I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Having really enjoyed TJ Alexander’s prior books, I was excited for what they would write next. And when I saw that Triple Sec was a polyamorous romcom, I was intrigued. While this isn’t necessarily as “groundbreaking” as the editor claims it is the introductory letter included with the ARC (I’ve read self-published books with a similar premise), it is a cool thing to see from trad publishing, especially from an author who hasn’t been in the industry all that long.
The characters are absolutely wonderful. Mel anchors the story as the POV character, and I love how she starts off the book having just gone through a tough divorce, and navigating the dating world again. I particularly enjoyed seeing how she opened up to the idea of polyamory as the story went on, starting off not really understanding it, with her best friend even having to explain it to her, and then navigating it for the first time, first with just Bebe, and then with Bebe and her partner, Kade.
While I was worried the other two would be less defined, so it would be harder to empathize with them, I did not have to worry. Bebe was instantly endearing, being very outgoing and sweet, while Kade took time to get to know, in part because Mel didn’t start off dating them, but also because Kade is more reserved. But as Mel got to know Kade, they opened up too. And I really liked seeing how the three of them evolved as a polycule over time, including constant evolution of their personal “Guidelines for Poly Living,” including notations of the many revisions and addendums. While I don’t know a ton about polyamory (and don’t assume this reflects the experience of all polyamorous people), I love that they handled each step maturely and with great communication.
This is such a beautiful book, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for a softer, yet still fairly steamy, queer-affirming read.

I was so excited to read this and for me not to love this actually hurts ( if you told me this months ago I wouldn’t have believed you). Honestly while the first 40% of the book I wasn't head over heals about I really did enjoy Mel as a character ( even though she self-sabotages quiet a bit) but I was willing to overlook that until that fight happened and I was just simply annoyed because honestly I couldn’t overlook any longer for many reason. After that I tried to still find the enjoyment but other than small scenes, I couldn’t anymore because its like Mel would use her common scene and then she would forget it again. Honestly I personally didn’t care if she got together with them or not I just wanted to stop reading from her POV ( I know I could have DNF but I put way too much of my energy into this book to not finish it). Honestly I could go on a whole tangent but I won’t because I want peace.

But I have to be honest TJ writing is good, just not sure if I enjoy their characters.


Thank you Atria and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by TJ Alexander, and I really enjoyed their writing! I got a lot of insight into a life that’s very different from mine, and which I’m not sure I’ve seen polyamory in traditional publishing before, so that was kind of groundbreaking. I felt like I understood two of the three main characters well (Mel and Kade) but had trouble understanding Bebe at times and was a little less invested in her relationship with Mel than I was with Mel/Kade

I really liked that this was a story about diverse relationships because we don’t often see that in novels. The characters were all unique individuals that found harmony with each other and also provided humour along the way. However, where this fell short for me was the fact that Mel kept using her insecurity and lack of knowledge to get in the way of her agreement. It didn’t make sense to me that she kept asking questions that seemed unnecessary to me since everything was outlined and agreed upon by all three of them. I found myself wanting Mel to act more confident and assured in her decision, instead of constantly seeing herself as encroaching on Bebe and Kade’s relationship.

4 Stars Triple Sec by TJ Alexander is a fun and fresh polyamorous romance that was both steamy and heartwarming!

Jaded bartender Mel is convinced that love doesn't exist, but everything changes when she meets Bebe. Mel feels an instant connection to Bebe when they meet at the bar, though Mel's hopes are quickly dashed when she realizes that Bebe is happily married to her partner, Kade. Mel is resigned to just be friends with Bebe when she presents Mel with a unique offer: go on a date with Bebe, since her and Kade have an open marriage. What started as fun turns into serious, with Mel getting the self-confidence to enter a cocktail competition that could make her dream of opening her own bar a reality. As things with Bebe progress, sparks begin to fly between Mel and Kade as well. Mel begins to think that love might be real after all as her, Bebe, and Kade explore their relationship.

