What a delightful read "Triple Sec" turned out to be! TJ Alexander's exploration of polyamorous relationships is refreshing and insightful, providing a nuanced portrayal that feels both genuine and relatable. The characters, particularly Mel, Bebe, and Kade, are wonderfully crafted with depth and authenticity. I appreciated the emphasis on communication and the complexities of love within the story.

The mixology backdrop adds a unique and engaging twist to the narrative, making it even more enjoyable. While I wished for more depth in certain areas, such as Mel's friendship with Daniel, the overall journey was captivating and satisfying. Alexander's writing style is easy to immerse oneself in, and the story unfolds with humor, heart, and plenty of charm.

Thank you to NetGalley, T.J. Alexander, and Atria Books for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked watching the characters discover their different relationships and their emphasis on communication. As someone who loves mixed drinks I thought the cocktail competition was so fun. I do wish the author went more in depth with Mel's friendship with Daniel.

Thank you to NetGalley, T.J. Alexander, and Atria Books for a chance to read and review an ARC of Triple Sec.

🦇 Triple Sec Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite drink (non-alcoholic or cocktail)?

🦇 Post-divorce, Mel is now a jaded bartender at Terror & Virtue; a swanky cocktail lounge in NYC that gives the bar staff little room for creativity. There, Mel meets Bebe; beautiful, funny, and all too enchanting. Oh, and Bebe's partner, Kade. Mel tries to put meeting the bubbly beauty out of her mind until Bebe makes a unique offer: she wants to take Mel on a date. So begins Mel's first steps into the polyamorous world, prompting Mel to open her long trampled-on heart. While Mel balances shifts and dates with Bebe, she contemplates entering a cocktail competition to turn the dream of opening her own bar into a reality. But what if it all becomes too much at once?

💜 So, TJ Alexander is now a new auto-buy, a new fave, a new literary love. There are some books you have to read for chapters and chapters before you fall into the voice, before you recognize the main character's tone and inflictions and moods. The essence of Mel, from that very page, is both familiar and foreign, as most bartenders are. That's what makes them easy to talk to. Alexander's word choice is easy and enthralling; a comfort. Each character lives off the page until they're telling the story alongside you, from Bebe's bubbly personality to Kade's soft stoicism. This book is so beautifully, unapologetically, and above all NATURALLY queer. It's as refreshing as the palomas Mel loves (hopefully, since I wouldn't know), smooth and citrusy, sparkling and fun. I'm sad that I had to reach the end, even though the story's ending quenched my thirst after a long drought of 'meh' reads.

💜 Alexander provides a healthy, comforting, realistic glimpse into the polyamorous world. Each amendment to the written agreement Mel and Bebe began with showed us Mel's development as she opened her heart a little bit more with each chapter. I adored Mel's reason that many people she already knew (including her own roommate and best friend) were in poly relationships. Even though it took Mel by surprise, the actual existence of these relationships was natural. Alexander provides so many small glimpses into this world, inviting readers to understand different dynamics and arrangements, but there are bigger themes at play that I wish we delved into more for Mel's sake. For example, the analogy that relationships are gardens we must tend to, less they wilt. While Mel decides to put more of an effort into her friendship with Daniel, we only see two small attempts (a brief conversation and her meeting Daniel's paramour).

💜 Mel's trip with Kade was everything, providing us with an opportunity to focus on Kade's microexpressions and inner workings. I honestly could have lived in that chapter far longer. Maybe we can get a prequel, with Kade and Bebe and Blue, from Kade's point of view? I understand too well, being the person who feels so, so much but doesn't always show it. The commentary on jealous, their reasoning behind Bebe calling them "wife," their reaction to Mel defending them when so many people misgendered them at the airport; everything. Kade's smallest gestures had the biggest impact, including their urging for Mel to TALK with them and Bebe instead of getting upset over a minor mistake. Communication is a big theme in this book, in the BEST way. Bebe and Kade urge Mel to process her thoughts and feelings, even when Mel tends to fight them. Again, a wonderful portrayal of a healthy relationship.

💙 As captivating as Alexander's voice and wordplay were, I feel like some moments were rushed through. We don't get much of a chance to linger on the development of the relationships, HOW the feelings came about, instead moving quickly from the first date to Mel's unexpected attachment to Bebe, then again from the snow trip to amending the agreement once to include Kade to eventually the final amendment. There was just a bit too much tell and not enough show for me. Also, can we get some of Mel's recipes, pretty please?

🦇 Recommended to fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur.

