lots of interesting situations, settings and themes. Definitely not a common romance theme at all.

This book is so so good. It's definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year! It's my first polyamorous read and I really enjoyed how TJ represented the love story of Mel, Bebe, and Kade. I loved getting to know each of the characters because they were all so distinct and interesting. And one thing we don't see enough of is CLEAR COMMUNICATION. I absolutely love that part of this book - it seems silly to point it out specifically, but it just stood out to me! There's so much complexity, but it's still so damn swoony.

And the spicy scenes were SPICING! I definitely think it's their spiciest book yet and not gonna lie I loved them all. Helllloooo snowy cabin....I'll just leave it at that!

✨ Review ✨ Triple Sec by T.J. Alexander

Thanks to Atria Books and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

I'm becoming a huge fan of T.J. Alexander's books and this one just adds to that excitement. This book explores polyamory as Mel, a bartender at a swanky cocktail spots in NYC meets Bebe. After flirting with her and getting to know her a bit, Bebe, with the consent of her partner Kade, invites Mel to go out on a date with her. As things get more serious between Bebe and Mel, Mel has to confront some of her fears including reentering a serious relationship (and how to do that in a poly way) as well as taking a leap to enter a cocktail contest to pursue prize money that could make her dreams of opening a bar come true!

Where this really got interesting for me is when Mel and Kade start getting to know each other better (and there's nothing better than a forced proximity snow storm power outage setting).

I thought this was a really lovely book filled with big feelings including lots of love and joy. Can't wait for what Alexander writes next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: polyamorous romance f/f/nb
Setting: NYC
Pub Date: Jun 04 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ cocktails and fancy drinks galore
⭕️ queer relationships and found family
⭕️ NYC urban life

I really have loved all of TJ’s prior works. I am sad to say this one was not for me. As someone who is sober, reading a book set in a bar is a little tough for me, but I also found the first bit of the book really tough to get through. I did DNF this one, but I’ll absolutely check out TJ’s future works, as this is their only book I was not into.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this story was well mixed. It had a few main conflicts; each very easily resolved. This story was more of a glimpse in the life of Mel. I didn't really get to know any one of the main characters very well but knew enough to enjoy tagging along for their ride.

When I was about 30% of the way in I was convinced that this book was going to be a three to a four star for me. I was enjoying it but I wasn't loving it. And then Kade joins and oh my god. This book went to a five-star so fast. I love so much about this book. I love the poly representation and the routinely checking in about communication. I loved the drinking and the cocktail recipe is we're such a fun addition. I feel like this book has a lot of balance for a contemporary romance. I do think I would have liked a little bit more details about Bebe and Kade professionally. But I'm not nitpicking. I love this book.

My favorite moments are the snow storm and the cocktail competition and afterwards. Iykyk 😉 I also am very fond of the continued communication. Consent is hot.

The lack of POC main characters was disappointing to me. From my understanding (and the cover), there are three white main characters--one had a mediterranean complexion because she's Italian but Italian =\= POC. Additionally, the class disparity between Mel, Bebe, and Kade was so awkward because they didn't seem to have a real conversation about it. Mel would make jokes here and there, but there was a missed opportunity for some class consciousness.

The last 15% of the book was the strongest for me. It took me a minute to read this book because I did not want to pick it back up at 50%, which is why my review is coming out two days after the release date.

If you're looking for a lighthearted queer romance centered on polyamory with some spicy scenes, Triple Sec is the book for you. Though I almost DNFed it, I am glad I stuck it out because the later chapters made up for my initial distaste.

4.5 stars. This is my second book by Alexander, and I liked it even more than Second Chances! I LOVE the characters of Mel, Bebe and Kade. And if you aren't sucked in by the sexy banter during the meet cute of Mel and Bebe, then you are a stone. As in Alexander's other novel, the tone is very positive and upbeat, lots of accepting people, with a happy ending. And you know what? It's delightful.

"As a bartender at Terror & Virtue, a swanky New York City cocktail lounge known for its romantic atmosphere and Insta-worthy drinks, Mel has witnessed plenty of disastrous dates. That, coupled with her own romantic life being in shambles, has Mel convinced love doesn’t exist.

Everything changes when Bebe walks into the bar. She’s beautiful, funny, knows her whiskeys—and is happily married to her partner, Kade. Mel’s resigned to forget the whole thing, but Bebe makes her a unique since she and Kade have an open marriage, she’s interested in taking Mel on a date.

What starts as a fun romp turns into a burgeoning relationship, and soon Mel is trying all sorts of things she’d been avoiding, from grand romantic gestures to steamy exploits. Mel even gets the self-confidence to enter a cocktail competition that would make her dream of opening her own bar a reality. In the chaotic whirl of all these new experiences, Mel realizes there might be a spark between her and Kade, too. As Bebe, Kade, and Mel explore their connections, Mel begins to think that real love might be more expansive than she ever thought possible."

