A love letter to deconstructing, to breaking down walls, to change, to rebuilding, to finding yourself and what that means in a fun, queer romcom package.

Every character (main, side, random one time appearance) was crafted so wholly and each personality shined. I love character driven stories especially when the characters feel so real. They were messy and nervous and chaotic and so full of excitement and energy and so easy to relate to.

While the main relationship focus was the romantic one I love that the platonic love of the friendship didn’t fall by the wayside and Mel found a way to make sure all of her relationships were being tended to.
I do wish we had a bit more time with Kade and had more on page of getting to know them but it didn’t take away from the experience for me.

I love how communication had such a big focus and it wasn’t just something that came naturally. It was hard sometimes (because it is) and they all had to find the ways they communicate best.

Anywho, all this random brain dump means is that I LOVED this book. I love the characters and their story. I love the emotion and care they took with each other. I love the little jokes, the insecurities, the growth, the friendships, the lovers, all of it. I love Mel, Bebe, Kade, and Daniel. They hold a special place in my heart now and as far into the future as they can

Parings:
FX, FF, FFX
Tags and tropes:
Non-monogamy/polycule, “my girlfriend’s wife”, service workers and service tops, idiots to lovers, queer af, forced proximity, insta lust, sarcasm is a love language, Bebe is the Drunk People Whisperer, get in we’re gonna go overthink this, scary but in a hot, artistic way, no 3rd act break up, communication is key, this is just sex I’m definitely not gonna fall in love, oh shit I think I’m in love

*big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own*

Even though a dynamic poly relationship takes center stage, it feels like this is truly Mel’s story. She goes on multiple journeys throughout the book. The other characters are quirky and lovable in their own right, Mel is the one I was rooting for. This story is sweet, the absolute queerest, takes its time in unfolding (in the best way possible), and is spiiiiiiicy.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for this ARC digital copy.

A cute, lighthearted polyamorous romance with so much diversity and inclusivity. So refreshing to read books like this and I hope we see more in this vein in the future!

Everything about Triple Sec’s synopsis piqued my interest. It gave off fresh/original vibes and it totally delivered!

Prior to becoming a SAHM I was a hairstylist and my fav part of the job was getting to know people and chat about each others lives and catch up at each visit. I had one guest who was in a polyamorous relationship, and reading this brought back the memories of how she felt only comfortable talking about it with certain people and the need to hide it from others. I am so thrilled that TJ has written a joyful book that many will feel seen in.

Just some bits… the characters, I loved them and how TJ created them to be unique and true to themselves. The communication 👏🏻 I don’t mind a little miscommunication but this book was a breath of fresh air with all parties being on the same page. The setting🗽and à competition🍹

A first for me by this author and looking forward to reading TJ’s backlist!

Thank you Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Releases 6/4

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/

Mel meets Bebe when working one of her many shifts at tending bar at Terror & Virtue. Already drawn in by the mix of charm and good looks, when Bebe effortlessly diffuses a situation between some other customers for her it seals her interest. Then Kade walks in and Bebe introduces them as her wife, and the infatuation
comes screeching to a halt …or does it? (Spoiler alert - the revelation might slow things down, but definitely doesn’t stop them)

Me not being a drinker, this might seem an odd book to have picked up.
The three meet in the bar, bond over drinks, the main plot - other than the relationships - revolves around a drink making completion and Mel’s dream of owning her own bar.
Still, this was a great book for me - I tend towards character driven stories over plot, and this one had no shortage of characters to study!

There’s some tension to start. Initial awkwardness with Kade, not in a conflict way but in that they have a different sense of humor than Mel. Uncertainty with Mel worrying that she is ‘doing the poly thing wrong’ and un unequal footing with Kade and Bebe already being in an established relationship (not to mention vastly different tax bracket)
With Kade’s lack of expressiveness things between them and Mel are slow to start, but once they connect? It was like zero to sixty. I might have rather had some slow build up during the beginning, but that could be a ‘me thing’

All of the amendments to the relationship(s) ‘guidelines’ and the dedication to communication between them was excellent. Through the new relationship Mel was even able to understand and relate better with her roommate/friend, which was a nice change from other stories where people end up feeling replaced and friendships suffer.