This is the first book I've read by TJ Alexander and I can confidently say that the good things I've heard about their writing are definitely true. Triple Sec was the right blend of wit, complex characters, steamy exploits, and heartwarming moments. TJ Alexander did a great job writing about what a polyamorous relationship can look like, especially with a non-binary character. I just wish there had been more of a focus on the development of the feelings between the three MCs. That said, I really liked the transition from the three separate relationships between the MCs to them all being in a relationship together.

I feel like I keep having the same problem with polyamorous romance novels—it seems to me that between one and all of the characters is underdeveloped and explored! I wanted to know way more about all of these characters and their various relationships, and I felt a certain lack of investment without that. Is it just me, or should all novels about throuples be longer?!

🔥❤️🍹

Fire, heart and cocktails. This book was the perfect combination of these three things. It was spicy, it was full of heart and it had me googling the nearest cocktail bar.

@tjalexandernyc is an auto-buy author for me now and I want to read everything they write.

You don’t want to miss this one!

Special thanks to @atriabooks for the ARC. This one is out next Tuesday, 6/4.

I drank this book up!!

Mel is an amazing! A bad ass bartender who doesn’t really think love is worth it meeting a woman who is in a poly marriage?? It was the story I didn’t know I needed. While I was reading this book I felt like I was one of Mel’s friends and was watching her evolve and become more of herself as the book goes on. The chat of the bar seen made me feel so seen as I am in the industry. I can’t wait for this book to be published and shared with the world.

When I saw that a poly romcom was being traditionally published, I immediately requested an ARC. While there are tons of queer romances that are traditionally published, I haven't seen too many that include nonbinary MCs and/or polyamorous relationships. For that reason, Triple Sec is making huge strides for the LGBTQIA+ community, and I am so glad that I got the chance to be a small part of its journey to publication in being an ARC reader. Each of the three main characters (Mel, Bebe, and Kade) are incredibly well-written and have such unique personalities that are so fun to get to know. I also really enjoyed the ensemble cast as well. TJ Alexander has done a phenomenal job in showcasing what a poly relationship can look like, and I greatly admire what they have done for the queer community through this story. I look forward to reading anything they write in the future.

The reason I rated the book 4 stars rather than 5 is because, at times, I felt like the focus shifted into being more about how poly relationships work than about the development of feelings between the three MCs. I feel like Mel's internal monologue was more about the logistics of being poly versus the development of her feelings for Bebe and Kade. I would have liked to see more of the budding feelings and tension that move the story from being solely about Mel and Bebe's relationship to being about Mel and Kade's relationship as well. I do think that the transition from 3 separate relationships to Mel, Bebe, and Kade all being in a relationship together was well done; my previous thoughts are only extended to the development of Mel's individual relationships with Bebe and with Kade.

I would absolutely recommend Triple Sec!

I had an open mind when going into my first poly romance we read, but I think maybe this genre just isn't a good fit for me.

The first 20% of the book is a lot of awkward fumbling towards the main character's first invitation to enter the polyamorous relationship. I understand that that situation is probably a standard start to real relationships like this, but I just felt the awkwardness and only felt middling chemistry.

Seems like I'm just not the right audience for (what I believe is) even a well-written polyamorous romance.

It was worth a shot. 🤷🏻

If I’ve ever read a queer romance, it definitely didn’t stand out as much as this one. This poly rom- con was fun from the beginning. Steamy, full of queer joy, and the dialogue between the characters was compassionate and informative for the reader. I really enjoyed the concept of the cocktail competition and everything Mel tries to create her perfect drink. The descriptions made mixology sound so beautiful! I will say I didn’t really emotional connect to the relationships or the drama in the book, but Alexander did repeatedly touch on how different people love differently. It you’re looking for a lighthearted summer read, this one is definitely a feel good read.

