<i>I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the restaurant industry setting and the abundance of queer representation. So many of the drinks sounded delicious -- I would've loved to help Mel and the group taste test them.

The story is told third person from Mel's PoV. I think the single PoV is perfect for this story but the third person narrative created a remove from all the characters. While Mel and Bebe and Kade were distinct and memorable, I wasn't able to connect with them as much as I would've liked.

The pacing was solid, for the most part. There was a moment towards the middle when it started to drag but overall it was good. The relationships unfolded in a way that made sense. The steamy scenes were beautifully done, as well. The balance was perfect and I appreciated them more than I expected!

I do have two bones to pick. First: Kade is very neurodivergently-coded and it's a shame that isn't explored.

Second: why did the author, at 88% through the book, decide to hate on "dime-a-dozen bartenders at tacky tourist traps" and say they have no pride in their work? As a former bartender (not mixologist like Mel) who worked in tacky tourist traps, I can tell you we absolutely take pride in our work. And to have <b>Bebe</b> deliver that line, of all people? It felt out of character and gross. And unnecessary.

Anyway, we need more depictions of non-traditional romances. As Mel learned, there are more people than you might think whose romantic relationships look nothing like a monogamous, til-death-do-us-part couple. Give this a read!

I really love stories by TJ Alexander. They are such a great storyteller. The characters are all so well thought out and developed. Mel is really the star of the show. The friendships are also a highlight in this book.
Chef's Kiss is next on my TBR?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Have you ever wanted to read a queer polyamory romance? If so, this is the book for you. If not, are you open to it? If so, I would recommend this. If not, be introspective on what is holding you back because this is a ton of fun!

I loved this romance and I did not expect that but the slow burn of one relationship with the quick heat of the other was amazing.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

DNF. Was simply not interested in the book. Was not hooked in the beginning and the book was not what I initially thought it was. Would be willing to read more from the author, but this book was not for me.

Triple Sec is a delightful poly rom com following Mel, butch lesbian bartender who dips her toe into the world of polyamory when she starts dating Bebe, an incredibly hot lawyer who also happens to be a married woman. Come for the high-end cocktails and adventurous dates across New York, stay for the dynamic characters and their deep inherent queerness.

sweet polycule | hot plus-size love interest | non-binary love interest | kinky | New York | contemporary romance | high-end cocktails

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, the publisher, and everyone involved who made it possible for me to get my hands on an ARC of Triple Sec. OH MY GOD Y'ALL this book is a poly dream come true!! I love how the relationship between Mel, Bebe, and Kade all grow separately and together. I found myself sighing in frustration and kicking my feet in delight, in equal measure. I had an absolutely delightful time reading this book and can't wait for the rest of the world to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon&Schuster for the eArc. After reading Chef’s kiss and having some feelings over how some of the content was handled I was nervous about this book. Firstly, I am not Poly nor do I have experience with Polyamory so I cannot speak to the accuracy of that portrayal. I will say I enjoyed how misgendering and genderqueer/nonbinary characters were handled this time around. Was some of the relationship building rushed? Yes. Did I want more development before certain changes? Also yes. Overall I was hooked from the moment I started reading. Mel was a likeable MC and I felt like she grew and dealt with her issues reasonably.

Another hit from TJ Alexander!! This book is a polyamorous romcom set in NYC and it was a lot of fun.

I loved the MC, though I do wish we had gotten Bebe & Kade’s POVs. At times Bebe’s character felt a bit to manic pixie dream girl for me and I think getting her perspective would’ve helped make her read more like a real person. But I understand that that would have really bloated the page count and this book really is Mel’s story of learning to trust again and learning that love doesn’t have to look like what she grew up thinking it looked like (marriage, white picket fence, etc.). I also really like how communication was handled here, it’s acknowledged many times that good communication is Hard and that it is something that the character’s will have to keep working on even when they feel like they are doing it “right”.

Overall this is a “really like” not a “love” but I would highly recommend it!

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.