Thanks to NetGalley & Atria for the arc (and goodreads giveaway)

Loved it. Idk if this is surprising or not but my favorite character was Kade. Idk just something about them made me want to know more and have a million more interactions.

I loved the exploration of poly relationships, open communication, and figuring out things as you go. Including the relationships with your friends!

Also 10/10 for the cocktails

Read this one SO quick. At this point, just inject anything TJ Alexander writes directly into my veins. A fantastic queer poly romp with characters with real heft and depth, but who navigate their relationship maturely and with SO MUCH COMMUNICATION. Also, any romance without a tacky and poorly written third act breakup is a winner in my book. My ONLY gripe is that I wish this book had everyone’s POV instead of just one.

4.5 stars!

Thank you, NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Wow wow wow was this book amazing! I absolutely loved it! This was my first time reading a rom com that features a poly relationship, and it did not disappoint! Mel, a bartender, meets Bebe one night at work. Sparks fly, and then Mel gets introduced to Bebe's wife, Kade. Mel is understandably confused, until she learns that the pair are polyamorous. And the story goes from there. I really liked how the relationships between the three characters progressed and evolved. It wasnt just Mel and Bebe and Kade. It was Mel and Bebe, and Mel and Kade, and Bebe and Kade. All 3 relationships felt valid and natural. And the communication in the book is top tier! I love how all three characters understand that in any relationship, especially a poly one, communication is key.
The only small issue I had with the book is that the reader only gets Mel's thoughts, as the book is from her perspective. I would have liked to have had a peek inside Bebe's and Kade's head as well. But that is a personal preference of mine while reading.
I highly recommend this book!

4.75/5 Stars

I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved that it really followed the relationships of these people without a third act breakup. I needed a romance that doesn't follow the typical format of a romance book. The author took so much care with the characters. Consent all the way through. Communication all the way through. This is just a happy book, but don't get me wrong: the characters do have depth and trauma. They just work through it in healthy ways. I do wish we had all of their POV's written into the story, but Mel was endearing so it turned out just fine.

I loved this book! TJ Alexander's novels are always brimming with queer humor, great descriptions of food and drink, and relatable characters, and this one is no exception. The chemistry between Mel, Bebe, and Kade simmered throughout, and while the story was plot driven at times, it was utterly enjoyable. At this point, I'll read anything TJ writes. I'll read their grocery list. Loved this book and would highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first chapter. Mel is character I immediately related to and seeing her journey progress as she rediscovers love after divorce was beautiful. Triple Sec is pure queer feel-good romance done well. I did find it tricky to track the passage of time throughout the story as it jumps from significant event to event, bypassing the day to day, but that did not detract from my experience.

I wanted to like this more than I did. It felt somewhat simplistic- both with the characters, the people she interacted with, and overall conflict. The overall conflict was… what? The lawyer conflict? The competition? Overall everything felt very low stakes.

I will preface this that I am monogamous, this has been the first poly storyline I’ve read (and in general in media, there is not a ton of poly storylines). However, the way being poly was explained felt very tied up and easy. Some of this may be because it is Mel’s first poly relationship(s)/ experience ever, but I couldn’t help wanting MORE. More everyday intricacies of difficulty (more on those mixed up dates!), inner partner drama trickling into other relationships, etc. Everything in this book felt all tied up and happy. I am 100% a happy ending girl, but the lack of conflict made the eventual solution to every problem expected, and therefore I knew everything would be solved with little hoopla.