I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Triple Sec" by TJ Alexander is a delightful and refreshing take on the rom-com genre, introducing readers to a polyamorous romance that is both steamy and heartwarming. Set in the chic and exclusive cocktail lounge, Terror & Virtue, the story follows Mel, a jaded bartender who has sworn off love after witnessing countless disastrous dates. However, her outlook changes dramatically when she meets Bebe and her charming partner, Kade.

The relationships in "Triple Sec" are layered and intricately developed, making the story engaging and multifaceted. The communication between the characters is open and refreshing, adding a realistic touch to their evolving dynamics. The balance of details is perfect, offering just the right amount of insight without overwhelming the reader, and the steamy moments are extra steamy, making for a truly entertaining read.

One of the highlights of the book is how it handles the polyamorous relationship with care and respect. Mel's journey from skepticism to embracing a more expansive view of love is beautifully portrayed, and her interactions with Bebe and Kade are both touching and believable. Kade, a non-binary character, is given nuance and depth, showcasing TJ Alexander's inclusive and thoughtful writing. Non-binary characters often feel like an afterthought in many stories, but not here—Kade's identity is treated with the respect and complexity it deserves.

While the ending felt a bit rushed, leaving me wishing for a few more chapters, this only underscores how much I enjoyed the book. TJ Alexander's writing is funny, intelligent, and aware, making "Triple Sec" a standout in the romantic comedy genre. I loved exploring Mel's evolving expectations of relationships, love, partnership, and her own self-imposed limitations.

Overall, "Triple Sec" is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh, inclusive, and thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy. I can't wait to read more from TJ Alexander!

This was my first time reading a polyamorous romance and I hugely enjoyed it - I hope to read more now! This book felt like a really in-depth, fleshed out romance. The characters were unique, believable, and had great character arcs and chemistry with one another. The romance was central but there was also more to the story and the characters lives which really added a lot to the story and kept the pace up.

Triple Sec by TJ Alexander offers a refreshing take on romance, delving into the complexities of polyamory with charm and wit. The story follows Mel, a jaded bartender at an upscale NYC cocktail lounge, who is swept off her feet by Bebe and Kade, a quirky and open-minded couple. As Mel navigates her evolving relationships and newfound passions, the narrative explores themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance.

While the book shines in its representation and humor, the pacing felt uneven at times, with some plot points resolving too quickly and others dragging on. Additionally, the romantic development, while heartfelt, occasionally leaned on predictable tropes.

Overall, Triple Sec is a delightful and thought-provoking read, though it may not fully satisfy all romance enthusiasts. Fans of queer romance and polyamorous dynamics will especially appreciate its fresh perspective and the vibrant world of high-end cocktail culture. A solid 3-star read.

I don't think this is my fave book by this author but I enjoyed it. Mel is a bartender who starts dating someone in a poly relationship. She is also trying to come up with a signature cocktail for a competition with a prize of $200,000 which would get her so much closer to opening her own bar. The relationship dynamics between Mel, Bebe, and Kade were interesting for me to learn from as someone who isn't part of the poly community. I love that romance is a genre that's working to be inclusive of all the different ways love and sex occur in the world. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC, this book releases June 4!

Recently divorced Mel is content with her fun job, sharing an apartment with one of her best friends, and her non-existent love life. When flirtatious and vibrant Bebe enters the swanky bar where Mel crafts gourmet cocktails, she instantly captures Mel’s attention, sparking something that had been dormant for a while. She agrees to meet up with Bebe, despite their first interaction ending with Bebe’s wife showing up and them seeming delightfully in love. Mel is content with just having a friendship with the effervescent Bebe, but it’s clear the flirty lawyer wants more. When Bebe explains her and her wife Kade’s poly lifestyle, Mel is thrown. It’s not a world she is familiar with, but is willing to give it a try with guidance and rules set in place. Set amongst the backdrop of a career-making cocktail contest that Mel wants to win, her new situation is thrown for a bigger loop when it becomes clear that her and Kade share an attraction too. Life has never been more complicated or exciting for Mel, and can she handle it?