✨ The Vibes ✨
🍸 Delightfully Queer
🍸 Polyamorous Relationships
🍸 No Third-Act Breakup
🍸 Cocktail Competition
🍸 Contemporary Romance
🍸 Smut

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #TripleSec

💬 Quotes
❝ "There’s a difference between feeling something and letting it consume you.” ❞
❝ 'Just’ friends makes it sound like something lesser. Easier. I don’t think it is. It’s still a garden that needs tending, even if it’s growing something else. In some other season.” ❞
❝ “Blue used all pronouns. They used to say it was the closest they could get to describing the infinite spirit inside them.” ❞
❝ “You grow up, thinking, ‘If only I can find the one person I can be with for the rest of my life, if only I can get a house with a yard, as long as I am living the most normal, blameless life, then that will show ’em. You know? You think you have to tick all these boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re—no, especially if you’re queer. There’s so much pressure to do the right thing.” ❞
❝ The boot shape of Italy stared back at her, reminding her of Pompeii. She had roots in a disaster zone; she’d been born into it. Maybe, instead of running from it, she could stand still, face the eruption, and embrace whatever came. ❞

This was the first poly book I had read and I’m so glad this was my introduction. TJ Alexander did a wonderful job.
Mel, Bebe, and Kade were wonderful partners. I connected to Mel as someone who has worked in the service industry. I thought it was hilarious when Mel was researching poly relationships. It felt like everyone who has ever stayed up late studying for finals: reading everything and comprehending nothing.
I think the development of characters were well done as well as their relationship with each other. I wish we had seen more of Daniel and Mel’s discussions after the scene in her bedroom while researching. I think it would have been a nice touch to delve deeper into different poly relationships, since it seemed Mel didn’t truly understand it before.

A delightful romance that the world needs! Sexy, smart, queer, and poly. A beautiful celebration of love.

I’ve never considered polyamory—sometimes finding one person is hard enough. However, this book provided an eye-opening introduction to what a healthy polyamorous relationship can look like.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I’m glad I went in with only a brief understanding of the premise because it was so fun to experience the relationship as it unfolded. The characters were well-developed, and the romance was sweet with a touch of spice. I was particularly intrigued by Mel’s bartending work and wished there was more focus on the competition, as it felt a bit rushed towards the end (though the ending wrapped up nicely). There were some minor issues where communication and conflict resolution seemed almost too perfect, but it was still a great read. I flew through it and was sad to leave the characters behind when it ended.

Thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful cozy queer read that I’m very pleased to have gotten a hold of. The characters all felt pretty real and lovable. My only hyper specific critiques are that so many topics were approached but I felt could have been driven home and wrapped up a bit more hard-hitting. The complications of polyamory were addressed but the theme of “no one knows and we should all find our own way with love and communication” was important but a little soft. The importance of “tending the garden” of all relationships was another big one that felt a bit swept under the rug before it could be fully driven home. But these are pretty nitpicky points. Overall I loved the cozy vibe where there weren’t crazy horrible conflicts but just enough to keep the plot running.

"Triple Sec" by TJ Alexander is a delightful, fresh take on polyamorous romance. I loved how the book dives into the complexities of a poly relationship with humor and heart. Mel, the jaded bartender, and her journey into new relationships felt genuine and relatable.

The mixology backdrop added a fun twist, making the story even more engaging. The characters were well-developed, and their interactions were both heartfelt and entertaining. The exploration of love and the importance of communication really stood out to me.

Overall, "Triple Sec" is a refreshing and satisfying read, perfect for anyone looking for a contemporary romance with a unique twist. Highly recommend!

I went into this book blind like I normally do and was kinda surprised. Not expecting this at all. That being said, I liked the story a lot. The plot was good and somewhat believable haha.

Thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Triple Sec is a delightful contemporary that follows Mel in the world of mixology and polyamory.

Mel is a jaded bartender (relatable) who stumbles upon partners, Bebe and Kade, but she also finds herself a competitor in a mixology competition. As she navigates new relationships and spirits, will she find the perfect balance?

Each part is a love story (3 in 1 deal up in this thing) and collectively an ode to mixology. This is an easy, light read that has great representation, touches the importance of communication in all interpersonal relationships and being yourself. I have no notes, really enjoyed everything about Triple Sec. I think this would be a great read to start Pride month. This comes out June 4th!

Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for an eARC copy of Triple Sec in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Big fan of TJ Alexander and Triple Sec did not disappoint. It took me a moment to get invested, in part because I am unaccustomed to seeing healthy polyamorous relationships shown in media. I thought this was educational without being too preachy. I especially appreciated how the initial doubts Mel had while stepping out of her comfort zone and the ups and downs that come with any relationship, but especially one outside of what is expected in a monogamous society, were addressed. There was conflict while still respecting boundaries and avoiding the dreaded third act breakup.
Mel's mixology and the cocktail competition being threaded through the book was a nice slice of plot to complement the romance, though the competition itself at the end of the book was underwhelming.

I eat up anything TJ Alexander writes and this was no different. Easy-to-read, just enough spice, and relatable characters. A nice satisfying cocktail of a book.

Mel is a bartender that meets the gorgeous Bebe. They have an instant connection but due to her divorce she is a bit hesitant to jump back into the dating scene. She soon discovers that she is married to Kade and thinks that it was a lost cause. It is then revealed they have an open marriage. Mel is introduced to an offer she can't refuse.