I would first like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and T.J. Alexander for the arc I received of this book! Triple Sec is a queer romance that follows Mel, a punk bartender, and her journey to find love and happiness following her divorce. I have never read a book with poly representation but oh my word this was so good!! Mel, Bebe, and Kade were all such wonderful characters and I truly loved reading their story. Going in to this I didn’t honestly know a lot about poly relationships much, but this was such a beautiful portrayal of what that type of love can look like. I don’t have any complaints about this one!! Would recommend! Especially with pride month coming up 🥰🌈🤍.

This book definitely had me wishing I was drinking the drinks in the book and wishing I was there! Definitely some FOMO when reading this one! I was excited to read a poly book and I was absolutely NOT disappointed! This book was everything! So dang cute, made me laugh, spicy scenes, and characters that I freakin loved! This book is my summer fling and I love it!

This book was so fun! I’ve never read a book about a polyamorous relationship before so that was really interesting. I loved the characters and the plot. The setting was super fun too!

It might be impossible for me to express how much I 1000000% loved this book!! I was so intrigued reading about a polyamorous relationship and this one checked all the queer romance boxes! Mel was such an amazing character to follow on this journey. She was real and relatable and being able to follow her through this relationship was truly special. I was so impressed how different each of the three main women were. They were dynamic and unique but still fit together so beautifully. Mel's job as a master mixologist was super fun to read about- she has such passion about it it's addicting. Romance aside, the spice was next level!!!!!
Every scene was juicer than the next! There were so many fun tropes throughout and I simply had a fun time reading this.

This was so fun! I loved seeing all the behind the scenes of bar tending, and all the descriptions of the drinks sounded so good! I am not a drink mixer, but I wanted to try just to see if I could taste what was being made on the page! I enjoyed all the characters, as well! It was interesting to see Mel's progress and her character development.

I will absolutely add this to my highly recommend lists!

As a divorced bartender, Mel believes in craft cocktails not love. After flirting with a beautiful customer, she finds herself in the beginnings of a relationship with Bebe who happens to be a woman in an open marriage. Now she’s exploring a whole list of things she’d sworn off including forging a connection with Kade, Bebe’s aloof wife.

Triple Sec is well written. Each character is unique and wholly their own person.
The overall beauty of the story is that it’s a good reminder that no matter a person’s age, occupation, sexual orientation, gender, or relationship status that love and the ability to be vulnerable is hard damn work.

I enjoyed the subplot of Mel entering the cocktail competition and working on her entry through the book as well as the underlying metaphor of the uniqueness of individuals and spirits.

While I enjoyed the story, I found it to be a little bit too polite. It felt like it was missing passion or drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am not traditionally a romance reader, and some may even go as far to say that I’m a romance hater. This book has made me realize that it isn’t that I hate romance as a genre, but that I just wasn’t reading the right romances for me. Because I ate, this, book. UP. It is fun and flirty and I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. The romance(s) worked so well for me and the dynamics between the characters helped me overlook some of the things that I didn’t enjoy as much. I found the points of tension in the story to be fairly inconsequential and they get sort of smoothed out very quickly, and honestly the plot is a very thin string threaded through the story but I really only noticed these things in retrospect, when I sat down to collect my thoughts. I was so wrapped up in the romance that these little details didn’t even really register to me. You essentially get three love stories here, so the other stuff outside of the romance kind of falls away. This book sparked a giddy little loverboy in me and I now need all of my books to be this deliciously queer and polyamorous.

Do you ever wonder how past experiences can potentially hinder your future? That’s what Melanie Sorrento (Mel) is experiencing. Working her bar tending job, witnessing failed love attempts she avoids any non platonic relationships. Until a beautiful blonde woman comes strolling up to her side of the bar. Mel is thinking she has a possible shot with her (Bebe), until her wife Kade appears.

This story had me getting so frustrated with Mel at times, even though I can relate to her actions. (I think I’d have felt the same way). This is a story of self discovery and realizing that loving and being loved isn’t just a cookie cutter thing. There are always levels to love. I loved that message.

This book has humor, some spice and it’s just overall a good read. Let’s just say there were times when the story line had me kicking my legs and grinning at my screen like a fool. I really enjoyed it.