This was a super cute and fun take on a polyamorous relationship and probably my fave book of Alexander’s yet. I loved Mel’s character right from the start and found her engaging, sweetly awkward, and real. Kade was mysterious and deep and soulful, and while Bebe didn’t leap off the page for me, I appreciated her lightness. Overall this was a great mix of flirty, sexy, and emotional without super high stakes drama, but still contained a really good relationship to cheer for.

A traditionally published Queer Poly Romance - with a bartender and a drink making competition? OF COURSE I SIGNED UP IMMEDIATELY. Also I had definitely just been marathoning Drink Masters on Netflix and most definitely needed more of the vibes of all those fancy drinks - and I am so happy to report that Triple Sec absolutely delivered on all of its promises.
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First let's talk about the cover - how stunning and perfect is it?? And the title?? This book is set up for all the big swings and it was an absolute delight to read.
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I loved the set up of all the relationships, alongside the secondary plot of Mel preparing and participating in a cocktail contest for prize money, but my one qualm was that there was a bit of a lull between when Mel and Bebe got together until the time that Mel and Kade. I think that something else could have happened to support the plot during that lull (not sure what though) - but once Mel and Kade figure out what they want from each other - the pacing returns right back to its perfect range.
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I have no idea how such perfect factors - poly, queer, fancy cocktails - all blended together into the existence of this book - but I am so happy for it.
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PS - highly recommend watching Drink Masters before or after reading this book - it will help with the visualizing of all the beautiful cocktails and you’ll thank me later ;)
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Hisses & Kisses 🐍
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*I received an eARC from Atria Books, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, & NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

3.5 rounded down. Just like with [book:Second Chances in New Port Stephen|203322719], I blazed through this really fast even though the beginning was also tough for me to get into at first for some reason. The characters were fun and charming in their own way, and I enjoyed the dynamic and the buildup as well. But I think there was some oomph missing here for me, even if I did love the polyam rep a lot. This is also my first NB/F/F book and I loved it! The spice that we do get is pretty nice, but I wish there were at least a couple more scenes and less fade to black.

The best thing about this book is that nothing hurt. There was honestly only good feeling vibes the entirety of the time and in a time when romance books tend to have drama and a shitton of miscommunication, this was incredibly refreshing and welcoming. 😂 But honestly at the same time, I think that while the emotional bonding was okay, I kind of wish we got to go a little deeper with them.

I'm excited to see what Alexander writes next!

Mel, a bartender at upscale, trendy Terror & Virtue, is over it: pushy finance bros, a boss who won't let her express herself behind the bar, and is absolutelty over romance after the end of her decade-long marriage.

That is, until blond bombshell and hotshot lawyer Bebe sits down at the bar. Mel picks up some vibes until Bebe's wife Kade, an ethereal, brooding, nonbinary artist, glides in. Bebe couldn't have been flirting... could she?

Bebe definitely was flirting and Mel now finds herself negotiating a polyamorous relationship as Terror & Virtue gets sold to a VC group that starts cutting corners to increase profits. With dreams of opening her own bar, Mel enters a cocktail competition with a huge cash prize, if only she weren't distracted by the feelings she's catching for Bebe... and her hot wife.

A love letter to industry queers, Triple Sec is a sweet, swoony, light-hearted romance with some open-door spice that celebrates queer joy and love in all its many forms, and the magic that comes from going your own way.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Mel is an NYC bartender. On a shift one night, she picks up Bebe only to find out that Bebe is married to Kade. That's not a problem for them though, because Bebe and Kade are polyamorous. Mel is willing to try it out for Bebe.

This was a great read. I didn't love being in Mel's head because she seemed a little immature but I did like that this was single POV. I liked the poly aspect of the romance because I haven't read a contemporary romance like this before. Also love the inclusion of a nonbinary character because TJ always writes them well. Another hit for TJ!