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

A generous 3 stars. Not Alexander's strongest. The characters felt very... flat? And the pacing was all off. Like the third person doesn't become a part of the mix for the MC until 80%?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

TJ Alexander books are a bit hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one!

I absolutely loved the cast of characters in this book. They were so fun, relatable and made me want to be friends with them.

I loved the plot, and I wish I got a bit more of the competition piece.

I would rate this book as a 3.5. Divorced bartender Mel meets bubbly, engaging lawyer Bebe at her bar and soon learns that Bebe's wife, non-binary artist Kade is also in the picture. But Bebe still would like to date Mel. This was a book where I wanted more development (Mel's family is hinted at, but never really discussed; we don't get much of what makes Bebe tick; there isn't as much of the full polycule dynamic as I might have wanted), but not necessarily more book. The length was good, and I don't know how I would have fit more in, but I just needed a little more connection. But overall I enjoyed the evolving relationships and the writing.

2.5 rounded to 3

This one started out promising and ended with a spicy HEA. So that I liked. However, in the middle I sort of lost interest. Almost gave up. Had to skim a little.

I was glad there was an eventual connection between Mel and Kade, the threesome really seemed off with that bond existing. Bebe was definitely the star of the relationship, a real free spirit so I can see why Mel was drawn to her. I think I liked Mel the best.

I didn’t really get the point of the food/beverage competition…it was background noise that popped up here and there. It just didn’t really add anything substantial to the story. If I could’ve swapped that out for more drama I would’ve totally done it lol.

The relationship with Kade and Mel just felt off to me, like there was a disconnect. I guess it was supposed to though since Bebe was like the glue that bound them together.

I think I would’ve liked this one more if there was more witty banter and tension built up and maybe more humor. The write up talked about how funny this one was, I didn’t get humorous vibes though. This one just wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley andAtria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC. This was an honest review.

It was a steamy and enjoyable story. Mel's character and the fact that she was a bartender made me love her. I loved Mels exploration of self discovery and falling in love with a polyamorous couple. I enjoyed reading about how this relationship works.

My favourite part of the story was when Mel wanted to open her own bar and entered a mixology contest. As a reader, I was charmed by the uniqueness of this couple and how they came to love and care for each other.

This is my second book by TJ Alexander and I had so much fun! I had never read a queer polyamorous story before and I feel that this was a great introduction.

I enjoyed all the characters in this book and since I am a sucker for friendships, really loved Daniel and Mel’s banter and the development of Kade and Mel’s relationship.

The fact that this took place in the hospitality industry, and the descriptions of cocktails were just the cherry on top.

I didn't fully know what I was getting into with this book. This story centers around Mel and the various relationships in her life. It explores polyamory and as a first time reader in this category, it read as any other romantic story. I kept wanting to know more and curious how Mel was going to navigate this lifestyle. An exciting story and lovable characters. Would recommend!

My Pride Month reading has been stellar and this book was no exception. This was sweet and spicy and THE BANTER was making me squeal and blush the whole way through. It also left me in desperate need of an invitation to the next party with Mel, Bebe, and Kade.

Top 3 reasons to read this:
🍸 Three new characters to crush on
🥃 Pure queer joy
🍷 Drink inspiration for your next brunch

Thank you so much to Atria and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this poly romcom! It’s fun and sexy and I fell head over heels for all three main characters. For an immersive reading experience I recommend having cocktails and snacks nearby. I also loved the Ray & Simone cameo.

**I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

3.5 stars. Even though this was not my usual type of reading I enjoyed it. It was about a poly relationship with Mel being the main character. But Mel is also going thru her own personal stuff she doesn't believe in love anymore and she pretty much doesn't believe in herself at least that is how I felt it. This is not really a love story its more like a journey story it follows Mel as she navigates this new relationship and opening herself up to the new circumstances of being in a poly relationship. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the E-ARC.

If TJ writes it, I will read it! Clearly, as I never would have thought to find myself reading - and enjoying - a poly-rep romance... but here we are.

What I loved:
- Our NB Royal Kade... seriously my favorite character. I loved their personality and the deadpan humor they brought.
- Low key want Daniel's story and I am not even a fan of follow up stories in the same universe
- I want to try literally ever drink Mel made
- No third-act breakup! I like in TJ's stories that the conflict is external to the relationships
- Bebe was definitely a fierce queen
- Mel was so lovable!

My only critique is that I didn't really feel the "love" connection between Bebe and Mel. I felt it more between Mel and Kade, until they get together as a thruple. I think this was because the story was written in third-person versus first and maybe we would've gotten more if we were in Mel's head.

Otherwise, another sensational read by a new favorite author!