Such a fun read!I loved the exploration of queer poly relationships and how it can work with healthy dialogue. All three characters are very different and find a perfect symphony together. The writing is excellent and hooked me right off the jump. The spice was extra steamy. A must read.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun polyamorous romance novel that I didn't know I needed in my life until now. I have read all kinds of books but I believe this is my first polyamorous book and I absolutely adored it. The characters are complex but thoughtful and the way they communicate and care for one another is admirable. Not only was the poly story cute but also the bartender creating her own signature drink storyline was great as well and now I would like to make and/or taste several of the drinks Mel created in her book. This book is "tastefully done".

This was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I loved this so much, and not just because this is the first time I've seen polyamory/non-monogamy portrayed with the care and affection that monogamous relationships get. in traditional publication. You've got three distinct characters -- two who are in an open marriage -- and a third (Mel) coming into the relationship as a partner of one. The reader only gets Mel's POV, which serves the purpose of addressing a lot of the innate questions a reader not familiar with nonmonogamy/polyamory may have.

I cared less about the cocktail competition that functions as a MacGuffin throughout the story and felt that the conversations about Mel's desire to start her own bar and her bar being sold distract from the poignant moments of the relationship and understanding. There are moments where every character makes frustrating choices, but I found those refreshing and loved the way this book encapsulated the power of learning about yourself as you learn about other people.

Also the spice was hot as hell.

This book was so much fun. It was cool AND hot. It was never too serious or too dramatic, but it had enough of both of those things to keep the story interesting. I think it’s super important as a polyam, queer, and trans story. It felt significant for me as someone who inhabits some of those spaces, and I was so happy to read it. I will say, it didn’t strike me as having a super diverse cast of characters, and it does hold onto a lot of cliché rom com features- everyone is very beautiful, the scenery is picturesque, the love interest(s) are rich, there are numerous unlikely miscommunications, etc. Honestly, I liked the main character the least (maybe I was just jealous)…but I was still rooting for her relationship and her career throughout the story.

Also, her gay bestie was excellent and I really appreciated the discussion of how important friends are, how all relationships with our loved ones (partners, friends, family) need time and tending.

I am definitely going to need a few of the drinks that are mentioned in this book, they sound absolutely delightful!

I really appreciated how the author gave us this story, how the main character, Mel, we get to see how she’s introduced to Bebe, and then to Bebe’s wife, Kade. The way their relationship evolves was done so well, and the reader is taken on the journey with Mel, as she figures out how to be a part of a poly relationship.

It isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, and I love how the author shows us that all relationships can be hard and messy. But the way Mel, Bebe, and Kade strive for open communication was amazing, and I loved their guidelines that were constantly changing as their relationship was evolving.

If you've been looking for a polyamorous romance that more closely mirrors how poly people might actually go about dating, you should check out Triple Sec. It's not a perfect book, but it's doing something kind of groundbreaking for a traditionally published romance novel. It intentionally sets out to be about polyamory and by having a main perspective character who is new to it, is able to teach kind of a poly 101 class to the reader. This is the second book I've read from TJ Alexander and they seem interested in writing romance that educates people about elements of queerness.

Mel is a talented bartender with tattoos, a shaved head, and certainty that love isn't real after her wife divorced her. But when Bebe drops into her bar and starts flirting, her life takes on a whole new trajectory. Because Bebe is warm and effusive, and in an open relationship with her surly, genderqueer spouse. Mel knows basically nothing about how this works and doesn't want to fall in love again, but is open to something more casual. She does not expect where things will go...

I liked how this integrated mixology and Mel's passion for creating interesting cocktails. It also does a decent job exploring the class differences present in the relationships here. And what this book ISN'T is a preexisting couple looking for a third to join them. It's about individual relationships developing fairly organically. Sometimes I do think the teaching element can make things feel a little stilted, and I don't know that I felt a whole lot of emotional depth from the character relationships, even if we were being told it was there. But I enjoyed this and like what it's doing. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

This was my first TJ Alexander and I enjoyed it! It’s been a while since I’ve read a poly romance and I’m reminded why I love them so much. Sometimes you need a contemporary romance that isn’t super angsty and this romance truly fit the bill. The inherent queerness of the characters was wonderful as well and I think most people who ready queer romances regularly, will enjoy just how well written the queerness of the characters is. Don’t get me wrong, coming out stories are still vital but sometimes it’s good to read something where people don’t have to explain who they are. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

Triple Sec was a very wholesome story with the right amount of spice! I enjoyed how the relationships between the all of the characters unfolded in their own ways, and how their personal/professional hobbies were woven into the storyline.

The book feels complete on its own but for my own preference, I wish we learned more about some of the characters backgrounds and histories. It was covered well for the main character, but I would have loved to learn a little more about all of the primary characters.